Most of the great bars in Seattle are where you’d expect to find them: Capitol Hill, Ballard, and the city’s other trendy neighborhoods. But this week’s column is devoted to the great, or at least interesting, bars that pop up where you’d least expect them.

Targy’s Tavern, Queen Anne (600 W. Crockett St.): Of course, other neighborhood bars feel a bit out of place with their surroundings, but few do it with as much verve as Targy’s. Just a short stagger from some of Seattle’s most expensive homes sits this Prohibition-era throwback, which until relatively recently didn’t even have a full liquor license. The clientele is eclectic, to say the least: locals who enjoy the no-nonsense vibe, as well as die-hard regulars who may not be able to afford multimillion-dollar mortgages, but can at least belly up for a beer or two.

Commuter Comforts (Terminal at Pier 52, 801 Alaskan Way, Ste. E): Drinking on the Washington State Ferries remains a woefully limited proposition (unless of course you BYOB), but if you happen to find yourself with a bit of a wait to head to Bainbridge Island or Bremerton, Commuter Comforts offers a strong selection of local brews, a great view, and a chance to enjoy the curious people that make a commuter bar their regular hangout.

Teacher’s Lounge, Greenwood

(8505 Greenwood Ave. N.): As the restaurant and bar scene continues to expand out from the city center, it’s only a matter of time before even the most staid neighborhoods have quality cocktail bars. Such is the case with Teacher’s Lounge, which is very much pushing the envelope in a neighborhood best known for dive bars like the Baranof and Yen Wor. Carefully crafted cocktails and a cohesive theme make it a solid destination for anyone stranded north of Fremont.

Company, White Center

(9608 16th Ave. S.W.): While Greenwood might never be cool, White Center is getting hipster-ified at a breathtaking rate. Company is the place to spot many of those who have fled the increasing rents of Capitol Hill but still want to find a quality cocktail, at White Center prices. In a neighborhood that until recently was a destination only for Mexican food, Company could become a rallying point for cocktail nerds in search of the next great thing.

Orient Express, SoDo (2963 Fourth Ave. S.): I’m not sure I can quite recommend the Orient Express’ food or drinks, but the experience is well worth it. From the no-holds-barred karaoke to the regular drag shows to the sheer strangeness of eating and drinking in a bunch of old rail cars, it’s definitely unique. SoDo is actually rife with weird bars; from Monkey Loft to Aston Manor to Hooverville, it’s becoming an interesting neighborhood for more than pre-gaming.

Any other obscure or unexpected Seattle bars you love? Write me at thebarcode@seattleweekly.com.