Electric Tea Garden

ETG was a brilliant place.
It’s closed now but for the community that understood the culture, it won’t be forgotten!

One of the best nights I’ve had in Seattle was here a month ago. No attitude, great progressive and house music. Decent cover for awesome music. The crowd was friendly, didn’t feel like a meat market, everyone was there to enjoy the music. Refreshing. Only thing that tore me apart was the bouncer said the lease was up at the end of November, so I don’t think this party is around anymore, or at least at this address. Please confirm.

Electric Tea Garden. Cool name for one of the coolest boogie get-​downs in Seattle. It’s a tiny lounge with a big boomin’ sound. I had a chiropractic experience on the dancefloor there one time while listening to the deep deep soulful house music sounds of Eugene Fauntleroy. The bass re-​aligned my spine, i’m not kidding.
I heard this place was closing. That makes me sad. It has been my standby neighborhood afterhours electronic dance music home since i have lived in Seattle. *sigh*

I think like so many others in Seattle, I’m a recent transplant. I’m from Ohio actually, and I knew when I came to the PNW as a vinyl DJ and producer that I was going to have to find my particular night crowd. I didn’t have to Unilocal for long before I encountered ETG, and after having been a couple of times on my own, I wanted to distinguish what I’ve encountered at ETG from the more popular dance club variety, as well as relay the same thoughts that many of the other reviews have stated.
People don’t attend ETG because they’re looking for the most popular «EDM» imported from Europe. You won’t find Armin Van Buuren, Skrillex, Above & Beyond, Afrojack, Arty, or anything of the like played at this joint. In fact much of the music doesn’t have a face or a name at all. It just comes with a subtle bite of the lip, closed eyes, and hands way in the air, reaching out for an unstoppable groove.
I would classify ETG to be of the more traditional underground dance music experience. The ceiling is low enough to punch a hole in, the DJ booth only contains a couple of Technics SL-12’s, there are only two restrooms, the business is cash only ($ 10 cover), and heck the entire shin dig is actually just in ONE big room. A lot of this has been stated before, but I would like to point out my reasons for why, in the terms of Martha Stewart, this is a good thing…
ETG doesn’t try to stimulate you with ridiculous lights, gimmicky music, or a false sense of fun. What makes the experience unique, especially in Seattle, is its practice of bringing people together for the art of dance. People talk about the Seattle freeze, well — this is one of those places where that convention is often broken. It’s a location of love, music, and celebration. If you’re a genuine kind of soul and you’re looking for what I like to think of as the ‘real world’ in electronic music, then it’s hard to be let down with such inviting staff and patrons who will show you exactly what the boom-​boom trance house sound is all about.
If you enjoy techno music, if you enjoy deep house, TB-​909, prog-​jam, chill breaks, whatever — all with exactly the positive vibes that you have been searching for in electronic music, then ETG might be your spot. You will find yourself addicted at the slightest hint of a smile and a beat drop that the next time you check your clock you’ll realize you’ve been out far past two in the morning.
I can’t remember the last time that I have had so much fun staying out until sunrise.

I’ve been here two or three times… always after hours. My experience is that the amount of fun you’ll have here is 100% dependent on the DJ. I’ve been there and danced my face off to the oontz oontz oontz well after the Washington state government says sale of alcohol is prohibited. I’ve also been here when it seemed a much better idea to chill on one of the benches than sweat your ass off on the dance floor. Both can be a good time, but I really prefer the former.
Pro Tip: The cover is waaaaay negotiable… especially if you have breasts or are a really charming guy. Better yet? If you’re both!

Why is this listed as being in the Central District? Silly, silly Unilocalers. One star for catering to after-​hours let-​me-​sober-​up and dance to bumpy house tunes, one star for friendly staff, and one star for having an ATM available. Negative one star for all the people using the bathroom inappropriately and for TOO LONG, and negative star for patrons not being aware of their surroundings and causing me to spill my own drink on an innocent bystander (again, pretty lady, I’M SORRY). Basically, it’s crowded as eff after 2 AM and don’t come here if you have to pee every 20 minutes. Other than that, I usually enjoy myself here. :)

One of the very few spots in the city to get your after hours dance on.
Friendly staff, long lines for drinks unless the legendary Tippet is pouring.

