SAMBAR

01/31/09

best cocktails in town & best winelist

by KirstLambert at Citysearch

I've lived in Ballard for many years and have eaten next door at Le Gourmand many times, but I'd never been to Sambar.

I was looking at Le Gourmand's website and came across Sambar's - sambarseattle dot com - and decided to go after reading about the cocktails. They were amazing - I had a gingerini, which is basically a ginger martini - fantastic. My friend had a Saguaro which had tequila and hibiscus flower and some spicy pepper, and it was great, too. I had one as well since I liked it so much, and she had another one with rose essence, I think.

So good - very good soup and the frites are to die for!

• Pros: close to home and very tasty cocktails
• Cons: pretty crowded

11/24/08

I beg to differ!

by irisCrawford at Citysearch

This bar is special. It is unfortunate that someone here had such bad luck to catch the folks at Sambar on an off night, which could happen anywhere, and then never give them a second chance. But I have to admit, its ok, because this place can only remain a hidden gem for so long and has been uncomfortably full lately. Sambar is for a certain type of connoisseur, a francophile foodie. It is like a Parisian jewel box in bloom. It has the power to seduce and does, enveloping every sense. I have, on several occasions, shut the place down, floating out the door filled with a hum of pleasure and delight. It is actually not that expensive but beware, once the drinks start flowing your judgement weakens and things start to add up. But it is so worth it I would name my first born "Sambar" (which is funny considering the bar is named after the owners' child, Sam--mine would be named Sambar). I think the main bartender deserves an honorable mention here. Jay is an absolute professional and perfectionist. He has travelled the world drinking and eating the best of the best, is passionate about what he does, is inventive and treats each person like a VIP. This has been my experience. So if you don't like beautiful servers (did I mention that:), a charming multi lingual and talented bartender, and a boutique bar worthy of Parisian sophistication, don't go to Sambar!

• Pros: Its perfect!
• Cons: Too many people are discovering that its perfect.

11/24/08

One of Seattle's Best Bars

by changnan at Citysearch

Classy. Sophisticated. Fun. Hidden. Comfortable. Exciting. These are a few of the terms that come to mind. Sambar in Ballard resembles a sweet little find you might find in New York or San Francisco's Marina District. The best drinks in town. Those of us in the restaurant industry know - Sambar is the type of place where you can put your hands in the air and just say "make me a gin drink" w/ no other specifications, and you'll get some of the best cocktails in the city made for you, one after another. The food is good. A little small but fine for bar food. Much higher quality than 'bar food' as well. Summer / Spring / warm fall nights you can sit outside which is always fun.

Easily one of the best bars in Seattle

• Pros: drinks, food, atmosphere, the bar itself
• Cons: service can speed up and smile a bit more

11/02/08

Don't Bother!

by yoyo2u at Citysearch

While the small cozy atmosphere could be charming - all is lost from your first interaction with the wait staff. Last time I checked and was a paying customer they were not doing me a favor by just let say acknowledging my presence. We were the only clients in the bar and getting a drink truly was a act from a higher power. We had friends join us shortly after we arrived and not a single drink came out at the same time - strange. We waited 15 minutes just for a glass of wine and we asked our server if it might be coming soon the response was curt and rude - when the bar tender can get to it - seriously!? It takes like 20 seconds and at this time there were maybe 10 people in the bar. I had heard such great things but one visit was enough to turn me off for ever! My friends and I eat out several times a week at wonderful places and usually tip well above 20% - they would have to pay me and well to go back!

08/24/08

Beautiful cocktails, frites and garden

by thekoot at Citysearch

A small, enchanting garden offers a great outdoor seating opportunity. Steak Frites were perfect. Lots of inventive and nuanced cocktails to choose from. I felt like I was in a Parisian neighborhood gem. Everything I had heard/read about snooty service or no place to sit was completely wrong. The servers and bartender were polite and charming (if a little eager on the plate clearing). Will go back again!

• Pros: ambience, cocktails, outdoor seating
• Cons: limited seating, limited menu