What an awesome place to randomly find! My boyfriend and I were staying at the Gaslight Inn and didn't want to head downtown for dinner, so we explored the nearby establishments and ended up at Tavern Law. Ordinarily, I'd make fun of a place like this for resembling something you'd see in an episode of Portlandia, but I pushed my inherent snark aside once I received my NW Julep (or, what I called "cup o' bourbon") and foie gras terrine with toast. These people know how to be proper gastronomists and mixologists, hands down. I think it's saying something that I found THIS place to be one of the most memorable spots during my visit (more so than Pike's Place and the Space Needle). read more

My first experience here was wonderful. Everything was top notch. However on my most recent trip (on a Groupon, which should have been a bad sign) it was fairly close to disastrous. The service that used to be beyond exceptional was terrible. In a half full restaurant we waited excruciatingly long for service and delivery of our food and drinks. Our server punched in the incorrect cocktail for my girlfriend, came out to confirm her order as my cocktail was brought out, then proceeded to serve cocktails to everyone else in the place, and only then brought out her drink. And he still charged us for the more expensive drink. The cocktails, while interesting and inventive just weren't very tasty. The same could be said about the food. The infamous burger with pork belly fell flat, no depth to the flavors other than differently kinds of "salty". The fried chicken, which used to be crisp, and juicy, was dull and uninteresting. Really I believe that the combination of terrible service and their inability to reach the incredible standard they created last time has ultimately sullied this place for me. I believe when it comes to a restaurant "If you aren't getting better you are getting worse" and I think Tavern Law quit getting better a long time ago. read more

This is a great cocktail bar. The drinks are inventive, yet supremely enjoyable. The service used to be very bad and surly, but that was my experience from like five years ago and I stopped going there because the service was so horrendous. But a friend convinced me to go back and the past two times I have been in it has been excellent. There've obviously been some positive changes in management over the past few years. The cocktails are not cheap, yet on two recent trips every one of our group's cocktails were excellent, which is what you want in a cocktail bar. Seems like there have been some changes for the better in this old Seattle classic, and I am super glad. Great decor, friendly staff and excellent drinks. I'll be here more and more. read more

I had heard about this place for awhile and finally dragged my husband there since we both love a good, unique cocktail. We were impressed with the menu and willingness of the bartenders to glady deviate from the menu to mix a drink. I personally ordered the Hemingway Daquiri (a favorite of mine from a bar in Florida) and it tasted equally delicious here. My husband asked for an old fashioned and we appreciated that the bartender took the time to ask how he liked them. He put his own personal spin on the drink and it was one of the best tasting Old Fashioned drinks I've tasted. Full of flavor that unfolded like a fine wine! We decided to order food - the fingerling potatoes with serrano fondue, the beet and fennel salad with pine nuts and champage vinegarette and the fried chicken with green and mashed potatoes. The salad was light and tasty - the serrano fondue yummy and the fried chicken good for Seattle but still not like we are used to in the South. Still good nonetheless! I'd visit again - friendly bartenders who clearly love mixing amazing drinks and full of tips about the area for dining, sports and activities! read more

They have ebooks playing in the bathroom. Very cute. The drinks were just ok though. read more

Happy Hour on a weekday. Not too busy. Bartender...err "Mixologist" was very helpful and suggested several cocktails to try. I ordered the Old Cuban (a mojito with a splash of champagne) which was minty/rummy/sparkly goodness. The rest of my group ordered unique drinks that they all liked. Then, because I had done my Yelp-work and knew that we should check out the upstairs "secret" bar, we went over the legendary phone and asked to come up. Upstairs was swanky and quiet (we were the only ones up there, besides the other mixologist). We found a little nook to huddle up in and waited for the mixologist to come over. He told us that there is no menu - we tell him what liquors we like (sweet? savory? bubbly? eggy?) and he will concoct something special for each of us. I told him that I really liked my Old Cuban from downstairs and would like the same thing. He politely refused, saying that he would make something similar, but with his own twist. What he brought to me was a heavenly concoction of grapefruit, rosemary, bubbly, and ?? All I know is I loved it. Everyone else in our group was delighted with their cocktails too. Bottom line: They know cocktails. Go here for a fun night with a small group of close friends. I definitely see how it could get crowded, so if that's not your thing (it's not mine) come during their off-peak hours for a much more laid-back experience and so the mixologists can give you their full attention. read more

