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Mon-Sun. 5:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
I am so with Jeremy on the subject of the occasional lack of table service. This is primarily a bar, not a full service restaurant so: first breathe, then get up and order at the bar. Everything will be ok.
Ok, so that said, I love Solo. Good people work here, and good people from the neighborhood come here. It's an eclectic crowd, even amongst the regulars and that why I love it. (Oh yeah, I should mention that I'd probably be considered a regular and I would count most of their bartenders among my close friends).
Travis, Solo's chef, cooks food that is way above average for bar food. Actually, it's above average for almost any restaurant in the neighborhood. He deserves a lot of credit for creating and consistently delivering a menu that is delicious, thoughtful, and affordable. The veggie pot pie is exactly what you'd hope it to be, and the rabbit mole tacos are divine...
I'm down in Lower Queen Anne all the time going to shows at the Center, and Solo is my number one (almost exclusive) stop. The food is great for the price, and it's definitely got more culinary flair than you usually expect from bar food. The drinks are reasonably priced, with a good happy hour (all day on Sundays, I think).
And as for the staff, they're wonderful. Everyone who works there is really cool and nice, and contributes to the chill atmosphere. Table service isn't always guaranteed, but reading a lot of these reviews, I have to ask: have you people never been to a bar before? You can just walk up and order.
Dear hot boy in dark blazer with hat, who came in around 10pm on September 24th, 2009,
I need your # or email. Thankyouverymuch.
...what? Craigslist is so 2007.
Maybe it's the feng shui. Or maybe it was the bartender who I'm 99.9999% sure was on X or mushrooms or whatever the kidz are taking these days.
I just didn't like it. Couldn't get comfortable. Music was weirdly loud for the relative emptyness the night I was there. But the bartender was dancing and sweating up a storm! Yeehawwwwwwwww-- no.
They're pretty zany on food choices; definitely NOT your average bar food. And the location is sweet if you don't live on Queen Anne and you have an event at Key or something.
But I do live in Queen Anne. And I have no idea what this place is about. Interlopers, I guess. No offense.
I actually really liked this place! Headed here before the Pearl Jam concert and was delighted that it wasn't full of frat boys from Carly's sorority past. :)
I had two sangrias, and they were a whopping 4 bucks each! :) The service was great and all the food coming out looked tasty. The tables are nicely spaced apart, and there are even couches to sit down at.
I'll be back before heading to an event at the Seattle Center. Those sangrias and me were fast friends. :)
Met a friend here on fri night before the opera. I was looking for a bar near Seattle Center that was nice but not swanky. Did not want anything cruisey or a divey (is that a word?). This fit that bill with a casual living room vibe. But it looked like it was decorated on a budget -- the sofas and armchairs could use an upgrade to add just a little bit more class. Drinks were good (I had the house manhattan). Food was good -- when it finally arrived. Service was on the youthful unsophisticated side in attitude, skill, and attentiveness. There was a small pre-theater rush which oddly seemed to take the staff by surprise. I'd might come back with casual pals, maybe after show to hang out, but I wouldn't do the pre-show thing there again.
Solo offered the perfect sea of calm when we needed a mid-afternoon break from Bumbershoot before going back for the evening shows. We sank into the comfy couch for some R&R. Ah, peaceful!
The bartender is hip without ever being unfriendly, and she makes an excellent cocktail or two. We enjoyed the Manhattan Meets Prague (strong! but the first Manhattan I've really liked) and the Emperor (one of several rye whiskey cocktails on the menu, very cool). The strength never drowned out the flavor... they had balance, and unusual but delicious flavor pairings.
Nice wine list, and good happy hour pricing.
Serves $4 Peronis and has wi-fi, and the staff's very friendly. Nice couches. Lots of space.
Upgrading Solo to 4 Stars. I had such a good time last night! The bartender made me an awesome drink with Ruby Red Absolut, yummers! I still think they could use a waiter, but it wasn't too bad, especially considering the place was full due to Bumbershoot. Also, that weird shallow bathroom sink is one paper towel away from a massive flood, but I guess that'll be their problem when it happens. Still haven't tried the food but some friends had cow brains awhile back so this may be your kinda place if that sort of thing excites you. I just looked at the online menu and it looks, um, adventurous. Def not your typical bar food!
