Take a walk on the dark side at this Gothic local haunt.

The world is a dark and scary place. I’ve heard this many a time — and I’m happy to say that I don’t subscribe to this way of thinking, for the most part. Still, there are some haunts out there that would inspire fear in the strongest soul, and Club Noc Noc is one of them.

There are two extremes at work here, seen in the transition between bland, dirty green exterior to rich, Transylvanian decor. Deeply recessed booths are easy to swell into, while the demon above the bar is nothing short of disturbing. Still more shocking is the bar television, which could be playing anything from Swordfish (2001) to Hardcore Japanese anime.

Potential sightings of Edward Cullen aside, I go for the food and drink. Noc Noc’s loose Happy Hour hours (Monday through Wednesday from  5 to 9 p.m., and Thursday through Sunday from 3 to 9 p.m.) include specials on Pabst Blue Ribbon — tall boys for $2 and forties for $5. The deals don’t just apply to beer — wells go for $3, while a bottle of wine will set you back $15.

The food is also top-notch, especially for the price at which you’re getting it.  Starting at $3, HH edibles include calamari, pot stickers and jalapeño poppers. For $8 or less, you can choose from five entrées — one of which is a very legit pulled pork sandwich. This menu truly has something for everyone.

Noc Noc was designed to be a dance club — a place to girate and be merry (or gothically sad, as it were). I have never met anyone who patronized the club for dancing purposes, but I do know plenty that have enjoyed the happy hour.

In Seattle, it’s a tried-and-true fact: if you want to survive as an eatery with an address, a decent happy hour is a must. By putting its faith in PBR and cheap eats, Noc Noc will continue its run at immortality.

Club Noc Noc | 1516 2nd Ave., Seattle | (206) 223-1333

Food + Travel Aficionado Jon Meyer will share his choice Happy Hour destinations every Thursday.