This was my first speakeasy that I've been to. It's an interesting experience. It's super secretive and they are super picky as to who can come up. I don't know if undertoned is what the staff is, but maybe they are in character the whole time? read more

everything about this place makes me want to go back: the secrecy, the awesome bartender, the 1920s decor, the experimental drinks, the low key atmosphere, how can you not fall in love with tavern law? sigh, i couldn't resist sharing this place, now you know the secret! find a dial phone and make a call, it'll take you back in time, to a place with no worries, no rules, just a hidden lounge to experiment drinks with good friends. drinks aren't cheap, but everything good comes with a high price tag, and experiencing this place is totally worth it. try the pork belly if they happen to serve it, an instant melt of deliciousness.. read more

Tavern Law - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

The downstairs is noisy. On our visit last night it was also very crowded - a good sign. I much preferred the upstairs. It was more quiet and less busy. I felt like my party was getting better attention. Drinks downstairs were very good. Upstairs, the drinks were not as good. The bartender also wasn't very good at interpreting drink requests (one of the signatures of the bar is that you can ask for a drink in vague terms and they'll find something for you) and he was slow. My guess is that he isn't as well trained as the person downstairs which is a shame because that is part of the attraction. Also, we were busy upstairs, but not so busy that the drinks would arrive so late. Food: Very small portions. We share a number of dishes. All were good, but were appetizer portions and as far as that goes, small appetizer portions. It was nice that they came with side dishes, but there wasn't anything here to blow us away. All were priced at the same levels as main entrees at many restaurants. I don't mind paying more for a small dish, but I would expect it to be a little larger tastier. We had the butterfish, the fois gras, duck breast, pork belly, salad, and fried risotto balls. Service: In addition to the bartender being slow, the waitress missed one entree. Considering that it is one of those places where the wait staff doesn't carry a pad, I'm not surprised by this. Also, the lack of tables upstairs for enjoying the dishes had to be overcome by moving items around. Overall: I like the concept and not completely turned off. I'd go again for a drink and an appetizer, but enjoy a full entree elsewhere. read more

This was one of the first cocktail bars that I went to in Seattle, and it's still my favorite. They have a great prohibition-style theme, from the drinks to the atmosphere. Although this place can get packed on the weekends, it's usually pretty easy to get a seat on weeknights or earlier in the evening. Plus, it's worth the wait if there is one. And if you can, snag the round booth towards the back- best seat(s) in the house. There is an extensive list of cocktails, but I always like to try their signature ones. My favorite is Gatsby's Garden, an herby gin cocktail served up. I can't say I've had a cocktail I didn't like here though. Their bartenders are true "mixologists" as Portlandia would say. One time I was here with a group of friends for a birthday, and the bartender brought over a cocktail that he made up; he told us if we guessed 5 of the ingredients correctly we could have a free round of drinks. Unfortunately their liquor and bitters supply is way too diverse- we only got 3 right! But fun game anyway... Although most people come here for the artisan cocktails, their food is surprisingly delicious. They have various bar snacks and several staple entrees including mac and cheese, fried chicken, foie gras, pork belly, and pan seared trout. The trout was my go-to dinner here, until I tried the fried chicken one evening when they were sold out of the trout. I was amazed at how tender, sweet, and perfectly crisped it was- yum! By far the best "fancy" fried chicken I've had. I really don't have any complaints about this place- knowledgable bartenders, great service, incredible drinks, impressive bar food, and a great atmosphere. Definitely a great place to take a date or your other foodie (or booze-lover) friends! read more

I've tried giving this place a fair chance to win me over a few times but every attempt seems to be a wasted effort. It's beautiful and gives the impression that you are going to have an elegant time drinking with friends. But the reality is that it's too loud like a standard bar, the staff will not or can not help you on a timely manner and there are simply too many other places you can go that will be worth you time. I came in tonight because I'm looking for a place that makes a great French 75. This is not that place. What I received was more like a gin Lemon Drop than what I had ordered. Was the champagne or sparkling wine just flat? Was there even gin in my drink? I honestly couldn't tell. And this happened to be the most costly "French 75" that I bought that night. read more

