4. Restaurants

Tavern Law

1406 12th Ave, Seattle, WA, 98122
  • (206) 322-9734
  • Store is closed

Tavern Law Menu

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  • Theresa F.

    Hand crafted specialty cocktails. Sours, Flips, Punches, Highballs, Fizzes and Seasonally Inspired Cocktails, i enjoy the Sophia Loren - (Fernet, Pineapple and Sparkling Wine). The menu also features wines, sherry, beer, cider and a large selection of hard liquors. The food menu is small but with a nice variety. Little plates (olives, nuts), Beet Salad (which I adore), Potatoes, Mac 'n Cheese, Burger, Fried Chicken, Fish and a few more offerings. The downstairs bar ambiance does not compare to the upstairs speakeasy, but the doorman was kind enough to score me a table for eight without a wait on a Friday night. The waitress was thoughtful enough to realize the music was too loud in our booth and had it turned down without prompting. Service was great early on, but we found it a bit lacking as it became later. If you are dressed for the evening, I would suggest you make the secret phone call to gain entry into the speakeasy.

    (4)

  • Courtney S.

    What an awesome place to randomly find! My boyfriend and I were staying at the Gaslight Inn and didn't want to head downtown for dinner, so we explored the nearby establishments and ended up at Tavern Law. Ordinarily, I'd make fun of a place like this for resembling something you'd see in an episode of Portlandia, but I pushed my inherent snark aside once I received my NW Julep (or, what I called "cup o' bourbon") and foie gras terrine with toast. These people know how to be proper gastronomists and mixologists, hands down. I think it's saying something that I found THIS place to be one of the most memorable spots during my visit (more so than Pike's Place and the Space Needle).

    (5)

  • Angela V.

    This is an awesome place with a secret speakeasy on the second floor. You need reservations to get upstairs or you can try your luck when you see people coming downstairs through an old-school vault door, cool! Just pick up the phone near the vault door and ask for seats. There is a max of maybe 25 people in the room upstairs so it has a very cozy and romantic ambiance (date night woo!) The bartenders upstairs won't take your regular drink orders, but will instead ask for your spirit of choice and what other types of ingredients you're in the mood for. The drinks they craft are very unique and high quality. My friend had lavender bitters and artichoke liquor in his cocktail! What?? Haha The bartenders downstairs will also craft unique cocktails for you if you ask!

    (5)

  • Rohit J.

    I have been coming here since 2009. Have always loved the concept, the drinks, atmosphere. The last two times have not been the same at all. The time before last the drinks were awful with no effort in it. They tasted like a $5.00 drink not $15! When I used to describe tavern law to people it was "you can really tell the bartender takes time making each drink, they are almost artists than just bartenders". Never again. The bouncer at the door is very unwelcoming. I was sitting out at the patio with my fiancé and her parents. And someone walked out obviously upset about something with the bouncer, halfway down the street the guy yells at the bouncer to f* off. Then the bouncer flips the guy off. Way to diffuse a situation. I felt like I should have been at cha cha down the street paying $3 for a well drink not $15! This place is super unclassy, unwelcoming and uncool. I'll not ever be back.

    (1)

  • F. P.

    Just came for drinks during a Thursday bar-hopping session. No wait on a Thursday and we got table service. I had the Can I Kick It? cocktail (with Ardeb 10yr scotch, blended scotch, kumquat-mace shrub, West Indian orange bitters and Angostura bitters). Seriously, I think this was my favorite drink of the night. The peatiness of the Ardbeg added to its complexity but it wasn't overpowering. An unusual mix of ingredients but they really worked to make this an absolutely well-rounded drink. Clearly an expert touch required to fashion this cocktail. Excellent. FYI, there is a speakeasy called Needle & Thread located upstairs but you call in from a phone downstairs and they let you in (assuming you made reservations). Looked a bit cheesy ... and yet I was a bit envious of those that got int. Next time!

    (4)

  • Shaina M.

    Pretentious and unattentive... This place was absolutely terrible. As soon as my husband and I walked in, we felt profiled...We were told to sit "wherever" and that someone would be with us. After 10 minutes, no one approached us, or even acknowledged we were there. We kept getting looked at by servers, but no communication. We figured, maybe they were busy, so my husband got up to get us menus to check out while I, after a long day of sightseeing, went to refresh myself, and put on a change of clothes. 5-7 minutes pass, and finally a waitress comes up to us to see if we wanted to order any drinks. Our drinks took an additional 10 minutes, and our waitress did not return. Hmm.. We waited 10 more minutes and figured, maybe if we move to a busier section, the servers would be forced to pass our way. Nope! Even after we waived a server down, nothing, NADA! I've never received this type of service, nor have I ever given this type of service (I'm in the service industry)! Absolutely unprofessional! By the time a server got to us we had been waiting a total of 35-40 minutes, and boy did he get an ear full! I'm assuming a previous server told our server to take us, because we found out he had just clocked on...Tyler, our server, was very apologetic. He was nice and attentive, and was kind enough to give us his employee discount because of our situation...He did mention that the servers might have been busy, however, this was not communicated to us at all. What's taking 10 seconds to let us know the haps so we don't feel ignored?? It's called guest service...communication! The servers on the floor, a skinny, black guy, and a spazzy white guy with a beard. The food wasn't anything to rave about either. My husband's cheese burger tasted like it was ordered from McDonalds, and my spicy fried chicken wasn't spicy at all, and tasted bland... The one star is for Tyler...I would have given this place half a star for the drinks...This place was not worth the mile walk up Capitol Hill....

    (1)

  • Carly C.

    I love this place! It has such a fun-trendy vibe, the bartenders are great and can mix up a mean drink. This is a very small place, so be prepared- if you're trying to go here on Friday/Saturday it will be packed. But if you find a seat- sit down and enjoy a wonderfully mixed beverage and some food! Everything is good. I order the Moscow Mule (but with tequila) and it is very fresh, light and refreshing! Food to consider ordering: Burger- so gooood. This is similar to Spur (red onion jam, good cheese, homemade bun) BUT here is the real kicker- you have the option to add Pork Belly. yes, yes you heard right- PORK BELLY. Fried Chicken & Grits.. Grits are perfect, chicken is crisp and juicy Potato Skins- comes with homemade habanero cheese sauce (if this wasn't a kinda fancy place I would have licked the bowl).

    (5)

  • Liz M.

    Wow. I'm kind of glad this place isn't closer to me because it's a little hard on the wallet to be a regular haunt. I managed to spend an entire $50 Groupon deal on just myself here (although I confess I was definitely tipsy on the trip home). But there are a few places where it's worth spending that kind of money for an awesome cocktail or three and sometimes a bite to eat. I usually default to my traditional Moscow Mule, but if I'm feeling adventurous, I'll ask the bartender to create something special and they always do. The ambiance is rich and warm without being overbearing or opulent. Thus far I've only ever sat at the bar, but I hear the upstairs is quite lovely too. The staff has always been welcoming and if they're not too busy, more than happy to chat. It can get incredibly packed in there, so plan accordingly. I've tried the burger and the fingerling potatoes on the comestibles side of things and declare both to be delicious. Even better, they're discounted at happy hour!

    (5)

  • Regina R.

    This was my second visit to Tavern law, the drinks are amazing and the food was delicious, however the service was less than spectacular. We were a party 7, sitting in the back booth, nothing complicated and all one check and yet, the drink service was ridiculously slow (we had to go to the bar after 30 min and ask for a server to order drinks and then our food came out even before our first round of drinks). Two of us came much later than the rest of the group and we were not even offered water. In addition, my second drink wasn't what I ordered and when I informed the waiter (after drinking part if it anyway because it took forever before he came back), he acknowledged (not apologized) for bringing me the wrong drink and informed me that he could bring me the one I ordered but that he would have to "take that one away." The entire evening was if the waiter was bothered by us and we should feel privileged just to be there. I would not go back with a larger group, which is unfortunate for Tavern Law because our check was over $500.

    (2)

  • Jason H.

    Not bad, the acclaimed burger was good, not great but very solid. Had a lot of flavor to it. Got it with the pork belly on top, and yea it's good, but have had the same kind of burger elsewhere that was life changing. This one wasnt life changing. Macaroni with duck fat fried bread crumbs ok, needed more kick to the flavor. The cider I wanted to drink had all the bottles end up being flat when they opened them, so had to get something different, oh well.

    (4)

  • Naomi B.

    Really enjoy the vibe in this place. Have been here 3x now and the bartenders are very friendly. If the bar downstairs is busy the staff comes out to your group to take orders which is amazing. Cocktail list is wonderfully varied and makes for an enjoyable evening. Go upstairs if you have the chance/have a reservation. Its quiet but they make custom cocktails for you based on your preferences. Really fun and tasty!

    (4)

  • Michael C.

    One of the best cocktail bars in the city. It's all about the handcrafted cocktails at Tavern Law. I tried the Seelbach Cocktail which is a whiskey cocktail from the Seelbach hotel in Louisville, KY circa 1917. I also loved the dark woody decor. Bonus: there is a surprise waiting for you upstairs!

    (5)

  • Kelly M.

    I only gave this place one star because yelp doesn't allow for 0 stars. Rude RUDE service. We had 8 people in our group and we all sat at the bar. The bartender made great drinks, however his attitude was terrible. He told us he would put all our drinks on one tab and would split them out later. Then he closed his station down because he was going home. He then gave a member of our party his credit card back and threatened him saying "I'm giving you back your credit card on good faith that you do not steal the copper mug. If you do and I see you out in public, bad things will happen"....The new bar tender who was sweet and nice took over. It then came time to split the bill-the other bar tender who was apparently going home hours ago suddenly appeared and gave us grief for splitting the check. I joked with the nice bartender "take 2.46 off this check and put it on that one!"...and the other bar tender comes out of nowhere and told me to be quiet. He told his customer to be quiet!!!!!! What the hell? If he'd been listening he would have known it was a joke. Had he split the checks in the first place the bar would have sold more drinks since it took so long at the end of the night. Long story short, if you walk in this place and there is a bearded guy who is over weight behind the bar....go somewhere else.

    (1)

  • Alice C.

    I stopped in last night for the first time when I found out some other Yelpers had swung by for happy hour. Tavern Law is cozy, the decor chosen with care, and was close to being full when I showed up a little after 6 PM. I had a seat at the bar, immediately got water, figured out what I wanted, but had to wait ten minutes to order a drink, which took another five minutes to get to me. I understand that it's busy, but they should have been staffed accordingly for a Friday evening. Customers to my left were wondering when they would get their drinks as well, having had to wait over 15 minutes (at the bar, no less) to get their cocktails. My cocktail was decent, but not mind blowing, and for the $11 price tag, I was seriously hoping for more kick, flavor, and actual drink- my cup was half foamed egg white. I didn't have them remake it because of how long it took to get it to begin with. I will give Tavern Law props for being one of the few bars I've seen carry both akvavit and Fleur de Caña aged 7 and 12 year rum- but when I get more of a buzz sipping my shot of akvavit than I do one of their very decently sized $13 cocktails, I question what they are watering down their alcohol with. They also tried charging me for a more expensive liquor than I ordered and received. I wouldn't come out of my way to go to Tavern Law- it's too expensive for me to frequent unless it's a special occasion or someone else is buying. I'll stick with Knee High for now- they have more cocktails in the $7 and $8 price range and the bartenders don't make me want to start yelling for attention.

    (3)

  • Elizabeth L.

    Handsome gastropub with impressive mastery of craft cocktails. Had a delicious grapefruit champagne cocktail made to order. House made syrups and tinctures, expert bartenders on hand to create to taste. A few others who seem to agree: Gayot Top Five New Chefs 2011 FOOD & WINE "The People's Best New Chef" nominee 2011 Seattle Met Top 10 Best Bars 2011 Seattlelite Top 5 Best Cocktails Consistently over-capacity Thurs-Sat, which detracts from pub setting and ability to enjoy craft libations. Overall, has become a Seattle standby for me.

    (4)

  • Mischa H.

    I came here with my friends to go into Needle and Thread. The moment we stepped into the door, an employee named Will Holland literally freaked out, "woah woah woah, let me see your ID's first." Then he demanded that we step outside of the entrance. First of all, there was only one male in the group, and 6 females. He accused the male of having a fake ID. He's 29 for god's sake. Was the employee jealous that the male was surrounded by girls? I'm not sure, but he was so disrespectful to all of us. He looked at the girls up and down for a good amount of time, and kept picking on the guy. When he let us into the restaurant, we were asked by another employee to let her see our ID's again. I'm not sure if this was a racial thing, we were all colored people except for the male friend. Will Holland gave off a very, very cocky vibe and his customer service was unbelievable. His ego seriously needs a check-up. This employee has given me the worst restaurant experience I've ever had.

    (1)

  • Andrew T.

    This used to be my favorite bar in Seattle. Alas, this place has gone downhill. If you ask for a specific drink on the menu to be described, be prepared to flex your liquor knowledge as you may be quizzed by the staff on the specific ingredients in the drink rather than having the drink described to you. If you don't like the drink, expect to be treated like the SPD would treat you upon jaywalking. If you try to order a replacement drink, don't expect any recommendations and be prepared to display some confidence in your replacement order, as it may be questioned. Something has gone astray. I've had some pretty great experiences here in the past, saving it a star. For now, I would suggest going down the street to Canon.

    (2)

  • Adrian S.

    Went in for one drink with a friend last night for the first time after having heard great things about the place. Our bartender was exceptionally rude and pretentious, and the drink tasted like POG mixed with rum, so I gave a 10% tip for our "service" (or really, lack thereof). As I exited the restaurant, the bartender FOLLOWED ME OUT and accused me on the street of "giving him a negative tip." Turns out I was absentminded and wrote the total wrong, but the 10% tip was still clearly written above and from my experience in the food service industry, my miswritten total was not going to be taken seriously anyways. When I clarified this to him, he proceeded to scream at me that no one tips less than 20% anyways nowadays (delusional!?) and that he would rewrite the tip and charge my credit card as he saw fit. He also told me that if I I ever tried to come back again, I would be thrown out. What a terrible experience.

    (1)

  • Sammy K.

    Came here with two friends from work. inside it is a very cool spot but my Moscow Mule almost tasted non-alcoholic and it was not even in a copper mug. I Don't think i will be back anytime soon.

    (2)

  • Mario F.

    I knew almost nothing of this place before walking in the door so I can say I had no preconceptions or expectations. I drink scotch served neat and I don't usually go for cocktails, but I decided to give the mixed scotch drink, the "Billionaire", a go. It turned out to be a great drink; the scotch was complemented by the other ingredients rather than masked by them. The biggest surprise was the natural burger. It is definitely one of the best burgers I've ever had. Excellent, attentive service, and our server knew the menu and took the time to go over our choices. Strongly recommend.

    (4)

  • Chris T.

    What've I been doing all these years (all these long loooong years...oh wait I've only been legal for 2. HAH.) wasting my time getting drinks at any place OTHER than Tavern Law? If you're looking to wind down your night chatting with friends or to start off your night with some very well made drinks, this is the place to be! I don't know a ton about different spirits, taste profiles, etc. etc. but I do know what I like, so I told the bartender I liked bourbon and felt like drinking something super citrusy -- its just what I was in the mood for even though I hadn't ever had a drink that tasted like that before. "Well," said the bartender knowingly. "If you're okay with rye, which is a bit spicier than bourbon, then the Tiger's Paw is the drink for you." And, oh my goodness, what a perfect drink it was! The same thing happened when my friend ordered a drink and when we ordered our second round: we'd just throw out a couple drink ingredients that we knew we liked and something amazing would be whipped right up and carefully placed right in front of us -- the Yelp reviews are true, my friend. We went on a quieter Wednesday evening, so it wasn't too packed, but there were small groups of people chatting in the booths, a small group of dudes starting off their night (but politely not being too rowdy), and a small group of people playing bar games in the corner. A solid place to hang out and enjoy the best drinks in Seattle.

    (5)

  • Suie C.

    All day HH on sundays! We came here later in the evening and on the recommendation of the waiter I tried the EARLY GREY something drink. It was amazing, and I ordered a few more. Different, well made, and tasy. Also tried the lusty lady and this wine/champagne drink. Earl grey trumps both. Service was okay, it really depends on who you get. The first guy helping us was decent, the second guy was super friendly and personable. He also played some old school hip/hop/rnb off his pandora since it was later in the night. It was a bit busy when we first got there, but it cleared out as the night went on. I prefer it less packed, but overall I like this place, and i love that earl grey drink.

    (4)

  • Karen L.

    Pretty cool bar. I haven't tried their food, but our server recommended the cocktail, the Pendennis club, which I really enjoyed. I also had the sloe dance, and my BF had the English fizz. We've been on the hunt for good cocktail bars and this is one we're adding to the list. I still have to figure out how to get into the secret rooms...

    (4)

  • Tiffany L.

    Came on a Monday and sat at the bar. Immediately felt at home with the bartenders' warm personalities and knowledge of liquor. They make a fine cocktail and their small menu complements this well. Needle and Thread is unfortunately closed on Mondays but they were still kind enough to show us around upstairs.

    (4)

  • Nina N.

    how can you not love a place where they make delicious drinks, and their fried chicken with mashed potatoes would make any bad day better? just saying. I love this place and would recommend it to anyone! One bad thing, the waitress's are soooo capitol hill, and that in itself ruins my 12 dollar drink. yup, said it........ if you can get a male server or grab a seat at the bar top, i'd totally recommend that!!!! oh yes, don't think you'll get a table on friday/sat night by just walking in. oh btw if you want to reserve needle and thread upstairs, do that farrrrrrr in advance!! it's cool up there

    (4)

  • Ninette C.

    I'm starting to think McCracken & Tough do gastropubs and bars better than they do restaurants because I gotta hand it to Spur and Tavern Law. I found The Coterie Room, on the other hand, subpar. I've been here several times but I was holding off reviewing this place until I tried the food. I had the Amazon Local deal for $25 for $50 so I thought it would be a good chance to eat some of the food. I had the Pan Seared Trout with chickpea and carrot puree and my friend had the Pork Shoulder. I was a little hesitant about the trout since I didn't like it at The Coterie Room. This was cooked the same way but the puree was better. The fish was also topped with cilantro so it had more flavor. I've also had a number of drinks here including the Worker Bee, the Dover Tea (Earl Grey vodka, rosemary, lemon and some other flavors I don't remember), La Flora...something (St. Germain's, vodka, ginger and rhubarb) and some others I don't remember. All their drinks are awesome. They have originals and fancy classic cocktails done well. Moscow Mules are my go-to drink and the Worker Bee is a fancier version and delicious. The Dover Tea was a pleasant surprise. I am a big fan of Earl Grey and that and the rosemary flavors really came through. If you want something a little more robust and masculine, my friend is a big fan of Dirt and Diesel. One complaint is that the service can sometimes be slow. It can take a really long time to get a drink here somedays. It wasn't that bad the time we came with the food at 9:30 on a Saturday, but I've come at 11-12 on weekends before and waited a long time. The atmosphere here is great. It's small but I love the dark wood paneling thing. I like the big table in the back...the trick is getting it. I know I'm in the minority but I like this place better than Needle + Thread. As a restaurant, I would probably give this place 4 stars. There's places nearby I prefer but as a bar, 5 stars for sure. One of my favorite bars.

    (5)

  • Charlene L.

    Excellent drinks and knowledgeable staff! Sit at the bar, tell the bartender what kind of drinks you do like and watch them let their creative juices flow!... liquor juices of course :) I rarely drink so I'm definitely picky when it comes to the few times I actually do order an "adult beverage." I tend to typically play it safe by ordering a gin & tonic as that is a classic that can't be messed up. But when I came here, after letting the bartender know I preferred gin but nothing that sweet, I was introduced to a refreshing treat! Presented to me was an extremely chilled gin concoction with a hint of cucumber and fresh ginger! Easy to drink, full of flavor and best of all, no artificial sugary flavoring included! Bartenders of Tavern Law, thank you for possibly encouraging my intake of alcoholic drinks ;)

    (5)

  • Kevin C.

    This was my first speakeasy that I've been to. It's an interesting experience. It's super secretive and they are super picky as to who can come up. I don't know if undertoned is what the staff is, but maybe they are in character the whole time?

    (5)

  • Gorman E.

    Tavern Law reminds me of the celebration of our Speakeasy Histroy of 1919 Volstead Act and providing thirsty patrons with crafted spirits in hidden rooms and dark basements. Voted the best 25 bars in America by GQ Magazine. Still one of my favorite places to get a well crafted cocktails, fine wine and masterfully prepared food that makes my tongue dance all night long. Unassuming exterior, but walk in with bartenders and staff dress up to the nines. Large wooden bar that invites you to sit at the bar with coat/purse hangers under the bar and large comfy stools. A wall of books to give a feel of a law library. A two way mirror which can be a tv on special occasion. A vault and a telephone to another secret passage to the upstairs of Needle and Thread. Even the bathroom is very nice and clean with individual towels to wipe your hands and soap with this incredible addicting smell. Some of my favorite bartenders have left but new dedicated talented bartenders just as good replace them with the art of mixing drinks. The difference is Tavern Law has an extensive cocktail menu or make a cocktail with your liking of favorite spirit, choice of words like spicy, savory, sassy, sour and choice of bitters. If I am not in the mood of a crafted cocktail, I normally order a Old Fashioned or Mint Julep...if I am, I want a spicy, sour with fresh grapefruit juice (they squeeze fresh squeeze fruit juice), bitters and vodka. Also, TL happy hour is killer with cocktails only $7 like my favorites cocktails of Moscow Mule, Vesper (007 Bonds Drink), and Jack Rose. 10% off food. I believe Sunday is all day Happy Hour. The food is also masterfully prepared to play with your tastebuds. I like the fried chicken and smash red potatoes, pan seared trout with eggplant + squash, Foie Gras Terrine with basil huckleberry + warm toast, new pork shoulder, and my FAVORITE The Natural Beef Burger with this amazing red wine reduction onion jam, provolone melted cheese ($15) and adding a pork belly ($4). A-M-A-Z-I-N-G ! ! ! If not the best burger, one of the best burgers IMO. If you haven't visit Tavern Law to drink a couple of tasty crafted cocktail drinks or taste any of the masterful food menu, then you are missing out!

    (5)

  • Neil W.

    We stopped in for a drink and a quick bite before a show. I have been in a few times. I have always enjoyed the drinks, but I have never had the food. The menu always looked promising, but I was never hungry... just thirsty. We did some miscalculations on our show time and we cut our food a little short. Bummer, what we tried was really good and there were other items that I wanted to try (Pork Belly with peas and onions). We had the smoked fingerlings with Serrano fondue and a beet salad. The potatoes came out in small halves in a friend coating. They did not taste smoked to me or my wife, but they were delicious. The Serrano fondue was just the right amount of heat. The salad had a great mixture of different beets. They topped it with greens and candies pine nuts. It was a perfect portion for us to share. The drinks are still well crafted, but I find them a bit under portioned and pricey. The food quite the opposite; I think they are generous with the portions for the price. I guess it balances out.

    (4)

  • Krystin T.

    I rarely drink cocktails and this place makes me want cocktails every day. That's saying a lot for a beer-and-wine girl such as myself. Luckily, I haven't made it to the super-secret back room yet, so I have an excuse to come back and drink more. I wish this place opened a little earlier, though, because I found myself wandering around the Hill waiting for 5 so I could go in. I know 5 isn't exactly late, but sometimes you just need to get your happy hour on a little earlier. Ya know? Anyway, back to the cocktails. I spent forever reading the drink menu because there was so much to see and I am easily fascinated. For my first drink I ordered a Moscow Mule; I've recently discovered these and had yet to actually drink a whole one (sneaking sips of a friend's drink doesn't quite cut it). And it didn't disappoint. I was going to order a second one but my friend talked me into an Old Cuban, which she'd had previously and thought was good. I decided to be adventurous and try it out even though I wasn't 100% sure about it - and it was damn good, too. I can't speak for the food, as there wasn't much that appealed to me on the menu. As another reviewer wrote, it's very "meat-inspired" and that's not my thing, plus I didn't feel like spending $5 for olives. Our server was friendly, though, even when my friend spilled her glass of water all over the floor. He probably hates us, but he didn't let it show. We left to go find dinner somewhere, but I probably could have stayed and tried new cocktails all night. Maybe next time...

    (4)

  • Theresa H.

    This was one of the first cocktail bars that I went to in Seattle, and it's still my favorite. They have a great prohibition-style theme, from the drinks to the atmosphere. Although this place can get packed on the weekends, it's usually pretty easy to get a seat on weeknights or earlier in the evening. Plus, it's worth the wait if there is one. And if you can, snag the round booth towards the back- best seat(s) in the house. There is an extensive list of cocktails, but I always like to try their signature ones. My favorite is Gatsby's Garden, an herby gin cocktail served up. I can't say I've had a cocktail I didn't like here though. Their bartenders are true "mixologists" as Portlandia would say. One time I was here with a group of friends for a birthday, and the bartender brought over a cocktail that he made up; he told us if we guessed 5 of the ingredients correctly we could have a free round of drinks. Unfortunately their liquor and bitters supply is way too diverse- we only got 3 right! But fun game anyway... Although most people come here for the artisan cocktails, their food is surprisingly delicious. They have various bar snacks and several staple entrees including mac and cheese, fried chicken, foie gras, pork belly, and pan seared trout. The trout was my go-to dinner here, until I tried the fried chicken one evening when they were sold out of the trout. I was amazed at how tender, sweet, and perfectly crisped it was- yum! By far the best "fancy" fried chicken I've had. I really don't have any complaints about this place- knowledgable bartenders, great service, incredible drinks, impressive bar food, and a great atmosphere. Definitely a great place to take a date or your other foodie (or booze-lover) friends!

    (5)

  • Rachel P.

    We walked in after dinner as that is where my sister and her fiance had their first "date". We were by then a group of 8 and we walked and amazingly got the back bathroom area booth- which fit us perfectly. Aside from the stares as people gave us whilst heading to the washroom the space was private and perfect. We were getting a little weary from our days travels but I couldn't let my little sister's bachelorette party end before the sun went down. They were having derby day specials and we all ordered some delish drinks. I had the best shirley temple of my entire life. It was so yummy, I could drink a gallon of it. Everyone else loved their drinks. We lounged there for a solid 40 minutes, service was a tad slow from greeting, to ordering to getting our drinks. Note: they had the best music playlist I have ever heard. The person who compiled it is a genius and I may return just to hear some more.

    (4)

  • Oremo O.

    Capitol Hill has so many restaurants and bars that it is almost impossible to go through them all. So even though I have walked by Tavern Law on no less than 50 occasions this was my first time there. Location: love the location. Just off of the main Pike strip, it is on the same street as some of my Cap Hill favorites of LA Spiga and Barrio. You may even get lucky and score a street parking spot right outside but don't count on it. Atmosphere: Love the vibe in this place. Just dark enough but not to dark. Even being full it has a nice him without you being overpowered by noise. We scored one of the large tables in the back which is great for large parties. I also have to give them a thumbs up for taking some care in setting up the washrooms. Sometimes its the little things. Cocktails: Although I wasn't here specifically for food I did have their burger which was on the smallish side but was delicious. I actually liked the size because I didn't fill up on it. I also had 3 different cocktails (a sidecar, the daily cocktail special, and one of the drinks of their cocktail menu). All were well made with care and arrived in a timely fashion. Perhaps my only negative to this place is that their cocktails are a little more expensive than k would like (my drinks average about $12-13 and would much rather be in the $8-$10 range). Other than that everything else about Tavern Law is a winner.

    (4)

  • Chelsea J.

    Tavern Law is one of my favorite places in the city. I'm surprised I haven't written a review yet! I love coming for a cocktail or two and putting my faith in the bartender to whip up something that I will love. My favorite drink was an egg white vodka cocktail I had awhile back. Recently I had a spicy whisky drink with ginger that was refreshing and very tasty. Their burger with bacon jam is one of the best upscale burgers in Seattle. I love it! This weekend my friend and I had dinner and drinks here. I had the burger with fries and she had the fried chicken with mashed potatoes and corn. Both were excellent. The fried chicken had honey on the skin so it was a little bit sweet. Prices were on the higher end for comfort food at around $15 per plate but were well worth it, in my opinion. Tavern Law is a great place to take someone you're trying to impress. Space and seating is limited so be prepared to wait. They deserve all the recognition they have received!

    (5)

  • Kim P.

    Needle and Thread..... Such a fancy schmancy place I must say!!! Seeing how my fabulous cousins were having their 10th anniversary at this venue I knew I was in for a treat. Boy was did this place live up to the standards and then some. Being the Yelp Elite that I am, I had to look at the reviews and pictures ahead of time to get a better idea of what we were stepping into but I will have to say that the pictures did no justice and reviews can only do so much for this place. Walking into Tavern Law, which is the actual bar and location, you won't find Needle and Thread anywhere on the outside (well I didn't atleast) you get a full of the 60's maybe even 50's feel of old rustic saloon. We looked for the door and saw the phone located to right and upon the given password, we opened the door to a wooden stair case that was lined with some pretty looking (naked) women, HA!! At the top of the staircase a secret floor of old world glitz and glamour prevailed and I was super excited to start wandering around! Did I mention that my fabulous cousin hosted a themed party, yes, "Mad Men!" at is so true and fitting to the surroundings!!! I can't even put all the words together to describe Needle and Thread and all it's glory, you really just have to see this place for yourself!!! The service we were provided was top notch as well, the drink menu was, "open bar" and our bartender was AH-Mazing, I really wish I could remember his name! The drinks that he was supply all around sounded so delicious and my special request of "mocktails" made me feel like I was really drinking an alcoholic beverage!!! The food menu was to delicious as well and being the foodies that my husband and I are we saw the foie gras and had to try it:) Yum, Yum, in my pregnant TUM!!! Needle and Thread has to be a one of those places that you have to experience, I'm not sure if they open it up to everyone, I doubt it as the place was pretty pristine. The restroom itself spoke words to the authenticity of this place!!! 5 stars deservingly Needle and Thread!

    (5)

  • Stef M.

    I need to revisit this place, because I'm afraid I may have visited on an 'off' night. I was expecting a 5-star experience, but it fell short. First of all, it was already late - past 12, definitely, and people in here were already drunkenly falling off their barstools. (Points for hilarity!) Although it didn't seem crowded, the staff were obviously too busy to attend to everyone who was there, so it took a few minutes for anyone to stop by and help us. But once they did, they were really friendly and of course our drinks were AMAZING. I would have liked to try more, but the crowd that night was just not doing it for me, so I finished my drink and we took off. I will probably stop by Needle and Thread next time, hopefully the clientele there have a bit more class and the employee:patron ratio will be better.

    (4)

  • Kelly M.

    Tavern Law is so chill. So much swag. And awesome bartenders. Downside is how packed it gets on a Saturday night but what bar isn't on the hill right? My go-to drink here is the Dover toddy. It has earl grey tea and is absolutely scrumptious. I keep trying to get people to come here on Sunday nights for toddies but no one seems to want my company. Sad.

    (4)

  • Bri M.

    Pretentious, indifferent service paired with overpriced, average quality food. We had the burgers which came with fries. The bread was subpar and soggy, and the burger in itself had nothing special...it was meh, average...not worth the $16 I paid for one. The burger was also tiny, the size of a slider, and the fries were overcooked. The burgers (and service!) at Quinn's Pub are definitely better. We ordered Cokes because we had to drive home and we were charged for the refills...something which the server never mentioned even though she offered the refills. She should have definitely brought it up. $3 for an 8oz glass of Coke and $3 per refill and we were never warned. Maybe the drinks are good enough to make up for the crummy service. I will not be coming back.

    (1)

  • George C.

    Great cocktails. I really can't remember what I ordered but it was whiskey goodness. Service was solid. The food was ok. Nothing special. The mac and cheese was solid and so was my sandwich. I really wasn't here for the food, I was here for drinks. It's not cheap but the drinks are made with care. The seating is limited and they do not take reservations so arrive early and hope for the best. I would go back again if I had a few extra bucks and want to splurge on some fancy cocktails.

    (4)

  • Ryan S.

    The food is pretty good, especially the trout dish. I expected the cocktails to be outstanding. They sucked. It's not the quality of the booze or even the cocktail recipes; rather, it's the guy behind the bar. I ordered a simple, very dry gin martini and got a big wet glass of vermouth instead. Returned a few weeks later, skipped the cocktail menu and ordered a simple Manhattan. Yet again, far too much vermouth for the bourbon to show any character at all. Oh sheesh, a speakeasy door with secret phone?! Do people really still appreciate these gimmicks? You're not in on a secret, but rather a joke --and it's on you. I'll come back for the trout, and pair it with a nice cold Rainier.

    (3)

  • Alexiis M.

    So I went here for drinks with girlfriends, what an amazing little spot. We sat in the upstairs part, you need a reservation but it's completely worth it. You go back in time even walk through a hidden staircase place, very cool. They make fabulous cocktails. I had a great experience.

    (5)

  • Jenna L.

    This place is the hot spot!!! If you wanna chill back and relax with a couple of good drinks. This is it!

    (5)

  • Stacey L.

    Great place for after dinner cocktails. It's a prohibition bar. The decor is classy it made me want to put a flapper outfit on. The cocktails are handcrafted, delicious, and refreshing. They do have a food menu but I didn't get a chance to try anything. Will be back for food and drinks next time.

    (5)

  • David M.

    Pretty impressed, I am a beer drinker, I admit it. But there I was standing next to this place, so I gave it a shot. The drink was amazing! The Mac & Cheese was also amazing! I will definatly come back again and bring friends to have drinks here.

    (5)

  • Bianca S.

    Came here for Needle and Thread one night with some friends. Was greeted with unfriendliness by some dude bartender who made a scene of ushering outside in the cold to check our IDs first. I think I aged a few years waiting for him to check all our IDs. While inside waiting for our reservation at Needle and Thread, some friends decided to order drinks downstairs. Not sure why it's necessary to check IDs again after it's clear that everyone inside already got IDs checked. They ended up not ordering drinks because some other waitress or bartender lady was rude and took another lifetime. The only saving grace was finally getting up to Needle and Thread, but even they were more than 10 minutes late with our reservations. The concept of that prohibition era is pretty cool but what a journey getting there. Neat experience to have and say I've been there I suppose. But would I do it again? Ha. I'll go to a better and nicer bar, thanks. You bet I left zero tip.

    (1)

  • Rebecca S.

    Why did it take me so long to finally check out Tavern Law? I think I officially have a new favorite cocktail: the English Fizz aka Earl Grey gin, soda water, lemon and probably something else that I forgot about. If I could only drink one cocktail for the next year, I would choose this one. We ordered the potatoes with fondue and also the cheese and nut plate, and both were delicious. The fondue tasted like jalapeno cheddar, which I'm partial to, and the cheese plate had no goat cheese which I appreciate not receiving. Also, during happy hour, food is 20% off!

    (4)

  • Julie B.

    Our group of three was seated (or I should say sat ourselves) in the mostly empty downstairs bar, but were treated with neglect and indifference all the same. Customers seem to be an annoyance to the staff. Bartender and waitstaff are patronizing, but really don't have a clue how lacking their skills are. It's management's responsibility to hire and train capable staff. It's clearly something that isn't happening at this establishment and it really shows compared to other venues in the neighborhood. Better food and craft cocktails are easily obtainable elsewhere. That's where I'll be headed.

    (2)

  • Danielle D.

    I honestly don't even remember what drink I had but I did really appreciate the bartender's attention on finding out what I enjoyed and making a drink that followed suit. The fried chicken and macaroni and cheese. Yes please! Hearty and satisfying.

    (3)

  • Steve C.

    I love speakeasy-type places and Tavern Law did not disappoint. There is very limited seating but it feels cozy inside. I had a bourbon-based cocktail that was okay, but they have a good selection that is sure to satisfy everyone's tastes. It was quiet enough to have a conversation but noisy enough to feel lively.

    (4)

  • Michael K.

    Cocktails and small bites and women in small dresses... these are a few of my favorite things... Much like Needle and Thread (for reasons unknown), the bartending skills demonstrated here are off the charts. Again, I stress, don't order, just trust that you will be made happy with a little faith. To the person responsible for adding duck fat bread crumbs to macaroni and cheese... A medal... or cookie... you choose. To the person responsible for force-feeding a duck or goose in order to make his/her liver extra-delicious... I have mixed feelings. You're a jerk, but thank you.

    (5)

  • Emma F.

    Another 5 star review... yes they are awesome, yes they are the best drinks in Seattle and also the best drinks I have had anywhere, ever. As everyone else has said, the servers are awesome and most of them are easy on the eyes. So what do I have to add to this... a recommendation for their Rum that's what!! A Cuban recommending a rum?!! OMG it must be good!! Is it? Yes, it is, this is amazing Rum!! I am not kidding when I say the rum is amazing!! I know my rum, believe me, and theirs is the best I have had in the states! The best Rum I ever had was in a bar in Rome that served Cuban rum and overlooked the Forum... but I digress... When you get here, you ask for the stuff that is made in the Cuban style, it's called Vizcaya. Ask them to make you a drink with it, don't bother telling them what you want, these guys know better than you do, believe me. Then enjoy the drink in the best bar in Seattle. If you don't like rum or don't want to take my advice, even better... more for me.

    (5)

  • Carol S.

    Tried going there in the evening once and couldn't get in-- too crowded. Have only been able to find seating at odd daytime hours. Very good service from a distinguished looking and polite bartender, seating in a nice polished dark wood and vintage accents ambiance, slim simple menus with bar food. and wide selection of 11 to 15 dollar drinks. Tried drinks I'd never tried before. Everything carefully prepared and presented.

    (4)

  • Vicki L.

    It's funny, the same disdain I have for TL's upstairs lounge definitely does not extend to the downstairs area. This is mostly because I adjust my expectations (accordingly) and have honestly never had a bad drink served to me here (which is more than I can say for N&T upstairs, sadly ...) Although I recognize that the talent is the same and rotates between upstairs and downstairs, the primary and most important difference is that at Tavern Law, you generally order off of the menu. That said, the bartenders are completely competent at crafting all of the house cocktails. I also don't think anyone's ever been blatantly rude to me downstairs (again, not something I can say about upstairs) and you really can't gripe much during their happy hour, amiright? Since I am not a meat eater, I haven't really tried anything off of their vittles menu (aside from sneaking a french fry from a friend now and then), but everyone i've ever hung out with here seems more than satisfied with what they usually order. Basically, this is a reliable and solid choice if you're in the neighborhood. Are there a couple of other places I'd rather go? Yes, but I certainly wouldn't turn down an invite here either.

    (4)

  • Wes A.

    We used Tavern Law as a gathering place for us to meet our friends on a recent weeknight evening. It was quiet and relatively empty at 8pm. Good start. We were seated in front of the bookshelves and ordered some cocktails while we waited. I can't complain about my Moscow Mule. We shared the fried chicken plate and the chicken was tender and juicy despite its pleasantly crispy exterior. The server explained that this was due to the fact that they sous-vide the chicken before they fry it. Good idea, guys. I wish we'd stayed at Tavern Law for longer, but alas, we had reservations upstairs at Needle & Thread and opted to head up there to see what all the fuss was about. I imagine that Tavern Law gets pretty busy on weekends but on the Wednesday night we were there, it was just perfect.

    (5)

  • Ninja S.

    Tavern Law is undeniably a quality experience when price is no object. You can have a hamburger cooked by someone with actual food handling ability. You can have a cocktail made to be pretty if not quite what you were expecting. (I had a strawberry fruity drink that made a girl cluck at me. Hey. I can drink what I want. My manly pedigree is beyond question. I could do it in drag and likely still be the manliest guy in the room. On the hill, this goes double.) So you can come here and have a couple drinks and a bite for $50 from superior mixologists bartender superheros who will give you no end of shit if you fail to kowtow sufficiently to them. Those are the rules. Play by them or have a bad time.

    (4)

  • Jen T.

    My friend is obsessed with their fried chicken. We went here for dinner and drinks. The drinks were delish. The food was good. I got the braised pork shoulder with brussel sprouts and my friend got the fried chicken. The chicken was cooked to perfection! My dish was a little under seasoned, but non the less delicious. Dessert menu was a bit slim pickings. We had the keylime pie. it was good not great. Overall the place is a little dark and gloomy- small and food was decent.

    (3)

  • Rashel P.

    A great place to hang out if you like an intimate, cozy, and sexy setting. The lights are dim with an interesting interior. I felt like I was in a bar that was inside of a library. It was very small but I guess that's what gives it that intimate vibe. This is a great place to visit if you appreciate the art of mixology. Their menu has an elaborate selection of cocktails. It was trying different recipes. The customer service was good, as soon as we walked in there was always someone asking if we have been helped.

    (4)

  • Disco T.

    the ambience, staff & gimmick of the upstairs speak easy is just so awesome. the handcrafted cocktails upstairs by the two bartenders are just awesome~

    (5)

  • Vishnu N.

    My 4th favorite cocktail bar in Seattle (behind Canon, Zig Zag and upstairs at Needle and Thread) - don't let that fool you though - this place is Awesome! I'm never disappointed at this place's drinks and will often hit this place up as a pre-dinner drinks spot. The potatoes with fondue cheese are a guilty pleasure if you want some food with your cocktail.

    (4)

  • Phil C.

    This place is hard to beat in nearly every regard. The atmosphere is versatile and sophisticated, making it great for business chat, catching up with friends, or date night. They're easily in the top three bars for Seattle in that not only can they make perfect drinks, but they're also ready and willing to discuss the origins of a given drink, potential alternatives, and tips/tricks used to make it yourself. And the food? It's this simple: they make the best burger in Seattle. You know how most burgers are only good for those few bites on the inside, where all of the ingredients are uniformly distributed? That happens with every single bite of this burger, featuring red wine onion jam and provolone (and pork belly, if you'd like). Grab a side of aioli for your fries and you're set.

