"Built in 1914 to host a social club for Arctic explorers, the Arctic Club Hotel is a Beaux-Arts masterwork and an architectural fave of locals and travelers alike — thanks in no small part to the iconic terracotta walruses on the facade. To boot, inside the expansive lobby is the snazzy blue-lit Polar Bar, definitely one of Seattle’s most beautiful bars. Longtime bartender Mike has got all the dad jokes and specializes in the Smoke & Mirrors — basically a barbecued Old Fashioned, made using the nifty little cocktail smoker and a bell jar. A lovely way to have some birthday drinks, kick off a sexy date, or just celebrate a personal victory." - Meg van Huygen