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    Founders Club

    4.1 (83 reviews)
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    FOUNDERS CLUB ATMOSPHERE

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    Joseph G.

    First of all I would like to say thank you to the amazing host that was willing to allow me to take a single seat in the cocktail lounge. After entering through a fully furnished bookshelf against through the wall. The atmosphere was absolutely amazing and very private. I would definitely return for the vibes alone. Water wand cashews were served very promptly after taking a seat at the trundle seats wrapping around the main pillar. I went with the FLEUR DE FLORET: Chanterelle Infused Michter's Bourbon, Cinnamon Angostura & Lavender Bitters... The drink was phenomenal but the service was even better.

    Amanda V.

    Speakeasy in the Fairmont? Twist my arm. Hidden behind a bookcase in the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Founders Club is a sultry, Prohibition-inspired lounge that blends 1920s glamour with modern sophistication. With its plush red velvet chairs, leather sofas, and polished brass accents, the space feels like a secret sanctuary for cocktail connoisseurs. The bar specializes in rare and vintage spirits, offers liquor lockers for regulars, and features a curated cocktail menu crafted with house-made syrups, fresh ingredients, and premium liquors. Each drink is a carefully composed experience. On a random street in Seattle, Founders Club would have been too much; inside the Fairmont, it was just enough. The intimate setting, ambient lighting, and theatrical drink presentation (waterfall pours, hand carved ice diamonds) put Founders in first place for the weekend. Cheers - if you can find the hidden door.

    Amaretto sour
    Lisa M.

    There are small bites here and cheese plates, but I only had drinks. The service was amazing Sarah was so full of knowledge and so accommodating. The ambience was so chill and groovy. When they said last call everyone was so sad lol great spot.

    Michael N.

    Been hearing about the bars at the Fairmont so decided to come here for a couple drinks. Definitely cigar bar vibes with decor on the masculine side. It wasn't as busy so the service was pretty attentive given only seeing 2-3 staff. The drinks were good but pricier but it was expected for a hotel bar.

    Inside
    Elizabeth M.

    Immaculate taste! This speakeasy is hidden in the Fairmont hotel. The bartender was super accommodating and gave amazing recommendations. I believe I had the whispering palms. That was honestly one of the best mezcal drinks I have ever had. Smooth and silky with a light smoky finish

    Kelly S.

    We had dinner at The George so we decided to try the bar, too. Definitely make a rez way in advance. The entry was fun, but we stood there for a few minutes not knowing who to ask. But once inside the bar, nothing too special. We did see the bartenders doing a synchronized prep for a drink that was kinda cool. The drinks were more expensive, but tasty. Would return if in the area, but since you have to make a rez, not sure I'd be back unless I'm dining nearby.

    Chevalier S.

    I didn't get to try the food because I had another reservation planned. However I will plan to try some of the bites next time, because the look and smell of them were tempting. The vibe of this place is old school from a different era, sophicated and all. The drinks selection was impressive and the bar tenders were top notch. What's not to love about a bar behind a bookcase.

    Bar
    Rebecca Q.

    A wonderful New York style speakeasy with the cutest interior! Hidden behind a bookshelf within the beautiful Fairmont Olympic hotel with very friendly staff. A cocktail could range from $28 to $55 (a bit pricey), but worth the experience and matched the ambience.

    Wake up call
    Kristin S.

    Reservations are recommended, but our party of 6 walked in and lucked out on a Tuesday. They checked ID's, tried to pull mine apart! Trust me, at 49, I'm (flattered) and well over drinking age, lol! Loved the atmosphere- secluded, dark, cozy. The drink offerings are amazing, I want to try it all!

    Casey D.

    Amazing sazerac, service, and truly felt like a speakeasy! The bookcases open as doors and you enter a darkly lit, beautiful bar which feels like you're away from the world!

    Interior bar - IG @bougiefoodieboi
    Kyle W.

