A nice old-school bar. We had some drinks and food here the first night we stayed at the hotel (The Arctic Club). The second night we went out and explored another bar, which we did not like, so returned to the Polar Bar to eat...and on our third night we didn't even bother leaving the building b/c we decided that the Polar Bar was the best bar around AND this way we didn't need to walk outside in freezing weather. So here's my review on what we ate/drank on the three nights. Note the food is from Juno, the restaurant downstairs: On the first night, the bartender gave me a very generous glass of the Sozo Reisling that I ordered, which was a very good wine. I liked it so much I ordered it again on the third night. My brother and husband's beers were standard. The food we ordered: -Painted Hille Pork Sliders - nothing special, but fine if you are hungry and want something easy if you are staying at the hotel -Raspberry Habanero Hot Wings - very good and spicy, although I didn't get any of the raspberry - Arctic Crab Cakes and Penn Cove Mussels & Manilla Clams - very good as well, but nothing out of the ordinary. I love crab cakes so it's something that I'd order again. -Northwest Onion Tempura Green Beans - interesting combination, with wasabi in it. My husband and brother loved it - Mussels & Clams dish - VERY good. We ordered this two nights in a row. The broth it's cooked in is delicious, and the seafood is not overcooked so it's still plump and juicy This bar is definitely worth a visit. 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

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

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

So this is what is feels like to go back in time. Polar bar is a very interesting place. It is in a hotel; however the hotel is historic. The Arctic Club was basically a Fraternity house for Gold Miners going up to the Yukon for the Alaskan gold rush...and where the Polar bar is (on the first ground level floor) is they're gathering place. The drinks are a bit more pricier (in the $12-$16) range for well drinks; however I think you are more paying for the experience. There's an old school pool table, the decor is amazing, and the bar tender was very friendly. Last but not least, there is a giant polar bar in the bar. Yes this is review coming from a tourist (from LA)...locals don't hate. read more

See all

Old fashion class- if you're old enough- think back to cocktail lounges that were really comfortable and offered the real drinks, like Manhattan or whisky sour, this is a bar that will take you back to the simple times. Even if you are too young to know what "simple times" mean- go to this bar and you get an education. You don't have to be a guest at the hotel, to enjoy the lounge. I highly suggest you try it for yourself. Kick back, relax and ask the bartender to make you his/her favorite drink- be adventurous! Enjoy! read more

It's a hotel bar. But the atmosphere is very special, with a grand fireplace and cozy armchairs and couches all over. There's a pool table, pleasant music, and friendly bartenders. And there's not a goddamn tv in sight!!!! read more

Classy bar inside the Artic Hotel (now owned by Hilton/Doubletree). Great art-deco inspired decor, plenty of places to sit both at the bar and couches/seating areas, and you can reserve sections of the bar if you have a big party (drink minimum applies). Nice option in this otherwise kind of dead section of town - financial district, between downtown core and pioneer square. Viktor - the bartender who I believe has been running this place since the beginning of time - pours a mean drink and keeps his cool even when the place gets over-run by a bachelor party's worth of douchebros all wanting shots at the same time. read more

This bar is a resplendent display of organic Art Deco. Its a time capsule of the 1930's era. Clubby dark wood, it perfectly suits Seattle, almost like a movie set. The cocktails are unusual and perfection and they even have an absinthe fount. The bar keeps dress in neat white crisp uniforms. This place just teleports you to a different day, when decorum , manners and style ruled society. Lastly, the pricing is quite fair given the quality of the drinks and environs. TIP: Show some enthusiasm for the architecture, and they will show you the magnificent domed ballroom upstairs. read more

The Polar Bar has a certain aged poshness to it, and I wish it would always be that way. Unfortunately, we live in a world of mojitos and underdressing, so what should be a somewhat fuddy duddy (in a good way) experience can come across as just another hotel bar. I guess you can't really blame the bar for their clientele, but folks, this is the sort of establishment where men could and should wear tweedy garments, guests should talk politics and highbrow scandal, and the martinis should come light on vermouth. But just for the history and richness that the bar evokes, and not to mention the two well-constructed martinis I had the other evening, I'm willing to look beyond the current state of things just a little... and you should at least once in your life. read more

Three Haiku's for Polar Bar In white tuxedo Viktor tosses a shaker Clamps it down firmly The master at work Mixing a perfect cocktail: Whiskey sazerac I drink, wondering How many has Viktor made? Were they all this good? read more

