I love speakeasy themed bars!! I was so excited about this place... Got to the phone, still so excited.. Walking up the stairs I was elated!! I saw the decor!!! At that point I was ready to shake the owners hand.. But I should have held my excitement a little..
I was in a group of a total of three. It was a Tuesday evening and it was pretty empty. Perfect!! We get the bartender to ourselves!!!
Wellll we all introduced ourselves. His overly robotic manor and tone kinda caught me off guard.. We are the only ones at the bar.. You can be a person....whatever, not everyone has the bartender charm but maybe his drinks will make up for the lack of personality.. he explains that he will make drinks off of what we say we like! Woohoo I love it!! I tell him of the gin, refreshing, slightly tart drink I have in mind. The other two in my group order and he starts working his magic. Still the only ones in the bar we begin asking questions. How long he had been there, how long he has been bar tending.. The usual things you ask your bartender. His replies were short and to the point. Didn't seem like he wanted to know us at all.. This is the kind of bar I EXPECT to have a bartender that gets a feel for what I fancy in a drink.. He got a couple key words and we were just three drinks to him. I started losing my cheery excitement and sat back watching him make our drinks. My friends and I had half conversations while we waited for what we were hoping to be awesome hand crafted cocktails.. But the drinks were just as bland as the one making them..... It was "fine" .. I'm not a bartender but I know good cocktails and this gin, overly sweet cocktail (not really what I asked for) was not worth the $14 I paid. Sorry needle and thread. You didn't live up to my expectations. Bummer... But hey!! At least the place is beautiful!!!
This place is amazing. It is hidden and you have to make sure you call ahead for reservations. Please note there is a time limit. The drinks are amazing, the decor and superb and the food is DA BOMB. I would recommend this place to stop in for a drink just cause you get to use the batman phone to the private bar upstairs to needle and thread. I highly recommend you go here for a date. It is amazing.
Review Source:Totally obsessed with the ambiance here, but the drinks didn't blow me away. I really really wanted to love it because it's totally my style, but it was just an ok experience. I was with a few people and we popped over here on a whim and luckily they had bar seats open so we came up. It's SO lovely in there and very romantic. The bartender was also amazingly friendly and sweet. But, he didn't do that great of a job with my drink (the idea is that you just tell him what kind of flavors/spirits you're into, and he creates something for you). I told him what I liked and without asking any follow up Qs (for example, to find out that I really hate too sweet drinks) he quickly said "oh cool, I made this mango something or other earlier, you might like that, I'll make it for you". It ended up being kind of a watery, way too sweet and tasted like there was no alcohol in it. for FIFTEEN dollars, that's not okay. You don't find out the price of your mystery drink until you get the bill - and it' not the kind of place where you ask. Seriously though, for 15 bucks, I better be getting served the drink of a lifetime. But it was on the lower end of good cocktails I've had. My husband's was also kinda average.
I'd come back I guess to try it again. But I'd rather try another speakeasy around here - maybe that knee high stocking place? SO many good bars around this area, hard to justify returning :/
No cocktail list. No problem. Needle and Thread marches to a different drummer, incorporating the very cool prohibition theme to every aspect of the experience. You name your favorite spirit, how strong you want your drink and the mixologists take it from there. The atmosphere in this place is real unique, everyone at N&T seems to have a penchant for avoiding the obnoxious - no phones are allowed in the space, nor do they serve appletinis or Red bull Vodkas. The result - a subdued, mellow crowd even on a friday or saturday night. I'm fine with that. At any rate, the two cocktails i was served, based around whisky, were like none other i've ever had. Very strong flavor and refreshing in the sense that I'd never seen ingredients so skillfully used. Ya this place can be pricey and clearly falls in the bourgeois category, but the drinks are well executed and the prohibition feel makes for a truly creative and inspired experience. Check this place out if you're looking for a date or small group experience in Cap Hill that takes things outside the box.
