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White Horse Trading Company
Categories: Shopping Books, Mags, Music and Video Bookstores Food Beer, Wine & Spirits Bookstores, Beer, Wine & Spirits
1908 Post Aly(between Virginia St & Stewart St)
Seattle, WA 98101
Neighborhood: Downtown
(206) 441-7767
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 4 pm - 12 am
Fri-Sat 4 pm - 2 am
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
- Dogs Allowed:
- Yes
Derek M. said: "Bob and his employees are super helpful and friendly. I received a home-brew starter kit as a gift for Christmas. When I went in to pick it up, they were out of stock! Oh noes! That wasn't too big of a deal to me, his supplier was…" read more »
151 reviews for White Horse Trading Company
Review Highlights
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"I normally order the Pimm's cup while I'm here." In 25 reviews -
"The Cask Ale absolutely stole the show." In 12 reviews -
"The bar servers 2 things - Samuel Smith beer and some wine." In 8 reviews
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- A Yelpy Insight: 20-, 30- and 40-somethings all posse up at this place. See more places they like.
151 reviews in English
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Review from Tamsen G.
4/3/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I just love this place. It is awesome. If I lived in Seattle, I'd go there every day. It's very local-y and very non-Kells, which is next door. It's tiny, tiny, tiny, and some tables are made from repurposed old doors. There is no air conditioning, so dress in layers. The behind-the-bar banter is engaging and refreshing - and by that I mean caustic, direct, and dry. They have table games. They have mystery white wine and you'll drink it. You know - because it's there.
If you like to posture, pontificate, or "be noticed", this is not the spot for you. It is not a 'seen and be seen' scene, nor is it for showing off how cool Seattle is to a new girlfriend. It's for real people hanging out and doing their thing in a cool little hole in the wall. -
Review from Jessica R.
Seattle, WA
3/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
This bar isn't very everyone. It's small, quiet, and doesn't have a wide selection of beer and wine. However, I enjoyed the bar simply because the atmosphere was exactly what I was looking for. The decor was amazing and felt like an authetic English pub (I've never been to England so take that comment with a grain of salt). They don't have a food menu but White Horse will call in pizza from Mario's who will deliver in 30 - 45 minutes. When I drink, I get the munchies so not having any food was definitely a negative for me.
I would have liked a larger selection of beer but they had a delicious Lager on tap so it didn't really matter.
My only criticism is the bathroom...it literally is a water closet and I was a bit frightened by that! :) -
Review from Matt W.
Seattle, WA
3/5/2012
Pretty small, dark, usually packed and not a huge selection of beers. But very warm, very British decor, and a nice atmosphere. Service wasn't very attentive, but very responsive when I went up to the bar to order more beers.
Want to complete your British experience? Order a cider and a lager and mix them at your table, half and half. Called a Diesel and it's awesome! -
Review from Mark M.
Seattle, WA
4/22/2012
This is probably the best bar in downtown Seattle. It is the perfect place to relax and chat with your friends. It is not overly loud, and not wild. It is the type of place where the bartenders try to get to know all the regular people. I've taken every friend from out of town to this bar, and they've all had great experiences.
They have a limited drink menu, but the fact they basically only serve Samuel Smith beer adds to the uniqueness of the place. One of the best drinks they have is the "Champagne Cocktail". If you go, make sure you order it.
They do not serve food, but people will order pizza, or walk in with food from other places.
The place is very small, so you may not be able to show up with a large group. Also, they do not have alot of tables like other bars, so you may share some space with other people. -
Review from Ian S.
1/18/2012
A little pub full of hipster types in Post Alley.
It has the knickknacks of a venue many times its size all crowded into a tiny little space.
I'm not sure what people are talking about when they say this is like a pub in London. Didn't remind me of a London pub.
A fine place to swing by if you're not with a group and you're in the neighborhood. -
Review from Tom O.
Seattle, WA
3/17/2012 79 Check-ins Here
One of Seattle's truly finest pubs. A great place to go talk with friends, or meet new ones. They have selection of Samuel Smith's beer and some wines. The Aspall Cider is fantastic and you really should try the Pimm's cup.
