Vessel
1312 5th Ave
Seattle, WA 98101 (206) 652-0521
- Price Range: $$$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Music: Music Videos
- Best Nights: Wed, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour: Yes
- Alcohol: Full Bar
- Smoking: No
- Coat Check: No
53 Reviews for Vessel
It's adorable. I thought the design of the place was impeccable, from the vessel labeled cocktail swords right down to the glassware (only the greatest ebay find EVER).
You can sit directly in the window for some privacy (very cute for people watching YOU, by the way), or right up front where you can quiz the staff, who is more than likely ready to tell you that No, You May Not Have A Vodka Tonic (but believe them when they tell you afterward that it's in your best interest). Yes, the cocktails ARE $11, but so is a jagerbomb at a place with pulltabs. Although the cocktails are delicious, what you're paying for is the experience.
Vessel isn't for every weekend, but it is for THE weekend. It's a must try at least once.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
I feel very cool coming here!
I've been wanting to come here so I dragged one of my non foodie friends, and made her come with me. She wasn't very excited for the non claim jumpers portions, but tried to think foodie, and ate foodie hahaha. how can you really go wrong with fritters and gnocchi? well you can, but they didn't. The service was a little rushed and pretentious, but the ambiance was very hip. too hip to be fit. that has no correlation to the review but I really wanted to say it.
Anyhow, do go for a swanky night before the symphony, art showing, or just for a fun night :) Totally cool
People thought this was:
Useful (6)
Funny (6)
Cool (6)
Pretentious and over-priced. I certainly appreciate a little class, but Vessel just doesn't do it for me. The bar itself is quite nice; the decor and ambiance is very nice. The staff is a little too-cool-for-school and the patrons... well, most look like Belltown regulars, but dressed up in cheap suits.
The drinks, however pricey they may be, are delicious.
If you can deal with the swankiness, come early, before the crowds, and spend the rest of your evening somewhere else.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Shortly after they opened, I came here with a group of 5+ and we peaked in went up the glass steps, and couldn't find a place to hang out. So we left. And then I didn't think to return for like a year.
But I'm really glad I finally did. It's a cute little space - much cooler than most seattle bars, and the cocktails are originial, fun, and delicious. And for after dinner drinks it was very chill - a few other couples downstairs (one of whom mas making out across their table) and a larger group of friends upstairs.
It's on the pricier side, but these are well crafted cocktails in a great space, so if you're into that it's great. If you're looking for a typical seattle bar where the best drinks are the local beers, you can probably guess just from looking in that this is not your kind of place.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Vessel would call me a fraud because I don't drink "real" alcohol. However, its one drink that it put on the menu (I'm sure, begrudgingly) containing vodka is divine.
Vessel is small and I've never been there when it's been super crowded. They have a great upstairs, but I've only been there once when it's actually been open. When it does get a bit crowded the seating is awkward -- the downstairs is not super conducive to a group of more than four without part of the group standing or sitting in a different area.
Although superlicious, it is also expensive. Two rounds of drinks (for three people) ran just shy of a Benjamin. I would recommend it for a swanky night out with the ladies.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Yet another lovely establishment that restores my faith in sophisticated Seattle nightlife.
Thank you from the bottom of my Tanqueray Lovin' heart, Vessel. Your Gin Grapefruit Rickey was exceptional. The only thing missing on the menu is a larger portion of those potato chips drizzled in truffle oil.
Hey, Vessel- Two sizes please..
'Regular'
and
'FRACK! Was that party was CAAAH-RAAAZZY or what!?!? YEAH.. totally.. WHOA! These chips.. friggin' BOMB!?? Seriously.. seriously- BEST THING EVERRRRR..' size.
People thought this was:
Useful (10)
Funny (9)
Cool (7)
This place makes a mean drink but you are definitely going to pay for it. All of the cocktails on their menu are $11 or more. The only drinks I didn't care for were the drinks that sounded sweet on the menu like the strawberry fizz because they were not sweet at all. This place is good if you are tired of the same old drinks and want to experiment...on someone else's tab. 6 drinks ran me a $77 tab. The bartender's suspenders and fedora really did not match the decor or the prices. When I think of Vessel the word pretentious comes to mind.
