When you are banking on the hear say and not the qualitay!! Not worth the time nor effort at all!!

I honestly don't have ANYTHING bad to say about this place. Words really cannot explain how much I absolutely loved the experience here. Like everyone else has mentioned, you walk into Tavern Law, where you'll find a bank vault and a black phone. This is the phone you use to call the bartenders upstairs, who will let you in. You will walk up the cutest stairs that are romantically lit. You enter a quaint, cozy bar, enough for about 20 people max. The bartender seats you at your reserved spot (yes, you've gotta make reservations!) The antique chairs are wonderful. They will come take your drink order, based on what you are feeling (sweet, bitter, floral, citrus, whatever!! I said sweet and celebratory since I just graduated :) ) I was pleased with both my drinks. She got them spot-on. My friend got a drink where her lime was on fire and she had to put it out by putting it in her drink. Just quirky, small things like that made it a fun experience for us. They also didn't rush us; we were probably there for a good three hours and they were attentive but not annoying. God, I loved our bartender. She was the sweetest. See? NOTHiNG bad to say about this place. I almost don't want to tell my friends about this place...it's definitely a hidden gem. :) read more

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This place is so cool! My friend & I were able to grab a reservation about a week in advance. I love the way you pick up the phone in the bar to gain access to the upstairs. It's like entering another world! You'd have no idea there was a bar downstairs. They have a small menu until midnight but we didn't order anything. It was a little warm up there so dress accordingly. Upon "ordering" (telling your server what you like) your drink is made and you're told what it's made of after you have a sip or 2. If you're not keen on your drink they can alter it for you. My second was a little too bitter for my taste so they sweetened it up a bit. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone visiting Seattle from out of town! read more

On a Saturday night, a bartender in downtown had told me about Needle and Thread under the agreement I wouldn't tell anyone who had told me. Then he slid me a blank business card that just simply had a phone number on it. I was to call the humber and make a reservation. I felt so exclusive! The next day, a Sunday, my friend and I tried going, but low and behold, they are closed on Sundays and Mondays. I made a reservation for the following week when some out of town friends would be in town. And boy, were we in for a treat. Upon walking up the stairs to the quiet, low-lit bar, you feel like you are in a time warp to the 1920's--the music, the decor, the way the bartenders/waiters are dressed. Here, there is no drink menu. You tell your bartender what you like and don't like (examples include fruity, sweet, citrus, bubles, shake, stirred... you get the idea) and they whip something up for you. I have been here three times now and not once have I ever been let down with my drink (or any of my friends. for that matter!). Really great spot to take an out of town guest or to go on a date. Don't try to roll in with a crowd of more than four or so because you'll be loud and you'll be squished. I think all drinks are about $12... I do not think this is overpriced for a personalized (and so incredibly tasty and unique) drink. But to each his own. You are also paying for an experience! read more

great drinks, a little pricey for seattle prices, and a great atmosphere! Just make sure you make reservations because you don't want to be one of those people who pick up the black phone and get rejected... thats just embarrassing. I first told them i wanted Gin, and they made an amzing twist on a french 75 with lavender in it. I then asked for something with amaretto and they made a drink with amaretto and egg whites and it was fantastic! i would definitely ask for a drink with egg whites in it. read more

Amazing cocktails and fun place to unwind. They have the same kitchen menu as Tavern Law downstairs, so if you're not too keen on the downstairs crowd and you still can't resist their delicious burgers or mac and cheese - Needle & Thread is a perfect haven. The bartenders are the best of the best - let them surprise you and you won't be disappointed. Also, definitely make a reservation beforehand. I always get a little bit of second hand embarrassment when people follow a party with reservations upstairs, and there isn't any room for them to sit. It's not the type of place you stand and have a quick drink. read more

The drinks here are a treat, with attention to detail and real pride in the work. I can't stress this enough: the bar tenders here are near the top of their craft. The kitchen... Well it's quality. But it's not "knock your socks off" good. The charcuterie was pretty ordinary, for instance. The cheeses were well chosen, and the other dishes were well prepared. But when set next to the best Old Fashioned in town, the food was second fiddle. read more

