Polar Bar

We were here on a weeknight so not sure what the weekends are like but it was a nice, quiet place where people could sit and talk They had quite a few specialty cocktails. I thought they all were great. Quite a few put on a show for you from a cake topped one to smoke to having to pop a bubble! The food was good. Burger was awesome. French fried could use an upgrade. Calamari and sauces were excellent. Apple crisp was okay.

Happened to be in the area. Surprisingly great hotel bar. Offers good quality flavorful dishes, at reasonable prices! Good vegetarian options, multi cuisine menu.

Such a great atmosphere, for an old school cocktail and relaxation, in a classy comfortable vibe.

This gorgeous hotel / bar/ restaurant is in a shady area with a number of homeless walking around. That being said, the food, cocktails, staff and atmosphere is outstanding. Had the Ginger Rogers cocktail x 3 and a wonderful farro/ arugula/ fennel salad. Also enjoyed the beignets. Highly recommended!

What a fantastic bar! The drinks and food were good, but what really makes this place stand out is the atmosphere. Situated in a classic hotel the decor is beautiful and the atmosphere is very relaxed. This is the type of bar you can get a drink or two and have a relaxing conversation on a couch with a friend. That and there's a free-to-play pool table too. Service is super friendly too.

My family was staying in the Arctic Club Hotel, and my mother and I decided to go down to the lobby and check out the bar. It was absolutely wonderful! The mocktail I ordered tasted great and looked identical to an actual cocktail. The service and the ambience was also spectacular. I would absolutely recommend paying a visit here, whether for drinks or food, especially if you’re staying at the hotel and want to hang out somewhere for the night.

I rated it 5 because of the great evening I had here. No crowd when we went there which I loved for the occasion I am celebrating. The bar was somewhat similar like in The Shining movie. The bar was in an old, nostalgic hotel that used to be an Arctic Club which was a social club for men who worked in Alaska. I ordered a non-alcoholic drink which was the Anthony Hopkins and loved it. The bartender/waiter was friendly and great! Ordered fried oysters and chicken piccata. Chef was very accomodating for preparing the chicken piccata gluten free and it was delicious. They have a pool table near the bar where you can play for free. There was a fireplace too where you can dine and be more romantic while drinking. Seats are not for formal dining just fyi. You can have small staff meetings and small gathering party there. Price of food and drinks are reasonable.

Yes, this is the place Macklemore shot part of his music video Dance Off! Chill vibes, good drinks, and free-to-play pool tables. Loved the mirror tables. I had the Marie Antoinette cocktail which came with a little piece of cake 🍰 we also checked out the ballroom upstairs, which was absolutely stunning. Stand in the middle on the room on the dance floor and make some noise. You’re in for a sweet treat here.

Nice bar located at the Arctic Club Hotel, a historical downtown Seattle building back in the Klondike Gold Rush days! I went here for happy hour where certain beers and a cocktail is discounted but the best discounts are from the food where you get a few dollars off most dishes on the menu. It was fairly busy on a Wednesday, with a few large groups for company events perhaps. We got the "I am the Walrus" and a modification of "Huracáns Offering" (since they ran out of the pork fat washed rum) for drinks, and we got blackberry habanero sticky wings, truffle fries, and crispy Brussels sprouts for food. I am the Walrus - fairly strong Boulevardier style drink. Not much liquid but I enjoyed the smokiness and slow sip format. It is served in a jar with a cute walrus on top of the lid Huracán's Offering (variation): even the variation itself was so good so I can't imagine the real deal. There's a layer of rum on top that the bartender lighted on fire which is super cool. Truffle fries - solid, large portions, lots of rosemary which stands out from the more typical garlic truffle fries Blackberry habanero sticky wings - pretty good, has a nice spicy kick, but I can't really pick out much of the fruity flavors Crispy Brussels sprouts - not crispy but more like roasted but still fairly delicious Service was decent, though we do need to flag a server a few times for water refills. It's a bit unacceptable since they do an auto 20% gratuity for all checks regardless of party size, but fail to meet the service standard to deserve this amount.

