Vessel
Seattle, WA 98101-2602
Phone:
- Cross Street:
- University Street
- Best of Citysearch:
- See and Be Seen Bar 2007
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 11:30am-2am, Sat-Sun 4pm-2am
Editorial Review for Vessel – by Anna Roth
The Scene
Though named after the ships that the owners of the historic Skinner Building once produced, this swanky bar is most definitely looking forward to the future. Well-dressed patrons gather around the modern downstairs bar or take glowing yellow steps to an intimate, vermillion second floor lounge. Everything is stylized, from the modern glassware and cutlery to trippy lamps with lightbulb holograms.
The Drinks
Designed by mixologist Jamie Boudreau, formerly of Vancouver's famed Lumiere, the drink menu focuses on the history of the cocktail--it's rife with classic recipes and includes the date and location of origin for each. The bar's signature drink, the sweet Vessel 75, is made with brandy, bitters, simple syrup and orange zest and has a float of maple syrup foam to reflect the maple trees of 5th Avenue. High-end beers, including a bunch from Belgium, and a long wine list round out the refreshments.
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Insider Tips
On the MenuDiners can nibble on gourmet small plates like sweet corn fritters, ahi tuna tartare and lamb ragu.
Know Before You GoThe restrooms are up the stairs and down the long hallway.
ParkingSkip the frustration of looking for a meter--both Pacific Place and the Hilton have affordable garages.
The ExtrasMake it dinner and a show: The 5th Avenue Theater is right next door.
User Reviews for Vessel
05/15/2008 Posted by kimfrancisco
I have been to Vessel before and have enjoyed the ambiance and quality of food and drink. I booked a party there last March and rented the Red Room. I had spoken to the owner and we organized the party, and I felt comfortable that myself and my 20 friends would be well taken care of. We arrived the night of the party to find that the kitchen staff was not prepared for us ordering food - and even the drinks were slow to arrive seeing as how there were so many of us upstairs. They ran out of food before everyone had even ordered, and I was also surprised to see a much pared down menu than that of what was listed on the website. Having "beef bites" listed and then featuring potato chips and soups are 2 very different things. The chef and waitress were apologetic, and said that they had not been prepared for the food portion of the party. I told them I wasn't sure HOW this misunderstanding happened, due to us coming at 7pm (not a early or late happy hour/cocktail only time), and that the owner was clear that us meeting the room rental minimum could be achieved through both food and drink. I had over 20 hungry people on my hands, and the chef ended up running over to Purple Cafe and bringing over menus that we could order off of. This caused hassle with having 2 bills, and as the party organizer, it made it very difficult for me to enjoy myself because of all of the logistics involved. In short, I will never plan a party there again, and now know it's a much better venue for a quick cocktail. I would strongly encourage the owners however to not advertise hosting parties there if they cannot supply the obvious food and drink required. And while the wait staff was kind, courteous, and apologetic, I was baffled to find that the owner I had been speaking to did not return my emails or calls afterwards, when I voiced my dissatisfaction. To me that's unprofessional and just plain rude.
Pros: Ambiance
Cons: Parking, Can't handle large parties well, Not consistent with what is on their website, miscommunications internally
09/22/2007 Posted by seattlefoodie
I'd heard a lot about this place and so was looking forward to trying it. I won't be going back. I had one drink, which cost me as much as two in most other popular spots. The decor is lacking - somehow the colors, while vibrant choices, do nothing to spice or warm up the space. Don't bother trying this place - too many other great places!
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