Well, this is officially the coolest place I've been in Seattle. Okay, it's like, a Speakeasy, which you access through an old bank vault door, up some crazy wooden stairs, and then you're transported back to the 1920s. The place is small, cozy, and suuuuper classy. There's not really a drink menu per se, you just tell the bartender what you're in the mood for, and out comes an amazingly crafted cocktail--and do I mean AMAZING. I like to ask what it's made of after I taste it, because there's no way that I would have guessed that those flavors make that drink. These guys are true professionals. You can snack on a small menu from downstairs at Tavern Law, while you also watch everyone from above in your cozy little time capsule. Needle and Thread is tons of fun, and gives you an excellent excuse to get all dressed up and go out. Make sure you call ahead and make reservations, though. read more

I'm a big fan of speakeasys....I've been to dozens across the county and find them cool and mysterious. I'm a sucker for pomp and circumstance...so when you the entrance requires that you pick up a retro rotary phone on the wall, a la The Matrix, I get all excited. And my partner was all impressed that I looked so clever. Anyway, we walk up the little staircase to the room and we are greeted by a bartender (er, mixologist) who explains how everything works. No menu; you tell the bartender what kind of flavors you like/dislike and he creates something customized for you. I liked my drink OKAY...would have preferred a gimlet but I didn't want to complain to the guy.....he takes his job really seriously, which I appreciated, but slightly pretentious. Overall, I removed one star because I didn't love my $15 drink, but I'd definitely give it another shot! read more

Climbing the stairs after passing through the bank vault door, we found a wonderfully cozy space! The bar was picturesque, loaded with a multitude of funky liquors. The cocktails weren't the most phenomenal I've ever had, but the whole experience was great and we will definitely return when we're next in town. read more

I've been going to see Sam at Needle and Thread for years. He's been a great collaborator when it came to tuning in my personal style. He makes sure that the tailoring if the shirts, pants and jackets were in harmony. The quality is solid and the turnaround is timely. I highly recommend them! read more

So I came here as an out-of-towner who just wanted to try something note worthy and I found it at Needle and Thread. I loved the classic decor, the special attention that both the bartenders gave us and the drinks were unlike anything I have ever experienced. Pick up the phone or think ahead and make a reservation- it's worth it! read more

I LOVE Needle & Thread. When I pick up the phone and walk through that fancy door and up those stairs into that lovely room, I feel all warm and tingly in the 1920's time warp. I have coincidentally only had the same bartender every time I've been there, but she is an absolute delight, and her drinks are SPOT ON with my oftentimes vague and contradictory flavor profile descriptions. She's a mind-reader, I tell ya. And she whips up some tasty concoctions! Ambiance is incredible - intimate and cozy, and I love peeking at the crowd downstairs. Drinks - amazing, as I had mentioned. I have yet to try the food, but the menu makes my mouth water just reading it... I'm sure I'll try it at some point, because I always know I'll be back. It's a must-go. read more

This is officially my favorite bar. It's a little spendy but if you're looking for something different from your usual bar hopping routine then this is it. It's above tavern law. Look for the old fashioned telephone and give the bartenders a call to let you up. My friend and I were both new to the speakeasy bar experience and the guy walked a through it. We told him our favorite flavors and they created the perfect cocktail. *just a warning that it is a little warm in there since air conditioners weren't invented during that time* read more

This is my kind of place! Cozy and less crowded. Custom drinks are awesome! Be prepared to pay little extra read more

Needle and Thread - Lounges Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Don't go if you are visiting as an international traveler and don't carry your passport. Funny how an international drivers license is good enough for all car rental companies and every other bar I've been to in 16 states around America but not for this place. read more

If you don't mind spending $$ on cocktails and love a speakeasy vibe this is the place for you. Don't expect a simple gin and tonic. Great place for birthday drinks! Most of the time a reservation is required. read more