We didn't end up getting drinks here since their happy hour specials (which drew us in) aren't effective over the weekends... (I was planning on the $4 hummus app and BF was excited about $5 fish tacos...)
BUT the bartender was what made us almost want to stay (had they offered champagne for under $20, yes, I said $20! a glass). He totally balanced off the weird W Hotel vibe (piped in wordless clubby music, super modern sterile decor) with his friendly & totally unpretentious energy. Plus, not to be materialistic but while we are discussing Vessel (what appears to be a very image based bar) I was into his suspenders & bowler hat. Unfortunately the same can't be said for the other patrons who gave our jeans and hoodies dirty looks from the moment we walked in till the moment we walked out.
So yeah, 4 stars for the Saturday afternoon bartender and strange concept of a highly self-involved bar where you, holding your martini, are literally the window display.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Jamie Boudreau is no longer tending bar here; I see no reason to return
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
05/14/2007
I never thought any other Seattle bar would turn my head so long as the Zig Zag Cafe served liquor… Read more »
So, it gets 5 stars foir being a very cool spot - one star for making weird drinks just to be different and 3 stars for making a great drink.
I couldnt tell ya what was what or what we had. Met some great friends there while we were seperately out and about in town. When we got there, our friends had drinks already and said tell the guy what you like and he will make it.
Without hesitation I said, bourbon or vodka and citrus. I got a flaming rosemary sprig over crushed ice and bourbon. I put out my drink, waited for the rim to cool and drank my bourbon.
I don't even know what my boyfriend ended up with. I know he gave it back and got something else. So, for round 2 I said that I would like to have what our friend was having.
She had a great drink. Wish they could have done it twice,
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Right now, to me, best drink in the city. The vibe is NYC cold, not unfriendly, just a clean cold atmosphere and a good thing if you're in the mood for that.
Tuesdays have 30% of bottles of champagne.
Get the Vessel 75 first, to get the idea. Work your way down the list, maybe 2 or 3 a visit, that's my plan. They don't do vodka cause it is about flavor. Read the menu, you'll learn something about the city you live in and the drinks you drink.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (4)
Vessel is so hot! I love the drinks (stiff!) and the great furniture (dwr and then some) and that it's downtown (in a location that is easy to convince my friends to come out to)... The drinks are served in vintage glasses and I've never had to wait for a table/seat!
Sometimes it's hard to tell if they are open - but the hours are written on the door. I like hanging out in the main bar, however, there is an upstairs with plenty of creative seating options.
This isn't a restaurant so don't expect a mind-blowing culinary experience in comparison to the drinks and ambience - the kitchen looked super teensy so fill up before you go!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Cool (2)
Vessel is classy, sleek and intimate.
Though their mission statement seems a bit stuffy and none of their cocktails are made with vodka, they know their stuff and you should just deal with it or realize this may not be the place for you.
On a Sunday evening our bartender was pleasant and friendly despite the fact that he was quite busy making some of the most complicated drinks I've ever seen. They are a bit expensive, but they're well made and end up being pretty dang strong as well so you end up getting your money's worth.
People thought this was:
Useful (9)
Funny (2)
Cool (8)
Snobby and pretentious, but at least they know it and so you can enjoy yourself and watch the shameless climb in to the window and put themselves on display.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
BEST COCKTAIL BAR in Seattle!
Hand down, no questions asked, not to mention they get national press for their cocktails. I try to make it down here once a week, not only are the drinks great, top shelf and well made, the staff is always friendly and happy to provide education on what you are sipping. From the red room up stairs to the window seating every seat is comfortable, but the best seat in the house is at the bar, where else can you watch a bar tender had crack ice, bruele cherries, or who knows what they are doing, all I know is it tastes great. This is not a bar for club kids this is a comfortable big city lounge, and once you walk though the door you can tell. Not to mention the well, name another place with woodford reserve, finlandia or appletons as the well liquors, you want to know what a $350 bottle of tequila tastes like, or a limited edition whiskey like willet tastes like they can help you, only problem is you will be hard pressed to ever add it to your collection.