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Review from K B.
Seattle, WA
1/26/2012
This is a fun little place that is very laid back and quaint. The beer/wine selection is a little limited, but they've got everything you need. It was very similar to some of the smaller pubs I've been to in England. They've got antique books, signs, furniture, and other old touches of class that made it feel like they put a bar in my grandparents' house.
The whole thing feels trendy without being douchey and welcoming without being touristy. It's certainly not for the party crowd, but it's got a cozy atmosphere and is the perfect place to relax and have a few drinks! -
Review from Kristen D.
Seattle, WA
1/13/2012
If you've never been to White Horse you need to go. It's a beer and wine bar only. There is, however, a little gem there called Mead. You know, mead, the stuff the characters in Beowulf or the Green Knight drink after a long day. It's more viscous than beer or wine but not too syrupy and a little sweet. If you've never had it, you must.
If you have a chance to talk with the owner, Joe, you should. You'll always hear some interesting tale about his life or have a great discussion about anything really. -
Review from Nyssa D.
10/30/2011
This place is adorable! Loved the ambiance, loved the concept. The owner was exceptionally friendly and a very good conversationalist. We had a great time chatting.
I did have to take one star off for lack of drink options. This is such a cute little hangout spot, and I'd love to order multiple drinks while I sat around and soaked up the ambiance...but there was really only one drink that piqued my interest (the sangria drink everybody else mentions in their reviews), and even though it was delicious (definitely worth ordering), it's not the kind of thing I'd want to order more than one of on any given visit.
Very cute little spot, though - I'll definitely come back some time! -
Review from Jason R.
11/20/2011
A proper gent from the old country might say that this is a proper place for a proper although partial pint of proper beer among proper people.
Others might proclaim a raging boregasm.
I don't get it. Maybe it's because I can fetch the same bottled beers here at home. Maybe it's the leaden atmosphere. Maybe it's the gimmicks like trying to imitate the inane Brit currency by only using dollar coins and two dollar bills. Dunno. Whatever it is, doesn't quite tickle my fancy if you get my meaning. (Also, no cask ale on my visit. Just the same things I can pick up at Hop City in Atlanta.) -
Review from Bobo P.
Lynnwood, WA
2/25/2012
Me and my friends went there last week, and upon out return last night, we were warmly welcomed by the bartender who remembered our names! Finally a place that is cozy, warm and interesting!
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Review from Elizabeth L.
Seattle, WA
11/9/2011
4.5-stars with charm
Have been meaning to visit White Horse for months based on its reviews but am rarely in PPM at night. Tucked away in Post Alley, White Horse is a rare spot to actually carry conversation in a pub. Bartender is friendly, serves primarily beer & wine. The pub is cozy, laid-back with a parlor feel and book-lined walls - great for small gatherings or to catch up with a friend. Will be back. -
Review from The Corey ..
Seattle, WA
2/9/2012
What a great and hidden spot for those who don't know. A place where one can step in and into another world. Close quarters and friendly bartenders ( sometimes the owner himself) will serve up British beers and wine. The signature White Horse Cocktail is my favorite and on Thursdays it is only $4 until 7pm. This is an ideal stop- over before dinner or as a after work happy hour hangout. Get there early the space is limited.
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Review from Aaron S.
Poughkeepsie, NY
2/1/2012
Great bar, good atmosphere!!
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Review from Kevin K.
Seattle, WA
9/22/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Simply the best bar in Seattle to have a good conversation. I've been here numerous times and each time I visit I always end up having a nice chat with the other patrons. Joe, the owner, is a great guy. He may surprise you as he actually has an opinion and he's not afraid to call it as he sees it, which I personally appreciate.
I love the menu for its simplicity. Beer - 3 choices (lager, pale ale, stout) or wine (white or red). He usually has other things on the menu like Mead (also outstanding) .
I really can't say enough good things about this place. -
Review from Paul S.
