Frankly, I'd never even heard of the Bookstore Bar before some friends of mine took me there. No, it's not a book store, it's a bar! We'd arrived about 9 on a Friday, and were surprised to find it mostly empty (a group of 4 at one table, and another patron at the bar). But by the time we left a little after 10, however, the place was hopping. The thing about bars: when they look empty, no one wants to go in for fear there's a reason that they're empty. But the minute you hit some critical mass, the bar will fill. Exactly that scenario played out the night we were there. Don't be dissuaded! It's a nice bar, cozy, with some hidden nooks and crannies to take a seat in, and also a reasonable selection of drinks. We all enjoyed it immensely. read more

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My friend KR has a residency on Thursdays so I was in the area and stopped by to support her. I stayed at the hotel a few weeks prior so it was nice to Joey there again and he was in the kitchen this night preparing food. I ordered a Paloma which was made perfectly and a cobb salad with salmon. The set up is so cool in this bar bc it is like a bookstore and theres floor to ceiling books and the vibes preserve the historical building. If you're looking for something to do pop in you'll like it! read more

Bookstore Bar & Café - Fish & Chips Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This was a lovely and casual place to stop at ahead of our concert at Benaroya Hall. It's on the first floor of the Alexis Hotel and very convenient and stress-free. We enjoyed the happy hour sliders, chicken tenders, and fish and chips and it was all very tasty and handled by a very friendly server. The Blackened Manhattan cocktails were delicious and strong. We'll be back for sure. read more

Bookstore Bar & Café - Table behind the bar. - Fish & Chips Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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I ate here a few times during my two night stay. I had both breakfast and dinner here. For breakfast I had their breakfast burrito and for dinner, I had their clam chowder, steak frites and potstickers. Overall, the food is decent but nothing really stood out or made me feel like I needed to come back. I probably would not eat here, if I was not staying at the hotel. But, the bar looks like a great spot to grab a few drinks. read more

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I visited the Bookstore Bar and Cafe with one of my best friends in Seattle after attending a 49er vs Seahawks game. As soon as I entered this cafe, I was enamored by the ambiance and the concept. The cafe is designed to look like a large library with very classy bar tables and chairs. My friend and I ordered Espresso Martinis and I have to say that this cafe serves the best Espresso Martinis! It was a bit slushy with the right amount of espresso, vodka and liqueur. Yummy! The service was fabulous. Our waitress acknowledged and took our order as soon as we sat at our table. I would 100% recommend a visit to this cafe if you find yourself in Downtown Seattle. read more

Bookstore Bar & Café - Espresso Martini - Fish & Chips Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Average food but such cute interior lined with books on the shelf! House red and white were pretty tasty, and happy hour tots were very enjoyable. Portions were a bit on the smaller size to share. read more

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I loved the library decor of this bar and cafe located within the Alexis Royal Sonesta Hotel in Seattle. The bar has a happy hour menu and plenty of nice choices. The charcuterie board was $12 and perfect for 2 (but one person could smash it, too!). The service was prompt and guests were piling in after 5pm. I never got to try a meal, but really enjoyed the bar. read more

Bookstore Bar & Café - Charcuterie Board - Fish & Chips Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Service was very attentive! Food was impeccable, the soup of the day (Friday) was tomato basil and came with mini grilled cheese which was perfect. The ambiance of being in a book shop just make its cozy and inviting! The old fashioned and espresso martini were so good we ended up having 3 each! read more

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A 3.5 is probably a better descriptor for our experience. The food was fine, but the service was mixed: very friendly but also slow. Our server was very friendly but was constantly chatting with the bartender and not checking on their 3 or 4 tables, who we watched have to walk up to the server to get their checks. We also had to walk up to get their attention to get napkins, get our check, and then again to pay our check and they told us they forgot about our food so it had been sitting under the heat lamp for a while. They did offer to get us fresh food if it tasted off but it was spring rolls and wings and we had waited a bit already. Again, very friendly service, but just inattentive despite there only being about 3 tables including us. I will say the drinks were very good and came out quickly. The ambiance was also great because you feel like you're in an old book store. I'd come back and try again maybe during their cafe time and see if it's more consistent. read more

