What was known as a "bar" in Seattle in the 70s and 80s apparently is now called a "dive" in the new, shiny Seattle where no one here has been around more than a couple years and no one plans to stay. From the old days when there would be a line of Harleys outside until the grunge 90s the Zoo was a happening spot, always full, lots of fun, certainly very rough around the edges until the flannel wearing set rolled through in the 90s and the scariest elements seem to have found new watering holes, and never came back. Now I have never seen it with more than just a couple people around and wonder how it stays in business but it's probably the only piece of the real Eastlake that survives. Good thing too--hard to imagine Eastlake without the Eastlake Zoo...once upon a time that was the only reason people knew that part of town was called Eastlake.

A great candidate for Bar Rescue? Bar has potential but is so poorly run that it's not worth going to, at least if you're looking to play games. And that's the draw for the bar really. Has a ping pong table but bartender admittedly told us that the equipment sucked. Paddles are terrible (just pieces of wood) and they had no good ping pong balls. So we tried moving to shuffleboard. Bartender told us when we asked for the shuffle boards that they usually charge but weren't because they were out of sand. I mean, the lack of ping pong equipment and shuffleboard sand is like an unsolvable equation? Just go spend a few bucks and stock your bar. Shffleboard was terrible anyway - table was a piece of plywood with 2 white scoring zones painted at the end. Would recommend going elsewhere

One of the oldest places in Seattle to buy fries and a burger. Parents went there, kids went there, obviously I have gone. This last experience was interesting. What happened to just chilling at the local pub after work? Well got there the bartender was great. Explained, beer and wine only. Need to pay in cash. This was expected of course, its the zoo. Super nice and educated on the current beers. Awesome guy. This is the Zoo, the vibe has always been drink beer, have fun. So end result. Go here. Order beer or wine upfront, with cash. Go to the back and don't have a ton of interaction with this dude till he gets more training. Or do and enjoy. Will always stop by, cause its one of the best watering holes in Seattle. Enjoy the real.

Cash only, no food, no liqueur, so not really a bar. Service is slow and the bar tenders close the place down in a rude and frantic frenzy at 1:15 to "close early". The best part about this place is the ping pong table and you'll usually wait an hour to get a round on weekends. Only reason this place still exists is because they unfortunately have a captive audience in Eastlake. As a local, I'll willingly venture to Cap, Fremont or even Ballard for better service and experience. Been here 4 times, and very unlikely to go again.

**Cash only. ATM has a $2 surcharge*** Finally, a bar on this side of town that feels and smells like a bar and not a hastily converted soulless retail joint. Analog, neon, wood, chalk and if these walls could talk...Broken in is generous - seems stuck in time circa 1985. Blue Oyster Cult greets me at the door. I'm fine with this. Most everyone in here is smiling or playing billiards. The bathroom has a Mookie Wilson sticker in it. I like the Zoo. Seattle needs the Zoo.

I’ve been using the word “dope” a lot in my reviews and maybe I’m just getting old or losing my vocabulary... Zoo Tavern can best be described as a place with service as expected, cheap drinks, and bar games left and right. Get cozy with some friends and or strangers around the fuseball table or grab a stick or paddle and go ham on some other table. Be careful with the men’s bathroom because there was no stall door there when I went and my friend had to poop.

This is a place to definitely go with your friends or a casual date. They have a plethora of games ranging from pool, ping-pong, darts and many video games. They have seats with view on the nature. That's amazing especially if you want to have time to talk. Ohhh by the way almost all the games are free expect the video ones. You have the possibility to choose your own music. The downside in all of it is the place only accepts cash. Though they have an ATM.

So glad that the Zoo is still there and hasn't changed much.. Lived 2 blocks away on Eastlake in the early 80's. Was addicted to their Fire Power pin ball game. Spent a lot time there. The up stairs was where all the deals went down. There were people who worked there that kept things right. Those are probably the "rude people today. Seems like the key words in the reviews are "dive and "cash only". Really miss the Zoo. Great place.

Chilled out bar, with lot of pool tables and dart. One thing you need to be respectful in this bar, they will throw you out if you are not. For one thing if you are a pool player, come to this place, they got snooker table, only lucky few will play on this table. This table particular has been imported around Cape Hope to be here. Respect it. Other thing this place takes only cash. Understand it and bring cash before hand.

