If you really want to impress your friends or your date on a night out in Seattle, take them to a bar that is hidden underground or tucked away behind a moving bookcase. There are actually more hidden speakeasy bars in Seattle than you may realize. We did some sleuthing to find the best Seattle speakeasies based on their craft cocktail offerings, the creativity of their hidden entrance, and overall vibes. Some are harder to find than others, so while making this list we gave each speakeasy a difficulty rating (5 being the most difficult) so you know what you’re getting into.
Here are the top 9 speakeasy bars in Seattle:
1. Phởcific Standard Time, Belltown
This cozy Vietnamese speakeasy located above Phở Bắc’s Belltown location has grown-up treehouse vibes, creative cocktails that use Vietnamese flavors, and a delicious snack menu that of course includes pho.
You can read our writeup of Phởcific Standard Time here.
Address: 1923 7th Ave
Hours: 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Wed-Thurs; 5:00 p.m. to midnight Fri-Sat
Difficulty rating: 2/5; it’s easy enough to find but be prepared for a wait due to limited seating.
2. Needle & Thread, Capitol Hill
To gain entrance to this Capitol Hill speakeasy, you have to find the old telephone in Tavern Law. Once inside, you’ll find that there is no drink menu; instead, you describe your likes and dislikes to the bartender and they’ll make you a custom craft cocktail.
You can read more about Needle & Thread here.
Address: 1406 12th Ave
Hours: 5:00 p.m. to midnight (closed Mondays)
Difficulty rating: 3/5; the telephone schtick is fun but not difficult. The wait on the other hand… let’s just say it’s best to make a reservation.
3. Bathtub Gin & Co., Belltown
As you may guess from the name, this is a great bar to visit if you like gin. They have lots of other cocktail options too, however, and will be happy to make you a customized off-menu drink. The decor and ambiance is exactly what you want from a speakeasy.
Address: 2205 2nd Ave #310
Hours: 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. daily
Difficulty rating: 4/5. It can be hard to find in the dark alley (look for the wooden door) and doesn’t take reservations, so you may have to wait in line for your turn in this small bar.
4. Founders Club, Downtown
If you want a sophisticated, exclusive experience in Seattle, you’ll love Founders Club. It is located inside the historic Fairmont Olympic Hotel downtown; many people walk by it with no idea that there is a speakeasy bar hidden behind a bookcase just off of the lobby. Inside you’ll find mood lighting, dark wood, and delicious (and high-priced) cocktails.
Address: 411 University St. (located inside Fairmont Olympic Hotel)
Hours: 6:00 p.m. to midnight Tues-Sat (by reservation only)
Difficulty rating: 3/5. You can ask a hotel employee for help getting inside, but it is by reservation only.
5. The Backdoor, Fremont
The Backdoor in Fremont really nails its vintage art deco interior. They also have weekly live performances such as jazz bands and drag shows.
Address: 462 N 36th St
Hours: 5:00 to 11:00 p.m. Wed-Thurs; 5:00 to 2:00 a.m. Fri-Sat
Difficulty rating: 2/5. Look for the door behind Roxy’s Diner; the only difficulty you’ll have is getting a table without a reservation.
6. Deep Dive, Denny Triangle
Deep Dive is a speakeasy-style bar located underneath the famous Seattle Spheres. The posh, vintage-style interior demands that you wear an equally sophisticated outfit.
Address: 620 Lenora St
Hours: 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. Sun-Wed; 4:00 to 11:00 p.m. Thurs-Sat
Difficulty rating: 2/5; you can’t exactly miss the Seattle Spheres and the bar’s door is clearly marked. Reservations are strongly recommended though.
7. The Pharmacy, Pioneer Square
This is a great place to go with a larger group, especially when compared to some of the smaller bars on this list. It is hidden in the basement of Temple Billiards in Pioneer Square and has a more modern decor style than the typical speakeasy-style bar. It’s a chill place to hang out on one of the couches with a cocktail and enjoy a conversation.
Address: 126 S Jackson St. (located in Temple Billiards)
Hours: 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Thurs-Fri; 5:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Saturdays
Difficulty rating: 1/5: no reservations needed and it’s easy enough to find the entrance inside of Temple Billiards.
8. Knee High Stocking Co., Capitol Hill
This cozy and intimate speakeasy has been in Capitol Hill since 2007. It offers small plates of Filipino food and craft cocktails.
Address: 1356 E Olive Way
Hours: 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. Thursdays; 6:00 to midnight Fri-Sat
Difficulty rating: 3/5. Don’t expect to just ring the doorbell and be allowed in through the locked door; it’s best to text their number ahead of time for a reservation.
9. The Doctor’s Office, Capitol Hill
The doctor is in. Show up to this moody speakeasy to get a cure for what ails you in the form of strong craft cocktails, charcuterie, and champagne upon your arrival.
Address: 1631 E Olive Way
Hours: 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. daily (closed Mondays)
Difficulty rating: 2/5. It would only be easy to walk past the door if you’re not looking for it, but this spot is quite small and you’ll want to make a reservation.