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Cool place, great ambiance. I only had water; however, my wife did have the whispering palms as well as a sauvignon blanc. The bar staff was great. Lots of good stories. Really cool to watch them make the drinks and just to hear about what they had to offer, and just the fact that it is set up as a speakeasy, and it's the original bar from the 1920s. It's a cool place. I'd give it a five out of five. You do have to make reservations in advance.
I was first introduced to the Fairmont Olympic Hotel during a Yelp Elite event, where we received a tour and got a glimpse of the Founders Club. I was so excited by the experience that I made a reservation to bring my partner there to end our anniversary night. I was expecting something more intimate and exclusive, especially since that was how it was presented during the Yelp event. When we arrived at the speakeasy at our reserved time, we were told it was not ready yet. We ended up waiting longer than expected, and when we finally received the text to come down, the door was already opening for a party that arrived after us. A big part of the Founders Club experience is the bookshelf entrance, and I had really hoped my partner could experience that excitement for the first time, but it ended up feeling a bit anticlimactic. Once inside, the space itself is nicely done and intimate, and the service was generally good. Prices are quite high for what we ordered, though they do provide complimentary fancy nuts, which was a nice touch. Overall, the vibes are good and I would like to return, but I hope the experience feels more curated and intentional for each party next time.
First of all I would like to say thank you to the amazing host that was willing to allow me to take a single seat in the cocktail lounge. After entering through a fully furnished bookshelf against through the wall. The atmosphere was absolutely amazing and very private. I would definitely return for the vibes alone. Water wand cashews were served very promptly after taking a seat at the trundle seats wrapping around the main pillar. I went with the FLEUR DE FLORET: Chanterelle Infused Michter's Bourbon, Cinnamon Angostura & Lavender Bitters... The drink was phenomenal but the service was even better.
Speakeasy in the Fairmont? Twist my arm. Hidden behind a bookcase in the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Founders Club is a sultry, Prohibition-inspired lounge that blends 1920s glamour with modern sophistication. With its plush red velvet chairs, leather sofas, and polished brass accents, the space feels like a secret sanctuary for cocktail connoisseurs. The bar specializes in rare and vintage spirits, offers liquor lockers for regulars, and features a curated cocktail menu crafted with house-made syrups, fresh ingredients, and premium liquors. Each drink is a carefully composed experience. On a random street in Seattle, Founders Club would have been too much; inside the Fairmont, it was just enough. The intimate setting, ambient lighting, and theatrical drink presentation (waterfall pours, hand carved ice diamonds) put Founders in first place for the weekend. Cheers - if you can find the hidden door.
Been hearing about the bars at the Fairmont so decided to come here for a couple drinks. Definitely cigar bar vibes with decor on the masculine side. It wasn't as busy so the service was pretty attentive given only seeing 2-3 staff. The drinks were good but pricier but it was expected for a hotel bar.
There are small bites here and cheese plates, but I only had drinks. The service was amazing Sarah was so full of knowledge and so accommodating. The ambience was so chill and groovy. When they said last call everyone was so sad lol great spot.
Immaculate taste! This speakeasy is hidden in the Fairmont hotel. The bartender was super accommodating and gave amazing recommendations. I believe I had the whispering palms. That was honestly one of the best mezcal drinks I have ever had. Smooth and silky with a light smoky finish
We had dinner at The George so we decided to try the bar, too. Definitely make a rez way in advance. The entry was fun, but we stood there for a few minutes not knowing who to ask. But once inside the bar, nothing too special. We did see the bartenders doing a synchronized prep for a drink that was kinda cool. The drinks were more expensive, but tasty. Would return if in the area, but since you have to make a rez, not sure I'd be back unless I'm dining nearby.
I didn't get to try the food because I had another reservation planned. However I will plan to try some of the bites next time, because the look and smell of them were tempting. The vibe of this place is old school from a different era, sophicated and all. The drinks selection was impressive and the bar tenders were top notch. What's not to love about a bar behind a bookcase.
A wonderful New York style speakeasy with the cutest interior! Hidden behind a bookshelf within the beautiful Fairmont Olympic hotel with very friendly staff. A cocktail could range from $28 to $55 (a bit pricey), but worth the experience and matched the ambience.
Reservations are recommended, but our party of 6 walked in and lucked out on a Tuesday. They checked ID's, tried to pull mine apart! Trust me, at 49, I'm (flattered) and well over drinking age, lol! Loved the atmosphere- secluded, dark, cozy. The drink offerings are amazing, I want to try it all!
