Rob Roy

"A bar known for its Outstanding Bar Program, with owner Anu Apte now recognized in the Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service category." - Harry Cheadle

"Can a bar be sophisticated and cozy at the same time? James Beard nominee Rob Roy achieves that rare equilibrium with artfully placed gentle lighting, elegant yet comfortable leather stools (with, let’s celebrate this, back support!) a den-like sofa area, and an ace lineup of impeccably composed drinks. A venerable figure in the rise of Seattle’s craft cocktail community, it’s been open since 2009 and hasn’t stagnated one bit. The special move here is porting contemporary techniques and ingredients into classic cocktails: Sherry and a river stone tincture give their martini alluring minerality, while pandan and aged rum fat-washed with coffee-infused butter boost the Jungle Bird right into the stratosphere. There’s also an equally great selection of signature newer-school drinks, and an intriguing menu of no-alcohol cocktails." - Meg van Huygen, Mark DeJoy, Eater Staff

"As for craft cocktail lounges, Canon has the largest spirit list in the country and Rob Roy serves classic drinks infused with a punk mentality." - Daniel Modlin

"Owner Anu Apte describes Rob Roy as “a cocktail den celebrating classic drinks with a bit of punk cheek.” Drinks like the Saffron Sandalwood Sour (a gin sipper with saffron sharbat and egg white) and the Old Soul (bourbon with Jelinek fernet and Genepy Des Alpes) show why working a bit of cheek into traditional flavors has helped this bar stay a Belltown favorite for over a decade and earn a 2023 James Beard nomination." - Brianna Gunter, Meg van Huygen, Eater Staff

" Rob Roy was doing festive December cocktails before everyone else in town, and their “Miracle On 2nd” pop-up is still a classic. Expect a surplus of decorations, a daily holiday drink special (like a gingerbread Old Fashioned or hot toddy), and a long wait to get in at peak times." - Aimee Rizzo, Kayla Sager Riley