Review Source:Been to Tavern Law before and have had the drinks and food. Â However, on this fine evening I decided to wondering upstairs. Â The wonderful decor is really cute. Â Very small, and exclusive. Â Down side is you couldn't really go there by yourself, but instead you would go with another person or group. Â If you went out of place, how the seating was set up it would be awkward to strike up a conversation.
Give them a kind of alcohol you prefer and the flavor/characteristics you're looking for and they will make you a quality drink! Â Awesome place to go check out!
I want to leave this place a review, but I have mixed emotions on how many stars to give it. I could see this being a 5-star cocktail bar for those cocktail connaisseurs who spend their days and nights dreaming about the perfect alcoholic concoction.
For the rest of us plebians, this place is going to make you tired before you've had the first sip of your cocktail. You either have to call ahead from your cell phone or call from Tavern Law downstairs to secure a reservation, or both as we had to do. Once you've crossed that hurdle, you have to then wait for said reservation. When it's finally time to head upstairs, expect to walk up the steep steps to your grandmother's parlor or what I imagine a fancy brothel may have looked like back in the 20s (were brothels around then?). Either way, you've crossed the final frontier and made it. YESSSS!
But wait. Now you have to order a drink. Ordering a drink here is akin to explaining the meaning of life. The waitress will ask you a series of 10 to 20 questions which all sound vaguely philosophical like "are you looking for your cocktail to be spirit-forward?" and "what emotions does your favorite cocktail evoke?", and a bunch of other questions. I giggled internally as my drinking mates answered these questions with a straight face as though it were totally normal to think about a cocktail FOR SO LONG. There were five of us, and it took over 10 minutes for the waitress to get our order.
My boyfriend, bless his heart, is one such cocktail aficionado who was in ecstasy at all the back and forth. Never one to make anything easy (one of the reasons he's so lovable, really), he told the waitress that he wanted a cocktail that is seasonally appropriate and reminiscent of Seattle. Of course this precipitated a game of twenty questions and the bartender treated this as a challenge and prepared two separate cocktails for him - one to evoke the feelings of Seattle in summer, and one in winter. And then the bartender came out, and talked for quite some time about how he addressed my boyfriend's drink challenge and what inspired him, and what his influences are, and what not. Really, this was the longest  story I've ever heard about alcohol that did not end with someone puking.
By the time the waitress got to me and my friend for our drink order, we both stumbled through our order with such descriptive hints as "umm, well, I like Moscow Mules, I guess?" and "I like those cocktails you get on the beach that come with a paper umbrella". Clearly, Needle & Thread is not meant for the likes of the two of us. That said, my boy loved his drink and sampled the cocktails of those around the table and enjoyed those too.
Where Needle & Thread soars is attention to detail, and where they fall short is in basic bar management. If there's 5 people waiting for drinks, don't attend to one and leave the others waiting. In the end, that's why I docked them a point. My boyfriend was served both of his cocktails before the rest of us got ours.
In summary, that was my long winded way of saying: If I ever had a desire to "work" for a cocktail (in every sense of the word), I'd come back to Needle & Thread. For now, I think I'll stick to ordering off the daily specials menu.
I absolutely love how secret and special this bar is. The drinks were phenomenal, the waitress was adorable and attentive, and the atmosphere made this an amazing date spot. Perfect place to get dressed up for and have a special night.
The bartender did a wonderful job crafting cocktails based on our spirit and flavor preferences. Every drink we tried was different and delicious. The food was also great.
I called days in advance to make reservations and they never returned my call, how very disappointing and what poor customer service, you would think they could have at least called and said they were full, closed or whatever. I will not return. There are several other similar places in town that I will try instead.
Review Source:I'd heard about Needle and Thread, but admit when my compatriot picked up the phone on the wall at Tavern Law, I wasn't sure what to expect. We stopped in on a whim late one Friday night and wow have I been missing out on this place.
