If you’re in Seattle and love a good cocktail…this post is for you.

If you don’t drink alcohol but you have travel companions who do…this post is for you.

And even if you don’t drink or have cocktail-loving friends…guess what? This post is for you!

Because the mocktail movement in Seattle is alive and well offering some pretty damn impressively tasty non-alcoholic options. Me personally, I do love an innovative cocktail – it’s the perfect way to unwind while also sampling the talents of mixologists who have taken the craft to new heights.

It’s also great as a well-deserved treat after a long day of sightseeing and eating.

Seattle’s vibrant cocktail scene is a blend of creative concoctions, intimate atmospheres, and mixology mastery. Whether you’re searching for a hidden speakeasy, a rooftop retreat with skyline views, or a classic bar with a modern twist, Seattle has it all.

Here’s a guide to the 13 best cocktail bars I’ve found in the Emerald City, each offering its own unique flair and unforgettable drinks. You’ll also find a handful of the very best cocktail bars in Seattle serving amazing mocktails later this post.

Seattle Cocktail Bars: The Definitive List

Canon Whiskey and Bitters Emporium

Location: 928 12th Ave, Capitol Hill

Theme: Classic elegance meets modern innovation

What Makes It Unique: Canon is an institution in Seattle, boasting one of the largest spirits collections in the world. Its vintage-chic vibe is perfect for anyone who appreciates history in a glass. The bar is intimate, dimly lit, and known for a sophisticated atmosphere that lets the cocktails take center stage.

Cocktail Specialties: Canon is particularly famous for its whiskey-focused drinks, but its seasonal and creative cocktails like the “Canon Cocktail” (a mix of Amaro, Benedictine, and whiskey) are also a hit. They’re presented in eye-catching glassware and with dramatic flair.

Zig Zag Café

Location: 1501 Western Ave, Pike Place Market

Theme: Timeless cocktail lounge

What Makes It Unique: Zig Zag Café is a staple in the Seattle cocktail scene. Nestled near Pike Place Market, it offers a casual yet upscale vibe. Known for putting Seattle on the cocktail map, Zig Zag has a no-fuss approach to drinks, yet each cocktail is crafted to perfection.

Cocktail Specialties: The bartenders are masters of the classics like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan, but you’ll also find creative spins with house-made syrups and infusions. Their “Sazerac” is one of the city’s best.

Bathtub Gin & Co.

Location: 2205 2nd Ave, Belltown (in an alley)

Theme: Hidden speakeasy (hence the alley)

What Makes It Unique: Tucked away in a Belltown alley, Bathtub Gin is a cozy, intimate space that transports you back to the Prohibition era. With its exposed brick, candle-lit ambiance, and private alcoves, this is one of Seattle’s best-kept secrets for cocktail aficionados.

Cocktail Specialties: While gin-based cocktails are the stars, their mixologists are skilled in crafting drinks tailored to your preferences. The “Corpse Reviver #2” is a favorite, featuring gin, Lillet Blanc, absinthe, and lemon.

Foreign National

Location: 300 E Pine St, Capitol Hill

Theme: Dark, moody, and globally inspired

What Makes It Unique: This sleek, small cocktail bar in Capitol Hill has an intimate and seductive feel, with moody lighting and a globally influenced menu. The décor is stylish, with elements of mid-century modern and Asian influences.

Cocktail Specialties: Foreign National is known for its exotic flavors and innovative cocktails. Try the “Emperor Norton” with Japanese whisky, pear brandy, and shiso or the “Under the Rose” with mezcal, hibiscus, and lime.

Tavern Law

Location: 1406 12th Ave, Capitol Hill

Theme: Speakeasy with a twist

What Makes It Unique: Tavern Law is a bar-within-a-bar concept. You can enjoy fantastic cocktails downstairs, but for an extra-special experience, head upstairs to Needle & Thread. To access it, you must call ahead from an antique phone located in the bar.

Cocktail Specialties: The downstairs bar serves great classics, but upstairs at Needle & Thread, they specialize in custom cocktails. Simply tell the bartender your flavor preferences, and they’ll create a bespoke drink just for you.

The Crocodile’s Society Bar

Location: 2505 1st Ave, Belltown

Theme: Music-driven cocktail lounge

What Makes It Unique: Located in the legendary Crocodile music venue, Here-After is a music-centric cocktail lounge that blends live performances with craft cocktails. It’s a great spot for music or comedy lovers who want a unique pre-show drink.

Cocktail Specialties: Expect playful, music-themed cocktails with an edge. Drinks like the “Liquid Courage” (tequila, lime, agave) or the “Pineapple Express” (vodka, pineapple, lime) pair perfectly with the electric atmosphere.

The Nest

Location: 110 Stewart St (atop The Thompson Hotel), Downtown

Theme: Rooftop oasis

What Makes It Unique: If you’re looking for stunning views with your cocktails, The Nest is the place to be. Situated atop the Thompson Hotel, this rooftop bar offers sweeping views of the Seattle skyline and Puget Sound. The ambiance is chic and elegant, with plush seating and outdoor fire pits.

Cocktail Specialties: The Nest’s menu focuses on refreshing, seasonal cocktails, perfect for sipping while soaking in the views. The “Cucumber Collins” and “Spiced Mule” are favorites, along with their creative takes on margaritas and spritzers.

Percy’s & Co.

