Ronny Rigotti
Google
The 5 Point Cafe in Seattle offers a unique blend of rock'n'roll ambiance and a dive-bar vibe, complete with a jukebox where patrons can play their music selections by inserting coins. This establishment stood out to me not only for its atmosphere but also for its specialized Bloody Mary menu, which offered the best Bloody Mary I've ever had. The walls of the bathroom are open for guests to leave their mark with messages, adding to the cafe's quirky charm, so bring your pen from home.
My first visit to The 5 Point Cafe was in the afternoon. Initially, I experienced some disappointing service from a rather rude waiter inside the cafe, who complicated what should have been a simple request to move to an outside table. This was frustrating, particularly since the solution seemed straightforward—close out my indoor tab and open a new one outside. Despite this, I didn't contest his refusal and waited for an outdoor table to free up. Once outside, the atmosphere improved significantly thanks to a friendly and attentive waitress who provided excellent service. The outdoor setting was perfect for enjoying the bar’s standout Bloody Marys and a deliciously mac and cheese ball.
Encouraged by the drinks and food and the overall vibe, I decided to return the same evening. The night started well with a warm welcome from a friendly host who seated us at the bar. However, as the evening air was cold, we decided to move to a more comfortable table away from the door. This decision seemed to irritate our waiter, who reacted poorly to our move. His demeanor was cold, and his service was minimal, which detracted from the experience. The food this time was a mixed bag; the burgers were merely okay, and the fries were disappointing. Nevertheless, the Bloody Marys continued to impress, even surpassing those from the afternoon in quality.
Throughout the evening, the bar was quite cold, and the door remained open, adding an unnecessary chill. When it came time to settle our bill, the service concluded on a sour note. The waiter nearly threw our check on the table and implied that we should hurry up and leave due to others waiting for a table.
Despite these service challenges, I still recommend The 5 Point Cafe for its fascinating decor, unique drinks, and the lively experience it offers. Future visitors should be prepared for potentially varied service levels and bring a warm jacket to combat the indoor chill. If you're patient and come prepared, The 5 Point Cafe is definitely worth a visit for a taste of local Seattle culture.