Needle and Thread was perfectly comfortable, tasty, art deco delight. One the one hand a place without a drink menu can seem unapproachable and pretentious, but it was so not; instead, I felt creative and unashamed of my generally high maintenance ordering. Beyond that, we ordered from the Tavern law menu and although the spiced friend chicken is a misnomer, as it is not exactly spiced, the perfectly seasoned juicy chicken is something I will be going back for soon!
This is a perfect date spot, girls' night out, late night stop in with friends...basically anything. I cannot wait to go back. I didn't feel rushed. The bartenders Leon and Amanda were fabulous and created oh so tasty/balanced drinks, including some non-alcoholic bevies. I agree with others, it's sexy and fun. Enough said.
Super secret bar above Tavern Law - entrance is inside Tavern Law on the right. (Bankers door with a telephone on the wall). Recommend visiting on Tuesday's or Wednesday's if no reservations. The whole concept is craft cocktails, although the menu from Tavern Law is also available if you want to eat. If you want the unlisted phone number, you have to get inside and obtain one of their business cards from the staff. Friday's and Saturday's are booked for in advance.
Great place to take a date or someone you want to impress with a super secret location. Decor is turn of the century like you time warped back to Seattle's early days.
Cocktails are ordered based on your preferences - there is no menu for drinks. I have not been disappointed in their creations. The bartenders know what their doing so trust the system and allow them to get creative.
Small space, ample lighting for an intimate experience, and value prices for the caliber cocktails they're creating. ($10 - $15 range has been my experience thus far.)
It's best to call ahead for a reservation. We sat and had a drink downstairs because we were waiting for our reservation time and watched at least 10 people try to go inside only to be turned away; on a Wednesday! Brady was our bartender and he was AMAZING! There's no menu so he makes your drink based on your preferences. This place is a definite must try.
Review Source:**MY FAVORITE BAR IN SEATTLE**
LOVE LOVES LOVED!
If you pick up a phone at Tavern Law, you can be admitted into this "secret" bar upstairs.
Go through the bank vault, wind up the narrow, wooden stairs, past old photographs of NAUGHTY ladies, and enter into a 19th century den of decadence.
Food is from the kitchen downstairs.
WHY I LOVE THIS PLACE:
*SPEAKEASY PLEASY
*SEXY AS HELL
*BEST COCKTAILS IN SEATTLE
*BEAUTIFUL DECOR
*KNOWLEDGEABLE AND FRIENDLY STAFF
Best not to order a particular drink here, but rather let the bartender create something lovely.
Great spot to impress a date.
Great spot to also bring a few friends and chat the evening away.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
I first came here about 2.5 years ago for a birthday party. I loved the space, the decorations, and the quiet nature. This was where I was introduced to good cocktails on a large scale. I had loved old fashioneds from a trip to SF years before and drank scotch straight pretty often. But, finding a bartender who could actually form the drink and not act confused when I asked for bourbon or whiskey drinks.
I was introduced to flips, fizzes, and tangy brown concoctions. Amazing. I come back here for fun events and when I am showing people the city. Great spot!
Yes, this place is worth the hype. Needle and Thread is probably the coolest bar in the city. Once you get buzzed in its like you've stepped into a completely different time. Yes, you have to get buzzed in. :) The decor, music, and overall vibe is pure 1920's speakeasy. Its a small place with a bunch of little nooks and crannies for couples or small groups to congregate.
And, now for the most important part- the drinks- they absolutely deliver. They don't have a drink list which could be a bit scary were it not for the highly experienced staff. On two occasions we went with they're tried and true cocktail delivery system which = the waiter or bartender asking us what kind booze we like and they coming up with something interesting. Each time they responded with totally delicious and unique mixes.
Definitely a place for special occasions, bringing a visiting friend or family member, or if you're just visiting the city on vacation. Needle and thread really is a bar that defines Seattle.
SPEAKEASY!!
This was the coolest bar I have ever been to. You have to make reservations a week or more in advance, so make sure you do. It's so worth it. Â Tim was a great drink guru and server.