This was my 2nd time here and it was just as fabulous. The staff is amazing helpful and spot on to drink taste. Can't wait to go back and see what they come up with next. read more

We were here in March and it was fabulous but tonight was a totally different story. We were buzzed upstairs and seated at a table. We were brought water and after awhile our bartender came to give us the details and take our order. Our drinks were brought back awhile later, he said have a couple tastes and he'd be back to tell us what was in each of the drinks he made. The drinks were ok, nothing special this time, and he never bothered to come back to the table to even tell us what he made for us. We sat there for about 30 more minutes and our drinks were gone. Part of the charm of this place was personalized service and a cocktail you can't get anywhere else. It's not offering that any more. Definitely not worth the $85 we paid! And certainly not worth the gratuity that was automatically added! We won't be back. read more

The drinks are great, the service is friendly without being overly so, the chandelier is awesome, but most of all this place is quiet, as in simple conversation and listening quiet. The padded walls absorb a lot of sound, but the lower ceilings (after walking through Tavern Law) and the old-fashioned furniture also gently remind you that this not Unicorn, Barrio, or the Cuff. Sit down, tell the bartender your preferred drinks/ingredients/style/mood, and take in the experience of fresh juices, house-made drams, excellent liquor, and knowledgable staff all served in those cute little glasses that you threw out when grannie went into the nursing home. The food is excellent as well. The smallish menu features seasonal dishes that are simple, delicious, and reasonably sized and priced. It is not precious food, but then again it is not diner fare. But the burger rocks and the trout, brussels sprouts, and chicken have made fans of quite a few of my friends. You no longer need the "black card" to make reservations (although I still treasure mine). Just make your reservation, glide through the throngs to the phone near the safe, and call. read more

My husband hosted my birthday party in this cool/sneaky speak easy bar. Four stars for: 1. Unmatched ambiance 2. Quality and taste of cocktails 3. Great Bar-tending staff 4. Hidden location and private space 5. Yummy food 6. Availability on a Friday night on one week notice! Minus one star for: 1. The event manager who helped my husband schedule the event. She was not very helpful in answering his queries over the phone or email. We wanted to order some food off the catering menu, she kept telling us to show up 30-40 minutes prior to the event and order food for the party of 35 people. When we got there, the server told us we were supposed to order food off the menu days prior to the event. This was very frustrating and we ended up ordering appetizers off the regular menu that were served in small plates. So the food set up at the event almost looked like it was leftover food sitting on the tables and not meant for our guests. In all fairness the mac and cheese and potato wedges were yummy. Just the set up and coordination with the manager sucked. Again, the onsite servers were very helpful. Regardless of the unhelpful interaction with the manager, it was a great and memorable birthday party! read more

What can I say? I love inventive cocktails! I love speakeasies and this is Seattle's most realistic speakeasy! Walk in to Tavern Law. Look left and go to the vault. Pick up the phone anyd call upstairs and if you are lucky, you can open the vault and climb the secret stair case to another world! If you want to do this on a Saturday or Friday night, best to make a reservation but we went on a Tuesday night at 8 pm! Easy! Walk up the stairs with pictures of half naked flappers gracing the walls. When you get to Needle & Thread, it feels like you are in your grandmother's living room if your grandmother was super sexy 1920s style! No drink menu but the bartender will ask you what you like and you will get a concoction made for you. I don't mind paying $15-$16 for this experience but if you do, you won't be pleased. This time I had a smoky mezcal infused with grapefruit and lime with delicious bitters. My second drink was based in Apple Jack brandy. If you appreciate well made drinks, creative, with unique ingredients and you don't mind paying for them, you will love this place! Snack menu is decent too ! This place only seats about 20 so on the weekends it is hard to get a spot. read more

The waitress running between upstairs and downstairs with the poofy blonde hair (sorry don't know your name) is the absolute sweetest girl! Wish the speakeasy entrance was more hidden, but it was fun to pick up the analog phone and walk through the levered door upstairs. The lounge/ living room feel upstairs is very cool, and bartender made wonderful custom drinks based on the liquor and flavors we requested. A bit expensive, but you're paying for the experience I guess and pity the kitchen was already closed, would have loved to try their food. Made the reservation for my boyfriend's birthday a week in advance (can't do it earlier than that) and had no trouble. read more

You tell them your favorite colors and they paint you a beautiful picture. Amazing drinks if you're willing to be open minded.