    (5)

  • Sila B.

    This is another one of my favorite places to grab a classy drink in Seattle. Tavern Law is a nice, quiet place tucked away in the middle of the sometimes-chaotic Capitol Hill. It's intimate, but upbeat and unpretentious. The drink menu is extensive and innovative, as is the knowledge of the pour-staff. All of the 'tenders are extremely personable, and happy to answer your every question about what you're drinking (or happy to whip you up something that's not on the menu). And, there's a secret upstairs! Once you're in, the drinks seem even better. The aforementioned drink menu is available upstairs as well, however the bartender there specializes in making you a drink based on your tastes, no matter what they are. It's very tiny, but it just feels so fancy to be in there!

    (5)

  • Beth I.

    This place is like you fell into a library lounge from the 20s/30s. It is dimly lit with bookcases lining the walls. Everything rustic and classic. The coolest part is the phone you call to get to the upper lounge area that overlooks the lower part of the bar. We didn't get to see upstairs, but the whole concept is different from any other place i've been. I love that you can tell the bartender what kind of drink you like and they make a more classy twist on it. For example, I told the bartender that I like gin and tonics and he gave me a gin and tonic with a lavender-rosemary twist. It was garnished with a fresh rosemary sprig. It was unique and delicious. I'd love to go back one day and try more of their drinks and food upstairs. It's such a fun place that throws you back a couple of decades.

    (4)

  • Sara F.

    It's so freaking adorable upstairs - perfect for a post-dinner first date that's going really well, or to chat with close friends. I love the pictures on the wall (slightly dirty girls in black-and-white), the eclectic music, and how you feel like you're alone with your small group in someone's living room. Someone who spends a LOT of $$ on vintage furniture. Not such a fan of downstairs - they should make it look at least half as special as it does upstairs. Do yourself a favor and don't order the run-of-the-mill gin and tonic; tell the bartender what flavors you like (sweet? spicy? vanilla? rum?) and let him make you something unique and new. Last time he incorporated lavender and something undecipherable which left a happy, tingly sensation in my mouth. "And I was going to order a vodka soda!" I scolded myself. (Although if you DO order that vodka soda, get ready to wince as their drinks are verrrry strong.) *p.s. There's also parking on this street for some reason! Hallelujah!

    (4)

  • Natalie R.

    I look forward to going back the next time I am in Seattle. The boyfriend and i hand a great time at the bar, grazing and getting 4 drinks deep. We went early on a Friday and got spots at the bar. I guess by Seattle standards its expensive. On the SF scale I would call the prices moderate. Service was excellent and even though the bar was busy the whole time we were there, the bartender still made time to BS with us about booze. By the time we left it was a shit show. Why do people go to these types of bars and get a vodka soda? If you like cocktails, go, and go early.

    (5)

  • Erica R.

    Love. Amazing drinks, friendly and attentive service. Definitely a gem on Capitol Hill.

    (5)

  • Thai D.

    Tavern Law is definitely one of my favorite bars in Seattle. I'm not a big cocktail drinker, but the specialties they have here are (mostly) all fantastic. The bartenders do a good job here with the specialties (dig the Pimm's Revisited and the Girl With The Weird Name), and old time favorites (one of the best Mint Juleps in town, and a good Old Fashioned as well!). After imbibing in many a cocktail here, last night, I finally ate here. I've had bites of other people's food in the past, but for once, I was very hungry, and willing to spend some money on their pricey food choices. The Mac N Cheese was so delicious, some of the best I've had on Capitol Hill. The burger with braised pork belly - absolute indulgence. The patty was delcious, served medium rare, and probably didn't need the pork belly, but I couldn't help it. The flavor combination was awesome! I've gone upstairs to the "speakeasy" Needle & Thread once. While it does have a great atmosphere and the bartender who served me there was very good, it's not necessary to have a good time here. They do a great job wherever you choose to sit.

    (5)

  • Todd B.

    We stumbled on this place after an unsuccessful attempt to eat at a couple of other Capitol Hill hot spots. I'm glad we did. We found a cozy place with distinguished interior, attractive waiters with polished appearance, and a small but great menu of options. First, the drink menu. Amazing. The Cuban was among the 2-3 best drinks I've ever had. The number of cocktail options with vodka, rum, and bourbons was fantastic. Secondly, the menu. I don't remember much beyond the burger because it was so darn good. Perfectly grilled just to my liking -- and yes, it was charcoal grilled, as all burgers should be -- and topped with grilled onions. Best of all, the fries. OMG. The fries. Some of the best ever--small, thin and crunchy with salt. I highly recommend for a drink and burger, and maybe more. They were doing a lot of things right.

    (4)

  • Don W.

    What an awesome place to spend an evening! I wasn't sure what to expect, so I can't really say I was surprised at how great of a time I had, but I wouldn't have guessed I'd be writing a 5 star review. I tend to be stingy with my stars; I have to be blown away to rate this highly. Let's start with the service, since it was the highlight. We were terribly late for our reservation, because we foolishly tried to drive straight there from the Mariners game. Everyone was convinced that they were going to give our table away; especially since when we called just after the game we told them we were only about 30-45 mins behind - an estimate that ended up being off by an hour. When we finally did arrive I called upstairs and was quite pleasantly surprised to be greeted happily and told not to worry, and to just come on up. The drinks were delicious, and even though I didn't really know what I wanted, the server walked me through some questions and came back with what can best be described as works of alcoholic art. All three times. The hors d'oeuvres were a hit too. I ended up enjoying a few different things that I'd previously had no interest in even trying. I don't recall the names of the dishes unfortunately, but having had, and loved, a few of them I'll go ahead and vouch for their entire menu. I can't say enough positive things about Tavern Law. Everything was just great.

    (5)

  • Rachel H.

    Did you ever read the book the Invisible Man? This book captured my imagination, making me ponder what it would be like to disappear. To literally become invisible. What would it be like to walk into a room, sit down and go completely unnoticed by everyone there? We spent over 20 minutes at Tavern Law recently sitting at the bar on a not very crowded early Friday night on a much anticipated date night. Two bartenders, a host, and a bevy of servers walked by, beautiful looking cocktails were prepared and served to people right next to us, lots of attempted eye contact (on our part) and meanwhile, not a single server came by to say hello, let alone take our order. It's an eerie feeling to be invisible. I may write a book about it.

    (2)

  • Kristine R.

    Ok, Tavern Law has received many reviews, but I had to write one. I love this place. I'm always intrigued by these cocktail bars, just because they're usually low key and not too loud. Additionally, I appreciate it how it can be intimate and you can be on a date or with a small group of friends. I liked the drink selection and by all means I'm not a cocktail snob (still getting into it, I guess), I appreciated our server helping me select a drink I would like. This isn't the place to order red bull and vodka. They take their cocktails seriously. The food looked tasty as well, but we just stuck to the drinks. Awesome place and if I'm back in Seattle, I'd return.

    (5)

  • Joseph C.

    Tavern is a fantastic local joint, and is always a good choice when you have visitors in town. The quality of the drinks compliment the expansive and creative options available. The only downfall here is the overall design of the bar...seating design limits the number of patrons at the physical bar. I'd love to see the large table in the back re-designed to fit more smalltops.

    (4)

  • Margaretta C.

    It's a craft cocktail bar. Among several other craft cocktail bars - Bathtub Gin, Spur, ZigZag - where I am happy to sit with a friend and have a well-balanced, bourbon-based...cocktail. When I can, it's divine here. But more often than not, it's too crowded, and the overwhelmed staff is too busy to be bothered. I often can't find a place to sit down, but unlike some other bars where that wouldn't be a problem, there is a palpable sense that I'm in the way. I was once even scolded for trying to order a drink at the bar. Reason: I needed to wait for a server to come find me. ?

    (3)

  • Weifei Z.

    Creative and delicious cocktails as well as excellent food (I got the burger). Definitely coming back to drink more.

    (4)

  • Peter L.

    Tavern law has some of the best cocktails in Seattle with food to match. Plus, they host Needle & Thread upstairs, which is tucked away like a modern speakeasy. They have a perfect old fashioned with many choices of bourbon or ryes. But prices tend to run pretty steep here, with my last cocktails running $13 a piece. It can definitely get crowded quick, so I would try coming here on a weeknight or early on a weekend night.

    (4)

  • Michel C.

    Micro food menu, everything was quite tasty. Very limited food choices though, and small, slightly pricey dishes. Drinks were lovely. Gorgeous decor, and lovely helpful staff. A place to sit, drink and chit chat.

    (3)

  • Tony L.

    yeh, rest of mah reviews mayn't seem like I'm 21+...but I am...trust me (even though I wasn't quite there the first time I came here, but my friends had big beards, so it was aight.) but dayum Dayum DAYUM. This bah be rockin da casbah of alcoholic transcendence!!! (dats a good thing). First bar I ever graced and I've never chased another one. The bartenders don't mix drinks, they CHEF THE FRICK out of their drinks. First time I came here, I asked Dr. Bartender about they drinks. He like, "whachu like? spicy, sweet, bitter? Etc?" He was very knowledgeable about all da drinks. I be all like, "I want it to be sweet but also get me laid." In the end, I ordered the Old Cuban: a sparkling remix of a mojito. Pretty sweet, with a sugar rim on top around the martini glass. Dat sugar rim make my tongue seem like it gracin snow angels. If these drinks were ladies, I'd marry dem faster than Beyonce call em single ladies. CHEF DRINKS Case in point: second time I came here, I ordered the Blood Diamond. They mixed da liquors and then they executed da FINAL TOUCH. They cut an orange peel, SET IT ON FIRE, and PUT IT IN MY DRINK. I'm all like, "watchu just do? you expect me to drink dat? there's dis ting called bloody mary but i don't want mary to be my tongue." Then I sip it, and again, and Again, and AGAIN. Dat shit was pure evil, red as the hellfire of a rose scorned (i think that's how the saying goes?). Spicy and strong. SPRONG. I was sprung. It was like I was takin in some GHOST CITRUS. I've never had any cocktails as epic as these. Seem like they made the drinks from real ingredients and from scratch. And then some genius comes along and says, "Ok, let's fux with these guys a lil" CULINARY MINDFRICK. Ambiance is dece. Very dim lighting. Reminds me of those prohibition days (well...I wasn't actually alive back then) where you're part of this exclusive crowd dat drink together and don't tell no one. There's even some upstairs room thang where you call them using a wall phone and they tell if you if they have room or not. Exclusive+. Dey seem like dey never got room. Probably some dead bodies up there. Or a dragon. With a cherry on top. Imma call it Rudolph. 5

    (5)

  • Piyali F.

    This place is good, but I don't understand why it was named one of the best bars in america. I've been here for happy hour and gotten a burger and fries, and a couple drinks, and everything was tasty but average. Nothing especially amazing tasting or unique. Service was average. Their happy hour isn't that great either - limited menu and not that much of discount. I'd come back here but it wouldn't necessarily be my first choice. Good restaurant/bar, but nothing too special.

    (3)

  • Shirley Q.

    One of my favorite spots. Everything about it is great, the drinks (of course), the food, the atmosphere, the happy hours (all day Sunday!) The only thing stopping me from being here all the time is the speakeasy upstairs (same awesome bartenders).

    (5)

  • James O.

    Nice place but kind of a little pretentious feeling. The drinks were decent but nothing that blew my mind away. There wasn't any music playing in the background so there was kind of an awkward silence in the air. We ended up at a similar place down the street (Canon) and had a much more pleasurable experience there.

    (3)

  • Brendan M.

    This could easily become one of my favorite cocktail bars in Seattle. It's certainly quieter and roomier than Oliver's Twist, another favorite of mine. I met my date here last night; I waited for him in a corner at the counter by the door. Once he showed up, we stayed put since most of the tables were taken. This arrangement worked out quite well for us; we were far enough away from other patrons that we could enjoy some close conversation without other people listening in by accident. We also had plenty of room, so we weren't cramped. The music, while discernible, remains at a background level, so it doesn't interfere with conversation. I like the way the interior of Tavern Law is divided with half-walls: They create separate spaces without making you feel like you're in a maze. I started with an English something-or-other, made with Earl Grey vodka, lemon, honey, and soda. The drink was delicious, but highly astringent, and therefore probably not something I'd order again. Later in the evening, I moved on to a rye old-fashioned, with was more or less perfect. Our server, thinking we were finished, brought our bill to us after the first round of drinks, but we had no trouble flagging him down to order some food and another drink. Incidentally, we got our order in just in time for happy hour prices: 10% off food. The smoked fingerling potatoes are a nice twist on the traditional french fry. I also had a bite or two of my date's macaroni & cheese, which is served in a skillet and made with cavatappi, my favorite shape of pasta for macaroni & cheese. Definitely get the macaroni & cheese if that's your kind of dish. To quality cocktails, fine food, and outstanding service!

    (5)

  • Pat ..

    Cocktail was very good, but was particularly impressed with the food given the reasonable prices. Had the fish with corn, perfectly cooked and the only thing it lacked was a bit of salt/pepper, but I can concede that as personal taste. Great place to go to if you want to catch up with a friend or grab drinks with a small group, as space is limited.

    (4)

  • Mia T.

    Headed out to Capitol Hill for the first time since we moved up to Washington and picked out a few bars to visit. This was the first stop and both the man and I were liking the ambiance. We ordered a Moscow Mule (me) and an Old Fashion (him) and shared the Mac and Cheese with Duck Fat Bread Crumbs, Apple and Watercress. My Moscow Mule was... meh, not bad but I'd definitely had much better but the Mac n Cheese was really good! I mean, duck fat bread crumbs? A total win. Like Jordan L. said, the bartenders seemed.... preoccupied and not completely attentive to when we needed more drinks, or the bill, and it wasn't busy at all. One other person at the bar. I would like to go back and give it another chance, because I feel like it could be a really great bar.

    (3)

  • Jen H.

    all we did was drink. that was enough for a solid 5 because everything was great about this place, down to the last drop!

    (5)

  • John B.

    Decent place although the food is a bit pricey for me. I had a burger ($15) that was paired with an Old Rasputin beer ($6). I slammed both after (coincidentally) a post Yelp event. The server was probably annoyed at the fact that I came in with my face paint still on, but whatever. I could see TL as a nice place to take a date, as it has a slightly refined atmosphere with out being too pretentious and the food and drink are unique.

    (3)

  • Jee H.

    I came here on a Thursday around 9 or so. Not too crowded at that point. I hear there is a smaller venue upstairs. Want to check that place out sometime. This place reminds me of Canon in that it is another cocktail focused bar with a cocktail menu that reflects that. It can take a while to figure out which drink/s you want to try. I had a few and all were decent. The one I remember liking the most was the basil gimlet. Like Canon this place rocks the old skool decor but not as ornate as Canon. Friendly staff. Unlike Canon, Tavern has food. A few other patrons were eating and the food looked decent. I am intrigued by the pork belly. I'm going to try the burger with pork belly next time. Seeing if it'll be worth the $19. Some how a small bug landed in my friend's drink. We pointed it out to the bartender and he immediately apologized for that and got us a new drink. While that should be expected a nice establishments, it's still nice to see.

    (4)

  • J W.

    One of the best Manhattans I have had. Happy hour menu was fun and if you reserve you can go upstairs and enjoy a speakeasy like back in the old days. Go with a small crowd.

    (5)

  • Etta H.

    This place is always so packed that we rarely get a chance to visit. BUT I happen to have my barre3 class right next door and randomly decided to meet my squeeze for happy hour one afternoon post-workout. We sat outside in the sun and enjoyed a few beers... completely different experience than the dark, swanky velvety night scene (that's right, I said velvety - and you're probably like "wtf does that mean?" but you go to Tavern Law at around 10pm on a Friday night and you'll totally get it). The drink prices are a little high, but that is to be expected for this type of place in that location - so no complaints. I hear there is some exclusive club upstairs you have to use an old timey phone to access but I haven't had the privilege to be invited yet.

    (4)

  • Carol L.

    This is the type of place I LOVE to visit when I travel. Why? Because it's different, and has something unique to offer! Tavern Law specializes in pre-prohibition drinks. Their menu is divided into many categories, with a glossary at the end to educate you on the difference between sours, flips, fizzes, swizzles, highballs, and more. Their bar has an assortment of bitters, and odd things to mix into your drink, including eggs, milk, absinthe, nutmeg, fresh-squeezed juice, etc. Many of the menu items even have a year printed next to them to indicate the time period that it came from. If you're a little overwhelmed, it's not a problem because the bartenders are completely knowledgeable, friendly, and creative. Just tell them what you like and what you don't like, and they will concoct something for you! Seattle has a law that all places that serve alcohol also serve food. This is quite the advantage for me! Their tapas were delicious! We had pork belly, duck, foie gras, yukon gold potatoes, and butterfish. Each person could not agree with each other on what our favorite dish was, so I will not report which was the most tasty. They were all good! There is an old phone that you can use to call upstairs to let you in to the special area. Nice couches, dimmed lights, very vintage! We didn't get to eat up there, but they let us take a look around. I very highly recommend this place as an interesting spot for any connoisseur, as it is fun to try something interesting and new. The drinks and atmosphere made me feel like I was in an episode of Mad Men! Pictures of the tapas uploaded.

    (4)

  • Hola A.

    This place reminded me a little bit of a dark, swanky cool library...but with delicious food and tasty drinks. You MUST get the burger with pork belly. I was afraid it'll be overkill (beef & pork belly whaaaa??) but this burger was omg good. The pork belly was just melt in your mouth delicious. The provolone cheese was nice touch. Yes, the $19 price tag is high but my tastebuds would certainly say its justified. I would happily order this again. Other items we got was the Mac and cheese & spiced fried chicken. The Mac and cheese was flavorful, another repeat order I would get in the future. The spiced chicken was good but not as great as the burger or Mac-n-cheese. It was a little on the sweet side. I wanted to try a sweet & fruity drink and the waiter recommended The Lusty Lady. I don't remember what was in it but it was perfect for me. I'm excited to come back and try the other drinks they offer (extensive list) and perhaps try the speakeasy bar above it.

    (5)

  • Emily S.

    Cocktails here are amazing, but not the best in the city. Yes, this place has accolades from GQ and other national magazines, and they are mostly well-deserved, but...I don't know, I liked Tavern Law better when it wasn't so...BIG. Now it's packed and somewhat noisy even during non-peak hours. During peak hours, my boyfriend and I have waited 45 minutes for a proper drink (after waiting to get inside), and I'm just not convinced it's THAT good. Food menu is schmancy but lackluster... my boyfriend makes better honey barbeque chicken, sorry Tavern Law. Good happy hour drink variety, though, which is a definite plus. I like the atmosphere if you catch it when it's not too busy, and it's actually kind of refreshing that people still dress up to come here. Three stars because it doesn't live up to the hype...without all the hype and my memories of how much I loved the Tavern Law of 3-4 years ago, I'd give this place 4 stars.

    (3)

  • Johnny W.

    I probably shouldn't really be writing this, considering I don't actually remember what I had, but, well, here it is anyway! It's a shame I didn't visit Tavern Law until the end of my stay in Seattle though, because they could have easily become another one of my favorite bars in the city. Dropping in with Stephy W one night though, we were disappointed that the "secret" upstairs speakeasy was actually closed that day. So, downstairs we sat, with me ordering something I don't quite remember, aside from it being awesome, brown, strong, and... a lot of it. I'm definitely dropping by again my next visit back to Seattle. If you already live in this city, and haven't tried it yet, well... what are you waiting for? Don't wait until it's too late!

    (4)

  • Andrew K.

    Nice bar. Good drinks/large menu. Calm environment.

    (4)

  • Stephanie M.

    Thanks to my fellow yelper Leonardo R., I visited this speakeasy bar with my girls and I was super thankful for his suggestion! Unfortunately, we didn't get to spend too much time here, or visit the room upstairs, but what we did experience was a great start! I LOVED being able to just talk to the bartender and tell him what I liked/disliked and he made me a drink perfect to my taste. We liked the close, intimate feeling in this bar and on a Thursday night it wasn't too crowded either. Would love to come back and enjoy more drinks, to try their food and to get reservations upstairs!

    (4)

  • Matthew J.

    We love this place. We were up in Seattle for work, and were trying to go to a different bar only to find that bar closed. Someone on the street pointed us to Tavern Law. I had the burger and my wife had the trout. The meals were just amazing. The burger was perfect, with delicious grass fed beef and a nice slice of pork belly. The meat was tender and juicy. My wife had the trout, which came with what looked like fava beans and an amazing puree. The trout was cooked to perfection, and was still quite moist, but had none of the fishiness usually associated with trout. The food was great, and the drinks were wonderful as well. I tried the $46 dollar cocktail, which was quite tasty but in my opinion not worth the money. We will definitely go back here when in town next.

    (5)

  • Daren D.

    Some other day I swung by randomly at night to see what it's about. I wasn't too wow'd by it, unfortunately. Minus the deliciously moist burger (the food), the experience was okay. Even their mint julep... ehhh. I'm used to those more like mojitos but this was like just alcohol at the bottom of a numbing-freezing silver cup, a crushed ice sphere "topping" it and the straw & mint poking out. I haven't asked if they can do a Singapore Sling, yet.

    (3)

  • Julie G.

    I thought this bar had a really cool feel to it. We walked in to the dimly lit spot post dinner for a cocktail, and automatically loved the atmosphere. The floor to ceiling bookshelves make it seem like a speak-easy, and there is a bolted door to an upstairs dinner area that only opens by phone call. Be prepared for expensive drinks! Our cocktails were very original and tasty, but we thought for the price the size of the beverage was small. The wait staff was nice, and gave us some suggestions based on liquors we liked. We didn't get a chance to try the food, but the descriptions made it sound very good. All in all, would definitely return again for a late-night drink just because the spot was so cool.

    (4)

  • Don B.

    Amazing cocktails. The end. PS: The barmen at this Capitol Hill oasis are talented, personable, and know how to run a bar. They offer up a huge selection of craft cocktails, tropicals and similar paired up with a delicious gastropub menu with the likes of foie gras, pork belly and similar on the sheets. No matter when you stop in to Tavern law - be it with the professional drinkers in the early evening hours or during amateur hour at prime time on a Friday night, the service and quality of hand-crafted cocktails will be top notch. And if you prefer straight booze, the selection of spirits is deep. PPS: The best time to chill at Tavern is not, as I learned on a recent visit, at 10:30pm on a Friday. It's packed with a huge, loud crowd... most of whom don't seem to care that much about what they're drinking. No, the best time seems to be either evening or an off weeknight. Then you can sit at the bar and have the bartender make you something special (as if the offerings on the printed cocktail menu aren't special). But even amidst the chaos of the 10:30 crowd, our cocktologist was able to mix us up some bartender's choice drinks that were insanely well-balanced and tasty. PPPS: This is seriously one of the best cocktail bars I've been to in the PacNW.

    (5)

  • B. B.

    Walked in had know idea what to do.... after finding and employee, she was polite and said to sit anywhere. Anywhere? There were no seats, so we stood awkwardly by the front door until we got 2 seats. After 10 wait for our water, we waited 20 min for 2 drinks. so yes that means we waited 30 solid min for 2 drinks. The drinks were just alright... not amazing and def not worth 30 min of my time. The server was really nice and polite. The build is really impressive. My complaint is the wait and no direction for people as they walk in. I hope the manager or owner is reading this. We counted 11 people come and go in that 30 min (we were sitting by the front door) everyone walks in and stands, looks around confused, then leaves.... 1 server and 1 bartender for a sat evening? Its not the employees fault. So point being. If you go be ready for packed house and long wait for a ok drink.

    (2)

  • Brian G.

    I've tried giving this place a fair chance to win me over a few times but every attempt seems to be a wasted effort. It's beautiful and gives the impression that you are going to have an elegant time drinking with friends. But the reality is that it's too loud like a standard bar, the staff will not or can not help you on a timely manner and there are simply too many other places you can go that will be worth you time. I came in tonight because I'm looking for a place that makes a great French 75. This is not that place. What I received was more like a gin Lemon Drop than what I had ordered. Was the champagne or sparkling wine just flat? Was there even gin in my drink? I honestly couldn't tell. And this happened to be the most costly "French 75" that I bought that night.

    (2)

  • Alicia W.

    Recently visiting Seattle, I did a little yelp researching and decided I wanted to try the cocktails at Needle and Thread. After thoroughly detoxing at a yoga class, I hopped into a Car2go feeling like a very savvy traveler indeed and headed to the bar. Sadly, I didn't have the where-with-all to know that Needle and Thread is actually closed on Monday nights. So, readers, this is how I find myself perched against the bar at Tavern Law. I ordered a White Negroni which I was a bit sad to discover had no Aperol in it until I took a sip- delicious! For my eats, I grabbed a nice beet salad with arugula which was also tasty. Honestly, I believe the staff here made my experience. All of the service staff was very friendly and as a solo traveler, included me in conversation and handed out great recommendations of where to go next.

    (4)

  • Kym K.

    Excellent service, excellent cocktail selection!

    (4)

  • Chris M.

    Best cocktails I've ever had in my life. Going back tonight and trying the food. Based on drinks alone it deserves 5 stars, but I'll update if the food isn't good. Got to agree it's a little slow to get the drinks, but maybe sometimes good things take longer.

    (5)

  • Katrina D.

    Upon entrance, I felt Tavern Law was intimate and pleasant, and I was anxious to get a cocktail. The drink menu is thorough with strange concoctions, and I initially thought it would be perfect for a 60 year old, heavy drinking wealthy man. Clearly I am not that but I settled for a vodka inspired mix. Law's menu is meat inspired and quite small, so I settled on a mac and cheese because I was starved. When it arrived a took a bite and had to spit it out into a napkin. There were duck fat crumbs on it! Yuck!! I told the server I didn't eat meat and he replied, "It isn't meat." What a jerk!! He didn't take it back so my BF and guy friend ate it, while I just had a liquid dinner. Lastly, on top of the ass server I had, the bartenders were rude and had no personalities... Isn't that the point of being a bartender? To be accomodating and nice while making cocktails? At one point I inquired if they knew of a tequila drink with lime juice that I used to drink in the past. They had no clue what it was and didn't offer another suggestion. I now remember it is a "Lime Gimlet," which is a common drink and one that should be known. I will never go back there again... Too many great other places to spend my money and time.

    (1)

  • Dave T.

    GREAT service and BETTER drinks. The only thing was it was pretty packed when we went, but that's a good thing for them, and depending on what you're looking for, a good thing for you, too. :-)

    (4)

  • Myriam G.

    Updating this review because I've recently taken a mental inventory of all the coolest bars I've been to in the Seattle area, and this one really is the tops. My hands-down favorite. When I walk in, my brain cells simultaneously sigh with relief and dance with joy. The drinks are still the best, whether you order off their huge drink menu or ask for a customized concoction. I don't know what kind of training McCracken and Tough put their bartenders through, but these professionals behind the bar should become pensioners here because they are gold. The food is some of the best bar food you'll ever get. Spur Gastropub, their other place in Belltown, has great food as well, but I like the atmosphere here much more. The dark wood, small interior, low lighting and just the right amount of noise make for an evening that is stimulating, relaxing and highly enjoyable. It will put even the biggest grumpy ass in their happy place.

    (5)

  • Debra M.

    Checked out Tavern Law and Canon on the same evening. Canon did a better job of showcasing their mixology via their menu and staff interactions. That said Tavern Law had friendly service, good drinks and very good small bites. Ambiance is sophisticated and relaxed, feels like a place that has been in the neighborhood for decades. Our table was right next to the phone and secret entry to Needle and Thread enabling us to witness first hand that if you don't have a reservation you aren't getting in on Saturday night. Looking forward to going back again.

    (4)

  • Jerry M.

    Bomb pork belly burger and the service was great.

    (4)

  • Jonathan B.

    I found out about this place from an online article profiling Seattle establishments focused on good, vintage cocktails. While their drink menu is impressive, it is only skin deep. I've always found that with any restaurant, and conversation with the waiter can lead to amazing things. Unfortunately when I asked the waiter here about possible drinks he merely pointed to the drink menu. When I asked for something sophisticated and gin based, he brought me a snow cone with gin and mint. A SNOW CONE! In that article, Tavern Law was noted as being for "serious cocktail enthusiasts" when, in fact, this is an over priced trendy dive for novices who are just this side of appletinis, not for adults. If you want an overpriced pseudo-hipster dive, this is your place. If you want to go somewhere to experience GOOD cocktails, it certainly is not. I'd suggest the Sorrento hotel up the street which makes an excellent Sazerac, or the Vito's Italian Restaurant, just a block further, which has an AMAZING drink menu (try the Council of Ten or the Christmas in Motreal...both very good) and VERY knowledgeable bartenders and waiters. This place is catering to a fad and will be gone in a couple years when it passes.

    (1)

  • Lindsey V.

    If you are in the mood for something unique and totally out of the norm, you can find it at Tavern Law! The drinks are unlike anything you will find anywhere in Seattle. its an old speakeasy that really plays the part. Go off the menu.. tell the bartender what you like and he will not disappoint you!! Pssstt... also ask the bartender about the secret vault door.. ;)

    (5)

  • Tim W.

    I had one of the best meals of my life at Tavern Law. The burger, for reasons that I don't understand because I don't cook, was amazing. The atmosphere and service are great . Of course if you're there you notice the stream of people walking to the old phone on the wall. This is connected to the "speakeasy" up stairs. All I'll say is read the directions before picking up.

    (5)

  • Philip S.

    Tavern Law is still one of the best bars in the city- hands down. Its part of Dana Tough and Brian McCracken's Seattle empire (also coterie room and spur). What this means is you'll get good service, experimental fusion food, and awesome experimental drinks. Thats pretty much their thing and we love them for it! The drink list is quite large with very little filler. Every drink I've ever had has been superb. Atmosphere is dark wood, dim lighting - perfect for a gastropub. It usually gets very very busy on the weekend so seats are hard to come by (there aren't a ton anyways). Food list is essentially a reduced version of Spur which is a reduced version of The Coterie Room, I'm not implying that the food menu at Tavern Law is a replica of Spur or Coterie Room, its not. But, they are familial in their style, preparation, and ingredients. What this does mean is, if you've enjoyed your food at Spur or Coterie Room then you'll likely enjoy the grub at Tavern Law. Well worth a visit if you're a local or visiting from out of town.

    (5)

  • Nina H.

    Umm... the fried chicken here was AMAZING... Seriously, it was probably the best I've ever had. They definitely poured a little honey over the chicken which made it super bomb. I'm going to start doing that from now on. And the mashed potatoes were so smooth and tasty. No idea how many calories were in that meal but it was so worth it. I thought the drinks were OK. I ordered the signature drink which was the first on the happy hour menu and it was pretty tiny and tasted ordinary to me. I guess I have to try the other cocktails but they're so pricey I'm not sure if I'd even want to spend that much during happy hour! Well drinks are $4 during happy hour which was decent. I'd be down to come back and try the food and check out the upstairs' Needle and Thread, other than that, I'd have to be really intoxicated and generous to myself to spend more money for fancy drinks.

    (4)

  • Tanya F.

    This is a belated review. (Like, half a year belated.) I was in Seattle in August for a convention weekend, which was a swirl of activity, to do lists, meet-and-greets, and a whole lot of drunken karaoke. At one point of the weekend I ended up at Tavern Law with a friend and her husband. The place was at a lull, which meant we could enjoy the delicious bar food (there were some fried potato things with a cheese sauce, and a burger, and I don't remember what else, but it was all so damn good) and drinks in quiet, dimly lit comfort. We could actually hear each other while we talked! We didn't attempt making our way to the adjoining speakeasy, because the main restaurant/bar felt just right. The highlight was the charming bartender who came over, chatted with us about Bay Area food and drink culture, and then came back with a tasting flight of house infusions he'd concocted. We got to try out an Earl Grey gin, black tea rye whisky, red pepper rum, pineapple brandy, and two syrups - rosemary and grape. I love that enthusiasm and we really appreciated the attention. Tavern Law just seems like a sort of place that is proud of the stuff that comes out of the kitchen and bar, and I'll certainly be going back when I'm in Seattle again later this year (hopefully).

    (5)

  • Kathy C.

    I've wanted to try this place eversince i found out that it was actually a bar. It was a lot bigger than i expected - i also thought the whole speakeasy idea inside the bar was pretty cool. Our server was fairly attentive and helpful when we were choosing our cocktails - and the bartenders looked like they knew what they were doing (i.e., using the real ingredients/ right tools, no shortcuts, etc.). The downside was their food. We ordered the cheese tray, fried chicken, and pork belly. You can't really go wrong with the cheese tray, so I'll just leave it at that. Their fried chicken was a bit too salty and kind of undercooked (I think). We couldn't tell for sure because it was too dark inside, but it looked very pinkish. The pork belly was just too small and too crispy. It didn't feel like i was eating any meat; it was just all crispiness. I would probably come back for drinks, but I'd pass on their food.

    (3)

  • Becky R.

    Holla! The drinks are da effin bomb baby. Yah. I said that. So, my company hosted our annual Holiday Party upstairs, private party, we had two bartenders to ourselves. To get upstairs you have to be really stealthy. It's locked down with an old safe door like at a bank. And I mean locked. We had to pick up this phone next to the door and tell em who we were and get permission to enter, and then the door does this unlock thing, and you can then use your might to pull it open and head up the stairs. We couldn't see anything but stairs, and we heard very different music than what was on downstairs. It was great. An early 1900's style place with hooded chairs and a super fancy bathroom. OMG, so awesome. Note - there are all these cute little rolled up hand towels in a basket in the bathroom, you can use them to wash your hands (or face, I suppose). Now, if, like me, you get a bit too lit, and you want to adore the cute little rolled up towels by patting them like kittens, you run the risk of, well, eh hem, knocking them all over like dominoes. It was pretty entertaining. See, free entertainment in the bathroom for drunk people! Even better. Open bar. They did it Speakeasy-style: you tell em the flavors or elements you like in a drink, and they come up with something fantabulous. And stiff. I had at least 4 stiff ones that night. Oh boy, and these are new coworkers for me! Thank God my boss and some others were lit, too. I asked for fruity and girlie with vodka. I got some kick ass drinks with a twist, and not too sweet. Drool. Want. More. The appetizers were fancy and yummy, all except for one thing, I didn't really want that kind of food with my alcohol. Fios Gras - really? Yuck. I know it was high quality and all, but I was barely able to swallow it without...well, let's just say I had only one. The rest of the appetizers were absofickinlutely fantastic, and rich, as I mentioned. Mmmm. The servers were top notch friendly folks who were happy to hold a conversation and make sure your needs were met, and just get to know you in general. It was cozy. This place is at the top of my list for where to host a party for say 15-30 people with room to breathe.

    (5)

  • Naomi L.

    I came here with a friend just a hair after opening - and of course well in time for happy hour. The bar was entirely empty except for an older gentleman, but it filled up quickly as the evening went on. My friend and I were there to catch up and talk, and the bartenders and servers did an excellent job making sure our needs were met - new drinks, suggestions, a prompt check - without interrupting us. This is a great spot for a relaxed drink with a small group, especially if you're fond of classic cocktails, and after smelling what the kitchen had to offer, I'll definitely be back for the food next time, too!

    (5)

  • Trinity B.

    Visit here semi-frequently, and have always had great experiences! Always has good service, I enjoy the drinks. Nice, clean bathrooms. Small, few tables, so arrive early. Good french fries. Good happy hour. Delicious cocktails.

    (4)

  • Christina T.

    I had heard about this place for awhile and finally dragged my husband there since we both love a good, unique cocktail. We were impressed with the menu and willingness of the bartenders to glady deviate from the menu to mix a drink. I personally ordered the Hemingway Daquiri (a favorite of mine from a bar in Florida) and it tasted equally delicious here. My husband asked for an old fashioned and we appreciated that the bartender took the time to ask how he liked them. He put his own personal spin on the drink and it was one of the best tasting Old Fashioned drinks I've tasted. Full of flavor that unfolded like a fine wine! We decided to order food - the fingerling potatoes with serrano fondue, the beet and fennel salad with pine nuts and champage vinegarette and the fried chicken with green and mashed potatoes. The salad was light and tasty - the serrano fondue yummy and the fried chicken good for Seattle but still not like we are used to in the South. Still good nonetheless! I'd visit again - friendly bartenders who clearly love mixing amazing drinks and full of tips about the area for dining, sports and activities!

    (4)

  • Maggie F.

    Step into the 1930s! Everything from the outfits on employees to the books on the shelves ooze 1930s. I came here because my date took me out on our first date here. This is a really good spot for a first date, it's romantic and dim lit, but it's not a full on candlelit dinner. You can just start off with a drink or two, and if you two feel like spending more time together you can order more food and drinks. We were lucky enough to also visit the speakeasy room upstairs because the waitress came by to tell us someone just cancelled their reservation. It's even more romantic upstairs, slow jazzy music and darker. I don't remember what drinks we got (we each had 3-4), pork cheeks and fried chicken. The fried chicken is definitely a winner! Super tender meat but not greasy at all. It is on the slightly more expensive side though, just fyi. Expect to spend at least 50 for two people if you each want at least two drinks (avg $10/ea) and food (starts@$10-12)

    (4)

  • Eric W.

    I called for a reservation -- the man who answered said they did not take reservations. When we arrived, they asked if we had a reservation! We didn't but got a table anyway -- but not in the preferred upstairs. We waitress was a bit snippy and service was slow. Drinks were nothing special (we ordered off the happy hour menu). We had ham & cheese crisps which were pretty good. When we were getting prepared to leave (we decided to go elsewhere for dinner) we asked for the waitress to order us a taxi. "Oh, we don't do that!" I asked: ""In this day and age, what responsible bar doesn't have the taxi numbers on auto dial?" Will we return? No! However, we did have a fun time at another speakeasy -- see my review for Knee High Stockings a few blocks away.

    (1)

  • Lisa T.

    My first visit to this place was for their "End of the World" Party on December 21st. We had a blast! I remember the decor was so unique--like an old-timey law library complete with books, mahogany, and brass accents. It's small but welcoming. The waiter was attentive and cordial even though the place was packed. And their Caipirinhas were to die for.

    (4)

  • Paul L.

    Law of the Tavern: drink and be merry (ignore the out of place telephone on the wall) Music: - Setting: 4 (maybe more) People: 4 Drinks: 5 Prices: 3 Unbeknown to many, Tavern Law has a secret identity. Its Bruce Wayne side is a trendy bar with bartenders in vests (and often sporting interesting mustaches) serving up old standards and new creations with strong liquors being the common link. The tequila is 100% agave, the rum is aged: high-end yes. To access its Batman alter ego, you need to pick up the phone and call... Okay, so this is where the review ends, because we've tried a couple of times to get upstairs and have failed: always full. Will be trying again. Also I'm interested in the food, always end up drinking here and not eating.

    (4)

  • Mark L.

    Thirsty for a craft cocktail? This is one of the "go to" places in Seattle. Intimate, lively, well put together. Name a base spirit for your drink and allow the bartender to create and amazing cocktail for you. The food is super solid. Love the fried chicken, although the coleslaw they had before was perfection, now served with mustart greens, good for sure, but bring back the slaw! Nice mix of people here. Just really comfortable! The place fills up fast so come early!

    (5)

  • Steven B.

    Drinks were well crafted and unique. Price is indicative of quality here so you get what you pay for. Didn't try the food so can't comment but small menu looked interesting, albeit a bit pricey. Great decor and cozy atmosphere.

    (4)

  • John M.

    We do a fair amount of bar hopping in Seattle and certainly have our favorites, most especially speakeasies like Bathtub Gin. I had always wanted to try Tavern Law as I had heard so much about it. We met up with a couple of friends who hadn't been there before either to have a few drinks to plan some summer trips. They were already settled in a good booth so we didn't go upstairs and so this review is for the main floor. We ordered 4 different drinks for the four of us from a waiter that was not impressive. When he finally returned (it was a very slow night) with the drinks 2 of them were unacceptable (how do you screw up a basic martini?? The waiter suggested on one drink that he could take it back and reshake it with ice - really? This is Tavern Law! Anyway, after much back and forth, the two disappointed friends decided to just have a rum & coke and Jack & coke. Can't screw that one up at least. Another friend ordered a second glass of their drink. It was totally different! Didn't taste at all like the first one (nor look like it) and this time it had something floating in the bottom (blueberry? olive?). Anyway, we gave up, paid up, and went to Barrio down the block. I know that a Tuesday evening does not call for the A team, but sheesh. We will not be back.

    (1)

  • Lala W.

    This place is a solid 5 star. The other night we went to Tavern Law then upstairs to Needle and Thread for drinks with a group of 4. While I can't attest to any of the food, every drink we had was perfectly made, delicious and really well balanced. No complaints all around through 3 rounds of drinks. At Needle I asked for a citrus/gin drink and they brought me one of the best citrus/gin drinks spiked with some lavender....mmmm good. I would take off a portion of a star for the bartenders letting it be known that it's the same bartenders both upstairs and downstairs- I would have preferred to think of Needle and Thread as a bigger mystery!

    (5)

  • Heather H.