My Pimm's Cup was perfect! The coffee at the end came in it's own French Press.
The atmosphere is straight out of the Golden Era with piped in jazz, dim lighting, good conversation, candles (faux, but classy).. seriously, the best kept secret in Seattle. Â A hidden gem.
I'll need to return to Needle and Thread again to get the whole experience, but what I've seen, I've liked.
My boyfriend surprised me by making reservations for N&T on a weekday. I'd wanted to go for some time, but until then I hadn't had the chance.
The space is very snug (and VERY warm). There are a couple of tables and a comfy chair or two, as well as seating at the bar. I sat there, so I got to watch the bartenders work on each bespoke creation.
I wasn't as specific with my drink order as I could have been, so what I got wasn't exactly my cup of tea, but the bartenders were more than cordial and the experience was intimate and lovely. Good date spot!
This secret little spot located INSIDE Tavern Law is quite nice. It is quiet compared to Tavern Law and Needle and Thread offers the most abundant array of different ingredients and spirits for a private concoction of your own. Think of giving the bartender a "Chopped" mystery basket to make you an amazing cocktail..this is precisely what it is! Despite having all that you may want in your cocktail..I feel like the drinks at Tavern Law might be a tad better. I want to go back and hope for another bartender, as the both times that I have gone, it was the same bartender. It isn't that she wasn't great, but I hope to always taste someone else's creation.
Needle and Thread is impossible to get in without a reservation and a reservation is only good for 90 minutes depending on which night you go. This place is not perfect though...it is super warm, to a point where you want to strip off all your clothes. Then there are a few really sad chairs that could use some upholstering because I can feel the springs and it just concaves in, making your posture super uncomfortable. I suppose to wanted to keep that speak-easy feel throughout..
This is definitely a place to take your friends from out of town or even on a date as it is private and quiet. I cannot wait to come back again!
Amazing cocktails and fun place to unwind. Â They have the same kitchen menu as Tavern Law downstairs, so if you're not too keen on the downstairs crowd and you still can't resist their delicious burgers or mac and cheese - Needle & Thread is a perfect haven.
The bartenders are the best of the best - let them surprise you and you won't be disappointed.
Also, definitely make a reservation beforehand. I always get a little bit of second hand embarrassment when people follow a party with reservations upstairs, and there isn't any room for them to sit. Â It's not the type of place you stand and have a quick drink.
Unfortunately, our experience was a bit deferred. We didn't get to taste a drink because service had a major fail. Â I had done the proper calling in for a reservation a couple of days before and had left a message. Â They don't open until 5:00 so no one is around to return your call until that time. Â Fine... No biggie. Â However no return call either. Â I decided to give them the benefit of the doubt because hey... They're busy and they just can't get to me right away (I gave them more than 24 hours). Â I called again after opening hours and left another message. Â Still no return call.
We decided to have dinner at Barrio, less than a block away. Â Afterward we ventured into Tavern Law. Â I picked up the the phone to be greeted by a very polite, calm voice and told him my story. Â He acknowledged that they had received a message from me but they we're fully booked! Â Okay... I'm thinking (and perhaps used my outside voice) now is not the time to tell me that. Â He indicated he would see what he could do.
A couple minutes past and he physically appeared letting me and my three other friends know that he could get us in in about a half an hour. Â Semi-reasonable considering I had called. Â However, Â I think the better thing to have done was offer us a drink at the bar downstairs on the house for our trouble. Â We left instead. Â Perhaps to return one day. Â The place looked nifty, though.
Moral: Â call WAY ahead and make sure they call you back.
I guess I'm the only one not totally fascinated by this place. Â The decor is nice and its good for grabbing a drink with a friend ...if you have a reservation. Â
We were here for a birthday party. They just kind of go around and ask you what kinds of drinks you like. They said they had vodka but my friend said they didn't because it wasn't "cool" enough so I ended up asking for "a girly cocktail with gin or vodka." I didn't get vodka. Â I got a grapefruit gin cocktail instead.
