Really nice ambience, things came out pretty quickly, and flavor was on point. Most of the servers, if not, all of them are bartenders, and it seems like they are chill, but somewhat attentive still. I feel like the portions were mostly good, and I was grateful that the food came out hot. I think out of everything we got the most unimpressive item was the wings, highly recommend getting some appetizers to share, the crab salad was interesting, but not my favorite. I will say that they did put a lot of crab meat on it, which is often not the case. Overall, I was really pleased. read more

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Strong drinks, unique cocktails, and good food in a cool, old-timey setting? Yes please! My coworker and I spent 2 nights here. The bar is hopping starting in the afternoon and then also at night. I love the polar bear in the corner. The Marie Antoinette drink was unique and strong and fruity and I loved the pound cake on top of it. Nice touch and our waitress told me to dip it into the drink! We also liked the beignets--they were warm, sugary, and just the right amount of sweet. Service is wonderful. Seating is plush, lush, ample, and comfy. There's something for everyone here at this cool hotel bar. read more

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Located in the Arctic Club Hotel, this hotel bar is fantastic. The ambiance is a time gone by Gold Rush era that has been beautifully restored. The service is always fantastic and they staff are very knowledgeable. The drinks are all created to perfection and really like their wood smoked cocktails. For the food, their menu looks great but only have tried the truffle fries and the shrimp toast Rockefeller which were both great to snack on with drinks. Overall, no complaints here. I've been here multiple times, even for birthday drinks as it's a chill place to come to and relax in their comfortable seating. Will be back soon. read more

Polar Bar - Shrimp Toast Rockefeller - Lounges Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Stopped by the bar touring Seattle with a couple I met the night before at a Buddy Guy concert. They offered to show me around since I was in town on travel for work and hadn't had the chance to see much during my stay. I'm extremely grateful for this generous couple. After taking an underground tour leading about the history of how Seattle once burned to the ground we stopped by the Artic Club Hotel to admire the amazing architecture along with the sculpted walruses. While walking and talking a bystander recommended that we go in to see the ballroom. Whoever that man was THANK YOU for the recommendation! We went in and the ambiance of the bar area drew us in for a cocktail or 2. We decided to sit at the bar and have a drink. Bryan was the best bartender I've experienced not only while in Seattle but in a long time! He was very nice, personable, and cannot forget to mention he made one hell of an old fashion . He made the experience 1000x better and learn a lot about him pursuing his music career and his wonderful taste in music chatting over a couple of drinks. If you're in the area stop by and request Bryan as a bartender. He will not disappoint. He also gave a great recommendation for a dinner stop that was by far the best and most fresh salmon I've ever had. read more

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Nice bar located at the Arctic Club Hotel, a historical downtown Seattle building back in the Klondike Gold Rush days! I went here for happy hour where certain beers and a cocktail is discounted but the best discounts are from the food where you get a few dollars off most dishes on the menu. It was fairly busy on a Wednesday, with a few large groups for company events perhaps. We got the "I am the Walrus" and a modification of "Huracáns Offering" (since they ran out of the pork fat washed rum) for drinks, and we got blackberry habanero sticky wings, truffle fries, and crispy Brussels sprouts for food. I am the Walrus - fairly strong Boulevardier style drink. Not much liquid but I enjoyed the smokiness and slow sip format. It is served in a jar with a cute walrus on top of the lid Huracán's Offering (variation): even the variation itself was so good so I can't imagine the real deal. There's a layer of rum on top that the bartender lighted on fire which is super cool. Truffle fries - solid, large portions, lots of rosemary which stands out from the more typical garlic truffle fries Blackberry habanero sticky wings - pretty good, has a nice spicy kick, but I can't really pick out much of the fruity flavors Crispy Brussels sprouts - not crispy but more like roasted but still fairly delicious Service was decent, though we do need to flag a server a few times for water refills. It's a bit unacceptable since they do an auto 20% gratuity for all checks regardless of party size, but fail to meet the service standard to deserve this amount. read more

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A reliable hotel bar in downtown Seattle. It feels like a hotel bar from another era - upscale, with nicely preserved decor and great and quick service. Lots of couches and chairs to lounge in which is nice - but also makes it a bit difficult to talk as a larger group as everyone is far apart. Cocktails are well-prepared and a nice NA selection. Happy hour has reasonably priced drinks - rare for the area. I've never tried the food here beyond fries, but the fries are just fine. :) read more

Beautiful old hotel in downtown Seattle. Front desk was amazingly friendly and informational. The bar was great. Sectioned out to give sitting areas for groups and couples. A pool table to pass the time and an amazing stuffed polar bear that makes me glad I'm not a seal The bartender was witty and checked in often. Great place. read more