    I've been spending all my loving at KneeHigh Stocking all this time, that I failed to give such props to Tavern. If you're a first timer, I'd advise going during the weeknight because the weekends are so damn packed! I've been there twice and both times were right by the chilly doorway. The happy menu isn't bad but nothing lethal enough to keep you away. I started with a gin-infused Earl Grey tea that was a perfect lighter start to the night. One thing that certainly pops is the freshness of all the juices and mixtures used here. You can see it all made right on the bar, in fact I was so tempted to reach out at some grapefruit left on the table. I have yet to try the food here, but nothing has really caught my eye since it still seems to be in the typical range of glamorized pub food. Hey I've got no complaints here, and can't wait to come back for a second round. Just maybe on a Wednesday night so I can fully enjoy the craft of my cocktail.

    (4)

  • Nick T.

    It's a very nice bar/casual lounge. Has a more "upscale" feel to the place as inferred by the name. Very large selection of cocktails & spirits & very small but tasty selection of food to order that's on the menu just above the bar. I ordered the foie gras plate ($15) to go w/ my drinks & that came out in a small glass terrine paired with what I believe was an apricot jelly & some sort of berry (looked like blueberries?) and some butter crusty baguette slices. Delicious. Another friend ordered the fried chicken & that looked quite good (I didn't personally have any) but it looked like the 2 pieces of chicken came on top of a bed of creamed corn & mashed potatoes. It was promptly enjoyed by the other members of my group. The cocktails are very well made & because they are well made, you will have to wait a bit as the bartenders are making sure they prepare your drinks right. Cocktails range right about 10 bucks which is to be expected. If you're looking for more of a "sophisticated" night out, Tavern Law does fit the bill. There's no "club" music playing in the background, but there is ample ambient noise from just the sheer amount of people in the place, which says great things about a place. Great drinks & good "classy" tavern food to go with it. I'd definitely make a return trip there.

    (4)

  • Laleh J.

    Cute bar! Good drinks. I'm giving it 4 stars because the staff were not too friendly and a little condescending. A couple of my friends joined up with a group of us and decided not to get drinks. Our waiter made them feel awkward when they requested only water, and another waitress came and asked us about drinks in such a way that we felt that we should leave if we didn't order more. So good drinks, but not impressed with the staff.

    (4)

  • David S.

    I enjoyed this place even though as the designated driver I stuck to non-alcoholic things. The mixologists are fun to watch and affable. Washrooms are pathetic - two private ones for the whole place and one was out of order. Cramped, but nice atmosphere.

    (4)

  • Hannah L.

    Being a Gemini, I have conflicting strong desires and tendencies. To wit: I simultaneously have a very difficult time trusting anyone for anything, and love nothing more than fully trusting a capable, skilled, and proven artisan to surprise me. This explains why I get incredibly nervous settling on a random, un-researched restaurant while traveling, and why I love going places where I let go of decision-making. So it also explains what I loved about Tavern Law last night. Around 7:00 on a Thursday evening, it was busy enough that space for three was lacking, so why not just pick up the phone? (Apparently there are a few people in Seattle who've actually not heard about this, given the surprised noises other drinkers made as the door swung open.) After tromping (yes, it's a wooden staircase, hence mandatory tromping) upstairs through a dark entry, the trio emerged into a quiet grandmother's frozen-in-time living room. A room that just happens to have a long, sweeping bar across one wall, and probably vastly superior cocktails to whatever she would have been drinking at the time. Or maybe not, if she was lucky.... Ordering is easy. Sit down. Wait. Decide what you like (gin, scotch, tequila, and on), and how you like it (sweet, sour, smoky, bitter, citrusy). Wait. Listen to presses, muddlings, shakers, pourings, zesting. Feel underdressed (my God, can that HAPPEN in Seattle?!). Finally, sip. An original, perfectly balanced cocktail. Nothing too fancy, just high-quality liquors, juices, and accompaniments crafted just for you. (Gin, citrusy, sweet, if you want to know. Meaning, gin, lemon, champagne. Or, one of my favorite cocktails ever....) I can't speak to the food, but knowing the excellence-on-a-plate pervading Spur a couple of miles away, I can only imagine a similarly lovely fate awaits the diner here. The most difficult part of the evening is the walk down and out. Just remember to turn right and right. If you don't, you might end up in the kitchen stairs, or out the emergency exit....(No, we were fine, thanks for asking. I may be a blond, but I do always remember the way out.) This is a lovely, quiet (at least the upstairs!) spot for a date or catching up with a friend, if you want to have and hear a conversation. Sit in the southwestern corner upstairs and enjoy a shaded view into and then outside of the bar onto 12th and beyond. And if you spot me up there, just remember that I don't trust you and I'm not making any decisions that night....

    (4)

  • A.J. S.

    I'm so glad Seattle is lucky to have the caliber of bar that Tavern Law exudes. It is classy and sophisticated without trying, polite and elegant without being stuck up. The cocktails are impressive. The decor is cozy and inviting (upstairs is simply beautiful!). The bartenders are fun to watch and intelligent. I would consider myself as picky as they come with cocktail bars/lounges, as I've been in a few in my life (cough cough) and Tavern Law hits the nail on the head. An amazing date spot (lucky bitch), a cozy spot to catch up with the girls, a nice way to begin a fun night. I heard from SU students they walk by and don't know what it is. I'm not too sure I want them to know. :)

    (5)

  • Lisa L.

    I have been to Tavern Law a few times and enjoyed the experience each time. I love it that I can order a drink by saying "I want something spicy with tequila in it" and be handed an amazingly delicious cocktail that perfectly fits my whim. I enjoy sitting at the bar, or close to it, to watch the bartenders' meticulous attention to detail. Also, their use of fresh fruit and zest add so much to the cocktails-- you wouldn't think it would matter much, but the fresh juice and peel gives such a luscious flavor, plus the bonus of lovely aroma. The appetizers menu is delicious. I've been here before dinner plans, so I only order small bits to nosh on to tide me over, but so far everything I have ordered has been tasty and well plated. It can get noisy when it's packed, which is often. I haven't been up to the speakeasy yet, so this review is only for the main floor bar. Also, I took away one star because of the bourbon drink a bartender made for my husband with fortified wine. Yes, we were vague when ordering (want something bourbon-y) but the cocktail did not taste very well in comparison to what we ordered previously. Will definitely be back!

    (4)

  • Chris W.

    I organized a birthday thing here for my wife on a Friday @ 8pm. Folks really enjoyed it. Great wait staff and cocktails at high-but-bearable prices. Go early so that you can avoid the douchebag crowd (they started arriving at 10pm or so). Go in on a weeknight if you want to go upstairs (after waiting 3 hours I finally got the phone call to come up). The hamburger is excellent, and the french fries associated as well. Tables are sparse, and they don't take reservations, so go in expecting to stand for a while. Then stalk some of the tables and grab one when it opens up. This would definitely be a great place to grab a drink (or 3) before going out for a night on the town.

    (4)

  • Michael A.

    Very cool spot. Usually i hate all law/lawyer related themes, but this place is what I imagine a corner of the Oxford University LIbrary to feel like if you added a full bar, magic phone, and yuppies. Great little space, get there early for a seat to people watch. Pick up the phone on the wall and see what happens and expect to pay a little extra even for capitol hill. Worth it for a drink or two, but don't expect to rage here all night.

    (5)

  • Dana D.

    ONLY GREAT IF.... you're able to get into the speak-easy bar upstairs. The food is decent, but the best part is the professionalism of the bar tenders who prepare each drink with expertise. *I highly recommend calling ahead to make sure you're able to reserve a place upstairs.

    (3)

  • scot s.

    I tried it again. Optimistic and full of Amex. I thought, these reviews seem to be written by people. People like to eat and drink good stuff. People like to have a server who is conscious. Maybe I went on a bad night. After another red vodka snowcone and puzzling over these reviews, I believe this is the place to go for those who are ecstatic about eating indoors.

    (1)

  • Chris Y.

    No doubt the drinks and food here are awesome! It has this speakeasy atmosphere with the safe door and secret phone in the back. The service on the other had was a huge disappointment (more on that later.) It wasn't too long before I found a table in the corner. While its pretty packed on a Friday night, tables open up pretty quickly. I had the English Fizz which tasted like a very sophisticated spiked iced tea. We ordered a bunch of stuff to try: the pork rilettes special and the foie gras terrine. The rilettes were just ok...didn't care for the cold stringiness of the rilettes. The foie gras terrine was awesome! It's served with buttered french and together with the foie gras...wow! It just melts in your mouth! I have to mention the Fried Chicken dish. It is probably one of the best fried chicken dishes I ever had in my life! The skin is super crispy and has honey drizzled over it. The meat is really tender and moist on the inside. The burger is also fabulous and make sure you get it with pork belly! The combination of the sweet bun, moist beef patty and pork belly work every well together. It's served with skinny-ish fries were were nice and crispy. Now about the horrible service. When my burger arrived, I asked if I could get some ketchup. The waiter look at me like I was crazy and said "I don't have any ketchup..." But he offered some aioli which was nice, but I like ketchup with my fries. Then when it came to dessert, I read here glowing reviews of their moonshine ice cream. When I asked the waiter if they had the moonshine ice cream today, he basically lectured. He said, "WHAT, you wouldn't want to drink moonshine...you mean that corn distilled stuff from Tennessee? You don't want that..." and just walked away like I said something bad about his mother. Even the table next to me said, "Man, I wouldn't take that shit from the waiter." He came back and continued to lecture me about moonshine..."We don't have moonshine here...you wouldn't want that." Thanks...I already heard that line from you...Not necessary! All in all, I had an awesome meal here with awesome drinks...but I probably wouldn't be back anytime soon due to the snotty waiter.

    (3)

  • Kate S.

    This place is PACKED on the weekends. If you can, get a reservation - or get there early. The drink's aren't weak - or too strong - they are just really well crafted. I love the Pisco Sour (made authentically with real egg whites)!. You have to try to burger too. So, fraking, good.

    (4)

  • Hai Yen N.

    Love the look and feel of this place! It makes you think of some old gentleman's private library with the ceiling high shelves and a handsome polished wood bar anchoring the entire space. So refreshing to find a bar catered to grown-ups who just want to enjoy a drink in a civilized environment. The exceedingly affable bartenders whip up deceptively strong and therefore dangerously drinkable cocktails, which is exactly how I like them. This has become one of my favorite spots in the city to grab a drink any night of the week. It's always bustling but still quiet enough to have a conversation. If you're hungry, try the macaroni and cheese and be sure to top it with pork belly. Creamy, luscious cheese over perfectly cooked noodles, the salty bite from the tender pork and a hit of freshness with slivered scallions and cilantro. Oh my god indulgent and fantastic!

    (4)

  • Alexi A.

    Amazing drinks freshly prepared friendly bar staff. Best cocktails I have probably ever had overall. Cool inside but tightish for seating, fills up fast. Happy hour all day Sunday.

    (4)

  • Ruggy J.

    I'm convinced that any business is only as good as the people running the operation... and Tavern Law is a prime example of that. It's not necessarily the layout, the drinks, or the food... it's the folks working between those four brick walls. In my short trip to Seattle not long ago, I was told by a friend that I had to check out Tavern Law. Anyone who knows me understands that I'm a sucker for a well-mixed cocktail, and word around the Pacific Northwest is that Tavern Law had some of the best around. Naturally, I had to rip in and make that determination for myself before heading off 36 hours after landing in the city. It's one of those trendy speakeasy type joints with a secret wink and a nod to let you in the back door to a roaring '20s soiree that never stops. But if you're not cool enough to have the inside scoop, you have to remain seated at the bar... which ain't so bad at all. Our bartender on that Tuesday evening was quite the charismatic creature. A nice smile, freshly pressed suit and a personality that could charm the pants off of any patron in the saloon. He didn't hesitate to spark up conversation, and took time to explain every nook and cranny of the drinks we were ordering. He even went as far as nearly giving us a tutorial on mixology with every stir and shake he completed. Even mystery cocktails were no match for this guy (whose name I'm totally blanking on); give him an alcohol base, be it vodka, gin, whiskey, etc..., and he'd be able to whip up something out of this world. Success! This is the kind of service you can expect on a mid-week evening, but I'm willing to bet it can become a shit show pretty easily come Friday and Saturday night. Don't curse my name if you're 5-deep at 11:00pm on a Friday and can't get the same service I encountered... it's just the name of the game.

    (5)

  • Rosa H.

    Their fried chicken is unbelievably good!

    (5)

  • Jess H.

    Stopped here for a drink before continuing upstairs to Needle & Thread. The Old Cuban is phenomenal. Their bartenders clearly have a refined talent and know exactly what they're doing. The food sounded interesting, but was too pricey for my liking. A tiny bowl of olives for $5? No thanks. I'd rather exclusively drink here.

    (4)

  • Chris S.

    We didn't get to go upstairs, which I heard is pretty cool, but the downstairs is just as well. The BLT was a party in the mouth, the drinks were like nothing we had ever had. Cool place, good service. This place made us want to go out and buy bitters.

    (4)

  • O G.

    Intimate bar with French 75s on special. I'm sure they can do more, but this was all I needed for a fun evening with colleagues.

    (4)

  • Michelle M.

    Tavern Law is not a typical Capital Hill bar. Classy guests, extremely professional bar tenders, comfortable lighting and seats, and an ambiance that allows you to sit and talk for hours over delicious cocktails potentially customized to your liking. One drawback is that you are not allowed to bring your drinks from the first floor to the second. Since there always seems to be a wait to go to the second floor, I have ended up ordering drinks and just staying on the first floor both times I have gone. Also, the drinks aren't cheap. But if you're looking for a classy bar where you can enjoy some well crafted cocktails and conversation, this is the place!

    (4)

  • Inna B.

    Is it just me or do you guys ALSO feel pretty darn cool when you walk in, head straight to the rotary phone, and get let in upstairs? That space is just so impressive. I love the decor. This last time I used the restroom upstairs, and loved that they have little hand towels that you throw in a basket when you're done with them (instead of paper towels that get thrown away). It just FEELS better. So, the main reason I came here the second time was because one of the Seattle visitors I was helping entertain is gay. He wanted to relax in a quiet lounge and get a taste of Seattle's "gay district." I decided to step it up a notch and make his experience a little MORE special by taking him to the upstairs section that you have to be in-the-know to know about. The two travelers and my local friend LOVED it! The staff members were pleasant and this time the drinks came right away. The boys each enjoyed a cocktail while we girls downed glass after glass of water. My friends were a tad bit disappointed because they are/were on a raw diet, and all of the food options contained meat, fish, and/or a dairy-based sauce. I ended up trying what I think was the trout with some... peas? It was very tasty, but I wasn't sure if it was QUITE worth the $14 price tag to me. Oh, and his wish to see the the "gay scene" in Seattle? Most definitely granted! A whopping 3/4 of the couples that we saw come into the upstairs lounge were attractive well-dressed 20-30something men. Obviously we were ASSUMING that they were there on a date and not just as friends - but, it was an assumption we were happy to stick with.

    (4)

  • Danielle H.

    My lovely fiance brought me here after a late class one night. It was super unique and we had such a great time sitting at one of the front tables watching the snow flurry outside. They have inventive cocktails and some of the great classics as well. They can make anything you want, you just have to ask! We also tried their burger and enjoyed it quite a bit. My only complaint is that the burger was so teeny that I wanted about three of them. Or, maybe I just like to eat a lot :) Definitely a neat place to check out if you like that dark, mysterious kind of old speakeasy ambiance. Very hipster Seattle crowd.

    (4)

  • Miles R.

    Top Notch cocktails. They really know what they're doing here. Every seat at the bar was taken yet the bartender was attentive, professional and made exceptional, fresh drinks. Didn't eat but did order a $5 small bowl of mixed nuts which I thought was a little steep but oh well. definitely a place I would return to.

    (5)

  • Aaron L.

    Went in for drinks and hoped to get in needle and thread with no avail. However, the bar tender really showed us a good time making us interesting tasty drinks. Service was excellent and am going to go try their food next time.

    (5)

  • Julie K.

    Awesome vibe.... Books, leather, wood, secret safe door, great spirit selection

    (5)

  • Tassoula K.

    I just had a wonderful experience at this bar and have to share: I was searching for a unique place to have my Birthday party and a friend suggested the upstairs (private) room at this location. I contacted management and there was already a private party booked that same night, but Angela went above and beyond to let my friends and I have nearly an hour up there prior to the booked event, then had her staff take wonderful care of us downstairs for the remainder of the evening. The drinks were AMAZING (inventive, gorgeous and delicious); the atmosphere was fantastic; the food was awesome and the staff couldn't have been more attentive or friendly. I will tell everyone I know about this place!

    (5)

  • Jordan L.

    We got here right as the Tavern Law opened. Which may not have been the best time to experience this place. + The food was great, you have to try the mac and cheese. +- The cocktails were good but seemed liked they could have been better based on the other reviewers here on yelp. - The Staff seemed a preoccupied with getting the bar setup than talking with the patrons or serving great drinks. + Great speakeasy styled bar + Small and generally quite I plan on coming back here at a better time and revising my review.

    (3)

  • Eugene C.

    To be honest, I am more of a wine and beer person than a hard liquor or cocktail person. But places like Tavern Law are slowly changing that. I really appreciate the seriousness with which the bartenders take their hand crafted cocktails here. It is apparent that it is more than an means to an end for these guys. And they are more than willing to educate or make suggestions. There are coktails that you don't find on a typical bar drink list. The freshness of the ingredients and the quality of the liquor used in the drinks is apparent. These drinks are not watered down and meant to be savored and sipped.

    (4)

  • Tman S.

    Best Burger of the year. topped with pork belly obtw. Great hand mixed cocktails This is the real deal. Its just cool.

    (5)

  • Dyane P.

    Came here one night for a few drinks with some friends. Probably about 3.5 stars. I didn't have any food, but the drinks were good, if not a little on the more expensive side. The bf just had a few beers and I had this mojito-ish drink that was pretty yummy. The service was friendly, the bar trendy, and very hipster (wearing little hats and overalls). Overall, good experience but nothing to get super excited about.

    (3)

  • Ijeoma O.

    Awesome cocktails. I had the Lusty Lady and it was divine. The Mac and Cheese was pretty stellar too. They seemed a bit understaffed so it took me a while to get my first drink, but well worth the wait. I'll definitely be back.

    (4)

  • Rachel G.

    After visiting Tavern Law a handful of times now I am quite confident in saying it's my favorite bar. I am not much of a drinker but I always enjoy the quality of the cocktails here. Sure, the drinks are pricey but they are worth it! I also find the service to be a breath of fresh air. No matter how busy it gets I generally feel like my business is still valued and made a priority. The bartenders are as friendly as they are talented and I have been pleasantly surprised by their ability to remember my likes and dislikes.

    (5)

  • Orlene C.

    The huge bar menu is filled with entertaining drink names that are fun to read through:) I tried the Earl Gray tea drink and it was pretty good. I felt like the food was a bit pricey for bar food. I shared the mac & cheese, burger, and fried chicken with my fiance. My fiance's favorite dish was the mac & cheese. It is very unique with the watercress, apple, and duck fat bread crumbs. It had a good amount of sauce:) It is more of a creamy type sauce over cheesy. My favorite was the burger; however, it was on the small size. My fiance thought he would have preferred the burger with grilled onions instead of the red wine onion jam, but I thought the jam was a nice touch. The fries were way to salty for me. I thought it was amusing that they do not have ketchup. When you ask for it, they offer you another sauce instead. In someway I give them props because they are the first place I have ever been to in Seattle that serves burgers and/or fries and does not serve ketchup. However, I think it is inconsiderate to the customer that likes ketchup with their fries and/or burger. If you are paying $15 (19 if with pig belly) for a burger, you should be able to get some ketchup if you would like some! I think it would be amusing if someone brought their own ketchup:) The fried chicken was okay, the coleslaw it comes with sauce was a bit overpowering, but the mashed potatoes were delicious. Sadly, we did not get to see the second floor because it was closed for a private event.

    (4)

  • Kimm M.

    This is my favorite bar in Seattle. A semi-small, speakeasy with a classic and vintage feel. The atmosphere is mellow, laid-back, and easy. I love how the staff is dressed up in old-school vintage uniforms. A very classic, yet modern twist. A nice change of pace from the glitter and glammer. I have never tried the food here. The menu changes often, so you never know what to expect. The drink/alcohol selection is great! All the cocktails look unique and creative. The drinks are decently poured and the staff is helpful, nice, and kind...even when they ask you to leave since it is past closing! Yes, it is a bit small, and finding a place to sit may be difficult. Or you could just stand and take in the view! Overall, I love the "feel" and ambiance of Taverna Law! Please try!

    (5)

  • Katy H.

    So - back at Tavern Law tonight. It's time for an update because although I was only there a few months ago, tonight I finally made it to their back room! I think half of the charm of this place is that what's back there remains somewhat of a secret. So - come and see for yourselves! I arrived with some fellow Yelp friends at 7pm on the dot. I think if you're trying to get back there, be early! They open up that back bar at 7 so we simply waited on some chairs and then made the super secret phone call. After being admitted in, we walked up some dark stairs and came upon this multilevel space. Tables, chairs, booths... it was rather swanky! The three of us agreed that we felt under dressed. Oops! The only downside to the whole evening was that it took forever to get our drink order. Two sidecars and a vodka martini took about 15 minutes to appear on our table. The drinks were superb but by the time I got mine, I was over it. I'd seen this hidden away room and I was ready to check out something new. I'll definitely be back though. This space is perfect for a romantic date, a small birthday group, or just a spot to have a convo with a few friends. Loved it!

    (4)

  • Leonardo R.

    First time here was great since i didn't even knew bout it haha,that night was a good one :) we got there at 7 a clock a yelper told me that they had this phone in the wall to call the needle and thread and see if they let you in to which i felt it was a 1920's gentleman's club,we called and didn't get any response,we waited and some people tried after us and the got them to open the safe :) we went up and its full of charm in deed i would like to live in there literally,we sat down,order some drinks got me a Vodka martini,which came 15-20 minutes later,which i believe it was due to that we didn't announce ourselves and we just went up with the first group,so i felt the girl punished us a little bit haha my drink was real good i enjoyed. Second time was awesome,it was around 12 am went up to the needle and thread no problem and first words of my GF was very nice :) as she was walking upstairs we sat down on the two big chairs and ordered this time i went ahead with an Old fashion which was exquisite and old school with big ice cubes it was so delicious that i had to drink one more !!! I would say is a good place to bring a date after a nice dinner and stop by for some drinks and a quiet time ipb

    (5)

  • Jean Y.

    Tavern Law is a Prohibition-themed bar with lots of unique cocktails with ingredients not commonly used elsewhere (such as egg whites + absinthe). It reminded me strongly off places I've been to in San Francisco, such as Bourbon & Branch and Rickhouse. I was delighted to find a place like this in Seattle as well, although Tavern Law isn't exactly in the best location for going out at night. I came here with three friends, and we each ordered drinks and shared all but two items on the food menu. All the dishes were very good, which I rarely find true of places that serve small plates. I recommend the foie gras spread with a bit of peach jelly mixed in, served with warm buttered mini-baguette slices. The staff even offered us complimentary refills of toast. The fried chicken with mashed potatoes, perhaps the most ordinary-looking item on the menu, was very well executed. We shared two delightfully fatty burgers with pork belly. The ribs were soft and came with a fennel salad that complemented the meat very well. The boysenberry sorbet with strawberries was a refreshing finish to the meal. I didn't enjoy the lightly cooked salmon with creamed corn, tomato, and basil as much as the other dishes. I found the salmon to be oversalted, but my friends liked it. There wasn't a single healthy item on the menu, but we reveled in the sinfully fattening food. I'll definitely be back here again!

    (5)

  • Diane L.

    Three of us came here for drinks only downstairs and I was not impressed. We ordered three different drinks off the menu (can't remember what we ordered) and were disapppointed. The little potato appetizers were good but nothing to rave about. With Knee High close by, not sure why I'd come back here again.

    (3)

  • Gene B.

    I went to Tavern Law on a mission. Not for the Speakeasy upstairs, not for cocktails, but for their burger, touted by Jermaine at Barrio as one of the best in Seattle. Well, a bold-ass statement like that kinda gets to you and you kinda have to do something about it, like drag your rear end over there and eat one. First, it's expensive; $12 for a smallish burger with provolone and onion jam- a couple of bucks extra for fries and an addition couple of bucks for pork belly. Second, they ARE smallish. Probably a third smaller than what you're going to get at most other restaurants. Third, they are absolutely delicious! And you DO want the pork belly AND the fries. I respect the way that they don't over do the condiments and the beef is highlighted, grass fed, organic beef, yum! The service was great. We had great service it was a large group of us and the waiter took everything we threw at him in stride. Maybe, next time upstairs.

    (4)

  • Lesley D.

    Unique, dark, and decidedly hip- Tavern Law exudes "cool". Their cocktail menu is so extensive it borders on overwhelming. I had the bartender surprise me. He asked me a few questions about my tastes and whipped a really well crafted cocktail. It was a little on the bitter side, but it was fun to try something new. This place isn't cheap by any means, and the food selection is pretty limited, but the attention to every little detail sets Tavern Law apart from other capitol hill spots...I even thought the bathroom was awesome! Pros: Atmosphere Unique cocktails Cons: Expensive Capitol Hill parking

    (4)

  • Cecilie H.

    Have been back here a number of times. Not only do I LOVE how the bartenders invent drinks that are perfect for what kind of taste you are in the mood for here and now, I also very much enjoy the decor (especially upstairs) and the bartenders. The food has been interesting so far, too. Last time we had a tasty beet, rucola (and more) salad, a nice trout, and an interesting mac 'n cheese with duck fat and apples - probably the only way I'd ever dare trying a mac 'n cheese. Thanks for another great evening!

    (5)

  • J M.

    Wow - r u kidding me? What do people see in this place and how does it get such an exceptional rating as one of the best in America? I don't get it. Husband, sis, and I went here for drinks (we were hoping upstairs but they had a "private party" and no reservation - so forget about it - really?) and sat in this teeny tiny darkish and less than clean place. Used the loo and it was less than sanitary....icky, really. Had a Manhattan that tasted like it was in a dirty glass - just nasty. Sis and husband's drinks were "ok" not great. At least 2 tables came in after us, one of them left when they found out they couldn't go upstairs (there were 4 ladies) and a husband and wife said the same thing we did - how in the world does this place get the ratings it does? Waiter was almost unintelligible he talked so fast and seemed like he was more concerned with - I don't know what - because it was here are the drinks, here are the prices, I'm so and so - let me know when you want something. OK. Just awful and absolutely NO need to go here again - ever.

    (2)

  • John S.

    Tavern Law has really raised the bar for me in terms of customer service. To get this out upfront, I ordered no food -- I was mainly interested in the cocktails. I first ordered the Tuxedo #2 and noticed that the ingredients were the same as the International Bartenders Association (IBA) recipe of the same drink. However, the IBA recipe simply calls it the Tuxedo. So, I was curious and asked the bartender what the difference was between the #2 and the original and/or the alternatives. It turns out the original called for Sherry instead of Vermouth. I was happy with that answer by itself but a few minutes later I look up and there's a drink in front of me. The bartender explained that this drink was the original recipe and he asked me to try it. I was already impressed at this point but then 10 minutes later there was another drink in front of me and the bartender explained that it was another alternative of the same drink. To be clear, these were not free drinks that were given to me. These drinks were made so that the bartenders could learn about and taste the different variations of this particular cocktail. They were just generous enough to let me try them. Lastly, I requested my bill and was told by the bartender serving me that *he* was not happy with the last drink he made me so it was effectively on the house. Mind blown twice over. I cannot guarantee that you'll have such a positive experience as I did but I have no doubt that customer service is very important to this establishment. If the quality of the cocktails are any indication, the food should be just as good.

    (5)

  • Justin M.

    This isn't going to be one of those "how have I never reviewed this place yet" sort of reviews. The truth is I've held back because I still haven't eaten here, it seems my consumption of consumables here falls more along the lines of spirits. With that said, this isn't your average pub. What I love the most about this bar is their attention to detail and dedication to quality drinks. I'm usually a "double Kettel One on the rocks" kinda guy at most bars, mostly because how can you mess that up right (see my AZUL review to find out how). Anyway, here at Tavern Law I can be confident that the bartender knows his stuff. The proof is in the pudding, I have never had a bad drink here, and hands down this bar has THE best Floradora in the city (don't know what it is? try it!). The use of fresh squeezed juices, house made syrups and tinctures, coupled with brilliantly executed traditional techniques, makes for an amazing night out at the bar. As far as I am concerned, I don't even NEED to try the food here yet to write my review (thought I most likely will). The drinks, the bartenders, and the impeccable service from the super friendly staff make up a super solid 5 star establishment. 5 gin-limejuice-raspberrysyrup-gingerale-limewedge stars out of 5

    (5)

  • Amy R.

    Want the best cocktail you've ever had? Go to Tavern Law. These bartenders are serious about their mixology. While visiting Seattle, my friend took me on Sunday for their all day happy hour. We each had a drink from the happy hour menu, but couldn't resist trying another from the extensive list. Especially since the bartender had 4 of his own creations ON the list. Indeed the most thoughtful cocktail menu I've ever laid eyes on. Not to mention that the space is gorgeous. Very Ivy League feel -- makes you want to put on an argyle sweater vest and bow tie.

    (5)

  • Katie V.

    This place is really cool to go with one or two other people. I like the vibe and the athmosphere. I didn't order any food for myself, but I did try bites of my friend's food and it was really good. The only problem is groups. The place is small. I made the mistake of having my birthday party there, and there were one or two other birthday parties going on at the same time.. There were so many people crammed into a little space, it was hard to get service, everyone was standing around trying to get into the secret bar upstairs. Just too many people!!! I would definitely go back on a weeknight, with no more than 2 other people. Their drinks are great, and the food is great. Just don't have a party there. Cool place. I thought I hated foie gras, but I tried some here and it was delicious! Though there isn't a large menu, they certainly have some interesting choices, and unusual mixed drinks selections.

    (3)

  • Arry Y.

    I heart Tavern Law. I adore Tavern Law. I love Tavern Law. As my friend who lives in London would say, it's my "local" - I live a couple blocks away. It's cozy, home-y, old-school - it's real. I walk there. I'd drive there if I didn't live so close. I love the experience - I love being surrounded by books (kind of like my favorite bar in London). Definitely more of a bar than anything - even so, the food is decadent. Bryan and Dana have done an excellent job. Pork Belly, butterfish, the frisee salad with egg - deliciousness of yummers of ecstasy. Holy canoli. My personal favorite drink at the bar = the Pedestrian. Try it - you'll fall in love. The bar upstairs - favorite nights to go are Tuesdays and Saturdays when the awesome Miles is bartending. Tell him you don't like things too sweet. Tell him you don't like gin. Whatever - give him artistic powers to work his Jedi magic. OMG so good. Miles is your man (BTW he also works Petit Toulouse, which is also a 5 star favorite). I will return, again and again and again... and again. Divine. Absolutely.

    (5)

  • Molly M.

    As far as drinks and ambience are concerned, Tavern Law is a great pick. The staff is attentive, and the drinks are always enjoyable.

    (4)

  • Angela B.

    Not impressed with the downstairs, but absolutely fell in love with the upstairs secret area that not everyone knows about. When we got there it took us a while to figure it out, but we finally realized that people kept talking into this old fashioned phone & that this was the link to get you upstairs. I asked if they had room for two, and they told us to come on up. It was super swanky upstairs, everyone was incredibly nice to us, and it was not nearly as hectic and loud as downstairs. We got a great seat overlooking the downstairs area, but other people had some cute cushy seats that were like couches that were nice too. The lavender drink is incredible!

    (5)

  • Natalie M.

    We were hoping to go upstairs but apparently weren't special enough that night or something :) Can't comment on the food as we came after dinner, but the food sounded pretty good (albeit expensive). The cocktail menu is huge but I narrowed it pretty quickly...was stuck between two drinks and told the server to surprise me (coincidence that he chose the more expensive one?!). Really liked my drink and the sips of my friends that I tried...mine had chai vodka and I forget what else....Overall good atmosphere (pretty happening for a Tuesday night!) with a unique cocktail menu!

    (3)

  • Jeffrey T.

    This is my favorite classy bar on capitol hill, and pretty much in Seattle as I almost live on 12th and pike/pine. ( and will be moving to a few blocks away shortly ). 1. The cocktails are amazing, creative, interesting, and so many to try downstairs I almost would want to go back on a daily basis but that would likely turn me into an alcoholic. 2. The food is unpretentious but upscale- get the burger, its my favorite burger pretty much.....ever. 3. The upstairs bar is by far the best thing of everything. the fact that they make it up on the fly based on the interaction with you and trust me, every drink i have had up there was beyond superb-but whats even better is the atomosphere, the fact that they dont have blaring music, and they limit the number of people who can come up there, so it remains quiet, and enjoyable. This a place to take a date, or a hot non date.

    (5)

  • Grace C.

    Okay, so maybe I'm a cheap date, but this place pours a strong drink for a very inexpensive happy hour; the interior feels like an exclusive club; and the waitstaff magically respond to every glance you send in their direction. With all that to recommend it, who cares if I'm under the table after a couple of Manhattans? Three cheers to you, Tavern Law!

    (4)

  • Kevin B.

    After months of buzz & hype, Tavern Law finally opened and I decided to check it out with my friends. The place is straight up awesome; great vibe! The décor is really cool- great bookshelf, a TV hidden behind a mirror and super-cool secret upstairs lunge (accessible only by picking up the phone and getting buzzed in). I can go on and on about the space- but you should just check out these professional photos at bit.ly/TavernLaw to get the idea. Onto the food! We decided to try each dish on the menu; there are eight, ranging in price from $7 to $15, making Tavern Law great for a little snack or a full dinner (on a empty stomach, I'd probably need 3-4 dishes). The food gets full stars for creativity, originality, presentation & taste. Simply put, the food is amazing. "Lolla Rossa Lettuces"- Chevre. Cucumber. Picholine Olive ($7) Pic: twitpic.com/eshgd Simple and nice salad. "Fried Pacific Oysters"- Horseradish Aioli. Beefsteak Tomato ($9) Pic: twitpic.com/eskdp Cooked perfectly. Nice and crunchy on the outside but not overcooked! Love the horseradish aioli. "Foie Gras Terrine"- Angostura Bitter Gelee ($15) Pic: twitpic.com/eshni Very good- the angostura bitter jelly top was amazing and complemented the foie gras very well. My only complaint is that the ratio of toasted baguette to foie gras was way off; they need 3x as much baguette. "Grilled Padron Peppers"- Goat Cheese Vinaigrette. Parsley ($9) Pic: twitpic.com/esibw I loved this dish, but, I love very spicy food. Others in the group found it way too spicy. I don't think it was the actual padron peppers that were hot, but rather some chopped peppers garnished on top (jalapeno, perhaps). The dressing really worked with the spice! "Carnaroli Risotto"- Summer Squash. Parmesan. Basil ($12) Pic: twitpic.com/esmoc Nice! As far as risottos go, this is on the less rich side! "Poached Sockeye Salmon" - Escarole. Arugula Pesto. Radish ($14) Pic: twitpic.com/esioa Cooked to perfection, subtle flavors let you fully enjoy the wonderful salmon taste. "Braised Pork Belly"- Cabbage. Granny Smith Apple. Mustard ($14) Pic: twitpic.com/eshwg Yum- tender! "Grilled Chicken Leg & Thigh"- New Potato. English Pees. Granache Vinegar ($15) Pic: twitpic.com/esj3n I hardly ever order chicken in restaurants! This chicken was by far my favorite dish on the menu: cooked to perfection, seasoned brilliantly and so MOIST! Ok- so at this point you might be wondering why I didn't give all 5 stars given my RAVE review: the mixology was really lacking, I was VERY disappointed with the drinks. My first drink was at the bar while I was waiting for my friends to arrive. Before I browsed the comprehensive list of cocktails, I first looked at their liquor list: a bad gin selection could be a dealbreaker for me. I was pretty excited to see that the gin selection was awesome (more gins than vodka- take that vodka drinkers!), they even had my favorite Martin Miller's (including the hard-to-find, Westbourne strength edition). So to start, I order a gin martini up with a twist. Yep- they did twist right, but FUCK- I think the bartender put more vermouth than gin. Normally, I would have said something- but the bar had just opened for the first time and they were already quite busy, so I was nice. For the rest of the evening, I ordered drinks from the cocktail menu and and sampled some of my friends'. Tavern Law is one of only about 4 places in Seattle to have a Kold Draft Ice machine ( kold-draft.com ). The menu is comprehensive with a table of contents & glossary! Drinks divided into the following categories: -Cocktails -Sours -Flips -From Highballs to Fizzes -Juleps, Slings & Toddies -Punches, Cups & Swizzles -Champagne -Vodka -Teetotalers Most of the drinks were underwhelming. The "Bourbon Swizzle" (bourbon, lemon, falernum, yellow chartreuse) tasted like straight bourbon on ice in a Collins glass. The "Dover Tea" was a hot drink, but arrived at room temperature. One drink, the name escapes my memory, was supposed to have gin, rosemary, mint- the drink came with no rosemary, and I'm convinced it was made with rum, it tasted like a mojito (yuk!). One of my friends ordered the "Boston Milk Punch" (rum, bourbon, nutmeg, milk)- the waitress came back a few minutes later and told us they were out of milk. Weird- the bar had been open no longer than an hour, why not just have one of the staff members run a block away and pick up a gallon! Due to the so-so drinks, I remove 1 star. Under normal circumstances I would have knocked off another star (making it a 3-star review) for a few quirks and annoyances (bathroom locked with nobody inside it for half hour, slow service, forgotten drink orders, etc...) But I truly believe that these were just symptomatic of it being opening night- I have no doubt that Tavern Law will strike it's groove. This bar has full 5-star potential I just really hope they nail the drinks!

    (4)

  • Cat A.

    Drinks took awhile, but these liquors were rhythmically put together to form a delicious masterpiece. I still prefer the other hip speakeasy on the hill known as Knee High Stocking. Ordered some desert that took almost a half hour. Where they freezing the ice cream? Where they baking the chocolate jello thing? Who knows, who cares. One of the servers didn't even know what was on the desert. Service was good enough, we had a laugh with the other Vietnamese waiter. One thing that did intrigue me was their door with a phone. People would slowly go in there groups at a time. Pick up the phone. Mumble some crap on the phone and someone would open the door. Apparently it's another speakeasy. A speakeasy within a speakeasy? Ok... If you share the same kitchen and make the same drinks in both areas, yet you as the patron, prefer to go up stairs to the 20 seated attic, then you must be looking for exclusivity. Could care less. Long story short: Enjoyed the drinks, but not enough to come back.

    (2)

  • Occam W.

    Cool place. The drinks were good. The guys behind the bar were very cliche. Eh. I'll go back. The room upstairs is supposed to be something special.

    (4)

  • Alex C.

    Nice spot-- really convenient to my Queen Anne apt. by bus. I sat up front and had a couple of rum drinks which were very nice. Also bartered some of my potato fingers for a bite of the fried chicken-- which was very good. I will be back soon.

    (4)

  • Chris P.

    Food was excellent. Limited Menu, but its all about the drinks.

    (4)

  • Clive D.

    Nothing enhances an experience like knowing someone else has been excluded from it. I'm horribly paraphrasing a quote by someone that I can't remember. So, by default it gets credited to Abraham Lincoln. So Tavern Law is great! Fantastic selection of artisan cocktails to delight any taste. However, what makes this place so special is the "speakeasy" upstairs. In the middle of this lounge there is a bank-vault door. On the wall next to the door is an old-style black phone. If you lift that phone and ask if you can come up, the voice on the other end of the phone may or may not buzz you in through the bank vault door. From there you will ascend a narrow stair-case lined with pictures of beautiful women in various stages of undress from prohibition era. Once at the top of the stairs, you will see a decor that my untrained eye would call "something out of the 20's". It's relaively small up there. I would think six would be the maximum amount in a group you could have, but that's just a guess. My friend and I sat at the bar and the bartender explained that this wasn't a traditional bar in the sense that you don't order a specific drink as much as you would describe a drink that you would like. I said that I like whiskey and would like it with a tart citrus mix. The bartender, dressed in prohibition-era garb, then proceeded to tell me the cocktail he was about to create for me and what made it so unique. Suffice it to say, without hyperbole, I had the best whiskey sour of my life! This place is too much fun!

    (5)

  • Bonnie S.

    Oh yum! Much like Patterson House in Nashville, which I think I also reviewed, this bar has an unusual drink menu and a lively yet relaxing ambiance. I wish I took pictures of the drink menu. I can't remember the name of what I had - something with a raw egg and completely delicious! For me, this would be a fine night out on its own. In my partying days, this would be an excellent beginning to a fine night out. Denver restaurateurs - fancy, complicated drinks, low-key atmosphere! Make one here!

    (5)

  • Anna Y.

    We went on a Friday night and the lower floor was packed. The speak-easy was on the second floor, but we didn't manage to get in during the two hours we spent there. Nevertheless, this place serves amazing drinks. Just tell the bartender your favoriate flavors and he will probably mix something memorable. The first one we asked for was sweet and girly with rum, and we got a beautiful, fruity and pretty strong drink. For the second drink, we asked for one decorred by cherries, and the drink was incredible, simply hitting the palate on so many different levels. Also, $7 El Presidente, can't beat that. It is definitely on the pricy side, but a must-visit bar in Cap Hill.

    (4)

  • Akvile H.

