Founders Club

Bar · Central Business District

Founders Club

Bar · Central Business District

4

411 University St, Seattle, WA 98101

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Founders Club by null
Founders Club by Fairmont Olympic
Founders Club by Fairmont Olympic
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null
Founders Club by null

Highlights

Elegant speakeasy behind a bookcase, serving craft cocktails  

Featured in The Infatuation
Featured in Eater
Featured in Food & Wine

411 University St, Seattle, WA 98101 Get directions

fairmont.com
@foundersclubseattle

$50–100

Reserve

Information

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411 University St, Seattle, WA 98101 Get directions

+1 206 621 1700
fairmont.com
@foundersclubseattle
𝕏
@fairmonthotels

$50–100

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 18, 2025

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@infatuation

Seattle's Best Speakeasies, Ranked

"Hidden behind a “bookcase” in the lobby of the Fairmont Olympic Hotel is Founders Club. It's not a total secret—there’s a host standing in front of the entrance with a tablet, and hotel guests have likely witnessed a wall swing open at least 10 times in the past five minutes. The inside is straight out of Mad Men, with red velvet sofas, ornate lampshades, and more leather surfaces than a supervillain’s lair. While it feels like a cigarette-smoking Jon Hamm could appear at any second, this place is really just filled with loud first dates, bachelorette parties, and couples who booked solely for an edgy engagement photoshoot with their $54 Manhattans. Use this place sparingly for a pre-theater drink, or to impress any out-of-towner who has a deep love for fancy whiskey. " - kayla sager riley, aimee rizzo

https://www.theinfatuation.com/seattle/guides/best-speakeasies-secret-bars-seattle
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@foodandwine

2024 Best Hotel Bars in the United States

"Tucked behind a bookcase in The Olympic Bar, you’ll find an intimate, moody enclave called Founders Club with just 30 seats. The classics are all covered here, including Hanky Pankys, Sazeracs, Clover Clubs, and Hemingway Daiquiris, as are reserve cocktails that highlight historic and hard-to-find spirits. The Cognac section alone spans several pages and many single barrels." - Kate Dingwall

https://www.foodandwine.com/global-tastemakers-best-united-states-hotel-bars-2024-8611096
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@infatuation

Founders Club - Review - Downtown - Seattle - The Infatuation

"Hidden behind a “bookcase” in the lobby of the Fairmont Olympic Hotel is Founders Club. Though it's not a total secret—there’s a host standing in front of the entrance with a tablet, and hotel guests have now witnessed a wall swing open at least 10 times in the past five minutes. The inside is straight out of Mad Men, with red velvet sofas, ornate lampshades, and more leather surfaces than a supervillain’s lair. While it feels like a cigarette-smoking Jon Hamm could appear at any second, this place is really just filled with loud first dates, bachelorette parties, and couples who booked solely for an edgy engagement photoshoot with their $54 Manhattans. Use this place sparingly for a pre-theater drink, or to impress any out-of-towner who has a deep love for fancy whiskey." - Kayla Sager-Riley

https://www.theinfatuation.com/seattle/reviews/founders-club
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@eater

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel Opens Its Not-So-Secret Bar - Eater Seattle

"Today, the historic downtown Fairmont Olympic Hotel opens its new speakeasy Founders Club, tucked just behind a bookcase at the Olympic Bar. Advertised as an intimate, spirit drinker’s enclave, Founders Club is a decadent hideaway, accented with leather couches, plush red chairs, and a mirrored ceiling, that seats up to 30 people. The emphasis at Founders Club is on aged and limited-edition spirits and cocktails by award-winning beverage curator Jesse Cyr." - Mark Van Streefkerk

https://seattle.eater.com/2021/11/17/22787764/the-fairmont-olympic-hotel-opens-its-not-so-secret-bar
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Jasmine Fortune

Google
Went for the first time last night and was really impressed. Loved the speakeasy style and hidden door and intimate atmosphere. The food and drinks were great and the service was excellent! Susan my bar tender really was attentive and had the best recommendations when I wasn’t sure what to order. Would recommend!!