Came here for Happy Hour and to meet up with a friend in from Boston. This was my first time here and absolutely loved the motif and feel of the whole place!!! It was dim and subdued inside, the bar area made you feel as if you were stepping back into a Casablanca theme with the furniture and the amazing lamps that either had airplanes or globes for their stands. I luv it!! Service was pretty good. It was a bit confusing since there were two bartenders and both were helping us. We went for Happy Hour and oh yum!!! We tried the hummus, the Thai chicken skewers, the crab dip and the Caprese salad. All absolutely wonderful!!! Happy Hour food is half off and they have drink specials also (including beer and cocktails). All in all a great little place to meet up and enjoy Happy Hour. read more

Enjoy drinks in a different time period. Magically you are transported back in time to an era of sophistication. The architecture both inside and outside beckoning you away from the city streets and into an exotic subzero location. Walruses greeting you in discreet fashion, alcoves hidden to admire, dark woods with rich grains and elegant seating arrangements to create a perfect place to enjoy the ambiance. Coming to Polar Bar is the perfect excuse to relax, pretend you are somewhere exotic and enjoy absinthe. Since the revival of the green fairy, Polar Bar has been catering to enthusiasts and new comers alike and has become a staple in the absinthe community. While they may not boast a huge stock or homemade goodness, the definitely create the atmosphere that compliments the unique drink. The service can be a little slow at peak happy hours and food choices can be a bit lacking, however the overall experience is one to be tried and indulged! read more

Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder. And the wallet lighter. The Polar Bar serves several brands of absinthe, including 124-proof Lucid, which contains oil of wormwood (the ingredient that got absinthe banned back in the day). Large doses of wormwood oil cause acute kidney failure. The Polar Bar limits consumption by charging $15 a glass. They have a whole ritual around the pouring and straining of the absinthe which is fun to watch, if you're sitting at the bar. If you want to get anything resembling decent service here you need to sit at the bar. Absinthe at the Polar Bar would, in my opinion, make the perfect Goth first date. The bar also a fun place to go if you're all dressed up for the symphony or whatever. It's got an elegant, spooky vibe, and it doesn't really feel like a hotel bar. The place is big enough that you don't really notice the occasional table of leering businessmen. Sure, there's food and it's not bad, but the Polar isn't really set up to eat. It's a good place to start your evening, soak up the Titanic-era atmosphere, and move on before you actually start talking to the leering businessmen. read more

Stopped in for happy hour, and then some, with a friend after work. I would probably give this place 4 stars had the service been a little better though. They were super busy so the servers were slow to get around to everyone (or at least our corner of the bar). I'm not sure if this was a particular server issue or lack of staffing but either way it took a long time for us to get refills on our drinks. The drinks themselves were top notch! Gin martinis and sazeracs were our drink of choice that night and damn were they tasty! We also snacked on truffle fries (glad someone figured out that a little truffle oil goes a long way finally) and some pretty fantastic fried green beans (oh how I love thee)! The atmosphere is slightly upscale feeling but casual at the same time. Kind of old timey I guess. I could totally see this place in the Mad Men era - all full of smoke and nicely dressed men and women drinking fancy cocktails. read more

Atmosphere is on point, if you like dim, quiet places with jazz music and the possibility that something seedy is being discussed in the dark corners of the bar. Happy hour is from 3 - 6 pm and includes half-price off "bites" which is a long list of items varying from edamame hummus to wings. Happy hour also includes a cheap ($7) cocktail-du-jour, but I chose not to partake and stuck to my regular non-wells. Service is exceptional, as you would expect in an atmosphere that would make my grandfather delight. And you can't overlook the fact that it is never busy. You can always get the servers attention and they will take good care of you. Seems like there are a few regulars that come in for a drink after work, but the rest are out-of-towners like myself (damn, it feels weird to say that) who are just looking to keep to themselves. read more

This review is for 3.5 stars. This is a nice cozy bar inside the hotel. They have a nice absinthe menu which I always enjoy, but on the very expensive side. I like the decor and the lounging available as well. Drinks took a while and weren't as powerful or great as one would expect with the time of the preparation, but it was still a nice cocktail bar nonetheless. There are better cocktail bars in the area for the same or cheaper prices, but if you're staying here or even very nearby, then you can't go wrong with a cocktail here. read more

Wow Victor is the best, and the place is truly old school, yes he takes his time and yes you have to wait but so what. If you hare in hurry head over to applebees. I love this place and I go there every time I visit Seattle and its always nice to see Victor behind the counter doing what he does best and enjoying his job. Thank you Victor read more

