Update: they serve food now and it's relatively affordable compared to nearby bars and restaurants. I ordered the signature smash burger, which came with crinkle fries, a pickle, and even ranch they made in-house. The burger itself was well seasoned and I thought the grilled onions were a great touch. I found that the esquite was especially flavorful given that it's made with chicken broth. I think it would be even better served with something that can be used to dip in the broth. Maybe even the fries? The quesabirria was piping hot, crispy and comes with beef consommé. read more

See all

Came here for a Goth party and Drag show with a friend. A cool little bar and dance club right in Belltown amongst many. What I enjoyed off the bat was that even though I didn't have cash to pay the cover I was able to get in using one of their payment offerings that linked my bank. I even got a little cash back from doing this. There is Dance floor right passed walking in and another downstairs. Before going downstairs there is a 'theatre'. The Drag show was entertaining, but the acts ranged from really amateur to a few seasoned "queens". There were some cool people who I chatted with a cool couple who wanted to also get their goth vibes on and drove down from I believe Everett. The bar, even though busy had a cool bartender who made good drinks, and the prices weren't bad. I bought rounds for my friends and myself through the night and paid less than $50 so I was really surprised. Chill vibes here. Would go to another event here. read more

See all

I came on a Saturday evening for a showcase event. The Jewelbox Theatre was quite small with limited seating, but I appreciated the intimate interaction with the performers. I also enjoyed the beer at the bar, which was reasonably priced. The staff was friendly and efficient. Overall, it was a good experience. Parking wasn't easy, but I managed to find free street parking and walked about 10 minutes to the venue. read more

The Rendezvous - Outside - Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

See all

Interesting venue, very vintage. Was here for a show. The chairs in the theater are old and I would not want to sit in them for a long time but they worked for the length of the show. You can tell this is an older venue that has never been renovated. Its nice because they have some fringe shows here. Staff where friendly for the most part. The bartender was not super helpful with drink orders. I ordered a caned cocktail that I thought was not carbonated and he just gave me a random flavor and was unconcerned that I did not want a carbonated drink. Drinks are also weak. Not a great pour for the cost of 10-15$ per drink. I may come back for a show but not to drink. read more

Tuesday night at the Jewelbox Theater, situated inside The Rendezvous, for some comedy. I've been here a number of times but not in a lot of years. Happy to report it's pretty much the same as ever (read: a little divey). $10 well G&T, and you can bring your drink into the intimate theater. They have another theater or events space downstairs as well that I don't think I've ever been to. Afterwards a few of us grabbed a table out in the bar and ordered some food. It was karaoke night, and you can't not be in the mix, so we left as soon as we finished eating because we couldn't hold a conversation. The bar food was worth sticking around for though. I'm not sure but think the food menu changes depending on who's in the kitchen? And you place your food order at the kitchen window as opposed to the bar which is great knowing your food money/tip is going directly to the cook. We shared tater tots and fries which were so perfect (crisp and not at all greasy) and came with an assortment of homemade sauces (bbq, chipotle mayo, spicy ketchup, and maybe an aioli). And the cook was super personable and came out to check on us a couple times. Looking forward to the next event here. read more

Ordered a vodka soda. Charged $13 for a shot of Ketel + $4 for the soda! This is a dive bar at best. Never again will I return for a $17 mixed drink at this dump. read more

Cool little spot for beer and pizza near the gum wall. Pizza was good. Service was friendly.

Looking for a dive bar here is a good place Watched a few comedians on the stage a couple of drinks makes a nice laid-back night read more

Delightfully surprised (in a good way) by this place! After having couple drinks near by, we wanted to grab more drinks and late night food! Walking around Belltown, we stumbled upon The Rendezvous! Very good selection of food. We came in around 9pm and ordered some food and drinks. We had the Avocado dish which had ricotta fritters & bacon - wow it was so delicious! We also had the Toasted Garlic Tortellini and this was super good as well - it was so cheesy with the burrata which is my favorite kind of pasta dish! :) Also on Fridays and Saturday nights, they have Ramen night starting at 10pm! The Mushroom Miso Ramen was really good! Heard this place has a theater where you can eat & watch a show which is super cool! We'll definitely come back here again for sure :) read more

See all

Last week I attended a concert at the Rendezvous, and felt privileged to attend. In the most intimate setting, I listened to three amazing singers and felt I was sitting in their living room. It was a throwback to the best of times, and at a nominal cost. John bartended, and was helpful and empathetic, as most barkeeps should be, but often aren't. As an older dude I'm not always welcomed at clubs in Seattle. John and Madeleine were gracious and respectful. I will return this Friday for another concert. The Rendezvous is fantastic. read more