    Located behind a bookshelf in the lobby of the Fairmont Olympic, this speakeasy opens your mind to a nice variety of cocktails. Reservations recommended, but I was able to walk in as a party of 1 and got seated at the bar on a Tuesday evening. Perfect (or not perfect) timing, I went here the first day they switched their menu to their summer rotation. That meant I got to taste test, but on the other hand, I am one of the firsts to check out one of the drinks. I tried the Clover Club and Daisy Fizz. There are a few other drinks that I want to try, but the cocktails here are quite strong (and also a bit more on the expensive side likely for that reason). Clover Club is a pretty aesthetic egg white gin-based cocktail which has some floral notes from the cherry blossom vermouth. I found this easy to drink and fairly strong. Daisy Fizz is another egg white drink but not as aesthetic as the Clover Club. It has ingredients that are fairly unconventional such as avocado and saline, so it was quite an experience to try it. Besides, because of how they changed the menu today, I was actually the very first customer to have ordered the drink. I enjoyed it but not as much as the Clover Club. Sue was the bartender and she was really friendly and made excellent cocktails. This is one of few instances in many bars I went to in Seattle where they put in effort to have conversation with you, something that is honestly rare here. These few bars remind me of NYC bars where I get more attentiveness, and these are ones that I will come back to, whether it be solo or with a group of friends.

    Gabriele E.

    Very much enjoyed everything about this place! It was so fun and beautiful and very aesthetic. I could have stayed for hours just looking at everything on the walls. The drinks were fantastic. I had some gin drink that I don't remember the name but it wasn't too sweet and I loved it. My husband had an old fashioned and was very happy. Overall a good spot for a little drink. Nice and intimate. We then had to go to the bar outside of the speakeasy for a light snack since they do not serve food quite yet.

    Drinks
    Christine B.

    This place is great! We've been to the bar in the lobby and the restaurant at the Fairmont but this spot was a first. It lived up to the fun hype. The drinks were great. They're pricey but you're paying for the experience too. There isn't any food. But they did bring us a little dish of nuts. And they were tasty. I'm pretty sure you need reservations. We went for NYE so we definitely needed them. But I don't know what it's like on a regular night. The reservation was for 90 minutes but that was a perfect amount of time for us. Definitely check it out for a fun night out or a special occasion.

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    Paper Fan Cocktail Bar

    Paper Fan Cocktail Bar

    4.6
    (114 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    Full bar
    Romantic vibe

    Found this place on Yelp while visiting Seattle, and it definitely lived up to the reviews! It's…read moretucked away above a noodle restaurant, which made it confusing to find. The cocktails were excellent and really well balanced. A nice touch was that they serve you hot tea after your drinks, which I thought was a thoughtful way to end the experience. It was pretty warm inside during our visit, but they had paper fans at each table that helped a bit. I'd also recommend making a reservation because this place is popular and fills up quickly. Overall, a great cocktail bar with a unique atmosphere that I'd happily visit again.

    This cute little speakeasy found at the upper seating of Biang Biang Noodles was a very cool and…read moreinteresting experience. First off, the decor is so gorgeous and really made the time feel elevated. The drinks themselves were also amazing. I got the matcha cocktail and the earthiness of the matcha paired so well with the citrus yuzu drink. However, even though we had a reservation, it really felt like they were trying to rush us out. They kept asking us if we wanted to order another drink even though we were still working on our first ones. We had a reservation for three and they gave us two chairs and a barrel to sit on even though the other tables all had chairs. I'm not sure what was going on but it all felt very interesting.

    Photos
    Paper Fan Cocktail Bar
    Photograph by Kyle Johnson
    Photograph by Kyle Johnson
    Photograph by Kyle Johnson

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    Photograph by Kyle Johnson
    Needle and Thread

    Needle and Thread

    4.1
    (559 reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$$

    Hands down one of the coolest speakeasy I've been to…read more Reservations open 7 days in advance so make sure to book ahead of time.

    Instagram : @yeapeats…read more I was excited to try Needle & Thread since it's often described as a speakeasy, but the "hidden" aspect didn't quite live up to expectations. Unlike other speakeasies that feel truly hidden, you actually just walk into Tavern Law, check in with the hostess, and let them know you have a reservation. They then guide you to a telephone where you repeat your reservation name before being let upstairs. It's a fun concept, but not especially secretive, and they're pretty strict about not letting you up early unless it's very empty. Once seated, we actually waited almost 20 minutes before being served with no acknowledgement. We ended up having to flag down the manager just to bring attention to our table, which was disappointing given the experience they're aiming for. The waitress asks a series of questions about your preferences--likes, dislikes, and flavor inspirations--so the bartenders can create custom cocktails for you. If you're knowledgeable about alcohol, this is probably a dream. If you're not (like me), it can feel a little intimidating, but our waitress was patient and did her best to guide us through it. The drinks themselves were excellent. Even the shots were customized, which was a nice touch. The vibe upstairs is chill and relatively quiet, making it a great place to relax and talk. Food is the same menu as downstairs at Tavern Law, so nothing new there. The only downside--and unfortunately a noticeable one--was an interaction with the female bartender (not our waitress). Based on the questions we were asked, my friend gave a mix of savory and sweet preferences, since we were told these were just inspirations. However, the female bartender came over sounding visibly annoyed and said, "So do you want savory or sweet? You're giving contradicting answers." The tone felt unnecessarily rude, especially since we were just following the process as it was explained to us. Overall, the drinks were great and the concept is unique, but between the delayed service and that negative interaction, it definitely put a damper on the experience.