I’ve never been to a club with so many cute, awkward boys standing around and swaying awkwardly to the beat. It was entertaining to watch.
My friend and I showed up at around 1:30AM and it wasn’t too crowded. Cover is $ 10, but I got in free for my birthday and my friend got in for $ 5. Sweet. We grabbed a drink and then headed to the dance floor.
The music was loud enough to feel the vibrations of the bass through your body, but not deafening. We had a lot of fun dancing to the electronic and house music. What I loved most about this club was that everyone there was so different from one another. There wasn’t necessarily a «type» at this venue. It was a really cool mix. Some people were dressed up really nice with suits while some people were dressed super casual and barely wearing anything at all. It just felt really chill. Others have commented on this before me, but I’d like to reiterate — you are free to do your own thing without judgement. Dance how you want or just have a seat and watch. Have an alcoholic beverage or a glass of water. Chat and laugh with people or be a loner. Doesn’t matter. Just do what feels right for you.
By 2:30, the place got really packed. The dance floor isn’t very big, so it was crowded. I think a new DJ started spinning and the music suddenly got louder. We decided to call it a night. I will be back.

Most excellent downtempo electronic beats are spinning at this low key, all are welcome music club. Everyone is cool. The bartenders are friendly and the whole place has a real chill vibe, where you are welcome to consume the music in the manner you enjoy best (dance, sit, nod your head to the beat, whaaaaatever). Don’t worry about how you’re dressed. Just come with an open heart, open mind and open ears to some good music. Think The xx, St Lucia, M83, Beach House, SBTRKT & many more artists you may not know. Drink prices are reasonable.
THIS PLACE REALLY HIT THE SPOT.

Electric Tea Garden is 100% love. The place is based on incredible music and the feeling that you are safe, you’re with family, and you are loved. All the staff members are friendly, happy, supportive people who bring fabulous skills and personalities to the table.
The music is incredible 95% of the time. There is that errant 5% where I end up going somewhere else, but that’s because I’m fussy and certain genres of electronic music just don’t do it for me. Otherwise, this is the place I end up almost every weekend.
You can show up in costume, glitzed out, casual, or come in a burlap sack. No one will care, you will not be judged (though if you opt for burlap, people might wonder how you can deal with the scratchiness).
This place is an incredible place to dance (and has well-​kept hardwood floors) and to make new friends or connect with old ones.
They have drinks galore, and even have tea, as their name implies.
I wouldn’t trade in ETG for all the world. Electric Tea Garden is Seattle’s Best Nightclub, hands down.
Catch their shows and get invites by liking them on facebook. You’ll be 100% more likely to run into me that way. :)

This place is as Seattle as a dance club can get! It brings back the PLUR! Local DJs, local people, nothing fancy, just a PA, turntables, a bar and a comfy little reading /​couch /​make out area in an otherwise kitschy space. There is no pretentiousness here. No one is rich or dressed up. The décor is falling apart, just posters and stuff. It’s dirty and grungy and divey and AWESOME! The people here are here to dance with their friends and listen to their friends spin records, and it is always a cozy, warm, fun time if you aren’t a phony snob. The «Cheers» of dance clubs in Seattle. Just don’t be a douche! This is the place that most amazing nights in Seattle end up. They have DJs and dancing till 4am!
P. S. If nature is calling, you may have to go elsewhere. The line for the bathroom can be brutal!