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When they first opened the food side of Bookstore the quality blew me away. I don't know what happened between then and now but things have definitely changed. They used to have my favorite burger in all of downtown. Wagyu beef burger with a side of twice fried French fries. Now it's just like any other sit-down diner burger for the same price. I also miss the book themed names for the drinks felt so on theme and unique. Unfortunately this is no longer my go-to spot for great food. read more

Food was great the wings had a lot of sauce and great flavor. We loved our sliders and burgers. So convenient since we are staying at the hotel read more

Bookstore Bar & Café - Wings - Fish & Chips Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Bookstore boasts of a gorgeous bookshelf-lined, selective and sparse decor that felt immediately cozy on a rainy evening. Service was impressive- fast, friendly and attentive. They had a handful of gluten-free and gluten-friendly options on the menu, and gave us a fair warning on cross-contamination. We celebrated a colleague's birthday that evening, and they graciously offered a delightful complementary dessert to share. Food was delicious all around. read more

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Killer ambiance. Good service and drinks were on par. Food was quick and deliciousness. Bartender was great. read more

Bookstore Bar & Café - Daiquiri - Fish & Chips Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Great service, good drinks but food was just ok. The service was excellent and very friendly. Nice ambience. read more

Bookstore Bar & Café - Loaded Tots - Fish & Chips Near Me - Seattle, Washington

How I heard of this place: In June of 2018, I met a colleague here for a coffee and snack meeting. It was her choice, and I was delighted as I'd walk by numerous times without ever having entered. Type of cuisine: Upscaled American bar/pub food. Ambiance: A sophisticated bar setting, complete with shelves of books, desk lamps with amber lighting and a mansion library colors and detail. What I ordered: An orange mocha and butter lettuce salad ($11). What I loved: The creamy beauty of the orange mocha. Why I loved it: Simple, yet satisfying, tasty and convenient. Cost: High ($15-$24 per lunch entree) read more

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Nice restaurant inside the Alexis hotel with a beautiful interior and an outdoor patio. We went twice and tried PNW clam chowder, Caesar salad, lamb meatballs, and a side of bread. Both times the food tasted great and our servers were on top of their game. read more

I live in the neighborhood, this place is so cozy for dinner and an evening cocktail. The menu rotates so here's their winter offerings. Service is great, everyone is kind. The receipts are kind of weird, you tip before your card is run since it's a hotel restaurant it's set up to be "charged to a room" so just make sure they actually run your card before you head out. The fish and chips is a must try. read more

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Nothing like a great friend, a surprise business trip, a good bar, and an amazing bartender. I'm from here, my best friend was here on a business trip from SC. What a great opportunity for half remote work and half staycation. The staff at the Bookstore am was amazing. Great selection of whisky, bourbons, and scotch. From a comfortable stool in a cozy bar, he took me on a storied trip through Europe and has an incredible custom Manhattan. read more

The ambiance and quality of food was amazing! I am definitely coming back! The libations were strong and tasty! The chowder is a must and the burrata! Look for Terence as a server he was the best! Knowledgeable and pleasant! Mention my review! read more

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Nice atmosphere, quiet. Good service and the food was good too. Prices were reasonable given the location.

This is a cute restaurant and bar below the Alexis Hotel downtown. The staff was very attentive, at times almost too fast to take something as you are finishing it. The cocktail offering was limited considering it's listed as a full bar. We ordered a Paloma and an old fashion, both of which were just ok. We also had the fish and chips along with the fish sandwich. Both felt pretty oily vs crisp and fresh. Overall, it was just ok but not a restaurant I would go out of my way to return to. read more

Really enjoyed this restaurant during my stay! Great food and nice intimate place for happy hour and dinner. Lovely service and beautiful interior decor. Typical American food, definitely stop by if near! read more