    Photos
    Egg white based, smoky and fruity - IG @bougiefoodieboi
    Egg white based, smoky and fruity - IG @bougiefoodieboi
    Needle and Thread
    Needle and Thread

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    Deep Dive

    Deep Dive

    3.9
    (333 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$$

    Deep Dive is my favorite cocktail bar in Seattle. The decor is incredible: Very speakeasy vibes,…read moreand every detail feels thoughtful and elevated. The whole space has this intimate, luxurious atmosphere that makes the experience feel special the moment you walk in. We tried the Japanese Breakfast, which is a savory cocktail and such a pleasant surprise. It genuinely has miso soup notes. It's very unique and creative. I also had El Boho (flavorful but not overly sweet). The staff are always friendly and very knowledgeable when it comes to recommending drinks. The prices are on the higher end, but personally I think they're totally worth it for the creativity and overall experience. This is the spot I bring all my out-of-town friends to because the ambiance, vibes, and drinks are just that good. Truly one of Seattle's gems.

    My experience at Deep Dive was unfortunately overshadowed by the service…read more I'll start with the positives because they're deserved. The atmosphere is absolutely beautiful. The space is elegant, unique, and lives up to the photos. I also want to recognize the manager, who was polite, professional, and kindly explained that reservations were required. I completely understand and respect that policy. Unfortunately, my interaction with the bartender before speaking with the manager was the complete opposite. As I tried to get her attention, I felt like she repeatedly looked at me with annoyance and made me feel unwelcome. Rather than simply explaining the reservation policy herself, she went to get the manager instead. She had a problem with Hispanics. She refused to engaged at all. The way I was treated left me feeling uncomfortable and embarrassed, especially as someone who was genuinely excited to visit. A beautiful venue can only go so far when the hospitality doesn't match. I would have happily accepted that reservations were required if I had simply been treated with basic kindness and respect from the start. I truly hope this was an isolated incident because the location itself is stunning, and the manager handled the situation professionally. Unfortunately, because of my interaction with the bartender I've added in the photos, I don't see myself returning. Sadly they have a Prejudice bartender.

    Photos
    Bar and counter seating
    Bar and counter seating
    Bar inside
    Bar inside
    Tuesday Fresh Cut Mezcal, Afternoon Tea, Veridian Vallet, Anastasia the Third, and Pink Haze

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    Tuesday Fresh Cut Mezcal, Afternoon Tea, Veridian Vallet, Anastasia the Third, and Pink Haze
    Unlisted

    Unlisted

    4.1
    (22 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    At least they finally responded to my review and email. So…read morethanks. They dropped the ball on countless layers I didn't say it before because I want to see businesses succeed. Be careful and pay attention before dining here. Their private event space had MAGGOT worms crawling around. I would suggest not eating your food without proper lighting. We value and appreciate great service, food and ambiance. EPIC FAIL Hi Beatrice, We are not interested in fulfilling this request. Steve's email was very clear. We wish you all the best, this just is not a good fit. Best, -Unlisted On Sun, Feb 15, 2026 at 8:49AM Beatrice Wood wrote: Happy Sunday Now that the dust has settled down from the holidays, We would love to make a reservations with your Suggest of giving us a discounted rate. Although we were very disappointed during new years holiday reservations, there are so many people that have had a great experience at Unlisted. We want to have a positive experience as well. Thanks in advance. Warmest

    Our first trip to Unlisted and we will be back. I made reservations (highly recommend) because we…read morehad tried to get in a couple times before and it was full. The food items we tried from the "specials" menu were fantastic. The Open Faced California roll was delicious! And the chicken & waffle was a delightfully delicious meal! Seating is limited. Reservations highly encouraged. Cocktails were quite tasty. Only note is that an Old Fashioned of any kind should be served with a solid cube and not on the rocks. Our server and greeter, Tawnie was lovely and so charming and helpful, as was the bartender, I failed to get her name, but she was fantastic.

