Bars with unique drinks and skilled mixologists, including a few hidden places you’ll have to find your way into 😉
Map
Make a reservation for this James Beard-nominated bar—it’s in high demand. Drinks are on the higher end but made by some of Seattle’s most skilled bartenders, including Erik Hakkinen from Zig Zag Cafe.
Roquette
Zig Zag is THE quintessential “Old Seattle” cocktail bar. They have live jazz 3 nights per week and some of the most skilled, knowledgeable bartenders in the city. One of their former bartenders went on to open Roquette.
Zig Zag Cafe
One of my favorites for their seasonal drinks and amazing staff. Try their brown butter spiced old fashioned.
Otter on the Rocks
Seattle’s oldest skyscraper has an observatory and bar on the 35th floor. I’ve been a member here for years and have never had a bad meal or drink. They also offer afternoon tea on weekends, which is quite lovely
Smith Tower
Canon has drinks with incredibly unique presentation. Worth a visit for the experience!
canon
This quaint bar has two stories and awesome seasonal drinks
The NOOK
Make a reservation; Inside Passage is hard to get into. Tucked inside Rumba, this bar has pirate- and seafaring-themed drinks. It’s a novelty experience that I’d recommend doing once, though it’s not a regular spot for me.
Inside Passage
Excellent Black-owned bar for unique drinks and DJ nights. If the Purple Drank is on the menu, get it.
Revelry Room
While I miss the southern food menu that Percy’s used to have, they still have an excellent, unique drink menu. By far one of the best bars in Ballard!
Percy's & Co. Seattle
Blink and you might miss this tiny bar, but don’t miss their drinks made with seasonal fruits! A nice, semi-hidden spot in Ballard.
Hazlewood
This is a wine bar, but it’s the most peaceful, intimate wine bar in the whole city, in my opinion.
The Barrel Thief
Once you find the hidden entrance, you’re greeted with a plethora of gin drinks and a real bathtub inside.
Bathtub Gin & Co.
Come for the tasty smashburgers and drinks. Stay for the PNW camping theme at a West Seattle spot where the staff knows their regulars by name.
Camp West
If you like rum, you’ll love Rumba. It’s a great spot for tiki drinks with a tasty food menu as well.
Rumba
Come to this hidden speakeasy for decade-based drinks, a sweet sundae dessert, and live jazz two nights a week. I won’t tell you how to get in because that’s part of the fun!
The Alley
NLT has a small menu of strong drinks and tasty Chinese food. Get the salt & pepper prawns or the General Oh Tso Good Chicken.
New Luck Toy
This Spanish-inspired bar offers bold flavors and a nice tapas selection. I attended a media preview of the menu and enjoyed the experience.
Bar Sur Mer
A sign may point you in the right direction for this Queen Anne hideaway. You’ll be glad you stopped by.
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This South African cafe is not to be missed! Stop by for beautiful decor, unique drinks and small plates, and live music!
Karoo Cafe
If you like fun nautical themes, Carnellian Bay, the patio bar at Dreamland is a laid-back hangout with neat decor and a great deal for happy hour. Get the spicy chicken and the Fresh as a Daisy or the Garden Party.
