My group and I experienced the lousiest and rudest service here. It was like walking into an episode of the Twilight Zone, where curtiousness and money is met with viscious hostility and douche - baggery. The capitalist ideal of money in exchange for goods has herein been replaced by a refusal to take money and with that refusal self righteousness and pettiness dished out. We came in dressed for the occasion, wearing suits and gowns, eager to sit and have drinks, but left as sober as we came. They're not the only place downtown that serves alcohol, and in fact considering how difficult it is to get a drink here it may be that they're not considered a place TO get alcohol. The only thing special about this place is the license it gives you too complain about it. Avoid this bar and instead go some place where they like humans and making money; such establishments are commonplace.

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.

Mike and Sharon were fantastic! My Dad and I were visiting from Toronto/ Vancouver, Canada. We went for a drink at the Polar Bar in Seattle and were so happy we did! Mike gave us a little tour of the ballroom upstairs, chatted with my father and I for a bit, and made a great wine recommendation. Mike was attentive, friendly, hospitable and kind. He has great knowledge of the hotel — we hope to be back soon! Thanks, Mike and Sharon for adding to a lovely experience!
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Beautiful and historical bar with excellent food and drinks. Mike, Hayley, and Nora were amazing! This was one of our several stops in Seattle during our honeymoon and the service and kindness of the bar team and front desk made us feel like locals. Thank you!
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Truffle Fries, Hot Wings
Kid-friendliness
Let our nephew, Noah, hang out with us while we enjoyed food and drink

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.
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I am a local but the hotel bar is one of my favorites in Seattle. It's breathtakingly beautiful. Feels like you're in the First Class Bar on the Titanic or in Toto's "Africa" video. The carpet, the tile floors, the dark wood and desks, the overstated sofas. Simply stunning. And when it comes the the cocktails, they're First Class too. Bar Manager Mike is a magician. Make sure to try the Marie Antoinette... Let 'Em Eat Cake!!
Price per person
$30–50

The atmosphere of this upscale establishment flaunts gratuitousness. It does bring me back to an earlier age of gilded rococo chandeliers and pleated curtains. The leather couches and seats are comfortable, and you can order fancy drinks like a smoked Manhattan. If one can afford $20+ drinks, then this is a place for you!
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Polar Bar, the next secretly awesome bar in Seattle to get mobbed by hipsters! lol ‍♂️ But, that's a-okay for them, cause I'm sure the bartenders aren't going to complain! But, in the meantime, I've found the spot to be at after my week nights! You walk in, there's no crowd, and you feel like your in some bar out of a movie. And the wells are stellar!

Hands down the kindest and most fun bartenders I've ever experienced at a bar. Mike was an absolute gem and was not only super friendly to everyone at the counter, but also incredibly knowledgeable about the history of the building. Drinks, food, and atmosphere was all great. This place has a super relaxed vibe in the evenings.

Generous servings of elevated bar food. Secret hidden gem - Pacific Cheese Board found on the dessert menu (you have to request the menu). This can easily satiate 2 and is an excellent appetizer option.
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Dietary restrictions
GF options

One of the coolest old bars in Seattle. Went here for drinks on a double date with my girlfriend and another couple. Staff was extremely friendly and the club was filled with amazing little details. Couldn't recommend it enough
Price per person
$20–30
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

I didn't know this bar existed until tonight. This is a good hidden gem in downtown Seattle. The bar is located right off the lobby and is open air. The restoration done to the building is awesome and there is a huge grand fireplace in the lobby you can sit around. I will definitely be back.

Mike makes a great cocktail, has stellar taste in music, and vast knowledge of his craft. I will return any time I am in Seattle. Great conversation while taking care of everyone else. A true professional.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Fabulous atmosphere. Great place for a relaxing drink. I ordered the tempura green beans and they were an unexpected delight. Taking a star off because of the drink prices.
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

The Polar Bar has a wonderful atmosphere for enjoying a well made cocktail. The bar/lounge area is warm and inviting, with plenty of comfortable chairs and couches to relax in. I would recommend heading there for happy hour and enjoying a drink at the bar.

We had wonderful service, food and drinks two nights in a row. I highly recommend. The salmon fish and chips were outstanding.
Price per person
$50–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Truffle Fries

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

Mike is a great bartender. He is very engaging and knowledgeable. Had a great time talking with him. The bar is in the historic Arctic Club, which is now a hotel. It was build in the turn of the last century and has all the charm of that era.

Delightful! The cocktails are made with experience and themeing in mind, and we were pleased with the drinks! We highly recommend the charcuterie board; it's a little pricy, but the price is easily found in the excellent spread.