After a long trip, casting about for the place in the hotel to eat - not a great idea - we hit the polar bar. Formally an explorers club at the tournament of the century, the opulent and historic was a nice setting, indeed . Needing to fill up we both ordered the Arctic burger - one with truffle fries and one with regular fries, - and a non-alcoholic amaretto drink. Finding a memorable hamburger is not easy - and we certainly didn't expect one this time - but this was a surprise. The bun, the nice really slab of meat the dressing. - it all came together - and we wolfed ours down. The person who ordered the truffle fries - and that was me-- made the right decision, indeed as my partner greedily eyed, and then from time to time stole mine. I might add that finding good french fries is not a particularly easy thing either but here we were. Lastly nonalcoholic, lemon amaretto drink was simply delicious and beautifully presented - a perfect choice to go with our meal.

We went here before the candlelight show on Halloween. I must say that it was a delightful experience and the service was good. I enjoyed the staff all dressed up for Halloween. We basically had dinner on couches, which was kind of fun. It wasn't what we were expecting, but we ended up being hungry than anticipated. The food was delicious and I liked seeing a seasonal menu ! I had the butternut squash ravioli, which was really delightful. My husband had the clam chowder, which was also very yummy. The little duck appetizer that we had was just OK I think the jalapeño was way too strong for the delicate duck flavor, and therefore overpowered the dish and the pallet so I wouldn't order that again.

Visited Polar Bar before attending a Candle Light Concert.This is not my first visit to the Arctic or the Polar, and I must say I am a fan of this antique building with lots of charming characters. They have comfy loungers and table with a pool table in the bar, and service is always pleasant. Food and wines we tried, however, were just okay. I feel like I have had better food experiences in the past with them, but it was not terrible either. They make good cocktails so if you are looking for something to drink, my recommendation is to try cocktails and skip wines.

It's been over a decade between my visits to the Polar Bar, and while the world moves on, the Polar Bar evokes images of an earlier era. I had mixed feelings about my most recent visits, twice in the past two months. On the one hand, the bar has a serious program with a great bottle selection and barrel aged cocktails. And all this at a Doubletree. I've had a Manhattan as well as a barrel aged Voulez Vous (Rye, cognac, apricot and benedectine) which was a play on a classic Vieux Carre which was delicious. But on the other hand, I didn't know where the bar started and the lobby began. It was a confusing space. Hotel bars are sort of a crap shoot - love the Fairmont for people watching and for the Doubletree, the vibe can vary from conventioners to a more mixed crowd.

The drinks were definitely 5/5 stars. They had a lot of really cool and interesting choices. I also loved the bear and blue bar lighting. The chairs were pretty comfy too. The service was a little slow with only two bar tenders to serve the whole huge place. The bartender was super friendly and capable though. Cool old school bar with some modern touches and drinks that I'd go to again if I were nearby. There's also a really pretty dome room that's open to the public just up the stairs and first door on the right.

Great ambience is you're looking for retro look and feel. It was an old gentleman's club located on the lobby of Artic Club.Great bar with nice menu to accompany your preferred drinks. Service staff is great and friendly.

We came for dinner on a rainy December Sunday evening. Although the setting is a large room it is broken up into comfortable seating arrangements...and a pool table. We sat in upholstered chairs around a small table in the bar - unusual for us but it worked out fine. Service was prompt and any questions we had were answered satisfactorily. It was a lovely setting in an historic building overseen by a tall polar bear with a Santa hat. The biggest surprise was the food. I guess I was expecting more typical bar food but there was an excellent variety of a more upper scale items. I had the autumn salad with salmon and it was delicious and beautifully plated with greens, mangoes, sliced persimmon, nuts. I'd definitely order again. My husband had a chicken BLT with very ample chicken. For dessert we had a blackberry galette, heavy on the fruit and a perfect ending for the meal. It was a pleasant walk from our apartment. We'll definitely be back.

The drinks and the bartenders were amazing! It was a busy night but they were able to hold the fort down. The service while being seated was terrible. The waitress passed my group multiple times without taking our orders. However, she took the orders of the surrounding tables who sat down after us. We finally just got up to the bar to order our drinks and did not order any food. I would rate this place less stars but the drinks and bartenders made up for it.

Nice little lobby bar, friendly bartenders, drinks were well made. Beautiful old building with walrus gargoyles!

Had a lovely time here - the bartenders Bryan and Hayley were great, drinks were good, and the ambiance is wonderful. The place has a cool history, and beautiful architecture.. would stop by here again!

Loved the warm decor, old world vibe. Great place to lounge in an oversized chair with a bourbon.

