In the City of Mercer Island there are bars and then there are places to chat, and have beverage. One of these places is Asa! Owned by actor, celebrity and entrepreneur, Hill Harper, Asa is named after the historic Asa Mercer, from the family of Seattle's original founders from the 1800's. Today, Asa is, almost literally, at the center of everything in Mercer Island. Generous amount of street parking. Quick access to I-90, great beverages, and a wonderful and personable staff. This place is not a bar, but a modern neighborhood lounge. It is complete with fire pit, wood panels, and a unique character in both its outdoor seating, and indoor tabled lounge, that it would be difficult to duplicate in any city. Craft beer? It's there. Diet Coke from a can with lime? They got you. Signature cocktail? They have it. Uniquely designed menu inspired from vinyl records?? Asa has that too. The only thing is food. Asa is not restaurant. But it does have a very tasty handmade charcuterie platter that definitely hits the spot. Bring friends, or come to contemplate your thoughts at the bar with a staff that actually cares about your well being. You're probably already a regular after reading this review, and not even know it!! Which means... you have to stop by. Enjoy the drinks and the atmosphere, at Asa!!!!! See you there!! read more

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Asa Gathering is a true cocktail bar with a lounge vibe. Intimate and comfortable, Asa offers classic cocktails as well as many of their own concoctions. Very chill, very relaxed. I haven't been there for lunch or experienced their morning routines to comment on that. I visit in the evenings when it isn't overly busy - a challenging feat - and sat at both the bar and in the lounge area. The service has been excellent, but patience is a critical skill here as the two times I've been here there is one person attending to everyone. I have not visited during the summer with their patio open, but something tells me the addition of another with the patio keeps the server to customer ratio the same. Not that one should be in a rush at a cocktail bar! This isn't some place you dash into and dash out of. This is where you go to kick back, relax, and sip. read more

Fantastic coffee and cocktail bar in the middle of the Mercer Island commercial district (is it really a downtown?). I had a few hours to kill so I started off with an espresso macchiato. It was a good quality espresso but I also noticed that their cafe menu had some very interesting coffee drinks so will try one of those next time. Shifting gears, I moved on to cocktails after an hour, and started off with the bartender's special creation, blackberry sunset, which included gin and her homemade blackberry syrup. The drink was delicious, with great balance and flavor - think gin, blackberry, and lemon. It's even featured in this month's Mercer Island magazine! I saw a bottle of genever, so I also ordered a genever Martinez, which was also very good. The place is popular with a steady flow of customers, and I can see why. If Mercer Island is considered the East Side, I think I found a new favorite bar on the East Side! read more

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Great cocktail bar on the Island! A really great selection of spirits. If you are chasing allocated bourbons, come here to try and taste them yourself. Our bartender Tyler was well versed on both Bourbon and Gin - and our group got a few different cocktails and not one of them disappointed. Great decor inside, nice and chic. Patio is great on a spring or summer day. One of the few places with a decent outdoor patio. Perfect place to stop before taking the light rail downtown for a game or a concert. Will definitely be going back. Ask them to make one of your favorite cocktails, but with a different spirit that the bartender recommends! read more

Asa Gathering - Great bourbon selection ! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Mercer Island, Washington

Such a chill spot on Mercer Island to stop and grab a drink! Coffee in the morning/afternoons and cocktail bar starting later at like 4pm? I think. Stopped to grab coffee and do some work. Bring your tech already charged because I couldn't find an outlet. I don't think the space is made for that! Seating: outdoor patio and indoor. Inside it was a bit warm and stuffy because it was a rainy and humid day in Seattle. Service: super nice service! I also overheard the employee being very patient with a customer who sounded very rude (to me). Latte: good foam, latte art, and strength of the espresso was just right read more

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I've been here during the day for coffee and at night for a drink. I love both vibes. During the day, I love the outdoor patio--it makes you feel like you're in a peaceful European garden surrounded by green on a beautiful patio. The indoor decor is different, beautiful and speak easy-esque. It's cozy, intimate and fun. Outdoor patio also has a fire going, which is nice for the evening. The drinks were pretty good. They have a couple snacks on the menu but not a full food menu. Definitely a fun spot for a party too! read more

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Went on a Wednesday night. Meh. WAY overpriced. Poor service. No need to experience this place a second time.

