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The Barrel Thief

4.0 (241 reviews)
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Updated 3 months ago

The Barrel Thief Lounges Photos

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THE BARREL THIEF ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Trendy
Moderate noise
Outdoor seating
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - The Barrel Thief

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Davis W.

Came here for a work event. They let us book a few consecutive tables near the window. The rest of the interior is a dark sort of ambiance that fits well with the whiskey vibe. They were friendly with their service too -- coming by multiple times to ask if we needed anything else. Their whiskey drinks were very good, especially the one with smoke. The smoke really lingered and imparted a woody scent with every sip. They have more than just whiskey too, all kinds of cocktails really. Their beer selection is light, so don't expect much in that area.

Cheddar-Jalapeno Hushpuppies
Trong N.

Went to Barrel Thief with a meetup that was suppose to be around 16 people scheduled around 6:30 PM on a Sunday (The Barrel Thief closes at 9:00 PM). About only 8 or 9 people showed up and at 7:30 and later, so it was really nice of them to still let us keep our reserved tables. It wasn't busy enough that we needed the reservation however. Server was nice, everyone was allowed to have their own tab (with even some people sharing tabs with one another), we just had to let the host know when we ordered the drinks. Sunday is half off on scotches so I ordered the Goldilocks flight. It was fine, not much of a scotch person but IDK if I would pay the regular $30 for about 1.3 shots. I also ordered the Cheddar Jalapeño Hushpuppies and that was just okay. I wanted more Jalapeño

Wendi K.

Beautiful, sophisticated interior. We came for a few drinks and snacks on a Sunday. Fries were nice and fluffy and fresh. I didn't really try any of the drinks but they looked nice. Attentive staff.

Stacey P.

The Barrel Thief has great ambiance. I love the barrel staves decorating the wall and it has this artsy, moody vibe. I came in with a medium sized group and found it was a bit awkward for all of us to be there comfortably. It was just hard to hear the person sitting a couple seats down. The drinks were great. Everyone enjoyed their cocktails. The food menu was mostly small bites and we ordered a few items. It was solid, but not necessarily delicious. I found the meat a bit tough. Our waitress was fine. She would check in with us often but she always seemed nervous for lack of a better word. She would come by, stay as far away from the table as she could, and then dart away. It was a bit odd.

Gin Manhattan type drink
Gabriele E.

Such a nice vibey spot. We just came for drinks but our friends had some food that looked delicious. I had a gin drink and I mentioned to the server what I liked and she picked a great drink for me. My husband loves whiskey and scotch and we went on Sunday. Highly recommend that if you love scotch you go on a Sunday! Overall a great visit and we will be coming back.

Chris E.

Love the food, service, vibe and new ownership here. Very close to our office so we come here quite a bit. For this area, easily one of the deeper whiskey and Scotch menus, but there's no need to care about such things if you're into cocktails - they do that fairly well too!

Sourdough toast.
Sabrina M.

I know Seattle is expensive, but when you are charging a premium price it should be edible at the very least. $18 for a cocktail that you could get at Triangle Pub for $6 less. This is the first time in my life I have sent a dish back. $14 for "sourdough toast" (photo below). It was advertised as having pickled pomegranate, which piqued my interest. When the dish arrived I almost started laughing. I took one bite that I couldn't even swallow, and sent it back. It smelled like wet dog. I make better toast at home for $1.50. We spent just over $100 on 2 drinks, 1 entree, and 1 app (the toast was removed from our bill without question, +1 star for that.) Our server was great! Still would not return.

Miriam D.

My husband and I were in the Fremont area looking for a bite and drink on a Sunday evening. He called and restaurant accepted vaccination cards and negative COVID tests so we headed there. We were asked if we had a reservation and we explained we had called ahead. With a little hesitation, which was weird because there were more empty tables than ones with diners, we were offered a few table options to choose from. After sitting, it did take a few minutes before we were approached. Long enough for me to start reading reviews and looking at pictures of the menu items to see if it was worth staying at least. Being completely honest, the food was decent but it was not enough to bring me back. Although, the pricing is decent, the food just did not fit the ambiance or vibe of the restaurant for me. I expected a little more flavor in my chicken Caesar and my husbands burger. The fries were over salted, the burger was just too dry and the bun was too charred and dry for our taste. I expected a little more and not something comparable to a Blazing Onion down the road.