Long Beach, CA
8/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is definitely a local spot. The bartender (and presumed owner) was British and had the Union Jack and British paraphernalia on everything. Not feeling a British them? Then stay out!! I wouldn't recommend this spot for an individual, but a small group may find solace in the couches or bar stools of this tavern. I use the word "tavern" loosely, because it was more quaint than bountiful.
For me, this was not a spot that I would visit frequently. If you visit, then you may have a different experience. It's just a a roll of the dice with this spot. -
Review from Gemma J.
3/21/2011
I could spend hours here just perusing the quirky memorabilia and old books. But, as it turns out, the locals here are too friendly, the bartender too charming, the beer too delicious, and the ambiance too feel-good to do anything but join in the fun and be merry together. It's cozy, unassuming, intimate, enchanting, grandfatherly, and woody... like something out of Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings (in a good way).
If I lived in Seattle, I would definitely come back time and again, with friends or with a book, and snatch one of those sofas by the bar to drink up and wind down, especially on a rainy day or gloomy evening.
(Side-note: The restroom set-up is... interesting. Certainly adds to the quirk. Just make sure that, once you've figured it out, you remember to lock the door. Yes, you scoff now, my unknowing friend... but you just mark my words and "Useful" me later.) -
Review from Ro R.
East Bay, CA
6/8/2011
I love the laid back-ness of this place. Tucked in a small alleyway, its easy to pass -- and trust me, I bypassed it several times. But the place is really cozy, intimate, and just has an overall good vibe - plus it doesn't hurt that they have good drinks. I had the pimms cup and meade wine (which I had for the first time) and it was really great.
Now after I've been here, I'm kind of curious to go to Black Horse Pub in San Francisco. -
Review from Steph C.
10/25/2010
White Horse Trading Company is so small and dim, that even when we saw a sign bearing a white horse in Post Alley, we passed right by the place and had to loop back around.
The space is tiny and kind of wonderful, decked out in old books and Brit paraphernalia. It's rich with atmosphere, comfortable and dark and quiet enough to spend hours in intimate conversation. The seating is a little bit sparse, but we were able to snag a table with a party of five without too much trouble.
There was one bartender on duty, and I liked him both for his friendly demeanor and his over-the-top sideburns. The drink menu was limited, as White Horse cannot, apparently, trade in hard liquor. The one cocktail on the menu was a Pimm's Cup made with fortified wine and plenty of lemon. It was pretty tasty and strong enough despite its base. The selection of beers was also rather small, but we enjoyed some giant lagers.
My only complaint about the place is that the bathroom was unsettlingly weird. The entrance was through a saloon-style half door, followed by a short set of stairs that led to a single open stall that was uncomfortably close to a long mirror. I'm sure that no one could actually see you use the toilet, but the effect was unsettling - even a fast number two would be absolutely out of the question.
I'll chalk the bathroom up to atmosphere, though, and give it a pass. White Horse Trading Company certainly has character, and I would be willing to suffer a little indignity to visit again. -
Review from Maggie L.
Los Angeles, CA
11/29/2011
The owner is awesome. This place is perfection for a quiet, rainy night.
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Review from Tatiana S.
Seattle, WA
12/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
What a great concept! I had been busy all day and neglecting my dog and he needed a walk and I also needed to unwind with a glass of vino. So I decided to walk up to the White Horse Trading company as I had heard it was dog friendly....still hesitant I sheeply walked in with him and was greeted by a friendly group of people and a very welcoming bartender who explained that my dog and I were very welcome.
He explained that since they do not prepare any food that animals are welcome, and that he would be happy to order me a pizza from a neighboring place. As I glanced around that seemed to be the common trend as everyone had their personal pizzas in front of them.
Not only was the bartender extremely friendly but so was the clientele...and everyone seemed to be instant friends and super dog friendly.
I curled up with my nook in their comfy couch and sipped on my very reasonably priced glass of vino ($6). I definitely will be back!Comment from Joe G. of White Horse Trading Company 1/4/2012
Thank you for coming in and enjoying your time at the White… More » -
Review from Natalie W.
Raleigh, NC
12/27/2010
When a picky husband says that something is his favorite you listen.
