The Best Seat is at the Bar

Crow
Why we love it: Ample portions of delicious, down-home food served in a comfy, energetic atmosphere by a staff that genuinely cares about your experience. Counter experience: At the 12-seat bar, the friendly bartenders will make certain you never run dry of libations or conversation while you dine. And at the kitchen counter at the back of the restaurant, you’ll be mesmerized by a cooking duo who perform a lightning-fast pas de deux with sauté pans. Fair warning: Since everything looks so tasty, you may end up ordering way more food than you intended. Good for: Midweek noshes, drinks and appetizers, picky eaters, casual dates. Lower Queen Anne, 823 Fifth Ave. N; 206.283.8800; eatatcrow.com; dinner daily.

Spring Hill
Why we love it: The airy appeal of the sleek dining room and chef Mark Fuller’s cheeky, clever takes on American classics. Oh, and the seafood is sparkling fresh. Counter experience: The eight-seat marble bar is a lively spot for watching Fuller and his team work their magic in the glistening, open, stainless steel kitchen. Bartenders are quick to offer tastes of wines and make a thirst-quenching martini with house-made cucumber-lemon sorbet and Dry Fly gin. Good for: Casual dates, drinks and appetizers, solo dining, foodies. West Seattle, 4437 California Ave. SW; 206.935.1075; springhillnorthwet.com; dinner daily; brunch Sat. –Sun.

Palace Kitchen
Why we love it: The convivial atmosphere and big-city vibe at Tom Douglas’ taverna is something you don’t often find in Seattle. Counter experience: Even when tables in the restaurant are open, chances are the 30-seat U-shaped bar is still packed two-deep. It’s just plain fun to sit and watch people while noshing on an order of grilled wings or the famous Palace burger. And chances are, you’ll run into someone you know. Good for: Drinks and appetizers, solo dining, casual dates, late-night noshes, picky eaters. Downtown, 2030 Fifth Ave; 206.448.2001; tomdouglas.com; dinner daily.

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Raising the Bar at the Bar

Liberty
Why we love it: The lack of pretension is a welcome surprise at a cocktail bar this hipster friendly (and this serious about its drinks). Tasty nouveau sushi rolls (try the Fishface: hamachi, shrimp, jalapeño and mango) make great snacks alongside the sensational hand-crafted cocktails. Counter experience: At the 10-seat bar, bartender Kaya Quitigua offers tastes of the different house-made infused liqueurs and will make off-the-menu customized creations once he learns your poison of choice. Good for: Cocktail snobs, drinks and appetizers, solo dining, casual dates. Capitol Hill, 517 15th Ave. E; 206.323.9898; libertybars.com.