Whisky Flight
Declan H.

A neat spot. I appreciated the wide selection of whiskey and picked a nice flight. I'll probably return here soon to try more! Note that they do add an automatic 20% service charge to the bill which I almost missed.

Pimm's Cup
Justie L.

Barrel Thief was a solid spot with a ton of booze offerings. I had a pretty good Pimm's Cup (after a small amount of confusion about what a Pimm's Cup was, and the bartender needing to look up a recipe...), as well as a good local red, and the dude had a couple of good whiskeys. Despite it being immediately after we had a large dinner, we couldn't resist getting an order of fries which were pretty damn good. Whatever's in that garlic salt is super addicting. Service was perfectly fine, and the ambience was a little sleepy, but overall a good experience. Definitely a great place to go if you've got a group with super eclectic tastes.

purple rain (non Alc), C'est l'Amour, Cardboard Cowboy

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4 years ago

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2 years ago

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2 years ago

Stuffed chicken breast was absolutely delicious. Service was slow but kind. Just expect a bit of a wait.

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2 years ago

Service was friendly and welcoming. The food was just okay. I liked the cheese platter.

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Ask the Community - The Barrel Thief

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Review Highlights - The Barrel Thief

I was there after work during happy hour menu and we indulged in way too many orders of truffle popcorn.

Mentioned in 28 reviews

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Respite Wine Bar & Bottle Shop - By the entrance (10/16/25)

Respite Wine Bar & Bottle Shop

5.0(7 reviews)
0.6 miWallingford

Prefacing that this post is solely on the initial impressions upon entry, customer service, and…read morequality of their baked goods. Respite was first on my radar screen after stopping by a nearby cake business back in Sept 2024. But I have only recently stepped inside to do Too Good To Go late night pickups on 10/16/25 and 11/6/25. This is one of many newer businesses along the stretch of Stone Way N from Seattle's Wallingford to Fremont neighborhoods. This is a nice, intimate spot with welcoming staff. There are both table and counter seating on the main floor, additional seating on the upper floor. Pleasant, cozy ambiance with wall art, merch, and low light. Quite a large variety of wine bottles to imbibe onsite or peruse for purchase and takeout. Judging from my TGTG pickups, they have a great baked goods source/purveyor whether from onsite or obtained elsewhere. I've been able to enjoy quality baguettes, artisan loaves, sweet and savory baked goods. This is indicative that onsite menu items are high quality to accompany any apps/small plates/charcuterie plates and glasses of wine. I look forward to someday an actual onsite visit to experience this first hand.

This place was a delightful surprise! They have an amazing rotation of wines by the glass,…read moreoutstanding selection of apéritifs and digestifs, and although they have a small food menu, everything is delicious and unique in the right ways. I've sat at the bar and enjoyed a vibrant glass of sparkling wine with a zucchini mozzarella gallette, French onion gallette, or a warm baguette and country sourdough. I've enjoyed a chocolate cake with delicious chocolate ganache for dessert. Carrot cake and shortcake with fluffy whipped cream are lovely as well.. that's the good stuff. Plus, the staff are all incredibly nice. Definitely check this place out - it's a date night kind of vibe, so bring your significant other or go for a first date!!

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Respite Wine Bar & Bottle Shop - Entrance (10/16/25)

Entrance (10/16/25)

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Grappa - Spicy Sausage Rigatoni

Grappa

4.2(536 reviews)
0.9 miQueen Anne
$$$

Grappa is absolutely amazing!…read more My friend group and I recently ate here for brunch, and I'm so glad we did. The customer service was phenomenal and the vibe was very relaxed, yet hip and upscale. A good blend of both. I really liked the added touch of the melted candle sculptures. It also was not too loud inside either at brunch time, so great for conversation. The food was amazing. I had the cinnamon French toast and the scrambled eggs as well as a Seattle soda Diet Coke. The food was warm and very tasty. The French toast was one of the best French toast that I have ever had. I would highly recommend Grappa for brunch!