Visiting from Tucson came in for Happy Hour and had a fantastic experience. Cocktails by mike were outstanding. We had smoked salmon tacos and blue cheese croquettes. Out of this world. Thank you for a wonderful experience.

Great and friendly bartenders. Highly recommend visiting this bar if you are in the area. Also be sure to try the Marie Antoinette as it was yummy. In this case you can have your cake and eat it too..

Our group decided never to come back to this bar. The bartender was extremely rude to everyone in our group. A shame, it was a nice venue, but I guess there's a reason why it's always empty.

This is my favorite bar in Seattle. Excellent cocktails, tasty food, decent happy hour, and friendly staff. I like the subdued lighting, oversized furniture, and spacious layout as well.

Super nice spot to have a glass of wine or mixed drinks. It's quite enough to visit with friends while you enjoy a drink. Also the bartenders are super friendly.

Went here for a group meeting. Love the vibe! It's very fancy and the customer service here is great. I highly recommend getting the truffle fries and calamari.

Truly excellent mixed drinks. A stunning atmosphere which state mostly quiet, and with the lovely plush couches it's the perfect place to curl up with a drink.

Calamari was a tad salty but tasty. The sauce that accompanied was very tasty. Everything else was good. Salad, burger, fries etc. Great service

It's an interesting place, but the service was good at times and nonexistent at others. Pricy, too. Lots of better options.

Extremely knowledgeable server and classy decor. If you're stopping in for a drink or even a meal you can't go wrong here.

Awesome spot. Met a couple friends here and were able to grab some seats, great happy hour spot, fantastic service - 100%

A hotel lobby bar. It's sometimes a touch hectic getting served and there isn't a ton of seating. Drinks are fine.

Aside from the amazing drinks, the bartender, Mike, was super personable and knowledgeable about his whiskeys.

Fun place to stop by for a drink or play a game of pool. Many interesting cocktails to choose from as well.

Love the atmosphere, our drinks and the service were great.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

This place takes you back in time. Great atmosphere. However food and drinks are average at best.

I came here with my friends and we had a great time, from the service to the actual drinks!

Great cozy atmosphere. Great place for a quiet, or at least not loud, hh after work.

Comfortable place to hang out and have drinks with good company. Really recommended!

Oh my word you guys! This is an elegant place to enjoy a cocktail! Best staff ever!

Nice quiet taste of the Seattle high life. No absinthe hallucinations though...:(

A stately, classy bar, but not pretentious. Very polite and attentive bartenders.

Not very accommodating. Don't seem to want your business. Insufficient staffing.

Not a ton of ambiance. The bar area can be loud. Bartenders are great though!

Great place to catch a drink after work. Mike, the bartender, is the best!

Drinks were great and the bartenders were very friendly. Had a great time!

It was delightful. Amazing bartender. Manhattan is definitely a highlight.

Lively service area. Good menus. Nice meeting place for happy hour.

Cool vibe. Recommended. A little hard to find, but fun in the end.

Nice stiff drinks. Comfortable seating. Great for conversation.

Swanky and a little overpriced but still a great atmosphere.

Great cocktails, awesome service! Great atmosphere as well.

Elegant but friendly ...creative drink specials each week.

Nice hotel bar with some of the best service I've ever had

We go to Polar bar for the pool table - it's so much fun.

Exemplary service ..great food and wonderful atmosphere.

Great place. It looks like the bar out of The Shining.

Great bar with good music, good service and good food,

Not bad, drinks are pricey but the atmosphere is nice.

Very fancy, but portions are too small for my tastes.

Nice place to have a cocktail staff is amazing !

Love it! Looking forward to going again! …

Great service. Had live music on a Wednesday!

Nice atmosphere, but more seating is needed.

Nice dark bar with big comfy leather chairs.

On point. Pool table could be better, uneven

Very nice lots of history in this building

This is a very low class to be …

Came on a Monday night and it was dead

Great service, drinks, and atmosphere!

Burned sliders and leftover fries.

Great place for Absinthe Service.

Awesome ambience, fab cocktails

Great drinks. Nice atmosphere

Cool bar, terrible bartender

A simple exquisite classic.

The bartender was very rude

The Illuminati lives here.

Great bar from old seattle

Great place great staff

Solid happy hour spot

Very swanky hotel bar

Fantastic Manhattans

Historic furniture!

Old Seattle charm.

Fantastic drinks!

Great bartender!

Nice bartender

Great attitude

Good chowder!

Union Bar