I really liked this bar at first! Great games and beer. Foosball, Pool, Ping pong. However, My friends were going to leave and I was following them out - a bit tipsy. The bouncer stopped me with a beer in my hand. He squished the beer and spilled it all over me. The manager backed him up, rather than trying to understand the situation, and I got kicked out. I felt very disrespected. Too bad :/ - - I will not be back

The first time we came here was because we thought they had a Ms. Pacman machine through the tip of a friend. They unfortunately no longer have that game but they do have pool tables, ping pong tables and board games to play. They have a good selection of beers and drinks. This is a great laid-back neighboorhood bar that is just a fun place to go for a few drinks and games with friends.

It has been since 1974 since I have been in the Zoo but while at the U a whole group of us "Long Hairs" formed friendships around the Zoo. This place has HISTORY !! Hello to Len, Miesok, and all the old gang --- many many good times and I can still smell the smoke from the balcony which seemed impervious to the local heat. It hasn't changed in 45 years ... YES !!! Go EASTLAKE !!

It was bad. Door guy came to us and was very rude. I was not expecting something like this, it’s sad to me. He wanted us to sit at other table, but I don’t understand why he couldn’t explain it in a nice way. I don’t know maybe he was brave enough to act this way with three girls... We will never come back to this please.

Stopped by on my bike, was an awesome experience. The friendliness and welcoming nature of the place really warmed my heart. My grandpa came here back in the day and now I see why. I really hate all the yuppy joints and this place really takes the cake. Great service, great environment. Perfect place to shoot some pool.

The Zoo Tavern may be the best dive bar in the United States. Definitely the best in Seattle. It’s got a snooker table! When have you ever seen a snooker table, two pool tables, skee ball, darts, and a ping pong table within the same bar? Cash only wish a sign of Johnny Cash on the wall. Absolutely classic spot. 11/10

No matter how far away I move, no matter how finely we age together (the bar was opened 7 days prior to my birth), I keep coming back for a taste of home. Pool, snooker, skeeball, pinball and of course, the people make it all happen at an establishment with a proclivity for the blues, good beer and old management...

This place offers a fun and lively atmosphere where you can enjoy playing shuffleboard, pinball, and pool. Keep in mind that they only accept cash. It's worth noting that the clientele tends to be younger and not always the brightest, but overall, it's a great spot if you don't mind that. #bar #seattle

I love this dive bar. It's a cash only establishment. They have plenty of drink choices and no food. What they do have is an expansive space in a near old building, shuffleboard, pool, darts, ping pong, skee ball, and pinball. Fun spot for a couple of drinks and games and good for large groups

This place is roomier than the front suggests - they have pinball, pool, billiards, darts, shuffleboard, and our favorite, ski-ball all inside. They're also a beer only bar (plus mead, which is great) so don't expect mixed drinks or cocktails. The crowd inside seemed relatively college-aged.

Divey, cash-only neighborhood bar with no kitchen and plenty of games (pool, Russian Billiards, Buck Hunter-style arcade, ski ball, darts). Can get a bit crowded late on the weekends, but otherwise is a very chill atmosphere with bartenders who are friendly as long as you're not a dick.

Perfect little dive tavern. Cash only, beer and wine only, but great beer selection on tap. Pool tables, foosball, and a nostalgic classic rock vibe going on. If you’re looking for fancy, this isn’t your place. If you’re looking for a great tavern, the Zoo will do.

Bartender was very rude and harassing people all night for different reasons. Even got physical and shoved someone out for what looked like miscommunication at who was next on the pool table. Seemed very excessive and very uncomfortable for everyone around.

This place has it all -pool table, ping pong table, shuffle board and arcade games! Great selection of beer with good 80s music in the background. This place is cash only but has an ATM for those addicted to plastic. Highly recommend the Zoo!

I’m surprised this place has 4 and a half stars. We got heckled by the bar tender the second we walked in. He seemed drunk and was begging for tips the whole time. Not to mention they only take cash. Overall not friendly I wouldn’t recommend.

A Seattle staple! NOTE: CASH ONLY Really wonderful dive bar with good selection of beer, even fun seasonal Slushies. Also a variety of games like pool and foosball. The space is also pretty large so good for big groups. Great vibes overall!