This is my go-to place in downtown Seattle for dinner and drinks. The history and ambience of the Polar Bar match any place down there and includes a fire and comfy club chairs. The recently revised menu has something for everyone, including vegans, and lots of healthy and decadent options for all menu preferences. As far as I can tell, everything is fresh and made there. The real highlight of the place is Mike, the head bartender, who could teach Smith Tower something about rum drinks. His mai tai, authentic and deep, currently featured as "our tai," is worth the trip alone. And do not--I mean do not--miss his house-crafted eggnog during the holidays. While you're there, get a picture with the polar bear and head up one floor to the dome room which is a work of art

Michael is the best. You'll find him at the lobby bar (Polar Bar) within the Arctic Club downtown Seattle. I've been coming here for years - he's always been here. Ashamed I don't know for how long. Once inside it's like stepping back in time. Very cozy old school hotel. This is the way all hotel bars a should be! Complete with a huge polar bear keeping an eye on all Michael's customers... make sure you tip well!

Why am I so late to the game? This place is amazing! I have to be honest and say I initially wrote this place off as another lame and overpriced hotel bar. Boy was I wrong. Their happy hour has some amazing food and prices. For only $5 you can delicious wings and some of the best damn truffle fries I've ever had. Ever!!!! The drinks are good and if you're willing to pay a bit more you can have a fantastic martini. In addition to the great food, the staff gives excellent customer service. I went one Friday evening with a group and we put in an order of at least 15 things. Never got one sign or irritation from staff. Can't wait to go back.

This classy bar is an extension of the hotel lobby at the Arctic Club / Doubletree Hilton. As son as you walk in you see a super comfortable looking lounge with a wood bar and wood panel walls. Amber lighting heightens that feeling of warmth and relaxation. There's a pool table, many sofa chairs and a decent sized bar. No tv in sight. I immediately focused on their wide bourbon selection and nailed a double Blantons, neat. From here I looked over their food fare and went with an order of calamari. Service is excellent. The bar was staffed by two and they kept the moderate number of guests well served.

Nice old school hotel lobby cocktail bar. Comfortable seating, fireplace. Cocktails on point.

I absolutely love this place and it is definitely the aura of this place that keeps me coming back. I will always bring guest here for a drink or two before heading out on the town. They are known for their absinthe and they do it well. The same bartender (wish I could remember his name) has been here for as long as I have been coming here. They also make a mean old fashion as well. Anyhow, it was once a true gentlemen club for the rich made famous around 1908 by the Klondike Gold Rush and you definitely feel that once you step in. The massive fire place on the far end of the lobby, dark interior, and comfy seating takes you back to the early 1900s. Now owned by the Hilton chain not much has changed expect it is harder and more expensive to get a room here; it seems they are always sold out. Also take time and go upstairs and checkout the dome, what art work!! So if you find yourself near Pioneer Square you owe it to yourself to stop on in. If you are travelling in the area book well ahead and get a room. Heck splurge and get a suite with an outside balcony and enjoy the hotel. And the clock in the picture behind the bar has been there since around 1908.

Vintage is new again and better then ever. Hosted a happy hour event at in the Polar Bar for going away retirement party for 30 friends. The best Food, Apps, wine and craft cocktails. Could not ask for a better send off location. Was the prefect vibe with outstanding & welcoming service. We ordered charcuterie boards, hot truffle fries and apps in a reserve space near the pool table, lounge and roaring fireplace. Don't miss any opportunity to visit and make this one of your favorite lounge / bars.

I wanted to love this place. It had potential to be our next "go to" place for happy hour... We had about 8 coworkers with us and stopped for a drink before a team dinner. It was crowded and they were saving half of the space for a private group (that didn't show up in the 90 mins we were there). We moved furniture and got scolded a bit. The bartender and the server were super short with us and rude when we asked to order so the experience was tarnished. I might give it a second shot in a few months, but right now it's too raw to go back soon.

Hotel bar but it's a grand hotel and old school. Polar Bar was great to visit/see, but not somewhere I'd go back to over & over. In a hotel lobby so opposite the bar is various seating areas for hotel guest. The bar is along the back wall and really is grand. With a huge polar bear to the right of the bar. The bar itself is a nice medium wood with a rail. Large round padded stools and with foot rests built in. Back bar is mostly bottle shelves and windows that have the blinds closed so the sun is just peeking in on the sides. Great bartenders that are happy to discuss the charm and history of the bar. Great classic place.