Misha Averill

Google
We didn’t get food. However the space is wonderful and quieter than the hotel lobby bar! Get a reservation early. Super swanky space & wonderful cocktails! Service was great and attentive.

leslie arana

Google
The vibe was amazing, very relaxed and classy! Drinks were good! Staff was really friendly!

Britney K

Google
I spent my birthday evening at the Founders Club and I just want to give a shout out to Honey my host. I came alone for my birthday evening and she made it absolutely perfect, she provided impeccable and very personable service despite being busy. She even took the time to take gorgeous pictures of me when I asked for her help. In addition to that, my drinks were all perfect made by Hideki. I absolutely enjoyed everyone here and had a great time. The ambience adds so much pizzaz to the entire experience. Thanks everyone

Virtualyt

Google
Great bar within the fairmont hotel, surrounded by features to enjoy while you sip on cocktails. Speakeasy room was fabulous and worth the wait 😇

Kaila Boyce

Google
Honey for president! We came here on our anniversary and Honey did the most to make it special for us 💖. Service was exceptional, the cocktails were delicious, and the speak easy is beautiful we were obsessed with the decor. We’ll definitely be coming back regularly :). Thank you for making our night special, honey!!

Kasey Morris

Google
Was not TikTok worthy due to the lack of excitement of being a hidden space.Door was consistently open. Lacked the hidden feel in plain site. The cozy atmosphere once inside was lackluster due to uncomfortable seating. Felt like we were in a coat closet of a normal hotel bar drinking high priced cocktails. Endlessly over hyped as a must go to speakeasy in Seattle.

Abe A

Google
The food was okay. The drinks were pieces of art and delicious. The atmosphere and service were top notch.
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Elizabeth M.

Yelp
Immaculate taste! This speakeasy is hidden in the Fairmont hotel. The bartender was super accommodating and gave amazing recommendations. I believe I had the whispering palms. That was honestly one of the best mezcal drinks I have ever had. Smooth and silky with a light smoky finish
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Rebecca Q.

Yelp
A wonderful New York style speakeasy with the cutest interior! Hidden behind a bookshelf within the beautiful Fairmont Olympic hotel with very friendly staff. A cocktail could range from $28 to $55 (a bit pricey), but worth the experience and matched the ambience.
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TRACY R.

Yelp
This place was so good, we came here twice! Located in the Fairmont Hotel behind a book case, secret speakeasy vibes. You totally have to make a reservation and put your card down, but totally worth it. The drinks were all super good. Even the mocktails that I was having :) This place is a vibe I'd totally recommend.
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Chevalier S.

Yelp
I didn't get to try the food because I had another reservation planned. However I will plan to try some of the bites next time, because the look and smell of them were tempting. The vibe of this place is old school from a different era, sophicated and all. The drinks selection was impressive and the bar tenders were top notch. What's not to love about a bar behind a bookcase.
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Kelly S.

Yelp
We had dinner at The George so we decided to try the bar, too. Definitely make a rez way in advance. The entry was fun, but we stood there for a few minutes not knowing who to ask. But once inside the bar, nothing too special. We did see the bartenders doing a synchronized prep for a drink that was kinda cool. The drinks were more expensive, but tasty. Would return if in the area, but since you have to make a rez, not sure I'd be back unless I'm dining nearby.
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Lisa T.

Yelp
Thid place is hidden in the main bar of the fairmont behind a bookcase door.. Was a little disappointed in the small drink menu. Had the Snow in the garden and the Thames reflection, they were both just ok
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Casey D.

Yelp
Amazing sazerac, service, and truly felt like a speakeasy! The bookcases open as doors and you enter a darkly lit, beautiful bar which feels like you're away from the world!
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Kristin S.

Yelp
Reservations are recommended, but our party of 6 walked in and lucked out on a Tuesday. They checked ID's, tried to pull mine apart! Trust me, at 49, I'm (flattered) and well over drinking age, lol! Loved the atmosphere- secluded, dark, cozy. The drink offerings are amazing, I want to try it all!
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Mr. C.

