Bathtub Gin & Co. is a must-visit bar tucked away in Gin Alley adjacent to La Fontana (also highly recommend  and the parking lot next to Amber in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood.

A recent visit to the small, quaint but upscale feeling bar sold me on its vision to create wonderful drinks with a creative flair but with the ambiance of 1920′s. Including a hand-printed personalized “receipt” adorned with small drawings and the establishment’s emblem.

The owner turned the small, dark two-story nook into the least expected Seattle hot spot, an entry line forms nearly each weekend down the alley for a chance at more than 50 different varieties of both gin and whiskey.

You won’t find much information on the website about how to get to this place, but look for the small silver plaque on the brick alley wall between 1st & 2nd off of Blanchard Street.

Bathtub Gin & Co

Shhh….

In honor of a dark time in American history (prohibition), a host of trendy speakeasy-esque bars have popped up all over the country. Seattle has a few of its own, and in the spirit of celebration of spring and new beginnings and trying new things, get out there and experience, you flat tire.

‘Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world,’ a good place to start would be Belltown’s Bathtub Gin & Co. They (quite rightfully) don’t have a Web site to let one canvass the place beforehand, and although the style is somewhat current and casual, it manages to have the feel of a true ‘juice joint.’ It’s located in the basement of Humphrey Apartments, and is only recognizable by the small brass plaque next to its alley entrance.

Next is Tavern Law on Capitol Hill. The bar itself isn’t the secret. It’s actually a charming place that serves classic cocktails, and fare described as “as good products prepared simply.” Seattle Magazine recently honored Tavern Law as Reader’s Choice for the Best New Bar of the year! And, bar manager David Nelson has earned his fair share of press due to his passion for recreating long-forgotten cocktails.  The hidden speakeasy element of Tavern Law is called Needle & Thread. Look for the telephone, and you’ll get access. I don’t want to get whacked, so I dare not reveal more at this time.

Last on the silent tour of places you didn’t hear about from me is Knee High Stocking Co. (also on Capitol Hill). A nondescript little place that doesn’t have the outward appearance of a bar, Knee High has embraced technology to regulate entrance. Send a text message to 206-979-7049 and they’ll text you back with your wait time or reservation confirmation. Your seating will be held for 15 minutes, and you need to retext a reservation if you’re running late. The house rules are simple:

1. Please Speak-Easy
2. Keep your seat & no standing at the bar
3. Moderate consumption makes for merriment
4. We may ask for your table 1-hour after your last drink is served
5. Don’t bring anyone here you wouldn’t take to your Grandmother’s house for dinner
6. No cell phones or cameras
7. Please exit briskly & quietly

If you want to embrace the fun and secretive aspects of the Roaring ’20s, you must try any of these underground gems. The era of blazing tommy guns and bawdy broads is a gas to commemorate, so get a wiggle on and enjoy some giggle water – just don’t tell ‘em who sent ya!