The few times I've been here, service was unforgivably slow. The food is pretty good when it doesn't get to you cold (Juno, the lounge/restaurant on the first floor of the hotel, has the same problems). I recommend the sliders, risotto croquettes, beet salad, and truffle fries. Is it just me or does the bar remind anyone else of the one in The Shining? I half expect Lloyd, in his red jacket and black bow tie, to be standing behind it, ready to dispense absinthe from that spooky looking contraption. There's something eerie and otherworldly about the ambiance, which I think is totally cool! I also love how the seating is mostly made up of oversized living room furniture. The sofas by the fire are especially comfy. The Polar Bar has so much potential; I just wish the service were better. When the Artic Club Hotel's affiliation switched from Summit to Doubletree, it couldn't have been a good thing. read more

My absolute favorite bar when I lived in Seattle. This was one of the only places that I could not only order, but GET a Sloe Gin Fizz without a frown-y face and a "We don't have sloe gin, would regular be okay?" NO! I want my sloe gin fizz and I want it now! Well, I'm decidedly more refined when I'm out, but you get the point. Bonus points for making feel like I stepped into "Double Indemnity" every time I walked through the doors. Those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, go to the bar, then google, and you'll get it. read more

I got invited here to meet with some fellow yelpers and I'm glad i made it out,as i entered, the place and his ambience asked me hey wheres your smoking ?? after answering the question,i proceeded to find my yelpers,heavy furniture and well craft martinis,my favorite drink of the night was their 007. ipb read more

Sweet HH for this elegant downtown bar. I think it's 3-6 daily? I really liked the lighting in these sort of places - it sets the mood well. Viktor, the bartender, is a friendly and pleasantly subdued gentleman. He's kind of like the Jamie Moyer of bartenders: less flash, more finesse. My whiskey highball was just what I needed; very good and a solid buzz. The tempura green beans with wasabi mayo were tasty. The breading was light and the beans were soft & chewy. One of these days, I intend to try absinthe... read more

Absinthe... check Old timey 20's feel... check Bartenders wearing suits... check. Fun drunk time. Oh yeah. read more

Very Rustic, old-school charm! I couldn't see this bar anywhere else but in Seattle or say Canada. It just seems to fit itself well. The decor reminded me most of a plushier frat house. Comfy but dressed up a bit. Nice and open. Its the kind of place to hit on Seattle's chilly nights. Great variety for drinks - although I was unable to indulge in its fine liquor I served a mix of fruit juice in cocktail - looking form. Its a great place for group hangs out, plenty seats. I was surprised by the large group of people there the night I came in. It wasn't the usual quiet hotel patrons capping off the night. I might just swing back randomly in the future if I find myself downtown again. read more

Shrouded behind the fabled walls of the historic Arctic Hotel lies the Polar Bar, a nod to Seattle's bygone era of glamor and elegance rarely seen anywhere these days. It's not the kind of place you stumble upon by accident. Its existence would only be tipped-off through word of mouth; an exclusive sanctuary hidden away from commoners and street peasants. Once you're inside, bask in the aura of feeling like a big shot. Then order yourself a suitable gentleman's drink from the dapper-dressed bar keeper. If you feel inclined, maybe strike up a conversation with James Bond who will almost certainly be at the bar downing a Vesper martini. You should probably save your Levis and hoodie sweater for the local pub. read more

Yelp is great. Wandering around and needed a happy hour. Never been inside the arctic club. But what a cool bar area. Art deco rocks. Half off appies and drinks. Good staff and it is close to downtown but it is a great hotel that most folks don't know about. read more

Love this bar. The ambiance is excellent. A little pricey, but the bartender Victor is a an outstanding bartender who knows the history of the building and area and serves great drinks. Very friendly atmosphere. read more

This definitely has a giant antique absinthe service set on the bar...which adds a certain golden age appeal. The giant polar bear made of plastic in the corner is tacky, though. I had crabcakes and several cocktails, and everything food wise was spot on. Service was good, especially considering it's a hotel bar! I will definitely be back. read more

The Polar Bar is located in the lobby(ish) of the Arctic Club hotel. My boyfriend and I were staying there, and after a few drinks at happy hour elsewhere, we ended up here. It has a very cool/old-fashioned ambiance and I liked the dark decor. There were two bartenders in and out during our couple hours, and neither were overly friendly, but got the job done. I had a few specialty cocktails and they were all fantastic. My boyfriend asked for muddled orange with his vodka after seeing the bartender do it for someone else, and he really enjoyed that. I loved the pool table, and since it wasn't too busy, we were able to play a few rounds uninterrupted. The bartender brought our drinks to us which I thought was a nice touch. The drinks were quite expensive, as others have mentioned, but overall I had a good time and I'd certainly be back if I'm staying at the Arctic Club. read more