Yelp
Cool bar behind a bookshelf- caviar and champagne. I recommend making reservations for this swanky downtown Seattle bar.
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Clay R.

Yelp
Nice chill vibe a world apart from the busy hotel lobby. Bartenders and other service staff are friendly and attentive. Relatively small cocktail menu, but bartenders will do a dealer's choice to your taste if desired, and the cocktails themselves are the attraction, expertly crafted.
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Kyle W.

Yelp
Located behind a bookshelf in the lobby of the Fairmont Olympic, this speakeasy opens your mind to a nice variety of cocktails. Reservations recommended, but I was able to walk in as a party of 1 and got seated at the bar on a Tuesday evening. Perfect (or not perfect) timing, I went here the first day they switched their menu to their summer rotation. That meant I got to taste test, but on the other hand, I am one of the firsts to check out one of the drinks. I tried the Clover Club and Daisy Fizz. There are a few other drinks that I want to try, but the cocktails here are quite strong (and also a bit more on the expensive side likely for that reason). Clover Club is a pretty aesthetic egg white gin-based cocktail which has some floral notes from the cherry blossom vermouth. I found this easy to drink and fairly strong. Daisy Fizz is another egg white drink but not as aesthetic as the Clover Club. It has ingredients that are fairly unconventional such as avocado and saline, so it was quite an experience to try it. Besides, because of how they changed the menu today, I was actually the very first customer to have ordered the drink. I enjoyed it but not as much as the Clover Club. Sue was the bartender and she was really friendly and made excellent cocktails. This is one of few instances in many bars I went to in Seattle where they put in effort to have conversation with you, something that is honestly rare here. These few bars remind me of NYC bars where I get more attentiveness, and these are ones that I will come back to, whether it be solo or with a group of friends.
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Gabriele E.

Yelp
Very much enjoyed everything about this place! It was so fun and beautiful and very aesthetic. I could have stayed for hours just looking at everything on the walls. The drinks were fantastic. I had some gin drink that I don't remember the name but it wasn't too sweet and I loved it. My husband had an old fashioned and was very happy. Overall a good spot for a little drink. Nice and intimate. We then had to go to the bar outside of the speakeasy for a light snack since they do not serve food quite yet.
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Amanda S.

Yelp
Amazing cocktails and vibe. Make sure to come early! Got here at 7pm on a Saturday and had to wait an hour and a half but it was worth it! Easy to grab a drink at the hotel bar while you wait.
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Derrick M.

Yelp
Top tier!! I'd highly recommend. This speakeasy is amazing!! Drinks were great and ambiance is extra special.
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David W.

Yelp
Hands down some of the best cocktails in Seattle. Great location, fun atmosphere, and great service staff in the beautiful historic Fairmont Olympic. Also a nice, if small, food menu. Highly recommend for visitors or Seattleites looking for a fun date night!
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Christine B.

Yelp
This place is great! We've been to the bar in the lobby and the restaurant at the Fairmont but this spot was a first. It lived up to the fun hype. The drinks were great. They're pricey but you're paying for the experience too. There isn't any food. But they did bring us a little dish of nuts. And they were tasty. I'm pretty sure you need reservations. We went for NYE so we definitely needed them. But I don't know what it's like on a regular night. The reservation was for 90 minutes but that was a perfect amount of time for us. Definitely check it out for a fun night out or a special occasion.
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Mary E.

Yelp
6/21/24 Arrived at the airport and my friends took me straight here. It's located in a beautiful hotel. The hostess checked our IDs then led us to the bookcase and opened it for us to walk into. It's a gorgeous space. Customer service is excellent and friendly. We received waters and nuts. The drinks are definitely pricey. The most expensive drink we ordered was a $45 vodka cocktail with a small spoon of ikura. All the drinks we ordered were delicious and meticulously crafted and presented. I'd like to sit at the bar next time and watch them make the drinks.
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Jenny A.