What a terrific evening! Our server, Carly, was cheerful and enthusiastic and set the mood for the…read morenight. All of the staff were very attentive and friendly, checking on us often. We opted to dine on the prior, and they even adjusted the heat down when it became too toasty. Delightful to sit sidewalk adjacent and enjoy some rays of sun. Rosemary focaccia was complimentary and came with a pat of whipped butter. The butter was relatively flavorless, and the bread was average.. My friend swears by the spaghetti carbonara and it looked fantastic. Well studded with pancetta and a beautiful presentation. They were out of rigatoni (odd, but I'm flexible) which typically comes with the spicy sausage dish. The pappardelle were cooked perfectly. You could not have done any better. The sauce? Absolutely delicious. Hearty chunks of sausage had a great flavor, with a wide variety of mushrooms. The sauce was creamy with a light kick. Thé sprout garnish provided just the right textural difference and freshness. Fantastic dish. I'd order this every time and not be disappointed. The wine was good. I selected a newly arrived Sauvignon blanc, but it could have been colder or crisper to do it justice. Thé grappa afterwards (bartenders choice - Nardini Riserva) was delicious. Just the right amount of strength to get your attention, but finished with a hint of pear and vanilla flavor. Yes, you could consider this to be oricy for "just noodles" but they're phenomenal. The quality and freshness of the ingredients, combined with the attention to detail and the great team are what makes this five stars. Worth every dime.

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Aluel Cellars

Aluel Cellars

5.0(8 reviews)
1.1 miQueen Anne

Walking into Aluel Cellars on top of Queen Anne feels like stepping into a snug vineyard tasting…read moreroom transplanted into the city. I settled in and chose their Aluel Signature Flight and their Aluel New Release Flight, each a carefully sequenced lineup of their handcrafted Washington estate wines. The Signature Flight had richer, more developed profiles while the New Release offered bright, excited youth. I paired them with the European tinned fish, sardines and pulpo that arrived in polished little tins, and asked about the oysters. The server said they often have them for pairing events, so depending on timing you might catch fresh oysters too. Compared to other wine bars or tasting rooms in town, Aluel strikes a rare balance: serious about wine craft but laid back in vibe, welcoming instead of pretentious, and offering well curated bites that elevate rather than distract.

My favorite Seattle tasting room! I've been a big fan of Aluel since they opened in Capital Hill,…read morethen Ballard, but I'm so happy there's now a location on the top of Queen Anne! They've transformed the former Robert Ramsay tasting room into a more spacious, warm and inviting space. Now let's talk about the wine--they've collected more awards than I can keep track of--some of my favorites include the Coat of Arms, Regalia blends and their seasonal rosé. You should definitely stop in for a glass or a bottle and sign up for the wine club membership while you're there!

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Aluel Cellars
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The Cove - Shrimp Cocktail

The Cove

3.1(67 reviews)
1.8 miSouth Lake Union, Eastlake

First time checking out the Cove. Made a reservation on their website and requested for patio…read moreseating and was able to get the table outside! The patio is dog friendly if you are wanting to take your dog with you. There is paid parking right out front. We ordered a bottle of Merlot wine, Proscuttio flatbread, hummus plate and the potato wedges. Everything came out hot and fresh. The inside has more tables but is really loud. Would prefer outdoor as you can have a conversation without screaming across the table, I will definitely be coming back again!