You want to impress your out of town friends or a date, this is the place, Come here and you look like you are in the know.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Classy and classic.
The former for the atmosphere, the latter for the cocktails.
I'm all about a REAL cocktail, which these people deliver. (And deliver in gorgeous vintage crystal glasses!) Nothing vodka-based, skilled use of classic (there's that word again!) ingredients like bitters, Campari, Lillet, Chartreuse, etc... pulling out all the big guns in the ol' liquor department. So so so so finely crafted. That's why you're paying $15 per tiny specialty cocktail. Ouch.
Vessel has one of my favorite staircases in Seattle. It's so glowy and yellow and... glassy (like the rest of the bar, actually). I liked watching a drunk girl almost fall down it in her stupid spike heels. Trust me, I can be THAT girl, but you don't want to be THAT girl at Vessel. Save it for Linda's or something.
Also one of my favorite bathrooms, they have a unisex if you prefer, and it must be said that the toilet paper is to die for.
So here I am reviewing a classy, lovely establishment and I end up talking about drunk girls and toilet paper. Sorry. I guess I am not as classy as Vessel, but I can still behave myself and enjoy a fantastic libation. (Of course as soon as I leave, all that refinery flies out the window, but we can pretend.)
Final classy/classic count: 5. Maybe I should have busted out the thesaurus, but just... Vessel. It's pure CLASS!
(okay, count: 6.)
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Funny (6)
Cool (3)
How have I not reviewed this little slice of classy heaven in a vast sea of Seattle douche and dive. I love this space! Vessel has interesting cocktails and delicious wine, tasty snacks on an ever changing but minimal menu and ambient background music; think Zero 7.
The setup is sleek and moden futuristc downstairs and retro meets comfy upstairs. The bathrooms are gorgeous; complete with Molton Brown White Mulberry handsoap and lotion. Yes, I noticed. The service has always been good. I reccomend the Croque-monsieur and truffle potato chips.
People thought this was:
Useful (7)
Funny (8)
Cool (7)
Vessel is one of those places that lavishly bathes in its own snobbery. Vessel is so much so one of these places that they've included a diatribe of their cocktailian philosophy at the end of the menu. Oh, and of course, the cocktail menu has no prices; if you need to ask, then I'm sure there's a trendy bar somewhere that will suit your vodka-cranberry tastes just fine.
All kidding aside, Vessel prides itself on combining vintage cocktails with molecular mixology techniques like foams and brulees to create artful, culinary-inspired presentations. And although I received friendly service, I could envision a bartender being a little short with a customer who turns their nose at the menu and orders nothing but cosmos all night.
As to the ambiance, the trendy decor seems woefully required in the sense that it isn't terribly inviting, but I can't imagine that the foam and brulee techniques would fit naturally in any other type of setting.
All-in-all, Vessel is a good place to get a drink if you love a well-crafted cocktail. And if you want to get a better idea of what that means, google Jamie Boudreau (he tends the bar); you'll find some cool stuff on his thoughts about mixology.
Boasting an LA/NYC vibe, Vessel is the place to go to see and be seen in Seattle. Seattle is slowly stepping up to be a fashionable locale for urban dwellers and visitors.
With an unassuming front entrance, VESSEL placed in small lettering above a glass door flanked by soft curtains, this bar is located in the space formerly occupied by part of the neighboring 5th Avenue Theatre directly to the south. The architecture inside is beautiful, with the original walls and ceiling details still intact. A bar is situated directly across the room when you walk in and to the left is a grand modern staircase lit in lime green from beneath. This leads up to the "Red Room" which is great for private parties or other group gatherings.
The drinks are unparalleled in this city. Since the opening of VESSEL, the bartenders have been consistently rated some of the best in the city, crafting unique cocktails from recipes dating back over a century including hand made bitters, foams and syrups. You must try their signature drink the VESSEL 75. It is unlike anything you've ever had, expressing a tremendous depth of flavor. This is the kind of place where the cocktail definitely lives up to its legacy as a classy and sophisticated status symbol.