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Amazing "classic" vibe - wood, whiskey, and old friends. We enjoyed masterful mixology in the glowing presence of the polar bear. read more

Polar Bar - "The Walrus" - mmm... smoky! - Lounges Near Me - Seattle, Washington

We went here before the candlelight show on Halloween. I must say that it was a delightful experience and the service was good. I enjoyed the staff all dressed up for Halloween. We basically had dinner on couches, which was kind of fun. It wasn't what we were expecting, but we ended up being hungry than anticipated. The food was delicious and I liked seeing a seasonal menu ! I had the butternut squash ravioli, which was really delightful. My husband had the clam chowder, which was also very yummy. The little duck appetizer that we had was just OK I think the jalapeño was way too strong for the delicate duck flavor, and therefore overpowered the dish and the pallet so I wouldn't order that again. read more

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Visited Polar Bar before attending a Candle Light Concert.This is not my first visit to the Arctic or the Polar, and I must say I am a fan of this antique building with lots of charming characters. They have comfy loungers and table with a pool table in the bar, and service is always pleasant. Food and wines we tried, however, were just okay. I feel like I have had better food experiences in the past with them, but it was not terrible either. They make good cocktails so if you are looking for something to drink, my recommendation is to try cocktails and skip wines. read more

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It's been over a decade between my visits to the Polar Bar, and while the world moves on, the Polar Bar evokes images of an earlier era. I had mixed feelings about my most recent visits, twice in the past two months. On the one hand, the bar has a serious program with a great bottle selection and barrel aged cocktails. And all this at a Doubletree. I've had a Manhattan as well as a barrel aged Voulez Vous (Rye, cognac, apricot and benedectine) which was a play on a classic Vieux Carre which was delicious. But on the other hand, I didn't know where the bar started and the lobby began. It was a confusing space. Hotel bars are sort of a crap shoot - love the Fairmont for people watching and for the Doubletree, the vibe can vary from conventioners to a more mixed crowd. read more

Polar Bar - Voulez-vous - barrel aged rye,cognac, apricot and Benedictine. - Lounges Near Me - Seattle, Washington

The drinks were definitely 5/5 stars. They had a lot of really cool and interesting choices. I also loved the bear and blue bar lighting. The chairs were pretty comfy too. The service was a little slow with only two bar tenders to serve the whole huge place. The bartender was super friendly and capable though. Cool old school bar with some modern touches and drinks that I'd go to again if I were nearby. There's also a really pretty dome room that's open to the public just up the stairs and first door on the right. read more

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The food was very good, as was the service (on time and very friendly) (except for about 5 minutes when there was no bartender at the bar). Just fantastic ambiance. Overall quite pleased. And would have otherwise given 5 stars. My complaint that there is an automatic 20% gratuity added to the bill (just the two of us). It is up to me to decide if the service is good, and if so, I tip accordingly. Although this has been a fairly common practice in Seattle, it is wrong, and after experiencing it, I look for establishments that allow customer discretion. Some restaurants say the mandatory gratuity also helps provide back of house staff with a decent wage, but that is a horse manure proposition. It is the responsibility of restaurant management to pay their back of house properly, and a mandatory amount tacked onto the bill is completely wrong. It is akin to adding extra charges on the bill for heat, water, custodial staff, etc. I don't know if this pertains to the Polar Bar, but after dinner, we attended a concert one floor up in the event space, which was great, but again, at the concessions stand: *ALL ITEMS ARE SUBJECT TO A 25% AUTOMATIC EVENTS SERVICE CHARGE* *ALL WINE AND COCKTAIL PURCHASES ARE SUBJECT TO A $1 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT TO SUPPORT OUR REUSABLE CUP SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICE* More BS. Adding charges on top of the bill for the cost of doing business. read more

After a long trip, casting about for the place in the hotel to eat - not a great idea - we hit the polar bar. Formally an explorers club at the tournament of the century, the opulent and historic was a nice setting, indeed . Needing to fill up we both ordered the Arctic burger - one with truffle fries and one with regular fries, - and a non-alcoholic amaretto drink. Finding a memorable hamburger is not easy - and we certainly didn't expect one this time - but this was a surprise. The bun, the nice really slab of meat the dressing. - it all came together - and we wolfed ours down. The person who ordered the truffle fries - and that was me-- made the right decision, indeed as my partner greedily eyed, and then from time to time stole mine. I might add that finding good french fries is not a particularly easy thing either but here we were. Lastly nonalcoholic, lemon amaretto drink was simply delicious and beautifully presented - a perfect choice to go with our meal. read more

Nice relaxing atmosphere. The service was excellent. Very comfortable lounge chairs. Billiard table towards back as well!