    Photos
    Inside - IG @bougiefoodieboi
    Inside - IG @bougiefoodieboi
    Elephant - IG @bougiefoodieboi
    Elephant - IG @bougiefoodieboi
    Dumbo, Mrs. Dumbo - IG @bougiefoodieboi

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    Dumbo, Mrs. Dumbo - IG @bougiefoodieboi
    Knee High Stocking

    Knee High Stocking

    4.1
    (948 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    An intimate bar in a non-descript Capitol Hill building from the mid 20th century, which feels both…read morecramped and fun, as if you are in a friend's soiree held in their tiny apartment. This is no amateur game when it comes to service and cocktails however. I took a seat at the bar which may have space for about 6 people in a tight fit. It had the worn wooden feel that I have an affinity for (as opposed to the clinical glass and steel sterility of the hideous corporate tower and modern construction). There are hooks under the bar (hooray!). The bar tender was a biochemist by day trade, and had a perfectionist's touch when mixing up my gin drink called "Purple Haze" using lavender-infused gin mixed with another spirit - something almond perhaps. She smoked a stick of thyme and added that aroma to it as well. Very nice touch. The drink was balanced and delicious, not liquor forward which I had specified when the bartender inquired how I like my drinks. Didn't I feel sophisticated sipping this lovely adult beverage in this dingy bar, removed from the hard pavement and roaring I-5 highway outside? Of course the sexy soundtrack of global house music helped and pretty soon I was chatting away with the lovely hostess (she opens the door to let you in once you ring the doorbell at the door outside). The bathrooms were perfectly clean and well-kept. I would take visitors there in a heartbeat to have a well crafted cocktail.

    As you ring a doorbell to what seems like a house, you are led to a hidden speakeasy. Knee High…read moreStocking transports you into a cozy yet quiet space where you can get drinks with friends while having Filipino bites. My friends and I got two cigs at a funeral, one picadillo, and the whisper. All the drinks perfectly aligned with our taste buds. The cig at a funeral had a smoky taste while the picadillo was a bit tangy and the whisper was sweet. We also got some sample bites consisting of lumpia, tater tots, and chicken wings which were very yummy. To end our time at Knee High Stocking we got the Ube bread pudding which was also a great treat! Service was quite slow but we got everything in a duly manner. I loved how they gave us postcards of the owner to take home. Definitely a cute memorabilia!

    Photos
    Knee High Stocking
    Knee High Stocking
    Knee High Stocking

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    Roquette

    Roquette

    4.4
    (135 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$
    Romantic vibe
    Luxury

    I booked the speakeasy at Roquette for my buddy's bachelor party, and it ended up being one of the…read morehighlights of the trip. We arrived around 5:00 PM and were greeted by a friendly and knowledgeable mixologist. While looking over the menu, he asked what I typically enjoy drinking. I told him I'm a big fan of an Old Fashioned, and he suggested an Eagle Rare Old Fashioned. It was, without question, one of the best Old Fashioneds I've ever had at any establishment. The balance of flavors was outstanding, and the attention to detail was obvious from the first sip. I was so impressed by both the drink and the overall experience that I asked him how he made it and what ingredients he used so I could try to recreate it at home. While I'm probably only 90% of the way there, I'll never quite match the perfection he achieved that evening. The atmosphere, service, and cocktails were all exceptional. If you're looking for a great speakeasy experience in Seattle, I highly recommend checking this place out.

    Fun specialty cocktails and beautiful space. A favorite bar of some friends my first time…read morevisiting. Stopped by before dinner near by. Always love finding a good craft cocktail bar. Staff is friendly and helpful in making decisions that suit your taste. I started with the Suede Umbrella, my friends had a Tuk Tuk Tang and Guavacita. Second round they had the Panic Button and I had the Roquette Martini. Well balanced cocktails. Extensive list.. would definitely visit again when in Belltown.

