Reviews of Bookstore Bar & Cafe (Night Club)

Lance Ballardo

If you're not dolled up, don't bother. While there's no Dress code posted online or in person as far as I could tell, I was treated like absolute garbage. The first time I visited this bar & 'cafe' I had a wonderful experience with my wife and no major outstanding issues, however a dramatic change in customer service must have taken place since then or maybe I came at a bad time, I'm not quite sure what to think. I came through the Alexis entrance and I was greeted by a host wearing red pants, the establishment was pretty slow/empty as it was mid day and I just wanted a nice quiet work-space and to enjoy a coffee as I presumed that's why the place was dubbed "Bar & Cafe" I was led to a table kind of off to the side when there were more pleasant seating options available. I kindly asked if I could sit near the window and that's when things started to get heated, the host honored my request but in a very negative manner as I got settled in he hurriedly poured me a glass of water and slammed the bottle down to the point where the water splashed on to the table, I didn't think too much of this at the time other than maybe he's stressed out or something after which I proceeded to look around the room for a menu or specials not to bother the host but to no avail. It was at this point I hesitantly asked for a menu and he snarked at me 'I have to go get it first' I was shocked at this treatment coming from the same place I celebrated my wedding night at, he carelessly placed a menu at my table and I began to search the menu for non-alcoholic options but apparently they use the word 'cafe' in a looser manner than I was initially led to believe, I then asked if they served coffee and he seemed like he was doing literally anything to get me to leave the establishment, I felt like I was being treated like literal trash and have never been treated so poorly in my life and I'm very used to pubs and bar life, I've been to Oddfellas, The Pink Door, and many other high end establishments and I've never been treated with such hostility in my life it totally took my energy from productivity to just feeling utterly upset.

iam Vishal

This was a great place. Will definitely return here

Kimberly Pham

The food and drinks here are good. Love the atmosphere. I gave them 3 stars due to poor customer service.

Tess Wendel

Delicious old-fashioned after a long day at work. The garlic fries were ok but the tuna melt delivered. Decent assortment of beers on tap as well. Excellent service- nice atmosphere

Richard Hull

Always a great place for happy hour and great service and drinks.

Jessa Madosky

Not at all what I was hoping for. The books are just decorations at the bar - it's not a cool place to get a drink while looking at books. Name and description are very deceiving

Esther Thomas

Impressive whiskey menu. We had a few and it was great trying numerous together. The chicken and waffles were perfect- tons of vanilla but still crushed red pepper. Vivian was a great server.

Dallas Anderson

Love! Food was delicious, atmosphere was great, no complaints about the service either.

Karen South

Family wedding....everything was outstanding, accommodations, food, and service

Hamish Hill

Small, warm and vibrant. The bar staff were friendly and informative helping guide us to the perfect cocktail ... Or two! We ordered the dry wings and they might just be the best wings I've ever had.

John Moquin

Served me well whiskey and charged me for Woodford Reserve, like I wouldn't know the difference. Everything was over priced, although the food was good.

Michael Lund

A bit on the expensive side, but superb service and really nice food as well.

Carol Root

Stopping in to the Bookstore for dinner when I'd missed my ferry turned a frustrating experience into a complete delight. I love this place! The service is exceptional- they are super knowledgeable on wine pairings and menu, they are quick (so you don't miss the next ferry), the food is so delicious, and the atmosphere is great. I love sitting at the bar and chatting with the server- these guys are awesome. Just go already!

Robert Holsberry

Well worth a visit for Happy Hour!

Sarah Sheehan

The service was great but the drinks were only ok. The atmosphere was really unique. I am not sure I would make a return trip.

Ryan Klemme

Amazing libations, relaxed atmosphere, and good food. I've been coming here semi-regularly and cannot recommend this establishment highly enough. The staff is helpful, friendly, and timely. The drinks are amazing, and I highly recommend the Old Forester Fashioned or the Blackened Manhatten. I have yet to go wrong with the food, though the charcuterie board is ever changing and worth repeat visits. The bar is quiet, intimate and while it's on the main drag through downtown it sure doesn't feel mainstream. I'll be back. Again, and again.

maky tonka

Best fish in N.Seattle! I love it!

Diego Torres Milano

Great cocktails and delicious food

Dan Connolly

Visited for Sunday Brunch; got the bookstore breakfast and bloody marry. Both were fantastic! Portion size was perfect and service was outstanding. Waitress was very personable and funny.