This business knows what it's doing on all fronts.
Dress to impress here-although you'll end up being the one who is in fact impressed.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
My first legal drink was served here. My parents were taking me out to dinner and I've been told that 9 dollar cocktails taste better when someone else is buying- so I decided to go big.
Vessel was nice. At 6pm there was a decent crowd- but we managed 3 seats at the bar. Told the bartender it would be my first taste of alcohol, cough, and asked what he suggested. He kindly obliged. We also ordered some small plates- which never came... that was a little sad... but because it was my birthday (and that he messed up the order) he didn't charge for my drink.
So on the rare occasion when I feel like keeping things classy for an evening- Vessel will definitely be on my radar.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (3)
Cool (5)
Excellent space. Intimate, open and clean. Jaimie's a rock star and knows his stuff; best drink I've had in a _long_ time.
I'm feeling more useful than funny or cool. You can just deal with that.
People thought this was:
Useful (7)
Funny (4)
Cool (3)
Fantastic classic-esque drinks! Prepared with finesse and elan by friendly bar staff without pretension. I was able to sample rare, hard to find cocktail ingredients (I'm an Amaro Nonino fan now). I highly recommend Vessel to those seeking couture cocktails. Go early and avoid the crush.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Ok, this is a cocktail bar. Crafted, high quality cocktails, not the usual slop that is thrown around. I see some reviewers complain about the drink prices, but for the quality liquor they are using the prices are not that bad.
I do agree with many of the reviews that the atmosphere is cold. With the people behind the bar sporting suspenders and hats, and some of the customers having donned suits to go for a drink (its Seattle folks) I couldn't help but get a whiff of eau de douche bag.
Ambiance is top notch. Impressive menu. Classy and clean.
The negative is that I had one drink on an empty stomach and didn't feel the slightest buzz, well... This is more likely a place I'd go to get a last call drink when I didn't care if I wanted to feel it or not.
I only drink about 8-12 drinks a month, for inquiring minds that considered alcoholism as an issue ;-)
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Simple and fabulous.
Also, completely empty on a Tuesday night, but I suppose that is to be expected.
The bartender insisted that my friend's amaretto sour should be made with an egg white, as is "tradition." Apparently we know nothing about mixology, because that cocktail was strong and full of frothy goodness.
Design points to whomever thought up the lightbulb holograms.
I must go back to try a specialty drink and get the weekend night experience.
what is important to you? open mic night? micro brews? sandals? subarus? begone. go elsewhere. this is not for you.
here you may order drinks with adjectives describing the texture of clothing, drinks your great grandfather would have ordered were he a childhood friend of mr burns, drinks that are lost, found, made into fermented mash, turned to low wine, distilled further, mixed with aperol, homemade bitters and passion.
but this review need make more since and hence it shall: vessel makes the best drink in this city. the bar is deep, only zig zag can compete with its depth and skill. the cocktail list is the actual tip of the iceberg of their knowledge. the servers seem to be ethereal, not just because they provide ambrosia.
the downside (for me, likely the upside for others) is that on the weekend this place is a scene the likes of which rival any other on th covers of us weekly or a e! true hollywood story. i can not be here on the weekend.
but every weekday they will knock you out with true class and quality. and stow your comments on the price, the well bourbon is woodford reserve, is this excessive? yes, but its a commitment to quality that echoes throughout the whole bar.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Hel-LO my lovely peons!
I'm Miffy Bon-Viferstien, and I just wanted to tell you all about my visit to that DAN-dy place, Vessel.
As a high class upper crusty, this place tickles my diamond encrusted nethers to a tee, transporting me back to my hey days of the L.A. club scene. Lucite chairs greet you in the main entrance, and a brightly colored Lucite staircase leads you to the upstairs dining room. Take a seat at the large picture windows and laugh at all the less fortunate that can't be graced to dine here with the Elite. Ha-HAAA
This place oozes utter class; I didn't even deem it necessary to have Jeeves brush off the seat for me first! They have an array of fine liqueurs and even some high bill Remy Martins and Hennessey's! I didn't think lowly people could afford this very high out of reach top self.