    What an awesome and quaint little place! I am a huge whiskey fan and this place surely knows it whiskey (as well as other drinks). The place is small but comfortable, the bartenders look sharp, are friendly, and make really great drinks. This place is charming, dimly lit, and has an amazing drink menu. They have some decent happy hour offers, we didn't try any food, but it sounded quite tasty, so I just might have to next time I go. Some people grabbed some burgers next to us and they looked and smelled delicious! The drinks are made very very well, however, they are a bit on the pricey end, so sip slowly and enjoy! This place is definitely one worth checking out if you are in the Capitol Hill neighborhood!

    (4)

  • Kathy H.

    I was here on Sunday night to try the food. They have a great beer and wine selection, and specialized in a few items on the menu for dinner. Beef burger was delicious!! Cheese melting atop a slice of juicy medium rare beef patty. They served it with a generous portion of fries. But the fries were so freakin' salty. It's a good thing I had a Chimay to wash it down. Foie Gras - not so good. I've tasted much better practically anywhere else that serves it. Fried chicken - definitely tender but I wasn't too impressed. Service was OK. We ordered 3 beef burgers, but one came out much later than the others (Kitchen mistake, the waiter said). On top of that, they didn't know who ordered which burger, and didn't even confirm it when the food was set on the table. I asked for pork belly on the side, but they gave me the one w/ pork belly already on the patty. It was a bit unorganized and confusing. With prices that high, I expected a lot more from this place. But maybe it was an off night. Hopefully next time will be better. Quick tip -- either go early on Fri or Sat, or come in another night. The place is small so they get crowded very quickly.

    (3)

  • Alice L.

    everything about this place makes me want to go back: the secrecy, the awesome bartender, the 1920s decor, the experimental drinks, the low key atmosphere, how can you not fall in love with tavern law? sigh, i couldn't resist sharing this place, now you know the secret! find a dial phone and make a call, it'll take you back in time, to a place with no worries, no rules, just a hidden lounge to experiment drinks with good friends. drinks aren't cheap, but everything good comes with a high price tag, and experiencing this place is totally worth it. try the pork belly if they happen to serve it, an instant melt of deliciousness..

    (5)

  • Jordan S.

    Strong, classic drinks. Haven't tried the food yet, but you'll probably need to order some if you're planning on having more than a few drinks! This bartenders are the real deal...house made bitters, infused liqours, and TLC put into every drink made. I'll pay a couple extra bucks for a stiff drink, served beautifully, and brought to the table by knowledgeable and friendly staff. The fact that the greasy PBR drinking hipsters tend to stay out is a big plus in my book.

    (5)

  • Michelle F.

    The bar itself is quite quaint - styled to fit the period, as are the drinks. The bartenders were very helpful and attentive. I can't speak to the food - we didn't eat. But I did try sips of four different drinks, and loved them all (though my favorite by far was the Violent Femme). Definitely pricier, but worth it if you're in the drink for the taste, not the drunk.

    (4)

  • Jackson R.

    The Needle and Thread barman, (James I think) made me the best old fashioned I've ever had, and that's saying something. I think it was the gomme syrup. You won't find shittily muddled fruit, soda, or food-colored maraschino cherries anywhere near their old-fashioned. And good luck ordering up an apple-tini if you're an unoriginal ho-bag. They also carry some fantastic Speakeasy Prohibition Ale, which isn't ironic of them at all... Upstairs has class, ambience, and tasty bites. A visual and gustatory treat, for sure. If you're not dressed in suspenders, frames, and flannel, you may feel out of place, as I did. But then bar-rooms are supposed to be mixing pots, so as long as I dress up and they leave their fixed-gears outside, we'll both be able to coexist over some great drinks.

    (4)

  • Eugene C.

    Where have you been my whole not so young life? Thanks to Charlie, I was finally introduced to all the wicked coolness of Tavern Law, especially the Eagle Room. Very cool. I love the ambiance of the place. I love how there a hundred books on the wall that I will never read and so will anyone else. I like how the place's space could probably be better utilized to cram more people in, but they decided to keep it a more private affair. There is a something about the dress code of the employees that adds to the design and decor. Does it seem like I have a man-crush for Tavern Law? It's probably because it's just so mantastic. Something straight out of Mad Men, where we would go for a drink after making unwise decisions with our secretaries. I don't know, I'm not that old, but it could happen.

    (4)

  • Katie A.

    I'm always happy when SeaTown gets another craft cocktail bar. It's not like we have very many of these... I can actually count the ones that count on one hand. Tavern Law specializes in flips & fizzes, classic cocktails- some of them dating back to the 1800s. I tried a few things here last night. The Pike & Pine is Flip, or an egg white cocktail, made with Rye, lemon, egg, and bitters, I think, was really good... as was the Red Rum Daisy, pepper infused cocktail with a kick. We both enjoyed the crispy pork belly with plum and white beans. I'd definitely have food here again; it was a little pricey at $14, but it was perfectly delicious and juicy. Other menu items include foie gras and house made ice cream. The space is pretty cool, and while it really wants to feel lived in (they've done a good job, being in the Trace Lofts) it just doesn't quite do it for me. The woodwork is pretty amazing though... and the refrigerator behind the bar is spectacular- WANT. The mark of a great bartender? The ability to pull ingredients and concoct delicious libations based on what you like. Again, something Tavern Law does very well. Prices for cocktails are between $8-11, which I found to be crazy reasonable. For what goes into these glasses- the booze, the ingredients... the loving care- totally worth it. I will be back when I'm craving egg white cocktails and crispy pork belly... which is often these days.

    (4)

  • Curtis C.

    Definitly one of the coolest bars in Seattle. This place has great atmosphere. The music is decidedly hipster (that is reflected by the crowd here too) but not overwhelming. The drinks are spot on with the waitress that we had being knowledgable in what to get. This place was packed out on a Tuesday night so i cant even guess how it is on the busy nights. The decor is very cool and retro. I got a place of the mac and cheese and it was way too salty but then, you dont come here for the food but for the drinks and atmosphere. This place also has another bar upstairs that is a speakeasy like bar that requires you to call in. We could not go in since its busy throughout the holiday seasons. Its rated in GQs top bars in the US so its pretty impressive. Got to hit it when the people die down.

    (4)

  • Russell L.

    Tavern Law.... nice atmosphere, interesting cocktails and some solid food options. I tried the honey-glazed fried chicken and found it to be quite good. It was perfectly cooked and tender. My girlfriend ordered the burger and fries but didn't realize the patty would be served blood-red. I thought it was tasty but damn there was a lot of salt in those fries. I mean A LOT. Like a couple of fries and it was overpowering. Blood pressure spiking. Heart palpitating. It almost ruined the experience. Chefs, go light, yo!!!!!!

    (3)

  • K C.

    Love, love, love this place! We came here for my bday once with a group of about 12 - side note, not a large group-friendly place upstairs - and another time w/a group of 5, again upstairs, then another time in the afternoon w/just the hubby and I (downstairs). The uptairs bar, "Needle n Thread," is small, but a MUST-TRY as the atmosphere is like entering into a world when boustierre-clad women did their "thing" in dirty, mid-western saloons. To get upstairs you stand outside this inconspicuous door in the downstairs area, it looks like a storage closet. Call on the phone on the wall, let them know your reservation name (yes, I recommend ressies upstairs) or the number in your party, an they'll buzz you up. Follow the stairs up, not to miss the sepia-toned photos of naked women on the walk up, and voilla, you're in this alter, circa 1920's world! Sit down and the server simply asks you, "What do you like?" (okay, not like that, you perves.) But, what alcohol do you like? Forget the generic vodka/sodas or gin/tonics, when you come to Needle n Thread, you must be adventurous and trust the abilties of the well-capable bartender. I told the server I typically like champagne, gin, mint, cucumber, ginger, bitters.. something along those lines. I don't know what I got, but it was perfection! Thats the exciting thing about this place - you never know what you're gonna get! I got an Old Cuban next, and that was music in my mouth as well! Defintitely plan to have food while you're at Needle n Thread too! The burger and mac n cheese are the best I've had around the Seattle/Eastside area! The burger is simple w/an onion jam, optional to add pork belly. The mac n cheese has fried shallots on top which boosted this dish above and beyond any gourmet MnC I've had yet! Okay, nuff rambling, just try the place - you won't be sorry. :) Oh yeah, and after Needle n Thread, you must go next door to The Local Vine, as I like to shorten to "TLV," for a bucket of truffle popcorn - it's truly like heaven in your mouth:) My personal disclaimer: one might think I have some sort of affiliation w/TL or NnT or TLV, but no, I am just a foody who likes to share the effect that a wonderful restaurant/bar has on me! Tavern Law blog: tavernlaw.blogspot.com The Local Vine: thelocalvine.com

    (5)

  • Ema C.

    I had a friend from out of town and a group of us met up here. It was kind of busy and definitely get here early if you have at least 6 in your party. The drink menu here is extensive, and from my old days of imbibing upon the distillery, the drinks look fantastic! If you like your alcohol with bitters (hello Old Fashioned), you'll love this place. However, I don't drink anymore, but the non-alcoholic drinks here are amazing. My friend and I both ordered non-alcoholic drinks and pretty much told our server what we wanted/didn't want. Here's what I ordered: "Something tangy but not minty (my friend had fresh mint in her non-alcoholic drink) and nothing with cinnamon" What I got: A tall glass with crushed ice, something sweet and tangy, a little fizzy and really tasty, $6.00. Our server was really great, we had constant re-filling of our water and she had no problems splitting up the bill between the 6 of us. I also got no sneers from ordering something non-alcoholic - yay! It IS possible to enjoy time at a bar and not just have a boring ginger ale here! P.S. The bathroom have CLOTH HAND TOWELS. All the more fun!

    (4)

  • Zelabeth C.

    I agree with a few folkz here on the snotty, blah service and over-priced too salty small food. Atmosphere - intriguing yet awkward (not really all that many places to sit in a cozy/intimate way that befits a "speakeasy" (seems to cater more to loud young groups, so not my choice for a date). The reason they get 2 stars instead of 3: I went with a gal-pal, we asked to split the bill on two cards, They charged me for the whole bill, which sure as hell came as an unwelcome shock on Sunday mornng.. I called and left 2 messages, no one called back to explain or apologize. They did correct the error 3 days later, but since they never called back, I'm never going back. No way do they get my moolah again.

    (2)

  • Matthew B.

    So, I came back here with a friend, and went to the spiffy Needle and Thread upstairs. I guess we got lucky and were able to get in without a reservation. This is my new favorite bar in Seattle. I love that you sit down, tell em the flavors you want, and drinks just show up. Every drink we had was amazing, and somehow exactly what we wanted. The service was exceptional. I'll be back here again and again!

    (5)

  • Michael E.

    I'm just gonna make a list of observations. 1. Down stairs is fine, fits in a new condo building. 2. The food is very good. 3. The drinks are very good. 4. Both are true of Spur, TL's Belltown brother. 5. Expectations have been met. 6. Upstairs is fun. 7. Having to call up on a phone is silly. 8. Not being allowed to use the staff's stairs that can clearly be seen behind the little curtain is silly too. 9. Getting to TL before 7pm is silly, cause that's when upstairs opens. 10. Upstairs is humidified, which is wonderful.

    (4)

  • aubrey b.

    Finally made it here yesterday and it totally made my day. Tavern Law was a welcome respite from the cheesy sombreros that mark Cinco de Mayo. Instead of frat boys and weak salsa, I enjoyed some seriously delicious cocktails in a decidedly more relaxed atmosphere- perfect for some girl bonding action. When I go to Spur, I really like the fact that they have some lower-alcohol drinks (perfect for long meals when you don't want to get totally blitzed). This was NOT the case with the concoctions I sampled at Tavern Law. The drinks were delicious, but decidedly made for sipping.

    (4)

  • Caitlin D.

    Only tolerable if not crowded, and you can get a seat (up stairs preferred). I highly recommended French 75's: Sugar, Champagne, Gin, and Lemon. I myself am not a fan of Gin, but for this tasty and refreshing-barkeep give me another- drink I will make an exception.

    (4)

  • Laurence K.

    So we ended up here by a recommendation of our server at how to cook a wolf. What a great time! the cocktail list is awesome I didn't know where to start. We had several of there cocktails and then discovered that there is a secret bar upstairs You have to use the phone by the safe it rings upstairs then they buzz you in. How Fun! The bartender was very knowledgeable and made some great cocktails for us. I would definitely put this right next too Zig Zag and Vessel at the place for cocktails.

    (4)

  • Sarah H.

    Just OK is really what this place is. To me the atmosphere feels a little forced and fabricated - the kneehigh is a more genuine speakeasy experience. The cocktails were delicious and the service was solid but there was just something lacking. I went with a group of about six people after work and we sat in a large booth downstairs. The food options in the bar were disappointing, with no good options for groups/sharing and there were no happy hour specials. I'd definitely go again though; it is a good option for a drink if you are in the neighborhood. And, I've heard the upstairs section is worth checking out. I wouldn't recommend going if you are looking for small bites to accompany your cocktail.

    (3)

  • Carly L.

    Another sexy place for a date! My date and I filled up on oysters, got in the car and came here and were not disappointed. It's absolutely stunning inside and the staff was on the ball. I ordered a glass of wine, and the drink menu is extensive, to say the least. I was told by someone to go upstairs, and it get crazy up there. Um, OK! Once my date headed back from the restroom, we went upstairs and checked it out. The furnishings are absolutely gorgeous and I would like to take all of them home to decorate my house. Gorgeous space and will be back to try a cocktail.

    (4)

  • Natalie W.

    Great place to grab a drink before heading elsewhere... disclaimer- I am referring to the bottom of Tavern Law and not the secret room behind the vault. We arrived at 8:30 on a Saturday and all the bar stools and seats were taken. Within 5 minutes two stools were vacated and the drinks we ordered from the bar were brought to us. My cocktail was Gin, grapefruit, raspberry, and egg white (Dover?) & my companion's a mixture of gin and whiskey with a lemon twist. You could taste the liquor in his drink but not mine. Mine was a recommendation of the bartender when I stated I liked gin to him. Both drinks were well made. The service was attentive, the decor subdued and quaint, and the overall vibe relaxed and adult like. The bartenders theme dress was not too noticeable and the space was less a Disneyland "tavern" then I had imagined. Tavern Law has a good established cocktail menu, the food items offered off the chalkboard tempting, and good service. It is a place to make sure and stop for a drink at least once. FYI's~ * There are ackward bar stools by the door- yes they are for sitting * It was very funny to watch three tipsy girls try and call to get upstairs on the vault phone over and over again * Egg white does taste like egg white in a drink * Cocktails are on average $10- the prices are not in the menu * Small space with one large table in the very back- best for a one on one cocktail

    (4)

  • Rachal B.

    This is a pretty cool place. Cool mixologists for sure and they give you exactly what you wanted! Only thing is, its pretty expensive. They are great drinks but I only find myself ordering one....if there is someone else with you, it gets really pricey. Just 2 drinks nearly comes out to $40. Their macaroni is AWESOME. Again, its $13 mac, and its tiny...but so delicious! It gets crowded but it comes in waves. I will be back again, just after I get paid!

    (4)

  • Shannon W.

    Great drinks, loved the secret door to the hidden bar upstairs.

    (5)

  • Jackie D.

    Singer sewing machines EVERYWHERE! Clearly this used to be a great little shop and its now a classy little place to get a drink and some food. Asked the waitress about this, and she said oh no it wasn't a singer store or factory. She was CLUELESS. We went in around 11 oclock, were greeted by a waitress with a small smile and looked through their extensive drink menu. There is a lot to choose from but our favorite was the Old Cuban? Yea I think thats what it was called. Basically a mojito with a twist of champagne. It was tasty. The "pedestrian" was terrible! Lavender something or another that tasted like old bath water YUCK. We also had the salad and the fried oysters. The salad was SUPER salty and the oysters were nothing special, not very good. Heavy on the horseradish too. The best thing on the menu were the roasted peppers. Very tasty. All in all, it was an okay experience. Service wasnt great and she was a bit aloof and slow. Prices were a bit high for what you get. They have a secret upstairs area but seriously, she was snooty about going upstairs so I got over it real quick. I didnt come to Seattle to get some LA attitude OKAYYYY lol Give it a while and see if its worth it for you to go back.

    (3)

  • Samantha E.

    While they may be known for their detailed and intense cocktails I found mine to be only so-so. Because the bartenders have to focus so much on each of the intricate drinks they make, they aren't very attentive to the large number of people waiting at the bar as well. Maybe if we had spent more time there and had a few more drinks I would have enjoyed it more. Or maybe if we had made reservations upstairs. Oh well. The decor was very nice though!

    (3)

  • Natalie W.

    I was on a mission to try this amazing looking burger with pork belly. It's a $20 burger. $16 for the burger and $4 for the pork belly. The pork belly was juicy, tender, and amazing. Now that I think about it, I would rather have $20 worth of pork belly without the burger. It was that good! Now for the burger overall. I know that my food is too salty when I'm chugging water an hour after my meal... which is exactly what I'm doing right now! The burger was too salty but since the pork belly was so good, I give this place an average rating. Was $20 worth it? Absolutely not! The waitress was incredibly sweet though!

    (3)

  • Juan T. K.

    My beautiful blond boss recommended this place so obviously had to check it out. Came here at 7:30 on a Friday and ended up scoring seats at the bar. The drinks were potent and strong. Unlike my boss, I only had one drink instead of three. But delicious cocktails and the bartender (can't remember his name but kind of a bear looking guy) was phenomenal. Gave you friend and I recommendations for other restaurants to hit up. The bar bites are delicious--but don't expect to get full from it. Highly recommend!

    (5)

  • Jasmine r.

    Came here for two drinks. Waited 25 minutes for a beer in a can and finally asked the waiter where it was and he claimed we only asked about the beer but never ordered it. Ordered a glass of wine next and my partner ordered a cocktail. After another 20 minutes neither arrived. I went up to the bar to inquire and they poured me wine immediately. I went out to smoke and the waiter apparently thought it was okay to put the cocktail we ordered down on a random table with people on a separate bar tab. When I went up and told them the drink never arrived he told me "sweetie, you were outside smoking so I put it on that table and told them you ordered it." I complained to the manager and he said "here's your card back, please leave." He took the glass of wine out of my hand, handed me my card and rolled his eyes. When I asked if he was okay with his staff providing bad service he said "we gave you your card back so you have nothing to complain about." Absolutely mind blowing that the staff here are still able to get jobs in the service industry when they are clearly bothered by serving their customers. And this is coming from an ex waitress who just wanted a glass of wine after a long day of work.

    (1)

  • Jeff B.

    Small food menu- but excellent. Handcrafted cocktails w/outside the box ingredients. I love the "duck hunter" a nice play on the Old Fashioned. Get in early for the speakeasy up top-well worth it.

    (5)

  • Kevin F.

    The experience was great, and walked in here thinking it was the Needle & Thread (apparently their speakeasy). Bartender was great, making custom drinks for us all night, and the griddles raclette cheese was super amazing. Would def make this a go-to place if I visit Seattle again.

    (5)

  • Lisa B.

    Headed up to Capitol Hill for a cocktail. Went to The Cannon and was floored when they were taking names to get INTO THE BAR....uh try NO. I wait for no bar. We walked back down to Tavern Law. Loved the speakeasy feel. We found ourselves a couple of barstools over by the window and were immediately greeted by a server who took our order. The cocktails were strong. My husband who's been there before directed my attention to the phone on the wall across from us and we watched a group of four dudes pick up the phone and in due corse walk through the door next to the phone. Ah! the hidden speakeasy.... It was a hoot watching who got in and who didn't. One couple tried several times and never did make it. Couldn't figure out why. Eventually a group of six old dudes walked in and picked up the phone and within five minutes, a fight ensued between the downstairs bartender and a MASSIVE guy in the group. I'm assuming they were told there was no chance they were getting in and they didn't like it. Was beginning to look like a mile of pipe up there I'm sure. What fun!!! I had the Chatty Cathy....and damn if I didn't become quite Chatty. Can't remember what was in it, but it was strong and I don't think I could have more than one. Yes!

    (4)

  • Jennifer C.

    This place used to be the best cocktail bar in town. Now it's a low class bro-asis where I get sexually harassed on my way to the bathroom and drinks named Piñas Envy appear on the menu. It's past time for this place to DIAF.

    (2)

  • Sam M.

    By far the worst service I've experienced in a while. I order a coconut cocktail, 45 minutes later they set it down at a table I'm not at as I'm about to leave. They then expect us to pay for it... The manager then proceeds to berate my wife over this and asks her to leave. Well we were on our way out anyway, and we won't be back.

    (1)

  • Ryan N.

    High-end vintage cocktails & American fare in a dark, sophisticated space with a speakeasy vibe. Mediocre food, better drinks. When you get a chance, visit Tavern Law's upstairs bar Needle and Thread - named to GQ's list of the best 25 bars in America.

    (4)

  • Cassie D.

    Love this spot on Cap Hill! They have a limited food menu but everything we've had on it is delicious. They are known for their craft cocktails and wide variety of gin and whiskeys. Don't expect to come in here and order a dirty Ketel Martini (which one guy did and was super rude when they said they didn't have Ketel and their olives were marinated in house with oil so the mix was a bit oily in a martini..) instead opt for one of their Mules or Whiskey creations! We've had the burger + Pork Belly and Fried Chicken on a few occasions and are in the clean plate club every time. Great, friendly staff and bartenders!

    (4)

  • theresa s.

    Loved this place. Easy to get to on Madison, the bar was welcoming on a Tuesday night. Chalkboard was selectively sparse (like 10-12 items) but I wanted to order every single thing. Being a Southern gal, I decided on the spicy fried chicken accompanied with a beautiful local turnip salad. Omg. Super amazing. The chicken was sous vide, and was tender inside and super crispy on the outside. Salad was divinely fresh and I could taste the local ingredients. I also broke down and ordered the foie gras terrine. I shared with a bar mate since I was alone. Portion was perfect for sharing. One of my best meals in seattle thus far. Plan ahead and make reservations at the local speakeasy Needle & Thread upstairs.

    (5)

  • Chase F.

    Great staff, great cocktails, great ambiance. Tell them what type of drink you're craving and they will whip up something delicious. Recommend only for their drinks, I did not eat dinner there.

    (5)

  • Becca M.

    Didn't have food , just cocktails. Been here twice, one with phenomenal service on a Friday night, and one with sub-par service on a Sunday night. Either way, good atmosphere with good cocktails.

    (4)

  • Laren B.

    Just incredible drinks. Lately, I haven't been inspired to write reviews. Everything has just been pleasant, but not particularly unique. A couple of weeks ago, we came to Tavern Law and were not impressed with the ambiance or the service. They weren't busy, but seemed to give all the patrons the bare minimum amount of attention. This drives me crazy, so we left. Last night we decided to give this place another shot & it proved to be a worthwhile second chance. The service was lovely, the drinks, and cheese plate left little to be desired. This is a great spot to take someone that is nearly impossible to impress. I hope that my first encounter here was unusual. Still not crazy about the ambiance, but that's only personal preference. Enjoy!

    (4)

  • Christine V.

    Great drinks and good food. My boyfriend had the burger and he thought it was ok and I had the cheese plate and I thought it was really good! Our neighbors who sat next to us got the fried chicken and Mac and they looked incredible! I am pretty sure we ordered the wrong things that night but we'll be sure to come back to try them. We also really want to come back to check out that speakeasy upstairs!

    (4)

  • Arie L.

    Saturday night: packed. That's fine, we squeezed in between some lovely people who were on dates just like us. We ordered two signature cocktails with scotch in them (concealed weapon & rob Roy). Dangerously strong. Mine was smokey goodness. Ordered olives and my favorite their dashing sweet and salty nut mix. Had to order their foie gras as well. For a small charcuterie to myself. DH wanted fried chicken at the hour. Best seat in the house to people watch is a table right in front of the telephone and hidden door leading to needle & thread. Had a fun night & server Brandon took care of us very well.

    (4)

  • Kevin L.

    Rude, just flat-out rude. We came in with the intent of going to Needle and Thread, but because of the wait time we were expecting, we decided to go ahead and order drinks. I've been here many times before, and have always tried to balance the good with the bad. However, the service this time left me appalled. The server went to us and got us our water, but just threw the glasses on the table and then threw the napkins on the table as well. Being a Thursday night where you're at half capacity, you would expect a little more care. Although he was attentive, it felt like he was badgering us, as he kept walking to us every two minutes asking if we were ready to order yet. When we were ready for our check, he was nowhere to be found. We waved for him a couple of times, but he simply ignored us. We ended up having to call over one of the bartenders and she ended up giving us the check instead of him. Drinks were good, but there are plenty of good cocktails bars within a two block radius that you can go to that are comparable. I've been a regular here ever since I've come to Seattle, and I will not be coming back until they fix their attitude.

    (1)

  • Jen B.

    I come to drink and not eat so I cannot vouch for anything food related. For a while I was coming here daily as I was trying out the online dating thing and for me, it's walking (or running) distance to my house in case things were just bad. The bartenders are always nice, knowledgeable and will sit and talk with you when things were slow. I wish their cocktail menu wasn't so bitter-heavy as I don't like bitters and I'm partial to vodka and not whiskeys or brandy. There. I said it. But they have a decent selection of wine and will make something off menu catered to your tastes.

    (3)

  • Patrick F.

    I liiiiiive for nights spent with friends sipping on expertly crafted cocktails and Tavern Law is the perfect venue for such a night. On my most recent visit, we arrived around 9:00 and there was surprisingly no wait for a seat at the bar. Our bartender was quick to greet us and offer thoughts on the drink menu. He crafted me the most amazing rye sour I've ever had -- frothy and tart, made with an egg white and the most amazing sour mix ever (made in-house, of course). For my second cocktail, I gave the creative license to the mixologist and he brought me what was perhaps the most delicious, smoky but smooth rye cocktail I've ever had. Service was incredibly friendly and honestly, part of the Tavern Law experience. Arrive early, as the wait can be long on the weekends. Cocktails are a bit on the pricy side but beyond worth it.

    (5)

  • Philip S.

    A good spot for a snack and a drink. Not enough vegetarian items on the menu to call it a full dinner. The cocktails were good but not outstanding. There is some seating upstairs that we were not permitted to see.

    (3)

  • Tami S.

    Delicious... The food was fresh with unique flavor combinations. The staff was very engaged in making our experience fun. The cocktails were amazing and creative. I'll definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Peter C.

    I was first introduced to Tavern Law because I saw it in a bunch of Websites and Magazines such as G.Q being Featured as being Best 25 Bars in America. This led me to experience what the Hype was all about for myself. I am more of a Cocktail drinker than a beer drinker and the Drinks they make are Delicious. One helpful tip is that if you tell the Bartender what you like, they can whip up an Excellent drink for you. I tend to prefer Sweet, Fruity, Tart, Gingery, and Citrus Drinks. Not only do they have Fantastic Cocktails but just like Quinn's, Spur, Old Sage, and The Coterie Room the Gastropub food is Unbelievable. Food: Spiced Fried Chicken- This is the kind of meal that can bring a Lil Sunshine to anyone's day. The Fried Chicken has my Favorite Fried Chicken Skin Ever! Chicken skin, if prepared right can be more delicious than Bacon. At Tavern Law The Fried Chicken has the most Amazing Crusty Exterior with Honey Drizzle for something sweet in your life. The Spices used in the Batter are a flavor Roller Coaster for your Taste Buds. The Chicken has been Brined for Days and Sous Vide to make it extra juicy. One of the Best Fried Chicken Dishes I have had in My Life. Natural Beef Burger with Pork Belly- Imagine the Quinn's Burger with a Big Phat Chunk of Pork Belly on top with Red Wine Onion Jam. The Burger The Red Wine Onion Jam was quite a surprise. Goes really well with most drinks. The Shoe String Fries that it comes with are also very good as well.

    (5)

  • Sierra X.

    The cocktails here were excellent!! We loved our drinks. The food, however, was overpriced and average. We had the Mac and Cheese, Spiced Fried Chicken, Smoked Fingerling Potatoes, Seared Pork Belly, and the daily dessert. The dessert was too savory and tasted like breakfast; I prefer sweet desserts. I had the Foie Gras terrine at Needle & Thread (upstairs) on a previous visit and that was great.

    (3)

  • Sharlene C.

    Really rude staff. I tried to ask a question about happy hour food and the bartender cut me off not once, but twice. She kept saying "you can sit anywhere for happy hour", even raising her voice at me the second time. A nearby customer even noticed and said "I don't think that's what she's been trying to ask you." I know one bad review may not change anything, but I'm writing it on the off chance that others have complained about this individual and that someone will tell her to fix her attitude.

    (1)

  • Victoria C.

    Made a late night stop here on my last night in Seattle. Tavern Law is a neat little lounge/bar. It's dimly lit and perfect for a date night spot or somewhere to just hang with friends. The atmosphere was cool and they had a pretty neat drink menu... Although I had no clue what half of them were. Our waitress helped us and recommended a few drinks. I ended up getting something from the "Sweet" section. Sorry I forgot the name but it was a pretty strong drink. In fact all our drinks were pretty strong! We also ordered the fried chicken and the burger. Both were delish! I really enjoyed the burger though! This place is a bit on the pricier side but def a cool place to check out!

    (4)

  • Jim R.

    This place seems to have a problem remembering your order. We had to constantly go ask where our drinks were after 20-30 minutes.

    (1)

  • Paul V.

    Tavern Law really is an excellent spot to grab a cocktail and a bite in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. I can absolutely see why it enjoys the distinction of being on lists such as one of the best 25 bars in America from various sources. It's fairly spendy. But I've said it before and I'll say it again: you get what you pay for and it's worth every penny at Tavern Law. It's a little atypical from other Capitol Hill restaurants/bars in that parking isn't a complete nightmare when you come here. It's closeish to the main district of Capitol Hill, but far enough away from clusters of apartments/condos that street parking is relatively easy to find. It's a refreshing change, to say the least. I showed up at about 7:30 on a Friday night, at which time the restaurant was pretty underpopulated. Not sure why, but it made getting a table very quick and easy! I wouldn't necessarily count on this happening if you show up at dinner time on a Friday or Saturday, though. I would imagine it gets crowded early and quickly. I'll just operate under the assumption that the resident psychic at Tavern Law knew I was coming and asked that some tables be cleared to make my experience better. I'm kind of a big deal. People know me (Note: I am not certain that Tavern Law has a resident psychic and it is fairly likely that my assumption is wrong and in reality I simply got lucky this time). The drinks on the menu are really good, albeit a little pricey ($12-15 on average for most of the menu cocktails). This place is definitely geared more toward a cocktail drinker versus a beer drinker. We sampled a couple of their menu choices including the Bourbon Dialect, the Farmer's Hand, and the Fourth Regiment. My personal favorite was the Bourbon Dialect. The bartenders are skilled enough here that you can simply describe the type of flavors you like in your cocktails. Even if you aren't a huge drinker and don't have a very established taste for what you like and don't like, I am confident that they could create something for you here even if you can't provide a great deal of information. I had the Natural Beef Burger with the pork belly (an extra $4, but you'll regret it if you don't add it on). It's in the conversation for the best burger in Seattle, especially with that pork belly (seriously, get it on your burger). It really went well with my drinks and the fries were perfectly salty. I will definitely come back to try the other menu items. They do the gastropub thing really well. The gripes I would have are that service can be a little slow and the size of the plates can be a little small for the price. But even these minor detractors can't outweigh the deliciousness of the food and cocktails enough to merit dropping it down from 5 to 4 stars.

    (5)

  • Bernard M.

    This is a really good date spot, dim lights and very close, intimate (and very tight) space. I am sure the bartenders know what they are doing, however I just was not blown away by my $17, 200ml drink. I can't say much about the food, but again the drink prices are ridiculously high here compared to the other plethora of bars in the area.

    (2)

  • Nicole B.

    Really cool scene and great cocktails. There's a phone on the wall that you might see people crowd around and that's how you get upstairs to the speakeasy. You have to call to see if there's room before being granted access and people seem to wait quite a while in order to get up there. Definitely planning on trying it next time.

    (4)

  • Kelsey K.

    Oh Tavern Law... how I wanted to love thee so very much. You have let me down in the worst way. We were sent here on the recommendation of a friend who we very greatly trust and I have no idea how our experience went so wrong. Our friend runs an establishment in our neighborhood that has the deepest pride in their menu and beverage offerings and creates an enjoyable and hospitable customer experience and that could not be any more opposite of Tavern Law. We walked into a packed room with about 4 bartenders and 4 servers, so we figured that we wouldn't have any problems with getting service. Welp, we were wrong. We had to try to get the attention of 3 people to find out where we could sit. We should have known it was going to be bad when the bartenders had full stools and they weren't even talking to the guests except for 1 or 2 who appeared to be regulars. We waited 20+ min for each drink, they didn't describe the $15 drinks in appropriate (if any) detail leaving us with drinks that were so grossly different from how they were described on the menu that we thought we had received the wrong beverage. Between the first and second drinks, we called up to the speakeasy and they told us to call back at 7:45. We ordered food and drinks. Got the food with no explanation about the dishes even though it seems that the chef put a lot of love into the menu. Okay, so it was all way too sweet... like, everything... like they added sugar to everything, including things that shouldn't have sugar added. Not our tastes, but it must be the style of the chef. If you spend that kind of time and energy, your staff should take some pride in it, right?? Sometime between when we sat down and when our food arrived, we overheard the server telling the table next to us (clearly out for an enjoyable girls night) that they're "not really a shot bar" when they ordered a round. So telling them no rather than offering them an acceptable alternative was his preferred service style? K, got it. Ate. The speakeasy has a sign on the door making it clear that you are to close your tab at TL prior to coming up. No problem. Asked for the check at 7:20 after asking 3 different servers for our check because our guy had mysteriously gone missing? We got the check at 7:35. I immediately put my card in the book and placed it on the table. Our server returned to have me sign at 7:55. (Yeah.) We immediately picked up the phone to get into the speakeasy. It was off the hook. Waited 10 min, still off hook. Told dicky bartender who pretended to not hear. Decided to spend our money somewhere else. Walked out. Told doorman about the phone and he started making excuses about how there were only 2 servers at the speakeasy. Well, we never made it there for them to ruin our experience up there... so there you have it. I would give them 2 stars for the cool decor and concept alone... but I just can't.

    (1)

  • Jason J.

    Don't take no for an answer if they say they they are booked at the door. Then once you make it inside, look for the phone on the south wall and call up to be let into the speakeasy upstairs. Great drink menu and tasty food. Be prepared to serve the proper manners to get the best service possible. It's all in the delivery and execution and how you present yourself. Be on point! Sadly after spending a fare amount of money downstairs they still are uptight about the upstairs access. Hum. ....

    (4)

  • Katy C.

    Love this bar, Been here a couple of times but did not want to review until I tried the "fried chicken" dish. The drinks here are really special, looks like time was spent to make a delicious cocktail for you. I love how they can customize the drinks to your liking and the use to fresh ingredients. The mood is speakeasy-ish. It's a gastropub. The food delicious, especially that fried chicken. It is glazed in a sweet and has a certain spice to it, also really crispy. Paired along with greens that are also savory and sweet at the same time. I also had the mac and cheese, really creamy and tasty. An added bonus of greens on top. The pork belly, what can I say I love pork belly delicious in any creation. Overall, I come to this place quite often and bring guests as well. I need to go back soon.

    (5)

  • Christine T.

    We grabbed a small bite at Tavern Law since we had reservations at Kneedle & Thread. I like the ambiance here. It's dimly light, lively and wasn't stuffy. The restaurant is spacious with plenty of seating. We shared the burger and added the pork belly. The burger was delicious and pork melts in your mouth tender. I loved the red wine jam that it came with. They do craft cocktails here but we saved that for upstairs. Great place for dates or catch up with friends.

    (4)

  • Karen M.

    Loved this place. The speakeasy is hard to get into on weekends but the bar is great on its own. Outstanding bartenders. Had several fantastic gin, lavender and lemon cocktails, all unique and created on the spot. Will definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Kalristo O.

    The Lady that works there claimed to be the owner but then her coworkers said that "she doesn't own shit" the bartenders and waitresses for some reason didn't want to give a group of girls their receipt? sounds a little shady? I don't know any situation where someone wouldn't be able to received their receipt, unless someone is pocketing some money. but that's just speculation. The group of ladies said something about a race card? I'm not sure of the whole story but at the end of the day, the staff should have kept composure and handled the situation without elevating it to the point of calling police to escort a group of 3 young ladies out of the bar. Some people started to clap, then the waitress told the party that was clapping to "SHUT THE FUCK UP" when it seemed like the group clapping was clapping in favor of the bar getting rid of the problem customers? I'm not sure. We ended up leaving since this killed any ambiance the place had earned so much praise for. One of the bartenders said that their employees have the right to tell their customers to "FUCK OFF" maybe its all apart of the "Tavern Law" hmm...I wonder what page in the employee handbook that is on? Do they have seminars and training videos to new employees to teach their staff to swear and belittle their paying customers? Maybe some of the big wigs will read this, maybe having some pride in your business and holding value in your customers will be of importance some day rather than winning the shouting match and putting your patrons on a public display of humility all because you feel like you can and you work there. Its a shame we don't know the young ladies name with the short blonde hair. TL;DR: Tavern Law gives the right for a uniformed employee to belittle and swear at their patrons. The ambiance is nice though.

    (1)

  • Paul D.

    I've never been impressed with downtown Bellevue cuisine so why am I even surprised with Golden Corral food at El Gaucho prices? Welcome to Tavern Law, where the bar life pales in comparison to the night life in Mill Creek...I'm just trying to figure out why people even make the trek across the water. It's last call at 10, just happens to coincide with the late night happy hour, go figure. The barbacks outnumber the servers, so table service is sporadic. The food is better at jack-in-the-box, I mean 99 cent tacos with bacon, you had me at "why am I even here????" I think I'm going to have to give this place another chance but that's what I said the last time I got my $5 mini pretzel ($1 for the extra sauce). We had the happy hour artichoke...reminds me of the national lampoons Christmas vacation turkey. For christ's sake my friends is eating the lemon garnish to get sustenance, skinny bitch...the best thing on the menu is nothing, drink your dinner and you'll never remember the experience that is Tavern Law.

    (2)

  • Latifa S.

    Night cap with Vespers & Gatsby's garden! Tavern Law has been my go to bar for a few years now. It's like an oasis in the youngest neighborhood of Seattle. Really! The youngest neighborhood= Cap hill! All the college students from nearby, the hipsters, the 20 somethings and early 30 somethings can all be found here. There are plethora of hipster bars, fun bars and restaurants nearby. But this place is like an escape from them all. Oh and that Old Sage next door of course :) Décor- perfection! It has that old classic bar feel with great wooden bar and interior. I love the candles, love the food, the music and of course, the drinks!! Food Fried chicken - the best! Foie Gras - so tasty you will order it twice! Pork belly burger Mac & cheese Cracklings All so good. Most of the time their tables are jammed packed! But if and when you do get a table, try their food as well as their drinks. I've been here a few times for their events and the most memorable one was the Great Gatsby premier party event! We ate, watched the movie and came here for after party upstairs! Now that was fun. They even had a special drink for it! It was similar to French 75 but with a twist. Again, this isn't your typical bar in Capitol hill. It is mellow, classy and was named the top best 6 bars in US! You have to come for a good, grown up fun with hand crafted cocktails. No cheap alcohol and mediocre drinks here. One can say the drinks are a little on the pricier side but I feel they are about right. My favorite cocktails has bitters, egg whites, basil and all sorts of fun, fresh items. It is worth the price. They also play really good music! One can come here, sit at the bar, get a drink and just relax! Or if you are with a bunch of girls, take over that little area on the right! It's almost like having your own private area. Just give your bartender sometime to make you a perfect drink! I was never really big on scotch but after trying their scotch cocktails, I am sold! They are so delicious! I even love their old fashions! It has just the right amount of everything. Over all, this is one of my top five go to bars in Seattle. I love everything about this place! Minus the crowd at times because it can get really busy!!! But that's a good thing! And if and when you do manage to get upstairs, you just might never leave! :)

    (4)

  • Cat T.

    There are many spots in Capitol Hill that I like to go to for crazy drunken nights with friends. Tavern Law is NOT one of those spots. Rather, Tavern Law is the spot I like to visit every so often to relax and enjoy some well-crafted cocktails. It's a nice break from going HAM at the bars along Pike St! Tavern Law is a small lounge with dim lighting; the size and romantic ambiance make it a great date spot! Often you'll see people enter Tavern Law to go upstairs to Needle and Thread...or attempt to go upstairs and then get turned down. I have yet to visit Needle and Thread, but I will one of these days! I don't think you can go wrong with any of Tavern Law's drinks. There's something for everyone, and I like how the menu gives credit to the bartenders who created the cocktails. I'm a BIG fan of the Midnight in Paris, and the Lusty Lady comes in a close second. During my last visit to Tavern Law, I finally got to try the food. Specifically, I ordered the Mac and Cheese and the Fried Chicken. I was indifferent to the Mac and Cheese, but the Fried Chicken was damn good! The chicken was so juicy, and the honey was a pleasant addition to the batter. The food portions are surprisingly big, so I was super full after my meal! Excellent cocktails and tasty food come at a price, so expect to drop at least $30 or so on food and/or a few drinks. Also, because this place is small, expect a wait to get inside on Friday and Saturday nights. If all the tables are occupied, the bouncer will let you hang around the standing area (by the bar) and order drinks until a table opens up.

    (4)

  • Jingwen Y.