Location: 5233 Ballard Ave NW, Ballard

Theme: Apothecary-inspired bar with a focus on botanical cocktails

What Makes It Unique: Located in the heart of Ballard, Percy’s & Co. offers a unique take on cocktail-making, inspired by old-world apothecaries. The bar is filled with natural light during the day and turns into a cozy, candle-lit space at night. The exposed brick and vintage décor add to the charm, making it a perfect spot to relax with a drink.

Cocktail Specialties: Percy’s focuses on fresh, garden-to-glass ingredients, often incorporating herbs and botanicals in its cocktails. Their “Garden Party” with gin, cucumber, mint, and lime is a refreshing favorite. For a twist on an old-fashioned, try the “Sagebrush,” featuring bourbon, house-made sage syrup, and bitters.

Vermillion

Location: 1508 11th Ave, Capitol Hill

Theme: Art gallery meets cocktail bar

What Makes It Unique: Vermillion is an eclectic cocktail bar that also doubles as an art gallery, creating a blend of creativity both in the drinks and the décor. It’s a vibrant, colorful space with rotating art exhibitions that add a layer of culture and visual interest to your drinking experience. Located in Capitol Hill, Vermillion is a haven for creatives and art lovers alike.

Cocktail Specialties: The menu at Vermillion often changes to reflect the seasons, with an emphasis on craft cocktails that use local ingredients. Their “Blackberry Sage Martini” is a crowd-pleaser, featuring fresh blackberries and sage syrup, while the “Absinthe Frappe” provides a nod to classic cocktail culture.

Seattle’s Best Bars for Mocktails

Deep Dive

Location: 620 Lenora St (beneath The Spheres), South Lake Union

Theme: Upscale speakeasy inspired by Jules Verne

What Makes It Unique: Hidden beneath Amazon’s iconic glass Spheres, Deep Dive is all about the details. It feels like stepping into a secret Victorian library, where every cocktail is crafted with precision and artistry. The dim lighting, lush velvet seating, and a library of rare books make this a magical escape from the outside world.

Cocktail Specialties: Deep Dive excels in experimental, artistic cocktails. Try the “Library Card,” a bourbon-based cocktail with unexpected flavors like maple and cinnamon, or one of their changing seasonal cocktails that push the boundaries of flavor combinations.

Mocktail Options: Deep Dive is known for its sophisticated approach to drinks, including mocktails like the “Zero Proof Spritz,” a refreshing blend of grapefruit, citrus, and sparkling water. They also offer mocktails infused with house-made tonics and herbs for complex, balanced flavors.

Navy Strength

Location: 2505 2nd Ave, Belltown

Theme: Tropical tiki meets modern mixology

What Makes It Unique: This tiki-inspired cocktail bar brings a taste of the tropics to the rainy Pacific Northwest. Navy Strength has a laid-back vibe but serves up some seriously fun and creative cocktails. With colorful décor, nautical touches, and tropical plants, it feels like a mini-vacation.

Cocktail Specialties: Expect rum-focused tiki drinks like the “Painkiller” or their inventive takes on tropical classics, infused with unique ingredients like passionfruit, guava, and coconut. Their rotating seasonal menus keep things fresh and exciting.

Mocktail Options: Their mocktail menu is as carefully crafted as their cocktail list, offering tropical-inspired non-alcoholic drinks like “Piña Fizz” with pineapple, coconut, lime, and soda. They also have “Jungle Bird” mocktails with flavors like passionfruit, citrus, and ginger beer.

The Diller Room

Location: Downtown, 1224 1st Ave, Seattle, WA 98101

Theme: Vintage Classic

What Makes It Unique: Housed in a historic building, The Diller Room offers a vintage, old-world charm that makes it feel like a hidden gem. It’s known for its cozy, intimate setting with vintage-inspired décor.

Mocktail Options: The Diller Room’s mocktails include offerings like “Cucumber Cooler,” made with cucumber, lime, and tonic, and a “Blackberry Lemonade,” blending blackberry puree, lemon juice, and sparkling water. Their focus is on fresh, seasonal ingredients for mocktails that feel indulgent yet refreshing.

The Pink Door

Location: 1919 Post Alley, Pike Place Market

Theme: Italian-inspired elegance with a bohemian twist

What Makes It Unique: Located in Pike Place Market, The Pink Door is an upscale Italian restaurant with a hidden gem of a bar. The intimate setting and live performances like burlesque or cabaret make this a one-of-a-kind experience.

Cocktail Specialties: Expect Italian-influenced cocktails like the Negroni or Aperol Spritz, but the bartenders here can also whip up a delicious twist on classic martinis and Manhattans.

Mocktail Options: The Pink Door offers elevated mocktails such as the “Limonata Fresca,” which combines house-made lemonade with rosemary syrup and a hint of ginger. They also have the “Berry Spritz,” featuring a mix of fresh berries, lemon, and sparkling water, making it a perfect non-alcoholic alternative to their vibrant cocktail menu.

Seattle’s cocktail bars each offer something special, from hidden speakeasies to tropical escapes and rooftop lounges. Whether you’re in the mood for an artisanal creation or a classic with a twist, these cocktail bars showcase the very best of Seattle’s thriving mixology scene.

Grab a seat, enjoy the atmosphere, and let the talented bartenders take you on a flavorful journey through the art of craft cocktails. If there is a cocktail bar in Seattle not on this list that you love, let me know in the comments! I’d love to try it out.