Solo was OK. No huge disappointments, but I won't go out of my way to return. It wants to be… Read more »
I swear, Michael make THE BEST French '75 I have ever had....Val, well he makes the best Caphirinia.
Nice, warm staff. Very casual. Val's wife comes down often, and she's just lovely and adds to the family, warm-fuzzy feel. Michael is just a generally nice guy.
Interesting visuals (-the sound, no not a TV) in front of the couch.
The food is hit or miss, usually hit though for me.
Good tunes, usually Brit-pop/rock...sometimes a DJ.
I met up with a group of friends here to have a quick drink and bite before heading over to a SIFF film. The space was comfy and welcoming, and artsy in fun way (I really loved the tile on the bathroom floor). It felt a bit like hanging out in someone's basement they had converted into a lounge. The food was all very intriguing, but the waitress was unable to answer any of my questions...there were a number of things I had no clue about. Caul? You can eat that? Trophie? Malawi? I am curious, but more information would have been most appreciated. I went with a safe choice of Braised Duck Leg with Roasted Root Vegetable Hash. Tricky to eat gracefully, but tasty.
Next time I want to try the roasted bone marrow. And maybe some of that other cryptic stuff.
This is one of my favorite bars. I live within walking distance and was tired of the frat-boy-filled bars (Ozzie's, I'm talking about you!). My boyfriend and I come here a lot when we're feeling low key and just want to get a beverage after work. The prices are REALLY good (something around $3-$4 for a gin and tonic, and they DO NOT skimp on the gin). They have a small menu of food but everything I have tried has been mouth-wateringly-delicious.
Sometimes standing outside, smoking, we have run into the employees and they have all been super nice and friendly. We ran into one of the cooks once and talked about the meal he was preparing for us. Val, the owner, is a great guy and always down to chat.
I love it here and try to come as often as possible. The vibe is very mellow and the people seem really nice. No douche-bags in sight (hooray!). I love how they have the seating set up. Some tables, a bar (obviously), and scattered couches and leather chairs. Damn.. now that I'm writing this I'm craving to go there after work tonight.
I have been to Solo a few times and I always received great table and bar service. This place is a tapas bar with a light dinner menu that is definitely for someone with acquired taste, such as the seared ahi tuna with ox-tail ragu. I decided to opt out of that and went with the house soup and salad. Soup was butternut squash, which was good, but extremely rich. Salad is tossed in a tasty light vinaigrette with walnuts and cheese.
They do have this basil cheesecake with a light graham cracker crust that I find totally amusing and quite good. Who would have thought basil and cheesecake would vibe well together? I love that crazy little cheesecake, but my friend is not a fan.
I think the Solo + Emily relationship was destiny....
Last week I was chatting with a coworker about how much I enjoy David Lynch and I developed the intense craving to watch Mulholland Drive after I got home that night. BUT then I ended going out for a drink with a friend after work instead. We wanted to go somewhere that wasn't too crowded and didn't have a dance floor (annoying! I hate dance floors, there I said it!) and she suggested Solo... I'd never been there...
We walk in, and what is playing on the projector at Solo?
Mulholland Drive.
That's it! That's all it takes to earn my love!
But I will also mention that the bottle of vihno verde we shared was delicious and reasonably priced, I enjoyed the atmosphere, the crowd was hip and good for people watching, the music fit the scene, there were all sorts of interesting seating options... and yes, NO dance floor!
Nice! Great music, friendly and helpful service. I was able to sit on the couch and read a book during the early part of the evening, then I came back later with my husband and sister for more food and drinks. It was more crowded of course but not annoyingly so, although we probably left around 10pm, so I'm not sure how crowded it gets later or on weekends.