Not a bad place in Belltown. The staff are friendly and the atmosphere is ok. We popped in here on our night out and the place is chill. The drinks are delicious and expertly crafted. Definitely a place for great drinks and will have to try more next time. read more

The Rendezvous - Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

See all

Really cute venue for a drag brunch/happy hour. Just tried the drag brunch hosted by miss Texas 1988 with a group of 15 folks for my birthday. Really great performers/host/brunch. Small theatre but it felt super intimate. read more

Simple bar that's kind of divey. If you're looking for a holdover spot while waiting for a reservation, I actually think this is a really great option. It's quiet enough to have a conversation and the drinks don't break the bank. I would recommend d for someone looking to have a drink and catchup. I wouldn't recommend this spot if you're looking to rage or for this to be the sole purpose of the outing. I think it compliments the night's plans. read more

The Rendezvous - the outside of a restaurant at night - Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I don't know why I keep coming back to the venue. This past weekend I went to an event in their "Grotto"/ basement area and they tack on a 20% charge and still have the balls to ask for a tip when cashing out. The 1 allotted bartender for that area kept sneaking away for smoke breaks and left attendees standing around waiting. Please stop hosting events here until they can get their act together. read more

Loved this spot! How have I not known about this place until now?! What an eccentrically adorable dive with a theater in back! I saw Gutenberg! here with a friend and loved every second of being here. I never would have guessed there would be an old Art Deco style theatre within the walls of this space. What a cool concept that you can order food and drink from Rendezvous while watching a show in the theatre. Food and drink options were plentiful and servers and bartenders were sweet. Seating in the theatre is a little awkward but cozy. Note* test out your chair before the show starts - mine was halfway broken and became really uncomfortable halfway through the first act. I would definitely return to see a comedy show here or just have a bite to eat and drink here. Very cool. read more

The Rendezvous - Good food on top of great drinks and shows!! - Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Cocktails were amazing. DJs were awesome and the live music was rocking. Great service and the coolest dive bar look and feel. A lot of history in the building. 100 years old!! read more

Friendly staff, even the security guy is friendly. Mixed drinks are delicious. Very nice spaces for shows and dancing. I've been for a few events and they were always epic. read more

Update: I just love this place. Its a "go have a drink with friends, great happy hour, and great service" kind of place. The owners can usually be found milling around, even helping out when it gets busy. This place caters to all types and has a great atmosphere without TVs or blaring music. March 2008 has been the coldest month on record in Seattle. April so far hasn't been much better. Cold, rain, and snow have been the norm. While leaving the Rendezvous and Bell town the other night we saw a tall blond walking down the street wearing only a skimpy miniskirt dress and heals, and it was only in the high 30's. She definitely wasn't headed to Rendezvous and this is why I hang out there. I see people refer to the Rendezvous as a dive bar but I don't think this is incorrect. If one were comparing the ascetics of the Rendezvous to the polished, techno thumping, popular-for-a-second bars that have infested much of the Belltown, I could see how one would think this bar is a dive. These people have obviously never been to the Barnoff on Karaoke night. The Rendezvous is a poet and artist's bar, a place for people who want to meet friends, drink beer (they also have a full bar), talk, and eat good bar food. It is also one of the last places in the area to house a venue, the Jewel Box Theatre, where anyone with $75 can host an event. The service is usually spot on but they do have hiccups at times. The prices and drink selection is on par for the area. If you have a large party ( I think 6 or more) the will add gratuity to the bottom line. This happened to us once and the waitress didn't tell us letting us tip even more. After a going here for over a year this has been the only negative experience I can think of. read more

The Rendezvous - Summer at the Rendezvous. - Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

See all

This place is ok I guess. If you like to have fun, and be entertained for cheap, and get good service whether you're in the bar or at a table, and nosh on some good snacks, maybe have a Dark & Stormy actually made with ginger beer instead of the gross way with bitters, or have a piece of cake made by the city's BEST baker that nobody knows about (YET). But, you know, there's no accounting for taste. Some people don't like that sort of stuff. We call them douchebags. And they can stay down on 1st ave. read more

We went to an amazing burlesque show there in the Jewelbox theater. It was a small, intimate space with four booths in the back and more like comedy style seating with small tables and chairs in the back. The reason I gave it 3/5 stars is the menu and service. We called ahead of time asking about dinner options and thought they had a more available/comprehensive menu. On a hot day in July they only had ramen and noodles as entrees on the menu. They also had a handful of apps, but they were out of three of them (carrot salad, grilled wings and sesame chicken). I think the three that were left were fries, edamame, and something else. The server also only came once during the show, leaving us without drinks for the majority of the show. read more