I associate zoo with a Seattle vibe of yesteryear. Part dive, part historic, it's booming with character. Its beer selection on tap is is fairly limited and food selection even less, but I guess that's not the main draw anyway.

I love cash only bars. I, like most people I know, generally are all used to using plastic payment transaction cards. So it is like traveling back to a simpler time. Awesome beer selection, great bar games, overall cool decor.

This place is a really fun space to grab a beer and hang out - lots of games, music, and a fun layout. Only bummer is that they are well behind the times and still only accept cash. Easily a 5-star if they accepted cards.

Friendly staff and atmosphere, a lot of good bar games, only downsides are no hard liquor and cash only but it's a great place to catch a game and hang out
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

An institution, so happy this place is my local. It's like Disneyland for adults, endless entertainment in there from pool to snooker, skee-ball, shuffleboard, darts and more! Always a fun crowd at weekends.

I would say this type of establishment caters to a specific type...if you like loud music, playing pool and darts, cheap beer, and dive bar atmosphere this will be your jam. I happen to like it a lot!

The bouncer here is very rude and continously harassed me during my visit. It was weird because I was drinking wine, chatting with friends, and minding my own business. Will not come again.

One of the coolest old-school joints in Seattle. Hasn't changed much since I first wandered in there in '92 & they've only gotten better-- pinball machines, skeeball & ping-pong additions!

Great Seattle bar. Foosball, table tennis, billiards, darts, shuffle board and probably more. Plenty of room to spread out. Bar service is quick and painless. Reviewed by a tourist though

Fun and lively place to go and hang out with friends and grab a beer or two. This place mostly serves beer and it's popular with the younger crowd looking for fun and to blow off steam.

Take R. Kelly off your jukebox. A patron selected it in spite of everything revealed about Kelly’s abuse and the current state of affairs. It felt intentional. Please remove. Thanks.

Solid bar. A few pool tables, shuffleboard, skeeball and darts. Cash only, no liquor (just beer+wine). Tip: respect the doorman, he's at the podium to the left of the entrance.

Kind and courteous staff that went the extra mile to help us out of towners find a good local spot in an unprecedented heat wave. Cozy friendly atmosphere. Exceptional staff!

This spot is all about cheap beer and good friends. Imagine you are a college kid in the '70s. Now add a ping pong table, pool, shuffleboard, pinball, and darts. Voila!

Awesome dive bar with shuffleboard, Foosball, billiards, Skee-ball, pinball and darts. Great place to catch the game, have some cheap beer and play some bar games.

Great place to grab cheap beers and play some billards or ping pong. They even have a Snooker table. But as of 2015 this place is cash only, which is kind of pain.

One of the last remaining icons (along with the Knarr Tavern) of the old Seattle before the Progressives and out of state scum changed our city in their own image.

Bring cash and have a great night drinking the best priced pitchers in Seattle. They have a couple dart boards, shuffleboard, pool tables, skeeball, and ping pong

Great iconic neighborhood tavern with pool, snooker, skee ball, darts and shuffleboard. Bring cash- no cards, but there's an ATM. Take a shot of viking blod mead.

Cash only, great service, and plenty of bar games. Definitely a fun place to grab a brew. BUT remember folks, it's a tavern! THEY DON'T SERVE HARD ALCOHOL.

Awesome local bar with great selection of beer on tap. The bartender was very nice and friendly. Great place to get together with friends for games too.

Amazing ambiance and staff. Highly recommend! Billiards, snooker, 8 ball, 9 ball, skeeball, darts, and a couple other activities i may be forgetting.

The largest dive bar you'll ever see ;) also cash only and very strict about checking IDs the second you walk in. People get VERY into ping pong here

Walked all the way here from Belltown. Doesn’t take cash. No good. Also, no other good duvet places in Eastlake. No reason to come here. Avoid.

What can I say? It's the Zoo. Those that know..know. Those that don't. Check it out. A real piece of Seattle history that is still standing.

Order a Margarita with salt and 2 shots of vodka. Pay with a credit card. I promise, it'll be funny. For everyone at The Zoo. Except you.

They have a large variety of bar games like shuffleboard, skeeball, foosball, etc. Full bar with a handful of drafts. Cash only, though.