Yelp
Ambiance: located inside the exquisite Fairmont Seattle, this speakeasy is behind a bookcase in their main lobby bar. It's a little unclear how to get in but I suppose that adds to the allure. I was able to make a reservation online, and we waited on the couch outside the entrance until a server came up to us to check us in. Drinks were definitely on the pricey side, most were over $20. I chose the Apollo View since it has my absolute favorite rhum. Drink was well made but I wouldn't get it again for the price. My dining partner had the sazerac which really missed the spot. I've had sazeracs in New Orleans and so many other speakeasies, but this one was too sweet, not balanced, and just weird tasting. We were both disappointed. Summary: There's better bars out there. This would be a nice place to stop for a quick drink if you're staying at the Fairmont, but I don't think I would travel all the way back here from Tacoma.
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Audra D.

Yelp
Wow! What a cool speakeasy!!! Sue waited on us. She is so knowledgeable. I ordered a drink that she created and it was so tasty!! My husband ordered one that was no longer on the menu (he was here 5 months ago and had that specific drink) but Sue was able to pull that one off! She also provided us with recommendations of other restaurants and speakeasy's to visit. Definitely will return here!
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Linda H.

Yelp
This is a beautiful small bar in the Fairmont Hotel. Our bartender, Sue was an amazing bartender and so welcoming! We will be back very soon.
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Peter L.

Yelp
Founders Club is a brilliant speakeasy with an entrance in a busy hotel lobby. On average, it's probably the priciest cocktail bar in town. Sure, you can get pricier cocktails like the vintage ones at Canon ($750 Sazerac!). But "normal" cocktails will be a bit pricier but also well worth it. You are here for the experience and service as well. And details matter, like the etched glassware, copper top bar, and a staff donning formal jackets. I started off with a classic Hanky Panky switching out the gin with genever. And I just had to try their Founders Manhattan which the Seattle Times recently mentioned as the priciest "normal" Manhattan in town. At $54 it is pricey but not crazy pricey. Made with Coalition Rye Whiskey, Rooftop Vermouth, Luxardo Maraschino, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao, Lot 35 Creamy Earl Grey Tincture, it has ingredients you can't find anywhere such as a house made vermouth, which gives it a unique taste. Would I order it again? Maybe not, but is it worth trying once? Absolutely! So stop by for a special occasion or just to try some great cocktails in a place that will make you feel special.
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Erin H.

Yelp
Made a RSVP online and was seated upon arrival! The entrance is behind a bookcase, but it's not as "speakeasy" as some might want/expect. Nevertheless, the interior was nice - dark and intimate but still upscale. They have plenty of cocktail options that range from classics to monthly/seasonal specials and they allow custom requests as well. When we were seated, we got some mixed nuts to snack on while we waited for our drinks. We tried: Between Continents 10/10 Quinta Punch 10/10 Apollo View 8/10 (had a lot of ice) All the drinks had good flavor that was complex, yet paired well together. They were all fairly strong, which most would like given how pricey the drinks are! Staff were friendly and they brought me some complimentary treats for my birthday, which was nice!
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Elisabeth P.

Yelp
We were here for a private party after Christmas and really enjoyed the speakeasy style cocktail bar vibes. It's a pretty intimate space but surprisingly has quite a bit of seating in the long, narrow room and a long bar, making ordering easier. I was drinking mocktails that night, and they were really good! The cocktails the husband of mine ordered were also apparently quite excellent. The bartenders were friendly and put on a great show displaying their mixology skills. The hors d'oeuvres served for the party were beautiful and decadent looking, and everyone really enjoyed them. Everything ordered for the party had gluten, and after I'd asked a member of the waitstaff for the third time off what she was carrying around was gluten-free, she took it upon herself to have the kitchen bring me out two plates of gf items not on the nights menu! It was wonderful and so kind of her considering I'd been negligent in showing up to a party without knowing the gf status of the food. Space is fun with a hearty ambiance, food was delicious, and craft cocktails creative. What more can you ask for.
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Yingbo W.

