Of all the gin joints and all the bars in all of Seattle, sneak in To these secret spots.
Ah, the Speakeasy. A bastion of the prohibition era, the land of bathtub-mixed solutions to the problems of the early 20th Century. While the days of swilling some industrial-strength, peel-the-paint-off-a-car liquor in a dingy den are at least better regulated these days, we still pine for the sights, smells, and feeling of a good speakeasy. It’s a place to shut your phones off, have a conversation about something classy, and drink. In Seattle, we’ve got a few spots to check out for your next nostalgia trip.
Before we move forward, yours truly, the beacon of ethical journalism and torrid exposes - is biased. I work at one of these joints. In the spirit (get it?) of secrecy, I will not say which one. But I’ve done my research, and I can tell you that you’ll find me sipping in one of these spots any given week. Before we toast, here are some...
Pro Tips:
Be Adventurous: ever had celery bitters in a cocktail? Maybe you’re down to try your favorite bourbon with a little firewater in it. Hell, throw an egg white in there too. Your bartender has all sorts of tinctures and formulas to make a unique drink.
These Places are Small: Like, tiny. Like, your party of 10 with no reservation is probably not going to be seated on a Friday night. Plan accordingly.
Be Patient: to optimize your speakeasy experience, budget extra time if you have reservations. These places are generally small, fill up quickly, and have fewer people on staff than the average bar.
There’s Not Always a Seat at the Bar: be nice to your server. You can always come back a second time.
NEEDLE & THREAD
Call. Make a reservation. Show up on time. No appletinis, Jagerbombs, or vodka Red Bulls. These are a couple of the house rules that make up Needle & Thread, and while they’ve got their protocols, it is one of the most popular drink destinations in the city. Located inside of Tavern Law on Capitol Hill, Needle & Thread boasts killer cocktails. The attention to detail from the bank vault door to the phone to call the bartenders make the experience even more unique.
Bathtub Gin & Co.
Located in an alley in the heart of Belltown, Bathtub Gin & Co. is a cozy cocktail destination. With a capacity of 39 and no reservations, the joint fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Watch the bartender mix up his own Dealer’s Choice cocktails or get cozy in The Library, a candlelit side room that’s perfect for groups or close conversations with your date. Pro tip: the weekends are always one in, one out. To get the full spirit of Bathtub Gin, go in on a Sunday or Monday.
Knee High Stocking Co.
A speakeasy that is hidden in plain sight on Olive Way, Knee High Stocking Co. takes reservations via text, but if you’re lucky you can find a spot without a reservation. Along with an extensive cocktail menu, Knee High serves plates such as spicy mac n’ cheese and bbq mini burgers. I recommend the Kentucky Bite, a smooth bourbon concoction with cardamom bitters that will turn even the most hesitant of bourbon drinkers to love it.
The Backdoor at Roxy’s
This Fremont hideaway has live music every Wednesday, half off food during happy hour, and oyster shooters for $2 on their late night menu Thursday through Saturday. Sip on a classic cocktail underneath salon-style mirrors in a big plushy booth and you’ll feel transported to the prohibition era. You may end up talking about the war, Woodrow Wilson, or the latest Chaplin film you saw for a penny.
E. Smith Mercantile
Alright, so this Pioneer Square spot isn’t necessarily hidden. In fact, walk down 1st Avenue South and you’ll be able to look right in at the 14 lucky people who managed to grab a seat at the bar. Surrounded by tinctures and formulas, E. Smith Merchantile is laid out like an apothecary that specializes in spirits and solutions. Get there for some high-level concoctions.
The Upstairs
Another Belltown favorite, the Upstairs has a tiny bar but enough tables and couches for groups. Head up a flight of stairs to a cozy yet open atmosphere that invites curling up with a good drink and good friend. They have DJ sets on the weekends to set the mood and industry specials on Sunday and Mondays. This place doesn't serve food, so grab a bite at Pinxto downstairs before you sip.
Tucked away in the depths of Post Alley, make sure you look up for the sign. Alibi Room has long been a favorite destination for writers, thinkers, and drinkers in the city center. On top of fantastic drinks, the Alibi Room boasts Dungeness crab dip, bruschetta, and other delicious small plates. Look past the gum wall for this spot.
THE Diller Room
The Diller Room is located below the Diller Hotel, and it's easy to find from the street. However, word in on the street is there's a super secret room located inside the Diller Room, up or down a set of stairs that has, in fact, been there since Prohibition. Am I telling you that I know exactly if this rumor is true? Even I won't say...
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