Service here during happy hour is pretty atrocious, it's quite hard to get service, and it doesn't come with much of a smile. Maybe they are trying to match the cool arctic theme of the decor? I have included one extra star for edible food and my order successfully making the journey downstairs when my group moved downstairs to the restaurant (which has more apologetically bad service during happy hour). Tip: sneak up the stairs around the corner to check out the ornate ballroom, very pretty, lots of carved fruit. read more

The Polar Bar, located in the lobby of the Artic Club, is a lovely place to come for a drink. The bar feels like a comfy old boys club, with low, comfy seats/couches and a pool table. The drinks are pricey (unless you hit happy hour when many of the drinks are just $5) but well made and delicious. There are 5 kinds of absinthe on the menu! Bar food from Juno, downstairs. Over all, comfy, classy, understated and worth it. Lovely service. read more

Came while waiting for a ride based on the reviews. Not dissapointed! Lemoncello lemon drop, yum. And who doesnt love a lit of giant polar bear! Downside, yea its a hotle lobby, but get over it and stop by! read more

Polar Bar - Lemon on lemon goodness - Lounges Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Oh My!!!! What a back flash in time to Europe! Outstanding, classy service by obviously trained by the highest standards Bartender Victor!!! His unusual knowledge in the history of the hotel and Seattle as a City in it's initial development stages is impressive and refreshing. Thank You for having somebody like him to match the purpose, the taste and design of belonging to Titanic like lounge and bar! Been there several times over the pasted few years and planning on coming back as often as time and traffic dictates... ;) read more

I like this lounge. A polar bar in the arctic hotel, not as icy as you might think, on the contrary it's quite cozy and inviting. Very unassuming, you can just walk in with casual attire on, you're not accosted by too many people, there's a nice open lounge area. You have space to move, you can hear the conversation. This is the sort of grown up bar I'm into. I had the very smooth black butte porter and shared truffle fries with a friend. It was a quiet, but intimate evening. Check out the second floor fancy dining hall room, used to be a gentleman's club...no, not that kind. Worth walking up the stairs for. read more

Reader beware: I am judging based on my love of all things Wes Anderson. This is an old weird and completely awesome place. Every detail makes me smile. The large reading desks, the dinginess of it all. The old world charm. Here is where explorers once came and drank and chatted about their worldly adventures wearing what I imagine to be safari clothing. I haven't gotten to eat here but the fancy pewter chilled glass that I had my pims from was ab fab! I had what seemed to be a whole cucumber as a garnish as well. I will definitely be back with friends. read more

Polar Bar - A lighted- dark corner - Lounges Near Me - Seattle, Washington

A place for a mixed drink in a dark old school atmosphere. Not the place to be if you are a bourbon or single malt scotch person looking for something new. But the place is good at what it aspires to be. I ordered an Arctic Club Old Fashioned. $12. Rye, Cointreau, Sloe Gin, Sugar, Bitters and Orange Zest. That's a lot of stuff! But the mixologist did her job well and the beverage was tasty. I think I will have another. Posted a pic. read more

Polar Bar - Article Club Old Fashioned. Smoooooth. - Lounges Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This is by far one of the best Manhattans I ever had. They put just a little splash of Scotch that puts it over the top. This is all I had there, but I can't wait for another!!! For a hotel bar, I was impressed. It was just a great experience. read more

I was so happy when the City of Seattle moved out of the Arctic Building/Dome Room and allowed a private hotel to take over renovate a historic building that the City of Seattle had driven into the ground. I can't stress to you how AWFUL the Arctic Building and Dome room looked by the time the City sold it). The Dome Room (which is home to the Polar Bar) has been returned to it's classic grandeur...it is cleanly furnished and is almost reminiscent of the bar from The Shining (with no scary twins or ax wielding psychopaths to disturb your drinking). On the Shining note, the lighting is decidedly absent...but really that is part of the intended ambience...makes for good hush hush conversations. Drinks are pretty standard Downtown Seattle Hotel Prices. I would definitely recommend just walking up to the bar and ordering your drinks direct from the bartender or expect to wait for your drinks. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. read more

The drinks were kind of pricey... I never paid so much for a martini It is a very old school atmosphere as many of the other commenters said. I mostly saw business-like people around when I went there after work. It is diffidently not some place where I would go with friends. Kind of mellow, soft lighting and kind of boring. But if old school is what you go for and you dont want any hipsters around then this is the place for you! read more

Located in the Arctic Club hotel in downtown Seattle, this was one of the classiest bars/lounges we have visited so far in Seattle. Interiors are superb, have that premium feel throughout, plenty of luxurious and comfy seating. Good collection of drinks and food, but for me, the interior elegance and ambience was the best part. Definitely one of the those places that you can come to celebrate a special day. Pricey, but no complaints as it felt totally worth it! read more