Yelp
I went on a Wednesday night and the hostess sat my friend and I without a reservation so that was nice. The drinks were really just okay and really overpriced. The only bartender of the night there (he had black hair) bragged about custom drinks but made me an overly expensive classic mezcal cocktail (Naked and Famous). I've had custom drinks at Needle and Thread before and that was truly custom and this was nothing like it. I said I wanted something sweet and salty for the drink so he added a dash of salt to it. That was the only customization. I couldn't even taste the salt. The cocktail was $40 because he used some crazy special mezcal but didn't tell me it would cost that much. I could have went to any bar in Seattle for a well balanced classic cocktail!! My friend who doesn't drink much wanted a girly light on the alcohol tiki kind of drink, think like fruit and berries, and she got a rum heavy Mai Tai which she didn't like at all. We should have went to Rumba instead or Foreign National for the girly juice drinks. What is the point of custom drinks when you're just pushing out classic cocktails and not even listening to the customer for what they want? The Fairmont has nice atmosphere and the book shelf is super cool, I'll give them that. It's a charming, sophisticated place for dates of you want to impress someone. Drinks are really meh and way too expensive for not that much added value so consider what you're paying for...the ambiance. The complimentary roasted cashews they served were great though. Cashews are expensive so I guess that's where my friend and I tried to claw back some of the value. There are many other BETTER more creative cocktail bars in Seattle. Try Deep Dive for almost the same vibe/decor but better tasting concoctions and Instagramable garnish.
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Stacy S.

Yelp
What a swanky spot for a drink. Great service. Loved the nuts they provide. Their fall cider specials are delicious.
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Danny G.

Yelp
Pro and con of the Founders Club. Pro: this might be the most fun bar for a date night I have seen in Seattle. It is unique, it is classy and I really love the atmosphere of going to a fun place like this. Con: Being in the Fairmont and the unique nature of the bar, the drinks are definitely pricey. Two cocktails for $60 is a little rough but I know the ambiance is part of that cost. You're definitely not going to spend a night drinking here unless you are wealthy beyond means but you are going to get a great story, some fun pictures and a good people watching story or two. Get a reservation if you actually want to get in though because it will be a busy place and walk-ins might not even get past the bookcase opening.
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Colleen K.

Yelp
Swankiest cocktail bar I've ever been to!! This was my second time visiting Founder's Club and we had a blast! Our server/bartender was by himself all night and he was great. We started by trying a few of the menu favorites, then went off menu and let him get creative with our drinks. He was super knowledgeable about the different liquor and flavor profiles, and let us look at one of the bottles! Founders Club is definitely in a league of its own - you're going to spend a lot when you go here, but that is part of the experience. It's the ambience, it's the high quality drinks, it's the service, it's the location. Perfect for a celebration or special night out!
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Christopher L.

Yelp
I had the most amazing time here having some drinks and celebrating my birthday! This amazing, sleek speakeasy is behind a bookshelf in the Fairmont Hotel lobby. To start, make sure you make reservations well in advance as it can fill up with no walk-in option. As far as the drinks go, they were all deliciously crafted. Though there is no food option, there are some complementary nuts. I can't wait to come back soon and hangout.
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Michaela R.

Yelp
Intimate, private, dim-lit, and exclusive. Make reservations for this spirit enthusiast 1920s inspired speakeasy. Each drink was an experience within itself. The mixologist were masters of their craft and happy to guide you through the myriad of ingredients, juices, syrups, bitters, and shrubs. We had a great time.
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Karlo G.