This place has so much potential. The space is beautiful, very open, and has a great ambiance, but…read morethe service really needs work. The hostess was sweet and honestly the most helpful person we interacted with. Unfortunately, our waitress came across as pretty condescending anytime we asked questions. For example, when we asked what came on the charcuterie board, she explained it was "a variety of meats, cheeses, and dried fruits." When we tried to clarify and asked what specifically was included, she responded with, "Again... meats, cheeses, and dried fruits." It felt unnecessarily dismissive. After ordering food, I ordered a cocktail but later realized it came from a can, so I politely walked up to ask if I could change my drink order. Instead of quietly handling it, she yelled across the restaurant to the bartender to cancel the espresso martini. The restaurant wasn't loud, so it just felt awkward and uncomfortable. When the food arrived, it was simply dropped off with no explanation. The small plates were hidden under oversized napkins, and when my friend asked if we could get small plates, the waitress pointed and said, "They're right there." There were three of us and only two plates, so we had to ask again anyway. Then when our drinks came out, she held the tray out and told us to "grab your drinks" instead of setting them down herself. She didn't say it rudely, but it felt odd from a service standpoint. To be fair, the food and drinks themselves were good. That's what makes this more disappointing because the place really could be great with better hospitality and attention to service. As we were leaving, who I assume was a manager was standing at the bar on a laptop and said "thank you" without looking up or making eye contact. She looked visibly annoyed. Maybe she noticed the gratuity was lower than expected, but gratuity is earned. I'm not someone who expects over-the-top service, but this experience didn't even meet the basics.

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Occhi Belli - Pasta of the day

Occhi Belli

4.7(30 reviews)
0.9 miWallingford

I had wondered who would take over the shuttered, long time Chile Pepper in Seattle's Wallingford…read moreneighborhood. Several months ago, this site became Occhi Belli. It definitely piqued my interest and was duly bookmarked. I had an opportunity to check it out with fellow Yelp Elite/IGer, Carol C (3/18/26). I was able to get a last minute reservation confirmed via email. Both of us were able to get zoned street parking along N 45th. This restaurant is also accessible via Metro. We were seated by Tim, the owner, at a two top by the front entrance. He was very welcoming, personable, and charming. An aside, read the background info about how the restaurant came to be from their website and additional cool details about the owner, restaurateur, and author. The interior transformation was pleasant vibe. There were other tables aligned along one wall. The remaining seating were along a banquette. There's also limited seating at the bar towards the back. Great ambiance, however, it does get rather loud once the restaurant fills up, just saying. Wine, of course, is available by the glass or bottle. There are other beverages like beer and NA choices, but no tea/coffee service. Happy hour specials are also available. Tim provided us the low down on the featured daily specials and gave us enough time to peruse the menu. It's one of those menus that had so many pleasing options. We split the Piatto Misto which was a great way to sample various app offerings including fresh burrata, an Italian meatball, sliced prosciutto & other Italian meats, and two bruschettas - tomato and mushroom. We both agreed that the meatball was the standout. Carol chose the Pasta del Giorno which featured farfalle with mushrooms, broccolini, in a cream sauce with added Italian sausage. I selected the Pasta Salsiccia which had linguine with Italian sausage, mushrooms, red pepper flakes, in a tomato cream sauce. Both pasta mains were rich and generous, that the both of us took home halves of our respective entrees to save room for dessert. For dessert, I went with my fave tiramisu and Carol had the chocolate mousse. Tiramisu was delicious that I cleaned out my serving glass. It was definitely an enjoyable experience and were onsite for nearly 2.5 hours. Well attended to and not rushed. With how costly it can get dining out in Seattle, it's a great to find a place that is easy going, has great variety, and reasonably priced. Recommended for an approachable, quality dining experience. Grazie mille, Tim!

This is a great hole-in-the-wall spot with delicious food and friendly staff! It's a cute, small…read morehouse located in Wallingford that's great for a dinner spot. I ordered the Barbabietole salad (super refreshing and light), Gnocchi alla Gorgonzola (a little bit heavy and very cheesy because of the gorgonzola), Pasta Salsiccia (more of a classic red sauce pasta), and the dish of the day which was a ribeye steal (veryy delish). The dishes are sharable portions and paired well with wine. I'd recommend trying this place out!

