Looking to try the best speakeasy-style bars in town? Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top speakeasies in Seattle, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the best spots to venture next time you're on the hunt.
1. Bathtub Gin & Co
Topping the list is Bathtub Gin & Co. at 2205 Second Ave. at The Humphrey. The Belltown cocktail bar and speakeasy, with its door tucked away in an alley, is the highest rated place of its kind in Seattle, boasting four stars out of 841 reviews on Yelp.
The bar has more than 50 types of international and domestic gin along with white and red wine and signature cocktails. Look for custom creations like the Atticus Finch with gin, red vermouth and grapefruit juice; the Dapper As F***, a rye whiskey drink with sherry and dry vermouth; or the vodka-infused If It Ain't Broke with Cocchi Americano, lemon and lavender bitters. Check out the full menu here.
Yelper Sam T., who reviewed it on July 9, wrote, "Very inconspicuous and hidden. Pretty much have to walk through an alley to get there, but it's worth the trek. The place is very small so I wouldn't go with a larger group, but it's a great place to stop after dinner for cocktails and hanging out."
2. Needle and Thread
Capitol Hill's Needle and Thread, located at 1406 12th Ave., Tavern Law (between Madison and Pike streets), is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the dark, candlelit lounge four stars out of 347 reviews.
Specializing in Prohibition-era libations, Needle and Thread does not provide a cocktail menu "in adherence to the time-honored tradition of a bespoke cocktail program," per its website, instead crafting customized drinks for each guest.
Hungry? Grab a plate from head chef Emily Young, formerly of Old Sage. Notable menu options include oysters, popcorn chicken, braised short rib and mac and cheese.
3. The Backdoor
The Backdoor, a speakeasy, cocktail bar and New American spot in Fremont, is another go-to, with four stars out of 234 Yelp reviews. Head over to 462 N. 36th St. (between Dayton and Francis avenues) to see for yourself.
This spot combines beer, wine and signature cocktails with a variety of fare options and live music every Wednesday night starting at 10 p.m. Look for signature cocktail creations like the bourbon-based Sweet Peat with apricot liqueur, lime and lavender bitters; the Gone Baby, Don't Be Long with rum, creme de cacao, falernum and angostura bitters; or the gin-laced Spring Green with lemon, honey and strawberry bitters.
Menu options include small and large plates as well as seafood entrees. Notable choices include barbecued pork ribs, smoked salmon, mac and cheese with pulled pork and fish tacos.
4. By the Pound Delicatessen
Over in Capitol Hill, check out By the Pound Delicatessen, which has earned four stars out of 55 reviews on Yelp. You can find the deli, speakeasy and cocktail bar at 1801 E. Olive Way.
This deli offers a variety of sandwiches, breakfast fare and meat by-the-pound options, and also has a back bar featuring beer, wine and a plethora of signature cocktails. Try custom creations such as the bourbon-laced Ren McCormick with sherry and demerara sugar; the scotch-based William Wallace with honey, pineapple and lemon; or the vodka-centric Chihiro with ancho verde chile liqueur, lime, pineapple and cilantro. Check out the full menu here.
"Definitely make a reservation as this hidden bar is small," wrote Yelper Rose W. "Don't forget to bring your ID as they check it at the door. I really enjoyed the speakeasy vibe and library decor on the wall. There's even a cool hidden room behind a door that looks like a bookshelf for private parties. ... Cocktails were on point."