Yelp
There's no secret password required to enter this bar, however making reservations is key to ensuring a guaranteed spot. We happen to time our visit during a weekday and even the available spots were later in the evening. This bar is located in the Fairmont Olympic Hotel and is a rather elegant bar tucked behind a large bookshelf. We watched the hostess pull open the bookshelf door revealing a cozy and classic speakeasy bar. The lounge style seating was comfortable. The menu contains some hard to find spirits. We tried the Reanimation which is concoction of Santiago Queirolo Pisco, Mancino Sakura, Lime, Rhurbarb, and absinthe. A nice balance of citrus and spirits with a hint of anise. The Cafe Racer was surprisingly refreshing considering it had Fevrier Saveur's Cognac. The Amedaki Falls is my favorite. It's a perfectly delicious mix of Matsui Hakuto Gin, Iichiko Saiten, SŌTŌ Junmai, Maraschino, and Cucumber Essence. Service was on point and our server consistently checked in.
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Sophie M.

Yelp
This is a story of true serendipity. My friends and I decided to explore the drinking scene in Downtown Seattle and chose The George as one of our stops for the night. As we headed to the restaurant, we saw some people exiting from a bookcase and just had to investigate. There was some seating outside this bookcase entrance where we talked to the host and hostess. Although we didn't have a reservation and it was a Friday night, they put us on the waiting list and gave us some menus to peruse as we waited for our group to be called. Thankfully, we only had to wait 20ish minutes to get inside for a table of 3. The interior is amazing and evokes the spirit of a true speakeasy. Dim lighting with red and brown accents. Very intimate. Great place for a date. The space itself is small - there were only 3 other groups within - 2 couples and one large group of 5-6 people. Regardless of the size, it's definitely one of the most aesthetically pleasing speakeasies I've been to in Seattle. Very much pleasantly surprised. This was awhile ago so sadly I don't recall all the drinks we got but I do remember getting the French 75 and Hemingway Daiquiri. Both were great cocktails. I don't know much about bartending but I could sense that they were mixed well and could also see the bartenders work their magic. Our server was also pretty great. He was informative, attentive, and friendly. He not only gave us advice on which drinks to order based off our preferences, but also gave us some insider information about the Downtown Area. I'm so happy fate was on my side that random Friday night or else I wouldn't have discovered this speakeasy. I urge you to treat yourself and head over to Founder's Club asap!
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C Hayley H.

Yelp
This upscale speakeasy-style bar opened November 17, 2021 and is located inside the Fairmont Olympic hotel. It is hidden behind a bookshelf and has so much charm. We loved our bartender Peter, who was super friendly and helped us pick which cocktails to order. This spot is on the pricey side, but you can find their menu and pricing on the website. We ordered two featured originals cocktails. The first one was Many the Miles ($27) featuring San Matias Extra Anejo Tequila, Jean-Luc Pasquet Marie Framboise, Orgeat, Acidulated Orange, and Soda Water. It was light, refreshing, and very tasty. The other one we ordered was the Haiku ($35) that has Kaiyo 86 Whisky, Aged Genever, Mancino Sakura, Dry Vermouth, and Umeshu. The drink was dangerously smooth and delicious. They also made me an Amaretto Sour with egg whites when I described the types of drinks I like, and it was perfect. One of the downsides (and maybe they will have this in the future) is that there was no food available to snack on while drinking the cocktails. We love this ambiance of this spot, and the cocktails were wonderful!
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Carmen V.

Yelp
Dark and handsome. The Founders Club speakeasy has a classy look and a velvety look and feel. Some of my colleagues and I were on business trip staying at the Fairmont Olympic hotel and found one hostess opening the bookshelf door quietly and in semi secret mode. Needless to say, we made reservation on the spot to not miss the experience. Cocktails are super expensive, apparently great (I only had tequila shot, not really a drinker and not willing to spend that much money on drinks either) but mostly you know you have to pay for such cool atmosphere in that classy and historic hotel. It was a cool experience to go with colleagues and even mingle with some other patrons.
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Stephen R.

Yelp
This place is a hidden gem. I went there for drinks with some friends and we were able to get into the speakeasy. The old fashions are exceptional and the service was outstanding. The people were friendly and it's such a great hotel.
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Beau S.

