I've only been to 9 Pound Hammer a few times, but to me it's the prototypical Georgetown watering hole: it's a little dirty, poorly lit, and filled with a healthy cross section of area denizens.
There's a beer for every taste, including their signature 9 Pound Porter from Georgetown Brewing, and the bang for your buck on hard drinks is substantial. Â The layout is open enough to allow you to circulate between the tables and booths, and around the full size shuffleboard table that's always in use. Â And there's a selection of pinball games that instantly transport me back to the old arcade in the mall back in the day.
Service is no-nonsense, which keeps things moving quickly at the bar, but it's not like you feel like you're unwelcome if you take a few moments to put your change back in your pocket before heading back to your table.
Whether you start or finish your evening there, or drop in somewhere in between, any evening in Georgetown won't be complete without a visit.
I've been here about 3 or 4 times and really wanted to like it. Â My friends like the beer selections and we've had fun with the board games or shuffleboard, but the SECONDHAND SMOKE in the place that place gave me a headache every time I've been there.
They allow smokers to sit at the front near the front door, which is practically outdoor seating, but still technically inside since it's only accessible from the inside. Â I guess they think this somehow bypasses the law here of no smoking in restaurants and bars, but it certainly isn't the required 20 feet away from the front door. Â You HAVE TO pass through a cloud of smoke to get in and out of the place.
And the smoke exposure doesn't stop there, it seems that the airflow or wind manages to blow the smoke IN to the bar instead of outside. Â Last time I went there, we were playing shuffleboard and the smoke made me so sick that I had to leave my friends and go somewhere else. I probably tried to tough it out longer than I should've for fear of being the "Debbie Downer" of the group, but eventually I couldn't take it anymore. Â It was bad enough to the point where I thought I was going to throw up.
I hate to give away the secret, but this bar is the shit. Pinball, pool, inexpensive beer, matter-of-fact bartenders and lots of room to hang out with your friends. Parking can be challenging, but I went with a big crew on a Saturday night and we all found spots within a couple of blocks.
I almost forgot.... there is Pac-Man.
We were out for a friend's birthday and we stopped in at this place. The layout of this place is really really cool! It could be in part because of the area (already a pretty cool area in itself) but there was just something about the ambiance of the place that I really enjoyed. It was a Saturday night, but it didn't seem as though it took forever for my fiance to get us drinks which was nice. And the drink I had was a good, stiff drink. I believe there was pool there and maybe a few other things, though I couldn't really see much since there of course was a crowd. I'd definitely come by again though when I'm in the area looking for a place to just hang out.
Review Source:I used to live in Eastlake and loved the Zoo Tavern, I think that since moving south this will be my new Zoo! The chill atmosphere with shuffleboard and Big Buck Hunter are exactly what I've been trying to find in South Seattle. I've only been once thus far but hope to make this a regular hangout.
Review Source:Yeah, I like to drink. And the 9lb Hammer likes people who like to drink. I've poured too many whiskeys and High Lifes into my liver at this place on more than one occasion. They have shuffleboard. During Xmas, they have a big tree. I made a big mess making paper snowflakes one holiday. I also spelled P-U-S-S-Y with the pieces of a Jenga game. What does this all mean? It's like drunken kindergarten. And I like that.
Review Source:Came here for some grub after spending the night downtown Seattle. Â It was grubbin!! Â I had a hot open faced roast beef sandwich with mashed potatoes & gravy. Â Hubby had the fish sandwich with added cheese & cripsylicious fries. Â Look forward to going back & drinking some beers & playing some shuffleboard.
Review Source:The food is your regular bar offerings, I had a grilled sandwich that wasn't bad or good, just meh. Â Good strong drinks and good service. Â Went for dinner and I was surprised just how dark and industrial the place seemed. Â I think the owner has the Square Knot next door, a decidedly different hipster kinda place. Â I would come here to kick back with friends, down a drink, and shoot the s&%$.
Review Source:Phenomenal selection of beers on tap. And all the free peanuts your little heart desires. The friendly bartenders are really knowledgeable about beer too. Which makes it that much more phenomenal.