My dashing comrades, the Ian's and Miss MADD, enjoyed their array of finger foods, while I daintily nibbled on my delectable cheese plate, one must watch her figure you know! Ian K, found the Blue Cheese to be moaningly FAN-tas-TQUE! My word, I MUST keep some of that in my fridge, heavens.
Happy hour is a must if you don't carry around my bank roll. $4 drinks, and finger foods ranging from $4-10. The portions are small, but we must keep in mind that gorging ourselves in public is quite uncouth.
Bye for now my Dahl-lings
-M-
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (11)
Cool (6)
I tried to "sink" Vessel twice on my visit to Seattle, and both nights it was I who ended up drowning. But don't cry for me, Seattle, for this was the sort of drowning that involved meticulous prepared libations, an eclectically classy crowd, and a whip smart and gregarious team of mixologists.
Where do I start? Well for background reading, please read Brad P's review since it nails down the details of my first night quite well. You go Brad!
It is worth restating that it was the hospitality and enthusiasm of both Owner Coleman and Bartender Ben who made this bar float for me. Their enthusiasm for the art of the cocktail, and for sharing a good story are just not something you can replicate.
I had such a good time on Thursday that I returned on Friday! I was expecting Coleman and Ben to maybe recognize me but they both greeted me on a first name basis and more so as an instant regular. I showed up with Charlie D that night, and we had so much fun that he almost convinced me to stay Saturday for another evening here.
Ok, I will stop gushing, just do yourself a favor and make Vessel a regular destination. The downstairs bar is my favorite, and it's great for taking in the scene, meeting strangers, all that. Upstairs is more loungey, good for groups. They have some tasty-sounding food during happy hour, of which I was sad to have missed out on.
Drink-wise, while the bar is excellently stocked and you can order just about anything, I highly advise tasting some of their signatures like the Vessel 75, the Red Hook and the Rum Swizzle. Just watching them prepare a drink is a spectacle - notice the use of tongs to drop in a straw, or different types of ice for different sorts of cocktails - put shortly these guys do not just create modern cocktail culture, they are modern cocktail culture.
People thought this was:
Useful (10)
Funny (8)
Cool (11)
At Michelle B's strong encouragement, Nish and I decided to duck into Vessel for a night-cap on our way home from the Yelp Elite party on Thursday night.
Clad in our distinctive and sporty Yelp track suit jackets, we arrived feeling a bit sheepish and wondering if were would be appropriately attired for this ultra-chic and super-intimate spot. In retrospect, it wasn't the corporate garb that I should have been worried about, but my name-tag sticker and laminated lanyard. Total dork factor. Nice entry.
It was late (or early, depending how technical you want to be), and let's just say that after midnight on a weeknight drew a very eclectic, and by then, very inebriated crowd. Now, how can you blame a bar for inebriated clientele? You can't.
The two of us cozied up to the bar and began to peruse the drink menu, and were instantly dazzled by the creative, eclectic (yes appropriate here again) and completely fascinating selection of signature cocktails. Serious mad-scientist type stuff.
The barkeep, Ben, whom we later came to know on a first name basis, steered us each toward different choices, and for the life of me, I can't remember the name or what was in it (Nish will have to help out here). But, these are not your ordinary cocktails, nor, gentle reader, should you ever consider ordering anything next to ordinary at Vessel.
One round led to another, and soon Coleman, one of the masterminds behind Vessel, and Ben were eagerly yanking down bottles and offering up tastes of this, that and the other. At one point, they insisted on making us their signature drink which is topped with a maple foam that melts in your mouth as it mixes with the orange flavored bourbon based elixir underneath.
Somehow, a casual night-cap had turned into a schooling on 21st century cocktail culture, and we were the willing students.
