Lock & Keel Tavern

Reviews

• Kaushik B.

  star star star star star_border 21 July 2026

  I went to this place around 10pm to eat a hot dog . This place has surprisingly pool and some old school
  Gaming . The food is moderately priced and tasted good . The waiter was really awesome and he offered us pop corn on the house . I would definitely go visit this place again .only downside is that people across the street smoke and since the doors are wide open , it might be little inconvenient if you are a non smoker and seated close to the doors .

• Kelly W.

  star star_border star_border star_border star_border 21 July 2026

  Ugh, great local bar when we first moved here. In the last two years it has gotten terrible. The staff are the worst. They spend most of the time talking to their friends and ignoring the rest of the bar. It's really sad when it's four people at the bar, let alone in the whole place, and bartenders can't even check on you or refill your beers. Multiple times we have had to get up, and walk over to get the attention of the bartender to order food and grab a drink. Stupidly we went back two other times and received the same bad service. I will never go back to this place.

• Drue C.

  star star star star star_border 2 July 2026

  There seem to be some bad reviews of this place noting food and policy, and silly things like "No pretty people", "The bartender didn't kiss my ass", and "Oh, no, RAP MUSIC!". I suppose if these are things you look for in a bar then this is not going to be a good fit.
  
  If you are looking for a neighborhood bar in a neighborhood where the landscape of Ballard is rapidly becoming the "see and be seen" area of Seattle, then you will find it here.
  
  Perhaps with a crowd that knows each other, meaning the bartender might help the regulars first. Perhaps with a selection that is two ingredient drinks and a solid but standard tap list, rather than being fancy. Perhaps in an eclectic mix of music at the whim of the people who work here and who want a little variety in what they listen to (New Wave one night and a tribute to Wu Tang the next? Yes please!). Perhaps in the well worn decor that harkens back to many of the bars that are disappearing in this neighborhood.
  
  I know this is not for everyone, and frankly I am glad. It keeps this place exactly how I like it.

• Crystal H.

  star star star star star_border 30 June 2026

  I love how low key and comfortable this bar/tavern is. I like the laid back vibe. There are two pool tables here and it can be busy in the weekend evenings. They also have live music sometimes which makes it even more fun!

• Harlan C.

  star star star star star_border 30 June 2026

  I love this place. I like it because people often are having such a good time in this place they will yell "Freedom." I also like the staff and the atmosphere. People constantly seem as though they are having fun and it is much like Old Ballard.
  
  I very much will continue to go back to this establishment.