Amazing sazerac, service, and truly felt like a speakeasy! The bookcases open as doors and you enter a darkly lit, beautiful bar which feels like you're away from the world!
Located behind a bookshelf in the lobby of the Fairmont Olympic, this speakeasy opens your mind to a nice variety of cocktails. Reservations recommended, but I was able to walk in as a party of 1 and got seated at the bar on a Tuesday evening. Perfect (or not perfect) timing, I went here the first day they switched their menu to their summer rotation. That meant I got to taste test, but on the other hand, I am one of the firsts to check out one of the drinks. I tried the Clover Club and Daisy Fizz. There are a few other drinks that I want to try, but the cocktails here are quite strong (and also a bit more on the expensive side likely for that reason). Clover Club is a pretty aesthetic egg white gin-based cocktail which has some floral notes from the cherry blossom vermouth. I found this easy to drink and fairly strong. Daisy Fizz is another egg white drink but not as aesthetic as the Clover Club. It has ingredients that are fairly unconventional such as avocado and saline, so it was quite an experience to try it. Besides, because of how they changed the menu today, I was actually the very first customer to have ordered the drink. I enjoyed it but not as much as the Clover Club. Sue was the bartender and she was really friendly and made excellent cocktails. This is one of few instances in many bars I went to in Seattle where they put in effort to have conversation with you, something that is honestly rare here. These few bars remind me of NYC bars where I get more attentiveness, and these are ones that I will come back to, whether it be solo or with a group of friends.
29 days ago
Cool place, great ambiance. I only had water; however, my wife did have the whispering palms as well as a sauvignon blanc. The bar staff was great. Lots of good stories. Really cool to watch them make the drinks and just to hear about what they had to offer, and just the fact that it is set up as a speakeasy, and it's the original bar from the 1920s. It's a cool place. I'd give it a five out of five. You do have to make reservations in advance. read more
I was first introduced to the Fairmont Olympic Hotel during a Yelp Elite event, where we received a tour and got a glimpse of the Founders Club. I was so excited by the experience that I made a reservation to bring my partner there to end our anniversary night. I was expecting something more intimate and exclusive, especially since that was how it was presented during the Yelp event. When we arrived at the speakeasy at our reserved time, we were told it was not ready yet. We ended up waiting longer than expected, and when we finally received the text to come down, the door was already opening for a party that arrived after us. A big part of the Founders Club experience is the bookshelf entrance, and I had really hoped my partner could experience that excitement for the first time, but it ended up feeling a bit anticlimactic. Once inside, the space itself is nicely done and intimate, and the service was generally good. Prices are quite high for what we ordered, though they do provide complimentary fancy nuts, which was a nice touch. Overall, the vibes are good and I would like to return, but I hope the experience feels more curated and intentional for each party next time. read more
First of all I would like to say thank you to the amazing host that was willing to allow me to take a single seat in the cocktail lounge. After entering through a fully furnished bookshelf against through the wall. The atmosphere was absolutely amazing and very private. I would definitely return for the vibes alone. Water wand cashews were served very promptly after taking a seat at the trundle seats wrapping around the main pillar. I went with the FLEUR DE FLORET: Chanterelle Infused Michter's Bourbon, Cinnamon Angostura & Lavender Bitters... The drink was phenomenal but the service was even better. read more
Speakeasy in the Fairmont? Twist my arm. Hidden behind a bookcase in the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Founders Club is a sultry, Prohibition-inspired lounge that blends 1920s glamour with modern sophistication. With its plush red velvet chairs, leather sofas, and polished brass accents, the space feels like a secret sanctuary for cocktail connoisseurs. The bar specializes in rare and vintage spirits, offers liquor lockers for regulars, and features a curated cocktail menu crafted with house-made syrups, fresh ingredients, and premium liquors. Each drink is a carefully composed experience. On a random street in Seattle, Founders Club would have been too much; inside the Fairmont, it was just enough. The intimate setting, ambient lighting, and theatrical drink presentation (waterfall pours, hand carved ice diamonds) put Founders in first place for the weekend. Cheers - if you can find the hidden door. read more
1 year ago
Been hearing about the bars at the Fairmont so decided to come here for a couple drinks. Definitely cigar bar vibes with decor on the masculine side. It wasn't as busy so the service was pretty attentive given only seeing 2-3 staff. The drinks were good but pricier but it was expected for a hotel bar. read more
6 months ago