The decor is like a fatherly den with a speak-easy feel. Leather couches and an old looking wood bar fill the small quaint space. Big enough for a couple petite groups of friends.
Good solid drinks.
FYI's~
* Sign is a white horse on a wooden sign- hard to miss
* Located in the same part of Post Alley as Kell's -
Review from Jon M.
Providence, RI
5/25/2011
I've been to the White Horse a number of times but I've never had a bad experience. There isn't a huge selection of beer but that's not the point! The atmosphere is what it's all about.
Decorated wonderfully, cozy and relaxing. I'm know other reviewers have said it before but I have to reiterate that this is an awesome place to go if you're looking to have a quiet sit-down with some friends over a nice glass of tasty drink.
The bar staff are friendly and from time to time I've left with some two-dollar bills that they seem to give out as change. Also, there is a table that is made out of a door. Go, take some nice people with you and enjoy it. -
Review from Yvonne D.
10/13/2011 1 photo
I love this place. Joe rocks. I had the Mead, Pimm's Cup A.K.A. British Sangria, and the Lillith, a digestive type drink - all good. Laid back atmosphere with horses and dusty books everywhere. Dark, small, and cozy makes for intimate ambiance. I'm not a beer drinker but found myself drinking beer here. Well done.
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Review from Kira I.
Seattle, WA
Have I died and stepped into London Heaven!?
This place was exactly what I needed on a day off. A perfect place to cuddle up with a good book and sip some amazing lager. On a hot day it's good to find shelter from the sun, and it's even better to know that the brews are from real cask ales! This place is legitimate in every sense of the word pub. I love the QUALITY of the options. Sure they don't have that big long list of domestics and microbrews, but what they do have is the man: Samuel Smith's brewskie options. I hear they offer Pimm's cups too, as well as a select red and white wine of the day.
Time sort of stopped for me when I walked in. And slowed down. Perfect opportunity to dive into my book (Hedonist Book Club I'll catch up yet!). I enjoyed the presence and I will be sure to come back to try more delicious brews.
I think I found my London Calling. -
Review from Arry Y.
1/6/2011 3 Check-ins Here
My friends love love love this place. It's just okay for me. I go there for the people! We were there most recently for a holiday party (where I got to show-off my new Santa outfit!)! Our holiday party group had a feisty trio of redheads, too.
Pimm's cup is ok - a little too sweet or something for me. Nice beers. The bartender there is friendly. They don't have food - they are walking distance from a bunch of treats. Limited space - can get stuffy and there's a bit of condensation that forms on the windows. Bathroom is weird. It's definitely a "white-people" bar - laid back, beers, old books, cozy, beards, ... -
Review from Kiki M.
7/19/2010
Did I just step into a litter box? No, that overpowering urine smell let me know I walked into the White Horse Trading Company. Can we get some Glade fresheners up in here or what? I never really felt the scent of piss compliment my brew very well. I pondered if I was the only one that struggled to breathe and where was that stench coming from. A friend soon pointed to a white door and said that was the bathroom. Interesting.
Aside from the pungent odor, the White Horse Trading Company is spunky. It is small and can easily become an intimate affair. The bartender looked like he was from 1935, tons of equestrian gear, old books, and fake roses littered the room, plus it was beer and wine only. A positive for me yet a big huge negative for you strictly liquor drinkers out there. You can even drink mead! The tabletops were doors and the table legs were massive barrels. You can bring in food as many patrons did and as I mentioned the bathroom is not sectioned off from the rest of the establishment so if you need to drop a load take that mess somewhere else.
My other issue was the beer prices. The cheapest available was a cask ale for $5 and it wasn't a typical sized pint. It was dark and sweet but I wished I could have gotten more for $5.
The White Horse Trading Company has its good points (great decorations and books!) and its bad points (smells like a toilet) but fun times are to be had at this quaint downtown bar. -
Review from Dennis D.
3/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Modeled like a British pub this is a great place if you're looking for a quiet spot to relax on your own or with a group of friends.
With it's friendly bartender and full bar this place is a sparkling little gem hidden away down post alley.
