Seattle’s Most Exclusive Bars and Speakeasies
Stepping into a secret spot, through a concealed doorway or down a secret staircase is always thrilling, and that’s why we love speakeasies so much. Whether you frequent these hush-hush spots or have never used a password or clandestine entrance to a cocktail bar before, we think you will love these fun speakeasies in Seattle, Washington, just like we do.
Bathtub Gin
2205 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 728-6069
In the former boiler room of an old brick hotel, Bathtub Gin has been quietly serving customers since 2009. Enter this speakeasy through the back alley, although the bouncer decides when you step into this three-story hidden spot. Once inside, a winding staircase leads to a cozy downstairs and a fully stocked bar. Snag a seat at the “library” area and order one of Bathtub Gin’s signature cocktails like The Problem or The Answer (best served in quick succession.)
Needle and Thread
1406 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 322-9734
This small speakeasy is connected to Tavern Law and the excellent food served at Tavern spills over to Needle and Thread. Visitors here call up the speakeasy on a rotary phone and then open the door to a safe to grant passage to this upstairs bar. Ordering drinks here is an adventure too because you tell your server what flavors and drink profiles you like, and then the bartender concocts a custom-mixed drink that they think you will love. But the Sockeye Salmon Crostini or the Charcuterie Board, among their offerings, make fantastic companions to the surprise cocktails.
Knee High Stocking
1356 E Olive Way, Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 979-7049
This RSVP-only speakeasy serves a sampling of Asian and Filipino items in a tight space, so be sure to plan ahead when you visit Knee High. The entrance is through a side door on the street but it still gives off speakeasy vibes. Once inside, we love to savor the blueberry-flavored Genie in a Bottle or a smokey Erudite cocktail while we wait on our Sample Platter of lumpia and Asian chicken drumettes to arrive.
Deep Dive
620 Lenora St, Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 900-9390
This speakeasy-style bar found inside of the Amazon Spheres feels like a step back into the glamorous roaring 20’s. To access Deep Dive, look for the curvy, art-lined hallway that leads down into the plush seating and bar area. The menu changes daily here, but past favorites here have been the gingery Night Caper as well as the coursed tasting menu that has included Blue Pool Oysters and the Strip Loin.
The Alley
4509 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116
(206) 937-1110
This hidden speakeasy is accessed behind Bonjour Vietnam restaurant, in the alley and through a wall of lockers. Inside, The Alley’s dark, candlelit and cozy space feels every bit like a modern speakeasy. Classic cocktails like Cosmopolitans share tables with amazing Vietnamese food like Shrimp Chips and Caviar and other small bites like Edamame and the surprising French Macarons.
Founders Club
411 University St, Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 287-4060
This speakeasy social club and bar is located in Seattle’s Fairmont Hotel, and visitors enter through a large swinging bookcase hidden in plain sight in the lobby. Once inside, the rich woods, oversized leather seating and subdued lighting set the stage for a classic cocktail experience. The Founder’s Club menu is fairly extensive but some of our favorites have been the small-batch bourbon cocktails like the Waterhouse Syndicate and the absinthe-tinged Self Starter.
The Backdoor
462 N 36th St, Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 632-7322
The inconspicuous entrance, through the backdoor of another restaurant in Fremont in the back parking lot is a fun twist on the speakeasy set up. Once inside, the huge murals, sparkling hanging lights and oversized mirrors on the wall create a real back-in-time experience. Visitors here rave about the insane cocktails, but The Backdoor also offers delicious food like their sharable Truffle Fries and Fried Calamari.
Remedy
602 4th St, Bremerton, WA 98337
(360) 627-7494
A speakeasy-inspired bar, Remedy doesn’t require any special tricks to get in. But Remedy’s cool vibe and tasty cocktails are certainly reminiscent of the prohibition era, making it a popular destination for the cool set. The spare interior and large welcoming bar are the perfect settings for visitors here to try out Remedy’s High Roller Cocktail Club. Drinks on this specialty menu include the Perfect Manhattan and Between the Sheets, but Remedy also serves up legitimately good food. Our favorites so far at this fun spot are the aptly-named Gatsby Burger made with honey-bourbon aioli and the Quebec-style Poutine, loaded with pork belly or bacon.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Seattle dining guide!
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