Came here during the capital hill club dinner of the month. Had the butter fish which was delicious however only size was minimal :( For $14.99 you get 4 oz of butter fish cooked to perfection, covered with large coos coos and kelp that was highly salted. Loved the fished hated the bowel of salt. Great place for drinks. Extensive drink menu.. yummy! Not a place for dinner. Must try any flips: Pike and Pine. Refreshing and delicious. read more

We were not overly jazzed about our meal here. It would be an OK place for a drink if you were in the area but I am not sure if I would go out of my way to eat there. Cafe Presse and Osteria La Spiga offer better options in the same area. Food was good but the menu is very limited and the plates are very small. Order a few a piece. Halibut and cod fritters were good (fritters were a bit salty). Beet salad was tiny but tastey. Chard dish was ok. shortribs were ok but gain small. Wine menu and straight pours are reasonably priced. Parking is tricky but there is a spot next store that is the best option. We didnt make it to the top bar which supposedly is the best part of the experience (although, some have likened it to hanging out in a Pottery Barn). read more

I visited Tavern Law for the first time a few weeks ago. I'd heard so many good things about the bartenders and drinks that I may have set my expectations a bit too high. Tavern Law exceeded those expectations on every level. It was a Sunday night, so the bar wasn't packed and everyone who worked there seemed to be in a great mood. The bartender (I wish I could remember his name!!) was absolutely wonderful and helped me find something I liked while trying something different. I felt very taken care of and I loved the atmosphere. The drinks are on the pricer side, but are well worth it considering the effort and quality of product that goes into crafting their cocktails. Will definitely be back! read more

ONLY GREAT IF.... you're able to get into the speak-easy bar upstairs. The food is decent, but the best part is the professionalism of the bar tenders who prepare each drink with expertise. *I highly recommend calling ahead to make sure you're able to reserve a place upstairs. read more

Tavern Law is still one of the best bars in the city- hands down. Its part of Dana Tough and Brian McCracken's Seattle empire (also coterie room and spur). What this means is you'll get good service, experimental fusion food, and awesome experimental drinks. Thats pretty much their thing and we love them for it! The drink list is quite large with very little filler. Every drink I've ever had has been superb. Atmosphere is dark wood, dim lighting - perfect for a gastropub. It usually gets very very busy on the weekend so seats are hard to come by (there aren't a ton anyways). Food list is essentially a reduced version of Spur which is a reduced version of The Coterie Room, I'm not implying that the food menu at Tavern Law is a replica of Spur or Coterie Room, its not. But, they are familial in their style, preparation, and ingredients. What this does mean is, if you've enjoyed your food at Spur or Coterie Room then you'll likely enjoy the grub at Tavern Law. Well worth a visit if you're a local or visiting from out of town. read more

Delicious... The food was fresh with unique flavor combinations. The staff was very engaged in making our experience fun. The cocktails were amazing and creative. I'll definitely be back! read more

See all

Yeah, very cool. The speakeasy lounge upstairs is worth the experience. The gourmet cocktails with fresh squeezed juices are interesting. I like how the bartender makes drinks for you, and you only get to choose your flavors (bitter, sour, salty, sweet) and your liquor of choice. I know these gourmet cocktails bars are the rage in New York City. Glad to have a place to go here. I'm going to give a three star until I see if the place has staying power. Great option if you're on a date. Not great for big crowds. read more

I was prepared for the worst. Themed bar, complex hook (hidden room, oblique entry process) small plates menu, designer cocktails. Any of these could have fallen prey to poor execution or bad attitude. But instead - what we found was a cocktail bar for adults. Theme was presented with a light touch. No need to beat the diner over the head with cheesy 1920's inspired bric-a-brac. Just warm woods, leather seating and soft lighting.. (adults benefit from soft lighting). The speakeasy part was done well - if you want quiet and intimate.. head to the locked room.. if you want brasserie-style.. stay downstairs.. Both are fun. Food was inspired - even the cod croquettes had a unique twist (citrus slices to cut the typically heavy tartar sauce). The only caution would/will be the small plates prices are 30% too high for the size of the serving given what other gastropubs are offering - e.g. for $15 I expect more than 2 bites. But as I hate huge portions - for me this is only a minor ding. Go enjoy.. the staff is knowledgeable, drinks are clever, and the food sets a high bar for flavor. read more

