The 10 Best Bars in Seattle (and Their Best Craft Cocktails)

There’s nothing quite like sitting down and sipping an expertly concocted drink in a quaint Seattle bar. Luckily, there are plenty of such spots—with plenty of great beverages to try—all over our fair city. If you’re looking for a new favorite spot, check out this rundown of the 10 best bars in Seattle and their delicious craft cocktails.

1. Bathtub Gin & Co.

Appropriately named given its speakeasy style both inside and out, Bathtub Gin & Co. is a cozy basement bar accessible only via a nondescript door in an alley in Belltown. Inside, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped through time to a way more fun version of Prohibition days. And with multiple levels, including a couch-filled lounge area, there’s plenty of room for you and your friends to kick back with a round or two of drinks.

In addition to beer, wine, and other liquors, they have a huge selection of gins. Plus, they have a menu of specialty cocktails for just about everyone. If you like bourbon with a mix of sweet and sour flavors, order a Death Star. And those who love tequila and spice should definitely have the Han Bonita.

2. Crumby Sandwich & Spirits

At first glance, this place may look like more of a high-end casual dining spot for a quick bite and not necessarily a place for craft cocktails. But don’t be fooled, because this is a wonderful establishment for both. Located in the bohemian neighborhood of Fremont, the family-owned and -operated Crumby Sandwich & Spirits combines all the best parts of a cafe with those of a bar.

Like the name says, this place has tasty selections of both sandwiches and spirits—and cocktails that can be made from said spirits. Try the Kiwi Fizz for some sweet bubbles or the What’s the Tea for a little caffeinated pep with your gin. You can even order a build-your-own Bloody Mary during Sunday brunch to give the classic daytime cocktail your personal touch. 

3. The Doctor’s Office

If something small, exclusive, and wholly unique is your idea of the setting for a perfect night of cocktails, you need to make a reservation at The Doctor’s Office in the Capitol Hill part of town. Co-founded by an actual medical doctor and widely known for its huge collection of liquors from all over the world, you’d be hard pressed to find a more global collection of cocktails or such a singular location to drink them in.

The names of their cocktails are pretty recognizable, but it’s the type of booze going into them that makes them special. So you can be absolutely certain the flavor of a negroni or highball here will taste unlike any other. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, order the “doctor’s prescription” and have the bartenders concoct a special, unique drink just for you.

4. Foreign National

A speakeasy with a very low seating capacity—about two dozen patrons, tops—Foreign National packs a lot into its small space. Located right next to and associated with the Stateside restaurant in the Pike/Pine neighborhood, there’s more than enough delicious food on the Asian fusion menu here that you wont need to go next door for a bite between drinks.

As for the drinks, they’ve got some unique options. Order the Silk Road and see what so many people are raving about. Who knew curry could be an ingredient in a delicious craft cocktail? Or, if you want slightly simpler—but equally potent—alcoholic fare, try one of their suggested beer and shot pairings.

5. Little Tin Goods & Apothecary Cabinet

The people at Little Tin Goods & Apothecary Cabinet “love to celebrate,” and that’s what their establishment is all about. Could there possibly be a better philosophy for a cocktail bar than that? And this woman-owned business steeped in family vibes and positive feelings lives up to that love of celebration to the fullest.

Order the Birds & the Bees, full of fizz and flowery flavors, and you’ll be celebrating this place with every sip. Or order a round of their signature Maholerz shots and get the evening off to a rolicking start. They even suggest you buy a round for the staff to share the love.

6. Knee High Stocking

Dozens of reviewers in publications both national and local have heaped praise on the Knee High Stocking, and anyone who stops by for a drink and a bite will immediately know why. They’ve been serving top-notch Filipino comfort food in the Pike/Pine area since 2007, and this minority, woman-owned establishment is never short of happy customers.

Whether you’re here for some food, some drinks, or a fair share of both, you have delicious options aplenty. Get the sweet and spicy one–two punch of the Jalapeño Business. Or drink your fill of smoky flavors with the aptly named Thank You For Smoking.

7. Needle & Thread

Yet another sly little speakeasy known for its hip atmosphere and quality craft cocktails, Needle & Thread is actually a bar within a bar. To even get to it, you need to pass through Tavern Law in the Pike/Pine part of town (with a reservation!) and pick up the antique phone in the back corner. Then you get to go through the secret door and up the stairs to one of the absolute coolest drinking spots in town.

We’d love to gush further about their signature craft cocktails and the unique mixtures on their menu, but guess what? They don’t have a menu. You show up, the bartenders mix you a drink, and you love it. They’re that confident and that good.

8. Oliver’s Twist

The spot to go for amazing craft cocktails in Phinney Ridge, Oliver’s Twist has plenty of indoor and outdoor space to enjoy quality drinks and delicious Cambodian cuisine. They’ve got an extensive food menu from rice bowls to sandwiches, so making sure you try every option is reason enough to come back over and over again.

But since what you're really here to read about is the cocktails, you should know that they have plenty of those to choose from, too. The Old Sally adds layers of delicious fruit flavors to its already tasty bourbon base, making it an understandable favorite. If you prefer tequila, the Bullseye also hits the spot.

9. SZN

A relatively new place in the Queen Anne neighborhood, SZN is the result of new owners taking over a previous gastropub and adding even more to the menu. Delicious blends of Asian and Mexican cuisine cover every page of the food menu, so anybody stopping by here hungry will leave with a stomach full of tasty grub.

There’s more than just food that brings people to SZN. But we’re here to talk craft cocktails, and SZN has a menu full of flavor-packed ones. Try the April Showers for a refreshing splash of liquor and mint. Or, for something with a real strong punch behind all its flavor, try the Muay Thai Kick.

10. Trade Winds Tavern

For those looking for more of a traditional, old-school sports bar environment, the Trade Winds Tavern has you covered. They’re another fairly new Seattle bar, but they’ve already earned a reputation for top-quality cocktails in a fun setting.

And they love slinging cocktails. So much so that some of their favorites—the Disco Sling, Prickly Margarita, and more—are actually on tap, ready to go right into a glass. But if you spy something else tasty on the menu, it’s well worth waiting a little longer for them to mix one the old-fashioned way.

The 10 Best Bars in Seattle Are Waiting!

Having a favorite bar or pub to frequent is great. But having multiple favorite places is even better. So get out there and try a few of these places out. Why not even try them all—though probably not all on the same night—and find your own new favorite(s)?

(And once you’ve found the best bars in Seattle, check out some of our favorite local coffee shops and brunch spots!)