The Rendezvous - Jewelbox Theater interior. Some Booths in the back. The front is more comedy show seating. - Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Once upon a time, there was a bartender named Dodi who poured stiff drinks at a union bar (Teamsters Local 8) called the Rendezvous. Bands like Pearl Jam rehearsed in the basement, Mudhoney shot a video here, and there was even a band called "Dodi" named in her honor. Eventually, Dodi left, and the bar was remodeled, but it's still the closest thing in Belltown that evokes the early days of "grunge" in Seattle. Yes, it's a dive bar, but in the best possible way. Drinks are strong and cheap, the food is solid, and there's most likely a band or a show happening in the adorable Jewelbox Theater, located in the bar itself. If you're looking for the real deal, look no further than the Rendezvous. read more

This review is primarily for the Jewel Box Theatre venue, where we attended a concert featuring Wild Wants. Room for 60-70 people with decent atmospherics. Not fancy, but well-worn and comfortable. Mostly standing, with a few cushioned bench seats at the rear. We bought a beer at the well-used bar. Service was 4.0: immediate. The ceiling above the bar is antique pressed-tin. Took a look at the eating area. Not someplace I'd go for a romantic dinner. Seemed good for small groups cruising the clubs. Very loud if a band is playing in the Jewel Box Theatre in the next room. Bathrooms were cleaner than expected, though out of towels. read more

Stopped in for drinks and a show. The drinks were tasty and strong, pricing on par with downtown Seattle prices. Our bartender was attentive, even though the bar was pretty crowded. The theater was tiny, but pretty cool. It had that intimate feel that you lose in those bigger venues. After the show we hung out in one of the large booth in the restaurant section. I heard the food was decent, but the wait could be long, so we opted to stick with drinks and camaraderie instead. I really enjoyed this spot, I'm looking forward to coming back again. read more

Excited to get food here. Unfortunately, what we expected, was not what we thought. Mind you we are vegan- the items say (V) which to us means vegan, but it means vegetarian. We ordered the beet and bean burger, and fried pickles and asparagus, which came with fried habaneros. My wife loves bean patty burgers, so we got the this. The beet and bean burger. It was very different. Like there wasn't a binder really? The ratio of beet to bean was more beet than bean. Very soft. So if you love beets, this ones for you! Bland. The fried pickles and asparagus- I think we only received one asparagus out of the bunch. The pickling juice was spicy so beware if you're not a spicy person! We ended up getting a pound of fries to make up for the burger bc we couldn't eat it sadly, and the fries were kinda oily. Sorry we are nit picky bc we are foodies and know what's tasty to us and what could use some work. Although, the bartender did make it right and took the burger off so that was very nice and hospitable! Next time, we will be a bit more aware. read more

The dessert was alright and the wine was drinkable. Metered street parking is usually a pain to find but I got lucky tonight and found a spot right out front. The washroom was missing it's purse hook. The waitress serving the room upstairs (for birthday party) was good - she brought drinks and cheques quickly. read more

This place is so hipster and chill! There's like a performance area inside with a live band! Very nice! And good drinks! read more

The Rendezvous - Monkey business and free mount mule - Bars Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Cool place. The bar has a good tasting beer selection and my friends liked their cocktails. The food I haven't eat. I heard the devil eggs were good but the menu just doesn't seem to have anything I would want to actually eat at a bar. The theater/band space is great. I will say you should see a show there. read more

The show was great, but two 4 oz pina coladas for $40 was not. Rethink your drink prices, because that is a rip off. It shows you do not respect your customers. read more

Do yourself a favor and come here for any variety of reasons. Open mic, ribald performances, or just plain drinking and chowing.