Around the time Solo opened I met this boy who I was on the fence about dating because I was also 'hanging out' with someone else at the time. What would have been our 'third' date he suggested meeting at Solo for drinks, than he added it's just three blocks from his place. Being the prudish analytical betch that I am I decided to pass on meeting him for drinks, I knew what his plan was he was hoping for it on our second date and unfortunately I respect myself too much to get drunk and screw on the third date...
Anyways after that experience I never had the desire to go check it out until a few weeks ago. I was in the area with time to kill before seeing a show at the Rep. And than I thought maybe I was completely wrong about the guy because this bar appears to be a bar where the gay men go to pretend they are straight it was so odd and crazy and the more sangria I drank the funnier everything got. (I was with one of my GBFs and they confirmed this analysis of the situation with me.) But when you look at the decor you kind of get a gay trying to be straight vibe, they have funky lamps and a disco ball and some cool couches along with some stiff uptight high tables and chair.
Oh and the one thing I noticed is they have happy hour all night Sunday and Monday so if you need happy hour Sunday or Monday night while in Queen Anne Solo is your place.
To sum it up, Solo is the anti-Pesos bar in Queen Anne. The interior is very open and airy. I love the comfy couches inside. Check it out as your Pesos alternative if you're in Queen Anne!
Great drinks, greater staff, great crowd of artists and creatives. And how they pull off such a high-end menu at great prices with our 'small plates only' crowd of budgeteers, i'll never know - but i'm glad they do. comfy, cozy, yet light and airy - i need to be here more often.
Let's be blunt, my view of Solo ain't great but I will say this - both times I have been there it has been just to eat. I hear great things from people who like to hang out at Solo, play Rock Band and get drunk and silly. So all I can say is maybe that is what you should go to Solo for. Don't go for the food or you will not be impressed.
Awhile ago I went to Solo for brunch and it was fine...just fine. Last week, a fine young man took me there before we went to the Intiman Theater. Proximity to the theater was great, however the food was highly mediocre. Not to be snooty but their menu falls into the realm of faux-tapas. It is happening a lot in Seattle. Also, the menu online is already different from what we had one week ago so maybe they are trying to make changes. Thank you Solo, please do. The Frico (fried crispy Manchego cheese) was such a disappointment. Manchego melted down until it is not really recognizable is no bueno.
So go to Solo to drink, just eat somewhere else beforehand.
I thoroughly enjoy this place. The interior is airy, open, and perfect for a nice spring day in Seattle (I haven't been at night.) The scallops managed to impress my friend who is be the biggest food critic I know. The bartender was friendly and saved us from ourselves when we wanted to order the bone marrow ($10) He asked if we were going to catch a show in a bit, and we were, in fact, going to catch a show at the SIFF in thirty. Turns out the marrow takes 20 minutes to cook.
Late arrival to the movie averted. That, my friends, is a good bartender, and we will most definitely be back.
The interior w/the naked mannequins = crazy.
The Mediterranean platter = delicious.
The Kalimotxo (wine + Coke) = crazy delicious.*
*I also enjoyed the Swearingen and not just on the name alone.
This is a bar, but i come here for the fine dining.
Up till a month ago - I had always ignored solo, the interior being the main culprit....its just a weird decor / layout....plus the food used to suck.
Now I go here as often as I can when I want really well cooked food for half the price it would cost you at a fancy restaurant.
My friend and I tried to go to Solo yesterday. We couldn't because they were fixing something inside. We were asked to come back later (we went next door instead.)
The time before that, the cook wasn't there, so the only happy hour food available was refrigerated items.
I really enjoy Solo's happy hour, but I don't understand why I keep on getting glasses that have… Read more »
eh, not my "cup of tea," but they don't do anything terribly. It is more a trendy spot, but the owner is a cool dude. Don't order food if you're hungry! I got some sort of nachos for $8 and got 4 chips-no joke.
If you're looking for a non-club drinkery where you can chill with some of your trendy friends, go here....if you're looking for cheap, or dive bar, this ain't your spot. I have heard they have a good dj/dj's, though, so you want want to check that out-I won't be back, just because, as I said, it's not my cup of earl grey.