When I first moved to Seattle, a few of my friends here turned me on to the Electric Tea Garden (or ETG as we affectionately call it).
The Good:
— The place has that cozy after-​hours private loft-​party vibe, which makes it a little smaller and intimate that some other clubs on cap hill.
— Speaking of ‘Vibe’, the bouncer is so awesome that you may inadvertently find yourself outside talking to him for awhile.
— There is a small free coat check area nestled in a corner of the club, which is nice.
— This club seems to have a lot of ‘regulars’ which are generally really friendly. You won’t find a lot of randoms that come here, but even those that do seem to be friendly and sociable as well.
The Bad:
— The venue has awful ventilation, even in the dead of winter, so it is always really hot inside and breaks needed to ‘cool-​down’ outside tend to be frequent. However, the upside to this is you get to socialize a little easier without the loud music drowning out your voice so that is nice. Also, because of said heat, for some reason some people simply just stink of B.O. and think nothing of it, which I find extremely unappealing in a social setting.
Their are two unisex restrooms which, generally have long lines. Don’t be surprised to find yourself dancing while getting into lengthy conversations and making new friends in the bathroom line. If you get desperate about the bathroom situation, I suggest going around the corner to the parking lot area behind the church next to the venue and finding a somewhat private area to use the restroom. It’s faster, and you can cool-​down as well.
— The music is generally chill house or similar music which doesn’t seem to change tempo or beat much most of the night. It’s not my favorite, but its not awful either. Besides, if you want more variety, or to bang it a little harder, the Chop Suey just across the street; and can provide you with a little more variety and you can just mob between the two venues having a good time.

A Saturday night and a couple friends suggested we go to Electric Tea Garden. I had no idea what they were talking about. When we we arrived I was surprised at the location. I’m a student at SU and I literally passed the place every single day and never once noticed it. Sneaky, ETG, very sneaky of you.
Had a great time! It really is like dancing at your (awesome) friend’s place. Friendly staff, friendly dance goers, all around good time.
Like many others mentioned it’s cash only at the bar, which I find a little annoying. However, I also find it annoying when I leave my card at the bar. Didnt check out the bathrooms, gets steaming hot when people really get into it. Such fun! Can’t wait to go back.
I went here on Pride weekend and someone was snapping pro photo’s, not sure if that’s a common thing? But I have no idea where you view them, that was sort of random.

This is the only place in seattle I can reliably say that on any given saturday night i am guaranteed a great time. So Viby, So fun, so awesome! So I would call myself a regular– actually, more like a fixture. Why? IMHO, this is not just the place to go for afterhours, Its for any time its open because i know my friends will be there.
What else is rad?
1. 4 Corner sound that is properly EQ’ed (90% Of Seattle clubs are either too loud, or do not have good sound)
2. Great, fun atmosphere. The staff are dedicated, love working there, dont overserve the patrons, and it shows. The venue rotates out their weekends with different underground house and techno promoters– ensuring the music remains fun, current, sexy, most importantly, FUN! This isnt a place where you will ever hear crappy bro-​step, burner breaks, anthem trance, or tweaker jackin house.
3. They are so smart about what shows and promoters they bring in to make sure that no douchebags frequent the venue. This is important — a diverse, gay and straight, dancefloor makes for a really fun time.
4. They almost never close before 4 am on the weekends– which means that folks don’t have to drive drunk home, giving the party a more «it ends when it ends» feel that really reminds me of raving back as a teen. Hell, I have seen them open in the summer until like 9 am at times if the party is still rockin’.
5. They don’t ever play top 40, or non underground sounds on the weekend– as this eliminates the «tourist» factor and keeps the drama out.
6.The room is small– (and they dont ever go very much over capacity) so the party remains like a great house party, where you can meet people easily, have a really good time, and make a new friend (or 3).
7. The bar manager Tippett is fast, professional, pours amazing drinks, and can whip up a creative cocktail if you ask! They even have a wide selection of rare whisky, curated by a very close friend of mine.
8. A lot of people dont realize is but the guest talent they have had recently on the weekends are some of the biggest names in underground dance music. If you lived in a bigger place like miami, or SF, or LA, you would have to pay a 40 dollar cover and brave 1000 plus people to see the level of the DJ’s they bring into this small and viby club. They have had some really huge names in there recently like Manik that got #8 album of the year on
— and never over advertise the events so it keeps the tourist factor out!
9. The lack of bathrooms actually makes it sorta fun– I have made some great friends just chatting with folks standing in line.
10. Vibes eyes are like magic sunshine rainbows dripped in glitter.