Terry Osborn

Great place, quiet spots in the back, wonderful decore and great food.

Sam Apuna

The atmosphere is everything i would expect from a Seattle whiskey bar. The bar staff was very knowledgeable and friendly. Their selection of whiskey was impressive. I would easily recommend this spot to anyone visiting Seattle. Especially since the location is conveniently located near all of the Downtown spots.

Tim Thomas

Loved this place. We had the chicken and waffles and shared them. They did NOT disappoint. Really really good. Service was decent. Music was just a tad bit loud for a book store themed restaurant/bar. The food was amazing. Would eat here again and highly recommend.

Jeff Crowl

Great setting, solid cocktails

Ryan Fernandez

The waiter made my visit the best new years I could joke with him and tell him I wanted a ghetto whisky sour and would not bother to ask you sure you don't want egg in it. Good job mate

Sara Wainwright-Feldman

Cozy spot with a great happy hour downtown. The small hh bites are very tasty and pair nicely with classic cocktails, also on happy hour. Friendly staff and great atmosphere!

Gulsah Senol

While there were at least 5-6 tables open, my group of 7 was turned away and would not be seated. I had enjoyed this spot but after this awful experience, never again. Instead of proposing a solution or asking us to wait while he figured out the best arrangement, the manager told us to go across the street or down the street to another bar.

Chad Rieck

Had a fried salmon sandwich. On paper it sounded amazing, but it comes out as a salmon steak stuck between buns that you have to smash to get in your mouth. The taste was bland and dry. The bread was fantastic, but the rest had almost nothing to it. Even the salmon didn't really taste much like salmon. Oh well. The lemonade was superb!

Russell Robinson Jr

Food portions are small, and the happy hour menu is pathetic. Bar and food service is incredibly slow as well. It took us 15 minutes to get a couple glasses of wine and three beers after our order was placed and it wasn't that busy. The only reason I don't hate it is because the actual space is decent.

Robert McAllister

Stumbled upon this on accident and it was a great find. The food was great

Alan Hsiung

Friendly servers and very accommodating!

jason cates

Staff was great! And helpful! Bbq pork was delish.

Mack Farid

Loved the whiskey selection. Too bad the books are just decor.

Jack Sung

The bar & cafe is separated into two areas, the decor is unique as it is in the style of a bookstore. The service was polite and quite fast. We had a cheeseboard with some red and white wine, and even got to witness the infamous Seattle weather, literally showering relentlessly without warning. A great place to relax while staying in the Kimpton Alexis Hotel.

Jamie Lemay

Great setting, menu, service. Highly recommend

Matt b

Service is the only reason this is a 3 star review. The food was overly salty and slow. Service was 5 star

Brian Krauss

I really like the atmosphere here, it's cozy inside the bar with good staff,a decent beer selection and plenty of cocktails to choose from. It's a little expensive even on happy hour but if you want to grab a beer down town you could do a lot worse

Robin Kuhre

I had breakfast for lunch. Very good food, good service with a view. Nice people.

David Eicholz

Great destination before or after a Sounders match, win or lose.

Claudia Rojas

There was a group of 7 girlfriends, all living a little far from each other now and we picked this place, random and read the reviews. We met there and Bones was our waiter. We met there early for brunch type and it was perfect, the environment was just what we needed, a group of loud and talkative women, happy to see each other and catch up. The food was perfect. Bloody Mary's were delicious. Bones was our perfect waiter, he took care of us, as a group, took pictures of us, kept the coffee and drinks going for us, never had to call him, he was on top of it. Amazing place, loved it, loved it!! We are going back again. This may be our new tradition place, where we meet all the time. Thanks so much! Claudia and the girls

Silvestro Alcuri

The Excellence.

Harvey Arvin Li

Edit: Appreciate the response to my review but it ended with: "Please feel free to e-mail me personally next time you are planning to dine so we can roll out the red carpet for you." I'm hoping this was said to be nice, because I can misread it as mocking me. Appetizers were just okay. We got garlic fries, sweet potato fries, olives, and spicy chicken wings. My caesar salad with salmon was good. Salmon was cooked right and seasoned well. I wish the anchovies were already mashed into the dressing rather than just adding the piece on top. Otherwise, the salad was still good. Place is a little pricey, but we had a good lunch. An okay option for lunch in downtown Seattle.

