#995 - Still Liquor, Seattle - 3/2/2010

Still Liquor follows the speakeasy fashion, but does so in a simple, timeless way. The large space feels fairly isolated, despite it's Capitol Hill location, thanks to the space in the old, half underground BMW paint shop, down a narrow alley, and a minimalist but elegant treatment.  Just one subtle sign tells you you're there -- no blaring neon giveaways from liquor and beer companies give away the dark windows -- Still has the self confidence to present an exterior that no one would ever find if they weren't looking for it.  And the cocktails are artful without being flamboyant -- you'll want to work your way through the entire menu of special drinks.

P.S. Has anyone EVER had a bad cocktail with muddled cucumber?

1524 Minor Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101 - (206) 467-4075
stillliquor.com - the stranger - yelp

#994 - The Bar, Seattle - 2/25/2010

"The Bar," an extension of Olympia Pizza that recently opened in the old Sonic Boom space next door, adds another good choice to a great little bar strip that includes Liberty and 22 Doors just a few steps away.  In addition to some pretty good cocktails, The Bar features the beautiful, old, Austrian Mahogany bar from the J&M Cafe, sure to be one of the oldest (physical) bars in Seattle (shipped to U.S. in the 1890s).

516 15th Ave E, Seattle, WA 98112
yelp

#993 - The Goose Pub, Bellevue, WA - 2/19/2010

I'm not particularly fond of Bellevue, and I've previously posted my opinion on utterly banal sports bars. But for some reason the Goose Pub'n'Eatery, while it's not about to make any of my favorite lists, seemed substantially more pleasant than usual. Maybe it was because it was lunchtime, or because of the non-Bellevueish, non-sportsbarish people there. Or maybe it was just sitting down the bar from an elderly regular called "Tiny," drinking his mini-pitcher of Mountain Dew. When I asked the friendly woman working the bar about him, she said, "Tiny? Oh yes, he's quite the regular." Then added, "He's quite the dirty little old man too."


The way she said this made it seem charming, not disturbing, so I just left it at that.

12001 NE 12th St Ste 90, Bellevue, WA 98005 - (425) 454-1554
goosepub.com - citysearch - yelp