Yelp
I love speakeasies and chasing them all over the world . The mystery of finding something hidden is always a fun adventure. This place is not that, as it is more of an extension of the lobby bar. The mystery is not even there because you see people walking into the bookshelf while you drink in the lobby and you can see into the bar from the screen in the bookshelf. The drinks are the most expensive in Seattle and unlike the best comparable in Seattle Deep Dive the menu is very limited on drinks and too complex for an average drinker to enjoy. Also it doesnt have any snacks or food. I would pass on going here and just enjoy the great lobby bar that has what this place is missing.
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Laura G.

Yelp
Ambiance and service is great. The ottoman type seats are not very comfortable and a bit too low. Would be nice with a similar type seat but with some type of back, even a low back, and just a bit higher off the ground. Liquor selection was rather limited, drinks were way over priced for the "average" quality of their drinks. My Hemingway Daiquiri was average at best and had too much lime for my taste. Zero food, not even small bites; was a total let down. Overall overpriced. Considering it took forever to get a reservation because of the buzz over this place, it's definitely overrated. Didn't hate it, but probably wouldn't waste my time coming back.
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Kristin P.

Yelp
Such a cool experience - excellent atmosphere, talented bar tenders, pricey cocktails but worth it!
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Danielle H.

Yelp
Cute, *a vibe*, maybe not worth the hype? It feels as if you're paying for the feature of a moving bookshelf and not much else. Drinks were fine but not $40ish worth. Service was very kind and proactive and I really enjoyed the overall experience. I just don't think the experience matched a $180 check for 4 people (which is probably unfair of me since that's their thing)...
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Elise E.

Yelp
This hidden speakeasy in the Fairmont Olympic Hotel was such a fun and unique experience. It goes without saying that the drinks themselves are great, but the suave and sophisticated atmosphere of a true-to-life speakeasy comes from the staff. Annie and Federico were incredibly knowledgeable and were happy to provide recommendations. Every drink I got was a "surprise me"- I trust their taste far more than mine- and every drink I got surpassed the last as the best drink I had ever had. Annie was quick to accommodate my partner's and my taste to ensure that our experiences were memorable. I'll be sure to make time for this gem next time I'm in town, and will look forward to seeing Annie and Federico again!
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Elizabeth L.

Yelp
Dark, handsome. Elegant cocktails in an urban library speakeasy, tucked away at the Fairmont Seattle. Beautiful culinary cocktails featuring hand-selected spirits, including rare, hard to find selections. The Café Racer was delightfully refreshing, made with Camus VSOP Cognac, Le Verger, lemon, yuzu, grapefruit bitters. The Waterhouse Syndicate, Founders Club's take on an old-fashioned, is sure to please - made with small batch bourbon. Many the Miles shines brightly as the sole tequila cocktail, and the crowd favorite to date! Last but not least, our neighbors loved the Marine Room, truly a drink for the adventurous - an incredibly well-balanced drink, with perfect hints of umami. Cocktails range from $25-30, so definitely on the pricier side. If you're serious about your cocktails, Founders Club is seriously for you. Enjoy!
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Madee H.

Yelp
This is a very unique spot with great ambiance and service as long as you're willing to splurge a bit. The prices are QUITE high even for the cocktails that don't use super fancy booze, but they are good. The experience of walking through the well-camouflaged bookcase is very fun, and the decor and vibe inside is on point. Service was good, and I was surprised to see it wasn't terribly crowded on a Saturday night. They must manage their reservation availability well. The only things I didn't like were that they don't serve food, unfortunately, and leaving to use the bathroom is a bit weird. You can't go out the entrance, you need to use an exit door and then either come back in through the host at the entrance or knock on the exit door to be let back in. I'd come here again but only for a special occasion since it's so pricey.
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Akanksha G.

Yelp
What an incredible place for a true speakeasy experience! I came by with my friend for our reservation, and I will honestly admit that we got completely lost. Despite the directions on the website, the place was so well hidden that we were still unable to find it. A couple staff members finally showed us where it was after we mentioned our reservation, but I really loved how they seemed unwilling to share the location otherwise. It really elevated the hidden speakeasy feel. The moment I stepped inside, I felt transported to another time. Despite the dim lighting, it felt cozy and extremely fancy. As I had already had a lot of sweet beverages earlier, I opted for a tonic water. The attention to detail was incredible. Even though it was simply a small bottled drink, the bartender placed it in a glass with a lemon wedge. It definitely is more of a place for the ambience and experience than the beverages. However, I had an incredible time, and will absolutely be back!
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Jon A.