    The first time when we came in, we saw a door and a telephone next to this door and people walking up suspiciously picking up the phone and waiting. Eventually they just disappeared. At the time I had no idea why they were doing that. Second time around, I was told by one of my friends that they have a speakeasy upstairs, where the drinks are a little rougher and the setting is a little more intimate. I love the atmosphere here. The food and drinks can get a little pricy but they have quality. I would probably only snack and drink here as the food options are pretty limited. It's one of those places where a true alcohol connoisseur would really appreciate, because they can make you a pretty fancy drink. Good place to catch up with friends or pretend you're sitting in a bar in one of those black and white detective movies.

    (4)

  • Tracy L.

    This is a great place to go if you like to drink delicious, unique cocktails! I've been there several times, and have never had a bad cocktail. If you don't know what to order, the bartenders are very good at figuring out which drink you may like, based on what types of cocktails you prefer. The food is also tasty, although there is not a lot to choose from at any one time.

    (5)

  • Dustin S.

    New Meathook cocktail is a must for anyone that likes Ardbeg or a smoky peaty scotch. It's phenomenal. First time trying foie before and I must say it wasn't overly rich and quite savory and tasty. If you haven't made reservations for Needle and Thread upstairs and you like the Tavern Law experience, you are doing yourself a huge disservice.

    (5)

  • Anthony B.

    My first experience here was wonderful. Everything was top notch. However on my most recent trip (on a Groupon, which should have been a bad sign) it was fairly close to disastrous. The service that used to be beyond exceptional was terrible. In a half full restaurant we waited excruciatingly long for service and delivery of our food and drinks. Our server punched in the incorrect cocktail for my girlfriend, came out to confirm her order as my cocktail was brought out, then proceeded to serve cocktails to everyone else in the place, and only then brought out her drink. And he still charged us for the more expensive drink. The cocktails, while interesting and inventive just weren't very tasty. The same could be said about the food. The infamous burger with pork belly fell flat, no depth to the flavors other than differently kinds of "salty". The fried chicken, which used to be crisp, and juicy, was dull and uninteresting. Really I believe that the combination of terrible service and their inability to reach the incredible standard they created last time has ultimately sullied this place for me. I believe when it comes to a restaurant "If you aren't getting better you are getting worse" and I think Tavern Law quit getting better a long time ago.

    (2)

  • Jacki G.

    My sister and I were very excited to go to Tavern Law after reading the reviews and articles about this place. We went on a Tuesday night and the places was not crowded. We sat at the bar and were not greeted by the bartender or a waitress for several minutes although they were standing there. The drink they made me for $15 was terrible. It tasted like Echinacea drops in vodka. Never did the bartender ask if I liked it. The worst part was the bartender and waitress got in an argument. For several minutes they stood a few feet away from us arguing, dropping the f-word and causing a scene while my sister and I stared at them from the bar. It was incredibly unprofessional and uncomfortable and I wanted to get out there of as soon as possible. Terrible service and bad experience. Very disappointed.

    (1)

  • Janice C.

    Tavern Law takes Sunday Funday seriously. Basically, this means $7 cocktails during happy hour. And by happy hour, they really mean, ALL night. $7 classic cocktails like a Manhattan, Vesper, Boulvardier, Ramos Gin Fizz. OMG. Honey, we're nailing our butts to the chair and never leaving! ;-) That's not all. You'd think they'd pour these drinks carelessly and with cheap alcohol? No siree. Words like tinctures, small batch liquors, hand crafted cocktails are second nature to staff and owners at Tavern Law. A business practice that a cocktail fanatic like me HIGHLY appreciates. The food is really good. The burger reminded me so much of SF's Nopa's version and we all know how highly I speak of Nopa. The red wine braised beef cheeks were fork tender and so comforting on a cold winter's night. The mac n cheese with the duck fat crumbs were amazing, sans the sliced green apples on top. I do have to say that the Foie Gras terrine was too chilled for my liking, so that sat on the table for awhile before I finished it. Due to the small space, it maybe hard to get seating at first, but who cares? Sunday Funday at its best!

    (4)

  • Anjelica A.

    A friend brought us here last Thursday night, saying that TL is "one of the top 25 bars in America," according to GQ Magazine. Any place that offers liquor and about which such grandiose claims have been made has to be seen for oneself, n'est-ce pas? We were so excited to come here! We arrived around 8:30 PM and scanned the menu, deciding on a Moscow Mule for L.J., and a whiskey drink for W.N. I was jazzed to see that the menu included slings, which I hadn't had since my youth! I ordered a Singapore Sling (I originally had one in a tiny mixology-style bar in Mexico and have been chasing that delicious dream ever since). It was only all right, and not even close to the one I longed for. This one was a bit on the sour side, whereas slings tend toward sweetness. What really turned us off was the service. We asked for an appetizer of "Small Bites" (or something like that) which came with cracklin's and other nibbles. The waitress completely forgot about us and we waited about half an hour before realizing that it was never going to come. And she never came back and checked on whether we wanted another drink either. We did not feel welcome at Tavern Law, and based on this experience, are not likely to return. High hopes are sometimes the most easily dashed.

    (2)

  • David L.

    Drinks: 4 Decor: 4 Service: 4 Came here for drinks on a Sunday night after parking in the garage next door. Tried getting into Needle and Thread, but it was a 30min wait, so we opted to just grab drinks here. Huge drink selection. 1. BOURBON DIALECT $12 (Joe Denhalter) Bourbon, Salers Gentiane, Agave, Basil, Lemon, Orange Bitters ~Pretty good. Nice, citrusy, basily, smooth. Service was quite good. Bartender came over at the right times, and he spent a minute talking through some drinks. Wasn't a fan of the third drink we got though, which was some boozy, herbal concoction.

    (4)

  • Kim C.

    came here for pre-dinner cocktails during happy hour on a Thursday. the only reason I can't give five stars is because at 6 pm they were already sold out of the ham and cheddar cracklins that I pretty much had my heart set on trying. I ended up trying two of the best cocktails I've had - a Hemingway daiquiri and the English fizz. the daiquiri was on the sweeter side, but it was well balanced in flavor and didn't leave that burning, sticky, acidity in my mouth that sweet drinks usually do. the English fizz was by far my favorite, and if it were summer, I probably would've had a whole pitcher of it to myself - crisp, herbal flavor, not very sweet, just so well balanced and... yummy. they seemed to also have a decent beer selection, and the staff was efficient and friendly. can't wait to come back!

    (4)

  • Amy F.

    I met the owner the other night and he asked me what he thought of his place. I said "It's pretty nice." He told me "Yeah. Well I make my restaurants for that top 5% of the population. And you're jut not in that 5%. Not that there's anything wrong with that...." So apparently I'm not good enough to drink here. F you and your over priced over salted fried chicken and drunk bartenders.

    (1)

  • Omari W.

    Wow, the only thing that amazed me about this place was how incredibly slow the service was. Especially when we were 1 of 3 tables there, on a slow monday night. Bruhhh! It took them 16 minutes to come to our table. Yes 16, I timed them. Sixteen man. I could have warmed up like 5 hot pockets and ate them in that time. Anyways, finally after waiting we get the $19 burger (including the $4 added pork belly) and $12 Mac and Cheese. At these prices you'd think you'd end up being somewhat satisfied right? Or nah! Burger - 2/5 Yo for $19 i expect to get an actual burger not a mini slider. I took 3 bites and it was gone bruh. Not gonna lie, it was very tasteful and the pork belly was delicous, but plz make this burger bigger if you're gonna charge the dubb for it. Mac and Cheese - 1.5/5. Mediocre. Flavorless. Ambience - 4/5 Only thing I liked about this place was that they were playing the cuts. R Kelly - Ignition? Aw Yup. Service - 1/5.. Okay the ending was the worst. We're now 1 of 2 tables there and the chef comes to us and asks if he can take the plates and if we need the check. We say yes obviously cant wait to leave but 10 mins later, no one shows up with the check! This was the first time ever I had to walk up the the bar myself and ask if we could pay. Had to be one of the worst services I've ever expierenced. Im pretty sad cus I was actually excited to go here but was def underwhelmed.

    (1)

  • Brian D.

    I went because there was an Amazon Local. The Japanese Whisky Flight was meh. Tasted like cheap Dewars except for the middle (17 year) one. The cocktails are hit or miss as far as tasty and just weird. Maybe I'm too old for this place. Its a place to go to say you've been and not much more. They have a Valentines Day special in their "secret room" so I think I would go for that. I bet it is good, albeit spendy.

    (3)

  • Allie C.

    Awesome vibe and ambiance!! I had the park side- vodka, absinthe, pear liqueur- and it was probably one of the best drinks I've ever had! I've heard this is one of the best bars in seattle, and from my experience here I can definitely see why! The only issue was I came on a Monday night, and it was packed- my three other friends and I had to sit at the bar, where it was awkward to have a group convo.. It is a much more intimate setting- so I recommend coming with just one or two people! Look forward to bringing my friends here!

    (5)

  • Kathy A.

    Very cool ambiance and so many drinks to choose from! The Bowtie was absolutely delicious. I highly recommend trying it. I will be back just for that drink and to try so many more!

    (4)

  • Marcella P.

    If you're looking for GREAT cocktails (seriously great), it really doesn't get better than this. Absolute MUST if you're on or around Cap Hill.

    (5)

  • Leela S.

    After having to leave Needle and Thread earlier than expected due to a private event starting up there, I wasn't quite ready to call it a night yet. The logical solution was to enjoy another well-crafted cocktail downstairs at Tavern Law. We were seated by the window, and we got the entire little section to ourselves. That was pretty nice. An attentive server came over and handed us our drink menus. He seemed a little eager--he came back in barely three minutes to ask if we'd made our drink choices--but I'd rather have a waiter who's more eager than not. As for the cocktails: wow! Mine was rye-based, but it had walnut liqueur and some darker, fruity flavours that combined wonderfully with the rye to give me a sweeter drink than I'm used to with whiskey bases. My boyfriend had what can only be described as the suavest, classiest pina colada-like cocktail I've ever encountered: think pina colada flavours in a Mad Men setting rather than a college spring break trip. Prices are kind of steep, but I would recommend coming here for at least one drink; the menu is extensive, the combinations are unusual and expertly crafted, and the cocktails are delicious.

    (4)

  • Katherine M.

    Tavern law is an intimate little lounge offering a huge selection of cocktails, and some interesting finger foods. I haven't had the chance to try the food so this review is based on the booze alone. As far as the cocktails go, there is a myriad selection organized by liquor type. It has been bit or miss for me. Sometimes the drinks are a bit too bitter, but maybe you are in to that type of drink. All said, there are some gems on the menu and Tavern Law is a centrally located intimate bar where you can hear your company.

    (3)

  • Annette F.

    I cannot believe I found such an amazing bar! If you're looking for a place to relax and enjoy some well-crafted cocktails, than chose Tavern Law. During my stay in Seattle, I paid this fine establishment two visits. The first stop was only for a cocktail. The second time I stayed for dinner and a cocktail. The menu changes daily with fresh local food. The Trout they offered was amazing. It was small but the prefect size to make you full. I can see why they are listed on the 25 Best Bars in America!

    (5)

  • Nam N.

    Tavern Law is easily my top 5 bars to go have a drink in Seattle. It's small and intimate, dim lighting and old school library kind of decor. It's a perfect place to get away from the Cap Hill crazies and party goers. Just laid back and amazing cocktails. Calling the folks behind the bar, bartenders would be a bit of an understatement as Alchemist would be seemingly more appropriate as they fine craft delicious spirited drinks. Albeit some drinks may not be for your palette but if you tell them what you like and don't like, they will come up with something on the spot to please your thirst. The food is a little on the pricey side but the quality and flavor of it all makes it top notch. I love the pork belly here.

    (4)

  • Nga B.

    My husband ordered the Manhattan and he loves it. He also tried the flight of whiskey, which was very tasteful and the bartender, the service were all great.

    (4)

  • Kat L.

    I love Tavern Law. I am not a big liquor drinker so usually sip off my friends because I don't want to pay $15 for a drink I might not be able to finish. The drinks have always been quite good and I love how the servers ask you questions to help figure out the best drink for you. They usually have a pretty decent selection of canned craft beers for those, like me, who aren't ordering cocktails. Their food here is also absolutely amazing. Get their Foie Gras Terrine. The best way I can describe it is a grown up PB&J. It's also an open kitchen (or at least partially open, I don't pay that close attention) so you get to smell some of the delicious things while they cook. The ambiance is also really great. Dark and very Seattle bar like. Great place to meetup with friends and have a relaxing night!

    (5)

  • Brad M.

    Great drinking and service. Speakeasy. Vibe to it. Appetizers were just normal but you come here for the drinks

    (4)

  • Brian B.

    I found something interesting while visiting last week: The stereotype of the dismissive, rude, hipster bartender is alive and well in Seattle. Every bar I sat at was staffed by guys whose service philosophies ranged from 'Barely Concealed Disdain' to 'Open Hostility.' Except Tavern Law. I had the pleasure of being served by a guy named Will, who was easily the best bartender I encountered in Seattle, and ranks up there with my overall faves. He's courteous, funny, knows when to engage and disengage, and is just as happy to shake up a meeeeean Bourbon Dialect on a slow, rainy Tuesday night as he is to pour shots of Overholt and Jameson. Will: You rock. If you ever find yourself in DC, look me up; your tab's on the house.

    (5)

  • Tanner B.

    The best bar by far in Seattle. The atmosphere is fantastic, intimate, but good for a group. The drinks are the best, bar none. Try the Pick a shrub with strawberry balsamic. It might be the best drink I've ever had. I haven't had the food yet, but the menu looks perfect for a date night and very varied. The bar keeps are attentive, but don't bug you all the time. The bar caters to all tastes. Great beer and wine, the best mixed drinks, and a superb liquor selection. My favorite bar in Seattle.

    (5)

  • Valeria G.

    Been here with my husband several times, even Needle and thread! Just got approached with a host who yelled at me shoved me in the corner with no chairs told me I can put my drinks on a railing, then walked off. Then when I approached him back to ask if he is going to let me know if something comes available to grab me! He rudely said " DUHHH it's my job" so I said sir there is no need to be rude he started talking back that I was being rude! So I started walking away, He put his hand on my back and shoved me out! And when I asked for apology for the customer service he provided, he told me he wasn't going to! WOOWWW going to call the GM!!

    (1)

  • Morgan J.

    I used to like this place more. Their cocktails are really good. But with such poor customer service it's not worth it anymore. We were served our drinks (just two bottled beers) over 30 minutes after ordering them on a less-busy-than-usual Monday night and when we said we didn't even want them anymore the waitress whined about how busy she was instead of apologizing and offering to do anything about it. This place always came off as snooty and unwelcoming but if I'm going to be treated like that I am not going back.

    (2)

  • Mojdeh S.

    How I heard of this place: Initially, I found out about Tavern Law about eight months ago, when I was at a bartending competition at Vessel (heard about this through Rocky). Since then I have heard rave reviews of the food at this gastropub and, now, with a 10% discount offer in hand, I had the chance to try it out for myself. Type of cuisine: Refined Northwest cuisine. Ambiance: Speakeasy-esque, the space boasts high ceilings and dark wooden pillars, a navy striped wallpaper in the gentleman's den and a strange, very large painting of a woman holding a bird on the wall to your left as you enter the doors. The secret upstairs bar is accessible by picking up an ominous, black phone next to the iron door and (possibly) speaking the secret password to be let in. Bar seating available, as well as limited seating at boothed tables. What I ordered: The three of us dining at Tavern Law thoroughly enjoyed the chilled pea soup ($7) with mint and fennel, topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, at Suzanne's knowledgable recommendation. We selected two orders of the mac and cheese ($10) prepared with smoked white cheddar and topped with a julienned apple and watercress salad. One order of the Sockeye salmon ($12) over a bed of sweet corn, tomato and basil (also upon Suzanne's recommendation). A final order was placed for the pork spare ribs ($12) prepared with honey and coriander and served with a jicama slaw. One dining companion ordered tea (which seemed to be an ordeal as our waitress questioned her and offered her syrup-flavored drinks instead) and another ordered a house-made soda, with refill. To end the evening, we placed one order for the lemon sorbet, served over graham cracker crumbs and topped with a blackberry compote ($7). What I loved: I loved, most of all, the chilled pea soup. The flavor was sweet, light and refreshing and the texture creamy. The bright green color of the soup was very inviting and a beautiful contrast to the stark white dollop of fresh, whipped cream. The drizzle of mint oil added a spark of flavor and hint of spring. The tart and sweet lemon sorbet was also a big hit! Why I loved it: The food, while portions are small, was delicious. Everything was presented with aesthetic ease and taste that was worth the wait. Cost: High ($7-$15 for limited, small menu items)

    (4)

  • Nathan C.

    These guys know what they're doing. I love a place where I can just say surprise me and they come up with something well-balanced yet potent. I can't say much about the food, haven't ordered much yet, but for me the prices were overkill in that department. The real destination is needle and thread, for me... but TL had a great vibe too.

    (4)

  • Tessa A.

    Sat at the bar, drinks were superb. Boozy and refreshing all at the same time. Ordered another round!!

    (4)

  • Kayan H.

    Spiced fried chicken with mashed potatoes was delicious. Burger with mushrooms was amazing. The meat was cooked to a perfect medium , incredibly flavorful. Fries were great. Drinks were good. I often hear rave reviews about the drinks here but what impressed me more was the food. The service was also excellent.

    (5)

  • Gilad B.

    I love this place. Amazing drinks with creative names. Their Whisky Sour is really top notch and the food is pretty darn good. When you visit pick up the phone on the back wall and see what happens. This is really a seattle gem

    (4)

  • Stephanie P.

    We went here in hopes of dinner and drinks for my fiance's 30th birthday - got there early in the evening on a Monday, so it was very quiet. It took us 40(!) minutes just to get our drinks. I got a cocktail that had two ingredients, and my fiance got a whisky sampler. When the server finally returned, he asked if we were going to order food, while we were both looking at the menu - we both said yes, just a second, and he said "Oh I'll come back later," but didn't return for another 20 minutes. In the time it took for this awful service to take place, I called over to Knee High Stocking Co, got reservations, contacted our friends who were meeting up with us and told them to forget Tavern Law and move the festivities elsewhere. If you want a good cocktail, there are PLENTY of better places in the city to get them. This was probably the slowest service I have ever had in a bar. No excuses on such a slow night for two simple orders. Maybe if we had handlebar mustaches and corduroy jackets, they would have served us? Get over yourselves.

    (1)

  • Sasha A.

    Came here during a pub crawl for St. Patrick's Day and this was the last stop. I was very excited because the ambiance of this bar was so cool! I also heard there is a speak easy here as well. Sat down, ordered drinks, and then came the drama... Basically another customer was unhappy with service/drinks/no receipt... She was irate. Yeah, we have all witnessed a customer like this before. Soon enough, someone called the cops and had the woman escorted out. By this time all the ambiance of the bar went away and it was silent and awkward. I heard a slow clap from across the room and I giggled. Thank goodness someone else was trying to lighten the mood. Then I hear a woman yell "Shut The Fuck Up" from across the room to whomever was clapping. Oh lord. Can this night bar get any worse? And she is a waitress there. YES, she works there!!! I have seen terrible service, but this takes the cake! They started to have a tiff and another male co worker of hers said yes, they can talk to their customers however they please. I don't get why they took it out on a customer that was trying to lighten the mood. My question is... why didn't you tell the irate customer to "get the fuck out" then? Ah, confusion. Can't we all clap and move on? Anyway. I don't think I can return to a place where they yell and cuss at their customers AND try to justify it. Too bad... I guess I will never know what the English Fizz tastes like.

    (1)

  • Braden L.

    Saint patricks day, 10:15, waitress and bar tender acting very unprofessional towards a group of people. Waitress claimed to be owner and was using profanity at a group of custoners. Then a bar tender stepped in and said: ' we can say what we want to our customers, we can tell them to fuck off.' Completely ruined my night. I will not return.

    (1)

  • Natalie G.

    This place is tiny! It took a half hour to get a table so plan ahead. If you want the "secret" upstairs you need to book over a week in advance! They have a big list of custom cocktails, specialty liquor, and a decent beer list. We tried the ham and cheddar cracklins (warm pork rinds) for $5 a bowl. The first bowl was so good our group ordered a second that wasn't as good needed to be fried a little longer to fully pop some of the pieces.

    (4)

  • Blake A.

    Service was terrible. Keep it classy Tavern law.. there has to be bartenders out there who can match the quality of your drinks and food. Don't get me wrong, I do love what the bar has going here, the classy drinks, the amazing food. But the bartenders were dismissive. It was a Tuesday night and me and a lovely lady come to sit at the bar. The bartender says hello to her and promptly left. The rest of the evening was a struggle to get any bartenders attention. (it was not packed at all with many seats open at the bar) The real moment of terrible service was when the bartender was talking to two people who said "we're good, thank you", however the bartender continued to chat it up with the couple about how good the dish was, I thought this was a perfect moment to signal I needed something. So I asked "hey when you have a second, we'd like to order some more drinks". The bartender, literally 2 feet from me, did not respond and continued to chat about the dish with the couple... That was annoying but whatever, I get it. BUT here's when I KNEW we we're getting bad service. The bartender looks over at me and says "Oh sorry, I thought I heard you but I chose to ignore you". Wow... I've never had a bartender say he was purposefully ignoring me before.

    (2)

  • S S.

    I had the same experience as Kevin L - we came on Thursday night as well and had one of the worst waiters/servers we've experienced. We had a large group and every time we tried to order something, he'd walk away without listening to everyone. Then he wouldn't appear back for 20-30 minutes and always seemed disinterested (or annoyed) in taking our orders. We were looking for a monthly meeting spot for our large group and luckily, we've knocked one place off of our list.

    (1)

  • Shawna S.

    This used to be the go to spot where men attempted to amaze me with their knowledge of the Seattle scene on 3rd dates. I played along; the cocktails are so worth it. We currently hosted a work event here and I was thoroughly impressed at the execution. My coworkers (All 40)are not lightweights, yet cocktails flowed to the Needle and Thread standard as quickly as we ordered them. The staff was patient with our odd and plentiful drink requests. The food was amazing and included all of our gluten free and vegetarian friends. I highly recommend this as a date spot, for a private party or just to grab a cocktail alone. And if your taking me on a date here, let me pick up the phone. I know the drill.

    (5)

  • Alyssa K.

    Great bar, great selection, and great atmosphere. It was a little chilly whenever the front door opened but the establishmest itself is cozy. I enjoyed a cocktail and some japanese whisky. The prices are fair and worth the quality. Service was quick and the other patrons were well behaved.

    (4)

  • Britta H.

    We went out for a late Saturday night meal and really enjoyed the Tavern Law. Service was good, though he seemed like he wouldn't turn away some help. Drinks: I had a Farmer's hand and my man had a Bourbon Dialect. Both great. Dinner was delicious Olives, the Cracklines (salty but yummy!), trout for me and fried chicken for my man. For dessert the selection was absinthe soaked fruit with praline and a small amount of creme sauce. Light and delicious. We both really enjoyed our eats. The trout had good flavors, lovely spices. The fried chicken was nicely prepared with great taste.

    (5)

  • Jonathan M.

    This is an excellent place to walk in with your date or a couple friends and relax with a special cocktail. They have a very big list of different cocktails and our bartender made each one that my girlfriend and I ordered to perfection. The only place I've been that might have served better cocktails is the upstairs speakeasy, but they don't give you a menu for them upstairs. You just let the bartender know what flavors and liquor sound good. If you want a list of cocktails then you might prefer Tavern Law. I had the surfa rosa, and the twentieth century. The surfa was great, but the twentieth century was amazing. My girlfriend ordered a drink I'd never pick for myself, but even I liked it because of how well it's mixed. Aside from drinks we had the trout, a hamburger, and potatoes. Portions aren't huge, but if you order the hamburger or trout, plus the potatoes or another side then it will fill many people up. The trout was good, but I thought the burger and potatoes were much better. The trout had a very nice sauce and lemon dip. The burger was perfectly juicy and medium rare. The potatoes were hot and crispy. They came with a dip where I'm not sure what was in it, but it seemed like a cream cheese, butter, and maybe a little avocado. It had a slight green coloring to it and it was perfect with the potatoes. Inside the lighting is perfect. Nice and dim yet still light enough to look around and pick people out from a distance. Oh the service was also very nice. I'll definitely be going back again sometime.

    (5)

  • Becca C.

    Think Gastropub experience. These are well-versed mixologists that make your drink, so don't order that boring well drink; tell them what you like, and say you want the bartender's spin on it. Relaxed atmosphere and chic without being full of itself. The food menu goes beyond your average bar food (comforts like mac'n'cheese and burgers, but on the other hand, trout and fois gras). Talked to the bouncer about the upstairs situation; that sounds like a very fun place to get a drink with an intimate group of friends, just know you have to definitely make a rezzie Needle and Thread.

    (5)

  • Dennis M.

    Awesome. Sit at the bar if you can.

    (4)

  • Chris P.

    I would like to say that Tavern Law grabbed my attention when I read it was in the top-25 for cocktail bars in the US, but I first noticed it when I was reading up on the top "yuppy" burgers in Seattle. It turns out that both reviews were spot on. I was rejected the first time I tried to visit because it provides a product in high demand, but has a low supply of seating. The difficulty of entrance intrigued me because that means only the truly intent will pass through the entrance of Tavern Law. The close-quarters consumption inside the bar provides ample opportunity to converse with the fellow patrons whether you intend to or not. The cocktails are spectacular at Tavern Law, quite possibly some of the best I've ever had; tell the bartender your poison and they will convert it into the antidote you've been seeking. The burger itself with the accompanying red wine jam and the (well worth $4) pork belly, makes for a great vehicle to satiate your hunger and prevent a drunken disaster from happening after a few libations. Come prepared to spend $40 on a few carefully-crafted cocktails.

    (4)

  • Lily L.

    Although not like any of the speakeasies in town with a door front visible to the public, Tavern Law does have it's secrecy and allure. It is always bustling with liveliness and drinkers of all sorts. The decor reminds us of an 1800's saloon with a spinning roulette and dart board, grandiose chandeliers, and ceiling high bookcase. It's pegged to have some secret door with steps leading to an abyss of happiness. And so it does...if you look right by the bookcase, there is a steel door that catches the eye. What it is for, I have yet to ask. I imagine it's a storage room, but the suspension of a non-generic answer tingles inside waiting till the next time I go. Lastly, the lounge area to the right of the bar is where I imagine the old-fashion go-go dancers and their gentlemen friends to be, laughing and drinking the night away. The drink menu is massive and caters to all kinds of drinkers. I appreciate when bartenders make me a light drink when asked for, but there is no such thing at Tavern Law. If you order a hard one, you will get a hard one. It is wise to call them mixologists vs bartenders because their concoctions are surprising to the eyes and tasteful to the tongue. (They even have the 7 Stars Moonshine, in case you're interested). I wish I could recommend a couple drinks, but I forgot to log the ones I tried. So not Yelper of me. I have yet to try the specials on the menu (ie. foie gras terrine or pork shoulder), but this is already on my list of "late night drinking."

    (5)

  • Megan T.

    Tavern Law is one of my regular spots. Decor: Think 1920s prohibition bar. You walk in and you feel like you step back in time. They do a great job maintaining the decor. It makes you feel instantly classy. Drinks: Their drinks are amazing. The wait staff is very helpful in helping you pick and drink. And if you are the indecisive type, the bar tenders will ask you what you like and make AMAZING drinks. My friend fell in love with her drink she had made by the bartender there. It can get dangerous! :) Food: Although their menu is small, it is delicious! Their Mac and cheese is amazing! They add Apple and greens to help balance the dish out - so Mac and cheese doesn't feel so heavy. It's perfect! Price: Food and drinks average $10-13 each. Which normally means my tab is ~$40 every time I go. Other: On weekends they have a guy at the door that keeps the crowd down. So no matter what you have a great experience if you can get a seat. As a result, big groups are tough to fit on the weekends, and chances are you'll get turned away at the door. Or he'll tell you to come back in a certain amount of time. Makes for a great atmosphere!

    (5)

  • Tina C.

    Would not recommend this place to anyone. The service was terrible. The bartender at the Speakeasy is extremely obnoxious. Drinks were too strong for it to be an enjoyable cocktail. For that reason I'll take my money elsewhere

    (1)

  • R B.

    Tavern law haiku: Wood on walls, old books surreptitious, flirty looks make me another. (it was an addison, and damn good.)

    (4)

  • Natasha P.

    Great spot with excellent drinks. I love that there is a speakeasy upstairs (needle and thread). A secret door opens to let you up.

    (4)

  • Trisha F.

    As much as I appreciate swanky, gorgeous atmosphere and innovative craft cocktails, I very much balk at charging $4 for a soda water. Holy $hit, Tavern Law, is 10-20 per drink not enough for you? Do you just hate DDs? WTF. I had the Southern Belle, which was great in terms of flavor, but poor in terms of alcohol content. Maybe I'm getting to be too much of a lush, since I seem to say that a lot. I also ended up finishing my friends' drink. I've forgotten the name, but it consisted of whiskey and a very, very strong medicinal taste from the chamomile infused alcohol. Not the best thing I've ever tasted, but much more worth the price tag-- this one will knock you on your @$$. We also ordered a gin based cocktail. If I had to put a name to it, I'd say it was a corpse reviver, but not positive. My friend liked it very much. All in all, I'd give TL another shot, especially after eyeing some of those small plates offered.

    (3)

  • Alanna M.

    I love the ambiance of Tavern Law with the lofty, library-ish feel, but sitting in a bar sipping on some classic martinis and such. I have to say I fell in love with their burger with wine soaked onions. The fried chicken that's brined for a few days was heavenly too. Thanks to some friends for introducing me to this place... So hipster.

    (4)

  • Margaret G.

    I had a beautiful and tasty pan-seared trout, albeit the veggies it was on were a tad underdone. The chickpea cumin paste could have used a bit more cumin, but the harissa was a delicious accent (tastes like roasted tomatoes). The french press had a charming presentation, and the taste was on point. Unfortunately, they didn't have any of their "Daily Ice Cream" to pair with it the day I was there. Service was decent for me, but I sat outside.

    (4)

  • Laurie C.

    Love this place. We had a great time. Just not sure why drinks are $15.00

    (4)

  • Tracey W.

    Great ambiance, great service from the staff, and great drinks. This place is not your typical bar. They serve inventive drinks that are delicious. Loved our waiter because he was attentive and helpful when trying to choose our drinks from their extensive drink menu. I came here one time before during a previous trip to Seattle and will definitely keep coming back when I'm in the state. Sadly, we didn't have any luck, again, with getting into Needle and Thread. Maybe my luck will change the next time I pick up that phone! Highly recommend this place. It is a small place, so a big group wouldn't be ideal.

    (5)

  • Shawna M.

    Service terrible! Paid 50 dollars for 4 drinks that were less than pat and barely got the fourth without question from the waitress. She said, we only do a four drink minimum here.... What?

    (1)

  • Varun B.

    Really nice, intimate place to get a good drink. Service is great and their drink menu is solid. If you see people standing by a old school telephone near a doorway, it's because they're looking to get into Needle and Thread, the speakeasy-type bar (read my review on that here: yelp.com/biz/needle-and-… )

    (4)

  • Heather V.

    Overall, Tavern Law is an OK spot for drinks, but the smells of food become a little overwhelming while just enjoying cocktails with friends (you leave smelling like deep fried something, it's in your hair/ clothes, even your bra -- ewww). It's just too much -- last time I decided would be my last. The cocktails I would say are a 4 star -- the bartenders are more like mixologists and the waiters really know their booze. That's a plus. However, the drinks are not cheap or well sized (think tiny old timey glasses, but still normal sized martini prices). The food I would say is a 1 star, as there's not a single vegetarian friendly option, AND they offer foie Gras? Whaaaat?? Force fed goose liver that's been banned in several states and other countries because it's such an unhumane practice? Really, in 2013?? Ugh, how lame. Between the unfriendly menu, the stinky cooking smells and the clientele that just isn't super cool, I think it's time to move on and find a new spot.

    (1)

  • An T.

    I would have given this place 4 stars but this experience wasn't a 4 star level. The place was super packed on Friday night about 7pm. Was standing and mulling around for a good 20 mins before some people left. So finally found somewhere to plop down, it just so happened to be right by the door... But I digress. Had a place to put my bottom and a ledge to rest a drink. Ordered the burger with pork belly and my friend got the fried chicken. Also ordered an Old cuban. It reminded me some what of a whisky sour but also of a lemon drop and mojito. pretty good. Not a sweet drink. On to the food. The burger was delicious. The bun was meh. It kinda tasted like any normal burger bun. But the combo of the burger and pork belly and onion jam was fantastic. shoe string fries were nice and crisp. The chicken is well a preference thing. I've had skillet fried chicken before and I don't recall the crust being so dense. It was like biting into hard candy. Not the normal crispy crunch I am used to with fried chicken. I couldn't taste all the spices in the batter because of the honey drizzled over the chicken was overwhelming my taste buds. I might come back if friends insist on coming here but I would be hard pressed to go out my way to come here due to how crowded it gets

    (3)

  • Mydao H.

    Drinks are strong and pretty damn perfect. The fried chicken is amazing. It better be for $14 for two pieces. I love their pork belly and their popcorn grits, but didn't see it on their menu last night. Instead they had a pork belly BLT which I didn't try. I ended up getting the pork belly on my burger. Burger was good, but pork belly was dry and nothing to rave about. For $19 I expected it to be better, but was disappointed. I remember having the mac and cheese another time and it was pretty good. I just love this place really and it is usually very busy. Quite pricey for small bites, but hey, every once in a while it's ok to spoil yourself with great drinks and food. I probably just won't order the burger again. I've been upstairs once. It is called Needle and Thread even if they share the same menu. I love the ambience upstairs. This place always make me happy. I am always excited to bring my friends here because it is more than just amazing food and drinks, it is quite an experience.

    (4)

  • Isy E.

    The only food worth eating here is the incredible edible salad. I think there are beets on it, or some other crunchy vegetable that is thinly shaved. Chevre, toasted pine nuts, yum. So good. I've tried a lot of other items on their menu and they are all disappointing, like reheated frozen food level of disappointing. They're primarily a bar so this doesn't count heavily against them... nothing they offer could be called a meal on it's own. But the salad, y'all. Even if you don't like, it's worth trying. The drinks? I don't know. I find all of them to be sour. One day when they weren't busy, I was here for a rather long time, and ordered a few drinks over the course of a few hours. All were really quite sour and I disliked them. Every time I go back, when I say, "not too sour" it's sour. I don't get it. All of the staff are kind. The doorman gave us a great tip one day about getting upstairs and it worked! The kind lady who waited on me during my sampling spree was all smiles and just a nice, happy person. I like the vibe here but the drinks are a bummer for me. I keep trying though.

    (3)

  • Susan P.

    For interesting cocktails I really think this is your best bet in Seattle. I like it a lot better than Knee High Stocking Co. Canon is probably on par cocktail-wise but I haven't been there enough times to say for sure. I also dig the more intimate atmosphere of this place more than Cannon. But if you are going with anything more than four people, Canon is probably a better bet. They have a great menu of cocktails but also do a really good job of making something for you off-menu if you describe the kinds of drinks that you like. The food is really good too. I can't remember what I've had in the past but I remember it being quite good. The most recent time I shared some fingerling potatoes and the burger with a friend and they were both super duper awesome. Service is good. Highly recommend.

    (5)

  • Aaron R.

    Our meal here was fantastic. The burger may very well be among the best in the city. The spicey chicken was amazing--maple syrup on fried chicken! Wait staff was friendly and knowledgeable. We will be back soon.

    (5)

  • Carmen B.

    My husband and I have been here a few times. To be honest, we go for the atmosphere and the fried chicken (it's delicious). The staff and bartenders are friendly and offer good service but where they lack is in the mixology dept. the cocktails leave much to be desired. They aren't horrible, but nor are they spot on. Perhaps it depends which bartender makes your beverage and we just keep drawing the short straw.

    (3)

  • Suor K.

    I came here a while back with a group of co-workers. We were looking for a good ol' speakeasy. There's a phone inside that may grant you access to the upstairs speakeasy (the Needle & Thread bar). We tried a number of times, but we were just not Gatsby enough to mix with the cool kids behind the secret door. If you have deciphered the secret code word / secret handshake, please share the love. The Tavern Law was the place where I discovered my love for ginger beer. It was served as a chaser for a shot of frenet branca, which is also impressive. This bar is fairly intimate, with few booths and a number of bar seats. It gets busy on Friday nights, obviously. We ended up standing around with our drinks.

    (4)

  • Jose B.

    One thing that was odd was that it had German beer in its selection which was non-alcoholic. Yes, one of the other Speakeasies taking over Seattle. Pretty easy to find and it will get busy since it is on 12th and Pike, a busy pedestrian route. Though not as quiet as Bathtub & Gin, it is a decent place for a drink or two at a night of barhopping. Tavern Law is definitely more upscale than the other bars on Cap Hill but there is a diverse group as always. It will be claustrophobic for some and the layout is quiet odd with all its corners and tables. Hope this helps!

    (3)

  • Joshua G.

    Just as a fish cannot describe the water, no Seattleite can properly identify a damn good cocktail bar. We're just spoiled on the bar front. Since I have been away from Seattle and living in Southern California, this is the single most bar that I miss the most. They're not just bartenders, they are mixologists. They are huge geeks and they want nothing more than to create the perfect cocktail for your pallet. They're kind of like gallivanting matchmakers for the world of alcohol. Seriously. They even have secret magic potions and they are just dying to share them with you. The food menu is a work in progress. I think they're working up to something to compete with Quin's up the street. They have a natural burger with pork belly option that is a force to be reckoned with. Please, Seattle. Don't let Tavern Law go under-appreciated. Go. Celebrate.

    (5)

  • Jennifer L.

    From the outside it looks like a law firm or some other business, but when you enter it's a bustling restaurant/bar. I haven't tried the food yet, but the drinks are great. Upstairs is a speakeasy and you have to call from a phone downstairs to see if they have room for your group. You tell the waitress what kinds of drinks you like and then the bartender makes a drink to your tastes. The decor is a beautiful 20's style.

    (5)

  • Alexander N.

    I'm fine paying more for a drink that's creative, tasty and served by a person with actual bar knowledge. Given that the drinks/bartenders at Tavern Law can be described as such, I'm fine paying more for drinks there. I've ordered the Vieux Carre several times (at first just to show off my flawless French accent -- eh, je suis honnete) which turned out to be a delightful cognac drink that was strong but easy to put back. I'd also recommend the Ballad of Casey Robinson (or some name close to that) which is a cool gin/habernero drink with crushed ice that's mildly spicy. Even the simple martinis are pulled off with panache. I hate to deduct a star from a cocktail bar for its food (that's not what you're there for, seriously) but the one thing I ordered at Tavern Law with my girlfriend was so bad that I feel I must. It was some potato wedge things (she picked, *ahem*) with a mediocre tartar sauce. Dry, deep-fried and bland. I'd expect a little more just based on the prices at Tavern Law. Bad bar food aside, Tavern Law is a really impressive spot...

    (4)

  • Matt V.

    I wish it was acceptable to drink these drinks 24/7...but unfortunately from time to time we should take breaks. I will however be back every second that I can. Great bartender that steered us in the right direction and made some kick booty drinks!

    (5)

  • Darcy H.

    whoops. I was there last night with a group and the service was blah. Yes the server was accurate and available...but didn't seem to want to be there. Also, a $14 risotto...that's the price of a regular restaurant entree, no? So let's see it! This was a side dish. Overall, people were *feeling* how expensive Tavern Law is and it put a damper on the party. Great atmosphere and well-made drinks for sure, but service with flair and portions that match their price points would finish the picture.

    (3)

  • Hanna C.

    I just loved the super attentive servers and great drinks! The price of the drinks were reasonable too at around $10. I tried the cheese plate, burger with pork belly, and potato wedges. The food items were all good and it complimented the drinks well.

    (5)

  • Jacob B.

    Pretty cool. Strike that. Pretty rad. A bar that knows how to make a proper Pimm's Cup, without looking at a book or a card is rad. Not only this, but when you say the word Shandy, you don't have to explain what it is. Give your favorite type of booze and they will improvise. Moscow Mule as a specialty house cocktail! They also make sure they say hi to each person who walks in. Hooray for politeness! The food is good too. Crispy Yukon Gold Potatoes with Black Truffle Mousse.

    (4)

  • M B.

    Muttons and I are tight hip fo style. Drinks so delicious you don't know they're strong. The best.

    (5)

  • Vanessa A.

    Beautiful space. Love the antique typewriter in the doorway and frosted windows. Opening night tonight and there were a lot of people there dressed to the nines. We actually wandered in on a walk around our neighborhood so we weren't nearly so decked out but whatever. It takes a lot for me to break out fake lashes and stilettos like one patron did tonight. I got a Pedestrian for $8 - vodka, pineapple, lavender, orange bitters, chartreuse. It was excellent. BF had the Dover Tea $9 - earl grey, sprig of rosemary, gin. It was a warm drink and also excellent. Very delicate flavours. They did a fantastic job of handling the crowds. Everyone there, servers, chefs, bartenders, are clearly very experienced folks who know what they're doing. Certainly no amateur hour here. The food looks great but $14 for some small plates seems a bit pricey. The cocktails are the type that take quite some labour to make. I'd compare this with say Knee High and Liberty, but their drinks are a buck or two cheaper (at Knee High and Liberty) a piece for sure. That savings can add up so unless I'm feeling rich, I'd probably end up at one of those places instead next time I'm itching for a fancy pre-prohibition style cocktail. So yeah Tavern Law is on the pricier end of the three but the place is really lovely.

    (4)

  • Helen Y.

