Needle and Thread. What makes it special? It's not a place to come to get hammered, in fact quite the opposite. There are places in Seattle that cost less, deliver more alcohol more rapidly and which can quickly get you sufficiently inebriated to experience a shade of gray or two. However waking up tied to the bed wearing a ball-gag isn't my bag, so why do I like this place? It's a pain in the rear end to get in. From the need to make a reservation, to the limited size, the entry phone and locked door, everything makes this place feel secret and exclusive. We arrived five minutes early and on picking up the phone, were asked to wait. However, once you pass through the heavy steel door and climb the stairs, everything about the place screams speakeasy. From the burlesque photos lining the stairs (interesting for any 20 something who has not ever seen female 'hair'), to the use of spirits and ingredients available during prohibition (notably not vodka) everything in here sets the mood. The tables are intimate, service is friendly and definitely not rushed. Each of our drinks was unique, crafted and tailored exactly to what we asked for. They were not too large, not too strong and not too saccharine. They do take a while to prepare and as such you need to be prepared for a relaxed service. That said, if you want a place to share a unique, intimate drink with close friends, share a conversation and enjoy something unique in Seattle, if not the U.S., this is it. If you want to wake up getting a good spanking from someone called Christian go to ZigZag or Joeys in Bellevue. read more

With no set cocktail menu, you can define your flavors, spirit, feeling, etc and get a custom cocktail mixed just for you. They have lots of house-made syrups, interesting bitters, and unique spirits to make you something you truly have not had before. We were very impressed on our visit. They made us two drinks each and we loved them! read more

3.5 We had a reservation for 6 at 9pm and were seated by 9:10. The ambiance is nice and quiet like a "real" speakeasy, not noisy like Bourbon and Branch in SF. I also really liked the seating arrangements. It was situated like a living room, with coffee tables and couches. It was very comfortable. As for the drinks.. they weren't that great. There was a little bit of miscommunication on my drink -- I said I liked gin, champagne, gingery, and sweet. What I got was no ginger, gin mixed with champagne, and it wasn't sweet. It wasn't a bad cocktail, but it wasn't what I had wanted. We handed our drinks around, and the one I liked best was the vodka sour. The food was better than the drinks. I got to try the gnocchi, mac and cheese, and the fried chicken. The oxtail gnocchi was amazing; it was crispy and the oxtail was so perfect. The fried chicken had some kind of sweet syrup on it. I probably would not usually enjoy that, but in this case it was just the right amount of sweetness. I probably wouldn't come back again. Since Tavern Law downstairs has the same food menu, I would much rather just go there. read more

I have been putting this moment off since the act of posting an online review about a speakeasy feels like too ironic a sin to commit. But how could I possibly resist making my first yelp review about Needle and Thread? Two things got me hooked. First, nerdiness. Because I am a nerd. A big one. And in my nerdland recreating the more romantic aspects (no raids for me, thank you) of a speakeasy is pretty enthralling. And the vibe that Needle and Thread gives off is just the right mix of comfort and cozy and getting to pretend that it's prohibition era and you're doing something naughty. Like I said, nerd. The second piece was the drinks, of course. I am not very well versed in cocktails so I was intimidated by not having a menu to hide behind. Turns out that having a drink crafted just for you based on your mood is far less intimidating even than poring over a menu and hoping you get something you like; if you're as much of a novice as I, that is. If you are, take it as your opportunity to learn! read more

Loved the atmosphere here. Came with my mom for my birthday on a Seattle trip. Truly lovely place.