Look, the drinks here are cool but pricy. The service is super slow. Â It took something like 45 minutes to get our drinks for our 1 hour reservation. The space is cool but I have to be in the mood to be this classy and plan far enough in advance to have a reservation. I see this as a place to go before you go somewhere else which is what we did. For the right occasion, like our party, it can be a good time, but there are def. times (like if I ever want to raise my voice,) this would not be my cup of tea. Â
3.5 stars
great drinks, a little pricey for seattle prices, and a great atmosphere! Just make sure you make reservations because you don't want to be one of those people who pick up the black phone and get rejected... thats just embarrassing.
I first told them i wanted Gin, and they made an amzing twist on a french 75 with lavender in it.
I then asked for something with amaretto and they made a drink with amaretto and egg whites and it was fantastic! i would definitely ask for a drink with egg whites in it.
Love forever and ever and ever.
You pick up a phone and tell them who you are, how many people (book a reservation ahead of time.) Â You go through a freaking bank-vault door like some Chicago big-shot mobster. Â What is there not to love?
I feel like I'm stepping back in time with the decor, the vintage pin-up models in the stairway, the music, the atmosphere... and the staff are great. Â The prices are honestly really reasonable, considering they are all custom, hand-made cocktails. Â
Will be back again and again.
Everything is perfect. Â Don't change a thing.
This place was awesome!
Fast and friendly service, and no drink menu to choose from, so feel free to get creative with your order! A couple orders from our party: something celebratory, a drink reminiscent of a toucan, a slap a bitch cocktail, and peaches n' cream. Each cost $12. They do have a food menu if you get hungry.
Be forewarned: their hours are specific to days/times, and they only take reservations to a maximum of 7 people. Be sure to call ahead for reservations, preferably a few days in advance. You will probably get an answering machine, so leave a message as instructed and you'll get a call back before 6 pm. Â I had to place the reservation on the same day, which was a little stressful because I didn't know if they would have space for 7 or not - fortunately they did!
Our group was 7 people and the place is small, so it is better for intimate dates. I would love to go there for a date night and stay for a couple hours getting tipsy on creative drinks. Â
The protocol: You go into Tavern Law, from the street, walk to the right and pick up the black telephone on the wall. Say your name, number in your group, and reservation time, and they'll unlock the black bank-vault door to the left. Go up the staircase and you'll find yourself in the upstairs room with a well-stocked bar, dim lighting, velvet couch and beautiful 1920s decor. It's pretty quiet and they have rules posted on a table at the top of the staircase. One of them was "No jagerbombs or bomb drinks of any kind" = keep it classy.
I was lucky enough to go to a friend's birthday party at Needle and Thread. He rented out the whole bar!
Everything was amazing. Delicious drinks, swanky atmosphere, and talented bartenders concocting unique drinks. They did a great job accommodating our party and making sure everyone was taken care of.
I had a Brooklyn, an egg white and vodka cocktail, and a take on a margarita made with coconut milk. Yum. Yes, it was a fun night.
I really enjoyed my time here. Can't wait to go back! I I felt special ringing the old telephone and being buzzed in to the bar. Fun!
This place is an amazing experience. My boyfriend and I made reservations (highly recommended, unless you're really lucky), had one drink downstairs in Tavern Law, and then felt quite privileged picking up the black phone to be granted admission through the vault door.
It's a intimate, cozy space and seems like you're going back in time as you go up the stairs. We were asked what types of liquor we liked, and what flavors. I had two DELICIOUS concoctions, nutty and creamy and sweet, while still strong. One had an egg in it and was all frothy! We realized we had no idea what the bill would be, but $11 each was about the same as downstairs. My date also raved about his drinks, which were more along the lines of refreshing and light/fruity with some zing.
We can't wait to go back!
Love this place. Â I love the concept and the execution of what is meant to be a quaint, cozy, speak easy.
