Founders Club

"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

"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

"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

"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