Great drinks, great service and great atmosphere! This is the perfect place for date night or for entertaining guests! read more

Tavern Law - Great service, great drinks, and great atmosphere! Fun place to check out whether out for a drink or entertaining guests! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

My husband hosted my birthday party in their upstairs cool/sneaky speak easy bar. Four stars for: 1. Unmatched ambiance 2. Quality and taste of cocktails 3. Great Bar-tending staff 4. Hidden location and private space 5. Yummy food 6. Availability on a Friday night on one week notice! Minus one star for: 1. The event manager who helped my husband schedule the event. She was not very helpful in answering his queries over the phone or email. We wanted to order some food off the catering menu, she kept telling us to show up 30-40 minutes prior to the event and order food for the party of 35 people. When we got there, the server told us we were supposed to order food off the menu days prior to the event. This was very frustrating and we ended up ordering appetizers off the regular menu that were served in small plates. So the food set up at the event almost looked like it was leftover food sitting on the tables and not meant for our guests. In all fairness the mac and cheese and potato wedges were yummy. Just the set up and coordination with the manager sucked. Again, the onsite servers were very helpful. Regardless of the unhelpful interaction with the manager, it was a great and memorable birthday party! read more

It's a craft cocktail bar. Among several other craft cocktail bars - Bathtub Gin, Spur, ZigZag - where I am happy to sit with a friend and have a well-balanced, bourbon-based...cocktail. When I can, it's divine here. But more often than not, it's too crowded, and the overwhelmed staff is too busy to be bothered. I often can't find a place to sit down, but unlike some other bars where that wouldn't be a problem, there is a palpable sense that I'm in the way. I was once even scolded for trying to order a drink at the bar. Reason: I needed to wait for a server to come find me. ? read more

Tavern Law is one of my regular spots. Decor: Think 1920s prohibition bar. You walk in and you feel like you step back in time. They do a great job maintaining the decor. It makes you feel instantly classy. Drinks: Their drinks are amazing. The wait staff is very helpful in helping you pick and drink. And if you are the indecisive type, the bar tenders will ask you what you like and make AMAZING drinks. My friend fell in love with her drink she had made by the bartender there. It can get dangerous! :) Food: Although their menu is small, it is delicious! Their Mac and cheese is amazing! They add Apple and greens to help balance the dish out - so Mac and cheese doesn't feel so heavy. It's perfect! Price: Food and drinks average $10-13 each. Which normally means my tab is ~$40 every time I go. Other: On weekends they have a guy at the door that keeps the crowd down. So no matter what you have a great experience if you can get a seat. As a result, big groups are tough to fit on the weekends, and chances are you'll get turned away at the door. Or he'll tell you to come back in a certain amount of time. Makes for a great atmosphere! read more

Love the space, love the yummy creative cocktails. They are a bit on the pricey side but a nice treat. We had olives which were delicious. Highly recommend. read more

This is my favorite classy bar on capitol hill, and pretty much in Seattle as I almost live on 12th and pike/pine. ( and will be moving to a few blocks away shortly ). 1. The cocktails are amazing, creative, interesting, and so many to try downstairs I almost would want to go back on a daily basis but that would likely turn me into an alcoholic. 2. The food is unpretentious but upscale- get the burger, its my favorite burger pretty much.....ever. 3. The upstairs bar is by far the best thing of everything. the fact that they make it up on the fly based on the interaction with you and trust me, every drink i have had up there was beyond superb-but whats even better is the atomosphere, the fact that they dont have blaring music, and they limit the number of people who can come up there, so it remains quiet, and enjoyable. This a place to take a date, or a hot non date. read more

Best Burger of the year. topped with pork belly obtw. Great hand mixed cocktails This is the real deal. Its just cool. read more

a gr at place to get drink. i got their Tiki Toki Tavi and it was super interesting :-) go there, chill, have fun, go home :-) read more

We stopped in for a few drinks based on a friend's recommendation. We weren't disappointed. Chris was bartending and she made two drinks that were to die for. Romance creature, and Meet me in Santorini. Both had rich complex flavors, they're the very definition of craft cocktails. The Old Fashion was great too. I wish I could drink here every night, but alas, I would become an alcoholic. Thank you Chris for those sublime drinks. read more

Drinks are a 5, especially upstairs. Food is a 3, the exception being the cracklin and queso, which is fantastic.

