Seemor
Tamari BarA-Worth Trying
500 E Pine St, Seattle, WA 98122
· Modern izakaya restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (883 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Lively modern izakaya with creative sushi, standout curry, and strong happy hour; book ahead and expect a bustling scene with occasional service inconsistencies.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Tamari Bar delivers A-grade performance through exceptional food quality anchored by standout curry and karaage, paired with strong service attentiveness and knowledgeable staff recommendations. Reliable execution and a vibrant Capitol Hill setting with loyal repeat patrons support the grade, though occasional seating comfort concerns and isolated food safety reports prevent elevation to grade A territory. The creative, contemporary izakaya concept and excellent happy hour value position it competitively among the area's better neighborhood restaurants.
Restaurant Summary
Capitol Hill’s Tamari Bar is a modern izakaya where the room feels warm and bustling and the bar hums with energy. Staff guide you through the menu with confidence, and one guest gushed that the team "went the extra mile to fit in a happy hour order." Expect lively, social vibes with anime on the screen and a celebratory feel. The cooking leans contemporary and playful: karaage with tartar, cilantro pesto udon, dan dan ramen, and seared rolls with miso aioli. It is not a purist sushi counter; it is a creative, flavor-forward take on Japanese drinking food with excellent curry and a cult-favorite single bite of wagyu and uni. Portions on bowls are satisfying, while sashimi sets skew premium. Families will find enough approachable options—fried chicken, noodles, rice bowls, and soft-serve—to keep kids happy, though the scene is energetic and seating snug. There is no explicit kids menu, but simple items like karaage and udon are easy wins; consider earlier hours if bringing little ones.
At a Glance
- Creative izakaya dishes with standout curry and karaage
- Strong happy hour values and fun bar scene
- Engaged staff with helpful recommendations
- Parking is difficult; reservations advised
- A few policy and service hiccups reported
What Sets It Apart
- two-tier-happy-hour
- creative-izakaya-fusion
- signature-single-bite-wagyu
- lively-anime-bar-scene
What People Love
- That the curry is rich and craveable
- The single luxurious wagyu and uni bite
- Friendly staff who guide great orders
- Anime-on-the-wall energy and buzzing bar
Points of Concern
- Parking around Capitol Hill can add 20-30 minutes at dinner time
- Occasional service lapses and slow checks on busy nights
- Gift card policy complaints created friction for some guests
- Isolated reports of off nights on fish freshness and foodborne illness over years
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$38-$58 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair curry with fried Chinese donuts for dipping
- For lighter fare, share sashimi 3 or 5 kinds plus a warm appetizer
- Vegetarians can target spicy edamame and cilantro udon
Perfect For
- Happy hour hopping in Capitol Hill
- Casual date night with shared plates
- Friends outings and bar seating
- Solo dining at the counter
Location Insights
Area: Energetic Capitol Hill corridor with bars, eateries, and late-night foot traffic; popular with young professionals and diners.
Safety: Generally busy and well-trafficked; typical urban vigilance at night; lighting and activity are strong.
Nearby: Surrounded by bars, cafes, and music venues; near Pike/Pine nightlife and boutique retail.
Capitol HillThe dining scene in Capitol Hill is dynamic and varied, featuring everything from trendy bars and casual eateries to upscale restaurants. The neighborhood is known for its inclusive and progressive atmosphere, with many establishments offering innovative and diverse culinary options. It is a popular destination for socializing, nightlife, and cultural events.
Central Capitol HillThis micro-area around E Pine St is characterized by a dense concentration of bars, restaurants, and music venues, making it a hotspot for evening and weekend activity. It offers a blend of casual and upscale dining experiences, often with a focus on craft cocktails and contemporary cuisine.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday16:30–22:00
Wednesday16:30–22:00
Thursday16:30–22:00
Friday16:30–23:00
Saturday16:30–23:00
Sunday16:30–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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