I'm here after a hh with coworkers from the medical center to have some alone time. I ordered a gin martini which is typical of me. The GM took great care of me and introduced a new gin that I had not tried before, which tasted truly fabulous. This place lived up to my expectations and then some! Great neighborhood bar when you need some R&R after work and before the loudness of from family :) Cocktail was amazing. Great atmosphere! read more

Really cute bar with good cocktails, albeit a little sweet. (We got Mercer 75 and something else I can't remember.) It's a tiny space so not great for more than 4 per party. It was a rainy night so we couldn't enjoy the outdoor setup, but that also looked nice. There was just one bartender doing everything by himself for a full room on a Saturday night. He did great, but I think he'd need help if people spilled outdoors. They exclusively serve drinks, no food. However, I'd encourage a standard nuts & pretzels for a small fee to keep the drinking going. read more

Asa Gathering - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Mercer Island, Washington

Upon entering it is clearly more of a liquor bar than a coffee bar. I was really hoping for some good coffee and maybe a pastry, since I was pulled in by the sign outside boasting about "organic coffee" and bakery items. It's a very small space, they made it cozy and the patio looked great. I had a lot of time to look around because I waited so long. The bakery items were on a plate on the counter right next to the contactless pay thing. There was no cover, or barrier between the pastries and the many people coming to the counter. I've seen buffets that have better distance and covering between people and food. There seemed to be only one barista and one bartender. More people kept coming in, At one point the bartender asked the barista if he could help her, though he wasn't trained. Seems unorganized and coffee was mediocre at best. If you want a cocktail you'd be in the right place, but a cafe this place is not. read more

Great atmosphere and friendly staff. Have always had great experience, lovely in the summer on the patio.

Asa is one of those places you walk into once and instantly think, Oh... this is going to become a problem. A beloved, delicious, keep-me-coming-back kind of problem. Locally owned, beautifully run, and absolutely overflowing with craft, Asa is everything a Mercer Island bar should be. The cocktails? Thoughtful, balanced, and downright impressive. The food? Elevated without ever feeling fussy. The atmosphere hits that rare sweet spot between date-night polished and neighborhood familiar. And then there's Zeke--the bar manager, the legend, the mixology wizard, my personal hero. Whether he's crafting something off-menu or guiding you toward your new favorite drink, Zeke and the Asa team deliver hospitality that sticks with you long after the last sip. Asa has quickly earned a spot among the Island's must-visit spots, and if you're lucky enough to grab a seat at the bar, you'll understand why. Come for the cocktails, stay for the people, and leave wondering when you can justify coming back again (hint: the answer is probably tomorrow). Cheers to Asa, to local ownership done right, and to the hero behind the bar. read more

Just got home from a lovely HH at Asa Gathering. Cute neighborhood place on Mercer Island with a great outdoor patio and very friendly service. Bougie, yet still down to earth, if that makes sense. The cocktails were delicious and as creative and customized as you would like. But, I mostly came here to highly recommend the green olives! There were just a few on our charcuterie board and I was lucky enough to be with a group that doesn't eat olives. They are AMAZING! House brined in oranges and chili peppers. Just the right amount of spice and sweetness in a combination I had never experienced. Next time I'm ordering a side dish of olives to go with my old fashioned. Thank you Mitch and also to the person who makes the brined olives - yum! read more

This hidden little cocktail bar is a true gem of Mercer Island! While it is a small space, they truly transformed it into a cozy chic vibe with lots of musical character. The outdoor seating area is about as big (maybe bigger) than the inside and provides a fresh, comfortable place to enjoy delicious drinks on a nice day. However, the true delight are the drinks themselves. They have the traditional cocktail list and have put their own unique twist on their signature cocktails. My husband got the Roanoke old fashioned which provided a depth of rich flavor, I got the Fire & Bloom which was perfectly refreshing with a touch of smoke. We cannot wait to come back and try more of the menu! Highly recommend uber for transportation. read more

Very cute coffee lounge to sit and enjoy some quality time with friends or loved ones!

What makes this place special are the people! Hannah and Mitch know their craft and make people feel like this is a home away from home. The ambiance is warm, inviting and cozy. Expanding their food menu would make me give them six stars. Mercer Island has been waiting for a place like this for years. Thank you, Hill. read more

Love Asa Gathering! Such a cute little coffee shop during the day with two fun and fantastic baristas, Hannah and Mitch and a fun cocktail spot in the evening. Whether you're there on a Sunday evening or Friday evening the night crew is always fantastic. Michelle, Mitch, Hannah Tyler, Zeke, Sasha, and April always deliver outstanding service! Highly recommend Asa! read more

Cam, Adam, Sasha and Alexa were great! Friendly staff and incredible drinks. Great little cocktail lounge with fun vibe. Highly recommend! read more

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Nice place cool vibe. Good drinks. I was recommended to come here it is my first time in Seattle area and this place did not disappoint. Great spot Hill. read more

My friend and I visited ASA on a Sunday evening. The openness and modern but yet exquisite detail that was put into this cocktail bar is far beyond average. With every detail you will see that the owner had his customers comfort in mind when designing and decorating. Luckily the owner was present when we visited and what a kind and welcoming man he is! As we enjoyed our crafted cocktails he made sure to visit every table in the establishment and introduce himself and ensure everyone was happy with what they had ordered. The customer service and delicious crafted cocktails were top tier. What a beautiful addition to Mercer Island. Thank you for being here! We will definitely be back! read more

Asa Gathering - Pink Lemondrop - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Mercer Island, Washington

Mercer island needs this place. Hill is local and solving what MI wants. Great staff, spot, and experience.