Rude hostess, rude bartenders, pretentious crowd, $42 + tip for two drinks. Don't waste your time or money here. There are way better speakeasy type bars in Seattle where they won't treat you like garbage and rob you blind. read more

Major disappointment. Came in, got two cocktails and a charcuterie board. Total came to roughly $70.00 (quite a hefty price), with automatic gratuity added. I enjoyed the ambiance, however drinks were nothing special and were on par with typical high-end cocktail bars. I was served a basic old fashioned, which was a major disappointment after rattling off all the spices, flavors, etc I enjoy, as I was expecting something more unique. Worst part, CHECK YOUR CREDIT CARD STATEMENTS! A week later, as I was checking my bank statement, I noticed I was charged $85.00...Someone added an additional $15 tip. I thankfully took a picture of the tab as I was leaving, but left both the merchant and customer receipt at the restaurant. I called and was informed, "a table next to us left an additional $15 tip and it was accidentally added to our tab". I simply don't buy it. Why? Because we were the last people to leave and therefore, last to check out. Regardless, it's just unacceptable. Idk what would've happened if I didn't have the photo of the receipt. read more

Great place! Jennifer was awesome and such a creative mixologist, she was spot on with our drinks. This is the perfect place to go for a unique experience. It's important to make a reservation as the space is intimate. read more

It's not for everyone. Tough to get a reservation. Call days/weeks in advance. They never fill all the seats so you never feel crowded. True speakeasy! Drinks were fine, it's mixology so they take their time. Drink prices were $9-15 which is average for a place like this. Food was amazing. Not a huge menu but what they serve is excellent! I had two different dishes. Chicken & potatoes and the Mac&Cheese. Both were approx $14 and well prepared. A wonderful experience with 4 to 6 friends (no more). And a perfect place to go for a unique date experience. If you're looking for a "scene" or to go clubbing...head down the street to Capital Hill and night life abounds. read more

By far my favorite experience of our Seattle trip! Be sure you make reservations as walk-ins are not always available. There is no drink menu so make sure you're able to vocalize what you like, don't like, and are allergic to. Our bartender was great and entertaining! Not a place to visit if you aren't open to not having control over your drinks. Great atmosphere and experience!! read more

So incredibly happy I received a recommendation to visit here while in Seattle. It was truly an amazing experience! Such an awesome speakeasy offering a true speakeasy experience. The bartenders are incredibly talented mixologists and there is no drink menu. You simply give them some insight into what you like and dislike regarding flavors, alcohols, etc snd they take it from there. The presentation is ridiculous and they do offer a full food menu. I suggest making reservations if you're a party more than 2 as they get crowded and seating is limited. Sitting at the bar though was fantastic for us! Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone! read more

I came here with a group of friends and the consensus afterward seemed to be that everyone enjoyed the experience. The dim, candlelit atmosphere is really cool. The bartenders did an amazing job listening to us and coming up with drinks that fit well with each of our preferences. But considering how expensive it was, a few things fell short. The appetizers were fine, not great. My drink was delicious, but an $18 cocktail shouldn't be mostly ice. Also, they were playing a pop mix for background music that didn't fit well with everything else. Overall, it was fun, but I'm not overly excited to go back. read more

