Want to check out the newest cocktail bars in Seattle? You're in luck: we've found five of the freshest businesses to fill the bill. Here are the newest places to check out the next time you're in search of a stiff drink and a bite to eat.
The Belmont
518 E. Pike St., Capitol Hill
The Belmont is a cocktail bar, wine bar and lounge with a "British colonial" vibe. Housed in the former Revolution Wine space, it now features a menu of both traditional and original cocktails, alongside wine by the glass and small plates like meatballs and deviled eggs.
With a five-star Yelp rating out two reviews, The Belmont Lounge has been getting positive attention.
Yelper Zad K., who reviewed The Belmont Lounge on June 21, wrote, "Great ambiance! I remember coming here last summer and having this spectacular drink called frosé, which is by far the best drink in Seattle. They have revamped the place since then and I have come here for the last two consecutive days. Because it doesn't get better than this."
Christin A. noted, "Mark and Carmen have done it again! Killer cocktails, vibe, friendly service ... with an edge. Love the new decor and extra seating, updated and fresh food selections, live music and whimsical cocktails!"
The Belmont Lounge is open from 5 p.m.–10 p.m. on Tuesday-Thursday and 5 p.m.–midnight on Friday and Saturday. (It's closed on Monday and Sunday.)
Connect Lounge
2330 Second Ave., Belltown
Connect Lounge is a lounge and cocktail bar that's designed for customers to put down their phones and get to know each other. Tables are equipped with communal tables and conversation starters, and there are "phone-free" boxes to encourage devices to be kept out of sight.
To encourage conversation between strangers, the cocktail menu includes some tempting doses of Dutch courage like the Summer Poem, which blends vanilla vodka with lemon juice and Giffard Crème de Violette. Beer and wine are also available, as are snacks like charcuterie plates and a smoked salmon board.
Connect Lounge currently holds five stars out of 17 reviews on Yelp, indicating good reviews.
Yelper Nimisha T., who reviewed Connect Lounge on June 4, wrote, "There's something just so positive and inspiring in this place, it's really a nice place to hang out and get some drinks!"
Brendan C. noted, "Connect Lounge is a great new place. I went for happy hour at 4:30 and stayed until 10:30. The owner and staff are super nice. They chat with customers and get you engaged."
Connect Lounge is open from 4 p.m.-midnight on Tuesday-Thursday and Sunday, and from 4 p.m.-2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. (It's closed on Mondays.)
Zephyr Bar
255 S. King St., Pioneer Square
Housed inside the new Embassy Suites hotel near CenturyLink Field, Zephyr Bar is a cocktail bar serving up beverages and small plates. Drink options include the Post House, a combination of gin, rose aperitif, grapefruit juice, lime and cardamom bitters. The menu offers small bites like charcuterie plates and grilled octopus with potatoes.
Yelp users are excited about Zephyr Bar, which currently holds 4.5 stars out of nine reviews on the site.
Yelper David M., who reviewed Zephyr Bar on June 20, wrote, "This is really quite good for a hotel bar. It is inside the new Embassy Suites near Century Link field and they have a decent cocktail menu. I look forward to this being a place to hang out before games."
Yelper Lucas D. wrote, "Great cocktails — the Boathouse was the best. Nice, complex smoky drink. The tomato soup and grilled cheese combo was a tasty and addictive pairing."
Zephyr Bar is open from 4 p.m.–10 p.m. daily.
Black Cat
2132 First Ave., Belltown
Black Cat is a cocktail bar from Canon alum Dustin Haarstad, specializing in laid-back cocktails like fruit slushies and shot-and-beer combos. According to the Seattle Met, it also boasts a menu of comfort food from fellow Canon alum Andrew Cross, like burgers, fried chicken sandwiches and poutine.
Black Cat's current rating of four stars out of 14 reviews on Yelp indicates positive attention from users.
Yelper Tara L., who reviewed Black Cat on May 7, wrote, "I came here to just grab a drink and appetizer on a weekday. The space itself is quite large for a downtown bar. They had your average beers and a full bar to make cocktails. We ordered their poutine and it was much better than I expected. I would come back here again to try their other food items."
And Max C. wrote: "I feel like they successfully made a dive bar that feels authentic, but once you look at the details, you can tell they put a lot of money and time into their aesthetic. I had a cocktail called Red Fang, which was really good and I had fun watching it being made."
Black Cat is open from 4 p.m.–2 a.m. daily.
Gold Bar
227 Ninth Ave. North, Cascade
You'll encounter plenty of glitter at Gold Bar, which is as shiny as its name suggests. The new Latin-meets-midcentury bar comes from chef Manu Alfau, and its cocktails include the Kingston negroni (Hamilton Jamaican Gold Rum, Campari, and El Torino) and the Oaxacan highball (mezcal, guava soda, and lime). Tacos and empanadas are among the food offerings.
Yelp users are excited about Gold Bar, which currently holds 4.5 stars out of 25 reviews on the site.
Yelper Robert F., who reviewed Gold Bar on May 25, wrote, "This place is awesome! Great cocktail menu and the bartenders are super knowledgeable. If you want to order off menu, they can accommodate that as well."
Emily I. noted, "New bar in SLU featuring gold-accented decorations and cocktails. It's a small, intimate bar, which is nice for a date or a small group gathering, but difficult if you have a large party."
Gold Bar is open from 4 p.m.–11 p.m. on Monday-Thursday and 4 p.m.–midnight on Friday and Saturday. (It's closed on Sunday.)
