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Restaurant list

The Best Places to Grab a Drink in Seattle

A photo of Red logo
by Alana Al-Hatlani
Updated June 16, 2022
Like the dazzling Emerald City itself, Seattle’s bar scene is a lot of things at once: it is a craft beer haven, teems with celebrated grunge dives, and boasts wine lists featuring the best of Washington’s locally produced bottles. No matter your drink of choice, there is a speakeasy, wine bar, or brewery for whatever strikes your fancy. Find your next drink at one of these innovative bars focused on craft, quality, and, of course, good times.
A photo of Deep Dive restaurant
4.7
4.7 (343)
$31 to $50
Cocktail Bar
Lake Union / Eastlake
About the restaurant

This nautical speakeasy from James Beard Award-winning chef Renee Erickson is hidden under the spherical Amazon headquarters. Inside, you’ll find an underwater grotto decorated with maritime antiques serving botanical cocktails inspired by the renowned Spheres, which house a variety of plants. The food menu offers sea-centric bites, from caviar to Spanish anchovies, but its star is the overhauled Seattle dog—a hot dog with cream cheese. The bar has a sophisticated feel, with a swankier dress code than what’s typically seen in casual Seattle—but that only adds to the sublime getaway feels.


Top review
AdrienneVIP
Dined 7 days ago
We didn’t realize how small the restaurant was, but the staff was wonderful and the food and cocktails were great. Hard to get in, but so worth the wait.
A photo of Whiskey by John Howie restaurant
4.7
4.7 (131)
$31 to $50
Cocktail Bar
Bellevue
About the restaurant

Set next to his eponymous steak house, this destination by storied Seattle chef John Howie is devoted to all things whiskey. Whether you’re looking to learn about the liquor or you’re a connoisseur on a quest for international and rare types, this bar boasts a prolific collection, thoughtfully selected by in-house curator Tim Lodahl. Dark wood finishes and leather booths lend an intimate feel. Pair your whiskey with hearty, meat-forward dishes such as wagyu steak nachos and flatbreads stacked with brisket.


Top review
Deanna Zeigler
Dined 1 day ago
Food, service and atmosphere was excellent! Will definitely go back.
A photo of Kro Bar restaurant
4.9
4.9 (632)
$31 to $50
Dining Bar
Bothell
About the restaurant

Classic cocktails fill the extensive menu at this under-the-radar spot just north of Seattle. House specialities, such as the Curtain Call, a drink made with a popcorn-washed bourbon, are mixed into the menu. The atmosphere at Kro Bar is intimate and stylish, with plenty of hat tips to its past life as a hardware store: there are 16-foot tin ceilings and carefully restored original wood floors. Fortunately, the vibe remains unpretentious—despite chef Dan Yule’s impressive pedigree, which includes stints at Canlis and Crush.


Top review
TRACY
Dined today
Wonderful craft cocktails-we sat at the bar and the bartender was fabulous. He was informative, creative and engaging without being intrusive. We had their burrata appy and will be back for dinner. Such a special place to find - speakeasy vibes. Going to try out one of their cocktail classes as well!
A photo of Ben Paris restaurant
4.2
4.2 (1184)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Downtown
About the restaurant

Located in The State Hotel downtown, this bar and restaurant offers playful but expertly crafted cocktails. Named for a historic Seattle entrepreneur, it’s a spot known for drinks such as the Seattle sour, made with apples, and a pine-infused old-fashioned. Swing by during happy hour for a chef’s tasting menu, featuring inventive Pacific Northwestern plates fueled with bounty from the Pike Place Market—at $50 per person with beverage pairings, it’s an irresistible deal.