Definitely a special occasion spot since each cocktail comes to about $20 with tax and (automatic) tip, but I disagree with the reviews saying that the cocktails are mediocre. My boyfriend and I had no problem getting in at around 8:30pm on a Wednesday, though several people came in shortly after us. Our cocktails were both delicious, perfectly suited to our tastes, and included premium ingredients and interesting and unusual flavors. The vibe inside is very nice too, with dim lightning and lots of cool ornate furniture. Our bartender was friendly and accommodating. read more

great cocktail lounge--the bartender designed drinks that were delicious and inventive, but not overly trite (simply based on a few bits of information from us) and the snacks (try the almonds!) were tasty and simple. The space was cool and felt special without being too loud or dark (I know, I sound old). I'd definitely come back again. If you don't have reservations, wait a few minutes before they open so you can be the first to the 'phone' (they have about five seats at the bar that are for walk-ins). read more

Went to this place before a concert. Very fun entry with the safe door. Cocktails are pretty spendy but overall a really fun night and unique experience! read more

our server allowed us to order one drink. never returned to ask us if we would like to order another. the next time we saw her it was "i'm sorry you need to leave your table is reserved for someone else!" disheartening! never in my life in any part of this world, have i ever experienced such awful service! read more

We had a work team outing here, reserved for about 20 people and we had a great time! The food was very good, loved the pork belly sliders and the palenta. Drink were amazing! it's so nice not to have to look at a menu and just tell the bartender what you like, they always got it right! Definitely recommend this place but not for large parties. read more

Wonderful bar. Every experience I have at this place is unique and always great. Corey and Zach are always attentive and make great well balanced drinks catered to your likes and dislikes. One of the best bars in Seattle for quality and service. read more

Excellent setup, very kind and expertise staff, and beautiful ambience. I would love to give this bar five stars, but on the day that I went recently, it was like a wet sauna and I had to leave almost immediately because it felt like I was going to faint. I know this was not the waitstaff's fault but there was no effort made to compensate me for this very expensive, yet miserable experience. read more

Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed my time at Needle and Thread, but one thing I wish I'd known before going was that they don't have a menu for drinks. You're supposed to tell the waiter what you want and then they'll come up with something custom for you. It's a really cool concept in theory, but in practice it has some kinks. First of all, you need to give the waiter a fair amount of direction. They have a really wide range of liquor, so a lack of specificity might result in a drink you're not all that fond of. Second of all, don't expect a simple drink. This is not a bar where you order a lemon drop and that's what you get. They will add at least three more ingredients. The bartenders are knowledgeable and mix a good drink, but if you are at all picky about your drinks or you're in the mood for something really specific, you may end up disappointed. The last thing that disappointed me about this place was that they really pushed hard on the "let the bartender choose" concept. I went with some friends who wanted to try it out. I am a picky drinker who likes what she likes. I tried to order something simple that I knew I would like, but they kept suggesting modifications. Not wanting to be That Person who insists that everyone cater to her wants, I went with it. The drink they brought me was fine, but not as satisfying as what I had wanted. They, of course, made it right in the end. When I ordered my second drink I explained that I would seriously prefer they just make me what I wanted. That time they did and I enjoyed the second drink much more. All of that being said, this bar is an excellent place to spend two hours. The food they serve is high quality and it's a nice, intimate environment that lends itself to talking. I also appreciate the amount of thought and care that the wait staff puts into the experience. The service was excellent - the waiter didn't hover but we also never had to ask "where is our waiter?" It's clear that the staff is smart and good at what they do. Again, I'm not saying that Needle and Thread isn't a great bar. I'm just saying that it's an experience that depends heavily on what your expectations are going in. They have a concept and execute that concept really well. If you are into that concept, you'll probably really enjoy this place. If you're looking for somewhere a little more relaxed and less high-concept, you may want to check out some other options. read more

My favorite experience from my Seattle trip! From the hidden phone entrance to having customized drinks, I loved it! Cory made us perfect drinks according to what we told him we liked and didn't like. They were reasonably priced, all four drinks were $16. We also ordered from the place below and had a great steak!! Definitely coming back during my next trip!! read more