The U District might seem unrecognizable to folks who hung around in previous decades. But the more it gets built up, the more precious its longtime basement pub becomes. The College Inn—a little dark, cozy yet surprisingly spacious—has pool tables and dartboards. But more than that, it has a vibe. It’s the kind of place that makes undergrads feel sophisticated and old folks feel unburdened. There’s no better bar in Seattle for a meaningful conversation with a friend or stranger.