A trip to GeorgeTown is not complete without a trip to 9 LB Hammer. A wonderful place to just chill, unwind or  hangout with friends or your special someone over a pint chatting it up or pulverizing them playing a fun game of Shuffleboard.
 I adore the comfy cozy booths and couches for seating dabbled throughout the dimly lit perimeters of the lounge. (Is it a lounge? Is that the correct term to call 9LB...)  It's always my final stop before I head back home.. that is of course after filling my belly with the great food steps away at Jules Maes.
It does get very crowded on the weekends which makes grabbing a seat tricky sometimes and the comfy couches get snapped up quickly. But regardless of when you choose to go... you will be damn glad you did!
Check this place out!
I've gone passed this bar a billion times and was never really interested in checking it and it def looks a bit sketchy from the outside. But I've been hearing good things so decided to check it out with a couple of friends.
My friends and I were actually bar hopping in the area and most the places we hit up were a little light. As soon as we stepped into 9lb, we were feelin the vibe.
A fun mix of seating: a big ol bar, booths, small 2-seat tables, and a big community table. Seating is limited but people are friendly and will make room. Very busy the night we visited. In fact, there was a group there celebrating a birthday and invited everyone to play pin the tail on the donkey. Oh yes, funness! The whole bar was cheery.
Here's the checklist for a good bar:
1. Beer
2. Liquor
3. Service
4. Regulars
5. Atmosphere
In addition to the "must haves" here's bonus "nice to haves":
1. Free snacks
2. Distractions
3. Comfortable seating
And the 9lb Hammer has those in spades. I wouldn't classify this as a dive bar per se but it's far removed from the cocktail crafters of Belltown and Capitol Hill. I'm fond of everything they've done and it would get 5 stars from me if they had more offerings of food.
Note: There's a  tamale vendor selling out of the side door.
9LB Hammer holds a special place in my heart - it's where the BF and I had our very first date (bleh!)
While it's not in our neighborhood, we'll gladly make the trek out of Ballard to hang out in Georgetown! Â
9LB Hammer is def one of our favorite dives in all of Seattle - they have 9LB Porter on tap AAAAND they now have Buck Hunter, my fav game to play in a bar! Â
Sometimes I wish we lived closer to 9LB... but then I think about how much beer I'd drink, how many peanuts I would end up eating, how many pounds I'd put on because of beer and peanuts, how many quarters I'd lose from playing Buck Hunter, how my pride gets crushed every time the BF kicks my butt in shuffle board or pool (I'm super competitive, and a sore loser!) ... and then, I'm ok with only coming here from time to time!
Nevertheless, 9LB Hammer - I love you!!!
One of my favorite bars in Seattle and definitely worth the trek to Georgetown! Plenty of delicious beer options on tap and the bartenders are not shy with the poured drinks.
The decor is classic dive. Look for Han Solo in the ceiling! Seating can get a little tight, but offer an open seat at your table to a needy couple and make friends for the night.
I have arrived at home. I am comfortable here. This place is for me.
Seriously, walked in here and was like OK, yeah, this is it. My new spot. Not packed like the meatmarkets in Ballard, but just the right amount of people. The tables dimly lit, with the lampshades slightly askew, we were greeted at the door by a friendly dog that seemed to know his way around the place. The drinks were great as was the service (barkeep consisted of cool looking girls with stockings and Betty Page haircuts). All in all, rad place.
Oh - and there was a girl selling tamales (or tostadas?) over a counter in the corner. Cool.
Scene: 6 pm, 9 LB Hammer in Georgetown. Bikes, harley-types, line the sidewalk intimidatingly out front.
Myself and 5 other asians walk in dressed for some place other than the 9LB. Heads turn, convo stops, furtive glances exchanged. We walk up to the bar and order whiskey. Heads turn back, convo starts up again, everything is all right in the world.
Actually, this bar is a lot more welcoming than I just described. It just gives off that biker bar vibe. I would frequent it much more often if I lived closer.