I am way too old for this shit. My level of tolerance for disgruntled, tattooed from forehead to asshole, 28-something people making alcoholic drinks as if it's some unique talent like they're shaking up ice while they're dangling from the ceiling reciting Shakespeare is in the negatives. These organs I have are the equivalent of a 90-year-old inpatient. I questioned that part for a while but things started to get real fast when I started craving cocktails of Metamucil, prune juice, and hot cereal as breakfast when I was in college. I walked in already way past any desirable level of drunkenness and accompanied a friend to drink his Fireball. It's hot in here and it's cramped. I am surprised that with all of the noise around me I didn't spontaneously crap all over the place. I think rolling in my own waste would have been a better use of time. Rendezvous is completely not my jam but it could be yours if you're in a dead-end career, shed crocodile tears about not being able to hang out at bars every weekend, and walk out poorer every night buying drinks and condoms. read more

Ahh... the Rendezvous. Home of the Jewel Box Theatre, The Grotto. The upstairs that you'll try to reserve for a large group and often times have it taken over by the other large group, all the while fighting for the bench seat. So many memories; yet the space itself just isn't that memorable. Cheap drinks. Okay service. A place to go when all the other places you want to go are bursting at their Belltown seams. Definitely an establishment best visited whilst drunk. read more

I LOVE the Seattle bar scene. From dives to clubs to gastro pubs, we've got it all! Usually you'll find me in a dive or a gastro pub. The club scene is not my favorite. In fact, it was one main reason I'd avoided going out in Belltown! Not anymore folks. I finally discovered 2nd ave and realized that I was totally missing out on some great spots. Rendezvous is a cool little joint with multi levels and a burlesque theater! It's great for parties, dates, happy hour, or a show! Next time I'm in Belltown I might plan to stop in here longer. I was just there long enough to snag a cocktail and take a peek around. The bathrooms aren't too special but in the ladies room there's a massive piece of art on the wall that really caught my attention. Neat place! I'll have to go back. read more

Oh, baby. Did you miss me? I've been here many times. I used to go back when it was the dive-iest of dives.... career drunks lining the long bar, you'd snake by them to the Jewelbox in the back to see some show - sitting in Captain's chairs attached to a long conference table, swilling your cheap but strong swill. It was a good time. Now it's even better. The drinks are good and still strong, and the venue has really come into it's own with the different performance space, bar, upstairs 'grotto' and some underground rooms as well. Bravo, baby, you're looking good. read more

So I hosted my 25th birthday party at Rendezvous down in the Grotto. I have no experience with the main bar, only the Grotto. First, Tia, the woman who reserves the rooms, was fabulous. She was always quick to respond and didn't mind answering my 80 silly questions about reserving a room, what to expect, music situation, etc. The room cost was extremely reasonable for a Saturday night and there were no hidden costs or surprises upon arriving. I was told I could set up the music however I wanted and could have even brought in my own band for a small extra charge. I opted to hook up my laptop and play DJ myself, and the staff was super helpful in getting it set up. When I arrived the bartender, Amber, was super friendly and showed me the ins and outs of the room. She showed me how to adjust the music, change the lighting, etc. She also set up the tables in the room to leave room for dancing and made sure I had everything I needed to have a great night. Overall, it ended up being a fabulous night. The staff at the Grotto were just the right level of helpful without being pushy or controlling. My only complaint was that downstairs in the Grotto (where I had to make my bar minimum) they only had bottled beers, nothing on tap. I think I would have met the bar minimum quicker had some people not had to go upstairs to get their preferred beer off tap. If you're looking for a place to host a party, I'd definitely suggest considering Rendezvous. I'm looking forward to returning the bar and experiencing the main level because I'm sure it'll be fabulous! read more

My first time at the Rendezvous was over a year ago. I'd shivered in out of the cold, nervous with anticipation, to meet a gentleman for a first date. I honestly can't remember how the date actually was, so it was most likely completely average. But the Rendezvous! I love this place. Much more than the person who introduced us (sorry, guy). The giant slouchy red velvet booths, the strong drinks, the friendly bartenders - the whole just radiates comfort. You can easily get lost inside a few hours just relaxing with a book & a drink. The Jewelbox theater is a nice little addition and makes a great, intimate place to see some fun acts (burlesque, Americana bands, cabaret, etc.). So even though the date was evidently completely unmemorable, the venue is not. Ever since then I've made it a point to come out every once in a while, slide into a booth, and treat myself right. read more

I'm writing this review from the perspective of someone who hosts events at the Rendezvous -- specifically the Jewelbox Theater. I've been hosting the Salon of Shame (www.salonofshame.com) there for over a year, and although we've outgrown the venue I refuse to move the event because I LOVE THE 'VOUS! The wait staff and bartenders are awesome, the food is really tasty (fuck me, those yam fries are gooood), and the venue management and rental fees are really fair. The jewelbox theater has a great homey feel with the red velvet curtain and the retro lighting. Somehow it adds a sense of class and poise to an event -- even a silly one like mine. I'm not an experienced event coordinator or promoter by ANY stretch of the imagination, and yet I've always found the folks at the 'Vous to be easy to work with and helpful. Then again, I also always make a point to privately tip the waitress who works the theater during my event, so maybe that partially explains the good service. ;) read more