Top review
BrianVIP
Dined today
Second time to Ben Paris, it wasn't as good as the first. The Halloumi and Hushpuppies were very good. The Octopus was chewy/overcooked and we sent it back. They were out of the fish special, but it was still on the board. The fried chicken was very good (best meal we had there), but the Mac N' Cheese that comes with it was kind of tasteless (no salt), and they do not put salt on the table. My friend had the NY Strip, which I thought was very tasty. My other friend had the short rib, which was good, but luke warm. Lastly my wife had the salmon, which was a bit fishy and again, lacking flavor, badly needed more salt and seasoning. The service was good, waitress was pleasant. Although I felt they wanted us to leave as we were the last ones in there (only 9:30 on a Sat night).
A photo of Purple Cafe and Wine Bar - Seattle restaurant
4.6
4.6 (5419)
$31 to $50
American
Downtown
About the restaurant

Purple is an oenophile’s dream. The wine menu reads like a novel, each page offering local favorites and rare vintages; many bottles are on prominent display inside the spiral wine tower in the center of the dining room. The bar bends around it, creating the ideal setting for a post-work happy hour or a drop-in after a downtown shopping trip. Choose from a menu of comfort food classics, from burgers to truffle mac n’ cheese, which get the gourmet treatment—and taste even better with the perfect glass of wine to go with.


Top review
Soren
Dined 3 days ago
Really like their wine list and the ability to buy two half glasses of the same wine grape but from different vineyards
A photo of Single Shot restaurant
4.9
4.9 (1316)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Capitol Hill / First Hill
About the restaurant

This overlooked gem in residential Capitol Hill is both a stellar kitchen and saloon. Expect detail-oriented cocktails accompanied by chef Aleksander Kubicki’s delicious menu of seasonally rotating fare. The marble bar is the perfect perch for a nightcap, where seasoned bartenders—many are transplants from the city’s other great bars—churn out reimagined classics, such as the Summit Avenue Sour, an irresistible blend of bourbon, chartreuse-maple, lemon, and bitters.


Top review
MichaelVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Amazing service and drinks love the sea bass and Foccacia
A photo of Artusi (21 and over) restaurant
4.5
4.5 (84)
$31 to $50
Italian
Capitol Hill / First Hill
About the restaurant

As the sibling to the acclaimed restaurant Spinasse, this aperitivo bar brings a sliver of Italian drinking culture to the heart of Capitol Hill. From Aperol spritzes to negronis, excellently curated wine lists, and even Italian beer, there is something for everyone— even the hungry. Food consists of antipasti and small bites, but a few of the famous pastas—half portions are available, too—from next door can be ordered.


Top review
Madaleine
Dined on Feb 15, 2025
Had a fantastic experience here for Valentine's day! The food was delicious, drinks were flowing and the service was lovely.
A photo of McMenamins Elks Temple restaurant
4.5
4.5 (1786)
$30 and under
American
Tacoma
About the restaurant

Elks Temple, the newest addition to the McMenamins family, calls itself a pub, but its dazzling stained glass windows and chandeliers hint at a grander existence. Housed in a historic Renaissance Revival building dating back to 1916, the bar features large windows with expansive views of Commencement Bay. The crowd-pleasing spot, with a killer brunch, is also a late-night hangout, courtesy of its gourmet burgers and house craft brews. The multi-level venue also hosts a variety of events in its Spanish Ballroom, from live music to comedy.


Top review
John
Dined on Feb 14, 2025
Such a wonderfully charming place. Really enjoyed our meal and friendly staff.
A photo of Herb & Bitter Public House restaurant
4.1
4.1 (374)
$30 and under
Gastro Pub
Capitol Hill / First Hill
About the restaurant

This quaint spot, on the north end of Capitol Hill, has cranked out some of the best cocktails in town for years. The comprehensive spirits program is centered around Italian amari and is enhanced by a Mediterranean-influenced menu, with both smaller snacks and entrees, such as the baked lamb ribs and fried gnocchi. Enjoy it all in a conservatory, featuring a retractable glass roof, occupying a 1,000-square-foot patio lined with string lights.


Top review
Robert
Dined on Jan 18, 2025
Everything was great and the inside of the restaurant was very cool.
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