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Seattle is best known for its’ coffee scene, but the cocktail scene has been growing for quite some time and might be nearing its’ peak. There are tons of very cool, unique, and interesting cocktail bars all over the city and no matter what neighborhood you’re exploring, you’re bound to step foot in an amazing establishment. I recently moved to Seattle from Southwest Florida and after only a month in the Pacific Northwest, I quickly discovered how deprived I had been of a genuinely handcrafted cocktail! From classic drinks with a twist to decked out themed bars crafting libations with clever names, read below for a list of the five of the best unique bars in Seattle where you can have a some of the best cocktails in Seattle!

1. Inside Passage

One-Eyed Willy Cocktail at Inside Passage Seattle

Giant octopus above the bar at Inside Passage Seattle

The Four Boys cocktail at Inside Passage Seattle

Probably one of the hardest bars to get into since opening in Fall of 2021, Inside Passage recently opened as a part of the popular rum bar, Rumba Cuban Café. Located near Capitol Hill, this small establishment is the ultimate themed bar! Be prepared for a two hour wait, but once inside, you’ll be transported to a shipwrecked cove with a giant octopus in the ceiling hovering over you. Inside Passage offers your classics such as banana daiquiris and hurricanes, but their shining star is their signature Inside Passage craft cocktails. These range from $18-$22 and are served in unique Instagram-worthy glasses and mugs. I ordered the One-Eyed Willy, which is a tropical take on the old fashioned. Sticking to the names reference, this is served in a treasure chest which oozes with dry ice to reveal your drink in a skull mug sitting on a bed of fake, colorful treasure. Each drink has quite the display and special factor and you might just find some of the best cocktails in Capitol Hill here!

2. Deep Dive

After walking down the inside ramp, Deep Dive immediately became my new favorite place to get drinks in Seattle! This classy cocktail lounge is located underneath the mesmerizing Amazon spheres and if you didn’t know it was there, you would completely miss the entrance as there’s no signage. The ambiance is dark and moody with nods to the art world, making this the perfect place for date night. Deep Dive is owned by Renee Erickson who is a well-known local chef and restaurateur that owns more than six other establishments throughout Seattle. The cocktail menu at Deep Dive is extensive and broken out into four sections, Clean & Elegant, Bold & Complex, Rich & Sour, and Free Spirited. Each drink is perfectly crafted and there’s something here for everyone, including a small wine menu. Deep Dive is most certainly not the place to visit if you're looking for cheap drinks, as the average drink price is around $18. However, this may be one of the absolute best cocktail bars in Seattle and hands down is my favorite place to go!

3. Bangrak Market

This Thai market themed restaurant and bar is located in Belltown and serves up delicious Thai street food and even better cocktails! The décor is fun and bright, and the music is upbeat and loud. It’s a great environment for celebrating with friends, which makes it one of the best bars in downtown Seattle. The drink menu consists of traditional cocktails, but made with popular ingredients found in Thailand like a dragon fruit, starfruit, mango, and more. My go-to drink here is the Passionfruit Cosmopolitan which always has the perfect amount of sweetness to it. Bangrak Market also offers one of the best happy hours in Belltown and includes select food and drink items for happy hour everyday from 4-6pm and again a couple of hours before they close. Sit at the bar or one of the high top tables near the bar for the best view of the colorful space and to watch the bartenders have fun while they create delicious drinks.

Passionfruit Cosmopolitan at Bangrak Market in Seattle

Carnival themed bar at Unicorn in Seattle

4. Unicorn

If sweet cocktails are your thing, then Unicorn is the place for you! This super fun bar located in Capitol Hill has been a staple in the neighborhood for a while for good reason. The bar is carnival themed and all of the drink names are whimsy and clever such as My Little Pony, The Cereal Killer, and The Ringmaster. Aside from cocktails, they offer a wide variety of shots and carnival food, and they even have drag bingo and karaoke nights! The bar is decked out in bright colors and looks just like an old timey carnival or circus carriage with intricate designs and gilded details. The walls are bright blue and white striped like a circus tent and there are fun pictures and décor everywhere. You’ll definitely feel like you’re under the big top when you're at the Unicorn bar in Capitol Hill.

5. Bathtub Gin

Keep your eyes peeled, or you might not be able to find this unique speakeasy in the heart of downtown Seattle. The speakeasy entrance to Bathtub Gin is located in an alleyway, lit with one single lantern, and a sign on the door. They open every day at 5pm and I suggest getting there early as there’s typically a line to get in. The bar itself is small and cozy, with a lounge area on the main floor and a small bar upstairs with additional high top tables. You can find all types of gin here and some very unique craft cocktails as well! I opted for their drink called To the Moon that has notes of sage, rhubarb, and hibiscus flower, and it was amazing!

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Tess Arnold

Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!

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