To those of the Northwest, fall weekends mean comfort-food-filled nights spent by the fire with an age-appropriate spirit on hand and your exhausted rain boots on the hearth. Be honest, though—as satisfyingly simple as those nights in may be, deep down the soul craves something a bit more attention grabbing after a long workweek. What could be more riveting than dinner and a top-notch performance?
That’s right. Swap that bowtie pasta for a real bowtie and let the rain boots dry off while you hit the town in heels, because you’re going to dinner and a show! Check out our list of some of the best places you can sip up and chow down at amidst vaudeville, cabaret, local bands and more.
Can Can Kitchen and Cabaret || Seattle
Inside the underground world of the world-famous Pike Place Market is the Parisian paradise of the Can Can, tucked in the heart of the market. This venue serves a Pike-Place-Market-Fresh meal of locally sourced ingredients and house-crafted cocktails from the Absinthe & Craft Cocktail Bar as a cabaret counterpart. If you aren’t quite ready for fall, you can catch the tail end of the Can Can Dance Troupe’s tropical show, Flamingo, until mid-October. Come November, the troupe transitions into Wonderland—don’t be surprised if you see some chandelier swinging, lots of glitter and some aptly-placed tassels.
Eddie May Mysteries || Portland
As a traveling sort of show, Eddie May Mysteries can be found at several restaurants throughout the Portland area such as The Stockpot Broiler and Mazza’s. These murder mystery dinners foster an interactive atmosphere of acting, so now’s the time to remember those tips from that extra-curricular theater class you never thought you’d need. The current show, “Great Gatsby! It’s a Murder!,” is a Prohibition-era affair, so you’ll want to arrive at “The Shanghai Club” Speakeasy dressed in your most impressive 20’s attire prepared to illegally wine, dine and decide who did the crime.
Guilt & Company || Vancouver
Vancouver’s historic yet funky Gastown neighborhood is home to all things revolutionary, including unique and edgy performances by local artists. Underground bar Guilt & Company certainly has no shortage of edge–electric blues, loop pedals, poetry and ska beats mesmerize guests while they chow down on a bold plate of poutine, or perhaps ostrich tartare for the daring. Shows take place seven days a week and include a vast selection of whiskey and wild cocktails, so it’s pretty much guaranteed you’ll find one that’s just your level of eccentricity.
The Keefer Bar || Vancouver
Nestled in Vancouver’s Chinatown, The Keefer Bar is devoted to providing guests with a revolving variety of performances throughout the week. From energetic DJs to soulful musicians to burlesque “Sweet Sip Thursdays,” this venue will surely have something to suit your style. The apothecary-inspired cocktails aren’t to be overlooked—they are created with house-made bitters, syrups and teas. With names like “Zen & Love” and “Pagoda Soda,” these thoughtful concoctions pair perfectly with the menu of Asian cuisine featuring ingredients from local Chinatown markets and herbalists.
Teatro ZinZanni || Seattle
A spirited trifecta of comedy, cirque and cabaret, Queen Anne’s Teatro ZinZanni puts the quirk in this neighborhood, with at least three new shows per year. The current fall and winter show throws old Hollywood into the mix showcasing fortune, fame and fine dining. You’ll be transported to those Hollywood Nights in a circular tent-covered antique atmosphere, which offers the perfect view from any seat. A gourmet meal and Hollywood-themed cocktails will no doubt make you feel like a celeb during the performance. Be sure to follow the dress code to get the true experience—if you forget anything important (or merely can’t resist that feather boa), the ZinZanni Boutique has you covered.
The Triple Door || Seattle
If you’re looking for a show paired with the classic “city lights” experience, there’s a seat waiting for you at The Triple Door in the center of downtown Seattle. The now urban-infused building echoes its Vaudeville history straight from the roaring 20’s with an intimate main stage featuring a variety of touring national acts while guests sip wine and cocktails paired with Asian cuisine from the venue’s popular restaurant, Wild Ginger. Catch “Burlesco DiVino: Wine in Rome,” only September 30 to October 3, a two-act show that celebrates “wine, beauty and frivolity across time.” You’ll also want to check out the Musicquarium Lounge happy hour where 1,900 gallons of freshwater and live music await.