There are small bites here and cheese plates, but I only had drinks. The service was amazing Sarah was so full of knowledge and so accommodating. The ambience was so chill and groovy. When they said last call everyone was so sad lol great spot. read more
1 year ago
Immaculate taste! This speakeasy is hidden in the Fairmont hotel. The bartender was super accommodating and gave amazing recommendations. I believe I had the whispering palms. That was honestly one of the best mezcal drinks I have ever had. Smooth and silky with a light smoky finish read more
We had dinner at The George so we decided to try the bar, too. Definitely make a rez way in advance. The entry was fun, but we stood there for a few minutes not knowing who to ask. But once inside the bar, nothing too special. We did see the bartenders doing a synchronized prep for a drink that was kinda cool. The drinks were more expensive, but tasty. Would return if in the area, but since you have to make a rez, not sure I'd be back unless I'm dining nearby. read more
1 year ago
I didn't get to try the food because I had another reservation planned. However I will plan to try some of the bites next time, because the look and smell of them were tempting. The vibe of this place is old school from a different era, sophicated and all. The drinks selection was impressive and the bar tenders were top notch. What's not to love about a bar behind a bookcase. read more
1 year ago
A wonderful New York style speakeasy with the cutest interior! Hidden behind a bookshelf within the beautiful Fairmont Olympic hotel with very friendly staff. A cocktail could range from $28 to $55 (a bit pricey), but worth the experience and matched the ambience. read more
2 years ago
Reservations are recommended, but our party of 6 walked in and lucked out on a Tuesday. They checked ID's, tried to pull mine apart! Trust me, at 49, I'm (flattered) and well over drinking age, lol! Loved the atmosphere- secluded, dark, cozy. The drink offerings are amazing, I want to try it all! read more
Located behind a bookshelf in the lobby of the Fairmont Olympic, this speakeasy opens your mind to a nice variety of cocktails. Reservations recommended, but I was able to walk in as a party of 1 and got seated at the bar on a Tuesday evening. Perfect (or not perfect) timing, I went here the first day they switched their menu to their summer rotation. That meant I got to taste test, but on the other hand, I am one of the firsts to check out one of the drinks. I tried the Clover Club and Daisy Fizz. There are a few other drinks that I want to try, but the cocktails here are quite strong (and also a bit more on the expensive side likely for that reason). Clover Club is a pretty aesthetic egg white gin-based cocktail which has some floral notes from the cherry blossom vermouth. I found this easy to drink and fairly strong. Daisy Fizz is another egg white drink but not as aesthetic as the Clover Club. It has ingredients that are fairly unconventional such as avocado and saline, so it was quite an experience to try it. Besides, because of how they changed the menu today, I was actually the very first customer to have ordered the drink. I enjoyed it but not as much as the Clover Club. Sue was the bartender and she was really friendly and made excellent cocktails. This is one of few instances in many bars I went to in Seattle where they put in effort to have conversation with you, something that is honestly rare here. These few bars remind me of NYC bars where I get more attentiveness, and these are ones that I will come back to, whether it be solo or with a group of friends. read more
2 years ago
Very much enjoyed everything about this place! It was so fun and beautiful and very aesthetic. I could have stayed for hours just looking at everything on the walls. The drinks were fantastic. I had some gin drink that I don't remember the name but it wasn't too sweet and I loved it. My husband had an old fashioned and was very happy. Overall a good spot for a little drink. Nice and intimate. We then had to go to the bar outside of the speakeasy for a light snack since they do not serve food quite yet. read more
3 years ago
This place is great! We've been to the bar in the lobby and the restaurant at the Fairmont but this spot was a first. It lived up to the fun hype. The drinks were great. They're pricey but you're paying for the experience too. There isn't any food. But they did bring us a little dish of nuts. And they were tasty. I'm pretty sure you need reservations. We went for NYE so we definitely needed them. But I don't know what it's like on a regular night. The reservation was for 90 minutes but that was a perfect amount of time for us. Definitely check it out for a fun night out or a special occasion. read more
Ambiance: located inside the exquisite Fairmont Seattle, this speakeasy is behind a bookcase in their main lobby bar. It's a little unclear how to get in but I suppose that adds to the allure. I was able to make a reservation online, and we waited on the couch outside the entrance until a server came up to us to check us in. Drinks were definitely on the pricey side, most were over $20. I chose the Apollo View since it has my absolute favorite rhum. Drink was well made but I wouldn't get it again for the price. My dining partner had the sazerac which really missed the spot. I've had sazeracs in New Orleans and so many other speakeasies, but this one was too sweet, not balanced, and just weird tasting. We were both disappointed. Summary: There's better bars out there. This would be a nice place to stop for a quick drink if you're staying at the Fairmont, but I don't think I would travel all the way back here from Tacoma. read more
