Tractor Tavern
Seattle, WA 98107
Phone: (206) 789-3599
- Cross Street:
- Twentieth Avenue NW
- Specialties:
- Live Music Venue
- Hours:
- Daily 8pm-2am, Box office open one hour before shows
Message from Tractor Tavern
Hear all kinds of live music
- Live music
- Beverages and TV dinners
- Singer Songwriter, Alt-country
Paid advertisement by Tractor Tavern.
Editorial Review for Tractor Tavern – by Citysearch Staff
The Scene
It's a roomy, no-nonsense joint in historic Ballard, far from the glitz of downtown. Local musicians favor the place for its emphasis on the music and appreciation for the past. Regulars love the rectangular room and bar off to the side. Venture off to a corner for a drink and conversation, or get close to the music and dance on the sizable dance floor.
The Draw
Most weeks feature five to seven shows, ranging from rock, rockabilly and beyond. However, the club is primarily known for giving the region's bubbling alternative-country scene a place to let loose. The club's informal, friendly relationship with No Depression magazine reflects in much of the booking, including occasional "secret" shows with scene luminaries such as Emmylou Harris or Ryan Adams.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
The ExtrasSign up for the Tractor's e-mail list and get advance notice of secret shows and chances to win free tickets.
Know Before You GoThere is an ATM located inside the building.
User Reviews for Tractor Tavern
10/09/2008 Posted by Ashbetty
Let me preface this by saying I don't get out to live music much these days. I used to live in Austin, Texas and we saw shows all the time there, but it's been a while. That said, I went to the Tractor the other night to see Star Anna perform. She is one of my favorite new artists. I saw that she was performing at the tractor and I bought the tickets online. In every listing I saw, her name was listed last of the three different groups performing, so naturally I assumed she would be the headliner. Music was to start at 9:30, but because we thought she was coming on last, we didn't get there until 9:50. As I approached the club, I could hear that she was already performing. As we entered the place, I observed that the posted list was also showing Star Anna last. I tried to ask the guy at the door about the change in order. I said, "I thought Star Anna was performing last." He said, "You heard wrong." Of course we were shouting above the loud music so it was hard to communicate. I said, "It's not 'what I heard'. It's on your sign out there." He shrugged his shoulders. We went inside and listened to her remaining 5 songs. There was a small group of fans who were clustered around the stage and alot of people hanging around who didn't seem interested in the music as well and were being very loud and chatty while she performed. I couldnt' figure out why they didn't go and hang out in the section by the bar rather than disturb our experience. Overall, it was pretty annoying and I felt disrespected. Even more than that, I felt like the music was being disrespected. It was disappointing.
08/02/2007 Posted by angelatini
A couple of things right off the bat...the Tractor Tavern is primarily a music venue. It has barely any seating because for most of the bands they showcase you want to be on your feet and close to the action! It is also a dive bar. If you can't get into the spirit of dive bars then don't come. We don't want you there anyway, elitist. It's not a pick up bar and you likely won't hear sleazy come-on's. ALL OF THESE THINGS ARE HUGE PRO'S. They have some of the best bands play there, with reasonable covers. There is room to dance if you make room. Most choose the very front if the crowd isn't big or the very back, by the soundbooth, if it is. It always depends on the show. The drinks are reasonably priced and if you are kind to the bar staff (read: tip on each drink), mighty strong. It's the best no-nonsense, MUSIC LOVER bar in town, with some of the best sound around. As a singer, it's also a great stage on which to sing...I would recommend it for bands to play, too.
Pros: Music is always great. Drinks are strong. Room to dance.
Cons: The yuppies and hippies that sometimes descend on it.