We came for dinner on a rainy December Sunday evening. Although the setting is a large room it is broken up into comfortable seating arrangements...and a pool table. We sat in upholstered chairs around a small table in the bar - unusual for us but it worked out fine. Service was prompt and any questions we had were answered satisfactorily. It was a lovely setting in an historic building overseen by a tall polar bear with a Santa hat. The biggest surprise was the food. I guess I was expecting more typical bar food but there was an excellent variety of a more upper scale items. I had the autumn salad with salmon and it was delicious and beautifully plated with greens, mangoes, sliced persimmon, nuts. I'd definitely order again. My husband had a chicken BLT with very ample chicken. For dessert we had a blackberry galette, heavy on the fruit and a perfect ending for the meal. It was a pleasant walk from our apartment. We'll definitely be back. read more

Polar Bar - Autumn salad with salmon-excellent! - Lounges Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Great ambience is you're looking for retro look and feel. It was an old gentleman's club located on the lobby of Artic Club.Great bar with nice menu to accompany your preferred drinks. Service staff is great and friendly. read more

The drinks and the bartenders were amazing! It was a busy night but they were able to hold the fort down. The service while being seated was terrible. The waitress passed my group multiple times without taking our orders. However, she took the orders of the surrounding tables who sat down after us. We finally just got up to the bar to order our drinks and did not order any food. I would rate this place less stars but the drinks and bartenders made up for it. read more

Why am I so late to the game? This place is amazing! I have to be honest and say I initially wrote this place off as another lame and overpriced hotel bar. Boy was I wrong. Their happy hour has some amazing food and prices. For only $5 you can delicious wings and some of the best damn truffle fries I've ever had. Ever!!!! The drinks are good and if you're willing to pay a bit more you can have a fantastic martini. In addition to the great food, the staff gives excellent customer service. I went one Friday evening with a group and we put in an order of at least 15 things. Never got one sign or irritation from staff. Can't wait to go back. read more

Polar Bar - Very dirty martini - Lounges Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Michael is the best. You'll find him at the lobby bar (Polar Bar) within the Arctic Club downtown Seattle. I've been coming here for years - he's always been here. Ashamed I don't know for how long. Once inside it's like stepping back in time. Very cozy old school hotel. This is the way all hotel bars a should be! Complete with a huge polar bear keeping an eye on all Michael's customers... make sure you tip well! read more

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Nice little lobby bar, friendly bartenders, drinks were well made. Beautiful old building with walrus gargoyles!

Had a lovely time here - the bartenders Bryan and Hayley were great, drinks were good, and the ambiance is wonderful. The place has a cool history, and beautiful architecture.. would stop by here again! read more

This classy bar is an extension of the hotel lobby at the Arctic Club / Doubletree Hilton. As son as you walk in you see a super comfortable looking lounge with a wood bar and wood panel walls. Amber lighting heightens that feeling of warmth and relaxation. There's a pool table, many sofa chairs and a decent sized bar. No tv in sight. I immediately focused on their wide bourbon selection and nailed a double Blantons, neat. From here I looked over their food fare and went with an order of calamari. Service is excellent. The bar was staffed by two and they kept the moderate number of guests well served. read more

Polar Bar - Blanton's double and neat - Lounges Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Loved the warm decor, old world vibe. Great place to lounge in an oversized chair with a bourbon.

Nice old school hotel lobby cocktail bar. Comfortable seating, fireplace. Cocktails on point. read more

This is my go-to place in downtown Seattle for dinner and drinks. The history and ambience of the Polar Bar match any place down there and includes a fire and comfy club chairs. The recently revised menu has something for everyone, including vegans, and lots of healthy and decadent options for all menu preferences. As far as I can tell, everything is fresh and made there. The real highlight of the place is Mike, the head bartender, who could teach Smith Tower something about rum drinks. His mai tai, authentic and deep, currently featured as "our tai," is worth the trip alone. And do not--I mean do not--miss his house-crafted eggnog during the holidays. While you're there, get a picture with the polar bear and head up one floor to the dome room which is a work of art read more