Things you should know before you go to Vessel. The signature drinks are 10 bucks a pop. Now, before you get all indignant about 10 dollar drinks, consider that they are 3 ounce pours, and when you combine the atmosphere, the love with which they make their drinks, and the exotic nature of the selection, I doubt you'll walk away let down. Fall down? Maybe. Let down? Doubtful.
Something else you should know is that the drinks are intricate to make. So, guess what? It can get slow when it's busy. So, if you find yourself there and it's busy, take a moment and take in the surroundings, observe the scene, and enjoy a moment of urban sophistication. Or, make it a point to go when it's not going to be busy, and have the sort of one-on-one experience we were lucky enough to stumble into. And, don't even think about ordering a Jack and Coke or something pedestrian like that.
Minus 1/2 star for the fact that someone yelped on the toilet seat and didn't clean it up. Plus 1/2 star for Coleman's professional and appreciative reaction when we gave him the heads up.
Thanks again Ben and Coleman for a special visit to your place. I'll be back next time I'm in Seattle.
People thought this was:
Useful (10)
Funny (3)
Cool (14)
A group of 7 of us walk in on a Friday nite at 9 pm, and while it wasn't packed, there was no place for us to sit downstairs, so we asked if we could sit down upstairs. The waitress told us they would have to check and see if there was room first, and then her and the manager/owner came over and asked us for our id's. I have no problem with people asking for my id, in fact i relish it, since i am getting further and further away from 21, but the way they asked us made me feel like we were newbie 21 year olds in Vegas, with two of them carding us before we even got to sit down.
After that they took us upstairs, and lo and behold, it was empty...either the waitress has a really bad memory and forgot that it was empty, or they didn't think we were worthy enough of the venue. Just because you wear a cute black cocktail dress does not mean that you can act like you are better than us.
The drinks were strong....some were good, some were ok, and one was so bad that it had to be returned. It tasted like cough syrup. I understand that mixology is an art, and I can appreciate that, but I guess my palate is not refined enough for the drinks at Vessel - gin, bourbon and whiskey, which is what most of the drinks are made of are not at the top of my list.
The best parts about Vessel was the table in the front window that makes you feel like a model/mannequin and the cucumber water that the bring you upon sitting. Otherwise, I could take it or leave it...preferably without the attitude.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (3)
Cool (3)
Based on all the great Yelp reviews, I decided that this would be the perfect spot to take my most favorite clients for drinks after a lovely dinner at Purple.
I will positively never go back.
The bartender was the epitome of self-important dick. And I mean DICK. From beginning to end, the entire visit felt like I was in a slow motion train wreck. After walking in, I was shocked at how small the place is. The downstairs is like a big walk-in closet with a bar. I was practically spooning with my clients. I'd been going on and on about the great Yelp reviews and how we were going to love it. That was embarrassment #1. Then the ordering convo went something like this:
Me (still upbeat, looking at extensive drink menu): Is there any particular drink that you are known for or that you recommend?
Dick (terse and bothered to be, you know, doing HIS JOB): No.
Me (confused): Ahh... okay.
Dick (seething superiority): I can't recommend a drink unless you tell me what you like. If you wanted to buy a car, you wouldn't walk onto a car lot and ask the salesman what he recommends.
Me (bemused and feeling like I must be on Candid Camera): .......
That was embarrassment #2.
He snapped back into his service industry role after a while (and perhaps after hearing our table not-so-discreetly commenting on his behavior) and preceded to serve up drinks that tasted like feet. On the plus side, I had half of a drink and was totally sloshed.
That was embarrassment #3 (although that one is on me).
Vessel sucks ass. Sorry.
People thought this was:
Useful (5)
Funny (4)
Vessel is decorated the way you see super stylized male bathrooms in shaving ads. Lots of glass and chrome. I feel so manly sitting here. I want to shave hard. Then put on some axe body spray. The ladies like that, really.
The crowd is buying into this mentality as well. Arrmani on sale is the feeling here. Men in pseudo expensive ill fitting suits trying to find expensive tail to go home with. But really, there isn't a lot of impressive tail here. Sorry boys.