    Nice service from bartender but so disappointed with the so-called killer burger. It was good but tiny...and it was $15. :( The cheese platter was good. Not worth returning given the limited menu, the stingy burger and festival seating.

    (2)

  • Suzie Q.

    Great staff Delicious drinks You get served quickly even if the place is packed Lovely concept for a bar (old school library-esque) Spot on! Thanks for an awesome time

    (5)

  • Julie S.

    Very expensive. I know their drinks are good, but much reduced review due to cost and HORRIBLE attitude of the bartender. It was Friday evening & there were only like 4 people in the entire place. She acted too busy to help us and had absolutely no personality. There was another manager or server lady that was actually super nice & helpful. Too bad she wasn't the one serving us!

    (2)

  • Marilyn V.

    Wow, was I impressed with the mixologists here, they know their stuff! Not only are they knowledgeable with their ingredients and alcohol selection, they're so friendly. I came here with a small group on Monday night and we hung out at the bar. (The super secret place isn't available on Sundays and Mondays.) It was really cool ordering drinks and watching them being made right in front of you. You could tell that the mixologist really put detail and heart into each drink. I want to come back for more drinks and to try their food. If it's as good as their sister restaurant, The Coterie Room, I know I'll be back!

    (4)

  • Kim V.

    I've only been here twice and I love it! As many of have said, the atmosphere is great, food is delicious and drinks are amazing. The drinks are pretty creative and they usually change up the cocktails and have their regulars. Both times I ordered the burger with pork belly and it is so good! The combination of caramelized onion, pork belly, and burger is amazing. The bun on the burger is just as good and I can just eat it by itself. The bread is soft, buttery and flavorful. Service: the first time I went, our server was great! He was attentive and quick especially when it was quite busy on a weeknight. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same thing about my second visit. I went early on a Tuesday night and there were hardly any patrons. The server took 25 minutes to take our food order after serving our drinks. I had to guzzle done my wine so he could see that my glass was empty to get his attention! If we just wanted to drink, my friend and I would've sat at the bar. When he were done with our meal, he finally cleared our table and my friend asked for the bill. We waited 15 min...and no bill, so my friend actually had to get up and ask the server for the bill! The service we experienced was unacceptable especially when the restaurant was empty. Instead of paying attention and checking to see if we needed anything, he was busy chatting it up with his coworkers. Even though I experienced bad service, I will still come back because the place is great, food is absolutely amazing and drinks are awesome! I just hope I don't get the crappy server! I hope no one else will have a bad service experience.

    (4)

  • Chris H.

    We were not overly jazzed about our meal here. It would be an OK place for a drink if you were in the area but I am not sure if I would go out of my way to eat there. Cafe Presse and Osteria La Spiga offer better options in the same area. Food was good but the menu is very limited and the plates are very small. Order a few a piece. Halibut and cod fritters were good (fritters were a bit salty). Beet salad was tiny but tastey. Chard dish was ok. shortribs were ok but gain small. Wine menu and straight pours are reasonably priced. Parking is tricky but there is a spot next store that is the best option. We didnt make it to the top bar which supposedly is the best part of the experience (although, some have likened it to hanging out in a Pottery Barn).

    (3)

  • Jac J.

    Came here during the capital hill club dinner of the month. Had the butter fish which was delicious however only size was minimal :( For $14.99 you get 4 oz of butter fish cooked to perfection, covered with large coos coos and kelp that was highly salted. Loved the fished hated the bowel of salt. Great place for drinks. Extensive drink menu.. yummy! Not a place for dinner. Must try any flips: Pike and Pine. Refreshing and delicious.

    (3)

  • frederick a.

    Stopped in here the first time on the 28th of December to catch a drink before heading out for my birthday dinner. I'd heard a lot about this place and wasn't let down. I appreciate the decor and vibe they have going on, from the wood used on the bar to the lamps. Spectacular drink selection, I really liked the Red Rum Daisy. Jen had something "violet" or other and it was also really very tasty. Def will be back. Need more bars like this around.

    (5)

  • Sven E.

    I unfortunately didn't get to try the not-so-secret secret upstairs speakeasy, but I was more than satisfied with the main bar. Nathan mixed up one of their house specials, the Pike & Pine, which is basically a whiskey sour with Kummel, housemade rosemary syrup, and a whole egg, garnished with a rosemary sprig -- one of the best two sours I've ever had. We got to talking about cocktail culture and I lamented that the special ingredient in my signature cocktail is unavailable where I live. I don't know if he ran to the other bar or what, but he returned moments later with a jigger full of the elusive brown liqueur and whipped up this somewhat erudite libation to perfection. I can't give this place five stars because I didn't try the food or the other bar, but I will tell you that I will be back next time I'm in Seattle.

    (4)

  • Seven F.

    I use to really love Tavern Law up until about a month ago. It was a cool place to stop by and have a drink-either upstairs or downstairs. On a recent trip it appears that the demographics have changed and the once cool mellow crowd has been replaced or over ran by the Belltown crowd. The vibe is no longer cool especially upstairs. Maybe they need to revamp, perhaps add some new music maybe some old school jazz instead of the snooze fest currently being played on the bar upstairs. Not much they can do about the clientele. But since it's becoming douchbag city perhaps they can make up for it by lowering their crazy expensive drink prices. Two drinks including tip $28 bucks, just ridiculous.

    (3)

  • Mike T.

    Tavern Law is an ode to my cocktail swilling heart! Cozy up to the bar, order up something with rye in it and watch as the bartenders shake, pound, crush, stir, and squeeze their way into your heart...or liver. I mentioned to the bartender that I was wokring my way around the rye family and he poured my a Pikes. After finishing that off, I wanted it in a cocktail and he made up a Manhattan-esque drink with Frenet Branca! I felt the hairs slowly growing on my chest with each sip. It was delightful! The kitchen has a menu to match the liquor. The rotating menu features seasonal fancy small plates such as foie gras terrines, braised duck, and fried risotto. The menu is as refined as the cocktails and the tab will definitely show for it. Surprisingly, the drinks we a buck or two less then I was expecting. The decor was speakeasy-ish with tall bookshelves and vintage library lamps. It could have been a bit darker inside, but I didn't mind. One suggestions would be to have a velvet curtain area surrounding the front entry area. The bar is quite close to the entry and every time someone came in, the cold wind would rush in. Otherwise, I can't wait to try the upstairs.

    (5)

  • David Y.

    This is one of those joints I've been wanting to go to for over a year but for some dang reason, I keep forgetting about it when I'm out. I finally made it there and DAMN, was I happy to have finally made my way though the door! The bartender serving us "Brian" was incredibly friendly and personable, despite the place being standing room only while I was there. We got to try several drinks and a few dishes off the chalkboard menu above the bar. I can't remember the drinks, and one of them hadn't even been named yet - guess that happens a lot when you're an artist like Brian is - he lets his guest take a stab at naming the cocktails he creates... sometimes their names make it, sometimes they don't. I'll have to return to see if Anabelle's Tale made it to the menu - help me out by asking for it by name, it was a fantastic drink, delicious and alluring and so beautiful to look at. Brian takes pride in his creations - you won't see a juice jogger around, all the juices used are fresh pressed in front of you and he oh-so-carefully arranges the garnish. This guy is an artist through and through. To eat we had the fingerling potatoes with truffle aoli, roasted pork loin and mac and cheese. When I ordered the mac and cheese, Brian asked - "Do you want to add roasted pork belly to that?" Duh! Cured pork products to mix in?!?! Heck yeah I want to add that! It was incredibly good, all of it. I say go experience the place, you'll not soon forget it.

    (5)

  • Kelly K.

    Totally head over heels in love. Went with a regular and a few friends. We stepped through the vault door and we were in some romantic venue I could only dream about. The genius behind the bar was kind and attentive. I am not a gal who knows her spirits. But I do like testing the skill of cocktailers who ask me to describe a feeling or a word that might capture the taste of the drink I am after. And after mulling it over in my head, I gave the kind gent my orders. "How about something that tastes like 70 degree weather, rainbow sorbet in 1986." And he delivered. One sip and I was back in my pink sundress, riding my blue bicycle and listening to Madonna. There are really no other words for this place. You just need to experience it for yourself.

    (5)

  • Laurence W.

    Probably one of the finest cocktails I've had in recent memory. I'm not even sure what it was, but Katy H. instructed the bartender to do a little of this and little of that, and we ended up with some kind of a ginger-spiced bourbon-based drink. The burger was a great midnight snack too. Great spot.

    (5)

  • D'Arcy H.

    On Tues Sept 7th I decided to have a lowkey birthday celebration at a place I had heard such great things about (Tavern Law.) I wanted something on Capitol HIll and was willing to experience something new. Little did I know what I would get....... dissatisfaction. I thought about writing this review for weeks and now after discussing it with friends I feel 2 stars is actually generous for this establishment. I liked the decor and thought the upstairs speakeasy idea was cool. The second star is for whomever created such a gorgeous looking wood bar. Nevertheless, a great decor does not overshadow a negative service experience. It took the bartender over 5 minutes to even acknowledge I had sat at the bar. I have worked in bars and it doesn't take much energy to smile and say,"Welcome, I'll be with you soon," when you are crafting a specialty cocktail for another customer. I'm not looking for fast food timing but I think a sense of urgency when serving people is extremely important. Especially for the prices here! Two of my best gay boyfriends arrived and it took even longer for the bartender to acknowledge that they wanted to order. When he finally did assist them, they asked for 2 Manhattans with a blood orange bitters that was arranged on the bar alongside other bitters choices. He said," You don't want that. Its just a syrup.." even though it said BITTERS on the label. I have talked to people who have been here and apparently recommending drinks based on preferences is usual. Yet, I think some tact is required if you are to provide a positive recommendation. It wouldn't have been so bad if he had just suggested the drink he wanted to make. BUT he tagged on,"You should get this one...it has maraschino (sp?) cherries and its a little more MANLY." And then he WINKED at my gay boyfriends. They were insulted. I was insulted and embarassed and truthfully regretted deciding to hold my bday there. Dear Mr. Bartender: Um...do you know what neighborhood you're in? This is Capitol Hill, hun. Gay people run this hood practically. If you don't want to be serving the homosexual community, go work somewhere else. I've worked in places in Boston ( with almost identical decors and high end drinks.) that are less snobby than this. My recommendation Mr. Bartender? Swallow your narrow mindedness and flirt with the pretty gay man when you're servin' him. You might actually earn a good tip.

    (2)

  • Alex L.

    Speakeasy Bar with alot cool decor! Call the phone to head upstairs! They have awesome techniques and styles when making drinks. Was not really big on the Pimms Cup (Have had better experience at George's Yaletown in Canada) Plus it is on the pricey side. Would like to come back and try something else in future.

    (3)

  • Ishita D.

    Great cozy location that is perfect for a Saturday night with friends. The place gets full so be there early. There is a good variety of cocktails. We just told the bartender of what we liked and he mixed some potent drinks. The highlight of the evening was a lychee-lemon-spicy cocktail the likes of which I have never had before but was delightful. Definitely will go again.

    (4)

  • Amy B.

    This is one of those bars that you must visit in Seattle. Beautiful decor. Fantastic ambience. Try a drink special and be amazed.

    (5)

  • Carolyn Y.

    Love this place for many reasons. My man took me here for our first date last summer, we had a few drinks, and since it was a pretty dead night the bartender let us check out the upstairs speakeasy bar on our own. We ended up talking all night and shutting down the place, and well.. we're together now. :) Anyway, lovey stuff aside, I did my undergrad in English and Law, stir a little history (my secret academic crush) and intoxicant into the mix and I loved the interior right away. 1920s decor, old Encyclopedias, newspapers, dial phones, and the hidden tunnel through the entrance of the bolted door to imitate the Prohibition times. (I knew I should have kept my flapper dress in my car at all times for occasions like this.) Bf and I went recently to relive our first date (okay last bit of the mushy stuff) and got to try the food. Their burger had a pork belly add-on which we initially thought was a substitute for the beef patty but it was an addition to it. Burger WITH pork belly? As incredible as it sounds. Had some fries, truffle mac and cheese. And finally, the creme fraiche ice cream with foie gras that changed my life. It sounds strange but that's what intrigued me, have never tasted ice cream so uniquely rich, wish they made it in take-home pints so I could eat gluttonous amounts in private and not be judged. 5 stars for extensive list of drinks, knowledgeable bartenders, great interior, delicious food, and the best first date.

    (5)

  • Stephanie C.

    I like this place. It's very nice. However, the delicious fried chicken with bits of maple goodness on it make me speechless! Soooo good! Yes, the drinks were tasty, but I dream about this chicken experience and I hope that it will always be on their menu!

    (4)

  • Tony E.

    Executive Summary: Snag some grapefruit gin. Very good stiff drink. Ambiance is what you'd expect from a mega-hyped bar like Tav law. If you are looking for a more chillaxed scene with even better crafted mixes, scope out Sun Liquors near Summit and Mercer. Pros: Go here if you are stumbling by. Cons: Don't go out of your way to make it.

    (3)

  • Avivos S.

    Awesome cocktails that can be described in one word: Vintage. Nice selection of fancy bar style grubs as well.

    (4)

  • Sarah C.

    Well, there be changes up in here, so Tavern Law's going to be unpredictable for awhile. It's like there's a bartender Chinese fire drill (is that a derogatory thing to say? It totally wasn't in my small home town, it was just what this idiotic thing we all did at least once was called - the nationality was never considered. Chinese people are cool. Fill in an equally visually descriptive term if it's really bad.) happening around the city. Faces leaving and showing up elsewhere, even managers ditching the scene. And that has happened here (if you're in the know, but only sort of, David's gone and Miles is leaving). So the new kid in charge, Nathan, makes amazing drinks. He's intelligent, charming, etc. I hope he does well in the new position. More specifically on drinks here - don't order off the menu, just don't do it. The thing about craft cocktails is that they really are an art and every bar manager is going to tell you that all their bartenders do it the same and the menu is probably even designed to encourage consistency - but it's wishful thinking and nothing more. Bartenders make their own drinks best. And I don't mean their own recipes, though it's sometimes true, I mean that whatever drinks they're good at making, because of their palate or the liqueurs they really understand, etc. are the ones you want to order. And the menu doesn't tell you what those are. So you say to them, 'you know, I'm feeling kind of dark and brooding today and I feel like rum,' and you let them go to town. Don't order off the menu. I have to note though, that Tavern Law has sort of this little gimmick going on. Upstairs is where you're supposed to order in the aforementioned fashion. Downstairs is where you order off the menu. But don't be silly. Get good drinks, wherever you go, here or elsewhere by talking the bartender. Oh and the food? Is amazing. Kyle, a young guy - a YOUNG GUY - is a chefly stunnah. It's not cheap. Portions are small. But delish. I don't like foie, but I like it here.

    (4)

  • Dave M.

    Look, I really can't fault this place. But maybe I should complain about the high prices of their petits plats. Maybe I should bitch and moan about the pretention and other noise that you can experience here. Or perhaps I should point out the limited patience a fickle public has for this whole speakeasy zeitgeist. Well, to hell with that. The cocktails, especially in the speakeasy upper niche, are ... A-fuckin'-mazing. And that's all I have to say, because, frankly, what else really matters?

    (5)

  • Mike W.

    I was not expecting such a modern space or surroundings having read the various reviews on this place. We managed to find two seats at the bar on a Thursday night and enjoyed two perfectly prepared cocktails. I had a "Cat's Paw," a take off of a Lion's Tale but with the addition of ginger. I could have stayed all night given the incredible selection of cocktails. Our bartender was very friendly and attentive, but I could see how that could be hit or miss depending on the crowds. For me, the variety of cocktails and preparation definitely were top notch.

    (5)

  • Clover Unyoung K.

    My favorite cocktail bar in Seattle. They serve very sophisticated cocktails and pay attention to every little detail. My go-to drink is heart burn but all drinks that I tried, I loved all of them. Make sure to go there early like before 8pm. Otherwise it would be completely packed. If you can, make a reservation for the secret second floor. You will be surprised by their cute little space upstairs.

    (5)

  • Garret A.

    Time to bust out the superlatives. If you're the type of person who doesn't easily toss out words like BEST, GREATEST, and MOST in your reviews, you should go to Tavern Law and see if you can restrain yourself. IMHO this place is the best in Seattle at what it does.. Which raises the question......what does it do? Well, for starters it one of the most comprehensive cocktail menus you will ever find. Chalk full of drinks from around the US from today and times gone bye, including some seattle originals crafted by the master bartenders of Tavern Law themselves. Don't know what to order? Don't worry, the bartenders will ask you to choose a spirit, sweet or sour, thick or thin, fizzy or flat and in 5 questions or less will know exactly what to make you. Most drinks have no less than 5 or 6 ingredients, once you've ordered the show begins. The bartenders are masters of their craft and make each drink the way its supposed to me made, complete with showmanship and pomp. After mixing, the drinks are artfully strained into your glass right in front of you, garnished / zested, and viola...drinky time.. You truly feel special when you take your first sip knowing that so much effort went into it. Every time I have been here I've enjoyed awesome dialogue with the bartenders about drinking and the history of various boozes. They are solely responsible for turning me on to at least three of the spirits / drinks I'm presently enjoying. And... I have to mention the first time I came here. I was in the mood for rum, my guest was in the mood for scotch. As we sat and sipped on our chosen brands, the bartenders allowed us to taste and sample at least 5 other rums we'd never had and 5 classic scotches including a couple rare japanese varieties. This education and the alcohol that was part of it was all on the house. It pays to sit at the bar...trust me.. This place can get really really crowded, so fair warning. If you can't handle SRO (standing room only) you might want to make sure you come on a weeknight.

    (5)

  • Kat F.

    If I had a Yelp list for "Places that make me feel like a badass," Tavern Law would be at the top of that list. Downstairs is a little overwhelming and unimpressive but head for that black phone on the wall and call upstairs. If they've got room, they'll buzz you in and you can go upstairs to the hidden lounge, away from the noise and crowd in the main bar area. People who don't know how it works will be shocked to see you disappearing behind the mysterious door and your date will be impressed with your chutzpa (at least mine was, since we didn't know what we were doing and picked up the phone on a whim.) I'm not much of a cocktail drinker but the bartender was super patient with me and asked me about a dozen questions about my likes and dislikes, finally giving me two different bottles of liquor to smell so I could pick the one that appealed to me more. We shared the potato appetizer (the only thing on the menu my vegetarian self could eat, unfortunately) and while it was delicious, it wasn't enough to call dinner and so we had to leave after one cocktail and head for a place with a more varied menu. Tavern Law, I love you. I'll be back soon to hang out in your secret space (that's what she said.) Just...put something vegetarian on your menu, will you? Please? I'd love to drink without worrying about the effects of liquor on an empty stomach.

    (4)

  • Lita A.

    This place is so reminiscent of a bar in the late 1930's-early '40s during the prohibition era. The bartenders are suited up and there's an actual speakeasy to get into an elevator (the door looks like a bank vault) for the "exclusive" floor above. Faux (it looked like) book cases that went from floor to ceiling. There's an extensive bar menu. I decided to order the drink special, some tropical something, that had gin, lime, peach, & bitters. My drink was sooo different than what I was expecting. It was massively spicy! The heat would take effect after a few seconds. The description said nothing about that. I was expecting a bitter/sour taste but not the burning sensation. I would suggest that the staff try their drink specials so they know 1st hand what they taste like. I asked the waiter if it was supposed to taste they way it did, and all he could say was, "I think I may have picked up the wrong drink." So, not only were the drinks expensive, but they got mine wrong. The waiter apologized, re-took my order for another drink, but didn't make any complimentary adjustments to the bill. I will give Tavern Law another chance in respect to their ambience and decor alone, but hopefully I can re-evaulate and increase my stars rating.

    (3)

  • Julian G.

    For real Tavern Law? For real? 6 dollars and change for a beer i usually get at Brouwers for 3? For real Tavern Law? For real? You know that 6 pack cost 8 at the store down the street? For real Tavern Law? For real? I wanted to love this place as its just a block away from my house... But this yuppie block can burn to the ground for all i care.

    (2)

  • Jeff B.

    I wanted to save my 100th review for somewhere that was truly special to me. The cocktails here are amazing and apparently there's a speakeasy upstairs that's super cool, but it's what happened in the back booth amidst some cocktails and pate that I'll never forget. It could've been the timing, the space or the effect of the cocktails but thank you Tavern Law for providing a truly amazing evening.

    (5)

  • Kate L.

    This place is pretty amazing, unlike anywhere else I've been...no exaggeration. Stepping into Tavern Law is like entering into a time warp. The bartenders are dressed to the nines, apropos of the Speakeasy motif of the place. Two gentlemen sitting at the crowded bar even offered their stools to my date and I! My date chalked it up to me using some kind of womanly persuasion, to which I replied "But I didn't do anything..." ("That's what you think," he says) What's different about the drinks here? Each one is distinct in style, presentation, and taste. With its unique ingredients, Tavern Law offers the consumer an overwhelmingly pleasant visual and sensory (ie, nose and palate) experience. My favorite drink was the Lusty Lady. I would divulge the ingredients to you my fair readers, but I don't kiss and tell. Love the mix of music playing in the background, which includes some Jimi Hendrix and I think I heard some Zeppelin at some point. What made this place even more entertaining? "It's a small world after all..." ran through my mind. No, I wasn't on a theme park ride at Disneyworld or Epcot. I was in the small city of Seattle where it's possible to see a former date standing behind your current date, a weird juxtaposition of two very different men...in a very different kind of place. Thank you Tavern Law, for the extra amusement to last night's distinctly unique evening.

    (5)

  • Kira I.

    Number One: brownie points for having the "speakeasy" feel. I usually try to experience the bar aspect in reviewing the spirits, wine, & beer offered first. Then I move on to the food experience. Phil is the only bartender I've seen here and he knows his cocktails well as I would expect no less. What makes a good bartender? Experience, passion, and a little bit of luck in assessing your customer's preferences. Check, check and check. I never need to look at the menu here. He already knows my drink depending on the mood I throw out. Gosh, come to think of it, isn't that the secret to a great relationship anyway? Moving on to the food menu, so conveniently located on the wall, I decided to go home south like a real tavern might be, and try the fried chicken. SO DELICIOUS! Juicy, satisfying, and devilish all in one bite. Regardless to say, I will be frequenting this quaint Capitol Hill bar, if not only to try everything on the menu. Thank you Tavern Law for being everything I needed.

    (5)

  • Horis A.

    small place, but great drinks. didn't get to go up to the little bar up top. The night we went there wasn't many people there just two groups of friends. Bar tender and wait staff are nice and make good conversation.

    (4)

  • Tatiana S.

    Felt like my campari with fresh squeezed orange juice had wisked me away to another time, especially when I had to pick up the phone and announce myself to the private party upstairs before the giant secret door would unlock. Haven't had so much fun in ages.

    (5)

  • Robert K.

    The food was stellar. My party and I tried almost every major entree on the menu, except for the fried chicken (which was out). The burger with the pork belly was amazing, though a little overcooked. The mac & cheese was excellent and creamy. The fried trout with risotto was delicious. The drinks were excellent, though there's some room for improvement. The mixed drinks the rest of my party had were better than mine (but I ordered an old-fashioned cocktail off-menu). I'd go back here anytime.

    (4)

  • Michael M.

    Haven't had the drinks, only the food. Solid food and while I'm much more partial foie gras a la lobe style, I didn't think their mousse-style version (foie gras terrine) was very compelling either. I've had the burger and chicken here (different occasions) which are solid as well. Service is always good and consistent - like their style. Haven't had their drinks but will come back and try.

    (3)

  • Angie K.

    Let me reveal my biases up front: . . . I like a good gin cocktail, but I am way more about the food than the drinks. . . . I find the Seattle speakeasy trend both pretentious and outdated. . . . I'm over Capitol Hill. But I was open to Tavern Law and from all the great reviews here and in the media I thought it's probably worth a try. Nope. 1.) the phone to the "secret room" is obviously on the front wall so it's just silly and a way to not pay a hostess. 2.) There are rules telling me what I can or can't do in the secret room. My favorite was that you can't engage in indecent behavior. What, like taking my top off or something? Cause I was so going to do that right after ordering a $9 cocktail. 3.) The food is way overpriced and not amazing at all. I had a $14 pot pie which was exactly the same size and quality as the $7 pot pie at Metropolitan Market. Actually, I prefer MM's pot pie -- Tavern Law's was kind of like a little pile of food with a perfect circle of puff pastry floating on top. Real food does not come in a perfect circle! 4.) The cocktails were good but not great and they were super expensive. Hey, I can get a $9 cocktail plenty of places with humans who greet you, wait on you graciously and don't hang up the phone on you when you try to call their stupid secret room. 5.) You might not get into the secret room because there is a private party that night, a party whose guests all have particularly bad style. 6.) The non-secret room decor and atmosphere is very corporate, and way too sunny. There were a lot of staff there who were all just standing around. I'm all for overpaying for food and drink if it is worth it, but Tavern Law is just not worth it. The whole experience was just OK, completely forgettable and not worth the hype. I'm open to the idea that it would have been more fun to be upstairs in the secret room, but it still would have been the same blah food and expensive cocktails, and it would be nice to know before I went out of my way and got sexually harrassed on the bus to get there that the room wasn't open that night because the Sand Point Grill has just as good cocktails, a super friendly bartender, and is on my way home!

    (2)

  • Adam M.

    Solid food, good drinks and very friendly & helpful service. Definitely would come back

    (4)

  • Nick V.

    FAIL. Give me a break. All this hype, for what? Friend visiting from out of town tells me he's heard about Seattle's "new" speakeasies. Enter Tavern Law, go to black corded phone on right, near window, pick up the receiver, and after 12 rings... Waitstaff rudely tells us they're closed - She was outright snotty. Really? WTF is the point? Her attitude pissed me off, more so then the fact that the "secret" bar upstairs was closed. No bueno. PASS.

    (1)

  • Janine D.

    First time here this past Saturday for a Ladies Night. Service was great, ambiance was classy but not stuffy. Drink menu is quite large, diverse and exciting, although the drinks weren't as strong as one would expect from the ingredients. Crowd was mixed as well. I was most intrigued by the not-so-secret vault door leading to the "secret" speakeasy, the Thread and Needle. We tried to get a last minute reservation but were turned down. I actually admire they were sticking to their occupancy limit! This place takes the art of drinking seriously. We eventually talked our way into the secret entrance for just a quick look about, and it was really neat. You enter a narrow wooden staircase adorned with 20's pin up girl photos. The loft-like area has great vintage fixtures, fabric walls, and is just cozy enough without being uncomfortable. I also liked that it wasn't filled with a bunch of chachi club kids. The people here were sophisticated and really into the 1920's throwback vibe. A group was even dressed in pinstriped suits for the guys, flapper dresses with feather headdresses for the ladies. Very cool. Had some interesting sounding food options on the main floor, but not very veg friendly. They can do better. Overall, the Tavern Law is a hip but non-snobby night out. Recommended!

    (4)

  • william b.

    The concept and the cocktails are cool, making the trip worthwhile. The food can be a little haphazard in terms of whether it arrives or not, or if it's what you ordered, but when it did arrive, was delicious. We had a pork back appetizer, probably no longer on the menu, to die for. We did not go upstairs.

    (4)

  • Alissa K.

    I walked in around 8:30 on a Saturday night, and it was fairly crowded. However, at least 4 different people checked with me to make sure I was taken care of. The server even found me and gave me a water (didn't even ask for it)! Drinks are expensive-ish but very well made. I'll be back!

    (4)

  • Cari F.

    This place is a time capsule waiting to be discovered. Hubby and I stumbled upon Tavern Law while on a photo stroll through Capitol Hill last Sunday. I've been wanting to come here ever since my SIL's boyfriend told us about his experience with the phone, so needless to say, when we saw the sign it took little convincing to pop on over to check it out. Sadly, there was no one upstairs that night, so we couldn't go up. Oh well, just a good excuse to go again and again! But on the bright side, Sunday is all day happy hour. Score! We each got a cocktail (after a week, I'm having a hard time recalling what it was). Both of which were amazing. Fresh. honest. bold. unique. and overall really great. I could have just spent an hour looking over the drink menu. It's like a drinking text book. But if you're not looking for an education and don't want to think, don't worry, the staff is great and are experts at tailoring drinks to match individual palates. After getting our drinks and being oh so impressed, we decided to order a bite to eat. It started with the stuffed jalapeños. The sauce and cheese used gave this classic gastropub fair a high end twist. Really good! As we were munching on our peppers, we noticed the burger waft by to the table next to us...yeah, we caved. Hubby and I split the burger and fries. I could have crawled inside that burger and died happy. So tender, juicy and perfectly seasoned. Our burger was dressed to the nines with some yummy cheese and caramelized onions. It was definitely a show stopper. Summary? Came with high expectations, left with a new standard of comparison. It's just that good.

    (5)

  • Chi D.

    I just found my favorite bar in Seattle, on the top floor of Tavern Law - the Needle and Thread. If you can handle a little more expensive tab, you're in for a treat. The atmosphere, the ambiance, the tentative bartenders, and the awesome drinks they cater to your likes - everything was perfect. We were able to get onto the upstairs area because they just ended a private event that night and it was empty at first. It didn't take long to fill up. You can make reservation for Needle and Thread within a week time span. We also hung out at the downstairs section, which was also really nice and comfortable. I'd definitely recommend this place for friends' casual gathering. It is also a perfect date spot in the upstairs section.

    (5)

  • Jennifer J.

    Popped into Tavern Law this rainy Sunday evening for a cocktail. Loved the space, loved the mixologist, loved the drinks, which were carefully crafted and made with love. A bit on the expensive side, so it shall be where we return for an extra-special night out. But we will be back, and it has definitely earned a coveted spot on our personal "Best of Seattle" list!

    (4)

  • Nicole E.

    Happy Hour on a weekday. Not too busy. Bartender...err "Mixologist" was very helpful and suggested several cocktails to try. I ordered the Old Cuban (a mojito with a splash of champagne) which was minty/rummy/sparkly goodness. The rest of my group ordered unique drinks that they all liked. Then, because I had done my Yelp-work and knew that we should check out the upstairs "secret" bar, we went over the legendary phone and asked to come up. Upstairs was swanky and quiet (we were the only ones up there, besides the other mixologist). We found a little nook to huddle up in and waited for the mixologist to come over. He told us that there is no menu - we tell him what liquors we like (sweet? savory? bubbly? eggy?) and he will concoct something special for each of us. I told him that I really liked my Old Cuban from downstairs and would like the same thing. He politely refused, saying that he would make something similar, but with his own twist. What he brought to me was a heavenly concoction of grapefruit, rosemary, bubbly, and ?? All I know is I loved it. Everyone else in our group was delighted with their cocktails too. Bottom line: They know cocktails. Go here for a fun night with a small group of close friends. I definitely see how it could get crowded, so if that's not your thing (it's not mine) come during their off-peak hours for a much more laid-back experience and so the mixologists can give you their full attention.

    (5)

  • Dawn B.

    Um...this place is creepy. Stuffy, stifling, pretentious, preppy, trendy, dark, hip, yuppy, and, um, creepy. That said, my housemate loves it, so this is only my opinion. The cocktail menu is big, they'll make what you want, and the bartender took care making our very overpriced drinks. The food menu absolutely did not entice me to try anything. The upstairs is closed on mondays and tuesdays, boo! Since we were there on monday, I didn't get to go up. I did get to watch my housemate stand befuddled on the phone waiting to be let up, though, and that was fun.

    (2)

  • Liana R.

    Bartender Brian. Go see him. Delicious fresh-squeezed drinks although I didn't utilize his ultimate potential which was unheard of combinations of seemingly incomprehensible flavors. They make a quite interesting cocktail with some Absinthe and egg white... Anyway...garner up your fanciest drink and visit their 'tenders and they will make sure you get what you want.

    (4)

  • Eric K.

    Alas, after being here three times I don't think I've found my Seattle counterpart to NYC's Milk & Honey. It's close but there are just a few things that are too annoying about it to give it five stars. 1) Food pricing. I enjoyed their food but it's overpriced for what you get. I think they could stand to take $3-4 off their food prices across the board. I think at that point it would be a reasonably good value for the quality and size of what you are getting. For reference, I tried the pan seared trout and roasted potatoes. 2) Drinks. The only drink I have had downstairs, the kemble house cocktail, was, well, horrible. If I had that as my first drink at Tavern Law I might never have looked back. It might have partially been a bad drink choice on my part but I really hesitate to think of anyone who would really like it. 3) Upstairs. So clearly they haven't gotten this worked out yet. I think they should just go reservations only for upstairs. Or they need to stick with having a bartender and a server at all times. The first time I went they had both and it was a great stress-free experience. The second time it was just the bartender and he was so stressed it made us stressed. And the whole point of these places is to come, relax, sit for hours, and enjoy great cocktails with friends. The sad thing is that I've been looking for the kind of experience I thought Tavern Law would provide based on my first experience. I'm more than happy to sit and drink for four hours in one venue and give substantial tips. But they need to get things running more smoothly. They're too popular for their own good right now. They have a lot to work on and I'm curious to see how it pans out. For now I'm dropping Tavern Law to four stars but another not so great experience or two and I'll have to drop it to the it-was-nice-to-know-you land of three-star reviews.

    (4)

  • Michael G.

    I'm torn on this place. 1st off, the cocktails are great. The bar staff really knows how to create an amazing flavor profile and their custom drinks really back that up. Secondly, the food is well done. Mac and cheese was great as were the other small dishes that were shared. The problem I had was the waitstaff. We were a table of 3 with half the bar filled and it took us forever to get our food and drinks - 1 of which was wrong. Someone from the table finally went to the bar to personally order follow-up cocktails because the waitstaff disappeared for 20+ minutes. When we finally left, we needed to pay with 2 credit cards - 2/3 on one card, a 1/3 on another. Waiter put the wrong amount on the wrong card. Poorly trained waitstaff totally overshadowed the experience. I'm hoping I have a better experience in the future, but I'm not jumping up and down to wait.

    (3)

  • Mike A.

    So I finally made it into Tavern Law. Im always a bit skeptical of places with rock star reviews, but I tell you, Tavern Law is the real deal. The food, drinks, and super friendly bartenders made my night memorable. I cant wait to return.

    (5)

  • Rose S.

    The food is seriously delicious. The upstairs is seriously awesome. But the service upstairs SERIOUSLY sucks. We made a reservation for a friend's birthday upstairs. When we called on the little phone downstairs to see if we could come up they said they were running a little behind and it would be a few minutes. No big deal. 30 minutes after our reservation they let us come up, but nobody came by to give us menus or offer a drink for another 30 minutes. We had a schedule and plans for the rest of the evening, so we asked for food, which came as a big surprise to our server (?). The food was really good but came at all different times, with a side of bad attitude. They also pride themselves on their cocktails. I asked for a "vodka surprise" thinking their ever-so-skilled craft bartenders could make me something worth marveling over. I was given a cosmo. Woopdie doo. The rest of my friends drinks either tasted like licorice, or were heavy handed in egg white froth and bitters. Also, the drinks were super expensive. The food was great, but boy were we thrilled to leave.

    (2)

  • Andrew B.

    First off, wood work, HIGH FIVE! otherwise You know what your problem is? You don't eat enough organ meat and drink enough fabulous cocktails. But wait, act now and you could go to gastro heaven with a side of booze-gasm (you know what that means). All you have to do is head over to Tavern Law. If you act now, expect amazing in dept cocktails from be-vested, swank, skilled bartenders and small plates of amazing food stuffed with multiple animals. Think about Spur in Belltown but replace the bolo tie with a monocle and the wagon wheel with a silk dress. And you should wait, wait, and be patient to get up stairs. Above Tavern Law there is a room that raises the cool cat factor in Seattle to,"11." Cool isn't about how much Grey Goose you can drink in a night, its about how good your joke is coming from your re-upholstered pre prohibition egg chair. Are you clever enough to be in that room? Ask Dorothy Parker before you show up. Or I could just just quote her about Tavern Law, its like she founded it, Tavern Law : "Take care of luxuries and the necessities will take care of themselves."

    (5)

  • Christie P.

    Fancy cocktails always have amazed me, but usually just in the "WTF-Expensive!" way. However, there was something intriguing about all the different kinds of libations available here. I might be behind the times, but put an egg in my martini? Well, I did miss breakfast. All in all, I enjoyed all the drinks I tried (it was a big group of us) and wouldn't mind copping-a-squat some evening to try more. But I'll make sure that I've got my pretty-pennies to pay for the bill.

    (3)

  • Amanda S.

    I had no expectations of Tavern Law before walking in. We arrive about 10pm Friday night for drinks and a small plate. I enjoyed the atmosphere, kinda vintage library feeling. Drinks were fancy from fizzs to cocktails-- not something I'm terribly well versed in but I did enjoy the Rosemary/Gin drink, and was tempted by the promise of Unicorn tears on the menu. Cheese plate was delish! Overall, cute atmosphere, low key, but did get crowded as the night went on. Three drinks and a cheese plate ran us about $60. Parking was pretty crazy.

    (4)

  • Mark S.

    Don't waste your time booking an event with this establishment. It might be awhile until they call you back. Poor customer service...

    (1)

  • Richard S.

    The downstairs is noisy. On our visit last night it was also very crowded - a good sign. I much preferred the upstairs. It was more quiet and less busy. I felt like my party was getting better attention. Drinks downstairs were very good. Upstairs, the drinks were not as good. The bartender also wasn't very good at interpreting drink requests (one of the signatures of the bar is that you can ask for a drink in vague terms and they'll find something for you) and he was slow. My guess is that he isn't as well trained as the person downstairs which is a shame because that is part of the attraction. Also, we were busy upstairs, but not so busy that the drinks would arrive so late. Food: Very small portions. We share a number of dishes. All were good, but were appetizer portions and as far as that goes, small appetizer portions. It was nice that they came with side dishes, but there wasn't anything here to blow us away. All were priced at the same levels as main entrees at many restaurants. I don't mind paying more for a small dish, but I would expect it to be a little larger tastier. We had the butterfish, the fois gras, duck breast, pork belly, salad, and fried risotto balls. Service: In addition to the bartender being slow, the waitress missed one entree. Considering that it is one of those places where the wait staff doesn't carry a pad, I'm not surprised by this. Also, the lack of tables upstairs for enjoying the dishes had to be overcome by moving items around. Overall: I like the concept and not completely turned off. I'd go again for a drink and an appetizer, but enjoy a full entree elsewhere.

    (3)

  • Charles D.

    WOW all I can say is Wow! We went to tavern Law on 12th between Pike and Madison and although it was UBER crowded and we still had a great time! We were hungry so only stayed for one drink and some fried oysters but man-o-man were they good. The space is fantastic, although we didn't see the upstairs swankier space the downstairs is mighty fine. The servers/bar tenders although harried were very nice and man do they mix some interesting cocktails. Oyster were delicious crispy with a fresh tomato salsa that really rocked! Other food looked good but we decided to come back another (less crazy evening) Can't wait to return to discover what else they have to offer.

    (5)

  • Jodi S.

    Went to Tavern Law this weekend for my first time, and will definitely go back. Cheers: HUGE cocktail menu....lots of gin and whiskey drinks. Nice ambiance, attentive wait staff. Also the Mac & Cheese is incredible, and the tapas-size dishes are delivered promptly. Jeers: Im a vodka girl, and they only had 2 vodka cocktail creations on their menu. Also, VERY limited seating....which can be a bit annoying. Definitely a must-try in Seattle though. By order of the court! (tee hee!)

    (4)

  • Penelope K.

    This review is for the super secret speakeasy. I came once and the drinks were incredible. I came another time and there was a different bartender, the drinks were...not incredible. They get big points for the atmosphere, decor. It is a great spot to have an intimate conversation with someone you like talking to. They would get one more star if they did one of these two things: Made consistently incredible drinks (hey, for the price you pay - it better be incredible!) Had an old-timey string band playing up there. Come on! That's so speakeasy! I suggest local group "Slimpickins"

    (4)

  • Brittany S.

    I really loved this place! I had a quick look at the downstairs area of Tavern Law, but the upstairs area is definitely what the place is known for. My friend and I were the first ones up there (it was a little past 7, and the upstairs area opens at 7 on most nights). I felt a little strange using their little black phone to go upstairs, and everyone at the bar was staring at me (according to my friend) voila! The phone rang, someone picked up, and let me in. The decor upstairs is very unique, and swanky. You can't take pictures inside but it's def a must see!! I saw the food menu, everything looked yummy. The bartender was excellent! He definitely knew his stuff, he made a drink for me and my friend. He explained that they don't have a drink menu, so rather he makes a drink for you based on .. a spirit, what you like, how you're feeling etc etc... very cool. If you're wondering, this "special drink" is $11. FYI I think that this place is a bit hyped up. It's a really great place to just talk with a friend, very relaxed. I think the speakeasy concept really contributes to the hype.. obviously.... BUT great place to have a conversation and have a drink.. and feel special :D

    (5)

  • Danielle G.

    First off I'd like to say that this a review for the drinks only as I didn't have the opportunity to try the food. I came here on a Saturday night after dinner and it was awesome. The bartenders definitely know what they are doing here. Just describe to them what you feel like drinking or what your mood is and BOOM! drink in yo' hand. The prices were a little steep for me, but I would say well worth it. I don't think there was one drink that I didn't like. I'll be back to try more.

    (4)

  • oraia r.