This review is for KIM, the bartender for this speakeasy. (And the bouncer!!!) Backstory: my friend, April U, and I, were visiting Seattle from out of town (California). We had just finished visiting Columbia Sky View Tower and decided to head to Capitol Hill to grab a few dranks;) Anyway, we headed to Tavern Law and were greeted by the nicest bouncer :) We headed inside where there's a phone to call to inquire about availability (to the speakeasy bartenders) since we hadn't reserved. The person from the receiving end told us try back in 30 min and I left my name for the wait list I guess? We left tavern bar and, through suggestion of awesome bouncer, visited UNICORN bar down the street. (Btw their unicorn jizz is really good lol). We quickly chugged to make it back in time in 30 since my friend really wanted to try needle& thread speakeasy above Tavern Bar. Anyway, when we called the second time, the receiver, same woman, told us, maybe in 20 min; they have full reservations. They made no promises. No guarantees. Ok, cool. So we sat down at tavern bar and ordered another drink, thinking either we'll try again in20, or just chill in tavern bar if they can't accommodate us upstairs. We're good either way. So, after 20 min, my friend called up under my name again, and they said they're clearing the tables, they'll be ready in 5 min. We decided to chug our drinks and wait. We call in 5 and he tells us he'll personally come get us. 20 min passes and nobody comes down to greet us. ANOTHER guy from Tavern Bar comes and tells the party next to us, and to our party, "Sorry, no room. All reservations showed up." That was IT. Basically told us to leave. Ok, I'll call and check. The same lady picks up and kinda sorta explains they're busy. I respond "We've been waiting 2 hours and I don't care that you're fully booked. You told us to wait, twice, with no guarantees, and we did. Someone told us they were cleaning the tables, and they'll come get us in 5 min. they should't have told us that if they weren't." I hung up on them. Angry. We left. I was opening Yelp to leave a 1 star review. You see , it's not about how long we waited, it's the INTEGRITY of a place. You tell us no guarantees, sure. But if you tell us, we'll "personally" come get you in 5 mins. I give you benefit of the doubt and wait 30min, and get kicked out, no apologies, no recognition. I am PISSED. You deserve no excuse nor sympathy. Do not waste my time. So we left. As we left, a bartender from upstairs comes outside and calls my name. Apparently he has seats for us for the speakeasy upstairs. We decide to come in, because we've been waiting for two hours afterall! Here's where this place deserves 5 stars. The bartender was attentive. He was friendly, he was personable. The drinks were nothing short of amazing, definitely catered to your taste. Both April and I agreed the drinks were AMAZING. And more importantly, he recognized where they screwed up and RESOLVED the issue. You know, he could have easily let us leave, frustrated and angry, but that effort to reconcile deserves this 5 stars (that, and the freaking amazing drinks)!!!!! I appreciate that they accommodated us, understanding how busy it might be. It's just, don't over promise. Once you do, please deliver, and I feel that Kim really stepped up to the challenge and appeased an agitated customer. I appreciate you going out of your way to accommodate us, apologize, and make it up with a drink on the house. I appreciate the attentiveness and care, because it's really the service that matters. Hey, we're willing to pay for expensive drinks for an experience if you're willing to extend the same respect. And tonight, we felt that you cared, so here's the 5 stars we promised. Thank you for allowing us the pleasure of enjoying this speakeasy (our first in Seattle and easily one with the BEST drinks!). This one's to Kim. read more

Needle and Thread - Lounges Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Customized drinks in an initmate and calm little bar sitting atop Tavern Law (which I also love). I thought the prices were very reasonable for what you get. The only downside is getting in. But once you're in...oh yeah...that's why I waited so long.... read more

I'd heard about Needle and Thread, but admit when my compatriot picked up the phone on the wall at Tavern Law, I wasn't sure what to expect. We stopped in on a whim late one Friday night and wow have I been missing out on this place. Needle and Thread was perfectly comfortable, tasty, art deco delight. One the one hand a place without a drink menu can seem unapproachable and pretentious, but it was so not; instead, I felt creative and unashamed of my generally high maintenance ordering. Beyond that, we ordered from the Tavern law menu and although the spiced friend chicken is a misnomer, as it is not exactly spiced, the perfectly seasoned juicy chicken is something I will be going back for soon! This is a perfect date spot, girls' night out, late night stop in with friends...basically anything. I cannot wait to go back. I didn't feel rushed. The bartenders Leon and Amanda were fabulous and created oh so tasty/balanced drinks, including some non-alcoholic bevies. I agree with others, it's sexy and fun. Enough said. read more