I have a fun story about the Rendezvous. It's the kind of story that definitely doesn't need to be shared but I'm gonna share it anyway. So a few months ago I had some friends who were going to some show or another downtown and while I wasn't going to the show, I wanted to meet up with them for a HH beforehand. Someone suggested Rendezvous and I checked out their menu and thought it looked cool and looked up where it was and yadda yadda, because of course, I had never been there before. So I walk in, find my friends and take a seat. Everything is feeling a little familiar and Rendezvous doesn't exactly look like every other bar, so at first I was confused. Then I got up to find the bathroom and got more confused because I definitely recognized the hallway leading to the bathroom. THEN, I remembered that last New Year's, I had a friend visiting from out of town for a few days and we had gone on a Belltown bar crawl (I KNOW, right?) the night before NYE and and gotten super drunk and I, being a classy girl, had decided that it would be better to go into this random bar and throw up in their bathroom instead of throwing up on the streets of Belltown. Random bar equaled Rendezvous!! So I had been there before but I hadn't been in the kind of shape where I would have remembered my visit. You see? You didn't need to know all that. But anyway, the drinks were cheap, the HH food menu was fun and the upstairs room would be great to rent out for a party. read more

This place is indeed a pretty tolerant place. Prior to Mel's birthday bash, I had been here a handful of times. It's one of those places you go to escape the Belltown douchebags - though, unfortunately, some of them do happen to end up here as well. I remember once, I came here and one of those douchebags came and talked to me and wouldn't leave me alone. I'm pretty sure this guy wasn't going to take no for an answer - so I called my friend, who happens to be pretty fucking metal, to rescue me. It was pretty entertaining once he got there - but I was still a bit freaked out. I told myself I wasn't going to go back to the Rendevous, but, alas, I just couldn't stay away. The next time I came here, I randomly stumbled in with my older brother and his 3 friends. We were already trashed but the girl who was bringing us cocktails was really sweet and put up with the boys' flirting. They were also "kind" enough to make us a round of Prairie Fires (which was I believe was a shot consisting of 151 and tabasco). The server was also "sweet" enough to not tell me what it was or what was in it until AFTER I took the shot. But, hey, my brother did give her money to keep quiet, so I can't blame her. I would've done the same thing. Yeah, they tricked me. But, it was kinda cute that she played along. Another time I came here, I don't quite remember much. I do have a lot of pictures on my cell phone to help me figure it out. However, it was all a blur. From the looks of it, though, it was a good time! Again, it was one of those places I stumbled into after getting bored or fed up with other bars in the area. Then, finally, I came here again for Ms. R's birthday extravaganza. I had never been downstairs in the Grotto before and I have to say that this place was perfect. It was totally cute and cozy - AND hidden from douchebags. I really appreciated that we had our own bartenders down there. It would have been bad news if I had to keep walking up those stairs! They were intense, especially after my third drink. I'm sure I'll be back to the Rendevous - and quite possibly not just by accident or to escape Tia Lous' crowd - perhaps just because it's awesome. read more

I arrived 45 minutes early for a performance of an artist I was very much looking forward to hearing and, to meet-up with some friends of mine. The $6 draft beer was normal and my conversation with the bar tender was helpful and fun so I gave him a $2 tip. I turned around and the other bar tender took another $2 from my stack of bills. That was very rude. It got worse....the performer I purchased a ticket on-line to hear at 9:00 pm, as advertised on their web site, wouldn't be performing until 10:50 pm to 11:00 pm, 2 hours later than advertised. I learned from several of their regulars that the owner(s) typically did this to bring people into the bar to drink while they delayed them from hearing the performers just to make them more money at the bar. Again...how rude. I will never go to this venue again. Bar tenders who steal money from the patrons....owners who have no respect for your time. Seattle has to many good music venues to visit. Avoid this one. read more

This is where I learned a very important lesson years ago: One should never have a handful of black olives for dinner, then go out and ask a genreous bartender for two whiskey sours with *extra* cherries... oooohh... bad idea!!! A tumbler full of maraschino cherries adrift on a sea of whiskey and not much else..... gadzooks! Ah well... much older and wiser now! I'm not typically one to walk into a bar on my own. But this is one place I feel pretty comfortable in. The staff is friendly, the drinks are decent and reasonably priced considering the location, and the people watching is great! The food's pretty good too! read more