The Back Door to Prohibition

Discretely located in an alley with minimal signage (just a stylish silver engraved plaque next to an ominous dark wooden door) between 1st and 2nd street near Blanchard, Seattle's newest Speakeasy, Bathtub Gin & Co. is easy to miss. So easy to miss in fact, that you almost feel as if you are about to enter a secret group or club. I'll have to admit, I was a bit timid when I first opened the door, unsure of who (or more importantly, how small of a crowd) I may find inside. Upon entering, I immediately fell in love with the interior and ambiance of the place. You almost feel as though you're on the set of a movie, or perhaps another time period all together. Dark wood, dim candlelight (let me rephrase - dark candlelight), exposed brick, and a beautifully glamorous crystal chandelier give this speakeasy and irresistible charm. It's cozy, intimate and inviting.


Raven and I made our way down the staircase to the lounge area on the bottom floor which has the most seating. The upper level is where you'll find the main bar area with minimal bar stool seating. This is where the happy hour minglers seem to migrate. We were almost instantly greeted by a waitress who promptly provided us with Bathtub's short (but amazing) cocktail list.


On our previous visit, we were a tad disappointed to learn that there was absolutely no food menu whatsoever (though a coworker later pointed out that you can order in food from it's neighbor Italian restaurant). This becomes even more disappointing after you quickly learn that the drinks are strong - very very very strong. And a girl needs to offset this high dosage of liquor with, at the very least, some finger food. Thankfully, Bathtub Gin seemed to learn quickly that empty stomachs + 1/2 a drink = a sloshed and starved patron. In other words, me on my last visit. The speakeasy now offers a small appetizer list.


As Raven and I were on our way to Delancey for pizza, we opted not to get any food and went straight for the good stuff - the cocktails. Watered down fruity cocktails you will find none of here. These drinks are bold, sophisticated and strong with flavors like cardamon (try the Volstead Act) and house-peppered reposado tequila (Bobby Love Margarita). Prices are a bit high - $8-9 ($1 off during happy hour) - but oh so worth it. Go early as your chances of finding a table after 6:30pm are slim to none.

But shhhhhh...let's keep the awesomeness of this place quiet. I'll be severely disappointed if it becomes overrun with the obnoxious Belltown crowd.

Bathtub Gin & Co.
Neighborhood: Belltown
2205 2nd Ave (In the alley between 1st & 2nd near Blanchard)
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 728-6069