The Backdoor

Cocktail bar · Fremont

The Backdoor

Cocktail bar · Fremont

462 N 36th St, Seattle, WA 98103

Highlights

Speakeasy-style lounge behind Roxy's Diner, for cocktails, small plates & occasional live music.

462 N 36th St, Seattle, WA 98103 Get directions

backdoorfremont.com

$$ · Menu

@infatuation

"We’re not sure whether The Backdoor is a prohibition-era speakeasy that’s making fun of itself or just a bar that’s making fun of speakeasies, but it’s a solid place to drink in Fremont regardless. There are a ton of vintage chandeliers, bookcases stacked with liquor bottles, and a bar crowned with a very fancy naked angel/Statue of Liberty hybrid. The long list of classic and not-classic cocktails is excellent, and you can also put your faith in the bartender to mix you something special." - kayla sager riley, aimee rizzo

Seattle's Best Speakeasies, Ranked

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@infatuation

"We’re not sure whether The Backdoor is a Prohibition-era speakeasy that’s making fun of itself, or just a bar that’s making fun of speakeasies, but it’s the best place to drink in Fremont regardless. There are a ton of vintage chandeliers, bookcases stacked with liquor bottles, and a bar crowned with a very fancy naked angel/Statue of Liberty hybrid. The long list of classic and not-classic cocktails is excellent, and you should also put your faith in the bartender to mix you something custom. The menu comes from Roxy’s next door, which isn’t great, but you’ll also be sitting in a booth with friends, sipping on a sidecar, and going to town on a diner mug full of fries with aioli, so you’re not going to hate it." - aimee rizzo

The Best Restaurants & Bars In Fremont

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@infatuation

"We’re not sure whether The Backdoor is a serious Prohibition-style speakeasy bar, or a Prohibition-style speakeasy bar that’s making fun of itself - it’s that over-the-top - but it’s a great place to bring a date to drink regardless. You’ll find vintage chandeliers, bookcases stacked with liquor bottles, and decorative touches like paintings/statues throughout. The long list of classic and not-classic cocktails here is excellent, but feel free to put your faith in the bartender to mix you something based on your personal liquor preferences." - aimee rizzo

The One-Two Punch: A Date Night Dinner & Drinks Guide

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A G

Google

Amazing magical evening. The aerialist was stunning, the music was wonderful. The whole evening felt surreal. The bartender Ireland and Brantley made sure we were taken care of all night. High recommend.

Saba Z

Google

Overall it was a different experience than the usual bar/restaurants in Seattle. The service was very slow I don’t know if it was a one time thing or it is their norm. The food was just fine but the drinks were very good. The decor and atmosphere of the place is great. I would definitely recommend to try it at least once just for the beautiful place and drinks! Not the food so much though. I would recommend the baked Brie and gimlet 😊

Zabby Topacio

Google

The place wasn't very busy, only 1 other group when we came and a couple that entered after us. It took 17 minutes for a waiter to acknowledge us and take our order. Afterwards, it was about as long waiting for our drinks. At the 43 minute mark and still no fries, we gave up and asked for the check. Turns out they share a kitchen with Norms next door... If you want to look like you're at a neat speakeasy, at least you'll be able to take pictures with the very bright lighting (for a bar). They also played a poor selection of music that did not match their nicely decorated theme. Drinks were adequately tasty, but it was mostly juice and not worth the price for not feeling even the tiniest of mosquito of a buzz. (They also don't post their prices on the menu, good luck guessing + calculating the additional 20% gratuity + 3% CC charge) By the time we finally left, at least 1 couple left without being served. Unless you're ok spending an hour at a bar drinking juice with 2 atoms of alcohol with a high chance you won't ever see your food: Would not recommend. Check out the many other better restaurants or bars in the area instead.

Elisa Coates

Google

Loved our experience here. We got seated immediately at the bar. The cocktails had some surprising combinations that really worked, the bartenders were friendly and attentive. They said the kitchen had limited staff so the menu was limited to truffle fries and jerk chicken tacos, but both were absolutely fantastic. Best tacos I’ve had in Seattle actually.

Sabre One

Google

No prices on the menu, even for basic beers and drinks. Menu was out of date. 20% Auto-gratuity for groups of 5 or more. 3% extra charge if you use a Credit Card. Service was ok, time to drinks was quiet long for a place that didn't seem super busy and 2 bar tenders. The theme was really just cheap decorations with some decent wall paintings. The chairs were not comfortable at all. The place really had no guide to what a speak easy was or the style of ordering. If you haven't been to one that gives you the rundown on how things work, you would be pretty lost like most my friends who just opted to order the basic cocktails and beers. If anything I would say this place is more of a restaurant then a real attempt at being a Speak Easy. There is food, but I didn't try any so can't be a judge on that. Overall, there is far better Speak Easy(s) out there.

Britt Sylvester

Google

Atmosphere/ambience, lighting, wall art, other décor are all PERFECT. 100% Service is VERY slow (though polite!) regardless of number of customers: last time I came on a Friday at 7:30pm when there were only 6 other tables in use, my party waited 30 minutes for the waiter to first show up just to say hello and take drink orders. Drinks are delightful (though they arrive an hour after you've first arrived). Haven't tried the food in over 7 years so no comment at this time. Summary: come only if you have LOTS of time and patience, and enjoy a classy view/ambience.

Tuo Campolamente

Google

great cocktail bar. the drinks are delicious and the ambiance is enchanting. some nights, they'll have live music or aerial performers, which is always a treat. one of the few places in fremont that's still upholding the unique artsy character of its past. wish they were open 7 days a week!

Madlin Deignan

Google

our new favorite place!!!! For a sultry, quirky, gloriously delicious late night bite. Located behind the deli out front, the interior is filled with murals and colorful music. The food was SO good. TBH way better than we anticipated - we figured would be more of a divey food spot. But everything was delicious. HIGHLY recommend the crab cakes - we got the bread and butter and actually layered the cakes, some tomato, the butter, and the dipping sauce and had little crab sandwiches. The bread and butter was also so good (it’s not always worth the money eh??) but especially the butter. I took that butter home!!! The cocktails were delicious - we got two mezcal cocktails per our waiter’s rec - and yes, you guessed it, our waiter was awesome as well. We will be back for sure!