In Seattle there is a place where wealthy, middle aged white women go to get wasted... this is that place. Surely there are other people there. Yes, there are. But, you wouldn't be able to tell over the din of cackling laughs and inane conversation spoken in an elevated, alcoholic tone. Anyway, the place is nice, decorated well, and has some good drinks. 4 stars.

I hadn't been here in 18 years! My high school prom was held at the Arctic Club, now the Arctic Club Hotel. From what little I recall, this place hasn't changed much--it's still got that old-school Seattle cachet and walrus decor. I came to the Polar Bar to meet up with some other yelpers and toss back a few drinks. The prices are a little expensive and the atmosphere can get a bit loud, but the drinks are top-notch. We had a pretty big group and our server handled it without a hitch. One of the Polar Bar's signature drinks is the old fashioned, an old favorite of mine. It's surprisingly easy to screw up this simple cocktail, but theirs was excellent (and for $11 it had better be). My favorite drink was their blood orange sidecar, made with Metaxa. This one was passed around the group and others agreed it was quite tasty. They've also got a variety of absinthe, for those who like to chase the green fairy. The bar is in the lobby of the hotel and can be hard to find if you don't know where to look. I recommend using the entrance on Cherry--walk past the hotel registration desk and the bar will be on your right. I'm not sure I'd make this bar a destination, but if you're downtown or in Pioneer Square it'd be a good place to impress a client (or a gaggle of elite yelpers).

I haven't been to the Polar Bar in awhile and was invited to go out recently. I used to go there more when I first started working nearby. I'm not an absinthe fan so that's not the draw for me. This is a good place to sit down in a big chair and catch up with a friend. If that doesn't work, they have a pool table where you and your friends can hang out. I like that the seating is spread out and conducive both to being with others and obtaining a bit of privacy. The space is beautiful and historic but a bit too fancy for my taste. I like to drink Moscow Mules although apparently, when you order one, they require a card to hold since people have been stealing the mugs. Seriously? The drinks are the usual downtown fare - $9 to $11 or so. They have a 1/2 price happy hour menu. The calamari is fried crisp. The truffle fries are more fries than truffle. If you like truffle fries, stay away from these as they are disappointing in flavor. The red pepper hummus is good but there's an inappropriate hummus to pita ratio. I don't like having to eat my hummus with a spreader because the pitas are long gone. Raspberry habanero hot wings are quite good. They have a nice amount of spice and meat. However, I think it could be fried a bit crispier. Overall, a decent happy hour. What more can one ask for?

The drinks are expensive for what they are. Barrel aged (so pre-made in large quantity) boulevardier was served on the rocks (and by on the rocks I mean with more ice than a fast food soda) so you couldn't taste any of the components and had to drink it before the ice melted, ans a sazerac made with well whisky but cost $12. On the plus side, decor was nice and no crowd so we could play pool to our hearts content.

When I asked for advice on where to hit in Seattle that was a local favourite, I had no less than four people send me to the Polar Bar. I was also told to make sure to get served by Viktor. I noticed this on Yelp as I reviewed it on my way there by foot. I arrived by the lower door and had to take the elevator up, as this bar is actually located in the Arctic Hotel. I crossed the lobby, feeling a little conspicuous, but bellied up to the bar and saw a man in a white tuxedo, mixing a drink with style and panache. His name tag said Viktor and I knew I was in the right place. I asked for a Blood Orange Sidecar, as I saw that this was one of the multi-mentioned items made well at the Polar Bar. It was fabulous. I can't begin to describe it. I got to talking with Viktor a little bit, then asked him to make me another drink, something he enjoyed making. He made me a Lemon Drop. I think. It was also fabulous. When that was done, I requested another hand-crafted drink of his choice. I confess, things were a little hazy at this point, as Viktor did not skimp on the alcohol. I believe I had a gin-based drink, that was tinged green. Whatever it was, it was awesome. I had dinner reservations, so I took my leave after only about an hour and a half...but it was an incredibly enjoyable experience. The next time I'm in Seattle, I will -absolutely- return to the Polar Bar, without hesitation, and take others with me. I even got my picture taken with Viktor. :)

"If you could drape yourself in velvet, would you?" This is the question that came to mind while seated on the velvet sofa in Polar Bar (Located in the Arctic Club Hotel) sipping cognac and cointreau in front of a blazing fire. The drinks were good, but a little expensive ($12). The dessert fell apart after one bite and was way too sweet. They have a really lovely pool table, the use of which is complimentary and the service was excellent. I'm not sure I'll be back since the location is a little out of the way, but overall, this was a nice place to go for a low-key after dinner drink.

