NORTH METRO. Billed as a great place for folks to gather, this friendly pub is just that. Long and narrow, the Alehouse seems to force patrons to meet and greet one another, capturing the true spirit of the traditional public house. Added to the mix is the fantastic food, which departs from the usual "wings and things" mentality to include specials like salmon nicoise, chicken enchiladas, and Big Easy-style gumbo. Of course, the true draw is the wide beer selection, which includes the Leavenworth Whistling Pig Hefe, Diamond Knot IPA, and Scuttlebutt Sequoia Red.

MADISON PARK. This friendly, local place is a favorite with folks in the neighborhood, who often relax in the cozy surroundings and chat with whoever's around. You'll find a good selection of beers, including about a dozen drafts, and there's also pub food for added energy (burgers and sandwiches, along with a variety of hot dinner specials). TVs scattered throughout the space ensure that you won't miss big games, and since the pub is open late, you know that you'll be in good company, especially on busy weekend nights. On mild days, try to score a sidewalk seat to scope out passersby and enjoy the sun.

WEST SEATTLE. Decorated with wrought iron fixtures and painted tangerine and aubergine hues, this sleek neighborhood pub perfectly mirrors the upstart attitude of its West Seattle environs. In the evenings, area professionals stop in to enjoy a microbrew or glass of wine at the refreshingly subdued bar. The menu offers a unique take on the concept of pub grub, winning patrons with dishes like Spanish-style fried calamari with lemon-garlic aioli, chicken jambalaya with andouille sausage, and enchiladas. Innovative egg dishes (served at weekend brunches) have become somewhat of a local legend.

BALLARD. An authentic Irish pub in the Ballard area, Conor Byrne offers patrons a cozy setting in which to enjoy a pint of stout and a bit of live music, be it traditional Irish, jazz, folk, or bluegrass. While elegant chandeliers softly light the beautiful mahogany bar, the pub's exposed brick walls are adorned with various pieces of local artwork and several pieces of Irish-related memorabilia.

WEST SEATTLE. A favorite nighttime haunt of the West Seattle crowd, this friendly brewpub offers a casual setting for mingling with friends or enjoying a bite of pub grub with the family. The spacious seating area is marked by its rustic red brick walls and high ceiling, which combine to give the place the look and feel of a European-style beer hall. Year-round house quaffs include Alembic Pale Ale, Elliott Bay IPA, Luna Weizen, and No Doubt Stout, and a variety of seasonal brews are also available. A loft area upstairs offers a few pool tables.