Authentic Seattle experienced here. It seems less & less of Seattle's history remains but you'll find it at the Zoo. A place for locals.

Great little dive bar that I like to spend money at after a long day at work. Aaron likes to pour strong beers so he gets big tips :)

This place has everything you want. Cheap drinks, friendly staff, games. Take it from an Englishman, the authority on these things.

A dive bar with Indoor ping pong, pool, shuffleboard, skeeball and darts. What is there to not love about this spot? Cash only.

Bar sports! Pool, ping-pong, pinball, darts, shuffleboard, table soccer. Very friendly staff who only accept cold hard cash.

Bartender was cussing out customers and challenging people to fight. Seemed like he was drunk or high, slurring his words.

This is a great watering hole in Eastlake... be prepared tho, they only take cash. There is an ATM on site if you forget.

Neither a good dive bar nor a good place to enjoy a drink, cash only and an awful environment with an uncomfortable crowd

Cheap beer and plenty to do between pool, ping pong, shuffleboard etc. Cash only so be prepared, but they do have an atm.

Very laidback place to enjoy a beer. Braedon at the bar is the best! No place in Texas like this. Can’t wait to go back.

Good dive bar for bar games (darts, pool, ping pong, shuffleboard). Only takes cash and doesn’t serve their own food.

Place is very cool inside. Lot's of stuff to look at while your friends talk about stuff you could care less about :P

The zoo is the best, hands down a great dive bar locals love and we could care less about what everyone else thinks.

An iconic place in Seattle to have your favorite beer Very laid back atmosphere, pool tables and good vibes. …

Very unique spot. Cash only. Real affordable dive bar with games and events
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 3

Love coming here to play some magic at a booth. They've got a couple pool tables and even a real billiards table.

A Seattle landmark, Manny's on tap, plenty of pool tables.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

What a good establishment. Everything you need in a bar. Lots of pool, pinball, laid back. Bathroom score 3/10.

Diviest dives around. Go here to just get some beer and play some beer games. Take a shower when you get home.

Awesome dive bar. Classic seattle grunge. Limited tap offerings, but a lot of beer canned as well. Cash only.

This is a pretty cool bar but it's cash only and no liquor. But it's probably the best chill bar in Eastlake

Nice bar/tavern definitely seems to be a good place to go after work to blow off some steam and grab a pint.

Cheap pool and beer and they let you bring food in from the place next door. Just remember to bring cash!

Cash only and no food, but a fun place to hang out and play some bar games. It's divey in a good way

Can't decide how to feel about this bar. Cash only, which is annoying but not the end of the world.

Great dive bar. Actually feels like a bar during the pandemic. Love the IWW black cats on the wall

Classic old school bar. Beer, Underbergs and food. Great place to forget about the outside world

I walk here sometimes from my houseboat and it’s alright, although they could do better I think.

Cash only Tavern. Corkboard darts pool tables, shuffle board and more. Plus a kick ash jukebox.

If you are looking for a cool bar this is it. We had a blast here. Cash only place! Fun people

Big spacious bar, one of the last good dive bars in Seattle with character. But cash only!

My favorite bar in Seattle. Decent beer, ping pong table, pool, darts, and a long board.

Good beer. Great music. Nice place., I wish they sold Guinness but I can’t have it all.

So mad I learned about this place after 5 years of living here! Love it soooooo much.

Cash only, cheap beer, fun games. Street parking is free and somewhat easy to find.

It's a classic Tavern, a Seattle icon. Great service, atmosphere, music, and beers.

Great for groups with lots of games and Seahawk games are basically special events

I don't think the bartenders are friendly there. I wouldn't recommend going there.

Not sure why this place gets such love. It's a dive bar populated by curmudgeons.

Fun place! Super interesting layout and lots of fun games to play! I'll be back!

Cash only, beer only and pool tables! Feels like a west village wannabe. …

Great vibe, very relaxed crowd, and with lots of options to entertain yourself.

Great service, variety of games, lots of seating, and TV's to watch the game.

Way to hot on a summer day. The back room was at least 80f with zero air flow

So a lot of fun. Cool place. Cash only so be prepared. ATM on site though

Cool spotted. Lots of fun games to play. Cash only. Decent beer selection

Good beer selection. Pool tables were open and available free of charge.

Good beer selection but I wish the bar games were in better shape...