Bookstore Bar & Café - Fish & Chips Near Me - Seattle, Washington

We found this place last minute. Thankfully they were in the middle of a soft opening so we got to try it out. Very cool decor and vibe. Books are my favorite things so a library is heaven to me. The drinks were great! Very well put together. I was just visiting Seattle, so I hope I can get back and try it again. read more

Delicious home cooked breakfast sandwiches and coffees to start our day. Beautiful building, interesting architecture, excellent service at the counter. read more

Found this hidden gem while waiting for a friend downtown. This quaint little restaurant is tucked away inside the kimpton hotel. One glance in and you will fall in love with the place! The place is cozy, elegant, unique in style with decorative books around and uber friendly servers! What I loved: Drinks: I forgot to save the drink picture but I ordered the giving tree for my drink and it was soooo pretty! They make super fancy drinks! Ambiance: laid back atmosphere with eclectic decor that works wonders for the ambiance. It's cozy, warm and inviting! Food: it was like eating art! Well art that tasted divine! The seared albacore tuna was simple yet decadent. It melts in your mouth! The gnocchi had delectable sauce ... the pea and spinach cream sauce gave a perfect balance of savory-sweetness to the dumplings. It was fresh and wholesome! Service: The best service ever! Each and every team member there was happy, inviting and warm! It lifted my spirits just to be there! From hostess to servers to bartenders, to floor manager, this place is has a family feel to it! Price: reasonably priced! The have a killer happy hour menu and deals! Can't wait to check them out for HH! But the regular price menu items are good to the pocket too! read more

Bookstore Bar & Café - Seared Albacore tuna with bok choi and pickled peppers - Fish & Chips Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Great food and service from the staff and especially manager - Joey. Would definitely come back again for the great ambiance and hospitality! read more

Such a cozy yet chic place to have drinks and grab a bite to eat. Great service. Great food. Great drinks. Affordable prices. The food provides upscale gourmet dishes that feel cultured and taste amazing. read more

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I was looking for a brunch spot this morning and I'm so glad I came across Bookstore Bar and Café. I'm staying in downtown, so it was walking distance from my hotel (a plus). Bookstore is located inside the Alexis Hotel and is a "library"-themed spot - which I love. What can I say? I'm a bookworm. The restaurant is beautifully structured and has multiple entrances and corridors with seating. I didn't see what the back rooms looked like, but they were lively with patrons. I sat in the bar room - it's equipped with a full bar, bookshelves stuffed with old books and bottles of spirits, access to the hotel and plenty of tables for seating. Seating is self-serve so I sat by the window (I need plenty of natural lighting for my photos, which you'll see). I had previously viewed the menu online, so I already knew what I wanted. Our server, Heydy, dropped off menus and took our drink order. I quickly perused the menu and noticed the sourdough pancake stack with apple cider syrup, cheese and bacon was not on the menu and the server confirmed this. I'll admit, this was a let down as I was looking forward to it, but looking at the situation cup half full, I took this as an opportunity to order something else. I ordered the French omelette and shared a sourdough pancake - the pancakes aren't sold in stacks but à la carte. The French omelette was delicious. It was stuffed with a soft and crumbly cheese (paneer) and was decorated with sweet and spicy hazelnuts, grapefruit segments and herbs. A side of toast of choice was also served - I chose the brioche. The omelette overall was fantastic. So many flavors and textures that went well together: creamy, nutty, sweet, herbal, bitter - and what tied it all together, in my opinion, was the jam that came on the plate. It was a tomato jam base that was perfectly tart and spread like tomato paste. I ate it with such gusto. If it wasn't already apparent, my meal was exceptional. Great food, service and ambiance: the perfect experience. read more

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this is specifically in reference to henderson's pop up at bookstore bar. I had just sat down and was waiting for my date to arrive and the manager was berating one of the staff in a completely unprofessional way. can't recommend anyone eat at a place that treats their staff that way. I've been a repeat past customer at bookstore bar but wont be coming back while Henderson's is here read more