I absolutely love this place and it is definitely the aura of this place that keeps me coming back. I will always bring guest here for a drink or two before heading out on the town. They are known for their absinthe and they do it well. The same bartender (wish I could remember his name) has been here for as long as I have been coming here. They also make a mean old fashion as well. Anyhow, it was once a true gentlemen club for the rich made famous around 1908 by the Klondike Gold Rush and you definitely feel that once you step in. The massive fire place on the far end of the lobby, dark interior, and comfy seating takes you back to the early 1900s. Now owned by the Hilton chain not much has changed expect it is harder and more expensive to get a room here; it seems they are always sold out. Also take time and go upstairs and checkout the dome, what art work!! So if you find yourself near Pioneer Square you owe it to yourself to stop on in. If you are travelling in the area book well ahead and get a room. Heck splurge and get a suite with an outside balcony and enjoy the hotel. And the clock in the picture behind the bar has been there since around 1908. read more

Polar Bar - Lounges Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I wanted to love this place. It had potential to be our next "go to" place for happy hour... We had about 8 coworkers with us and stopped for a drink before a team dinner. It was crowded and they were saving half of the space for a private group (that didn't show up in the 90 mins we were there). We moved furniture and got scolded a bit. The bartender and the server were super short with us and rude when we asked to order so the experience was tarnished. I might give it a second shot in a few months, but right now it's too raw to go back soon. read more

I hadn't been here in 18 years! My high school prom was held at the Arctic Club, now the Arctic Club Hotel. From what little I recall, this place hasn't changed much--it's still got that old-school Seattle cachet and walrus decor. I came to the Polar Bar to meet up with some other yelpers and toss back a few drinks. The prices are a little expensive and the atmosphere can get a bit loud, but the drinks are top-notch. We had a pretty big group and our server handled it without a hitch. One of the Polar Bar's signature drinks is the old fashioned, an old favorite of mine. It's surprisingly easy to screw up this simple cocktail, but theirs was excellent (and for $11 it had better be). My favorite drink was their blood orange sidecar, made with Metaxa. This one was passed around the group and others agreed it was quite tasty. They've also got a variety of absinthe, for those who like to chase the green fairy. The bar is in the lobby of the hotel and can be hard to find if you don't know where to look. I recommend using the entrance on Cherry--walk past the hotel registration desk and the bar will be on your right. I'm not sure I'd make this bar a destination, but if you're downtown or in Pioneer Square it'd be a good place to impress a client (or a gaggle of elite yelpers). read more

Polar Bar - blood orange sidecar - Lounges Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Hotel bar but it's a grand hotel and old school. Polar Bar was great to visit/see, but not somewhere I'd go back to over & over. In a hotel lobby so opposite the bar is various seating areas for hotel guest. The bar is along the back wall and really is grand. With a huge polar bear to the right of the bar. The bar itself is a nice medium wood with a rail. Large round padded stools and with foot rests built in. Back bar is mostly bottle shelves and windows that have the blinds closed so the sun is just peeking in on the sides. Great bartenders that are happy to discuss the charm and history of the bar. Great classic place. read more

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I haven't been to the Polar Bar in awhile and was invited to go out recently. I used to go there more when I first started working nearby. I'm not an absinthe fan so that's not the draw for me. This is a good place to sit down in a big chair and catch up with a friend. If that doesn't work, they have a pool table where you and your friends can hang out. I like that the seating is spread out and conducive both to being with others and obtaining a bit of privacy. The space is beautiful and historic but a bit too fancy for my taste. I like to drink Moscow Mules although apparently, when you order one, they require a card to hold since people have been stealing the mugs. Seriously? The drinks are the usual downtown fare - $9 to $11 or so. They have a 1/2 price happy hour menu. The calamari is fried crisp. The truffle fries are more fries than truffle. If you like truffle fries, stay away from these as they are disappointing in flavor. The red pepper hummus is good but there's an inappropriate hummus to pita ratio. I don't like having to eat my hummus with a spreader because the pitas are long gone. Raspberry habanero hot wings are quite good. They have a nice amount of spice and meat. However, I think it could be fried a bit crispier. Overall, a decent happy hour. What more can one ask for? read more

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When I asked for advice on where to hit in Seattle that was a local favourite, I had no less than four people send me to the Polar Bar. I was also told to make sure to get served by Viktor. I noticed this on Yelp as I reviewed it on my way there by foot. I arrived by the lower door and had to take the elevator up, as this bar is actually located in the Arctic Hotel. I crossed the lobby, feeling a little conspicuous, but bellied up to the bar and saw a man in a white tuxedo, mixing a drink with style and panache. His name tag said Viktor and I knew I was in the right place. I asked for a Blood Orange Sidecar, as I saw that this was one of the multi-mentioned items made well at the Polar Bar. It was fabulous. I can't begin to describe it. I got to talking with Viktor a little bit, then asked him to make me another drink, something he enjoyed making. He made me a Lemon Drop. I think. It was also fabulous. When that was done, I requested another hand-crafted drink of his choice. I confess, things were a little hazy at this point, as Viktor did not skimp on the alcohol. I believe I had a gin-based drink, that was tinged green. Whatever it was, it was awesome. I had dinner reservations, so I took my leave after only about an hour and a half...but it was an incredibly enjoyable experience. The next time I'm in Seattle, I will -absolutely- return to the Polar Bar, without hesitation, and take others with me. I even got my picture taken with Viktor. :) read more