As other yelpers have mentioned, when you step into this place, it feels like you are transported to an old school james bond style movie (i think their comparisons were titanic and the shining). It is a pretty cool ambiance, quite classy, and dim. I wanted to pop my absinthe cherry, and found that this was one of the few bars that were doing it, so hurr i came to do the deed. It is quite a show to watch them light the sugar on fire, then slowly dissolve it with a water drop from a spout of melting ice. Pretty kewl beanz. Bartender was knowledgeable on the 6-7 different types of absinthe they had there. I tried the lucid and something else, and had a third cocktail because 3 is the magic number. Drinks are quite proicey, something on, the order of $15 per, so that makes it a little less tasty, but this was a solid cocktail experience, and they have the absinthe contraption as well~! My name is Boris Yelpsin, and I approve this message.

Some might call me old fashioned from the way I open the door for my girlfriend every time we get into the car to being chivalrous in every other way that I can think of. We came here on Valentines day after our spectacular dinner at Andaluca. We took advantage of the valet parking which was rather inexpensive IMO. I just love the Polar Bar and it's art deco styling and seeing the bartender in his crisp white uniform. It's become one of my favorite bars in the city. Plus they have an absinthe fountain which always gives me perma grin. And can't forget the pool table which nobody ever seems to use, well nobody except for us. Bartenders here are very knowledgable and professional while creating some very unique signature cocktails, and even a few that aren't on the menu. Good times indeed!

Stumbled in here by happenstance and at midnight for last call. Fell in love with the place I felt like we kind of stepped back in time and entered the twilight zone. In a good way. Dark old wood, comfy seating, lovely cocktails and a classical old school bartender. I want to go back earlier next time to experience more of it. The huge polar bear in the corner is lit up glass? Really very charming I felt underdressed but not out of place. I will glam it up a bit next time, dahhling ;)

As a bar this place can't be beat. Great ambience and decor. (Think the bar from the Shining......but in a good way) Great seating areas, big fireplace, and a nice pool table. The drinks here are done right. Got a Moscow Mule in a proper copper mug with muddled lime. (I will be back for another one of those!) All the drinks are amazing and done right. The food comes up from the downstairs restaurant if you need something to soak up the alcohol. Great food (but different restaurant). Just an FYI....this place is a little tough to find. (All the better for keeping this gem a secret.)

It's a hotel bar. But the atmosphere is very special, with a grand fireplace and cozy armchairs and couches all over. There's a pool table, pleasant music, and friendly bartenders. And there's not a goddamn tv in sight!!!!

This review is for 3.5 stars. This is a nice cozy bar inside the hotel. They have a nice absinthe menu which I always enjoy, but on the very expensive side. I like the decor and the lounging available as well. Drinks took a while and weren't as powerful or great as one would expect with the time of the preparation, but it was still a nice cocktail bar nonetheless. There are better cocktail bars in the area for the same or cheaper prices, but if you're staying here or even very nearby, then you can't go wrong with a cocktail here.

A nice old-school bar. We had some drinks and food here the first night we stayed at the hotel (The Arctic Club). The second night we went out and explored another bar, which we did not like, so returned to the Polar Bar to eat...and on our third night we didn't even bother leaving the building b/c we decided that the Polar Bar was the best bar around AND this way we didn't need to walk outside in freezing weather. So here's my review on what we ate/drank on the three nights. Note the food is from Juno, the restaurant downstairs: On the first night, the bartender gave me a very generous glass of the Sozo Reisling that I ordered, which was a very good wine. I liked it so much I ordered it again on the third night. My brother and husband's beers were standard. The food we ordered: -Painted Hille Pork Sliders - nothing special, but fine if you are hungry and want something easy if you are staying at the hotel -Raspberry Habanero Hot Wings - very good and spicy, although I didn't get any of the raspberry - Arctic Crab Cakes and Penn Cove Mussels & Manilla Clams - very good as well, but nothing out of the ordinary. I love crab cakes so it's something that I'd order again. -Northwest Onion Tempura Green Beans - interesting combination, with wasabi in it. My husband and brother loved it - Mussels & Clams dish - VERY good. We ordered this two nights in a row. The broth it's cooked in is delicious, and the seafood is not overcooked so it's still plump and juicy This bar is definitely worth a visit.

