Raygun Lounge — Attraction in Seattle

Decent Selection, Friendly Staff, Okay Food, Horrible Parking

Cap Hill -- the natural predator of the automobile. If you're driving, don't bother; parking is sparse and the meters are limited. You'll be spending at least $9 to park. If you can get there by bus or walk, definitely check it out.

Raygun is your typical Seattle gaming bar. You've got a bunch of anxious nerds getting together to play board or card games, friendly staff, a nice selection of recommended games, drinks, and just-okay overpriced bar food to keep the lights on.

It's not as big and convenient (nor as busy) as your Card Kingdom / Mox (Ballard) or Meeple's (West Seattle) of the bar gaming world, but it's still a great place to spend a few hours with friends over a heated game. The added benefit to being in Cap Hill is that it's a quick walk to decent food when you're done.

The bathroom hall pass situation is awkward, but, it's Cap Hill, I get it. Also, it would be nice to have more cushioned benches for those of us with chronic nerve pain / disabilities.

If you've got a group of friends looking to settle in for a few hours and dislike the Quiet Library™ approach of some gaming stores with play areas, this...

So I'll preface by saying that I get the vibe that this place probably doesn't care, but I went in here tonight (Saturday "night," technically Sunday "morning") at 12:45 a.m. to get a nightcap and the bartender was so drunk, he couldn't figure out what beer I was inquiring about.

After clarifying three times, he then damn near stumbled over to the taps (not exaggerating) pointed at the Manny's and asked if that's what I was asking for. Not even close to what I was trying to order. I was trying to order the beer from Pike Brewing.

I don't typically leave many reviews, especially negative, but I have never experienced a bartender that drunk behind the bar. It was actually jaw-dropping. I understand the industry, and I don't care if my bartender is tipsy. I get it. But I have no idea how it was possible that guy could even function. Like, dude was smashed.

After failing to figure out what I was trying to order for the fourth time, and slurring every single word he spoke, I just walked out. Something I don't think I've ever done in a bar or...

This is a spot where I need a 3.5 star rating. They have gotten better since I first saw them a few months ago. They have a fairly diverse crowd, but does tend older (22+). This is both positive and negative depending on what you're looking for.

Their selection of games is getting better, but still leaves a bit to be desired. Parking is a small issue, but that's mostly just being downtown that causes those problems. There are several parking lots nearby and you can always take local transit.

If they were to clean up some of their posters and stuff, it might give a better impression. I think I kind of get what they're going for, but it feels very half done and non-committal. They can do themselves a huge favor by cleaning things up.

It's worth a stop to grab a drink and place some games if you're in the...