    Photos
    Roquette
    Expertly-made cocktails
    Expertly-made cocktails
    Roquette

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    Inside Passage

    Inside Passage

    4.1
    (309 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$$

    Came here to celebrate a birthday and get immersed in another world. Inside Passage is in Seattles…read morebusy capitol hill neighborhood. Parking can be a wee bit tricky so waking, ride share, or public transit will be your best options. But if you have to drive we found a paid lot a few blocks away While this wasn't the best tiki bar we've ever been to, it did stand out for the presentation of drinks, the cool (and massive) octopus, the immersion, and overall vibe is nice and atmospheric They have four non-alcoholic options which I really appreciated as the one driving for the night! They also have standard as well as unique takes on tiki drinks. We were surprised to find so many options with vodka and tequila which isn't common in a more traditional tiki bar We had the: - "Kiki Premier Mai Tai" which wasn't as rum forward as we would have thought, especially given how many rums it had in it; but overall it was a classic style Mai Tai and tasty with quality rums - "One Eyed Willy" which has a fun presentation in a chest with smoking dry ice. This one you could taste the rum more and overall it was a really enjoyable drink and experience - "See A Light" which is a non-alcoholic option and the taste was just as good as the presentation. Came in a lovely angler fish tiki mug with the light and everything! The taste was complex and something that thought went into creating - "Four Boys" another non-alcoholic option that was the coolest visual as it came in a "steaming" crock pot. The taste was very unexpected, in a good way, and is a drink I would get again Overall the drinks were about a 4/5 but with the charming atmosphere and whimsical presentation it's a 5 star experience that is just fun

    This place was highly recommended from my cousin who lives in Seattle. So while I was visiting for…read moreEmerald City Comic Con, I had to check this place out. First and foremost, you need to make a reservation. I did end up needing to move my reservation up because of scheduling but it worked out and the staff were really nice about helping me. This is a speakeasy inside Rumba, I did not know that going in. It's incredibly cool to walk into the bar. The decor is amazing. It's super small though with a few tables and bar seating. It was kinda loud when I was there since most tables were filled. My server was nice as well and was able to answer all my questions. Ambiance was exceptional and is such a cool place to visit. Most of the cocktails came with fancy show of some sort and were extravagant - and equally delicious. I got The Inside Passage, but there were at least three others I was trying to chose from. There was a lot of thought that went into the presentation of each of the drinks and I love that attention to detail. Since it was around dinner time I did want to order food and drink. They did not have the Kikisoba (they ran out) and that made me sad, but I was able to order the Rumba sliders and a basket of fries. I'm not a huge sliders fan, and I did order the caramelized pineapple on the side. The sliders were incredibly flavorful and the perfect size. For anyone wanting to visit Seattle, I do highly recommend this place. It's a really cool vibe and the food is really good too.

    Photos
    Oyster shots
    Oyster shots
    Inside passage
    Inside passage
    The Four Boys

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    The Four Boys
    Phocific Standard Time

    Phocific Standard Time

    4.6
    (153 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    Overall: A+ // 6 stars…read more A top bar pick for sure in Seattle that blends Southeast Asian flavors with bespoke speakeasy vibes for a enthusiastically delightful experience all around, without breaking the bank the same way you would at a NYC speakeasy. Highly recommend. Pho Shot - It is a shame to come to this bar and not try their famed pho washed whiskey shots and then chase it with pho broth. The intensity of the shot to just start the night well followed by a hangover comfort broth of extra concentrated fragance is just a top unique experience that makes this a bar that I eagerly want to return time and time again. Pho Cup - Just as before, such a playful twist on a traditional pho that eats well, but then is presented in this fun large instant noodle style paper bowl that really immerses the speakeasy bar vibe experience. The Emperor - Complex cocktail with details that keep on giving; the coconut jelly is such a fun refreshing twist; serving the drinks on the rocks works well for that stronger proof alc, and the engraving really embeds another dimension of the Asian durian twist to the drinking experience. Food: +1 Presentation: +2 Price: +1 Atmosphere: E Service: E Menu: +2 Insta/Yelp/Beli: @amei_eats Insta/TikTok: @ameizing.race

    Love this place! We came on a weekday with a group of 7 and only waited about 20 min, which felt…read morepretty reasonable given how small this place it. The bar has fun lively atmosphere, and the drinks are clearly created with a lot of care. The standout for me was cooling water - refreshing, layered and memorable. The rest of the cocktails were also lovely with creative flavor combinations that felt balanced and easy to drink. Don't skip the food - they are plated thoughtfully and packed with flavor, making them perfect for sharing with a group while you work through their cocktail menu. This is easily one of the best cocktail bar options in the area - stylish, creative and genuinely fun that works well for both groups and date nights.

    Photos
    Phocific Standard Time
    Tofu martini - tofu infused gin, sesame oil washed rice wine, ginger, msg
    Tofu martini - tofu infused gin, sesame oil washed rice wine, ginger, msg
    Egg coffee 2/5

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    Egg coffee 2/5

    Founders Club - speakeasies - Updated July 2026

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