Solo is one of my favorite bars in Seattle. It has an artsy vibe without being overly hipster, amazing sangria (made with brandy! Yowza!), great use of the space. The food is fantastic, I recommend the hummus plate and the gazpacho whole-heartedly.
All in all, a very cool place to chill out and listen to some good tunes on Friday night when they usually have a cool DJ spinning. Rock on, Solo.
UPDATE 7/27/08: My co-worker who DJs there regularly told me that Solo isn't doing the DJ nights anymore because of noise complaints. Wtf, lower QA? It's a bar, you prudes. If you can't stand the heat, get out of the way of the flame. (Or whatever the hell that expression is.)
Eh. Really mediocre....everything. Kind of blah...no energy.
From the outside, it looks like this place is just called "BAR" because that's what the banner says. You have to be super up close to realize it's real name- Solo.
My BF and I came here after an uneventful night at McMennamins, just sort of stumbled across it on our journey home. We walked in and I automatically felt this weird energy... literally, it has a very uncomfortable vibe to it. Like you're not supposed to be there.
It's all very white and clean and hospital-y, but like a hospital trying to be trendy and cool with art and drinks and a bar.
So anyway, we sit down, and this dude comes and asks us what we want (no checking the ID which kind of angers me because that means if I had tried, I could have gotten into bars when I was under 21) so we ordered. Drinks came, we sat and looked at the cool art books and observed other awkward looking people around- especially the two people in front of us that looked like they were on a first date. WONDERFUL situation for people watching.
When we were done with our second drink, we were ready to pay and peace the hell outta there. Only, Mr. Waiter dude stopped coming around to us. Puzzled, I went to the bar to pick up my check, and Mr. Waiter dude was leisurely enjoying a salad of some sort while chatting with the bartender. Even when I came up to the bar to get my check, they didn't come to me. I was literally like 3 feet away from both of them, I could have stuck my face in theirs, but I decided to be patient.
Finally the check was paid and I was out of the door forever.
They did have a really cool square sink in their bathroom though. Cheers!
I go to Solo for one reason, the staff. Everyone that works there is incredibly friendly, attentive and easy to talk to. The regulars ain't so bad either.
I had so much fun at this place I'm almost afraid to go back. I don't know if I'll be able to duplicate the experience. I'm taking one star away because they didn't have any food. I wanted more than a Humus plate but I guess the cook just left or something. hey, shit happens. The experience as a whole was wonderful. By 9pm the place was bumpin'!! They were showing 'Night of the Living Dead' on the wall and had great DJ's spinning good 60's music. The bartenders were AWESOME! They take pride in their jobs, aren't 'angry at the world' and make brilliant drinks. So much fun. I'l have to face my fears and go back!!
Great ambiance, but too bad they don't have any visible signs saying that you need to go to the bar to be served. It's weird considering that most (all?) other drinking establishments I have been to with tables and couches have floor service, ESPECIALLY when slow.
If the bartenders are standing around behind the counter, or wandering the floor, or clearing plates off your table, and not asking what you want to imbibe on, and still expecting you to come to the counter, something is seriously wrong.
I don't know if this is a branding strategy, but after sitting on the couch for 30 minutes with no service (and a bad headache at that), my friend and I decided to leave.
We went to Moxie and had amazing drinks and a freaking incredible chocolate piroshki dessert thingy.
It's too bad because I thought I liked the place (Solo), until I realized you have to stand in line at the bar to get served. Is it me or is this unusual?
Note to the owners: provide table service and you won't get the bad reviews! I'd even come back, lol!
I've been hanging art with the folks at SOLO for several months now, and they never fail to impress me with their genuine kindness & humour. AND they have totally trusted me to choose artwork for their venue for months!!! (which has been a total blast)
I just love this place and am lucky to have gotten to know them!
By the way, the food is INCREDIBLE, and the drinks are awesome!!!
Finally made it to Solo after having dinner at McMennamins on a blustery Saturday evening (12/22). The decor inside is fairly stylish. It was a fiarly dead night everywhere (holidays?).
Bro ordered a whiskey and coke & I ordered a caiparinha. Drinks were decent.
