Seattle Culture:A Visitor's Guide

Alcohol

The legal drinking age in Washington state is 21. To purchase or be served alcohol, you must present a valid government-issued ID, such as a passport.

No one under 21 is permitted in bars. This also pertains to the bar areas within restaurants and hotel lobbies; you’ll see signs that indicate spaces where minors are not allowed.

Alcohol can be sold or consumed only between 6am and 2am. Alcohol is also prohibited in public places, such as parks, unless authorized locally.

Some exceptions:

• FIFA fan zones will be designated “sip-and-stroll” areas, where attendees will be allowed to purchase alcohol on site. No outside alcohol will be permitted.
• At Pike Place Market: Fridays through Sundays this summer, from noon to 5 p.m., Pike Place Market will also be a designated “sip-and-stroll” area. Visitors can purchase alcoholic beverages from any of 24 participating businesses and enjoy them while exploring the Market. (Again, no outside alcohol permitted; for details, see PikePlaceMarket.org.)

Restaurants

• Dining hours: Many restaurants downtown stop serving dinner around 9 or 10pm; late-night restaurants aren’t common. To find restaurants that are open late, use our Food and Drink guide.
• Tipping: At restaurants, tipping 15% on the total bill is customary, with gratuities of 20% or more given for exceptional service. Restaurant workers depend on tips for their income and livelihood; their hourly earnings are typically well below minimum wage, so tips are critical for them.
  • Large groups: For groups of six people or more, many restaurants in Seattle will automatically add a tip, typically 20%.
  • Service charges: At a few restaurants in Seattle, a tip will automatically be added to your bill. If this is the case, it will be clearly noted both on the menu and on the bill. When a service charge has already been added, additonal tips are not expected.
  • Bars: At bars, a tip of 10-20% is typically expected on drinks.
  • Coffee shops: Tips are optional but encouraged. You’ll often see a tip jar for cash tips, or if you’re paying with a credit or debit card, you’ll be given the option to tip when paying.
  • If you’re not sure about tipping expectations, feel free to ask!
    The bill: Your server will typically bring the bill to you when it appears that everyone in your group has finished eating.
• Vegetarian and vegan options: Seattle is known for its vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants.
• Allergies and dietary restrictions: If you have food allergies or other dietary restrictions, let your server know right away. At many restaurants, they’ll be able to work with you to find an option on the menu that will work for you or make modifications if possible.
• Leftovers: If you’re not able to finish your meal, you’ll be offered or can request a to-go container for your leftovers. U.S. restaurants often serve portions that are large, and asking for a to-go container is common.