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Occhi Belli - View along banquette towards bar counter (3/18/26)

View along banquette towards bar counter (3/18/26)

Occhi Belli - Beet salad

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Aluel Cellars - cheese plate

Aluel Cellars

4.8(17 reviews)
1.8 miBallard

The frosted and fizzy pop up is absolutely adorable! My friends and I did the flight with snacks,…read morewhich was a steal ($38 for 3 samples and snacks). We were allowed to choose our own or the hostess would select for us. The space is absolutely adorable and the staff has the attitudes to match - they were very friendly. For the pop up, there's a list of sparkling wine and champagne from other wineries to try but you can also have some of the staples from Aluel. It's such a cute spot I will definitely be back.

Looking to enjoy some fine wines without making a trip to the Eastside? Wish granted! You can come…read moreon into Aluel for some nice tastings and light bites that can serve as decent palate cleansers as well. Right on Market yet tucked away with other storefronts is Aluel. I've walked by it many times only to realize 'wow there is a wine room right here!' After meeting a friend here, I settled on one the flights I tasted the - Aluel Signature Flight - '19 Sparkling, '18 Malbec, '18 Regalia, '17 Coat of Arms. my favorite being the Malbec and Coat of arms, which is a red blend and an award winner, along with many of the others on their menu. For bites we got the - pita and hummus plate which just alright at $9. Perhaps we should've sprang for the cheese plate for a bit more at $15. Aluel is a nice place to sample some wines right in the middle of a neighborhood without need to go far. Check it out!

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Aluel Cellars - Frosted and Fizzy pop up

Frosted and Fizzy pop up

Aluel Cellars - Voyager 2020

Voyager 2020

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4.6(14 reviews)
2.0 miPhinney Ridge

Outstanding local wine tasting bottle shop. Tucked away in…read morePhinney Ridge. Don't miss this utterly charming and unprentious wine tasting shop complete with blue checkered table cloths covering the outdoor tables. Their charcuterie (two cheeses and one meat) $19 is available alongside almonds $5 and candied pecans $5. We enhanced our board with a delicious can of lemon pepper smoked oysters by Ekone ("from tide to tin") $13. Highly recommend this he has Rustic Bakery flatbread. They have wine by the glass -- we tasted the Clos Du Mont-Olivet 2022 Lirac $15/glass as well as the Henrich Naked Orange (calcareous and natural biodynamic) $15/glass and the Champagne Jacquart "Mosaïque" Rosé $20/glass. We decided on a bottle of the Lirac and a glass of rosé champagne. They also carry local jcoco chocolates chips as well as tinned mackerel, tuna, codfish. The buyer is exceptionally talented. The curated collection of bottles could go up against the better bottle shops in Seattle -- but with a nonchalant aplomb rich with elegant ease shifting gears between bottles of internationally renowned Bollinger $68 and hyper local The Orcas Project 2024 Garnacha $37 or 2025 Nebbiolo $35 or 3 of 6 allocated Chartogne-Talley Saint Anne extra brut for $98. Favorite part? The staff's educational notes about the wines, how they were made, and tasting notes that holds the greatest value of all. So make some time to peruse and enjoy the learning before or while tasting. Exceptional value and deserving of best of neighbor recognition. Mariah serves as a welcoming hostess.

Awesome little wine bar and bottle shop that opened recently I think. I ended up sharing the Orcas…read moreProject flight with my dining partner. The host was super friendly and did a great job explaining each wine. I loved most of the wines we tasted, but especially the white ones. Very crisp and clean. Such a cute shop and its located right next to a restaurant and a bakery.

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Doe Bay Wine Phinney Ridge - Interior (7/14/23)

Interior (7/14/23)

Doe Bay Wine Phinney Ridge - Seating adjacent to shop. Located by Ben's Bread. (7/14/23)

Seating adjacent to shop. Located by Ben's Bread. (7/14/23)

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The Barrel Thief - lounges - Updated May 2026

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