This bar is the prototypical dive. Dark wood abounds, free peanuts, cheap stiff drinks, bar games, some lady slanging tacos out of a closet in the back. It's pretty awesome.
I stood outside this place indimidated by the crowd and hearing from someone that it was a biker bar. I wanted to go inside, but i was a little nervous.. i decided what the heck! We must live life and confront things that make us uncomfortable! (isn't that what life is about).
As i walked in i instantly felt silly for having any doubts about this place and building it up to be something "scary". The atmosphere is really great and super chill. My friend and i ordered two ciders and took a seat at the bar. I grabbed "Connect Four" and a bowl of peanuts (free) and we played a couple rounds. The staff was friendly and the vibes were great. They have a ton of games to play including arcade games and jenga! One of my new favorite spots in the great lil city of Georgetown, which i also find to be great.
9lb Hammer is a solid 4 stars in terms of a dive bar with lots to do and lots to drink:
Here's the breakdown:
1. They have all the Georgetown Brewing beers on tap. Enough said.
2. They have board games and trivia cards.
3. They have shuffleboard.
4. They have peanuts.
5. They have shuffleboard (because it's just that awesome)!
Headed here to finish out the night for drinks with some of the band members and the group I was with.
This bar definitely has character!!
Why you ask?? Â
-Bartenders with white blonde hair and blue streaks who definitely know what they're doing to get people served quickly.
-Flavorful patrons that vary from people in suits to people with dreadlocks.
-Unique mix of furnishings.
-No updates to the interior and it shows (luv it).
-Huge woman's bathroom that serves only one, that you have to lock the second you walk in, then walk up a ramp that leads you to go around a corner to the single toilet...
-Free peanuts that are not just sitting out on the table so you don't have to worry about other's hands.
All of this makes for one comfortable, yet unique place for most anyone to go have a drink.
Beer selection might not be the best, but I'll definitely be back to wind down, chill & relax.
I dig this place. It's a dark, laid back, dive bar with good bartenders. The decor is interesting to look at and you can play shuffleboard, sit at the bar, or just chill on a couch if you want to. I have been here probably close to 10 times and it's always the same good vibes.
Plus it's my man's favorite bar.. so I am sure I will continue to go!
Dark, nice and cozy bar. Met with friends on a Saturday night and was not overly crowded. Nice choice of taps and full liquor bar. Nice diverse crowds and friendly, easy to chat.
If you're short sitting at the bar, you would need a stepping stool to hoist yourself up to sit. Ok, well I did need one. =)
There was food served across from the bar. I'm guessing you would have to go up and order at the half opened door. I saw that just when we were leaving. I think the menu they had that night was pork, beef or veg verde. Oh well, next time. Â Â
A MUST GO! =)
One of my favorites in Georgetown. Â Come on, they even have a beer named after them (9 Pound Porter from Georgetown Brewing). Â
The simplicity of the place makes it a winner. Â Most of the tables and chairs are mismatched stuff like you'd find in your parents' garage. Â For a long time, the only food was the free peanuts, although a new tamale kitchen has opened up in the back. Â The drinks are stiff and even if I don't make it in there for a month or more, Megan always remembers what I drink as soon as I walk up to order.
I went here for a friend's going away party. Â I was super turned off by the rude bartender.
I asked him a simple question: Â "Can you recommend one really good drink?" Â He just looked at me and said "No." Â
I was pissed. Â
It was a great place for a group party though. Â I'll give it that. Â But I will not be returning often. Â If at all.
"Hey Tyler, let's go out and grab a drink!"
"I don't know. It's 10:45, and a Wednesday."
"I know, but we haven't hung out in, like, a year. And who knows when we will get to hang out again."
"Good point. You have convinced me that this idea is a good one."
1 shot of tequila, 2 pitchers of beer, a bowl of free peanuts, and only four hours of sleep later.... Ugh.
But, if you have to do something like stay up till 2 in the morning drinking beer with a college roommate on a Wednesday, the 9 LB Hammer is as good a place as any to do it. Good atmosphere, entertaining bartenders and comfy chairs... worked for me.