Excellent drinks and knowledgeable staff! Sit at the bar, tell the bartender what kind of drinks you do like and watch them let their creative juices flow!... liquor juices of course :) I rarely drink so I'm definitely picky when it comes to the few times I actually do order an "adult beverage." I tend to typically play it safe by ordering a gin & tonic as that is a classic that can't be messed up. But when I came here, after letting the bartender know I preferred gin but nothing that sweet, I was introduced to a refreshing treat! Presented to me was an extremely chilled gin concoction with a hint of cucumber and fresh ginger! Easy to drink, full of flavor and best of all, no artificial sugary flavoring included! Bartenders of Tavern Law, thank you for possibly encouraging my intake of alcoholic drinks ;) read more

Tavern Law.... nice atmosphere, interesting cocktails and some solid food options. I tried the honey-glazed fried chicken and found it to be quite good. It was perfectly cooked and tender. My girlfriend ordered the burger and fries but didn't realize the patty would be served blood-red. I thought it was tasty but damn there was a lot of salt in those fries. I mean A LOT. Like a couple of fries and it was overpowering. Blood pressure spiking. Heart palpitating. It almost ruined the experience. Chefs, go light, yo!!!!!! read more

Went to Tavern Law for the first time on Friday evening with 3 others who had been there before. I was excited based on what I'd heard about the ambiance and drink quality and that did not disappoint. Our food was very yummy (my husband and I split the burger), cocktails were good (we each ordered 2 rounds) and while the space was more cramped than I'd expected, it was fun to watch other groups venture to the speakeasy upstairs through the bank vault door next to our table. Since the rest of our group had already tried most of the drink options on the cocktail menu (at least all the ones I would have ordered), I decided to order my go-to custom drink that I've ordered at many bars before for my second round. High West campfire whiskey, spirit-forward, vanilla and orange. I told the waitress my request and she mentioned it would be a little bit more since High West was a pricier spirit (for reference it costs about $65 for an entire bottle). I told her that was fine, because in my experience whenever I order this from other bars with a similar price point for their cocktail menu, it's never more than $15-$18. I figured it couldn't be more than like $20 here based on their menu prices. My mistake. I went to the bathroom when the checks were brought out since my husband was paying. After waiting for 5 minutes for one of the rooms to finally open up, I came back and everyone was already paid up and ready to go. I left not thinking anything of it. My husband tells me the next morning how much my drink had cost. $32. THIRTY TWO DOLLARS. WAY more than it was worth. I was mortified. I would have NEVER ordered that if I had an idea that the price would be anywhere near that much. Especially since someone else paid for it. I don't know what wizardry their bartenders are dishing out that justifies charging that much for a drink like this but I damn well know that it shouldn't cost the customer that much. I've ordered the same thing at Cannon (which is even pricier than this place) and they didn't charge nearly that much. Should I have asked for a price estimate? Sure. Did I think I needed to based on so many other occasions where I ordered this and didn't feel ripped off? No. And that was my mistake. I'm not here to tell Tavern Law what they should be charging for their spirits/custom drinks. That's really their prerogative. BUT charging double the price of their regular specialty cocktails for a few ounces of booze that costs $15-$18 elsewhere is not cool in my book. I personally feel cheated and wish that the staff had been more up front about just how much the price difference would be. I can't say that I won't be back again because I really honestly did like most everything else about this bar. But I would NEVER order another custom drink from them again. Totally not worth the money. The value just isn't there. TLDR; don't order custom drinks at Tavern Law unless A) you inquire about the price up front or B) you don't care about how much your drink costs and you use crisp dollar bills as toilet paper. read more

Just incredible drinks. Lately, I haven't been inspired to write reviews. Everything has just been pleasant, but not particularly unique. A couple of weeks ago, we came to Tavern Law and were not impressed with the ambiance or the service. They weren't busy, but seemed to give all the patrons the bare minimum amount of attention. This drives me crazy, so we left. Last night we decided to give this place another shot & it proved to be a worthwhile second chance. The service was lovely, the drinks, and cheese plate left little to be desired. This is a great spot to take someone that is nearly impossible to impress. I hope that my first encounter here was unusual. Still not crazy about the ambiance, but that's only personal preference. Enjoy! read more

