Geana N.
Yelp
This is a charming live music venue and lounge found in the subterranean space formerly occupied by The CanCan at Pike Place Market that's absolutely worth a visit for people looking for a happy hour or night cap with the potential for live music.
It's intimate, with an Alice in Wonderland vibe courtesy of the long evergreen velvet benches, wall sconces, arcaded hallway, exposed beams, vintage baroque furniture, playful chandeliers and green and gold perhaps french inspired wall paper. I will say the benches are pretty high. I'm 5'4 and had to grab a chair to give me a boost up.... but once upon my perch the view of the space was lovely.
The cocktail program is respectable, with interesting drinks for a variety of tastes. I will say the prices are high...$17 per cocktail but they are good. Among the sampled drinks were The Blackbird (with pomegranate liqueur, creme de cassis, squid ink tincture and splash of cava and the perfect vampire drink), The Painkiller (a very tropical, rum-based drink) and The Missionary's Downfall (a blended, rum-based drink with more sweet and fresh mint). All were well-made, presented and delicious.
Also sampled was the rotating soup, a fiery clam chowder (about a 3 star out of five). It was delicious: great texture, herbs, plentiful clam meat (you'd have to try and come up with a spoon without clam) and perfectly cooked potatoes. If not for the spice (delicious, but rough on sensitive tummies), this could be the best clam chowder in the hood (even over Pike Place Chowder). As it was, scrumptious and much enjoyed.
After hanging out at Radiator Whiskey, this place feels like a library. I think if you're looking for friendly service (spotty at first but warmed up) quite space, excellent cocktails, small selection of beer and wine (we noticed they don't have ciders btw), a respectable food menu with both pub eats fries, burger and the like, as well as fancy plates like marinated black cod - here's your joint. Yeah, come check it out.
Food: 3/5
Drinks: 4/5
Service: 4/5