Atmosphere is on point, if you like dim, quiet places with jazz music and the possibility that something seedy is being discussed in the dark corners of the bar. Happy hour is from 3 - 6 pm and includes half-price off "bites" which is a long list of items varying from edamame hummus to wings. Happy hour also includes a cheap ($7) cocktail-du-jour, but I chose not to partake and stuck to my regular non-wells. Service is exceptional, as you would expect in an atmosphere that would make my grandfather delight. And you can't overlook the fact that it is never busy. You can always get the servers attention and they will take good care of you. Seems like there are a few regulars that come in for a drink after work, but the rest are out-of-towners like myself (damn, it feels weird to say that) who are just looking to keep to themselves.

So this is what is feels like to go back in time. Polar bar is a very interesting place. It is in a hotel; however the hotel is historic. The Arctic Club was basically a Fraternity house for Gold Miners going up to the Yukon for the Alaskan gold rush...and where the Polar bar is (on the first ground level floor) is they're gathering place. The drinks are a bit more pricier (in the $12-$16) range for well drinks; however I think you are more paying for the experience. There's an old school pool table, the decor is amazing, and the bar tender was very friendly. Last but not least, there is a giant polar bar in the bar. Yes this is review coming from a tourist (from LA)...locals don't hate.

Stopped in for happy hour, and then some, with a friend after work. I would probably give this place 4 stars had the service been a little better though. They were super busy so the servers were slow to get around to everyone (or at least our corner of the bar). I'm not sure if this was a particular server issue or lack of staffing but either way it took a long time for us to get refills on our drinks. The drinks themselves were top notch! Gin martinis and sazeracs were our drink of choice that night and damn were they tasty! We also snacked on truffle fries (glad someone figured out that a little truffle oil goes a long way finally) and some pretty fantastic fried green beans (oh how I love thee)! The atmosphere is slightly upscale feeling but casual at the same time. Kind of old timey I guess. I could totally see this place in the Mad Men era - all full of smoke and nicely dressed men and women drinking fancy cocktails.

Classy bar inside the Artic Hotel (now owned by Hilton/Doubletree). Great art-deco inspired decor, plenty of places to sit both at the bar and couches/seating areas, and you can reserve sections of the bar if you have a big party (drink minimum applies). Nice option in this otherwise kind of dead section of town - financial district, between downtown core and pioneer square. Viktor - the bartender who I believe has been running this place since the beginning of time - pours a mean drink and keeps his cool even when the place gets over-run by a bachelor party's worth of douchebros all wanting shots at the same time.

This bar is a resplendent display of organic Art Deco. Its a time capsule of the 1930's era. Clubby dark wood, it perfectly suits Seattle, almost like a movie set. The cocktails are unusual and perfection and they even have an absinthe fount. The bar keeps dress in neat white crisp uniforms. This place just teleports you to a different day, when decorum , manners and style ruled society. Lastly, the pricing is quite fair given the quality of the drinks and environs. TIP: Show some enthusiasm for the architecture, and they will show you the magnificent domed ballroom upstairs.

The Polar Bar has a certain aged poshness to it, and I wish it would always be that way. Unfortunately, we live in a world of mojitos and underdressing, so what should be a somewhat fuddy duddy (in a good way) experience can come across as just another hotel bar. I guess you can't really blame the bar for their clientele, but folks, this is the sort of establishment where men could and should wear tweedy garments, guests should talk politics and highbrow scandal, and the martinis should come light on vermouth. But just for the history and richness that the bar evokes, and not to mention the two well-constructed martinis I had the other evening, I'm willing to look beyond the current state of things just a little... and you should at least once in your life.

Three Haiku's for Polar Bar In white tuxedo Viktor tosses a shaker Clamps it down firmly The master at work Mixing a perfect cocktail: Whiskey sazerac I drink, wondering How many has Viktor made? Were they all this good?

Came here for Happy Hour and to meet up with a friend in from Boston. This was my first time here and absolutely loved the motif and feel of the whole place!!! It was dim and subdued inside, the bar area made you feel as if you were stepping back into a Casablanca theme with the furniture and the amazing lamps that either had airplanes or globes for their stands. I luv it!! Service was pretty good. It was a bit confusing since there were two bartenders and both were helping us. We went for Happy Hour and oh yum!!! We tried the hummus, the Thai chicken skewers, the crab dip and the Caprese salad. All absolutely wonderful!!! Happy Hour food is half off and they have drink specials also (including beer and cocktails). All in all a great little place to meet up and enjoy Happy Hour.