Whether you're ending a long day at the market, or starting a long night on the town, this is a MUST stop spot! -
Review from B T.
New Orleans, LA
1/30/2011
Hey look an English pub that doesn't have a Guinness sign out front.
Seriously, this place is money. -
Review from Katie S.
San Francisco, CA
10/7/2008
I just like the sound of the words Pimms Cup.. Forget that they're fantastically boozey and tasty here.
Say it with me: "Pimms Cup." It just screams "SOPHISTICATION!" doesn't it?!... much like I just did (Sorry, neighbors...).
Don't come for a wall of liquor. There isn't one, so you won't be impressed if that's what impresses you. Instead, come for the comfy library/ 1960s gentleman's club feel and the barley wine... or beer. Bring an open mind, some cash, and a willingness to wait for your drink in a crowded, cluttered yet inviting little room.. and you'll be a-okay!Listed in: Epic FALL!, Pike Place Picks
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Review from Kat F.
5/4/2009 ROTD 9/25/2009
White Horse is cool. It's very different than a lot of what you find in Seattle, especially downtown. My friend and I had been on an accidental crawl around the area, beginning with Pike brewery and continuing at some unremarkable places when we walked past this place.
Is that a bar? I said.
You know, I think it is. She said.
Should we go inside? I said.
I'm not sure. She said.
We were a little intimidated by how dark and quiet it seemed and did the walk-by a couple of times, knowing that the people inside could see us and would probably laugh at us if we went in. But we did anyway and damn if this place wasn't great.
We settled in a couple of armchairs off in a back corner, each with a heavy pour of $5 red. There were some people at the bar, chatting with the bartender, some people up by the front window reading (maybe they didn't see us walking past after all!) and a couple or two in their own corners.
I had just finished reading a feature on the international space station and being tipsy decided that right then was a great time to tell my friend all about all the interesting things I had learned. (Being so quiet, every other patron of the White Horse got to learn them too!)
If you're in Post Alley and feel like a quiet drink, this is the place. (And if someone is in the back talking about the mating habits of seahorses, it's probably me. Come over and say hello.) -
Review from Will L.
Quaint.
Is it me, or is the word 'quaint' an odd mixture of 'quiet' and 'faint'? Well, that's applicable, in this case, as the size and atmosphere of White Horse makes it feel like you should speak in hushed tones, and the comfort of the couches made me feel like passing out would work out all right here.
I didn't. That is, I didn't speak in hushed tones, OR pass out. Instead, we teased my friend, traded hats, and drank mead. The bartender was pretty cool, the beer and wine selection was diverse, and I was comfy on the couch I sat on.
And the bathroom. The bathroom is quaint, in a circus freakshow sort of way. As I walked out of it, a fellow waiting his turn looked at me and said,
"wow man, you are TALL"
I stepped down from the platform.
"Oh." -
Review from Scott K.
10/7/2008
Hype.
This place is pure hype.
It's small, oddly decorated, and not half as cool as five bars all within walking distance.
After all the kind words, I expected some kind of magical little venue that smelled like the Ye'Ol Curiosity Shop and served drinks that made my mouth sing!
Nope.
The staff were friendly, I just felt sorry for them, because even on the busiest night, only 30 people can fit!
I just don't get it. Feel free to explain it to me. This review isn't written in stone. -
Review from Michelle B.
Seattle, WA
11/27/2007
When you walk into the White Horse Trading Company all seems right in the world.
It's just that kind of place. The kind of place that actually makes you want to talk to other people (yes, it hurt to even type that) because anyone who sees the charm in this bar is my type of person.
The fact that the bar keep shared his chocolate birthday cake with me (thanks east coast friend for having the social skills to get me a piece of cake) definitely elevates the bar above and beyond its inherent charms.
The wine list is comprised of "red or white" and the beer selection is relatively limited but you should ignore all of that anyway and get one of their dry ciders. I haven't had a cider since a few bad experiences in college (I don't want to talk about it) but this cider is crisp, refreshing, and not at all syrupy sweet the way so many ciders seem to be.