Amazing drinks. Our waiter really knew his stuff. He gave us a lot of information and was very thorough. The food was excellent as well. We had a lovey time and would highly recommend read more

I liiiiiive for nights spent with friends sipping on expertly crafted cocktails and Tavern Law is the perfect venue for such a night. On my most recent visit, we arrived around 9:00 and there was surprisingly no wait for a seat at the bar. Our bartender was quick to greet us and offer thoughts on the drink menu. He crafted me the most amazing rye sour I've ever had -- frothy and tart, made with an egg white and the most amazing sour mix ever (made in-house, of course). For my second cocktail, I gave the creative license to the mixologist and he brought me what was perhaps the most delicious, smoky but smooth rye cocktail I've ever had. Service was incredibly friendly and honestly, part of the Tavern Law experience. Arrive early, as the wait can be long on the weekends. Cocktails are a bit on the pricy side but beyond worth it. read more

What an awesome and quaint little place! I am a huge whiskey fan and this place surely knows it whiskey (as well as other drinks). The place is small but comfortable, the bartenders look sharp, are friendly, and make really great drinks. This place is charming, dimly lit, and has an amazing drink menu. They have some decent happy hour offers, we didn't try any food, but it sounded quite tasty, so I just might have to next time I go. Some people grabbed some burgers next to us and they looked and smelled delicious! The drinks are made very very well, however, they are a bit on the pricey end, so sip slowly and enjoy! This place is definitely one worth checking out if you are in the Capitol Hill neighborhood! read more

Another 5 star review... yes they are awesome, yes they are the best drinks in Seattle and also the best drinks I have had anywhere, ever. As everyone else has said, the servers are awesome and most of them are easy on the eyes. So what do I have to add to this... a recommendation for their Rum that's what!! A Cuban recommending a rum?!! OMG it must be good!! Is it? Yes, it is, this is amazing Rum!! I am not kidding when I say the rum is amazing!! I know my rum, believe me, and theirs is the best I have had in the states! The best Rum I ever had was in a bar in Rome that served Cuban rum and overlooked the Forum... but I digress... When you get here, you ask for the stuff that is made in the Cuban style, it's called Vizcaya. Ask them to make you a drink with it, don't bother telling them what you want, these guys know better than you do, believe me. Then enjoy the drink in the best bar in Seattle. If you don't like rum or don't want to take my advice, even better... more for me. read more

I went to Tavern Law on a mission. Not for the Speakeasy upstairs, not for cocktails, but for their burger, touted by Jermaine at Barrio as one of the best in Seattle. Well, a bold-ass statement like that kinda gets to you and you kinda have to do something about it, like drag your rear end over there and eat one. First, it's expensive; $12 for a smallish burger with provolone and onion jam- a couple of bucks extra for fries and an addition couple of bucks for pork belly. Second, they ARE smallish. Probably a third smaller than what you're going to get at most other restaurants. Third, they are absolutely delicious! And you DO want the pork belly AND the fries. I respect the way that they don't over do the condiments and the beef is highlighted, grass fed, organic beef, yum! The service was great. We had great service it was a large group of us and the waiter took everything we threw at him in stride. Maybe, next time upstairs. read more

While they may be known for their detailed and intense cocktails I found mine to be only so-so. Because the bartenders have to focus so much on each of the intricate drinks they make, they aren't very attentive to the large number of people waiting at the bar as well. Maybe if we had spent more time there and had a few more drinks I would have enjoyed it more. Or maybe if we had made reservations upstairs. Oh well. The decor was very nice though! read more

See all

The first time when we came in, we saw a door and a telephone next to this door and people walking up suspiciously picking up the phone and waiting. Eventually they just disappeared. At the time I had no idea why they were doing that. Second time around, I was told by one of my friends that they have a speakeasy upstairs, where the drinks are a little rougher and the setting is a little more intimate. I love the atmosphere here. The food and drinks can get a little pricy but they have quality. I would probably only snack and drink here as the food options are pretty limited. It's one of those places where a true alcohol connoisseur would really appreciate, because they can make you a pretty fancy drink. Good place to catch up with friends or pretend you're sitting in a bar in one of those black and white detective movies. read more