Enjoy drinks in a different time period. Magically you are transported back in time to an era of sophistication. The architecture both inside and outside beckoning you away from the city streets and into an exotic subzero location. Walruses greeting you in discreet fashion, alcoves hidden to admire, dark woods with rich grains and elegant seating arrangements to create a perfect place to enjoy the ambiance. Coming to Polar Bar is the perfect excuse to relax, pretend you are somewhere exotic and enjoy absinthe. Since the revival of the green fairy, Polar Bar has been catering to enthusiasts and new comers alike and has become a staple in the absinthe community. While they may not boast a huge stock or homemade goodness, the definitely create the atmosphere that compliments the unique drink. The service can be a little slow at peak happy hours and food choices can be a bit lacking, however the overall experience is one to be tried and indulged!

Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder. And the wallet lighter. The Polar Bar serves several brands of absinthe, including 124-proof Lucid, which contains oil of wormwood (the ingredient that got absinthe banned back in the day). Large doses of wormwood oil cause acute kidney failure. The Polar Bar limits consumption by charging $15 a glass. They have a whole ritual around the pouring and straining of the absinthe which is fun to watch, if you're sitting at the bar. If you want to get anything resembling decent service here you need to sit at the bar. Absinthe at the Polar Bar would, in my opinion, make the perfect Goth first date. The bar also a fun place to go if you're all dressed up for the symphony or whatever. It's got an elegant, spooky vibe, and it doesn't really feel like a hotel bar. The place is big enough that you don't really notice the occasional table of leering businessmen. Sure, there's food and it's not bad, but the Polar isn't really set up to eat. It's a good place to start your evening, soak up the Titanic-era atmosphere, and move on before you actually start talking to the leering businessmen.

Wow Victor is the best, and the place is truly old school, yes he takes his time and yes you have to wait but so what. If you hare in hurry head over to applebees. I love this place and I go there every time I visit Seattle and its always nice to see Victor behind the counter doing what he does best and enjoying his job. Thank you Victor

The few times I've been here, service was unforgivably slow. The food is pretty good when it doesn't get to you cold (Juno, the lounge/restaurant on the first floor of the hotel, has the same problems). I recommend the sliders, risotto croquettes, beet salad, and truffle fries. Is it just me or does the bar remind anyone else of the one in The Shining? I half expect Lloyd, in his red jacket and black bow tie, to be standing behind it, ready to dispense absinthe from that spooky looking contraption. There's something eerie and otherworldly about the ambiance, which I think is totally cool! I also love how the seating is mostly made up of oversized living room furniture. The sofas by the fire are especially comfy. The Polar Bar has so much potential; I just wish the service were better. When the Artic Club Hotel's affiliation switched from Summit to Doubletree, it couldn't have been a good thing.

My absolute favorite bar when I lived in Seattle. This was one of the only places that I could not only order, but GET a Sloe Gin Fizz without a frown-y face and a "We don't have sloe gin, would regular be okay?" NO! I want my sloe gin fizz and I want it now! Well, I'm decidedly more refined when I'm out, but you get the point. Bonus points for making feel like I stepped into "Double Indemnity" every time I walked through the doors. Those of you who don't know what I'm talking about, go to the bar, then google, and you'll get it.

A place for a mixed drink in a dark old school atmosphere. Not the place to be if you are a bourbon or single malt scotch person looking for something new. But the place is good at what it aspires to be. I ordered an Arctic Club Old Fashioned. $12. Rye, Cointreau, Sloe Gin, Sugar, Bitters and Orange Zest. That's a lot of stuff! But the mixologist did her job well and the beverage was tasty. I think I will have another. Posted a pic.

Old fashion class- if you're old enough- think back to cocktail lounges that were really comfortable and offered the real drinks, like Manhattan or whisky sour, this is a bar that will take you back to the simple times. Even if you are too young to know what "simple times" mean- go to this bar and you get an education. You don't have to be a guest at the hotel, to enjoy the lounge. I highly suggest you try it for yourself. Kick back, relax and ask the bartender to make you his/her favorite drink- be adventurous! Enjoy!