I love speakeasies and vintage-y bars, and this one is my all-time favorite. I did some research for a recent trip to Seattle, and saw this place on Yelp and knew I had to give it a try. I was not disappointed. Reservations are highly recommended as the bar itself only fits about 20 people. They take reservations up to a week in advance, and are made by calling and leaving a message. They return calls everyday, but the reservation is only complete once you've had an actual conversation with them, so don't miss their call! I made a reservation about 4 days in advance, and went on a Friday night with a couple friends. The bar is located above Tavern Law, and access is hidden since it is a speakeasy, after all. They have a food menu, which is the same menu as Tavern Law. They do not have a drink menu, and instead, the incredibly knowledgable bartender makes customized drinks after asking you a few questions. Our bartender really knew his stuff! He started out by giving us a little history of speakeasies, then asked each of us what kind of drinks and flavors we liked. He also informed us that they do not really make vodka drinks, and in fact only carry one or two vodkas, because vodka was not common during the prohibition. After asking us what we liked, he went and made our personalized drinks. When he came back, he explained what was in each drink, and man does he know his stuff! The drinks were amazing, and each of us loved each drink he made. He rattled off all the ingredients, some of which I had never even heard of, and explained why he picked what he did, which was a great touch. The drinks are about $12-14 each, which is to be expected for this type of bar, and well worth it considering the personalization of each drink. I will definitely go again next time I'm in Seattle! read more

This place is cool as hell. Gotta use a rotary phone to "sneak" into this speakeasy. The drink menu is nonexistent - instead you tell the mixologist what you like and they make you a banging beverage. Highly recommend the charcuterie as well. But shhhh don't tell anyone about this place. read more

Been to Tavern Law before and have had the drinks and food. However, on this fine evening I decided to wondering upstairs. The wonderful decor is really cute. Very small, and exclusive. Down side is you couldn't really go there by yourself, but instead you would go with another person or group. If you went out of place, how the seating was set up it would be awkward to strike up a conversation. Give them a kind of alcohol you prefer and the flavor/characteristics you're looking for and they will make you a quality drink! Awesome place to go check out! read more

I absolutely love how secret and special this bar is. The drinks were phenomenal, the waitress was adorable and attentive, and the atmosphere made this an amazing date spot. Perfect place to get dressed up for and have a special night. The bartender did a wonderful job crafting cocktails based on our spirit and flavor preferences. Every drink we tried was different and delicious. The food was also great. read more

Where does a group of bartenders go to get away? Our secret society decided to hide out in this cozy joint hidden on top of Tavern Law to get away from the usual debauchery and have some decent conversation over respectable cocktails. Needle and Thread has bartenders who know how to make great infusions, use egg whites properly, make their own bitters and shake (or stir) each type of liquor. Don't let the cuteness of the décor and the sweetness of your cocktail waitress fool you, they are smarter then any of us, even combined and they aren't afraid to let you know that. If you come here and order a whiskey soda for example, you might get a look like, Captain Obvious wants his drinks back, can you please leave. Don't order anything; just tell them what you like. Also, if you are wearing sweatpants and forgot to comb your hair all week, probably don't come here, in fact, please don't. If Ed Hardy and Hair gel are a large part of your two-hour pre-night out routine there's this bar called Havana and I think you took a wrong turn. Above all else, after you've come to know and love this wonderful place, give the bartenders elsewhere a break, it's hard to live up to these standards! Four stars because the layout is all wrong, Bar top is too small and the bathroom also serves as a creepy storage area, otherwise its amazing. read more