2 years ago
--- It's always fun to try a speakeasy and the founders club was no exception. The entrance to the Founders Club is quite intriguing and has a speakeasy vibe. You have to find your way through a hidden door behind a wall of library books. Once inside, the atmosphere is cozy, intimate, and quite dark. The bar itself seats about ten people, and there are additional casual seating areas with tables and chairs. The bar serves a limited selection of food but has a huge array of drinks. While some drinks were excellent, others were just okay. I tried the Founders Bar Manhattan, which was priced at $54. Unfortunately, it didn't seem worth the price. The servers were very friendly and professional, adding to the pleasant experience. Despite the intimate feel, it was a bit too loud when people were there, and noise from outside the bar could also be heard, which detracted from the overall experience. Some standout cocktails on their menu include the Negroni, the Old Fashioned, and their unique take on the Martini. If you're into rare and vintage spirits, this place might be worth a visit, especially for its exclusive atmosphere and extensive selection of fine spirits. Given the high cost and the noise levels, I'm not sure if I'd visit again though. But overall very nice experience. read more
Made a RSVP online and was seated upon arrival! The entrance is behind a bookcase, but it's not as "speakeasy" as some might want/expect. Nevertheless, the interior was nice - dark and intimate but still upscale. They have plenty of cocktail options that range from classics to monthly/seasonal specials and they allow custom requests as well. When we were seated, we got some mixed nuts to snack on while we waited for our drinks. We tried: Between Continents 10/10 Quinta Punch 10/10 Apollo View 8/10 (had a lot of ice) All the drinks had good flavor that was complex, yet paired well together. They were all fairly strong, which most would like given how pricey the drinks are! Staff were friendly and they brought me some complimentary treats for my birthday, which was nice! read more
6/21/24 Arrived at the airport and my friends took me straight here. It's located in a beautiful hotel. The hostess checked our IDs then led us to the bookcase and opened it for us to walk into. It's a gorgeous space. Customer service is excellent and friendly. We received waters and nuts. The drinks are definitely pricey. The most expensive drink we ordered was a $45 vodka cocktail with a small spoon of ikura. All the drinks we ordered were delicious and meticulously crafted and presented. I'd like to sit at the bar next time and watch them make the drinks. read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
Amazing cocktails and vibe. Make sure to come early! Got here at 7pm on a Saturday and had to wait an hour and a half but it was worth it! Easy to grab a drink at the hotel bar while you wait. read more
I went on a Wednesday night and the hostess sat my friend and I without a reservation so that was nice. The drinks were really just okay and really overpriced. The only bartender of the night there (he had black hair) bragged about custom drinks but made me an overly expensive classic mezcal cocktail (Naked and Famous). I've had custom drinks at Needle and Thread before and that was truly custom and this was nothing like it. I said I wanted something sweet and salty for the drink so he added a dash of salt to it. That was the only customization. I couldn't even taste the salt. The cocktail was $40 because he used some crazy special mezcal but didn't tell me it would cost that much. I could have went to any bar in Seattle for a well balanced classic cocktail!! My friend who doesn't drink much wanted a girly light on the alcohol tiki kind of drink, think like fruit and berries, and she got a rum heavy Mai Tai which she didn't like at all. We should have went to Rumba instead or Foreign National for the girly juice drinks. What is the point of custom drinks when you're just pushing out classic cocktails and not even listening to the customer for what they want? The Fairmont has nice atmosphere and the book shelf is super cool, I'll give them that. It's a charming, sophisticated place for dates of you want to impress someone. Drinks are really meh and way too expensive for not that much added value so consider what you're paying for...the ambiance. The complimentary roasted cashews they served were great though. Cashews are expensive so I guess that's where my friend and I tried to claw back some of the value. There are many other BETTER more creative cocktail bars in Seattle. Try Deep Dive for almost the same vibe/decor but better tasting concoctions and Instagramable garnish. read more
