Seattle is the home to countless music venues and concert halls that have breathed life into the industry by continually expanding and diversifying.  Small venues that promote intimate acoustic showings, while sometimes difficult to discover, provide experiences that the larger concert halls can’t match.  Far from exhaustive, here is a brief list of small venue gems that accommodate acoustic sets as well as provide a killer atmosphere.

Nectar Lounge
412 N. 36^th St.
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 632-2020
www.nectarlounge.com

Hours: Tue to Sun – 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Click here for a calendar of events.

Nectar Lounge is a great little venue sporting an outdoor component that is perfect for warm weather, but as the cold sets in, the comfortable atmosphere inside practically beckons music lovers. The upper pews provide a great vantage point to the crowd and stage and do not diminish the overall acoustics of the Nectar Lounge. Open six nights a week, the venue features almost any kind of genre imaginable including indie, folk and soul. Don’t miss out on the Nectar Lounge next time you’re in the mood for live music, won’t be disappointed.

Tractor Tavern
5213 Ballard Ave. NW
Seattle, WA 98107
(206) 789-3599
www.tractortavern.com

Hours: Daily – 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Click here for a calendar of events.

The Tractor Tavern provides a small stage, but sports some big heart. Dancing is a mainstay here, and it is a great venue for swing and square dancing. The mood is always lively at Tractor Tavern, and it is a great way to stretch the legs and listen to some great music while letting loose to some acoustic beats. The Tractor Tavern is a wonderful place to step out of your comfort zone and experience all that music has to offer.

Empty Sea Studios
6300 Phinney Ave. N
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 228-2483
www.emptysea.com

Hours: Vary by event
Click here for a calendar of events.

Empty Sea Studios is an intimate studio and venue nestled in on Seattle’s Phinney Ridge in a renovated craftsman bungalow. The facility doubles as a recording studio as well as a concert house and provides topnotch acoustics for small audiences eager to enjoy wonderful music. The studio prides itself on its simple approach to music–no crowded bar scene background noise; just you, the artist and the music. This is a one of a kind venue that provides a unique experience to all who have the pleasure of attending the Empty Sea Studio.

Related: Seattle’s Best Local Rock Bands

Highway 99 Blues Club
1414 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 382-2171
www.highwayninetynine.com

Hours: Wed to Thurs – 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., Fri – 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., Sat – 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Click here for a calendar of events.
Cover charge – $10-$20

The Highway 99 Club resides in a building that was constructed in 1909 and is modeled after an old-fashioned, southern Juke Joint.  The walls are graced with famous blues photos and the kitchen churns out Cajun-styled foods that complement the lively atmosphere. The venue holds at max 250 people and features a state of the art sound system that is guaranteed to reach every corner of the Highway 99 Blues Club. Don’t miss out on one of the few Blues clubs in the northwest.

Columbia City Theater
4916 Rainer Ave. S
Seattle, WA 98118
(206) 722-3009
www.columbiacitytheater.com

Hours: Tue to Thurs, Sun – 5 p.m. – 1 a.m., Fri to Sat – 5 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Click here for a calendar of events

The Columbia City Theater is known for keeping a strong community vibe and has been hailed as a neighborhood jewel. The stage is raised and provides an excellent platform for acoustic sets. The drinks are made strong and the close knit feeling never feels too tight—it straddles comfortably between intimate and close making it a perfect place to just simply the music.

Related: Best Live Music Clubs in Seattle

Anthony Schultz resides within the historic Brownes Addition of Spokane, WA. In his off time, Anthony enjoys copious amounts of reading, pages upon pages of scribbles, which he dubs his writings, and absorbing as much pop culture as humanly possible. His best days end with discussion with his longtime girlfriend, a book in hand, and an obese black and tan Dachshund (by the name of Norman) at his feet. His work can be found at Examiner.com.