A 5-star bar is hard to come by in my book, but I have nothing but great things to say about all of my visits here. I can't think of a better place to go when I want to catch up with a friend over an amazing custom-crafted cocktail. You need to make reservations as seating is limited which is great because it keeps the space quiet and uncrowded- so its the perfect spot to have a conversation. Plus the ambiance makes you feel like you stepped onto the set of Boardwalk Empire. All of their bitters are house-made and you order with the bartender by telling them the flavors and spirits you want versus reading off a menu. They are not the cheapest drinks in the world but you get your dollar's worth in the quality of drinks. read more

I'm a huge fan of the cocktails and ambiance here. I have been 1 time with a group of girlfriends and we were all treated extremely well. When the waiter came to our area, we were asked about flavors we like and if there are any particular liquors we prefer or do not like. When our waiter returned, we were all pleasantly surprised to all love our cocktails. The only snafu in this adventure was quickly fixed by the manager, but I thought I should note it anyways. We came for a friend's birthday, and one of the girls brought a cake. We were asked multiple times by the staff if we wanted the cake cut by them and when we were ready, we said yes. When the check came, we were charged $5 per person for a "cake cutting fee". This was, of course, brought to the managers attention since were were never told about the fee when the cutting was offered. Once we said this, the manager made sure it was taken off the bill. Since we didn't pay the fee, I probably wouldn't worry about it, but I deducted one star because it definitely felt as if it was snuck onto our bill. Other than that, the experience was a ton of fun and really great! read more

I feel a little like Jekyll and Hyde when I think about my experience at Needle and Thread. I liked it, and yet I didn't. It's certainly an experience worth trying, but here is my take: Pros: was able to get a same-day reservation with a quick call back; hip factor of being buzzed in from downstairs at Tavern Law; experiencing the unexpected while your drink is made based on your mood; vintage era setting with servers who keep the mood light and cheery. Cons: No, I do not need floral essences in my drink; seating is somewhat awkward; really -- you can only take reservations on 2 hour increments (7pm, 9pm, 11pm)? I haven't ever tried Tavern Law, but I think I might just have preferred eating the exact same food and drinking drinks of my choice downstairs in what looked like a very cozy setting. But to each his own. And this is unique enough, that I'm glad I tried it. read more

Ok....dont get me wrong, the drinks are great and the atmosphere is fantastic. But seriously......$49 for two gin cocktails and one old fashion?? Thats CRAZY ALSO, no one tells you that gratuity is automatically included, so they basically got a double tip. Probably wont be back read more

I feel so coooooooool going here!!! Best corpse reviver #2! done and done!! Plus they customize your drinks for you!!! loves it p.s. make a reservation, don't try to pop up there, it's not that big read more

Speakeasy at its best! This place will take you back to the "Pre Era" of Alcohol Prohibition. With the tinctures, tonics, flavored waters, infused syrups, usage of bitters, fresh root and herbal extracts, flavored liquors and the knowledge of toxicology in abundance. The bartenders are exaggeratingly (a word of mine lol) knowledgeable of making an drink off the top of their heads. If you can communicate what you enjoy to sip on, they can concoct it. This place will not disappoint any group of the casual and snooty (not negatively put) drinker. They up hold a professionalism that many bars have lost in the good ole days of the "watering holes". I feel as though I'm in the 1800's having a drink with Mr. Poe and Emily Dickinson. This is the place you can dress up for or dial it down a notch to NW's version of dressy casual. I would suggest wearing a fur or faux fur coat for fun! You will fit rite into the decor! Awesome place to bring out of town family, friends, clients too! It will impress! The snacks and entrees in the menu are delicious! I really enjoy the tapas style of eating and drinking. This place meets all of my wants and desires for both! The drinks are above Par, along with the ambiance, bartends, staff and the managers. Have fun finding the entrance, "one must enter through the door of another, to find ones way." Yes this is a clue to finding the door to enter through, lol. This place will not disappoint!! We've always had it easy with finding parking as well! Have a great time! Reservations required if you want to make sure to get in! read more

