Bars in Kingsgate

As the somewhat cryptic old adage goes, "The food is always sweeter on the east side of the lake—in bed." Today’s Groupon proves this to be true. For $10, you get $25 worth of grilled fare, hot and cold drinks, and a lovely view at Eastlake Bar & Grill. The Downside: Marine creatures will constantly be leaping out of the water to join you for dinner.Silver Lining: Some kind words could be enough to convince the sea creatures to leave or to reveal their secret ability to enjoy literature.

With its hand-blown glass light fixtures, beckoning fireplace, and old-growth walnut bar-top, VoVina’ cultivates an old-world elegance. The décor’s chic simplicity carries over into a menu of European- and American-style small plates, such as Angus beef sliders and black truffle tater-tots, crafted to complement dozens of tempting cocktails. The Fountain of Youth blends Bombay Sapphire, St. Germaine, and a touch of green chartreuse, and the Asian Pear arrives shaken and strained over a soft lychee. Further underlining the Jazz Age-feel, the bar touts one of the largest absinthe selections in the area. The legendary spirits are poured plain or blended into beverages, inspiring guests to dance the Charleston atop VoVina’s locally grown, recycled maple tables.

Classes are available only at the Capitol Hill location. The punch card can be used at both locations. Groupon customers may upgrade to a wine-tasting class valued higher than $55 for an additional fee.

To avoid being scolded by your complimentary Irish grandma, weigh down your stomach for a night of drinking with a little food off Mulleady's menu. An appetizer of blackberry honey and chevre fondue ($7) or lamb and barley fritters ($8) will jostle a sleeping palate awake in time for some classic pub fare such as the Mulleady's burger (topped with roasted tomato jam and caramelized onions, $10) and grilled mahi-mahi wrap ($10). More robust plates include Irish knockers and colcannon ($13), a dish of pork sausage made exclusively for Mulleady's with colcannon mashed potatoes and porter-braised pork belly (unsurprisingly, it won Seattle Weekly's Best Menu Item Name in 2009). If you're too bashful to order knockers from the zaftig waitress, opt for a traditional Celtic country standby like Guinness lamb stew ($10) from County Longford or shepherd's pie ($11).

Listed as one of dive-bar aficionado Mike Seely's top 10 watering holes, The Waterwheel Lounge provides nightly events, live music, and a focused menu of celebrated favorites. Bust out the wipes and wrap hands around an ambitiously portioned brisket sandwich served with coleslaw and baked beans ($7.95). Wings, served hot or not ($7.50), hand-cut fries ($3.50), and onion rings ($4) side well with ice-cold suds and expansive patio views. After 4 p.m., indulge in the famous fried chicken, a trifecta of comfort with gravy-smothered mashed potatoes and a side of veggies ($9.95). Feast upon bigger bites such as beer dogs ($1), barbecue ribs ($11.95), or a chef's salad ($6.50) without the fuss of a well-meaning dad who insists he put the Q in BBQ.

Live music rocks the floor at 2 Bit Saloon, where friendly bartenders slake thirst with strong drinks and local bands take the stage at least four nights a week. Whether it's Cemetery Lust or Blood & Thunder jamming on Metal Mondays or alternative and punk bands, such as The Rams Rams or Cadillac Radio, on the weekend, 2 Bit Saloon sticks to its simple mission to have the best time every time. Though dim lighting overtakes the tavern, bartenders have no problem overfilling cups with PBR and Bud Light or mixing up margaritas and Bloody marys. The kitchen churns out hearty bar eats, including chili dogs and nachos, and on Sunday mornings, the saloon doors fly open at 10 a.m. for breakfast burritos and mimosas amid the glow of Seahawks games or Buns of Steel infomercials.