A+ spot. A book THEMED restaurant/bar with craft cocktails and delicious food. I noticed some people wandered confused whether books were sold but no- this is a high end eatery with a high end customer experience to match. I enjoyed the dry rubbed chicken wings, a delicious "daily taco" and the Page Turner gin drink. All were exactly what I was craving. The warm and friendly conversation from the bartender Raymond topped off the experience. This place is good for just stopping in to sit at the bar, having a date night or meeting up with one or two friends. The bar is located in a hotel, but to me it only elevates the experience. read more

I took my friend here for a birthday brunch as we were on a mission for avocado toast, and we found it. The coffee was okay. The brunch was okay, but the avocado toast was delicious. With a "too cool for school" vibe, I expected more from this place, and it was honestly just okay. Maybe they have more to offer with a dinner and drink menu, but I wouldn't go out of my way to change my mind. read more

Bookstore Bar & Café - Eggs Benedict with bad coffee. Avocado toast in the background. - Fish & Chips Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Came here after a day out with some girlfriends. We've always wanted to go inside and check this place out so we did! We came pretty late in the evening but had just eaten and didn't want alcohol so we asked the bartender/server for mocktails. He asked us a few questions about what we liked and quickly came up with a drink for us. It was pretty and tasted good. It was so nice of him. They also have board games inside so that was fun too. Would definitely come back and this time actually get food and drinks! read more

Bookstore Bar & Café - Fish & Chips Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Taco Tuesday was awesome, really good pricing and honestly as a picky eater it was delicious

Had a great night out with my husband and to find this little Magical location was a great way to end the night. It was great to find a location that offers drinks and is a coffee shop. We were greeted by a great Bartender who kindly assisted us to our table. My husband had the Smoke Spice cocktail he loved it! It was perfectly made and it was well presented. I was a bit sad to find out they had no coffee or hot chocolate. The machine is not available after a certain time. I was super bummed out since I thought it was great that they assist non alcohol drinkers and believed that we can also come and enjoy this amazing space. The great news is that the bartender was so polite and accommodating that he said I'll make you a nice hot chocolate. He had to make it himself so sweet. This gesture is they type that makes this world a better place. Thanks to him we stayed played a few board games and hubby was able to enjoy his drinks. Thanks again. I highly recommend this location and hope that they can keep the coffee and hot chocolate machine going. Deft. Will be great for business. read more

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Dessert review only------TBE (The Best Ever) Bookstore is unlike any boutique hotel bar I have ever seen. It is swanky and appears to be a premier watering hole in downtown Seattle with outdoor seating and lots of windows. After a grueling work day followed by a business lunch elsewhere, I wanted to enjoy the rain-free day but I was not ready to have a cocktail. So I opted for a refreshing dessert to enjoy on their patio. The server recommended the hazelnut gelato and the rest is history. When it was delivered, I just had to take a picture. It was beautiful and my mind was blown before I even took a bite. Think I'm crazy? Well, I am happy to also report that at least 5-6 pairs/groups of people passed by and said either "that looks amazing", "what is the name of that?!" or "I am going to have to try it, is it as good as it looks?". I would seriously return for this dessert again and again and again. It tasted exactly like a Ferrero Rocher in ice cream form with real chocolate and nuts. ..... If you have room for dessert, you should treat yourself. read more

Bookstore Bar & Café - Hazelnut Gelato with candied hazelnuts a/k/a ice cream Ferrero Rocher - Fish & Chips Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Stumbled across this place while looking for a coffee and a quick bite. We didn't really find the coffee we were looking for (they did have coffee but just the basic espresso or drip). What we did find is a fantastic savory pancake of sorts. It had smoked salmon, caramelized onion, seaweed, salmon roe, green onion, kewpie mayo, an okonomiyaki style sauce and togarishi. It was surprisingly good an big enough as a meal for one or a light meal for two. The interior is pretty cool too with bookshelves (with leather bound books ) high on the walls and a bit of an old timey feel. It looks like it would be a pretty cool spot for a drink later in the evening. read more