Cody Brown

Bookstore's ambiance is great. Tons of high top options or casual seating on the opposite side of the bar if you'd to enjoy dinner or some appetizers. Diligent service really elevates the experience, that and a great bourbon selection I should say! Blantons is available along with a variety of the other B's (Bookers, Bakers, and Basil Hayden).

Michael Struck

Had a great breakfast here. While it was late in the morning, everything was rather fresh and cooked to order. Very attentive staff and great food. A bit above average on price, but overall a good meal.

Harry Kallstrom

The best service experience I've had in all of Seattle! I recommend this place to anyone who's into drinking or simply just having an all-around great time! Will was my bartender and he's awesome!! ❤

Stefania Kaczmarczyk

Great atmosphere and nice thats its a ways from the market and tourist traffic. The poke is good but the steak is fantastic. I recommend trying the Opposite of Hallelujah if you like sweet and bubbly drinks. It's pricey but most of the area is in this price range.

Rebecca Elo

In for breakfast on Sunday. Had the Bloody Mary...it was the perfect level of spicy for Sunday morning. Also ordered the Eggs Benedict. The ham wasn't smoky enough to match the sauce, but it was otherwise delicious. The service was excellent and the setting delightful. Highly recommend.

Clara Martinez

Great decoration. Service was too insistent and coffee wasn't good.

Nicole Everson

I would of given a five if the bartender hadn't been so grumpy. Loved the bar!

Kimberly Warriah

Ambiance and location are great. Service is also fine, though a little slow. Food was passable but a chain would have been better. My turkey sandwich was soggy and the buns used on the burgers looked like pieces of white bread.

Olivier Manhattan

Nice terrace on a sunny day. Burger is decent. The bar inside is beautiful. Service is friendly.

Laura Costantino

Great drinks! And cozy ambiance. Good for a mid-day drink.

Puru Pathak

Excellent service with some very delicious food and drinks! We went there for brunch and absolutely loved the pancakes and mimosa!

Paresh Gada

Really nice place to hang out. Great appetizers to go with the drinks

David Charles

Decent fish and chips. Good whiskey selection.

Jacob Schmitt

Part of the Kimpton Hotel the Bookstore Bar & Cafe on 1st is a relaxing place away from busy 1st Avenue. Nice interior with cosy mood lighting we arrived at Happy Hour (3 till 6) Wine $7 Beers $5 Cocktails $9. Happy hour also offer a selection of tasty small plates. Together we chose an Old Fashion, a Cabernet, a Chardonnay, and a Bourbon (not in (HH) plus salt & pepper Chicken Wings & Olives. Everything very good, well presented, and served to our table in a professional way by our friendly service. The Kimpton Alexis looks a delightful place to stay and this part of it we will definitely return to as Seattle residents.

Kyle Geach

Good selection of cocktails, quite pricey though

Joyce Elder

#Good wine...

Julia Trimarco

Tasty light fair, friendly helpful staff, and incredible whiskey list. Slightly disappointed that the cozy side room full of bookshelves was closed (I was there on a weekday evening after 7pm).

Jocelyn Wang

Pretty low key bar to go to at night. I like the vibe of the place. Very classy! Though the red wine didn't taste fresh. It felt like the bottle of the red wine was opened for a long time. Cocktails on the other hand are pretty good. It is though pricey...

leon holloway

Nice bar south good food.