Yelp
We had a wonderful time at the Founders Club! We were visiting from out of town and were having a drink in the lobby bar of the hotel when we saw the bookcase open and folks go into the Club. We asked about it and immediately booked a spot for the next night. It did not disappoint! We were offered a spot at the bar which was great because we were able to talk to Peter, our bartender, and watch him make all the cocktails. Peter was very knowledgeable and super friendly, he definitely made the experience five stars! The space only seats about 25 or so people, so it's very intimate with a mellow vibe for the most part. The cocktails were outstanding! I would definitely recommend asking for recommendations and the bartenders will steer you in the perfect direction. Mine happened to be the Improved Whiskey Cocktail, which I would highly recommend! It's a bit on the pricey side but totally worth it. Overall a really great experience! We'll definitely come back here next time we're in town.

A C.

Yelp
Went here to celebrate a special occasion and Honey went above and beyond for us. She was amazing and so kind! Thank you Honey for making the night special.
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Angela R.

Yelp
Ok this speakeasy is bougie as hell!! You have to make reservations to get into this place but it's a really cool spot . The bartenders know how to make good drinks but be warned to at up to $27-$35 for a special drink. This place just opened up 5 weeks ago but I can see this being the most popular speakeasy in Seattle soon !
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Sumi A.

Yelp
Swung in last week in hopes of sipping a fine whiskey in a hidden nook, but was disappointed by the selection (or lack there of). No Yamazaki, no Hakushu, no Weller?! Are you sure this is a whiskey spot? The cocktail list is very limited too, so the grand appeal is really the experience of sitting behind a bookcase in the middle of the Fairmont. The room is cozy with dark library decor - I was a little concerned about the bottle lockers being flooded with light and asked if people would be able to house their own liquor on site, but nobody had an answer. I guess it's still too new of a spot and things are getting ironed out. Overall, I spent $170 for 3 drinks that would've cost $50 at the bar 5 feet in front, so i'll just do that next time.
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Allison H.

Yelp
Popped by this place on a Thursday for happy hour and I was bummed to find out the waitlist was stacked. I resigned myself to sitting in the main lobby bar and found a seat. Em, the hostess, *came and found me* on the other side of the lobby to let me know a table had unexpectedly opened up. So sweet! The drinks were delicious and we had a great time. Way to go above and beyond, Em!
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Becky A.

Yelp
For people who love geeking out over the perfect cocktail with a beautiful balance of flavors, who enjoy chatting with a bartender who expertly knows his craft - this place is for you! The fact that its hidden behind a bookcase in a secret room is just a super fun bonus, though that is like 50% of the draw. Everyone we encountered was very friendly and professional. They even brought us roasted cashews as a complimentary bar snack! We'll definitely be back.
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Liz S.

Yelp
I agree with the Yelp average of 3.5 stars but am bumping my rating up to 4 stars because the decor and concept are really cool!! And I love a good excuse to dress up--not that I ever actually need an excuse. (You'll still get in with your Seattle-casual attire, don't worry.) Make a reservation, even on a weekday. They may still be required at this point, although don't quote me on that. There are bar seats available as well as "comfy" chairs and couches. It's dimly lit and very cozy, romantic if you want it to be. So yes I've had better craft cocktails but my drink was still pretty tasty, as well as the complimentary seasoned nuts! If you have a favorite go-to cocktail go ahead and order that, like I said the best part of the experience is the atmosphere. You do feel extra cool slipping behind a door disguised as a bookcase (at least I did ha). Service was pretty good, no complaints there! Founders Club is definitely worth checking out once, although it probably won't be a regular spot for me based on prices/limited seating.