    Made a reservation for us to have a drink upstairs on a Wednesday night. Called the downstairs phone just before the time of our reservation, was told that it would be a 30 minute wait. No worries, we're on vacation and totally patient. We sat near the upstairs door, were given menus by the friendly bartender and then tried to order drinks from a somewhat grumpy waitress. Maybe she was slammed? Anyways, the downstairs seemed cool - I liked the vibe. Finally got called to go upstairs and was surprised at the bright lighting. Very chill and intimate space, but the lighting? Sheesh, you could do surgery in there! I liked that they only played period music the entire time and that it was never a bar scene upstairs because they limit the number of people at one time. Obviously a controlled environment. David, our bartender, took his time making drinks but he was incredible and he's getting all these 3.5 stars. I'm not remotely a pre-prohibition gin-and-bitters drinker, yet he listened to my crazy picky requests and whipped up some amazing vodka drinks for me, like a total pro. The Gentle Man had a great combo of drinks ranging from (I believe) rye to amaro. We also had the potatoes, which were really good. Was it worth the hassle of a reservation? fellow yelpers hype? Maybe not, but David sure was!

    (3)

  • Oliver P.

    Had a very nice experience here recently after what I would characterize as a sub-par one a while back. A few months ago I was in and my server just had absolutely no personality and was not interested in helping me make a cocktail decision at all. She seemed like I was bothering her when I asked for a little help...when I asked her to point me in a direction. On my second visit It was exactly the opposite server assisted me in choosing a cocktail to begin...then, when I wanted a second...he was great at asking me questions about the first cocktail. What aspects of the drink I enjoyed etc...this then helped us decide on a second drink together. In my mind...that is how it should be done every time here. I'll be back.

    (4)

  • Eric M.

    A little bit of London located on bustling 12th Ave. in Capitol Hill. When you enter it's almost like a Harry Potter set with ornate bookshelves filled with old law books. I love the layout of the place, the high ceilings, the kitchen tucked away behind the bar, the seating that curls around the room. The law books are old "federal reporter" volumes that lend a dignified air to the place. Where's Rumpole on the Bailey? Oh, you have to use the phone to see him, he's upstairs. Request an appointment. The phone.....like a clue in a dungeon and dragons game....why is that old rotary phone on the wall?? Why do people keep staring at it, using it, shaking their heads and walking away deflated, or shrieking with glee and then disappearing? Why is that old vault door there....what, it's another bar, another room...really another dimension. When you go upstairs the drinks are a little stronger, the food a little tastier, the bartenders a little cooler, and girls dresses a little tighter! Get upstairs by hook or by crook. It's like mental MSG going to the "Needle & Thread" section of Tavern Law and worth it! Other Yelpers have covered the great drinks and tasty food, IMO one should also experience the game of Tavern Law, it's "afoot".

    (4)

  • Elisa R.

    Amazing, attentive service and the BEST cocktails I have ever had. Don't go here if a lemondrop, cosmopolitan, or rum and coke are adventurous for you. This is a destination for people who want to experience hand-made prohibitan era cocktails. Wine and beer list is good, if you would rather not have liquor. Food was incredible, the fried chicken was better than my southern-fed Grandmother's. Best Saturday night drinking experience in a long time. Service was incredible. Rene was one of our waiters/bartenders--he was amazing and added to our wonderful experience at Tavern Law.

    (5)

  • Alexis B.

    In town for a wedding we stopped in here with five friends. Not only were they able to accommodate us for a table, the cocktail list and service were great! I am a cocktail snob and felt like each drink here was well balanced and inventive but the place was still welcoming and approachable.

    (4)

  • Brian Y.

    flips, fizzes, sours the navan soothes with aplomb menu of panache

    (5)

  • Jessica N.

    This is a cool little bar with a old fashioned vibe. The quality of the cocktails was the best I had while in Seattle (with a similar vibe as my favorite bar in San Jose). The real trick is to come early so you can use the little phone and get a place upstairs in the secret speakeasy called Needle and Thread. We didn't have that opportunity, but maybe next time!

    (4)

  • Abby F.

    (Needle & Thread and Tavern Law are listed separately so I reviewed them separately. I gave N & T a much lower rating.) I had read many great reviews on the drinks and food as well as the ambiance at Tavern Law so I decided to check it out and drag my husband along for the ride. I was not disappointed (at least with Tavern Law...) There is a bartender there who introduced himself as Magic who makes a lovely Ober Park Fizz. He was also very patient and answered my husband's questions on what Sazerac is and he even let us taste the perfect Rye to use and then discussed the undertones and flavors in the Rye that make it good to use in the drink. Side Note: My husband and I are in a weird transition period from late 20's to early 30's where we have children and our friends do not so they still lead the "party hard" lifestyle that we are no longer interested in. Hell, we never were. I have been trying to find new places to go without ending up either in a group of newly 21 year olds in some club scene or with people my parents age. This place totally fits that bill! There were people of all ages here but no one cared and it was really pleasant. There was one guy who had to many drinks but thankfully he left and that wasn't the norm.

    (4)

  • Maria R.

    Torn about this review. We adored the secret speakeasy upstairs. It was like stepping back into your great-grandmother's house full of crystal chandeliers and ornately carved mahongany wood tables. And the bartneder up there could not have been nicer. I loved being able to just tell them the liquor and type of drink I was in the mood for and have them work their magic. He even graciously explained how things worked to us. What we had a major problem with was raw meat masquerading as a cooked hamburger in the downstairs restaurant. Here's how it went down: Two couples ordered 2 burgers (for each couple to share). All was going really well (the fingerling potatoes with fondue rocked) until our burgers arrived. We all took a bite at the same time and it was like chewing raw ground beef out of the package. We took a look and the meat literally was as pink as it is when you are making the patties - it was even that consistency when you chewed it. Not rare, not medium rare - RAW. So our waitress was very gracious (kudos to her) and immediately took our burgers back. Although they did try to say, "Our chef likes to cook burgers really medium-rare." To which I said, "We love medium rare - it''s raw and slightly still cool meat we don;t like." They quickly brought us two new burgers. These were worse than the first ones. So we had to send those back as well. FINALLY they brought us properly cooked burgers. Third time's the charm? I have to say the poor waitress was so nice about it all and thanked us profusely for being so nice and patient. We just wanted to have our meal so we could go upstairs and enjoy the speakeasy. But here's the kicker: they didn't even comp us one cocktail from our downstairs tab for our trouble and wait, which I thought was pretty classless considering we were so nice and understanding about it all. This was the only blight on an otherwise fun evening - thank goodness the speakeasy experience was so good so we ended the night on a more positive note. I hope they can improve this and that maybe this was an anomaly.

    (2)

  • Simon V.

    I was prepared for the worst. Themed bar, complex hook (hidden room, oblique entry process) small plates menu, designer cocktails. Any of these could have fallen prey to poor execution or bad attitude. But instead - what we found was a cocktail bar for adults. Theme was presented with a light touch. No need to beat the diner over the head with cheesy 1920's inspired bric-a-brac. Just warm woods, leather seating and soft lighting.. (adults benefit from soft lighting). The speakeasy part was done well - if you want quiet and intimate.. head to the locked room.. if you want brasserie-style.. stay downstairs.. Both are fun. Food was inspired - even the cod croquettes had a unique twist (citrus slices to cut the typically heavy tartar sauce). The only caution would/will be the small plates prices are 30% too high for the size of the serving given what other gastropubs are offering - e.g. for $15 I expect more than 2 bites. But as I hate huge portions - for me this is only a minor ding. Go enjoy.. the staff is knowledgeable, drinks are clever, and the food sets a high bar for flavor.

    (4)

  • M K.

    Love the burger, but drinks on the Happy Hour menu were disappointing in flavor . Want to try the speakeasy upstairs next time. Cool space overall and accomodated our larger size group.

    (3)

  • Jermaine D.

    tiny cocktails but done very well. food is great too.

    (4)

  • John S.

    Yeah, very cool. The speakeasy lounge upstairs is worth the experience. The gourmet cocktails with fresh squeezed juices are interesting. I like how the bartender makes drinks for you, and you only get to choose your flavors (bitter, sour, salty, sweet) and your liquor of choice. I know these gourmet cocktails bars are the rage in New York City. Glad to have a place to go here. I'm going to give a three star until I see if the place has staying power. Great option if you're on a date. Not great for big crowds.

    (3)

  • ron p.

    Ridiculously tasty drinks, food is outstanding and vibe is amazing! This place is definitely one of those "hidden jewels" in the city. I recommend the "pork belly" plate to satisfy your palate and "the pedestrian" to quench your thirst. Enjoy! PS - there is another secret to this place but I'm not going to tell. You'll find out once you become a regular or go there with a regular :)

    (5)

  • Abby L.

    This is probably one of my favorite places to get drinks in Cap Hill. They have wide selection of specialty cocktails that are made just right - not too sweet, with all types of liquors. It is a smaller place, so can be hard to get a seat, but love the cozy feeling on a cold Seattle evening - reminds me of some of my favorite NY speakeasies!

    (5)

  • Tracey C.

    My favorite bar on the hill. An actual great cocktail bar. Don't waste your time going here looking for a basic beer or whiskey soda. Get a drink here you wouldn't normally get. A bit of a higher tab at the end but worth it. I would recommend the Violent Femme. They also have amazing food for dinner. Especially the fried chicken. great date place. It's set up to look like an old speak easy. It's a nice atmosphere. I could care less about the "secret upstairs." The drinks taste just as good downstairs.

    (5)

  • Elise R.

    I'm into this place and have been attempting to take my friends there, despite their "not-another-faux-speakeasy" attitude. Whatever name you want to attach to whatever vibe they're trying to go for, I don't care - I like it. The first time I went there my friend and I split a good, relatively inexpensive half bottle of wine and I devoured the most delicious brussel sprouts I have ever eaten (and they happily left out the bacon to accommodate my vegetarian-ness). Second time around I ordered a drink from one of the cute bartenders in suspenders - I told him what liquors and flavors I liked and he made me something wonderful. You really can't go wrong with the attractive server/good food and drink combo, now can you?

    (5)

  • Kat C.

    This place us just too cool for me. We weren't fast enough to call up to the private bar with in bar 15 minutes of it opening on a Tuesday night. The server made me feel old... I am 26 and she seemed so young... Lastly, the clientele behind me was too consumed with taking pictures of themselves and laughing annoyingly. They failed to realize that we weren't there to have them be the focus of the night. Ok, that's not Tavern Laws fault. Still it seemed overpriced, and again, too cool for me.

    (3)

  • Peter S.

    I like that the Law goes till 2am everyday! It's like walking into a record store you dont know what to get. I finally decided on the English Fizz which consisted of Earl Grey Gin, Honey and Lemon. If you love a spot of a tea you'll love the Fizz. I also tried out the Fried Chicken with butter polenta and collard greens. The shiny lips will tell the truth. I solute you Tavern Law!

    (4)

  • Christopher S.

    This place is the home of my absolute favorite hamburger in Seattle as well as my favorite Moscow Mule. Service is usually top notch. Do wish it had a little larger sitting area though, but the use the space they have well. I highly recommend.

    (5)

  • Jillian B.

    Amazing drink knowledge!

    (4)

  • Jake D.

    Admittedly I have only been here once, but damn it was good! They had the scotch I wanted, poured me a generous shot and were super kind and not frazzled even on a PACKED evening. We quickly got a little table and had amazing mac and cheese and other goodies. Each dish was delightful and delicious. The rain was pouring down outside, we were tucked in and cozy, the people watching wonderful. Loved this place and can't wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Ashley O.

    Came here for a friend's birthday a few weeks ago and had a good time. Four stars for Needle and Thread! Downstairs, the place was packed (annoyingly so). The drinks were pretty delicious. Expensive, but what you would expect for a bar like this with specialty cocktails. Probably would be a better experience on a weeknight when it's not so loud and crowded.

    (3)

  • Shawn J.

    Tavern Law's speak easy kicks ass. I would considerate for a small special event. The staff is awesome. The bartender makes drinks from your description of what you want. One fella asked for some fiery and spicy. His drink came back with a blue flame burning on it. There is an awesome safe door that you have to get buzzed into to get to the speak easy. The atmosphere is delightful speakeasy old time design.

    (5)

  • zee s.

    What a terrible experience! I went for an event (the GQ celebration party where they featured 25 drinks from the 25 bars featured on the GQ best bar list). The event was not done well, they had not staffed it sufficiently, and a ton of people were just milling around the entrance. The service was slow and the drinks were fine. I was planning to stay for a while, but the slow service convinced me to go after my date and I finished our first drink. We paid and left. This would probably have resulted in a two- or even three-star review had my experience ended here. It was fine. The next day there was nearly a $200 charge on my bank statement from Tavern Law (as well as the $17 for my two drinks). I called their number, to hear a recording saying they open at 5. Fine. I call back at 5, 5:30, and again at 6 when someone finally answers the phone. I was passed to someone else who told me that the owner was standing right there but they couldn't check the charge until the "main office" was open tomorrow. Now, I know that the person swiping the card could have made an error and voided the transaction. In which case, it would have been appropriate to let me know so I wasn't shocked to find an additional $200 charge on my account today - I would have known to expect it to be reimbursed shortly. No such luck, just a mystery charge. What's so disturbing to me in all of this is that the person speaking with me did not once apologize for what happened. And apparently, the owner, who was standing "right there," did not feel like apologizing or prompting the staff person speaking with me to apologize. And now I have to wait until tomorrow to find out if I need to make an official complaint with my credit card company. [Update: I waited over 24 hours to post this, to give them an opportunity to speak with me and explain - no one called me back]. I understand that mistakes do happen, and I would have been much more understanding about all of this had I received even one "I'm sorry for the inconvenience." But I guess that's not what happens at Tavern Law.

    (1)

  • Hayley V.

    Even though "gastropub" and "speakeasy" are quickly becoming industry code speak for over-priced and under-sized food and drink I will say that I had the best burger of my life here. It's pretty hard to trump Quinn's so I wouldn't take that claim lightly if I were you. My pants remain un-pissed over the upstairs because i wasn't in the mood for prerequisite ninny-dialing on the downstairs phone to join the hip crowd. I'll probably most likely be back.

    (4)

  • Gina Q.

    Loved this place. The perfect bar; great cocktails, cool atmosphere, awesome late-night food menu! We went around 11pm on a weeknight and got a salad, mac n' cheese, and truffle fries. The salad and mac n' cheese were bomb. I would be a regular here if I lived Seattle! The crowd seemed cool too; like hipsters who look like young lawyers (but are cooler than that) :)

    (5)

  • James L.

    Meh. This place has been headed steadily downhill.

    (3)

  • Andrew N.

    My favorite place to begin and/or end an evening...Every time I have been here, I've been treated well & felt welcome. Enjoy!

    (5)

  • Robby C.

    Visited on a Sunday evening and, for those whom have already had the chance to visit, the Eagle Room is closed during that particular time so expect us to visit once again in the near future so that we may take advantage of that black phone that continues to tease us of the supposedly amazing lounge upstairs. Instead of literally shooting ourselves over our missed opportunity, we ordered a drink precariously named the Gun Club which is, in our opinion, probably one of the strongest testosterone inducing drinks ever to be served in an effeminate wine glass. Concocted with a base of gin complemented by Lillet and Maraschino, the drink is quite addictive and the addition of Scotch for added flavor towards the end of each sip apparently causes the drinker to feel a need to instigate a fight of sorts for no apparent reason. Honestly, the name of the drink remains true to its taste because, if it were not for a lone female companion, we would have probably finished our drink to follow it up with smashing our friend in the face with the wine glass only to proceed back to the bar to order another Gun Club. Seriously, the drink has roused our curiosity as to what the secret room upstairs holds and we will definitely make a trek back to Capitol Hill to visit the bar and hopefully the lounge upstairs as well.

    (4)

  • Mike R.

    First - this is the current "we don't serve ketchup" place. There's always at least one on Capitol Hill at any given time; ridiculous. The line they give you, when you ask about ketchup, is usually delivered with a healthy dose of snobbery, and an offering of some type of alternative condiment to be served in a tiny tiny dish as a reminder of your silliness for asking. This is how snooty places think they distinguish themselves, and they are right. Had the burger with pork belly based on a recommendation. Acceptable, but by far not the best burger for the steep price. Heartburn later - urgh. Service was just OK, too. Lots of employees walking around, talking, but not so much table service as you'd like (water refills please! etc.) and no friendly banter with our waitress even when we tried hard to engage her. So many other options on the Hill, this one isn't my style at all. I'm way into friendly service and down-to-earth attitudes about food and customers, and this place is neither.

    (2)

  • Cathy S.

    I loved Tavern Law when I went during my first visit a couple weeks ago and I'd go back in a heartbeat even on a busy Saturday night. The drinks are all amazing and if you can grab a table with friends that will make your stay even more enjoyable. I'd love to come back to try some of their food for sure.

    (4)

  • SR H.

    i have no idea why the yelp reviews say that "vegetarians go nuts for this spot" because there are not many options for vegetarians. however, the atmosphere was good, the beet salad with pine nuts was complex and tasty. and the english fizz was a decent enough cocktail. my friend had the pan seared halibut and devoured it in an instant, saying it was very good. overall, a good place for classy vibe, interesting drinks, and some good quality (omnivorous) food.

    (3)

  • kat s.

    Long and interesting cocktail menu. Really enjoyed the "Gun Club" cocktail with lillet in it, the Sea something of gin, mint and rosemary cocktail had no hints of flavor other than mint. Cocktails range from $8-10, so not as pricey as Licorious, and very fine quality. The list is long, so there is a ton more stuff I would want to return and try. The food is good. Small plates $9-15. I tried the fried oysters (5 for $9), pork belly on sauerkraut ($15), both were good, but I probably wouldn't pay that price again for them. I am, however head over heels in love with the foie gras pate ($15). Its one of the best things I have put in my mouth in a long time. The foie gras pate was rich and buttery with a perfect sweet sour fruit cofit on top, served with toasted baguette slices. If it hadn't been so crowded on opening weekend I would have loved the atmosphere. The place is styled with tall frosted windows, rich dark wood and wallpaper. I think this will be the place I come to this winter to have a toddy and beat the Seattle blues.

    (4)

  • Rosie W.

    We went in around 9pm after the Capitol Hill Block party. There were about 4 people there until the place started filling up around 10pm. The décor reminds me of a law library, but it was very comfortable and clean. The space is small with a "secret" bar upstairs with limited seating. The bartender said they fit up to about 300 people on a weekend night. It looks like there's seating for about 40 people. The menu has about 10 small plate items around the $10-$15 range. The extensive drink menu had mainly cocktails with a small list of wine and beer. Happy hour prices were $7 a drink with regular prices being around the $9-$12 range. The lighting was dim with candles at every table. There were benches and chairs with leather seats. Overall, it was a very pleasant experience with very good drinks.

    (4)

  • Matt N.

    Yeah, this place is the shit. I'm afraid to write a review and have it get too crowded, because I look forward to another fabulous evening here when I get the chance. DELICIOUS drinks are $7-$9. Great environment which exudes class in every way. Smart, funny, knowledgeable bartenders. Love it!

    (5)

  • Richard M.

    best drinks in town. the burger (if available) is pricey but very good, and worth a try.

    (4)

  • Laura K.

    Extensive old school cocktail menu and a very small new american food menu. The drinks are wonderful but the food is overpriced and the oysters were overly breaded. This place has way more ambiance than Spur but the real reason people will want to come here is for the hidden bar upstairs because Seattle people are soooooooo underground which is becoming sooooooo predictable. Good job guys for preying on the insecurity of Seattlelites who can't bear to be mainstream. Anyway, go upstairs on Tuesday to see Miles. He makes his own bitters but he is also hot and heroic. Go scrappy!

    (4)

  • Michael H.

    We came here for drinks. They were quite good, but we not were not blown away by any means. I was a little disappointed in the use of less-than-premium alcohols (at the very least they could use smirnoff as the most basic vodka, but they take it much lower than that). I am curious to check out upstairs though.

    (3)

  • k m.

    After dinner last night, I headed to Tavern Law with two friends for a drink and we all really enjoyed ourselves. Yes, I would say the drink prices are certainly above average but are reasonably priced for what you get. The drinks are a good size, not too large and not too small. They use fresh ingredients and good alcohol. I had a Knickerbocker which was really fresh and delicious. I liked how the back of the menu had a small drink dictionary for non-connoisseurs. We got there are 8:30 on a Saturday night. It was certainly busy, but it wasn't so packed you couldn't find a place to stand in the lower bar area. The bartenders were nice and attentive. When we walked past the bar, they immediately made eye-contact and handed us a drink menu. When we went back to the bar to order, he was right there. The cocktails take a little longer to make because they are more complicated, but we didn't have to wait long. Since it was saturday, it was noisy but it wasn't so loud you couldn't carry on a normal conversation. I am not really sure why other reviews were so hard on the decor. I wouldn't decorate my house that way, but it's nice and clean (which is a lot more than I can say about a lot of bars on the hill). I can't comment on the food because I didn't eat, but the menu certainly looked good. I also didn't go upstairs so I can't comment on that area either. I would say this is a bar to enjoy a good drink, not to get trashed for cheap.

    (4)

  • Trish K.

    The bartenders or mixologists make awesome drinks. You can either order from the menu or your usual favorite drink, OR tell them what you prefer in your drinks and they will put something together for you. So far I have had them concoct them drinks and all of them have been very tasty and to my liking and preferences. If you want some food, I suggest the Mac n Cheese with the shallots. It sounds simple and nothing special but it packs a lot of flavor.

    (5)

  • Neil S.

    One of my favorite Manhattans in town (tied with Still Liquor). All the bartenders know what they're doing - tell them what you like, and they can improvise from there. Or go with your standards and they'll do you right. The food is generally excellent. The fried chicken is not for the squeamish - it looks like they undercook it a bit. But I've had it, and I haven't been ill, so I guess they got that right too. Go early or go late - this place gets way crowded, way fast.

    (4)

  • Will G.

    Fantastic experience! Wonderful drinks, great service, reasonable prices... Then we went up to the Speakeasy, and it just got better! What a lovely way to spend an evening...

    (5)

  • Steven W.

    don't get me wrong.. this might be my 2nd favorite bar in the city. However, I still haven't gone upstairs, it's pricey, and always crowded. Great spot to grab drinks.. just tell em what you feel like. Never tried dinner here tho. Love this place. maybe i'll edit my review after I get up there.

    (4)

  • A. B.

    finally made it to Tavern Law & really liked it. Nice ambience, loads of interesting cocktails & really good food. wine list by the glass is very limited though.

    (4)

  • Aaron H.

    Tried out a couple of drinks here with my wife before dinner around CH. We are becoming more adventurous with liquor lately and knew that Tavern Law could deliver. The list of creations was slightly overwhelming but our waitress was super knowledgeable and gave us plenty of time to figure out exactly what we wanted to try, even on a busy friday night. My drink of course consisted of ingredients which I can't spell, but it was delicious and satisfying. We are excited to go back for different drinks next time and eat some food (also looks equally great).

    (4)

  • Jon W.

    I think every bartender should come here to observe exactly how a cocktail should be made. It's a delicate balance of flavors sourced from pure booze, exotic bitters, citrus, and exclusive tinctures, dilluted to perfection and garnished affectionately. But dressed as the bartenders are in classic formal attire, they could serve me hamms in a can and I'd still feel Classy. I've never had anything I don't like. The food is pretty bomb too! Same chef as spur gastropub in belltown. Great ingredients, well prepared and smartly paired. Best burger on the hill (suck it, quinns!!) cheers!

    (4)

  • jim I.

    Apparently my brevity left too many questions... my faithful readers demand more info: well here you go. I am rapidly becoming a speakeasy aficionado - a moniker of dubious value to be sure... but being that it has been (self-)bestowed upon me I feel it is my duty to loudly judge this hole and cast the Tavern Law into eternal bar damnation. The speakeasy as a genre: prohibition era theme, high-end cocktails served in a locale that is difficult to find, often disguised as another business or not clearly marked at all. It might be a little silly, but it can be a fun game of adult treasure hunt. Recently I visited what is arguably the grand-daddy of them all: Please Don't Tell in NYC... what makes PDT so cool? Well, its a nice comfortable establishment, not huge, fantastic cocktails, great attention to detail and to get in you need to go into Crif Dogs (a shady hot dog stand), go into a phone booth in the corner and a side panel opens allowing entrance... p.f.c. - you can imagine that prohibition might have been something like this. Seattle has seen its fair share of Speakeasy's open, my favorite is the Knee High Stocking... so its not that I am really down on speakeasy's... its a fun albeit a tad silly genre where we can go and get loaded, feel all sophisticated, and reminisce about a bygone era when none of us were alive... not that different from any other watering hole that doesn't prominently feature pull-tabs, but as with all things, it is all about the execution. Enter Tavern Law: The TL is a very well marked BAR on a major thoroughfare, that is prohibition era themed (contradiction)... that has a "secret" bar upstairs... that you get to by calling on a phone... then getting buzzed through the door that is inconspicuously located in the middle of the BAR... the whole point (and as I write this review I am beginning to rethink the whole speakeasy genre all together) of a speakeasy is that you can't drink in the open, so you need a subtle quite place to do so... a BAR is not generally a subtle place - and what are we fucking 8? If I want blatantly obvious 'secret' passages I'll stay home and torque one to Goonies - I contend that the TL takes the speakeasy concept from a little silly fun to straight up insulting. The drinks were fine, but pricey, and the staff and I didn't quite see eye-to-eye (and I wasn't even drunk or naked or anything... this time). So, in summation: Dicks.

    (1)

  • Ann M.

    People kept jacking the copper cups for the Moscow Mules so they stopped using them (don't blame them) but that was the end for me.

    (3)

  • Paula K.

    I am actually considering a Trace Lofts purchase so I can live in the same building as Tavern Law. My 2010 goal is to make through their entire cocktail menu, last night I marked off a few. Love love love the Flips, I had the Pike & Pine and another really scrumptious one (begins with a N). We had dinner downstairs - the brussel sprouts, the potatoes, the pork belly. All were amazing. The service was attentive and quick, they make you feel very welcome. Upstairs opens at 7:00, you pick up the old fashion phone and ask to be allowed to come up stairs, if allowed you are transported into this amazingly cool small space that feels so secret. Upstairs there is no cocktail menu, you tell the bartender what you like and don't like and let him create his magic. Once you experience craft cocktails at Tavern Law you'll be hard pressed to order a cocktail at any old regular bar again!

    (5)

  • John P.

    I had to redo this since they got written up a one of the best bars in America. The place is always packed with Yuppies now. I know it's not the bar's fault for being awesome, but it was a stripey button-down shirts and spiked heels meat market on a Friday night. Hey foodies: don't go on the weekends.

    (3)

  • pascal T.

    Absolute rock, food to drink, I tell the bartender what I have for dinner then he mix my drink accordingly , wow , then he mix second to comprehend the first drink it go on till I ask them to call me a Taxi which fantastic

    (5)

  • Maeve C.

    I've been twice, once upstairs and once downstairs. Both have some positives and negatives - I prefer having a cocktail menu to peruse, because a) I like to know what to expect, and b) I like reading menus. Plus, I think the 'tell me what you like approach' can mean really inconsistent results for your party. If you can't tell, I didn't really care for my drink upstairs, but then again, I can't say it didn't fit my description of what I was looking for. On the other hand, seating downstairs can be tight and awkward, whereas upstairs it's strangely comfortable for a bar - and especially good for medium groups where you'd actually like to hold a conversation over some drinks. Overall the service is good and the quality of drinks is superb.

    (4)

  • Andrew R.

    Amazing drinks and delicious food. It's tricky at times to get a table though.

    (5)

  • Liane N.

    Talk about the coolest place ever!!!

    (5)

  • Lacey M.

    Just say yes to this speakeasy. Oh and the shaved ice. I know right?

    (5)

  • Diane T.

    I felt like I was walking into the 1920s/30s when I walked into this place. The classic and casual feel was very appealing, and it was a nice break from the ultra-hip and ultra-dive bars in Seattle. They make a pretty stiff drink with only the highest quality ingredients. The place is small, but definitely a good place to get some drinks with close friends.

    (4)

  • Bob S.

    Good atmosphere, a bit overpriced but the burger is good. Service staff are a bit stuck up. If it was not customary to leave tip, I would have not left any at all. Terrible cocktail waitress, we ordered a lot of cocktails but waitress still not able to figure out to pro-actively check if we need another drink. We were constantly looking to get a drink, finally, I had to get up and go to the bar and ordered out own drink.

    (2)

  • Chris B.

    The food and drinks are exceptional, but I think the customer service puts them over the top. On every occasion I've been treated great. Once I accidentally broke my glass, it was only after one drink, and even though there was only a little left, I got a replacement Manhattan in a tiny glass to make up for the lost sip. Another time they accidentally made an extra drink for our group and we got it free of charge. Whether you order a cocktail from the menu or have them make something with things you like it's going to be great.

    (5)

  • Eloy T.

    Visited this Capitol Hill find on a recent business trip to Seattle. We sampled the entire menu and found everything to be top-notch, especially the cocktails, which were to die for. Aside from the intimate setting and lovely wood bar, the best part of this restaurant were the bartenders: knowledgeable, friendly, efficient and professional.

    (4)

  • John B.

    Excellent drinks and the food was wonderful. This bar is a recreation of a speakeasy: secret door, call up to buzz in, etc.. The drink prices were very reasonable (at least from a San Franciscan's perspective) for what you receive - and really, after the first one they all taste great!

    (5)

  • W. R.

    Enjoyed the coziness and decor, and of course the drinks. We had heard reservations were needed but the very attentive host/bartender/bouncer found us a seat as soon as one was available. Great experience, can't wait to go again!

    (5)

  • Edward T.

    Not a thing is wrong with the food or drinks but this place was way better when Cale, Michael and Brian were the bartenders. Since they've been gone I've visited a few times but not anymore, just not the same and that is a shame. Loved this place, the foie gras terrine and their burger but service isn't personable anymore. Sorry Tavern

    (3)

  • Jason T.

    I wanted to make a special occasion out for a date and called ahead to the upstairs bar at Tavern Law the day prior for 10PM. I called back the day of to be sure that the reservation was in place and it was. Lo and behold, 1 hour before heading out I received a call from an oblivious woman from there who noted that they had it down for 8:30PM. I asked

    (1)

  • Air-in S.

    LOVE the cocktails. I dislike how busy it can get. The servers and crafters of cocktails are busy but sure-footed. While it may take a little while to get a drink you will be well rewarded with a gastronomically gulpable glass of gold baby...not solid gold, but liquid gold! Food is delicious and well thought out, but I often find myself wanting more. My appetite is pretty big so the small plates may very well suit others. I also wish they would serve just frites, but you have to order the burger to get those delicious gems. My standby crack-cocktail that I find I NEED every few weeks is the Golden Gate Swizzle..taste like a well worn leather smoking jacket! Nummers. Go, but go not being starving and realizing that it could take a few minutes to get a well-worth-it drank!

    (4)

  • Nicole F.

    Flew up from the coast to see some wonderful friends this weekend. We got reservations to this wee gem, and made it all the way upstairs. Down stairs is similar to Bourbon and Branch SF. Upstairs it is a whole new world. No douche bags, except for 1. They only let in as many people as can have a seat. 10 spots = 10 people or less. Love it. This is not a meat market, yet a snazzy pants establishment! Nathan, the wonderful bartender upstairs took amazing care of us!! Now this is something to note, which makes it all worth while. There is no drink menu upstairs. You are asked what flavors you like. So if you are looking for crown and coke, this is not your place. Would I go back? In a heartbeat!!!

    (5)

  • justin c.

    I noticed they had caipirinhas on the menu and having been to brazil and drunk many a caipirinhas I was excited to have the chance to order it. I asked the waiter "how do you make your C's?" Just so you know many bars in Seattle who have cachaca don't exactly make this drink correctly . I'm looking at you Zig Zag and Cafe Presse. Well, the waiter said "we make it the only way you're supposed to make it." Sweet, I'll have one. What came was in fact the worst execution of the drink I've had in seattle being that it was made with ice so crushed it was like a boozy slushy. No way did I just pay $9 for that POS. You just lost a customer for straight up lying to me. You don't know jack about this drink and claim to do it the right way. Buncha bull. Why don' t you take a tip from the guys over at Paratii and do it freakin the right way. They tell me they've been trying to get you to make this drink the right way so listen the hell up won't you?

    (1)

  • Avitania B.

    Yes, the cocktails are fabulous. The food is good, but I wish it had a wider selection of nibbles. My favorite is the foie gras terrine, which is topped by a gelee made with angostura bitters. I'm usually not a huge fan of cold foie gras preparations, but I really thought this was excellent. However, they need to serve way more crostini with it, since the amount of foie you get is really quite generous. It's not quite the spot to hit with a large group, unless you can get the big table in back. Service is so-so, but if you're patient (and/or drunk enough), it's not too bad.

    (4)

  • Krista J.

    Great atmosphere. Tasty food. Very interesting drink menu. Nice servers. Archer is a great bartender - friendly and expert mixologist.

    (5)

  • Kerry L.

    We waited just a week to give Tavern Law a try, and I am so glad we did. We each ordered two cocktails (English Fizz, Bourbon Swizzle, Applejack Sour and Absinthe Frappe) and were moderately pleased. Not the best cocktails ever, but better than average. The food, however, was superb. I cannot remember the last time I had such an unblemished meal. We started with a red lettuce salad with chevre, cucumbers and a greek vinaigrette, which was perfectly balanced. Sour and creamy and fresh. Second came the pork belly, topped with shredded apple and accompanied by sauerkraut and mustard. Again, all was perfection. The right balance of fat and sweet and salt and sour, the pork belly had a perfect, crisp, golden sear. Third came poached salmon, the largest dish of the evening. Served in a shallow broth atop escarole and garnished with a rich, creamy arugula "pesto" it was salty and rich and wonderful. The salmon was beautiful and deep orange-pink. The broth had a nice peppery spice from the escarole and the arugula creme added a refreshing herbal flavor. We finished the evening with a scoop of chocolate-scotch ice cream topped with cherries and candied pine nuts. An interesting idea, the ice cream worked better than one might think. It starts out with the rich, sweet chocolate flavor but then the scotch takes over, filling the mouth and then lingering. I watched as the servers took spoonfulls from the chef, before he returned the ice cream to the freezer. Texture-wise, it was creamy and not unlike a gelato. The menu is small, and I worry that it will not be changed very frequently, but I will be back to Tavern Law. It is the best food I've had in Seattle.

    (5)

  • Kimber R.

    We came in a group of ten for cocktails and sat in the space near the bar. I have to tell you, we're an eclectic group of drinkers who seem to order one or two drinks at a time. We can be a bit of a handful. Not troublesome people, just a bit goofy. Archer took care of us in the most professional and friendly way with no problem at all! The cocktails were quickly and beautifully prepared, delivered carefully and he never he got flustered. They were delicious! As for the folks earlier who mentioned race; stop it. That's an unfair accusation. Our group consists of whites, blacks, asians and even mixes of said races. Plus gays and straights too if you want to include that. We experienced no discrimination at all! Just a great time all around!

    (5)

  • Shelly N.

    When i first went here with a friend, I felt underdressed and thought the staff would be pretentious because I am not an alcohol connoiseur and am accustomed to a simple rum and coke. However, I've been there twice and love having their bartenders make drinks that are not on the menu. They create unique flavor combinations that make me think of Willy Wonka and they're always willing to make you a different drink if you don't like it (there hasn't been one yet that I've turned away). Highly recommended!

    (4)

  • Lor B.

    Seriously the coolest new bar to hit Seattle. Great libations and gourmet grub that will knock ur socks off! *Plus a secret bar that is hidden behind a safe door and requires you to make a call before being buzzed up... this place is AWESOME. Started at the lower bar and sampled some daily menu items: the Duck Breast with Quince was to die for, the pork belly with parship root and charred brussel sprouts was amazing, and the roasted squash spaghetti was out of this world.. if you're a foodie, you'll love it here. The drinks are different as they believe in freshly made juices. The coolest part of my visit was the secret bar experience. Once you're in, a server seats you and basically asks what kind of drinks you like -- the bartender essentially makes you a custom drink to your liking.. How COOL is that?! I ordered 2 custom drinks - one with shaved ice :) The experience overall - food, drink and just the fact that you are in a hidden speakasy, makes this a fun destination. Will definitely be back. Hoping this place still stays hidden - but I don't think for too long!!

    (5)

  • Cam C.

    downstairs is fun upstairs is funner phil the bartender is swell he make you real nice drink you drink good maybe eat some too happy fun times

    (5)

  • Amol P.

    went here with a group of friends on a saturday night .. parking as always is challenging in capitol hill but we found a spot right outside on the street - what a way to start the night !!! when we walked in, the space was buzzing and there was hardly any room to make ourselves comfortable .. nevertheless we were not going to pass on cocktails so we grabbed a menu and started contemplating on our choices through the extensive menu .. We eventually found some bar stools and it was probably the best seat in the house to watch the bartender do his thing .. the guy was working like nuts and I am really surprised that he knew all the cocktails at the back of his head .. We had some basil gin concoction that was by far the favorite .. We also ordered a side of skinny fries -- they are so heavenly when you hit that happy state of mind !!! we just couldn't stop eating them .. They also have some tropical cocktails which actually are a different spin on what you would normally expect which really blows you away .. when we stepped out we knew we were not going too far which was a relief :) definitely one of my new favorite spots in town ..

    (5)

  • Jill C.

    Beautiful curved wood bar, slatted ceiling, high ceilings with fans, cool 2-story 'orientalism'-style mural. Great craft cocktail menu. I had an Americano - Campari, sweet vermouth, soda, lemon - delicious. Free champagne cocktails too for opening night. Open kitchen and well-coiffed staff that reminds me of that old Gap ad "everybody in vests". Love it! I'll be back.

    (5)

  • Faith F.

    Great place, sort of steep prices but to be fair - the drinks were great and the atmosphere is really cool. I think the service was good (not memorably bad or good.) I will be back for the drinks and atmosphere.

    (4)

  • Ton Y.

    Tavern Law is one of those places that you don't expect to wow you. It is small and stylized a bit much - to the point of becoming non-descript almost. But it does wow you. It wows you and then kicks you in the shins. The cocktail menu, the small food menu, the quality and talent of service staff is just so mind blowing that you feel guilty for all of the condescension you walked in with... Try the Old Cuban (champagne cocktail) for sure. There is a speakeasy on the second floor, for which you are going to need to call ahead. Pretty cool...

    (4)

  • Josie U.

    The atmosphere was very savvy, my drink concoction was delicious but my date thought his was to sweet. The prices for food and what you actually get is ridiculous .. I cook for a living and have a good idea on what portions should be- when the 12$ pasta came out with a little under a half cup of pasta my mouth dropped open. Was it hand made? I have no idea but even at that amount it wasn't a fair deal. The flavor was good but nothing to write home about.. We also got the " sausage sandwich" - again overpriced and just a hot dog. Soo I would go to drink, not to eat.

    (2)

  • Laura P.

    I really love the cocktails here. Up in the speakeasy above the main bar they really take care of you. Custom cocktails, beautiful crystal glasses, sexy atmosphere, love it! You can feel like you're in the know and very special when you're there, like you've taken a step out of the city and into the past.

    (5)

  • Zane M.

    Service excellent. Burger/fries, one of the best I've had in Seattle. Mac n cheese was so/so, drinks were good, but not blast my socks off. Cool space. Super hip, including secret upstairs lounge. I'll be back.

    (4)

  • Anthony P.

    The bartenders here are fantastic! I had the BEST Negroni ever during my last visit. This is probably the best place to go if you want a creative spin on a classic or a hard-to-find cocktail - they know how to make it all! They also have a very limited menu, but the food that is available is excellent.

    (4)

  • Matt R.

    A friend recommended we try out Tavern Law on our last visit to Seattle. Im so glad we did. Styled after a speak easy there is a main bar and dinning room downstairs with a big steel door in the back of the room that leads to the second story "secret room". Just go up to the phone in the back of the room next to the door and put your name on the waiting list to go up stairs. Downstairs was packed and the bartenders were working their butts off, however they were very friendly and took their time to recommend some drinks based on the type of liquor we liked. We spent most of our evening at the downstairs bar but finally got the call to come upstairs around midnight. Upstairs is much quieter and mellow. I think there was about 20 people upstairs.We actually enjoyed ourselves more downstairs but it was fun to see what was going on upstairs.

    (5)

  • Michael R.

    Had an unbelievable time here on Oct 3rd. It was the highlight of a long day/night of hitting all the craft cocktail bars I could handle. Absolutely terrific cocktail menu for drink nerd or anyone craving a real experience. The bartenders can give you all the history and liquor knowledge you might want. I will be back to this spot each and every time i make it down to Seattle. Thanks so much to Miles and David for such great drinks. Inspiring and plain old great tippling.

    (5)

  • Gordon N.

    Fantastic food, inventive & delicious, inexpensive...Superb gastro-pub food out of one of the smallest kitchens ever. For your first foray into sous-vide cooking you can't go wrong here and you won't drop a ton of money...The cocktails list is extensive and delicious although you can spend some serious dough on drinks--especially if you are upstairs in the Private Bar. The only missteps I have encountered on 4 meals here is occassionally the seasoning was a bit off (a little salty)...but I mentioned it to the cook Ross, and the next time the Fried Chicken was spot-on. Fun spot. I did not like dining upstairs however...trying to have to balance food for 3 Diners/Foodies that love to eat when our table was an awkward ottoman was not good for the back...We ordered tons of food-- almost one of everything off the menu and it all came at once...I would have thought the waiter would have paced it out better. And when asked for another tray to balance dishes on--the waiter brought a tray used for bussing...When asked about which of 2 unfamiliar beers the waiter would recommend-- he said he didn't know cause he doesn't drink beer! (This from one of GQ's Top 25 Bars) Really? I think the (upstairs) waiter needs to study up on his beers. Still, love this place! But in the future I will be sitting downstairs....