You walk into Tavern Law and tell the bouncer you have a reservation, then proceed to go to the bank vault door inside. Â Pick up the phone and let it ring a few times and let the bartender know your party and the door pops open. Â You're led up this sweet, dimly lit staircase that leads you right into the sweetest, cozy, and sophisticated room.
Instead of ordering a drink off the menu, you tell them your preferences or a little story. Â From our friends we had drinks that were inspired from France, China, a mystery novel, and young love. Â All of the drinks were spot on, it was almost a little scary how they could capture the essence of what we said. Â For our second round, we all picked our favorite Avengers characters as a tough little challenge for the bartenders. Â AMAZING. Â My Tony Stark drink was exactly what I could picture him drinking. Â However, I realized that my tastes do not match up with Mr. Stark's, so next time I'll be sticking to just telling them my preferences. Â
In addition to the customized drinks, they also serve items from the Tavern Law menu. Â All the things sound delicious with a boost in class. Â My group didn't buy any food since we just came from dinner, but we plan to get the Mac n Cheese made with duck fat next time we go. Â
The only extremely small thing that made it not completely perfect was the service. Â Our waiter was technically very polite and attending, but he seemed kind of like he'd rather not be taking our orders. Â The group of girls I was with are a rather giggly and ...not the most sophisticated... bunch, so I don't really blame him. Â We were probably a bit much to handle compared to their usual clientele. Â But he did make awesome drinks and put up with us.
Needle and thread.
I like the concept, I like that its very small and intimate, and I like that the drinks are made to order.
However, I came w/ a rather large party (8+) and it just wasn't the best fit for such a large party. Seating arrangement wise, it was kind of difficult to talk to everyone as we were a bit far apart.
Service wise, it took quite a while for the bartender to come to us and take orders after we were seated.
There's no menu, so they ask what liquor you'd like. Don't answer "surprise me," cuz the bartender won't like the vagueness. I settled on a vodka and grapefruit something drink, which was okay, but I wasn't a fan of the cinnamon in it. (will remember to mention that next time).
Overall, decent experience, just not the best for a large party. We ended up leaving after one round, but this is a place I'd like to come back to for a nice, relaxed, and calming experience. 4 or less ppl would be ideal.
Make reservations!
no no no no no :(
It appears that all good things must come to an end, including my love affair with Needle & Thread ...
regulars of N&T and downstairs @ Tavern have likely noticed an *ahem* "shift" in their bar and kitchenstaff. While I hadn't been upstairs for awhile, I didn't notice a HUGE difference with my drinks downstairs with the newer staff ... however, downstairs sticks to house cocktails and I never order custom one-offs unless I'm getting cozy upstairs.
WELL ... fast forward to last night ... I was giddy about taking my out-of-towner sister here to experience the loveliness first hand, and from the get-go things started off badly. Firstly, we were seated at a small window-side two top, and I briefly asked if we could possibly move to a two-top tucked in a warmer corner of the room ... the waitress nonchalantly smiled and said "oh sure!" but was immediately given the stink-eye by the female bartender. My sister, having caught the look, replied "I don't have a problem staying here." Then, a gentleman at the bar offered to shift one stool down, so that my sister and I could sit at the bar. Lovely! Bar seats are the best, aren't they? Well, apparently they're extra special and reserved now too, because as soon as the guy offered to move, the female bartender barked "uhh no you can't do that, these are reserved."
OK, I can totally respect that, no big deal. We shrugged and tried to dismiss her sour demeanor and settled into our spot. As usual, we order some custom drinks based off of things we like. My sister told the bartender, "I like lemon drops, and sweet drinks." The bartender abruptly said, with a stone-cold expressionless face, "what do you want? Huh?" making my sister awkwardly repeat her order. "Oh, OK" was the dead-pan response.
