Ballard vs Belltown, best nightlife?

I am new to Seattle, looking for the best nightlife spot. I tried capital hill a while back and did not like it at all, too many noisy clubs, too noisy you can’t even talk to others without shouting, also to many cover charges. I loved the crowded atmosphere though, but that’s it.

I’d like to find a popular bar scene that is also crowed atmosphere like capital or similar but with no noisy clubs, mainly a social atmosphere to drink and meet new people and talk.

Is this ballard or belltown?