    (5)

  • Karen L.

    This place has a good selection of drinks but I have yet to find my favorite. The food was tasty. My main complaint is that the plates they give you for sharing are so small that it was hard to maneuver.

    (3)

  • William G.

    OK - so the drinks are spendy and it's a bit cozy - but drinks are expensive all over Seattle (partly because of archaic liquor laws that are a holdover from Prohibition). At least here you get great service, amazing drinks and a fair market price. Recommended. Plus there are fabulous restaurants all around this booming little pocket of Capitol Hill in Seattle

    (5)

  • Andrew P.

    While we were puzzling over which of the over 50 cocktails we would order, the bartender took his time to come over to our table and ask if we had any questions. We asked what he recommended - he asked us a few questions on what we liked in a drink and in a few minutes we were sipping two of the best cocktails we've ever had. For me a great concoction of bourbon, bitters, and allspice and for my wife a really tasty cocktail of grapefruit, gin, and lavender (a drink the bartender created). Haven't had the food yet but will soon.

    (5)

  • Roy P.

    Well for me it's over-rated. There are eight things on the menu. When we went there, they were out of two of them (the duck confit and something else). Well it's not mainly about eating, but still. OK so then I wanted some wine. They have like five house reds. I order the Syrah. They're out of that too. Seriously? On the good side and to be fair the pork belly was good. But finally, and this pushes it over the line for me, it's faux. It's like a faux feather on a faux hat. You know, it's like a set for a prohibition era TV show, but a cable show not a big budget show. Sadly, in my view, there are some things that Seattle should not try to do and this is one of them, which is importing character or, to put it another way, Seattle and perhaps all places should avoid pretend. Sitting in Tavern Law I just felt like this was a not very realistic copy of some place in Greenwich Village -- in fact I think it was/is called Chumley's -- which was an actual prohibition era bar with real books in the shelves that have actually been there since the 20's. And there is something about sitting in Tavern Law that makes me feel not so much like I am in the prohibition era but that I am not at Chumley's, I am not at the real place, I am at a place trying to be like the real place. Is it just me? I think I would rather just be at the real place or at least some place that is being true to whatever it is.

    (2)

  • Adriana K.

    I have to give 4 stars for 'originality' - Seattle now is catching up with the big cities. Almost. The concept of the - 'secret room' reminds me of The Back Room in New York, except a little more obvious with a phone right next to a door. The upstairs is a lot more roomy and comfortable, and yes, swanky. The cocktails at this place are excellent - if not expensive. 2 beers and 2 cocktails set me back $40, which I deem pricey for Seattle; albeit it included a generous undeserved tip. The waitstaff was less than accommodating, but it was super busy filled with people who just knew they were better than everyone else. I didn't try any of the food as our party arrived late - I found that the $1000.00 minimum to rent the upstairs room a little much; unless you had a decent sized crowd. I want to go back for a cocktail during the week when the place is hopefully less crowded and the waitstaff more friendly. Great concept; and the menu was tempting...

    (4)

  • Andrew A.

    Everything about this place is just fantastic. I don't mind waiting when they are busy because it keeps the feel in the bar from being chaotic, the drinks are amazing, the food is fantastic, and when you are in this frosted glass library with a deep bar you never think about being anywhere else. This is the place that I end up after going out on capital hill so that I can unwind and have my best drink of the evening.

    (5)

  • Nathan B.

    We stopped in here for some cocktails one night and enjoyed it. The barstaff knows their stuff and can whip up some tasty concoctions. One of my favorite libations was the specialty mint julep (forget the "official" name). We enjoyed flipping through the old historic case law books that are sitting around, and found some cases quite entertaining, such as the one of the pedestrian that was hit my a motor vehicle while crossing the road (now Aurora Ave) around the time my grandfather was learning to drive..... Next time we come here, I look forward to trying some of the food and checking out the upstairs speakeasy section.

    (4)

  • Jason M.

    V and I entered here on a Wednesday. Downstairs looked like your typical Capitol Hill gastropub (think: Quinn's, Oddfellow's), so I immediately headed to the phone and were admitted upstairs (feeling extra hipster and in the know). While it was super-chilly outside, the upstairs was warm and cozy. I had the Trinidad Sour Fizz on the bartender's suggestion; V knew she wanted the Slow Gin Fizz. Both were amazing drinks. We had previously eaten, so I can't comment on the food. Nice place, but prices were a bit stiff at $15 a cocktail (vs. ~ $9 at Knee High Stocking Company).

    (4)

  • Erika S.

    While the burger really was the best I have had in a long long time (and I eat a lot of burgers) the service was such a distraction from the experience i'm rating them lower. The waitress was downright rude, we had to stop her to order and her attitude made us feel we were bothering her for some reason. Won't be going back!

    (2)

  • Amanda L.

    Oh. So Pretentious. If you have a party of more than 5 people, don't expect to head upstairs to the "Secret Room". You can actually see from downstairs that the "Secret Room" looks like a "Secret Cuban Drug Cartel Hideout" complete with air-conditioning. If you somehow have a dying urge to pay the cartel a visit, the secret to getting in through the iron door next to the phone is by jamming your foot into the door when the hotly dressed chick in front of you gets buzzed in. The other option is to head up the staircase the waitresses use. One star for decent drinks, one additional one for interesting description of drinks on the menu (they provide some historical information), and one more star for some pretty cute waitresses.

    (3)

  • Adam K.

    Ate here for happy hour - mid week. The drinks were very good and for us (we had about 6) the service was fairly promt. Food was a bit on the small size - even for "small plates". We didnt stay until 7 so we were not able to see what that area is all about. Might be a reason to stop out again sometime in the future.

    (4)

  • Kazami U.

    Had one drink downstairs and another upstairs. The classic decor made me want to wear a suit and a tie. The bartenders, Nathan and Miles were awesome in terms of concktail making skill and customer friendliness. This is a good place to talk to a drink and a small group of friends. It's a shame that they don't carry Blue Curaçao when the bartenders can make magic out of it.

    (4)

  • Jason K.

    It absolutely pains to bring this down to 3 stars. So I'll do so with a caveat. The cocktails are 5 star the food 2. Went there with a number of friends on a thursday night and sat upstairs in Needle & Thread - by far the best cocktail spot in Seattle. I can't say enough good things about the cocktails - 5 star. So its the food that brings it down....the roasted veg soup was good. The roasted potatoes okay (but $9 for a few potato wedges?). The crispy pork belly - maybe it was an off night - but after the waitress recommended....5 different people ordered it. Not a single one was crispy and frankly in my opinion barely cooked. Not nearly enough fat was rendered out of it nor was the fat cooked enough - I love pork fat like the next guy but raw - not so much. The real shame here is that none of us sent it back - we all thought it was just our serving until after we finished - at $15 a serving very disappointed. Id like to give the food one more go...

    (3)

  • T K.

    There is good, and there is not-so-good The good: - neat atmosphere - speakeasy scene - it's fun and neat, though we all know by now, not unique - including the part about custom-made drinks - I think the phoning upstairs is fun. - the atmosphere upstairs is even neater- very vintage, an old hollywood glamour. - food was yummy. The not-so-good - it's not a unique concept, and you can pay less elswhere. i really question the value offered here. Maybe save it for a splurge night? - someone else mentioned the staff upstairs misinterpreting drink orders. i encountered a very similar problem - we specifically said "we don't like whiskey" - what was our "custom cocktail" made with? whiskey! which we realized unfortunately after tasting and discovering it was (to our tastes) awful. when we asked whether it had whiskey, she admitted she got confused, and got us new drinks.... but then charged us for the first drinks anyway! ouchies!

    (3)

  • candice s.

    Drainks are king here. There is food but we opted-out and went for the gusto. We'll be back but no dinner plans until the menu changes.

    (4)

  • Amy C.

    been upstairs and downstairs. always packed when i visited. upstairs is cool, though not a whole lotta food selections. i like the way that you order drinks from upstairs... you tell them what your preferences are, what elements you want, and they just make it. no menus. though i didn't particularly love my drink...... so i'm not sure if that was a win afterall. cool place though. also - this place is not cheap.

    (3)

  • Bryce G.

    Tavern Law is great! I have never had the dinners but the drinks alone are a reason to go. There are so many to choose from and you can tell the bartenders know what they are doing. I thought the price was very reasonable... most drinks run about $8 - $10 which is pretty standard for concoctions like these. The only complaints I have are that the upstairs speakeasy is always closed or rented out and one of the waitresses gave a bit of back-sass when my friend commented on the odd way they served their mojito. But come on... it is Capitol Hill... everyone is a little rude (it's the cool way to be).

    (5)

  • susan l.

    If you like good service and good drinks, then don't even think about going to Tavern Law. I wouldn't even know about the drinks, because after being there an hour, I still hadn't received one. I was in the "exclusive" upstairs room the other night and while the ambiance was warm, the service and attitude were not. I would never recommend this place to my worst enemy. The people who work and run the place were snotty and rude. You know what they say... you can be pretty on the outside, but if you aren't pretty on the inside you're ugly... This would apply to Tavern Law. Nice decor -- horrible and nasty service with attitude. If that is your thing...then by all means go, but be prepared to wait hours (and I truly mean hours) for your drink, even if you are the only one in the place. They are just too busy and too cool to have to deal with actual paying customers.

    (1)

  • Erin C.

    Even though I was interested in the prospect of the mezzanine/second floor, I found it to be a bit contrived. The food was decent; although 11 bucks for mac and cheese on a small plate is kindof wack IMO. The drinks were good but nothing earth-shaking and fairly petite. I can understand why scenesters might like a place like Tavern Law, I just think that if you want to meet for a drink and some food after work, there are other places less expensive that don't tip their hat to Anthropologie for decor and imagination.

    (3)

  • Heather J.

    I had to try this once I heard about the secret upstairs area. My friend and I had the most fun trying to get each other to pick up the old school phone and find out about the upstairs area. We stood around forever trying to figure out how to do it which added to the fun. I wish there were more places with this like this. I love how it often rings and rings like its a phone # to some distant place. I love going through the secret door and sitting and watching other people behind the one way mirrors. Looking down on other people at the bar strangely brings me great joy, if you are lucky enough to get one of the window seats. Unfortunately the upstairs is small and often full, there is nothing more depressing than going to the bar to be denied entry to the upstairs part that makes the bar a fun place. However I did have the best salad and the most delicious lavender drink. But since this is a fancy drink place it can get expensive. I am in love with this part of capital hill. I recently walked by and saw an outdoor area which certainly took away a part of the secretive part. It also has been impossible to get up the last few times I have been by which is making my opinion of it a little less.

    (4)

  • David P.

    Have to admit all my friends and I were completely taken in by this place...the one of us who'd been there before didn't say anything to the rest of us and just walked up to the phone in the back, got buzzed in, and upstairs we went. Cool vibe, great drinks, definitely enjoyed ourselves and look forward to going back. Only drawback was the waitress who seemed pretty cool when we first sat down but then turned really really weird. She kind of gave us a rundown on the place when we sat down, told us to pick our spirit and then they could tailor the drinks to our liking. So my buddy told her he wanted something with whiskey in it and could the bartender whip up a special whiskey drink for him. She seemed totally perplexed by this question so he tried again, and she seemed even more confused and started to get short with him so he just ordered a Makers on ice. He even tried again the next time she came over to get our drinks, but she just didn't get it. So odd, she had basically told us to give her an idea of what we liked and then she'd surprise us, and then we my buddy did what she asked, she acted like he was speaking a different language and then just got really cold and short with him. Even when it came to the bill, she was just awkward and difficult. That said, we still had a great time there and would definitely go back...just hope the waitress figures this thing out or moves on...weirdo!

    (4)

  • Jasmine R.

    i love this place! it's been packed every time i've been here, but the drinks are awesome, the food is delicious, umm, how can you go wrong?

    (5)

  • Lisa I.

    Great cocktails, good date place.

    (4)

  • Pisay P.

    4 words. Salmon, burger, fried chicken. Ok, so I know Tavern Law is recognized for their bar and drinks but their food is also divine. The Salmon was sous vide and so, so tender. It came with a corn puree and fresh tomatoes. You know, the kind of dish that looks really simple but then you put it in your mouth and it's simply delicious with just enough complexity that you get on Yelp to write about it? The burger was smaller than I expected and it didn't come with fries which I feel stupid even mentioning because in the end it didn't need them. Bascially the beef (which is cooked rare) was perfectly seasoned, and the toppings were so carefully chosen that it all stood on it's own. Then there was the chicken which was also sous vide so the meat was juicy and tender before throwing into the deep fryer for an extra crispy skin. So I personally really enjoyed the food and went back again just to have the burger. However to be fair you should know the following: 1) The portions are on the smaller side but I feel this is a trend with a lot of restaurants so just be prepared to order more food or leave feeling hungry if you're stubborn and stingy. 2) Speaking of stingy it's $12 for a burger without fries. Now, it may look like I'm complaining about the fries again but I'm not. This is the only item price I remember since I loved it enough to go back a second time. So I'M not bitter or stingy about a $12 burger without fries but you may be. 3) There aren't a lot of items on the menu -probably because they're busy making great drinks and focusing on the items they do have. In any case just know it's more of a place to drink with really great food on the side.

    (4)

  • Lani A.

    I agree with many of the reviews here - this place is original and looks great. It's a cozy room, almost like an expanded library, with a quirky feel - the crowd tends to be diverse. Drinks are very potent and a bit pricey - but a few die-hard originals like the Singapore Sling. The upstairs room is a little weird, though - hard to get into if you don't have a reservation. Still, I'd rather go to Knee High Society for the booze and grub.

    (3)

  • Amy H.

    nothing is more alluring than the siren song of a roller skating broadway musical. prior to checking out xanadu at the paramount, we decided to hit up my first speakeasy in seattle, tavern law; my only other speakeasy experience being please don't tell in new york's east village: an elite house of mixology and luxe oak decore (despite the 2am reservation). unfortunately, the speakeasy at tavern law didn't open in time for us to make the show, but we did get a chance to sample their craft bar downstairs. gourmet magazine raves about their "encyclopedic drink menu", and their roasted brussel sprouts are to die for (complete with bacon love and more butter than you can shake a stick at). as for the fernet, i left it to bartender's choice, and he designed a drink that would make johnny appleseed grapple out of his grave to taste. oh, and did i mention the complimentary shots? i'll repay the favour soon enough.

    (5)

  • mike g.

    we have been there 3 times and always had a great time sitting at the bar, the bartenders are the best and deserve all the praise they get for making great drinks.... the waitresses not so much fun... but maybe they have had an off day each time we have been there... anyway go there you will get a great drink and a very cool laid back atmosphere.

    (4)

  • Nicole P.

    anyplace that i can have a great drinka nd foie gras is uaully pretty high on my list, but tavern law stand out from the rest with a cocktail menu that can make a grown up cry. pages after pages of pre prohabition era cocktails. fun, ever changing menu offering all kinds of savory goodies. and thats just half the story- the downstairs half. make your way upstairs into thread and needle (the speakeasy that you have to be buzzed into through an old safe door located in the main bar), and it's like stepping into a totally seperate world. the gentle man behind the bar welcomed us and asked us what kinda of booze we were interested, and what flavor profile we were looking for. my answer? scotch. citrus. (i was hoping for a blood and sand) and low and behold, moments later i had the best blood and sand i have ever had sitting right in front of me and was hearing the history of the drink. now, this, is my kind of place. i can't wait to come back again- i'm still dreaming of that perfect cocktail!

    (4)

  • Nicole H.

    Great staff and wonderful mixed drinks! It can get busy so be patient and wait for a table if need be, it's worth it! AND if you're on a date, bring them here for cocktails!

    (5)

  • Henry L.

    After coming here 3 times, I finally got around to ordering some food. Tavern Law is a bar first, restaurant second. That being said, the food was actually quite delicious. Being a restaurant second, the selection was rather limited. We ordered ourselves froie gras terrine, fried oysters, and salmon. The only thing that slowed us down from demolishing all the plates immediately was that we ran out of toast to go with our froie gras. It was actually quite frustrating since the terrine was really good. To reiterate my previous review, the cocktails here are excellent. Tavern Law serves up one of the best sazeracs in town. Sazerac is the cocktail we usually use to test bartenders. It's got a lot of subtlety to it and not many people know how to make it -- fewer can make it correctly. Tavern Law has got it spot on.

    (5)

  • James C.

    Pros: Decent drinks Cons: Rude waiters and management, Expensive, Do not honor their own coupons During my last visit, we brought a group of 10 people. Two things happened that irked me: 1) They offered my friend a drink that she did not enjoy - she promptly returned it and the waiter brought her a new drink. The waiter charged her for her untouched drink. 2) We brought Tavern Law coupons that we purchased online ($25 for $50). The coupons specified no restrictions on how many could be used per table. For a group of 10 people, we used two coupons, but the waiter and manager both declined the second coupon, and tried to make us pay the additional $50. What could have been a good night turned into an argument with management. They were rude and did nothing to make up for their error. Tavern Law was one of the most miserable bar experiences I've had in Seattle.

    (1)

  • Tim B.

    Gulp, gulp! Fantastic, bitters-orriented cocktails and solid gastropub fare. Tough to get a spot, so arrive early and stay late. *If so adventurous, tell the bartender your favorite liquor and let him whip-up some non-menue concoction up for you--more than likely you will not be disappointed.

    (5)

  • Denis S.

    Came here on a Thursday night with a group of friends. It was pretty full at first, but thinned out by midnight, so we didn't have any trouble getting seats. They have a huge menu with tons of specialty cocktails, all ranging from around $8 to $10. The whole place is surrounded by law books, which is pretty cool... in a geeky way. I couldn't figure out why this was a speakeasy until about halfway through the night. In the middle of the far wall is a metal door. Next to it is a phone. You pick up the phone, tell them how many are in your party and if they have room for you the door unlocks. Upstairs is the speakeasy. Much quieter, wooden staircase, different atmopshere. No password necessary or anything like that and at around midnight on Thursday five of us had no problem getting in. I'm all about places like this so I'm biased. This is a place where you need to bring your own friends to have a good time, but with the right group it's a lot of fun.

    (4)

  • BAJIBU K.

    The atmosphere is charming, the bathrooms are to die for! (as far as bathrooms at bars go), the drinks were beautiful! and the service was super friendly. We went on a weeknight, so luckily it wasn't too busy. It took our bartender, Ian, a while to warm up to us, although, I take the blame for that. I've never tried a mint Julep before.. and I have to say I didn't really enjoy it... I ended up switching drinks with a friend and I don't think he was really happy seeing that. But he got over it when I asked him if he could recommend something that was on the lighter sweeter side, preferably gin or vodka based. He delivered with a bang! The macaroni with apple and watercress was divine, super creamy and cheesy, and the drinks were all different and tasty. I loved watching they use the fresh fruits and other ingredients. Would definitely come back here again!!

    (4)

  • Billy D.

    Great place to hang out, with a comfortable interior. The drink menu is very innovative and the cocktails deliver as promised. On the expensive side, but definitely a place you will stop at for one or two drinks, not the whole night. I'd visit again.

    (4)

  • Melanie T.

    Great Fried Chicken, only downside to this place is the freezing entry way. There's a cool bar upstairs, very alluring thing to experience, very hip entry especially for a capitol hill spot.

    (4)

  • Fatima G.

    I'm so glad that I'm an internet "deal-of-the-day" fanatic. I've been wanting to go to Tavern Law for a while, so when I saw the deal online, I pounced! My husband and I went here with $50 to spend on food and drinks - thankfully that's not very hard to do at Tavern Law. We snagged a table by the very secret door that takes you upstairs. We each started the evening with a tasty beverage, I had the deliciousTittsnascot (I love elderflower!) and my husband had the Gin infused early grey cocktail. For food, we split the burger (served with a red onion jam), the mac and cheese (duck fat!!) and the fried chicken. I love the feel of this place, we'll definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Lily S.

    Let me just say that the UPSTAIRS speakeasy is a 5. The downstairs bar is more like a 3 1/2 - 4 stars. No confusion people, no confusion. The speakeasy upstairs is ridiculously cute. Seriously. And everyone is so v. nice. And it's lovely & vintage and smells good. I only wish I'd been in period costume when we landed there last nite. And not paid $10 for a tiny bottle of Chimay. But whatever. Tavern Law is lovely.

    (5)

  • Allie S.

    I don't drink, so this is not a review on the drinks, but rather a review of the delicious food! My husband and I, along with another couple have decided to make a list of restaurants to try in Seattle to make sure we don't miss all the amazing places while we live here. Tavern Law was on the list. We walked in without a reservation on a Friday night (around 7:30pm) and were seated right away. We decided to order 1 of almost everything on the menu and split them between the 4 of us. We got everything except the salad and desserts, it is a pretty small menu. EVERYTHING was superb! We all left raving about the amazing food. We got non-alcoholic drinks as well and it turned about to be about $40 per person. I highly recommend this place for a tasty dinner.

    (5)

  • Andy F.

    Tavern Law was a lot of fun for me when it opened, but since then it has gradually lost some of its luster in my book. Maybe the crowd has changed and that's colored my experiences, but I remember having a lot more contact and connection with the staff. Lately it seems like there is more of a focus on efficiently getting orders out. I understand this is good for turnover and keeping thirsty patrons happy, but I prefer to take my time and don't mind if the bartender does too. Although it seemed fun in the past, at this point the decor and formal costumes worn by the staff seems a little Disney, a little staged. I guess in some ways that pretense adds to the charm and mystery of the place, but I like places that keep it real and don't let a theme get in the way of the human connections in a place.

    (2)

  • Conrad S.

    Cocktail heaven. That's about all there is to it.

    (5)

  • James F.

    Pretty good if you want some quality cocktails. The staff aren't particularly friendly or helpful. I would definitely recommend getting a reservation to Needle and Thread upstairs instead.

    (3)

  • Lauren B.

    Tasty Moscow Mule and a traditional whisky sour with egg white in it - yum!! Nice decor and theme, too. I really like that the cocktails have the year of their invention listed next to them on the menu - cool!

    (4)

  • Remington C.

    Went with a couple of friends a while back for dinner and drinks, as it was supposed to be very good at both. The food was pretty solid (I had the Mac and Cheese, and the others all had burgers), but definitely on the pricier side. The drinks (I had three), which I was really forward to, were extremely disappointing. The best of the three was an old-fashioned variant where you could actually taste the whiskey, but the other two (a rum flip, which had potential, and something else that was entirely forgettable) were extremely diluted, and with the glasses as small as they were (I believe they were 3-3.5 oz glasses, at least the coupe that I had was smaller than the 4oz ones that I use at home), it seemed like it was probably 1-1.5 oz of flavor (including alcohol) and probably 2 oz of water. Definitely go here for the food, not the cocktails.

    (3)

  • Rebekah J.

    Other bars wish they were this good. This place is everything you hoped it would be... We finally made it here after years of reading about it. It was super packed at 10pm on a Sat. We didn't have to wait long for a nice spot in the corner. The waiter came over super snappy and asked what I wanted to drink, asked what ingredients I liked. He brought me a gin, lime, jalapeno, cucumber beverage of perfection (hey- that would make a good name!). Perfectly balanced. The ice is old school huge cubes- nice touch. My husband got a gin, tea, with earl grey and lemon. Classic and tasty. We ordered the fries and some aioli. The fries were great- aioli- meh... average (ok, but nothing to call my mom about). The food menu looks good, nice updated bar food. The cocktail menu is superb- really something for everyone and VERY thoughtful. The bartenders here actually SHAKE their cocktails. I am not talking a wimpy top 40 kinda shake, I am talking, PUT YOUR BACK INTO IT- the way it should be. Drinks are served FAST so they are still frothy. Praise Jeebus. Mixology at its finest. On par with Bourbon and Branch in San Fran. Atmosphere isn't quite as cool, but the drink menu is better I think... And I can't even begin to describe how picky I am about my cocktails. This is the only cocktail place in town that I have taken the time to review. Way better than Zig Zag- really no comparison. Sitting by the safe door (entrance to Needle and Thread), was very humorous. Mostly people wondering why people were picking up the phone and then only sometimes going in the door. Only pain is that the door is not hinged. I thought the two gals sitting by the door were going to go deaf from the big ass door whipping back and forth (they were good sports about it). And the music was hilarious. Everything from Bon Jovi to 80's pop. Not taking itself too seriously is so nice. Thank you Tavern Law for restoring my faith that there are well versed liquor crafters out there who aren't just posers with a hipster outfit and glasses. I can't wait to go back. Next time maybe we'll go behind the iron curtain...

    (5)

  • Stephen S.

    This place is fabulous. The service is outstanding. Food (albeit limited) was delicious. Most importantly, the drinks are impeccable. The best part is that the bartenders will mix up whatever you are feeling a hankering for. They are very talented, knowledgable mix masters that relish in the opportunity to mix something special rather than throw you attitude (though they certainly have confidence bordering on ego, depending who you get). I would agree with those that say it is a bit spendy. I'm not that price-sensitive (especially when it's high quality). But, at $3 per quarter-sized risotto ball, it's on the high-end, for sure. However, I don't mind that for the quality of food and service that you get. The pork belly that I had was mouth-watering. The hassissa yogurt sauce under those risotto balls was outstanding and a perfect complement to the dryer, deep-fried risotto. I would come back to Tavern Law in a New York minute.

    (5)

  • Lorna D.

    Honestly, I have been confusing this bar with the newly opened Tyler Florence restaurant in San Francisco. I know I'm such a dork. But this place is awesome. The small plates are delicious. We had the duck fat Mac and cheese and the oxtail gnocchi. The duck fat Mac and cheese was greater than I had expected. It was like eating morsels of duck with Mac and cheese only it's imaginary duck. That's how flavorful this dish was. It was accompanied and adorned with some greens and a thinly sliced granny apple slaw. This complimented the dish really well. The oxtail gnocchi was also pretty good. The oxtail was simmered with lovely spices to a perfect tenderness. However, the gnocchi seemed a bit overlooked in my opinion. I like my gnocchi to taste like pillows of velvet in my mouth. Unfortunately, the gnocchi was a dry and a bit crunchy even with the oxtail sauce. The drinks are off the hook. All of the concoctions are masterfully creative and strong. Nothing tasted like juice. The whole place is very crowded and loud. There is so much going on that one can be distracted. I mean a girl at the table next to us was literally in our conversation just because I mentioned a scene from the tv show "New Girl". It was funny because she was excited as I was about the scene I had described to my companions. I love the decor with the books and such. It made me think that tavern law was opened just for the Seattle U law students just a block away. The service is impeccable for such a busy place. This is definitely a place to return to if I'm willing to wait for a table with friends.

    (4)

  • Vi N.

    When you're named as one of the 25 best bars in America I'm expecting a lot and I'm expecting you to really rise to that occasion. Tavern Law definitely succeeded with their great drink menu and tasty libations. The food was a pleasant surprise since I was mainly focused on the liquids. I had the fried chicken and it was crispy crunchy tasty! The atmosphere is also very cool and has that visual equivalent of gastropub. Holding back on 1 star because I thought my portion was small for an entree and left me hungry again an hour later. Beware, it can get super crowded!

    (4)

  • Amy K.

    Ian is an amazing bartender! Ask him to make a Gin Fizz with rhubarb bitters and cucumber! It's delicious!:) This place gets PACKED on the weekends and you pretty much have to make a reservation to get to the place upstairs. Their drinks take a while to make but they're artisian style and that takes time ya'll!! They're worth it though if you're willing to spend a bit more money and bit more time.

    (4)

  • Jody N.

    Not only is this place great for a delicious weekend concoction, their event space and staff is exceptional, turning a regular party into something to remember! I threw my works holiday party in the upstairs "secret" space and everything was flawless and special! From the beautiful decor to our specialty cocktail of the night, the staff was amazed by our speakeasy themed evening. We even had our own code word to call into the phone to let each of our staff up. The space included our very own mixologist and server and there was plenty of space to spread out and enjoy appetizers, dinner and drinks. I can't wait to go back for a yummy cocktail and delicious meal! (the burger was to die for!!)

    (5)

  • wesley w.

    We went for the wife's birthday. We're new to Seattle and didn't really know that Seattle has a speakeasy fetish. We're from Chicago where we just sit in prohibition era bars and drink. That said, the decor wasn't offensive, the place looks nice enough with lots of wood and books that make me feel comfortable. We really wanted to sit at the bar but the few patrons there were all spread out and could have been condensed to let a few others enjoy the bar seating. Instead of asking people to move, we're all about practicing Seattle civility and sat at a table. We found a seat and were brought some water by guy with attitude. Ok. sure no problem. Guy is a dick. big deal. We're here to have some drinks and have some fun. Forget it and relax. We start to look at the extensive menu and waiter boy comes scooting over and hovers over my shoulder. He insists that we stop looking at the menu and tell him what we like. We really just sat down and could use a minute to chill and catch our breath (we rode our bikes there and were still recovering from the hills- chicago flatlanders). But he insists it's more fun without the menu. So, I indulge. I give him a few kew words and then he starts naming drinks from the menu that I was supposed to close. It was like what? Sorry guy, don't have hyper photographic memory. We shoed him away and he came back for our order in a few minutes. Drinks were small, expensive and complicated. My drinks really lacked a smoothness or a completeness. A little tasty and a little medicinal but never really "there." Maybe it was the sunday bartender? The tiki drink was really good, maybe that's why the charge even more for tiki? The food was tiny. Like expensive yuppie tapas. Overall, wouldn't really go back here unless it was to watch the place burn down. Our waiter was ok. He has mastered the art of being a condescending prick while expecting a big tip. He told us not to take the bike path home because it was dark and dangerous. So we took the bike path home and it was the best part of tavern law.

    (2)

  • Sarah B.

    Ya Ya, I am jumping on this Tavern Law review bandwagon a little late. If you like inventive, well balanced cocktails with liquors and spirits you have never heard of (and have been missing out on) made with fresh juices by artist bartenders come here! The drinks are so freaking good and you could easily spend a night here trying as many cocktails as your body (and wallet) can handle. Highly recommended!

    (5)

  • Paul B.

    OVERAAAAAAAAAAATED!!! I understand the appeal. I can see how people love this place. But unless I can get into the upstairs room, forget about it ~ I'm moving on. It is ALWAYS crowded here. Come early. It's supposed to have that speakeasy feeling where the bartenders can make anything you want. I was in the mood for something chocolaty (like what they've made me at Knee High Stocking Co.), but when I got my order back it tasted like an f'ing orange. You fail. Super fail bartender. There isn't much else that makes this place great. LET ME UPSTAIRS INTO THE SECRET ROOM! I'D LOVE TO UPDATE THIS REVIEW AFTER THAT HAPPENS.

    (3)

  • Ceraya A.

    I visited Tavern Law for the first time a few weeks ago. I'd heard so many good things about the bartenders and drinks that I may have set my expectations a bit too high. Tavern Law exceeded those expectations on every level. It was a Sunday night, so the bar wasn't packed and everyone who worked there seemed to be in a great mood. The bartender (I wish I could remember his name!!) was absolutely wonderful and helped me find something I liked while trying something different. I felt very taken care of and I loved the atmosphere. The drinks are on the pricer side, but are well worth it considering the effort and quality of product that goes into crafting their cocktails. Will definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Christine M.

    I have heard so much about this place and finally made it. The only reason I am giving this 3 stars is because of the service, otherwise it would be a 5. I do secret shopping and its good thing I wasn't doing a shop for this place or else it would have received an F for service. We arrived around 6 15 and sat at the bar. We were greeted by a friendly person originally. Then Monica asked if we knew what we wanted, and that is when it all went down hill. Apparently she is a fabulous mixologist but someone who is in the service industry needs to help her pull her head out of her ass. She had major attitude from the get go. We were asking basic questions about the drinks and you could tell by her facial expressions that we irritated the crap out of her. She had no warmth and no smile of any kind. She never offered any suggestions or help even though we said we had never been in before. You would think that someone who makes a living from tips would have learned this a long time ago. If she worked for me, I would have fired her. We were enjoying the drinks and the food but her terrible demeanor is the only reason we left. We took our money elsewhere . Having said that, we ate the froie gras with toast. It was absolutely amazing and the drinks also were great. We will be back but will make sure we have a different server.

    (3)

  • Stephen W.

    In Penn & Teller's show "Bullshit", the comic duo goes about debunking various silly but commonly held notions and postures. Holding a mirror up to the the face of folly, as it were. In a particularly memorable episode, the guys set up a fake upscale restaurant and serve minute, elaborately hyped dishes made of low-end ingredients (Salisbury steak from a TV dinner, for example) to their posturing, opulent clientele. They film their bamboozled victims as they oooh and aahh over the flim-flam dishes over which they're happily forking over a fortune. As if to say: "Yes, I am taking it hard, both in the wallet and likely in the ass, but the fact that I am making no fuss about it is ITSELF a mark of my sophistication." When I first encountered Seattle's culinary scene, which really is quite good, it was so littered with restaurants of the Bullshit variety that I coined a name for them: cheateries. I do not suggest that Tavern Law is a cheaterie. I do suggest that the disparity between the food prices and the portions EVOKES that episode. This, despite all the place's compelling merits: service that is ingratiating; drinks that are indescribably good; food that, such as it is, is beautifully done (best Mac & Cheese I've ever had anywhere). Also, the concept -- the idea of using a law library as a cover for a speakeasy -- is charmingly clever. They just haven't found the right price point. There need to be both more, and less richly priced, menu options. When you're loading people up on some of the most delicious rocket fuel to be had, the last thing you need is food prices that tempt your patrons to drink on a half-empty stomach.

    (4)

  • Ryan D.

    I've been here a couple times. I spilled my water on my guest both times. I guess that's my MO. "Is that water on your crotch or are you just happy to see me?" I had the same waiter both times too. He cracked some jokes. I cracked his skull. Not really. He was nice. All the drinks I had here were very delicious. Let's see, I only had wine my first visit. Second visit I had the "Tiger's Paw". A delicious cocktail made with Rye. I don't know what my friend got, I was too busy thinking/talking about myself per usual, but it was also really good. For food: I had a nice beet salad, mac and cheese which was pretty good albeit a little bland, and a pork loin which I could literally eat for every meal for the rest of my life. It was amazing.

    (4)

  • Melissa N.

    I was so excited to venture here because I have heard amazing things about this place. I came the other night while out an about bar hopping capitol hill and I was so elated to find a seat at the bar and enjoy my fruity vodka concoction that the bartender made especially for me. It had a lot of flavor which some body to it if you get my drift. I am not so good with liquor so I was happy I was in good hands. The service is swift and friendly. All the fruit juices are freshly pressed so you get the real deal and not made from concentrate BS that most places pour in your glass. My drink was 10 bucks but well worth it. I will definitely try to come back here and get up to needle and thread next time. It a tiny place so it fill pretty quickly.

    (5)

  • Tadd T.

    The way I go about food has always been oddly in reverse. I relished French onion soup years before the term "bistro" entered my vocabulary, just as my deep affection for bucatini all'amatriciana preceded my love and knowledge of Roman cuisine, just as my fascination with Prohibition-era culture and cocktails came before my experience with the modern-day establishments that offer such. So walking into Tavern Law for the first time nearly caused my Manhattan- and French 75-loving self to jizz my Levi's. But enough about me and my vulgarity. Smartly designed and conceived, Tavern Law will evoke hearty groans of approval from all who appreciate redesigned classic cocktails and honest, rich Northwestern food. And while the lengthy, inventive drink menu tempts (the sweet, spicy and smooth Rutherford is a winner), those looking to be spoiled by a custom drink ought to do nothing more than tell one of the ridiculously talented bartenders what booze you love most and let them take the reins. I said I adore Basil Hayden's (small-batch bourbon heaven), and got an amazing stirred Manhattan with Cinzano and orange bitters two minutes later. (Classy alkies, note the ice they use.) And then dinner. How could I not send the chef my sincerest, heartiest compliments, after he prepared such an ethereal sous-vide sockeye filet, perched atop crisp, sweet corn, peeled (!) cherry tomatoes that exploded with zingy juice, and a buttery basil-corn purée? It was Seattle summer on a plate. No better way to start my first night in the city.

    (4)

  • Sam L.

    Been here a couple of times and the food and drinks were excellent both times. The burger with pork belly was amazing and the fried chicken was delicious as well. The cocktails I've tried here were all very good too.

    (5)

  • Sam H.

    I would of liked Seattle alot more sooner if I knew all the sweet places it has too offer. Boom tavern law is one of "the sweet places" If a bar tender is well dressed, well versed, and proud of what they serve and their craft.... You have my attention and... Tavern law... You did that. Drinks - name your base, describe a type of juice you are in to... the... voilla ... he or she'll do their thing to hopefully taylor to your taste. : ) I hear the food is nice too... Nice quiet and... just plane awesome. Come here to gather people before you leave...or come here as a destination.

    (4)

  • Tam Q.

    I'm not a big cocktail drinker, most likely because I've never had a good cocktail...but Tavern Law has changed my mind! I had the Lusty Lady and La Femme, both delicious. I never thought I would use the word "delicious" to describe a cocktail. We sat at the bar so our drinks came very quickly. Decent pricing for what we received. Would definitely come again.

    (4)

  • Thomas T.

    Love this place. Great service with a smile, good food and how can you not like the secret upstairs bar?!

    (4)

  • Cody G.

    Fun place, especially for a date. Very speakeasy-ish. First time I've ever been there was on V-day, and it was a lot of fun. I think we waited 30 seconds for our table... Drinks were great. I couldn't figure out what I wanted, but our waiter recommended a great drink to me. Food was delicious. Only knock on this place is the price. Drinks average about $15 a pop, but they're worth it.

    (4)

  • Jeena P.

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

    (4)

  • Bob C.

    I was at Tavern Law on a Sunday evening. The tables were empty but the bar around half full. I had two drinks: Oaxacan something and and Old Cuban. Both were excellent, though the pours were a little small. Tavern Law is pretty darn good. The one shortcoming was, though the bartender mixed a good drink, he didn't add a lot to the experience. In my opinion, a top-notch bartender provides also provides conversation and brings the crowd together. The guys at Bathtub Gin are fantastic at that; I've ended up with three new friends every time I've gone there. I won't hold it too much against Tavern Law because it was a slow night, but that is the difference between four and five stars.

    (4)

  • Maria N.

    Tavern Law is the thinking person's bar. They specialize in what I would call artisanal cocktails--well-conceived, expertly crafted, and absolutely delicious. They have a great drink menu, but try and get a spot in the upstairs room where there is no menu and all drinks are custom-made to your preferences. The swank decor and classical music make you feel like you're in some upscale private club (very Gatsby-esque)--a nice change in atmosphere from the more raucous bars around Pike/Pine. Also, they have pretty great food! The burger topped with pork belly is to die for!

    (5)

  • J. N.

    Absolutely amazing! When I came in on a Sunday evening it was relatively quiet; a few people at the wooden bar and a large party at a table off to the side celebrating. It makes me wonder how many people were upstairs at Needle and Thread. Unfortunately, I didn't know about the upstairs and I wonder how many people were hanging out in the hidden upstairs. So many interesting cocktails to choose from! Had the Meathook and the Catnip. Meathook had Old Overholt, scotch and some other ingredients I can't remember. Loved it. The Catnip is like an Aviation with St. Germain. So it's a little sweeter but I loved that one as well. Food. If I had more of an appetite I would've had the burger w/ pork belly or some mac and cheese. Instead I snacked on the Fois Gras with apricot and lemon verbena gelee on top and warm toasted bread. Melts in my mouth. Mmmmm. The bartenders were very attentive and knowledgeable. I need to show my friends what they're missing out on. And maybe sneak into Needle and Thread.

    (5)

  • Rachel M.

    Before delving into the extensive menu here at Tavern Law, I had no idea there was an entire category of mixed drinks from decades ago, featuring raw eggs as a component. This just sounded too weird, and I couldn't pass up trying one out of sheer curiosity. Turned out to be the single best mixed drink of my life- who knew?! Our party was about 10 people and we were seated in a large, round booth, which was comfortable for conversation and such. We went on a weeknight, but were told the "secret room" was unavailable... alas. The atmosphere here is cool as a cucumber, and very understated. Low lights, sexy music, classy food... perfect combination. Our server was very demure and made great drink recommendations around the table- except for one. My friend specifically said there were a few things she didn't want in her drink, and he brought her a drink made with those items and then smirked when she said it didn't taste like what she asked for. We thought that was strange... like he thought he was pulling one over on her or something? She returned the drink and the bartender personally delivered her another cocktail and apologized for the confusion. Both drinks were tasty! You must come here with an open mind, and for the sake of the adventure- try something crazy!

    (4)

  • Jessi M.

    I've never had a cocktail here that was less than amazing. That being said, many of the times I've tried to come here, it's been too crowded. Even the few times I did manage to get a seat, I've gotten crashed into by buzzed and bewigged barhoppers trying to get into Needle & Thread (the "secret" bar upstairs). The only time this didn't happen was when I sat outside. If you come here, prepare to either: stand, have a seat in a far corner, or have a lot of people's butts rub against you awkwardly. You'll still get a great cocktail.

    (4)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :5:00 pm - 2:00pm

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : No
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Late Night
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : No
    Good for Groups : No
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Trendy
    Noise Level : Average
    Music : Background
    Good For Dancing : No
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Happy Hour : Yes
    Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
    Coat Check : No
    Smoking : No
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

Tavern Law

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