What a fantastic new place in Mercer island! The decor and ambiance is amazing. The service was incredible, Sasha was extremely personable and accommodating. May just be my new favorite spot! read more

Asa Gathering - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Mercer Island, Washington

Really nice drinks. Loved the spin on the old fashioned. The patio was great but unfortunately, as it's spring in Seattle, there were a lot of bugs so we moved inside later. Really cool spot read more

Its a great place to finish your night after a long day. Friendly bartenders , cozy environment and great drinks!

Incredible mixologist at work here with an eclectic, cool vibe that is very welcoming. A nice cozy place to sit awhile enjoying a drink and conversation. Some light food options would be great and I understand in the works. read more

A great place and atmosphere and amazing cocktails! Definitely a hidden gem on the island and definitely coming back. read more

Asa Gathering - Bar Area - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Mercer Island, Washington

Went in the other night amazing drinks, the food was spectacular. Great service by Tyler very friendly.

I went to Asa and had a great time. Tyler was bartending and made me a dealers choice cocktail that was perfect. Good music and great atmosphere, I will be back soon. read more

Amazing staff and cocktails in a chic comfortable atmosphere. Adam made me an amazing tequila espresso martini that I will be back to have another of. Michelle and Sam were so kind. They were so cohesive as a team. Our every need was met and we look forward to returning. read more

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Love this place! Amazing environment, great drinks. Sitting outside and having cocktails is great.

Asa is a a place that is a must to go on Mercer Island! Tyler made us some great drinks and we loved the environment and outdoor area!

worst experience I've had trying to buy a cup of coffee there in my life. 1. drip coffee machine hasn't worked for a week 2. ordered pour over instead. $8.50 3. did pour at my table. but it was cold. Asked for a refund, as I had to leave. 4) she brought me a small Americano I didn't order. would not give me a refund. 5) brought wrong sweetener 6) receipt said "AM BAR B" was her name?". and other problems that take too long to mention. won't go back. read more

We were in for the Halloween Mercer Island celebrations and enjoyed a cozy table at Asa towards the end of our night. Greg took excellent care of us and whipped up fabulous drinks. Highly recommend Asa Gathering for cocktails, wine, and pre-dinner banter before a mealtime resy as they are strictly beverage service. Can't wait to sit outside on the patio next Summer! read more

Surprisingly for a cocktail bar, the specialty cocktails were overly sweet and made in batches. Could barely finish the Roanoke Old Fashion. Service was great. Spirit selection was limited. Saved by the great ambiance and decor. read more

This place is super cool and sexy. Great atmosphere and location. However....the bartender working was completely aloof. This place is a high end cocktail bar with expensive drinks, that is fine but I expect the bartender to know his craft. My gf ordered a mojito and it did not taste like one nor did it have mint in it. The menu said that it had mint so I asked if he can put some in it and he ground some up in the palm of his hand and threw it in her glass. He complained later to my friends that I did not pay my bill after I left. I most certainly did, he probably didn't tally it right and I didn't notice. I'm going to chalk that one up to "don't blame me, I was drunk" defense. Still bad form on his part and he kept getting my friends bills wrong also, after a few tries he got it sorted out. I will still come back again. This place is neat and I dig the vibe. I love that they stay open to 2am and I will make sure I double check my bill as I don't want to stiff anyone. I can only get away with the "don't blame me, I was drunk" defense so many times. read more

Asa is a hidden gem on Mercer Island. They have a great atmosphere and vibe. The attention to detail in the design is impeccable- inviting and eclectic. We went there for drinks, had a little charcuterie board and we're about to leave to go get dinner when Adam said we could order from Mio Posto and he or Cam would go get it for us. Which was awesome because we didn't want to leave! Adam braved the thunderstorm to get our food and we enjoyed a great time at this place. They are up and coming with amazing potential - my only suggestion is to fancy up the charcuterie board a bit- but otherwise Asa is fantastic and will definitely be a regular spot for us! Thanks Adam and Cam for great drinks and great service! read more

I recently went to Asa with a large group and we had a great time! We were seated on the patio, which had an amazing vibe with the fireplace, couches, and the staff really went out of their way to take care of us. All the cocktails were excellent and the staff was very helpful on making suggestions. It's the perfect spot for an evening out with friends, very chic but still laid back, with really great drinks - We'll be back! read more