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The Century Ballroom on Capitol Hill is, in my opinion, the best spot in town to learn and dance salsa. It has a great, relaxed atmosphere and if you don't have a partner, it's a very comfortable place to go alone and meet some new folks. You can take a series of lessons or just show up for the mini beginners lessons that are held before the weekly dances.

Does anyone have other suggestions on where to go?

It's been a few years since I've gone, but Beso Del Sol in Wallingford used to be a hot spot in town.

And for lessons, try Salsa Caliente (http://www.salsacaliente.com/), which offers group lessons at the Phinney Neighborhood Center.

Yes -- Beso Del Sol used to be a hot spot for salsa, but unfortunately, it closed sometime in the last year or two.

Century Ballroom is the largest venue in Seattle and is a lot of fun. However, it is overly crowded and it is fun to mix it up by trying new places.
Meetup.com has a few salsa groups you can join to be notified about events, venues, lessons, parties, ... It free and gets can get you involved.
I would reccomend joining these Meetup Groups:

Salsa On 2! Cuban Rueda, Miami Salsa Dancing!!

The Seattle Salsa Meetup Group

Many clubs offer Latin venue depending on the night. China Harbor, many casinos, O'sian, Rocksalt, Babalu, check their website for times. Get out there and dance!!

I love Abbey Ballroom in Tacoma

1901 South Fawcett Street
Tacoma, WA 98402

http://www.abbeyballroom.com/home.htm

see http://www.seattlesalsa.com/clubs.html

Thanks for the seattlesalsa Web site, Michael. Just be sure to check the information before you make plans -- I notice it still lists Beso Del Sol on there.

In Ravenna, the new Community Fitness Center (www.communityfitness.com) offers beginner and advanced Salsa lessons.

China Harbor is a popular place for salsa. They open up some nights for dancing.

If your in Bothell, there are Salsa and other dance lessons at the Bothell Yoga and Health Center on Thursday and Friday nights, 7:30.
19110 Bothell Way NE

Lessons, Workshops, Practica, Dances at
2 different venues: Capitol Hill
http://www.centuryballroom.com/

Lessons, Dances (with 1 hr lesson): downtown
http://www.washingtondance.com/calendar/index.html

Lessons, Practica, Workshops: Belltown
http://www.dancesalsaon1.com/

Several other venus (Greenwood Masonic Lodge) have dances during the month, some with lesson prior to dance.

Sunday: Triple Door & See Sound Lounge

There are several studios with just lessons and a few community centers. Most of the community colleges have lessons too. There are also a couple places that teach salsa on 2 or Mambo (NY/Puerto Rican) style. There are many clubs that have salsa nights. Because these seem to change due to the salsa temp in Seattle, it's best to check using google for current info or ask an instructor at a studio.

Trust me, don't trust every website ~ always call in advance to make sure.

For instructors, check the Latin Entertainment Guide. If you can't find one at a local latin store, the number is 206.683.8963. It lists everything you need to know. Everyone wants to be in instructor now!!
For the best of instructors, I'd suggest Gail P. (Check the guide, p. 12)
Do you intend to PERFORM- as you said- or just DANCE?
I have been in the salsa scene for over 10 years, since before Century Ballroom moved in. Century is OK if you don't mind dancing with (mainly) students of CB... and I find that the men learn more choregraphy than skill to interpret the music there. One male "instuctor" with whom I used to dance was so competitive that he has injured many women (myself included) for lack of ability to lead. (We're talking broken arms here!) I avoid the place, but I know that many of my friends who are less comfortable around a truly latino crowd go there. I have some old friends who are very competitive, and they dance there more to "perform".

I like Rock Salt for Fridays and Saturdays. It has a fun feel vs a competitive feel, and most people understand the lyrics... which I think makes it easier to interpret the music. Biased? maybe. Salsa, merengue, bachata, etc downstairs, and reggaeton, hip hop, etc upstairs. China Harbor is OK, but on Saturdays it tends to be filled with older couples and sometimes CB dancers.
www.seattlerumba.com
www.djmanny.com
and of course, all of the Spanish-speaking newspapers in the area...

suerte!

Salsa is such a great dance! I'm trying to learn it myself at the moment. Getting there very very slowly! :)