Here you'll find a "secret" Speakeasy-inspired intimate lounge found behind a safe door and a passcode pushed into an old-school phone, that sits above the equally impressive Tavern Law. Reservations are a must to gain the code and passage, as it seats no more than 25 people, in small, intimate lounge areas (or at the bartop). The decor, ambiance, music and bow-tied bartender takes you back in time, a time when you can hear the horse-hoofs clacking on the cobblestone streets and...ok, not back quite THAT far...but close. The music plays at a perfect pitch in the background, never competing for the sound of your companies voice. Which is a hard thing to find these days alone. Now for the most important part. The libations! All cocktails are created with fresh squeezed juices, in-house made bitters--3 shelves worth!--fresh herbs and top shelf liquors. There is no menu, and the bartender strongly urges you to just "trust him", by giving him things you like/are in the mood for, and anything you don't like, and let him perform his mixing magic. 4 people did 3 rounds each, and all 12 drinks were, well, all worthy of their own individual Yelp review. So, to avoid that, let's just say "TRUST HIM" and the fact that this place has been making the Top 10 bars in America on several lists--with reason. You can taste the freshness, the skill, the knowledge of history, the heart & soul in every shake, twist, squeeze and pour. A man that truly loves his craft. We went on a Saturday evening with some fellow mixologists, and were pretty casually dressed for the vibe. We didn't feel out-of-place until the later evening crowd showed up--everyone playing the part in full 30's garb. And I shouldn't say we felt out-of-place actually--no one made us feel such--we just suddenly felt like our not-knowing left us out of a fun opportunity to play it up. If we come on a Saturday evening again, we'll be sure to play along as well! Though it's quickly becoming not a secret anymore (hell, I alone just told how many people about the secret way in!) the means of getting in still means you'll have your prime spot waiting for you and it will never get crowded to lose it's charm. Overall, it's the perfect place for a special pre-stop occasion, impressing someone that needs impressing, or just a nice place to treat yourself to something "finer in life" for a while. Pure escapism. A true gem, one you'd find passed along for generations in a royal family. read more

Love forever and ever and ever. You pick up a phone and tell them who you are, how many people (book a reservation ahead of time.) You go through a freaking bank-vault door like some Chicago big-shot mobster. What is there not to love? I feel like I'm stepping back in time with the decor, the vintage pin-up models in the stairway, the music, the atmosphere... and the staff are great. The prices are honestly really reasonable, considering they are all custom, hand-made cocktails. Will be back again and again. Everything is perfect. Don't change a thing. read more

Anything I say, won't be good enough. Needle and Thread is amazing... Their decor is soft and relaxing. You will want to make a reservation, they do fill up. With their recent awards, they fill up even faster, but it is never over occupancy. This isn't the kind of place you will go for a "quick drink". If you want that, you can hang out in Tavern Law. Needle and Thread is an experience. You will be brought into a setting that is comfortable and relaxing. Great place for a date, or two maybe three friends... Anything bigger than that gets tricky. You also have a greater chance of not getting in if you didn't make a reservation. Their drinks are so expertly hand crafted; they don't even have a cocktail menu. Just tell the bartender/mixologist what you are feeling, and they will cook up some concoction that is heaven in your mouth! The food... I had the Mac & Cheese... Nothing will ever compare. It was delicious... I believe 4 cheese, w/ duck fat sprinkles and thinner than toothpick slices of green apples. Who would think that would go, but it does and very well. Service is a little "slow" compared to your traditional experience, but this is by design. Remember, the drinks aren't thrown together, they are crafted. It is going to take longer than you are used to waiting, but it is 100% worth every second you wait. Everyone that works there always has a smile to offer and a warm welcome to give. I would give 10 stars if I could, just based on the service. I hope you enjoy your time there as much as I do! read more