Grab a seat at the bar if you're on your own, or bring a bunch of friends and snag a spot at the comfy couches and waste away an evening chatting.
Just be ware of the odd bathroom situation if you're the type to be bothered by such a thing. It's up a couple of stairs and beyond a gate in a room that feels uncomfortably close to the rest of the bar. I like to think of it as part of the charm. -
Review from Alli D.
12/16/2008
There were many surprises in store for me here last night:
1. Apparently I have a twin walking around out there. The bartender may have known her name, but he said he liked me better. Take that, Wendy!
2. Sometimes less is more. A place doesn't have to have 1,000 different choices in order for you to find exactly what you're looking for.
3. I am not above peeing within earshot of the whole bar. (The bathroom here is slightly less than private.)
4. I am really, really, ridiculously good at chess. For a first-timer. -
Review from Xav V.
2/8/2009
Cozy, intimate, and laid-back. This isn't a place to get crazy on vodka Red Bulls. This is a wonderful spot for slowing your pace and sipping some superb mead. There are a couple small sections and of course there is the option to saddle up to the bar (resting on barrels) to drink and jest with the friendly bartenders.
Dark, but not too dark. Off the beaten path, but not too far. White Horse Trading Company has a more unique spirit than your average Joe's bar.Listed in: When Off The Hill
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Review from Me H.
Seattle, WA
5/22/2007 4 photos
This is a great little bar, little being the operative word here. If it wasn't for a fellow yelper I never would have known it existed I've walked by it many times on my way down Post Alley but never stopped in.
Besides being a great little bar it's also a very comfortable bar, you could lose all track of time sitting in there drinking talking with your girlfriends. Oh and the topics that come up let me tell you everything from hermaphrodite to second date masturbators to whiny needy loser ex-boyfriends to getting bendy with someone to Tasmania sheep farming to oh you get the pictures you can talk about anything in here.
The bartender is great he'll bring out another beer sit it in front of you and just wait for the head nod to open it and fill your glass oh and he'll also let you fondle his Kink's CD. Speaking of beer the drink selection here is limited you have 3 beers, 2 wines, 1 cider and a Pimms cup to pick from, there may have been one other thing on the menu but I'm not sure.
The "water closet" aka the bathroom is an adventure in peeing if you ask me. If you come here be sure to check it out.Listed in: I've got a meeting in the…, In and around Pike Place…
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Review from Alyson L.
Seattle, WA
6/1/2007
I wouldn't have reviewed this place had I not realized a buttload of other people already have and there's no way to keep this cute little bar a secret. Oh well.
I ended up at this bar because a dear friend of mine knows one of the bartenders and wanted to introduce us to each other (Hi Jake A.!)...He was good-looking and had a nice hat. I like hats. And he kept giving us chocolate. Oh, totally beside the point, got it.
The White Horse is tiny and most of the space is taken up by comfy furniture and books that aren't really for sale (unless you know the right people?). The beverage selection is small, but good. All in all it's a fantastic place to meet up with a few friends for a few drinks and some crazy conversation.Listed in: Gawd only knows what I'd be…
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Review from Cecilli S.
Seattle, WA
10/22/2007
Man!! Well first I've known the bartender (Jake) since I was 19. I'll admit I went in there because he was the only person in Seattle that wasn't throwing passive-aggressive hatred my way (aaaaaa yes the early days). This place STILL feels like home after three years of patronage. Being surrounded by old books (all for sale by the way) and some good brit rock or blues (depending) is the ultimate in cozy in my opinion. They have REAL mead wine and hilarious signs that read: "Beware of Pick pockets and loose women". It's nice and dark but not in the creepy "where are you hands " kind of way. Conversations aren't eaves dropped and everytime I go I meet some really kick ass people from all over the world.
The White Horse does NOT suck!!! -
Review from Tim O.
Seattle, WA
4/28/2007
One word: Funky.
We walked in and the bartender verbally ID'd my SO. That's right, just asked her "Are you over 21?" (she is). Apparently he can tell if people are lying or not. Now, that's an experienced barkeep.
The wine list consisted of "red" or "white". Both were delicious.
