Donna's
Bar · Capitol Hill
1355 E Olive Wy, Seattle, WA 98122
Highlights
Pasta & cocktails in a disco ball-filled setting
Pasta & cocktails in a disco ball-filled setting
"This cocktail bar runs a late night happy hour from 10 p.m. to midnight that includes mac and cheese balls, a Caesar salad topped with chili lime wonton chips, and $10 pastas. Oh and one more thing: fresh baked bread. If you’ve never had fresh bread when you’re “I’m not stumbling, okay?” drunk, you’re missing out." - Harry Cheadle
"This 21-plus pasta bar is something of a spiritual successor to the late First Hill legend Vito’s, complete with some of the same staff, though here you’re more likely to spot a drag queen than a mafioso. It’s seat-yourself and frequently packed, so prepare for the possibility of waiting outside for 15 or 20 minutes on a Friday night, and be ready to swoop on an open table or bar stool like a carb-seeking bird of prey. Their specialty cocktails are playful and well-balanced, but the bartenders really show their chops when it comes to a no-frills negroni. The meatballs are moist (sorry) and toothsome thanks to a nice ratio of breadcrumbs in the base, and the “zesty” marinara has a pleasantly surprising kick to it. The pasta comes out quickly and screaming hot, and the generous portion sizes mean a single bowl could be a satisfying snack for two during the 10 p.m.-midnight happy hour, when they’re only $10 each." - Sophie Grossman
"Donna’s has plenty of cocktail specials during its 4 to 6 p.m. happy hour — including $7 espresso martini shots — but the real draw is the $10 pasta, which in case you missed the memo is really good pasta made by chef Peaches, formerly of the legendary Vito’s. If you’re more of a night person, there’s also a happy hour that runs from 10 p.m. to midnight Thursday through Saturday." - Harry Cheadle
"Donna’s is one of Seattle’s newer bars, but the crew here slings hearty old-school pasta dishes like they’ve been doing it forever. That’s because the kitchen is helmed by Chef Peaches, formerly of venerable Seattle Italian institution Vito’s. The fettuccine here is a surprising standout, with a cream sauce brightened by lemon, white wine, and thyme for an appealing balance that’s miles from the stodgy fettuccine alfredo stereotype. And the simple spaghetti marinara might be the only rendition in town that can tide over an East Coast transplant til their next visit back home. With all their pastas coming in at under $15, Donna’s pays homage to pasta’s origin story: an understated but carefully made egalitarian and delicious food for the people." - Eater Staff
"When: Daily, 4-6pm The Deal: $9 Cocktails, $7 Espresso Martini Shot, $6 Martini Shot, $7 Wine, $5 Draft Beer, $8 Slushies, $10 Pasta, Discounted Snacks This playful Italian bar is perfect for hanging out all night long—grab some $10 bolognese and a martini shot underneath a golden spinning disco ball. If you'd rather swing by for a late-night snack, you also have the opportunity for a second food-focused Happy Hour from 10pm to midnight, on Thursdays through Saturdays." - aimee rizzo, gabe guarente
