Tractor Tavern

5213 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107, USA

Address:	5213 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107, USA
Phone:	+1 206-789-3599
Site:	tractortavern.com
Rating:	4.4
Working:	12–4PM 12–4PM 12–4PM 12–4PM 12–4PM 8PM–2AM 8PM–2AM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 21

Chris Derecola

Tractor Tavern is one of my favorite spots to catch one of the countless talented bands in Seattle... and Im pretty sure its also the first place I got hit on by a guy. Being married to a woman, I had to break his heart, but it was a flattering experience nonetheless. Other than that, TT Its a no nonsense, wood floor, filthy bathroom kinda place that books quality acts for wicked cheap. The bar prices are decent, even if there are entirely too many people ironically drinking PBR, and the bartenders are swift. Seating is quite limited and is usually taken by older patrons before we arrive. No matter, we always end up standing mere feet from the stage anyway. If you go, be sure to wear your opalescent buttons and come by to say hi.

A Private User

Home of the Shake the Shack Rockabilly Ball - how could I not like this place? Ive been to more shows than I can count at the Tractor, and just as many dances. Squeaky hardwood floors, exposed beams, cowboy boots, lassos, and other Western kitsch create an atmosphere that is somewhere between saloon, dance club, and dive bar. Periodic square-dancing with The Tallboys is icing on the cake. My only complaint is the bartenders usually roll their eyes or give me a hard time whenever I request seltzer water mixed with cranberry juice instead of a stiff drink. And they charge alcohol prices for it, too.

A Private User

The Tractor is my favorite venue but I rarely go there anymore because 9 pm for the warm up act is too late! The act you want to see usually doesnt come on until 11 or later as they usually dont start on time. What about people who have to work at 8 am? If there was a club in Seattle that started shows at 8 p.m., I think working people would flock there. I believe Triple Door does this, but they dont have enough Alt-country.

Keith Schwartz

I has my vaporizer in my hand not even hitting it ( I hit it outside to be respectable) and they kicked me out. I tried to leave the bar to calm my nerves yet they went outside to hassle me. Every other bar and/or club around Seattle treated me respect except the Tractor tavern. I do not recommend them to anyone even if your favorite artist is playing (which mine was: Ayron Jones and the way).

Micaela Anna

This is a great venue for live music! The restrooms are extremely small but it is part of the quirky atmosphere. The place gets busy so either pay with cash or keep a tab open. The place gets crowded and is a bit grungy but that is what makes the place unique. There is very limited seating so plan to stand most of the concert. Typically a cover charge at door. Bring cash.

Richard Dial

Tractor is a lot of fun. We discovered it while looking for live music in Ballard, on a night when the performing artist had a CD release party. Tickets were affordable, and the music was good. Tractor is a somewhat small venue, and it was sold out when we visited, but there was still room to move about. They have a reasonably good selection of beer. I would visit again.

Edwina Teske

When i was a kid My parents and I would go to Tractor Tavern every weekend so I was super exited to come back. Had dinner at Cliftons on a Thursday night. My son loved it and got to hear all about my memories as a child at Tractor Tavern with my parents. Food was prepared fresh and tasted delicious. Customer service was excellent. Good food plus good service sold!!

Eli Farnsworth

I suppose I will do this in list format. Pros: Spacious Reasonable drink prices Great bands come through Super helpful staff (a few items fell from my wallet when I entered, they tracked me down and returned the items). Cons: The sound guy. Could hardly understand the Lyrics .. Overall: Fire the sound guy? Or get better equipment? .. Great venue otherwise.

Phillipa Wright

This is arguably the best venue in Seattle to see a band up close and personal. The venue is quite small, allowing for maybe 200 people per show, but draws some unexpectedly big bands. All tickets are will call via a "list" with your name on it, so get there early. Its also standing only with no elevated flooring, other than the bar area (short folks be warned).

Hailey Vasquez

Super fun spot for live music! The location in Ballard is killer and the weekend lineups are usually fantastic. Expect to spend $10-20 for admittance depending on the bands popularity, but totally worth it. Not usually TOO crowded but always a great time. Saw the True Loves here a couple weeks ago (pictured) and had a wonderful night.

Chris McCammon

I love this place the bands are great. The building is cool. Every show I have seen here sounded great! But it is not a bar. Dont expect to just head down to the bar for a beer. If you are planning a pub crawl in Ballard dont include this one. If you want to check out a band at a great location come on down.

A Private User

I have seen a lot of bands around town, and this is one of the best venues. Not too small and not too big, so you get an intimate glimpse of the artist, just like youre in their living room with them. An example of the older Ballard that I appreciate as more places get mowed down~ Bye Sunset Bowl. : (

Cleopatra Cutler

The Tractor has a knack for finding local gems and inviting awesome up-and-comings. Solid bar, casual feel, and great little stage. The layout is pretty similar to The Comet, but if the comet were monochromatic, the Tractor is sepia-- less dark and punk, more farm-like and folk/rock/pop.

MrTimesetter

This is NOT a dive bar. The Tractor has built its reputation over the years as a formidable concert venue for smaller shows. Ive seen some of the best live music Ive ever seen here. If a band I like is playing here, I wont ever hesitate to buy tickets to see their show.

Bob Bobberson

If your looking for razzle dazzle and all that jazz these the digs you been searrrrrchin for. Eclectic music and somtimes they pull in great bands. Also square dancing on a set night good options for alcohol even blue ribbon tall boys with a tractor tavern cozy $5 : )

Patrick Barbour

Been going here for 20 years. Great mix of music, though sometimes a bit more twangy than I prefer. I show up mostly for the more mainstream indie stuff, and occasionally for some alt-country. Nice, open layout and a mellow, more grown-up kind of crowd.

Candace Ramirez

Tractor Tavern gets a lot of great Americana acts, which are hard to come by in Seattle. I love them for this! They also cut down on bar chatter during the show by having the bar a bit separate from the stage, but still convenient to get to.

Arthur Kim

Cool venue to see a show. The stage is close to the crowd and it never takes very long to get a drink. I just wish their restroom was a little bigger and that it wasnt a trough for a urinal.

Joshua Thompson

Great venue untouched by the extremely fast growth of gentrification and sterilization that is currently devouring our beautiful city of Seattle. Enjoy this gem while you still can!

Kevin jennings

fun venue, very personal because its just the right size. they get great talent and have live music all the time. great prices. good crowds fun location.

Gabriel Douglas

great place to see a show! you can sneak into the corals between the bar and the stage for a great elevated sightline and easy access to bar and the bathrooms.