I know its evil - but I love watching the bewildered jealous faces of Tavern Law patrons as I waltz up the hidden staircase for an ultra exclusive drinking experience. The best thing about Needle and Thread is the attention you get from the staff/bartender. Since there is no drink menu, they take special orders from what you generally like or what you are willing to try. Seriously, you can just start rambling off different emotions you feel and they will make a drink that suits it. Although the drinks come in small glasses, Needle and Thread saves its reputation by serving the most amazing fried chicken. As a fried food connoisseur, take my advice and I can guarantee your taste buds will be dancing with happiness to the elegant sounds of the 1920s music in the background. This place is just wonderful. Small room means its quiet, sophisticated, and you'll receive immediate attention from the waitstaff. Good for: date night, impressing someone, feeling famous Not good for: loud obnoxious people read more

This place is so cool! We were supposed to ring the doorbell according to Yelp reviews but I was confused and just stepped inside. They were fine with it, but they were busy so they didn't attend to us for a few minutes, but I guess that was my fault. After that, we were seated promptly right next to the bar. Really hip and trendy, dark and sleek, modern and classic - all at the same time! Nice ambiance, a lot of dates going on around us. Drinks were innovative and clever. We were seated right next to the bar and I could see how hard the bartenders were working. They really made bartending an art form, and poured love and care into each drink. I was so impressed by how much effort they put into making each one as good as they can. When our drinks came, it was really an amazing experience. We also ordered the tater tots to snack on while we drank, and they were crunch and tasty. Nothing too special about the tots though. read more

This might have been the coolest bar experience I've ever had. I was unable to get a hold of N&T to make a reservation, so we showed up at 5PM on the dot to try our luck as walk-ins. Fortunately, lady luck was on our side: the bartender let us in at 5:15PM, and we were given a corner of the bar to ourselves. Now, I've been in speakeasies before, but this is the most "authentic" (as authentic as one can be in 2014, where the booze flows freely and copiously) one I've come across. Small space, quiet music--they even encourage you to talk in hushed tones, as people did in the prohibition era--and no vodka because that only showed up in the US after WW2. The bartender is a walking, talking, cocktail-shaking encyclopedia of all things alcohol-related; we were lucky enough to enjoy a great little conversation with him before the crowd began to pick up, and we both amassed a ton of new knowledge. There's no drink menu, surprise surprise. You talk about flavours, combinations, or cocktails you enjoy, and the bartender will whip you up something based on what you say. I said I thoroughly enjoyed sidecars, and that I'd be down to try something similar that was rum-based. Michael (our bartender), did not disappoint. My boyfriend had a similarly enjoyable drink placed in front of him after saying he wanted something fruity that was rooted in dark rum. Our drinks were $15 each, but I don't mind shelling that out for something that has been hand-crafted with top-shelf liquor to specifically cater to my tastes. I'll definitely be coming back here, especially with out-of-town guests. After all, who doesn't enjoy the phone-and-vault routine? read more

As all speakeasies tend to be, a little pricey- but they will make you delicious boozy treats especially for your tastes. And if you're me, and your tastes tend toward the difficult, it may be worth the price! I had some delicious vodka ginger spicy thing. My friends drank bourbon and gin with smoke (GROSS) and st. germain, and everyone was happy. I enjoyed the ambiance, it was lovely to sit in oversized chairs and chat over a custom cocktail. read more

In another review someone described the atmosphere in Needle and Thread as "your grandmother's brothel." Not my words, but... it's kinda true. The drinks are great. The no-menu format is novel. The server was knowledgeable, and nice, and funny. He seemed more like the master of ceremonies at a Teatro Zinzanni show. Like he might be willing to read your palm to figure out what drink you should get. And then give you a shoulder rub if he thought it was going to make your drink taste better. Which is not a bad thing. It goes back to the brothel vibe. The reservations system is annoying. We had to confirm reservations "voice to voice", which involved a lot of phone tag. We finally gave up and walked into Tavern Law to confirm in person. When we arrived we still had to wait outside. Which meant that instead of being buzzed in (evocative of a speakeasy and fun for the first-time visitor), the server came down and brought us up. Still, on your first visit, climbing those stairs is cool. N&T was nice, but we went to a place like this in San Francisco that I like a little better. There were no windows. A password was required. The lighting was very, very dark, and everything evoked the swinging 20's, even the hostesses' hairdo. It managed to feel exclusive and special, without all the reservations fuss. read more