Bill Craven

Cool hotel bar. Very friendly staff

Shannon Matloob

Bookstore was one of the first establishments I visited when I was visiting Seattle for the first time, and the high caliber of customer service experience I received not only set the tone for my trip, but it also gives me a (probably misguided) overly positive perception of the city, itself. I'll get into the incident later, but first I'll describe the overall experience. My best friend, whom I hadn't seen in nearly a decade, and I wanted to go to a cafe/bookstore to catch up and possibly do some work. I ordered an obnoxious iced drink that probably wasn't even on the menu, my friend ordered tea, and I decided to order a breakfast burrito. I honestly don't remember whether I was hungry or whether I even wanted it. We immediately got our beverages and we were immersed in conversation for a while, unbothered. It got to the point where she wanted more hot water for her tea, my ice had melted, and the place was buzzing. It wasn't really the place for us to just chill, so we decided we'd find an actual coffee shop (even though our server was fine with us working). I wondered whether it was too late to cancel my burrito, which my friend absolutely discouraged because she was sure it was on its way. I flagged down our server, who at this point was outnumbered, and asked whether it was too late to cancel the burrito, and I insisted that if it was, I'd just take it to go. She went to check with the kitchen, and she came back apologetically, telling us that she forgot to put the order in, and that the drinks were on the house. I ended up tipping her what the drinks would have been because she probably faced negative consequences for that incident, but that is above and beyond my expectations. I mean... WHAT?? I'm from LA and I was living in NYC at the time. I have found actual shards of GLASS in my ice cream before, and after pointing it out to a restaurant manager the only resolution he offered was a new bowl of ice cream, for which I was still charged. He didn't even comp the item. But that was in NYC. That wasn't Bookstore. Bookstore is different. Bookstore knows customer service.

delta forming_hardware

Nice cocktails

Thomas Campanelli

This spot is my favorite Bookstore Bar & Cafe to attend. The talent is outstanding with music that relieves your work stress and pulls you into total bliss. They have great beer selections on tap and have a wide variety to choose from. The staff is always friendly and gives outstanding customer service. Make sure you hit this spot up...it is well worth your time.

Anine C

Adds bogus SMWO surcharge to receipt. Guess what? You could have just raised your prices instead of trying to use your customers as a political football against the minimum wage. I run a business, too, and I pay my employees at least $15 and hour. When I want to make more profit, I don't do it by adding a political message on my customer's receipt. I just raise prices on my products. Adding this restaurant to another place to avoid in the Seattle area.

L Lacko

I've been here a few times. The food is ok. The service is wonky. We stay religiously at Hotel 1000 (directly across the street) and have been to Bookstore for brunch and lunch. I don't know if it's because of the lackluster service but the food isn't memorable. All I can think about is how we were forgotten time after time during each visit and sat and sat and sat when done waiting for our check every time. The last time we came was during lunch on my daughter's graduation weekend. They forgot items, brought everything out of the kitchen so staggered that one of my daughters was finished with her meal before I even got mine. (I told her to go ahead and eat because she was waiting politely to begin with). I'm glad I don't need to contemplate eating here again since my daughter is done living in Seattle.

diana young

The bar was a nice place to relax after work.

C Behr

Absolutely rude waiter! Was shocked at how we were treated. Can’t believe this place is associated with the Alexis. Never had a chance to have a drink or food. Will never be back.

Tonjia Linderoth

We stopped in for a drink before heading home. The atmosphere is really calming. They had a whiskey flight on special and plenty of beers and wine available. Our first visit but we will stop in again.

Lea Simmons

Drinks and smalls for 12 people over happy hour - Very Happy

clint glover

Like all I got to say is that place was phenomenal phenomenal at the beginning with the bartender the way she took care of business but I end up, short at the end with a little miss calculations on financing and not caring other than taking care of my own bill so I go to pay and along with dealing with personal misfortunes I get abruptly rudely disrespectfully accused blamed and publicly. Embarrassed by the bartender I won't name no names just to not stoop to that level she was working on cause I'm more respecfull to myself and others self due respect to not go there but I promise I won't burn anotber hard earned penny in that place cause of that environment full of disrespect from one person (ONE)unfortunate attitude working begin the counter which .I'm very upset cause I work hard tk blow it and love blowimg money anywhere anytime lol

Baz Baumgart

Good place, food, atmosphere and drinks. Maybe a little understaffed.

Jackie Jackson

What a rip off!! It was so bad I dont know whether to laugh or cry. the over priced chicken fettucine ($24) was so small (and that was the large serving!). There was more mushroom than chicken and it was so bland hospital food is better. my husband ordered the steak (9oz ha!). it came cold and sliced and with fries!!!!! for $27??? they offered remake it and 40 minutes later it still was not done. we ended up declining the remake of the steak and paying (reluctantly) for the fetuccine. horrible place. deserves zero stars

Shai Barack

Nice atmosphere but pricey

Jeremy Grosser

Excellent whiskey selection, does not sell books.

Zahra Mandana Fard

Beautiful bar that looks like a bookstore too. Very charming, good whisky collection, and I had a beet salad and it was delicious!

Christina Roma

Drinks good, service good, but they charge 5% living wage fee

olaf schultz

Nice look and setup but Internet info on menu completely different. We were looking forward to the menu as displayed and left without having eaten. Big disappointment.

