If you're interested in Seattle bars and lounges, consider dropping into one of these new spots.
Fog Room
1610 Second Ave., Downtown
Fog Room is a rooftop lounge and cocktail bar on the 16th floor of the Charter Hotel at Second Avenue and Stewart Street. Views from the indoor and outdoor spaces include the Great Wheel and ferries leaving Colman Dock.
For food, expect "bites" and the slightly larger "small plates," with options like bacon-wrapped dates, seared foie gras and citrus olives. There are also cheeses and a raw bar. The bar menu emphasizes signature cocktails, like the Twisted Bliss: mezcal, peach, manzanilla sherry and lemon twist.
Fog Room is off to a promising start with four stars out of nine reviews on Yelp thus far.
Yelper S. J., who reviewed it on Sept. 6, wrote, "Been there twice since it opened and love it. The food, the décor, the service, everything. Finally a rooftop bar downtown that serves food, and doesn't have the attitude of a pretentious L.A. bar."
Greg C. noted, "Great layout for groups or couples — dinner or casual. The cocktails are delicious and original. And most of all, you feel welcome."
Fog Room is open from 3 p.m.–midnight daily.
Union
1318 E. Union St., Central District
Next, Union is a gay bar located in the former Zoe Events space. There's a central bar area with TVs, a separate lounge area with an enclosed fireplace and a large patio.
A food menu includes appetizers like quesadillas, nachos and tater tots. There are also pizzas, paninis and burgers. For drinks, expect a long list of vodkas, gin, bourbon and tequila, plus wine and craft beers on tap.
With a 3.5-star rating out of nine reviews on Yelp, Union is still finding its way, but it's early days.
Yelper Joseph C., who reviewed the bar on Aug. 8, wrote, "I love how they kept a lot of the previous elements, but more importantly we have a cute gay bar with a nice outdoor patio. This has always been lacking."
Yelper Cole M. wrote, "Union is a fantastic new bar lounge offering much more than good drinks and service. The building and interior decor are modern with vintage accents, yet perfectly matched to the entire theme. For those who have lost interest in going to a bar, I strongly suggest to try this place."
Union is open from 2 p.m.–2 a.m. daily.
Connect Lounge
2330 Second Ave., Belltown
Finally, Connect Lounge is a new cocktail bar with a purpose: to encourage strangers to meet. Many tables are communal or placed close together; phone boxes encourage patrons to isolate their devices; and the "Connect Wall" and sticky notes in the bathrooms encourage all to express themselves.
Located in the former Vittles space in Belltown, Connect Lounge is run by a Romanian owner. One Romanian dish made it onto the menu, a blend of ground beef, pork, lamb and spices known as mici. Otherwise, the lounge serves nuts, olives, cheese and charcuterie.
Cocktails are the stars of the drinks menu. Mezcal is mixed with basil and pineapple habanero shrub to make the Spicy Connection, while gin, lime and crème de mure make The Unknown.
With a five-star Yelp rating out of 36 reviews, Connect Lounge has been getting positive attention.
Codrin D. noted, "Experience one of the best Romanian meat dishes. Enjoy amazing cocktails and a connecting atmosphere and an excellent, enthusiastic service."
Yelper Joshua S. wrote, "I came here with a friend on a Friday evening. We both loved this place. It's a cozy and modern lounge with a great drink selection and fun and tasty bites to eat. The atmosphere is filled with excitement and really amps up your energy."
Connect Lounge is open from 4 p.m.–midnight on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday and 4 p.m.–2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. (It's closed on Monday.)