The 9lb is awesome. I don't know about plenty of room on weekend nights, but it's got a nice dive bar vibe, that which makes you feel welcome and that everyone is there just to have a couple beers with friends and take life easy.
There's some pinball machines and a shuffle puck board. Despite lacking food (grab food at Smarty Pants next door) there's endless peanuts in a big bucket up by the bar.
It's late, and I'm starting my Monster Truck even night reviews in the middle, but I have to do something while I come down and ensure no hangover tomorrow.
Right off the bat, they get a thumbs up, because whoever answered the phone gave awesome directions that led us to a sweet parking spot within spitting distance of the door, despite the road around it being closed due to a building being demo'd.
I loved the decor. I like eclectic and kitsch and it had a bit of both. Nice little 'living room' in one corner by the ladies bathroom, plenty of tables, and a nice long bar w/ fairly comfortable stools.
In the 'back" there are pinball machines. One even gives out sage life advice such as "Say No to Drugs" and "Aids is real, protect yourself".
I don't know about you, but I like my arcade games to look out for my health and well being like that. And they have Centipede! And a couchy booth that I intend to steal somehow back there.
I played what I'm going to say is 'table shuffleboard' for the first time ever. For a virgin run, I don't think I did too badly, but the important thing is I had fun and Betsy and I held our own ok.
Peanuts in the shell, toss 'em wherever. Good drinks.
When I filled in as orderer and  my +1 ordered a double duck fart she looked at me kinda sideways and said.." i'm going to have to look that up, I cant remember the last time I made one" and pulled out her little bartender guide. Consumed w/o complaint.
It's a little out of my everyday life to go there, but close enough to work and some of my south-end friends, so I'd love to go back again.
My best times for New Years Eve has always just included being around good friends............and not really caring much of what/where and all those other details for this annual night out. Â Just give me good company and we can be anywhere.
Best. Bar. Name. Evar.
I jokingly called this the 10 Inch Nail or Every Man's Fantasy.
Or was this a gay bar? Â I kid. I joke.
My friends (J&C) bought their 1st house in Seattle in Georgetown and they had a party around the corner from this bar. Â Its one of those "up & coming" neighborhoods, but its a lonnnnnnnng way from a Pottery Barn entering this scene. Â Think industrial Seattle where the Longshoremen will get a drink. Â Or hipsters. Â J&C are such a great couple and make cool just happen around them. Â They are into film making, started their own film festival and just good people. (No, not those kinds of films sicko!) Â
This is now J&C's neighborhood bar and I can see why..... it has a ton of character and its not pretentious. Even though when our party of 10 came in, I think the record in the room kind of stopped. Â We def were the biggest / loudest group. Â But whatevs. Â Its NYE. Â We decided to go here and cheers the midnight in. Â We were still able to get a table, some sat at the bar and new friends were made. Â
Bottles of champagne flowed, good cocktails drank, lots of pictures taken, dancing happened. Â A fabulolus way to welcome all that is for 2008.
I normally don't make Georgetown a drinking destination place, but I think I will start! I think I will grab someone to be the designated driver though. Then I can just chill, get comfy and snack on peanuts and drink copious amounts of alcohol.
This is a huge bar! Though there are lots of people around it still feels like there is a lot personal space.
I like the fact that they have some cool video games. They have Joust and Centipede. Gotta love some of that classic gaming!
The 9 lb hammer reminds me of my grandmother's house because it has old furniture and it's full of booze!!!! I must have spent a good hour stuffing my pie hole with peanuts and I wouldn't of stop without the help of Miss Katie...thanks senorita!!! But those damn peanuts were so damn good....I wasn't even drinking my beer.
Over all I liked the 9 lb hammer but I did miss out on having myself some $2 Miller High Life's(champagne of beers). This was another place with a good selection of beer(IPA)..yay beer!! So I am sure if I am ever in Georgetown I will hit this place up for some very addicting peanuts and some nice cold beer.