Alicia Thompson

Had 2 experiences here on a recent trip. Breakfast was pretty good. Avocado toast (minus pick de Gallo) is on pointe! They do not know how to make an over medium egg however. Coffee is strong. Breakfast wait staff is MIA a lot which is strange since it’s a small joint. Went back for evening drinks. Whisky menu lives up to its hype. They made me a mean old fashioned and another cocktail, which want quite “craft” but I’ll take it. Whisky flights are on the docket for next trip. Bartender and evening wait staff were friendly and attentive. Try the carrot cake. It’s special, and that’s saying a lot for carrot cake. Ginger jam and grapefruit preserves elevate this typically bland and dry desert to something you crave again the next day.

Scott Parr

Good food, good service, lousy portions. Go somewhere else if you’re hungry.

Chris Smith

Nice atmosphere but pricey

Jenna Yedinak

I would like to give a big shout out to all the staff of the Alexis Hotel/Bookstore Bar & Cafe especially my daughter Jenna for the most craziest surprise birthday a person could ask for. Thank you for making me and my friends feel so special. I would most definitely recommend this place to be one of the places to hit up if your ever in Seattle. Tamara Yedinak

Tony Flint

Sit on the patio and enjoy the fantastic people watching during happy hour.

John Hannam

Lovely..thanks Ian!

Vašek Štefela

Nice place for a drink

Caskey Dickson

A delightful bar with an amazing selection of whiskies and good service. Also an ample selection of cocktails if that's your thing.

Stephanie Berrocal

I loved the atmosphere of the whole place. The bartender William was so great and so friendly!(Makes really great drinks). Definitely will come back for happy hour.

Jake Kline

Great liquor selection & accommodating staff. Nice happy hour ambience

Derek Hermsen

Good tacos today

Camila Mendoza

Technically not a bookstore at all so it was pretty disappointing

Bryce Bigelow

Amazing! Went to Happy Hour and had the most amazing Chicharrones. Have to try them. Hot Toddy and burger rounded out the meal. Great service. Wonderful experience!

Jayme Williams

Great food, great drinks, friendly staff. Loved it. I will definitely go back.

Kyle Long

Food was amazing and the service was great. Had read articles stating this is a restaurant that welcomes reading while having food and drinks but I did not feel that vibe at all.

Chris Rapier

Good coffee in this cosy bookstore themed bar. Part of the Kimpton hotel, so WiFi access available if you register. Staff was friendly and informative about Seattle. Gets busy in the evening for cocktails.

Natasha Swartley

My fave place all around! Food/drink/atmosphere/company are all the reasons I enjoy your place!

Rebecca McGinn

Had a great time here in an accidental wait for a restaurant to open nearby. Found a charming conversationalist bartender, nice decor and a good atmosphere. My drinks were splendid

Scott Henderson

Nice, quiet spot for lunch. Good food. Slightly expensive.

Roy Johnson

Comfortable, chill environment. Unique cocktail list. Impressive back bar.

Ben Brown

Stopped in for a quick cocktail, the "Get Your OX Off" - wonderful drink. Friendly staff, will absolutely be back!

D Lane

This place has great ambiance and hand-crafted cocktails. It's a great stop on the way to anywhere in Seattle. Outdoor seating and friendly staff are a bonus.

Lois Howes

Very cool bar in the Alexis Hotel

Ben T

First rate whiskey selection. Also a good place to go before a Hawks game. Everyone heads South leaving this little gem less crowded. Great tamales at brunch.

Jill Marie

Excellent menu and happy hour. The bar is a great place to watch sports. Friendly, attentive service.

John Anderson

Food, drinks and service was very good. Good place to relax and have conversation.

Raz Lev

Staff was uninviting and not friendly. We turned around and walked out. One of the least friendly welcomes I've gotten.

Fernando Martinez

Happy Hour is excellent! Great cocktails & awesome small plates. The waiting staff is great but unfortunately I cant say the same for the bartending staff.

Lesli Roush

Loved my drinks! The Bookstore Bar & Cafe offers a wonderful ambiance...appealing to crowds and singles alike! I was able to read for a few hours, order some awesome drinks, and watch the hustle-n-bustle of the city! The staff is very friendly and wonderful with recommendations. I'll definitely be going back!