The best new bars in Seattle

Whether you call it a bar, a pub, a tavern, a saloon or the local watering hole getting together and having a drink has been a big part of our culture. Everything from wars to vacations have been planned in bars; we go, with co-workers, to bars after work to unwind and we even celebrate big events at bars. Our forefathers planned and designed our country over drinks at the local pub. When the Seahawks won the Superbowl there was a lot of celebrating at bars. With so much happening in bars it is a big deal when new ones open.

In the greater Seattle area there were several fine bars opened this year. Here is a partial list of some of the best:

• After 3 years of operation Seattle-based micro brewery Lantern opened a tasting room; on May 1,2014; to serve their Belgian brews. There you can sit down and buy 4 ounces sample, pints or bottles of the fine Belgian ales and stouts. The tasting room is located at 938 N. 95^th street in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle. The hours are Thursday 5 pm-9 pm, Friday & Saturday 4 pm-9 pm.
• Damn the weather is a bar that opened in the historic Pioneer square area of downtown Seattle. The bar and eatery was open in June by local Bryn Lumsden. When you visit Damn the weather you are treated to a fine selection of beers, ciders, wines and cocktails. Of course since they also an eatery while you are there you get indulge yourself with a great selection appetizers and entrees. Damn the weather is located at 116 1^st avenue where you can grace its doors from 4 pm-2 am. They also offer a happy hour from 4 pm-6:30 pm where they do offer discounts.
• Elysian bar is the latest establishment opened, in May of this year, by the Elysian brewery that has been providing their fine creations to the greater Seattle area since 1995. When you grace the doors you can enjoy any one of 18 fine beers or specialty cocktails. They also provide both lunch and diner. The bar and restaurant is located at 1516 2^nd avenue and opened from 11 am-2 am 7 days a week. One of the things you will first notice when you enter the establishment is a giant spiral staircase leading to the second floor that was home to original office of Amazon.com.
• Canterbury ale house isn't exactly new but the was refurbished after closing last year. The grand re-opening of the establishment was in October this year. The ale house is located at 534 15^th avenue east in the heart of Seattle. They are open from 3 pm-2 am Monday-Friday and 10 am-2 am on Saturday & Sunday. All ages are welcome up until 9 pm when it becomes a 21 & over bar. Saturday& Sunday they serve brunch starting at 11 am until closing.
• The Comet tavern re-opened in March of this year down on pike street in downtown Seattle. They are open 12 pm-2 am daily providing traditional bar food and beers. The Comet offers 2 pool tables, pinball and skeeball with free pool from 4 pm-6 pm.
• Mezcaleria Oaxaca opened in February of this year on Seattle's capitol hill. When you visit the establishment located at 422 east Pine street you can feast on fine Mexican cuisine, margaritas and beers.