European Vine Selections, aka "the wine shop on 15th," has been an unintimidating resource for good wine (with lots of bottles under $10) on Capitol Hill for 25 years, and every Friday they host a free wine tasting from a different region. One person you may find pouring is EVS partner Doug Nufer, who is a civic treasure of both friendly, low-key wine knowledge and experimental writing. Free.
Geeks Who Drink is a company that hosts trivia quizzes at different bars every damn day of the week, here in Seattle and all over creation, usually free (except for bar owners, who pay a "reasonable" rate). Starred for geeks who drink who like pub trivia.
Literally millions of happy hours are taking place around Seattle RIGHT NOW. One is highly likely right under your all-too-sober nose: Find out where it is here (for iPhone users) or here (for Luddites). Food! Drinks! Cheapness! Yes! CHEAP!.
Gone are the days when drinking cocktails in the middle of your workday was considered acceptable—except every Friday at Vito’s, where imbibing is encouraged with $7 martinis.