1. Georgetown bikers:
Leather clad burlies were grooving to smoove jazz. Â We walked past them on the way to the Nine Pound to meet a bunch of Yelpers.
2. Georgetown punks:
A girl at the bar told her friend she'd won a contest by weaving 23 used tampons into her hair. He said, "Cool!" The she said her friends were at that moment eating lipstick dug out of her purse. To this he said, "That's really gross."
3. Georgetown pleasantries:
A small, wrinkled, hairy guy at the bar looked unsteadily at my credit card and said, "I once dated a girl with your name I got rid of her because she was a pain in the ass." He winked at me. I couldn't tell if it was a warning or a come-on.
I love this place.
Peeeea-NUTS (Charlie)! GET your Peeeea-NUTS, HEAH (Charlie)!
This place was pretty great for a yelp outing, seeing as though we all love us some beer and peanuts, apparently. Fortunately, to keep us all busy, they also have shuffleboard. Unfortunately, it was a very sad, neglected shuffleboard table that screamed to be drug out into the alley and lit afire. I think that maybe Jon L. and Zach P. took care of this later that night, but I cannot be sure.
Lots of space, lots of places to sit, hang, drink.. and eat peanuts. They've got pool, pinball, and Centipede. It was enough to make even the grumpiest of grumps smile..and I believe we have the photos to prove it (Bernie- flickr!) Lots of great 'old beer' signage on the walls- I thought that was a nice touch.
I really liked this place and I REALLY liked the neighborhood.. up and coming, no doubt. Buy your condos/ land parcels now, kids. Georgetown is where it's at.
Two peanuts up.
I seem to be on a streak of great bar experiences, and the 9lb has pushed the bar a little higher. Somebody said Georgetown is the last neighborhood in Settle that hasn't "sold out" and I am inclined to agree. Synopsis of the evening...
- celebrate succesfully entering the establishment with, a pint.
- celebrate finally meeting yelpers with, a pint.
- celebrate victory at shuffelboard with Jon L. and, a pint.
- celebrate pinball victory over Katie S. with, a pint
- celebrate another shuffelboard victory (Jon L. is a master...) with, a
  pint
- eat some peanuts
- celebrate being at work at 4am the next morning with coffee, 64 ozs
  of water, four excedrin migraine tablets, and a sausage egg
  McMuffin.
See Ya next friday...
Nice bar with good beer on tap, stiff drinks and Smarty Pants right next door if you want to pick up some sammichs and eat them in the bar. Â Bartenders are friendly and the atmosphere is pretty chill. Â
I did get bit by a dog there once but I was rounding the corner of the bar and didn't see the dog. Â That's what I get for stepping on the dog. Â ;)
i'd give it 5 stars, but I have to leave the premises to get good food. Unless the good people at Smarty Pants two doors down are feeling generous, in which case I don't!
I love the 9#. My fear about giving it a good review is that too many people will go there and I'll never find a seat again.
It's dirty, it's dark, it's filled with real people who have real jobs and do real work for a living.
what you won't find (and I hope you never will): someone who'd rather be at the Cha-Cha, someone who prefers Bath and Body Works to Lush, or someone who thinks a Mercedes dealership is a sign of a 'good neighborhood' to raise their children in.
This place is comfortable - too comfortable.
Grab a beer, maybe free a bowl of peanuts, and stay awhile.
A long while.
You may not get up.
You've got beer and peanuts, there's really nothing to get up for. If you get up to use the restroom use that as your exit strategy, cause who knows how long you will stay here if you don't take advantage of this momentum!
9lb Hammer is addicting. Thank god I don't live close to there, otherwise I'd be there every night. Â This place is a simple bar that has great character. There are no yuppies that go here and in fact, you're more than likely to run into a couple burners here. I've caused serious damage to my liver at this place. I can't remember ever leaving sober.
The only bummer is that it's in the middle of Georgetown, which can be a pain to get to. A cab ride home is super expensive, so convince one of your sober friends to drive you there and back.
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