08/05/09

Great atmosphere, great new chef

by jooz

We had drinks here, those turned into dinner and I have to say I was impressed with the new menu/chef at the Hunt Club. We had kind of a preconceived notion that the place was snooty, but that couldn't have been farther from the truth. Tasty app's and a casual atmosphere were great.

• Pros: Excellent Food, historic setting
• Cons: none

07/22/09

Lousy across the board

by bistecca

Four of us dined here on 7/10 and were incredibly disappointed with the service and food. As long time Seattleites who have dined at the Hunt Club many times over the years, it's sad to see this restaurant decline. This used to be a "special occasion" place, but that's changed. Specifics: Our waiter was unprofessional and indifferent. He did not greet us or tell us about specials or the menu. He seated us, then showed up and said "are you ready?". There were very few people in the restauarant (now we understand why), so they were not overly busy. Our wine was served in dirty/spotty glasses. We had to ask for bread and water refills. When servers showed up to deliver the courses (salad, mains and desserts) they put the wrong dish in front of the wrong person each time. The pork belly was so salty it was inedible, the venison stew was flavorful but dry, and the lamb chops were like leather. The server never came back to check on us after the food was delivered, so we never had a chance to offer feedback or ask for something else. This is a spendy restaurant - $25 and up for entrees - and there's no way they'll stay in business at this rate. There are many restaurants providing a much better experience, thus we'll take our business elsewhere.

• Pros: Sadly none
• Cons: Terrible service and food

01/07/08

Incredibly Romantic

by rgeorgettehall

I first went to the Hunt Club in college 15 years ago. It was one of my first dates with my husband. We have returned many times for special occasions in our lives as it is the most romantic spot in Seattle. We consider it a special place just for the two of us, so we always go alone. It is our little secret. There isn't a better place to enjoy an after dinner drink than sitting on the plush seats in the bar area. The food is creative and beautifully presented. I always feel happy and pampered when I leave.

01/07/08

Excellent Ambiance, Customer Servicer

by lhwalker

I think that the Sorrento is a jewel in Seattle - one of the most iconic locations in the city. The staff in the Hunt Club is friendly, unpretentionious, but attentive without being overly so. I have never had a bad experience there.

The food is very good, and I love the chips they serve in the bar - made in-house, and a nice change from your standard "mixed nuts."

I'd recommend the hotel time and again.

12/20/07

Lunch is not recommended here, ever.

by wwisewoman

About 6 years ago I had the most disastrous lunch I have ever experienced here. The events that unfolded were comical, involving the kitchen apparently being nonfunctional but instead of that fact being disclosed by management, myself and two guests were poured continuous glasses of wine for an hour and a half until we were finally served our 2 salads and a burger (which was raw and unedible). They tried to bill us for entire meal (including the "complimentary" wine) and one of my guests, my assistant at the time, was drunk enough that we drove her home so she could pass out in private. This year I gave the Hunt Club another chance, figuring that the previous lunch must have been a convergence of bad circumstances. I met my sister there for lunch in the festive holiday ambiance, which is undeniably elegant. The good news is that this lunch was better than the last lunch! The bad news is as follows. The prices were high so we hoped the food was worthwhile.We were very dissapointed. I had two dry, flavorless crab cakes thrown artlessly onto soggy greens ($23). My sister had approximately three pieces of beef thrown onto the same soggy greens, for $14. It seemed that maybe someone had made a run to Trader Joe's up the street a couple of days prior (the greens were a little aged as well as soggy) and also thawed out some crab cakes which had subsequently dried up. We had to request that bread or rolls be served and I'm thankful that they didn't bill us an extra charge. The waiter was inattentive but in fairness seemed to be assigned too many tables. He did charge us incorrectly and it took quite awhile for him to change our bill because it seemed that he had to run everything through management. I don't know if the lunches here are always exceptionally bad or if I am just an unlucky person. In this town of fabulous food, it is a shame that an historical location such as the Sorrento should allow this to happen.

• Pros: Ambiance is great.
• Cons: Valet parking is $12 and there's little parking to be found nearby. Inattentive service. Overpriced.

03/26/07

Victorian elegance and a regional menu bring an elegant spark to hotel dining.

by Contributor

The Scene
Beautiful mahogany pillars draped with silk curtains falling into deep folds give this hotel-based institution a rich, quiet elegance not found in most of Seattle's dining establishments. Voices--even from the staff--are quiet and pleasant; if there's a party happening, chances are it's a private affair, not a happy hour.

The Food
The seasonal menu combines classic hotel fare with a few surprising accents. A basil-accented crab cake is delicately crisp, full of sweetly pungent crab flavor. Drizzled with plenty of truffle oil, a bowl of creamy mushroom soup is generous enough to provide a filling lunch. Grilled steak swims in a rich demi-glace swirled with Bourbon; mashed potatoes taste like soft sour cream and onion potato chips. Sample the honeybee's success with a honey-rosemary ice cream.

09/29/06

quiet business dinner where you can actually talk or a romantic dinner.

by rayyinger

Nothing bad on the menu and can even customize as you go. Actually a quiet dinner place, which is often hard to find. Large selection of wines. Pricey but good for client dinner.

09/05/06

Old-world Charm

by helen_f

The Hunt Club at the Sorrento should be visited if only for the reason that it is an absolutely beautiful place. The bar in the lounge is my favorite spot to sit: a rich, mahogany counter is perfect for leaning up against when indulging in a well-balanced glass of Syrah while checking out the bar's other patrons. Food here may be a bit overpriced, but well worth it--the heirloom tomato salad straight from the chef's garden can't be missed.

07/07/06

Charming hotel, Lazy Chef

by johnmolloy

My wife and I came to Seattle for the Weekend. Are stay at the Sorrento was pleasant, the Staff was friendly and courteous. We dined in the Hunt club On a relaxed Friday evening, again the staff was professional and attentive, however, The Chef paced the hallway talking on his cell phone throughout our entire dinner. Strange, considering the price of an entree and the mediocrity of the presentation.

11/26/05

Over Rated

by bunsowh

We went here for Thanksgiving dinner and were disappointed by the service from the beginning. After waiting too long for a server he arrived with an officious attitude. We asked him to take a photo of the table and he declined saying he would do it later - later never came. The first course soup was cold. The entre food was pre-cooked and tough. Both the turkey and rack of pork dinners were tough and chewey. Service continued to be slow throughout the meal. We had to ask several times to get water! The ambience is terrific - clubby and romantic - but the service and food quality are totally lacking. We won't be back.

• Pros: ambience
• Cons: food, service