09/15/06

wonderful ambiance and friendly staff

by vacuoso

I like my Ketel martini up, dry, with a twist and surrounded by old wood and old books. If you do too, than the Bookstore Bar is not to be missed. It is a perfect place to enjoy a book by one's lonesome. The little nook area in the back is dimly-lit, semi-private, and lends itself perfectly to enjoying game of chess and conversation with a friend.

This little gem of a bar also has fantastic food (the porkchops with spaetzel and tart cherries is to die for), a decent happy-hour menu (weekdays only though) and a patio if one wants to savour the weather, watch passersby, and/or smoke while drinking. stogies, though, have gone the way of the dodo, and the bar's interior ambiance has benefitted considerably from it.

Brian, the day bartender, has been especially wonderful while I fritter away hours on occasional weekday afternoons, sipping on a glass of wonderful Viogner and reading my book in the window table. He, like the staff in general there, is attentive and sweet and makes the experience that much more enjoyable.

I highly recommend this little bar, if you find yourself downtown and in the mood for a drink, do check this place out. I call it the last bastion of civility before Pioneer Square.

Classy, upscale cocktail and stogie bar--with books, to boot.

by Allison Austin

The Scene
Dressy after-work crowds and hotel guests in seasonally casual garb unwind with icy martinis and $9 glasses of wine. Tall stools and dim lighting make for cozy confines, but when weather permits, seats outdoors are ideal for catching rays and people-watching.

The Draw
Sandwiches and the usual midday nosh can be had during lunchtime, or visit after 4pm and sample vittles from the Alexis' Library Bistro restaurant. Just a short jaunt from the Pike Place Market, this restaurant's menu pays exemplary tribute to local, seasonal produce. A tasty burger and a daily pizza, along with several salads, are available for those looking for fewer frills. As for the books: They're for sale, but most folks just grab one to browse while waiting for friends.

05/27/04

Great place for a date

by drunk_in_seattle

The boosktore bar is a great place for a date. Good food, very decent cocktails and a quiet environtment make it a great place to sit for hours and chat. The staff is mostly non-intrusive and courteous. Beware of their fries though - the fries are potato wedges on steroids. I have never been able to finish an order fries.

Their pizzas are pretty decent and so are their "gourmet" burgers. Very decent scotch selection.

• Pros: quiet, romantic, good scotch

10/05/03

the best bar in seattle

by d33ann

an elegant bar, dark rich interiors, cozy and quiet enough for conversation, yet not dull or stuffy, it's perfect for a night out with friends that you actually want to talk to. the bar's core staff, adam, sasha and barbara are so attentive and friendly you'll find youself coming back just to see them! excellent top shelf liquor selection, including over 60 single malt scotches and rare ports. "bar munchies" are far superior to most restaurants in the area, as they come from the hotel alexis's kitchen..it's worthwhile to go to the bookstore bar for dinner!

• Pros: friendly staff, excellent food, classy decor
• Cons: closes at midnight

01/22/03

Best Bar in Town Hands Down

by mariobono

Yes this is the best little bar in town. Not to packed and just enough alcohol to keep the mouth wet. The staff is friendly and the drinks are great. Smoke a cigar talk non-sense and enjoy yourself here. Grab a book, magazine a beer you name it can happen. I even saw a couple-playing scrabble the other night. No other quit place like it in Seattle. It is one of kind and please dont change.

• Pros: Quit on weekdays, Has two TV's, Has cigars/drinks
• Cons: Their are none go see, for yourself