Vintage is new again and better then ever. Hosted a happy hour event at in the Polar Bar for going away retirement party for 30 friends. The best Food, Apps, wine and craft cocktails. Could not ask for a better send off location. Was the prefect vibe with outstanding & welcoming service. We ordered charcuterie boards, hot truffle fries and apps in a reserve space near the pool table, lounge and roaring fireplace. Don't miss any opportunity to visit and make this one of your favorite lounge / bars. read more

"If you could drape yourself in velvet, would you?" This is the question that came to mind while seated on the velvet sofa in Polar Bar (Located in the Arctic Club Hotel) sipping cognac and cointreau in front of a blazing fire. The drinks were good, but a little expensive ($12). The dessert fell apart after one bite and was way too sweet. They have a really lovely pool table, the use of which is complimentary and the service was excellent. I'm not sure I'll be back since the location is a little out of the way, but overall, this was a nice place to go for a low-key after dinner drink. read more

Polar Bar - Lounges Near Me - Seattle, Washington

As other yelpers have mentioned, when you step into this place, it feels like you are transported to an old school james bond style movie (i think their comparisons were titanic and the shining). It is a pretty cool ambiance, quite classy, and dim. I wanted to pop my absinthe cherry, and found that this was one of the few bars that were doing it, so hurr i came to do the deed. It is quite a show to watch them light the sugar on fire, then slowly dissolve it with a water drop from a spout of melting ice. Pretty kewl beanz. Bartender was knowledgeable on the 6-7 different types of absinthe they had there. I tried the lucid and something else, and had a third cocktail because 3 is the magic number. Drinks are quite proicey, something on, the order of $15 per, so that makes it a little less tasty, but this was a solid cocktail experience, and they have the absinthe contraption as well~! My name is Boris Yelpsin, and I approve this message. read more

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Some might call me old fashioned from the way I open the door for my girlfriend every time we get into the car to being chivalrous in every other way that I can think of. We came here on Valentines day after our spectacular dinner at Andaluca. We took advantage of the valet parking which was rather inexpensive IMO. I just love the Polar Bar and it's art deco styling and seeing the bartender in his crisp white uniform. It's become one of my favorite bars in the city. Plus they have an absinthe fountain which always gives me perma grin. And can't forget the pool table which nobody ever seems to use, well nobody except for us. Bartenders here are very knowledgable and professional while creating some very unique signature cocktails, and even a few that aren't on the menu. Good times indeed! read more

Polar Bar - billiards hottie - Lounges Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Stumbled in here by happenstance and at midnight for last call. Fell in love with the place I felt like we kind of stepped back in time and entered the twilight zone. In a good way. Dark old wood, comfy seating, lovely cocktails and a classical old school bartender. I want to go back earlier next time to experience more of it. The huge polar bear in the corner is lit up glass? Really very charming I felt underdressed but not out of place. I will glam it up a bit next time, dahhling ;) read more

Polar Bar - The polar bear at the polar bar - Lounges Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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As a bar this place can't be beat. Great ambience and decor. (Think the bar from the Shining......but in a good way) Great seating areas, big fireplace, and a nice pool table. The drinks here are done right. Got a Moscow Mule in a proper copper mug with muddled lime. (I will be back for another one of those!) All the drinks are amazing and done right. The food comes up from the downstairs restaurant if you need something to soak up the alcohol. Great food (but different restaurant). Just an FYI....this place is a little tough to find. (All the better for keeping this gem a secret.) read more

In Seattle there is a place where wealthy, middle aged white women go to get wasted... this is that place. Surely there are other people there. Yes, there are. But, you wouldn't be able to tell over the din of cackling laughs and inane conversation spoken in an elevated, alcoholic tone. Anyway, the place is nice, decorated well, and has some good drinks. 4 stars. read more

The drinks are expensive for what they are. Barrel aged (so pre-made in large quantity) boulevardier was served on the rocks (and by on the rocks I mean with more ice than a fast food soda) so you couldn't taste any of the components and had to drink it before the ice melted, ans a sazerac made with well whisky but cost $12. On the plus side, decor was nice and no crowd so we could play pool to our hearts content. read more