Slim’s Last Chance: Seattle, Washington

It’s been a while since I’ve written for Good Drinking.  But this next bar really got my wheels turning again and made me want to write another review that may in fact help someone in the Seattle area select a bar that strikes their fancy and enjoy a great night out with friends.  The bar is Slim’s Last Chance, commonly referred to as The Last Chance.  It’s located on 1^st Avenue South in Seattle’s industrial neighborhood.  The location doesn’t really do much for its appeal, except for the fact that the bar itself is a bit out of the way which does a lot to keep those away who do not truly appreciate the atmosphere and attitude of a southern-style establishment.

At Slim’s you’ll find yourself in a place straight out of Texas.  It’s got Americana of all kinds on the walls, old school country music blaring from its speakers, and more than a few tattooed bikers and southerners hanging around its wooden walls and doorways.  It’s not the same kitschy, soul-less Americana that you’ll find nailed to the walls of Applebee’s or Red Robin, but the kind you’d expect to see in a gas station in Louisiana or in a cabin on the Rio Grande.  Don’t let the place fool you, it’s not a cowboy or biker bar per se, it’s a southern bar with attitude, a location where friends and family can feel right at home among like-minded patrons from all walks of life.

Most of the drink specials involve peaches and/or whisky.  They have a fully-stocked bar but at Slim’s you certainly won’t find any of the frat boys and party girls that frequent the bars in Pioneer Square and Belltown.  It’s more of a low-key bar but the tenders and wait staff have that special touch of southern hospitality that goes a long way when it’s time to consider leaving a tip.  I’ve never had any issues with service or quality of food or drinks at Slim’s.  They even serve sweet tea for those people who are not looking to consume anything containing alcohol.

Slim’s is not only a bar but a chili mecca as well.  They offer more than a dozen different chili dishes and varieties.  It’s a food that goes well with alcohol consumption, but it certainly doesn’t help the ensuing hangover that often occurs the next day after a night of heavy drinking.  The Kobe beef chilidog comes on a Texas-sized plate with what feels like a few pounds of chili and cheese.  This little nugget is sure to help sop up the alcohol entering your system as the night drags on, given the fact that it likely contains over 4000 calories.

I would recommend Slim’s to anyone looking for a change of pace.  The bar is located about five minutes from downtown Seattle and offers something most bars in the city do not: real attitude and soul.  The next time you’re looking for a unique bar experience check out Slim’s Last Chance on First Ave.