Founders Club is a brilliant speakeasy with an entrance in a busy hotel lobby. On average, it's probably the priciest cocktail bar in town. Sure, you can get pricier cocktails like the vintage ones at Canon ($750 Sazerac!). But "normal" cocktails will be a bit pricier but also well worth it. You are here for the experience and service as well. And details matter, like the etched glassware, copper top bar, and a staff donning formal jackets. I started off with a classic Hanky Panky switching out the gin with genever. And I just had to try their Founders Manhattan which the Seattle Times recently mentioned as the priciest "normal" Manhattan in town. At $54 it is pricey but not crazy pricey. Made with Coalition Rye Whiskey, Rooftop Vermouth, Luxardo Maraschino, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao, Lot 35 Creamy Earl Grey Tincture, it has ingredients you can't find anywhere such as a house made vermouth, which gives it a unique taste. Would I order it again? Maybe not, but is it worth trying once? Absolutely! So stop by for a special occasion or just to try some great cocktails in a place that will make you feel special. read more
2 years ago
Hands down some of the best cocktails in Seattle. Great location, fun atmosphere, and great service staff in the beautiful historic Fairmont Olympic. Also a nice, if small, food menu. Highly recommend for visitors or Seattleites looking for a fun date night! read more
7 months ago
Pro and con of the Founders Club. Pro: this might be the most fun bar for a date night I have seen in Seattle. It is unique, it is classy and I really love the atmosphere of going to a fun place like this. Con: Being in the Fairmont and the unique nature of the bar, the drinks are definitely pricey. Two cocktails for $60 is a little rough but I know the ambiance is part of that cost. You're definitely not going to spend a night drinking here unless you are wealthy beyond means but you are going to get a great story, some fun pictures and a good people watching story or two. Get a reservation if you actually want to get in though because it will be a busy place and walk-ins might not even get past the bookcase opening. read more
3 years ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
There's no secret password required to enter this bar, however making reservations is key to ensuring a guaranteed spot. We happen to time our visit during a weekday and even the available spots were later in the evening. This bar is located in the Fairmont Olympic Hotel and is a rather elegant bar tucked behind a large bookshelf. We watched the hostess pull open the bookshelf door revealing a cozy and classic speakeasy bar. The lounge style seating was comfortable. The menu contains some hard to find spirits. We tried the Reanimation which is concoction of Santiago Queirolo Pisco, Mancino Sakura, Lime, Rhurbarb, and absinthe. A nice balance of citrus and spirits with a hint of anise. The Cafe Racer was surprisingly refreshing considering it had Fevrier Saveur's Cognac. The Amedaki Falls is my favorite. It's a perfectly delicious mix of Matsui Hakuto Gin, Iichiko Saiten, SŌTŌ Junmai, Maraschino, and Cucumber Essence. Service was on point and our server consistently checked in. read more
5 years ago
Dark, handsome. Elegant cocktails in an urban library speakeasy, tucked away at the Fairmont Seattle. Beautiful culinary cocktails featuring hand-selected spirits, including rare, hard to find selections. The Café Racer was delightfully refreshing, made with Camus VSOP Cognac, Le Verger, lemon, yuzu, grapefruit bitters. The Waterhouse Syndicate, Founders Club's take on an old-fashioned, is sure to please - made with small batch bourbon. Many the Miles shines brightly as the sole tequila cocktail, and the crowd favorite to date! Last but not least, our neighbors loved the Marine Room, truly a drink for the adventurous - an incredibly well-balanced drink, with perfect hints of umami. Cocktails range from $25-30, so definitely on the pricier side. If you're serious about your cocktails, Founders Club is seriously for you. Enjoy! read more
5 years ago
This upscale speakeasy-style bar opened November 17, 2021 and is located inside the Fairmont Olympic hotel. It is hidden behind a bookshelf and has so much charm. We loved our bartender Peter, who was super friendly and helped us pick which cocktails to order. This spot is on the pricey side, but you can find their menu and pricing on the website. We ordered two featured originals cocktails. The first one was Many the Miles ($27) featuring San Matias Extra Anejo Tequila, Jean-Luc Pasquet Marie Framboise, Orgeat, Acidulated Orange, and Soda Water. It was light, refreshing, and very tasty. The other one we ordered was the Haiku ($35) that has Kaiyo 86 Whisky, Aged Genever, Mancino Sakura, Dry Vermouth, and Umeshu. The drink was dangerously smooth and delicious. They also made me an Amaretto Sour with egg whites when I described the types of drinks I like, and it was perfect. One of the downsides (and maybe they will have this in the future) is that there was no food available to snack on while drinking the cocktails. We love this ambiance of this spot, and the cocktails were wonderful! read more
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More info about Founders Club
411 University St
Seattle, WA 98101
Downtown
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(206) 287-4060
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https://www.fairmont.com/seattle/dining/founders-club/
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