Bookstore Bar & Café - Savory Pancake! - Fish & Chips Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Bookstore Bar, you already had me at Happy Hour from 2-6 daily, but $1 oysters!!! Initially we were disappointed when we walked by The Bookstore Bar and saw all the brown paper coverings, but there was a billboard sign pointing out that they were under renovations until mid-February 2014 and we could still go to The Library Bistro by the lobby of the Alexis hotel. So that, we did and we were not disappointed. We had half a dozen oysters, bacon jam apple crisps, and clam chowder for food. For drinks, I had the cabernet and my hubby had Anchor Steam Beer. We had an hour to kill before my hair appointment, otherwise I think we would have tried more items. But what we had was simply delicious! The oysters were salty, briny goodness. The bacon jam on apple crisp with a touch of crème fraiche had the right mixture of savory and sweet. And the clam chowder was not the thick chowder I'm accustomed to, but a thinner chowder presented with the clams still in the shell and it was delectable. I'm looking forward to when the renovations are completed and, for sure we'll be making a visit again (even if only for the oysters). read more

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I came here for a holiday dinner with two friends and we decided to each pick a dish and share all three: Bookstore chowder - very tasty but no clams! There were a few clam SHELLS, but I don't think I had a single clam, and my friends mentioned they couldn't find any either. As good as the chowder tasted, you can't have clam chowder without any clams. All this said, this was still the best item we ordered. Oxtail ragu - flavorless! and dry. Not much else to say. The pasta was hard too. Don't get it, unless you want to add your own salt for "flavor." Sauteed calamari - for $18, this was tiny. The chilies gave it a kick, but otherwise, nothing special. Overall, we weren't impressed with our meal and got hungry not too long after dinner. This place isn't really worth trying, even with the cool bookstore ambiance.. especially because parking is paid street parking in busy downtown too. read more

Bookstore Bar & Café - Bookstore chowder, dinner portion. No clams, just shells. - Fish & Chips Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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We came here on a Sunday for brunch and it wasn't too busy. I've been here before for drinks and I loved the atmosphere. It reminds you of being in a sophisticated and cozy book shop. We ordered the eggs Benedict and a bloody mary. The bloody mary was really good. The bf wanted it to be extra spicy and the bartender delivered. It was so tasty. The eggs Benedict dish was just okay. I definitely tasted better. The ham was supposed to be grilled but I didn't really taste that. The hollandaise sauce wasn't as flavorful as other brunch places I have tried. I do want to note that the poach eggs were perfect. The service was great, our server was really friendly and attentive. I will definitely come back here for drinks but reluctant to come again for brunch. read more

Bookstore Bar & Café - Eggs Benedict - Fish & Chips Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Favorite brunch spot turned fav new tasting menu for dinner!! I've been a fan of their beautiful brunch/afternoon delight tasting!! Loved everything from plating to tea pairing to that shaved dry egg thing! It's just cool! Last night: we got to try chef Eric's new local menu! 9 courses of fun using local products and wine pairing. It was a cool few hours of oohing and ahhing over stunning dishes. Started out with a stunning oyster, clams and mussels in a beautiful box! Presentation!! Not sure how long it took them but it was beautiful! Followed by stunning smoke fish in oil! My gf and I both loved it! There was also a box of crab! Beautiful glass box with crab 3 ways and shells!! Spicy: yes! Crunchy: yes!!! Savory: totally! Took a few moment to admire this beauty! Chef also served us steak, beautiful fish!! Mushroom!! And his famous burgers with custom buns! Love that it came in a lunch bag! It was a feast!! That itself is a meal! My friend wanted them as sliders so she can carry them in her purse :P Ended with not one, not two but three desert! I'm not a dessert person but I ate them all happily!!! Also: it was a pretty fast pace dining experience. Two hours went by fast!! Food is always coming out or on our table!Thanks for our awesome feast!! Visually stunning!! With so many cool new spots opening every week in the city: it's hard to choose which one you go back to if you go back to any at all!! Even if you have the appetite/ time isn't there!! But this: Love coming here! And love the fact that they keep coming up with cool and new ways to taste local flavors!! Making tasting menu fun in Seattle!! read more

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