Vessel is saved by the over priced but excellent drinks. Good liquor selection, good bartenders. Just a bad choice of target market. I mean, if I wanted to see this many male cougars, I'd go to a strip club
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (9)
Cool (1)
I'd dole out more stars if I were richer, but at $10-a-pop, I ain't taking a pop. If you can afford it, though, this place has two pages of interesting looking cocktails that I'm sure are delicious and will probably get you drunk.
The happy hour menu is not wonderful. You can pick from a handful of booze to take straight, on the rocks, or with soda. None of those options excite me, but for $4, is just fine.
The interior is minimalist, but since it's a converted store front, you can sit in these tiny nooks that used to be display windows, which I rather like. Next time I'll tape signs to my crotch and look at people like they're perverts when they walk by reading them.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (6)
Cool (1)
Svelte decor and a bar fully of trendy types doesn't do it for me. It's not bad though. Sadly, they have a very small selection of scotch and the wine by the glass is just ok.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Sexy & classy! This is a bar that makes you want to trade in your black boots for some serious strappy stilettos, shed the denim for something a bit more glamorous, and strike a pose with a well made cocktail while flirting with a Bond-esque type of man.
The first time I saw this new bar I was wandering down 5th ave on my way home from an evening of doing charitable work, no seriously I was, and drinking. Too bad it was past 2:00 AM so all I could do was stare, mouth agape, at the beautiful space that is Vessel. The amazing bartenders inside must have sensed my awe because they came out to say hello and extend an invitation to come back the next weekend.
Friday night rolls around and we hit up Vessel around 9:00 PM and it was nice and roomy but there were enough people to make it feel social. But, really, who cares about the people when you are sitting in one of the most beautifully designed spaces in downtown Seattle, not only did they carefully preserve parts of the old building, but all of the modern touches seem to integrate rather than clash with the character of the space. The interior designer must have expensive taste because DWR featured furniture abounds - Bertoia bar stools, plush couches, and low slung tables.
Only the drinks rival the surroundings. Exquisitely crafted cocktails expertly made by true craftsmen. Hand cracked ice, anyone? Seriously, hand cracked ice. Most of the cocktails contain a bitter of some kind, Campari or Angostura, and some kind of fire, floater, or muddle. These are true cocktails. They are priced as such, $10 bucks a pop, and they are worth every penny. Not only are you getting an excellent drink, but you are getting a potent one, whoooheee make sure you take a cab!
The next time you want to feel fabulous head on down to Vessel.
People thought this was:
Useful (12)
Funny (4)
Cool (3)
I lead a rich fantasy life, but Vessel's decor kind of reminds me of a bar one might have come across in Barcelona circa 1988--but in a good way! Time travel is fun.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (3)
Soinge, baby!
The level of attention to detail here is awe-inspiring. Seriously - even the ice cubes are perfect. The team of devoted gents behind the bar will hand craft the most intricate, delicious, and boozy cocktail you've ever had. Very nice.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
Cool (4)
I loved Vessel, a sophisticated cocktail lounge right downtown. Jamie Boudreau dazzled us with lovely cocktails and great conversation. I had the wonderful rose, gin, flambeed cherry drink and I also got to try the chartreuse cocktail which I loved. He also directed us to another great bar, Zig Zag which we definately wouldn't have found out about without his recommendation.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
I ADORED this place for its minimalist decor and emphasis on classic pre-1950's cocktails. It's certainly a step up from typical Seattle nightlife and I welcome the change. If you like Manhattans, try theirs with rye - you won't regret it. That being said, this place is NOT good for groups or for people who like casual pubs like Rock Bottom. It is TONY and that they are serious about their cocktails. In other words, don't go there if your idea of happy hour is an Amstel Light and some clam strips. Nuf said.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (2)
My GF and I finally made it down to Vessel and would definitely go back. The drinks were inventive, but not pompous. I had the Vessel 75 and loved it. She tried the Pagu Club and it was sweet, but not overly sweet. For bites, we had the dates and the beets. Yum.
Would recommend sitting upstairs, as it is warmer and more intimate.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
Bookmark &n