Very cool vibe and excellent tailored cocktails! Staff personable but not over the top. Minus for owners..only permitted to stay an hour And you are reminded. Minus for staff..don't tell you they already put a tip on the bill. read more

Great experience for a date or to take some visitors in town. At close to $24 a drink after taxes my Wisconsin guests were a bit shocked (ha), but it's worth it if you love a great cocktail to sip and enjoy your company. If you are a pure "vodka soda" kind of person who is not open to experimentation, then I wouldn't recommend as you would be doing a disservice to the bartenders who really excel in crafting cocktails perfect for your taste. However, if you are open to it- I took a "captain diet" guy here and he loved what the bartender whipped him up! read more

Now this place is cool. A great, casual speakeasy within Tavern law. To get into here, you need to technically have a reservation. If you find yourself at Tavern Law and want to try to get in, occasionally, someone skips out on their reservation or they just have some extra space because people left, so go to the phone in Tavern Law and just ask for a spot (that's what we had to do, actually). Lucky for us, we happened to get in. When you get upstairs, it's a totally different atmosphere than in Tavern Law. Old lounge type furniture and tables. Really cool. Then there are the drinks...what everyone comes here to enjoy. The waiter/waitress comes to your seating and asks for favorite choice of poison and what flavors you enjoy. Then they go discuss it with the bartender and bring out a cocktail that they've crafted. You may find interesting ingredients such as lavender bitters, etc, in your drink. Definitely worth it. And, their prices aren't really higher than normal, so bonus! read more

Very easy to make a reservation online. This place is a definite splurge but is so worth it. If only all bars made custom cocktails. I feel like it's impossible to not love the cocktails because they are tailored especially for you. We also ordered a dozen oysters which were delicious, our friends ordered the cheese puffs which were interesting. Overall I highly recommend coming here for a special occasion or with out of town friends to impress. read more

My new favorite bar! Why am I writing this review since I'd like to keep it my own personal secret? Great place for a date (not a first date since it's small and everyone will hear and see your awkward interactions.) My favorite is the gin, cucumber and elder flower concoction they make. read more

I was rather excited to try Needle and Thread because I'd heard it spoken of highly. My friend was back in town after moving away, and got reservations for a party of 6 to catch up with us and a few others. We dressed up, showed up and were escorted upstairs. The bar is a split level and we were placed in what essentially felt like a foyer area for the bar in the lower level, away from all the action. That wouldn't have been so bad, but the seating was awkward. We had a long couch on one side that fit four of us, and me and another lady were perched on the skinniest little bench adjacent to it. I felt like I was going to fall off the entire time. I can't remember if our table was a low round coffee table or a large, squishy ottoman; either way it was a bit of a reach to get to our plates and glasses. Trying to talk to people on the farther end of the couch was nearly impossible. We started by describing our drinks for the waitress and ordered food. My husband requested something with spice, and he stipulated "not hot spicy, but spices, like with Allspice dram, but maybe something different." Another in our party requested something herbal. Our food arrived first, and after a long wait, our drinks. My husband's was laced with jalapeno, and in a way that overpowered the drink. Our friend's herbal drink was just fernet mixed with another potent aperitif; he hated it. After some deliberation they were sent back. The waitress appeared with her notes to adjust their order; her rundown and subsequent questions felt less of a "ok let's really nail it this time," and more of a "here's what you said you wanted so I'm going to make a show of getting you to be more specific." My husband's second drink was much better; our friend's was improved but not his favorite. At an hour and a half into the evening, we have each had one drink (not including the ones sent back). Our waitress tells us that reservations are only two hours, and if we're fast, she can squeeze one more drink order in for us. We make our requests, she leaves, then a moment later the bartender comes to tell us he has too many orders from the other tables and won't be able to get to us before our reservation time ends. We paid and left, frustrated that what should have been an exceptional evening felt wasted on a mediocre experience. After reading some of the reviews about bartenders kicking people out or complaining about drinks being sent back, I can't help but wonder if he just decided he didn't want to serve us that last round because we had sent back two drinks. Pros: Rad ambiance, feeling like you're part of a secret little lounge that only a few people know about. Good food. Cons: Two hours for one drink and light dinner, then essentially kicked out. The no menu concept would be great if they can nail it, and if they can't nail it, then don't get frustrated with the clients for sending drinks back. Final word: I recommend a reservation at Canon instead. read more