Decided to order a couple of tapas: Pinchito Moruno (pork on a stick) & Masa Fritos (looked like small pancakes). they were decent. The movie projected on the wall for the evening was one of the Grindhouse movies (the gory one).
Decent place to kill time.
I went to solo for an event on a monday evening. Something about the layout of the place was very wrong, and I can't place my finger on it. Perhaps it was the unfortunate placement of a structural column that kind of blocked the view of the bar when you walk in the door, or the placement of the stage next to the door, or the high tables or something. I don't know. But it just seemed odd to me.
Service was GREAT. The bartenders were fast and friendly.
One bathroom made for an uncomfortable, foot shuffling wait in line, but on the other hand gave me an excuse to talk to the girl from Louisiana about saying "ya'll" and Boudin sausage.
Mmmm. Sausage.
Love this place! The staff is super friendly, and the owner Val and his wife Lana are great! It is a very modern but cozy space to enjoy some good drinks and always good company. This bar attracts fantastic clientele...like bees to honey. The art is always rotating. The food is delicious and something different for a change. Ohhhh and its a great place to throw a party!!!
yay to the rabbit mole
Solo is one of my favorite places to drink in Seattle. The bartenders are super down to earth, friendly, and play great music. Also I love watching the movies on the wall, makes for a great ambiance!
They have a VERY quality happy hour of 3$ wells and 2$ rainiers. Sunday and Monday are all day happy hours. Yoooo dude!!
I think the ambiance of Solo is charming. They always have an eclectic movie playing with excellent music. I haven't been disappointed by their drinks or tapas. It gets rather busy and the service slows down during that time but it doesn't bother me. Everyone is friendly and I love sitting on the couch with friends. One downfall is that the music sometimes can be too loud.
I went here for my buddies b day and had a good time....hobbled in (due to my hurt leg) and found we had a spot on the sofa....SWEET!!!! kicked my leg up had about 5 drinks and 4 shots felt no pain on the walk back to the car and had a good time.....the bill was steep but i think we made that happen not them...I like it....maybe you will too!
I ended up here Friday night and it was like I fell into one of those old twilight zone episodes where everything "appears" normal, but you just know something is off. When I first walked into this small bar I noticed a large bronze statue of a naked man in the corner behind a lounge couch. The walls where painted white and there where black and white paintings on the walls. The place seemed fairly busy, but staff seemed to be just hanging out at the bar. We seated ourselves at a small table close to the bar and waited for someone to help us. Over walks a woman who was just standing behind the bar. I think, "OK, that was good service." But.. I thought too soon. Instead of even saying, "hello" or "I'll be right with you." She proceeds to check that all the candles are lit on all the tables. When this VERY important job is finished she proceeds to walk back to the bar and start a conversation with who I think was the cook. As my self imposed 30 minute wait for service neared the end a fellow who I swear to god may have been Iggy Pop finally got around to walking over and asking us what we wanted to drink. After that it got a little better once they realized we where there. Service was still on the slow side and the one woman never stopped talking with the cook, so I guess either the food isn't that good, they were not in a hurry to provide service, or no one was hungry.
Gimmick note: They had some black and white movie playing on the wall with the sound down and loud rock music blaring. I didn't get the gimmick, but I'm giving them one extra star for trying.
Yeah, the decor and lighting seems like they're striving to be artsy, but everything else about this bar has been comfortable for me. I've never been on an overly crowded night; most ventures to Solo have always been to seek out a few drinks early in the evening. The food is exceptional; reasonably priced & delicious while being a nice alternative from standard bar food. Bonus points awarded for having New Belgium's Mothership on tap the past couple of times. Staff has always been friendly and attentive as well.
Twice Daily Happy Hour
Seattle, WA
Yelp Discount -- Sunday thru…
Neighborhood: Ballard
Neighborhood: Queen Anne
Category: Restaurants
Neighborhood: Queen Anne
Category: Pubs
Neighborhood: Queen Anne
Category: Bars
Neighborhood: Queen Anne
Category: Bars
Neighborhood: Queen Anne
Category: Lounges
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