I’ve only been here once, so perhaps it’s a bit premature to review… overall, I had a good experience here. I attended an after hours event but arrived earlier in the evening and had a chance to order drinks before last call. The bar staff was friendly and the pours were reasonable. Was happy to see so much seating for an establishment this size. The door man was hilarious and made the short wait in line enjoyable. While I don’t get up to Seattle often enough to go here regularly, I keep an eye on their bookings, and they are a great addition to Seattle’s night life.
What I don’t enjoy about ETG… the bathroom situation is poor. When it’s crowded, you can end up waiting in line for a long time to use one of the 2 unisex restrooms. The ventilation is also really, really poor, and when it’s crowded and people are dancing, the venue becomes unreasonably warm. («Rave rain» dripping from a 8′ ceiling… awful). Were this a normal venue, I’d rate it 3 stars based on those problems, but I’m come to expect some logistical problems from after-​hours clubs in most cities…

The positive: the door man (awesome), the bookings (awesome), and the whole after-​hours thing (quadruple awesome + awesome bonus).
The negative? Welllllllll. I know this is kind of unfair, but I have to judge the place by the patrons. Why? Because this is one tiiiiiiiny space and the crowd is going to make or break your experience. Unless you are beyond such concerns, and in that case, say hi to the moon people for me. Let’s break it down! 1. Rave skanks all over. Ick. 2. People using the one bathroom for non-​bathroom purposes. Uuuugh, I have to pee. Get out. 3. A mix of weirdly snotty and overly friendly (and sweaty) folks. This can be really overwhelming; I prefer a balance of the two and preferably a normal amount of sweaty.
I will be back, duh, because they’re one of the city’s première after-​hours venues. Plus come on that door man is the best! I might just have to be hanging out with the moon people myself so I can rise above the other patrons.

Was ok on New Year’s Eve, only one sleaze-​bag in the joint. AWESOME door guy («Vibe»), bitchy bartender. Lots of b.o. in the place, and to be honest, the music seems to be the same song ALL NIGHT. Oh well. And really, I’m SICK of covers (but that’s not like, a personal thing against this place). Anyway, it’s worth checking out. If you like the music, you’ll probably love this place. Although, I dunno how to describe it…
Oh yeah, and I got a piece of cake once. That was nice.

Can’t speak to the tea here, but definitely a great space that throws some awesome shows and is open late, which can be a challenge in Seattle. Saw one of my favorite Bay Area DJs here, M3, and definitely loved the space, crowd, and vibe. Located upstairs, the entrance is not on E. Pike and is off to the side, so walk around. There is a full bar but drink up while you can, bc the shows here can last past 4am. As a plus, cover is usually very low. Seems like a lot of electronica/​DJ shows have moved here recently, which is just fine, as I love the space!

This place has top reviews so perhaps I just happened upon a weak night. I hope so because the place looks like it has potential, very non-​descript and you could feel like you’re dancing at a friend’s place, it’s a club without the pretense of a club. I’m just sad I had to pay $ 7 to listen to really non-​danceable beats and an earful of electric vibes gone cuckoo. It was pretty empty and the guy we’d gone to see didn’t end up playing.
My favorite part of the night was probably meeting Vibe, the bouncer. Yea, that’s his name. And he has beautiful eyes.

Electric Tea Garden (known to regulars as ETG) is a small, cozy, living room-​like bar/​dance club. Located in the space above the old Artificial Limb Company, the ceilings are low, with wooden beams running through. The bar is small, cash only, and the drinks are strong and cheap.
The best thing about this place is the amount of talent that comes through every weekend. Each night is different, as they are organized by different promoters. The music is ALWAYS good, the vibe is always positive, and everyone is amazing.
i love this place, i call it my «Cheers»