Rude staff downstairs -- not just to us, but the people around us. Waitstaff was good and drinks were OK, but the host was noticeably uncommunicative, unhelpful and discriminatory to multiple parties. Not a return trip, do not recommend on a weekend. read more

One of my favorite places in Seattle. I love nothing more than a well made drink and the bartenders here are top-notch. No drink menu, just tell them what you like in a drink (you can mention a particular liquor or simply ask for a drink that reminds you of your hometown) and they'll whip up something truly special. Some of the best drinks I've had in my life I've had at the Needle and Thread. But beyond the drinks, the atmosphere really separates this place. It's quiet, intimate, and relaxing. Things that are hard to come by in a bar. No loud music, nobody screaming to be heard. The amazing speakeasy atmosphere is really the cherry on top. Or the olive in the martini. read more

If you are into the SpeakEasy thing! This is YOUR spot. Super stylized...makes you feel like what you are drinking should be illegal! Downstairs is always busy! No matter though, still a great place to drink that long stem down while standing. Long menu of drinks makes your eyes hurt, but the bartendars are incredibly knowledgable and usually steer you in the right direction. Upstairs is the best! Hard to get a reservation and it is definitely needed. Knew someone that had a long standing reservation for Friday night every week. Crazy! No menu, just Speak your liking ;) Only draw back I had was a bartender once didn't make strong drinks for my lady despite her request for almost straight whiskey. Otherwise a great experience and we always try and take outoftowners there read more

Wow! What an experience. This was very traditional to the prohibition era. My favorite part: There is not drink menu! You tell them what you are about, what you like , and they will make you a special drink for you. Great work N&T team! read more

Wow! Amazing! I love the no menu concept that they do there. The style somehow reminded me of a creepy horror movie that was set in the 20's but it was amazing! We given corner seats. The chairs were really cool and comfortable. The bartender and server were both dressed 20's style. Next to me was this little wooden box and apparently it was a ghost box and people would write messages to the ghost of the box or something. Overall, it was a pretty cool place! I will definitely be back for more of their awesome drinks :) read more

They don't provide a drink menu, but will ask you what you are in the mood for and they will make a drink for you. Very creative drinks.. You can also order food as well from Tavern Law (downstairs)...which is a plus! read more

OK so if you've made your way to Needle and Thread then you've done good my friend. I am not the biggest cocktail guy in the world but this place really wowed me. If you go with someone, try to sit down for a drink first at the Tavern Law. Do not, I repeat DO NOT, tell your special someone what the next move is. Patiently wait until your appointed time and then make the secret phone call to this bar within a bar. Half the fun is the shock and awe on your partner's face when they realize they've been transported back to a forgotten era where cocktails were the hippest thing on earth. So, with my preamble complete, let me just say the service was great, or as the French say Très bon. Our cocktail waitress simply ran down a list of flavors we liked or disliked before coming back with new and seemingly custom-designed cocktail each time. My favorite was a snappy number that had a habanero kick to it, and I don't even think I let it slip that I was from Texas - which is damn hard to do sometimes. The wife loved, loved, this spot and the ambiance may have been just as good as the drinks. We were not rushed and enjoyed every sip of what they offered up. The only shame is there are not more places on earth like this. A lot of thought was put into making this spot cool and romantic and I think they deserve six stars for it but Yelp only allows me five. read more