I told her I wanted a champagne based cocktail with St. Germain and something not too sweet, perhaps some creme de violet? What I got served however, was NO such thing. I was already wary when my drink came out in a huge, weird glass (not a typical flute) and was BRIGHT NEON PINK. One sip confirmed my anxiety when all I could taste was some sort of berry-based syrup that made everything just taste like a melted popsicle. Luckily, my sister was satisfied with her drink, but after some hesitation (debating on if I wanted to deal with the cranky bartender) I sent the drink back over, asking if she could just make something less cloyingly sweet.
Well, two seconds later she just plops my drink back on the bar (doesn't take it over to my table) and says "here ya go." I thanked her and grabbed my drink, took one sip, and could taste NO difference whatsoever aside from a slightly drier aftertaste (as though she just poured some bitters in). NOT wanting to deal with her directly again, I grabbed the waitress and told her that my drink just wasn't working and I was hoping for something else. Finally, the third round over, my drink was presented again in a proper champagne glass and tasted much better (although still NOT what I had ordered originally... what kind of creme de violet, champagne drink is bright pink???) STILL, it was far more acceptable than the first 2 rounds so I just drank it, not wanting to make a fuss.
My sister was unhappy about our extremely rude bartender the whole time, making our stay a short and cool 45 minutes (when I typically linger for at least 2 hours). The BEST part? 35 minutes into our stay there, and those "reserved bar seats" were empty the ENTIRE time. awesome.
icing on the cake? the bartender's boyfriend came about 15 minutes before we left and they were chatting and giggling and exchanging quick kisses while she was on the job! She certainly lit up when he was around, at least.
All in all, this totally changed and ruined my opinion of this establishment. Sadly, what was once my favourite place to get a custom, excellent cocktail, is now on my "never to return" list. The female bartender's unprofessional, cold, and rude demeanor put a huge damper on the entire night, and I was embarrassed and irritated that my sister had to experience this!
It makes you wonder why all the talent left ...
AMAZING!!! Experience the world of F. Scott Fitzgerald's Great Gatsby with Needle and Thread's 1920's speak-easy bar scene. This exclusive bar scene is unlike any other in the country. It's so great that GQ Magazine rated it in it's Top 25 best cocktail lounges in the United States.
THE BEST PART: You arrive at Tavern Law (1st floor) and walk over to the corner of the room where there's a bank vault. After using the phone on the wall to check-in for your reservation, the vault opens and you walk up stairs where the setting screams the roaring twenties!
THE BEST BEST PART: Â The most skilled bartenders! Ask them to make you a drink that reminds you of fresh laundry and summer, or dirt and diesel and they'll deliver exactly that! The bartenders are mad scientists!
I have been putting this moment off since the act of posting an online review about a speakeasy feels like too ironic a sin to commit. Â But how could I possibly resist making my first yelp review about Needle and Thread? Â Two things got me hooked. Â First, nerdiness. Â Because I am a nerd. Â A big one. Â And in my nerdland recreating the more romantic aspects (no raids for me, thank you) of a speakeasy is pretty enthralling. Â And the vibe that Needle and Thread gives off is just the right mix of comfort and cozy and getting to pretend that it's prohibition era and you're doing something naughty. Â Like I said, nerd.
The second piece was the drinks, of course. Â I am not very well versed in cocktails so I was intimidated by not having a menu to hide behind. Â Turns out that having a drink crafted just for you based on your mood is far less intimidating even than poring over a menu and hoping you get something you like; if you're as much of a novice as I, that is. Â If you are, take it as your opportunity to learn!
3.5
We had a reservation for 6 at 9pm and were seated by 9:10. Â The ambiance is nice and quiet like a "real" speakeasy, not noisy like Bourbon and Branch in SF. Â I also really liked the seating arrangements. Â It was situated like a living room, with coffee tables and couches. Â It was very comfortable.
As for the drinks.. they weren't that great. Â There was a little bit of miscommunication on my drink -- I said I liked gin, champagne, gingery, and sweet. Â What I got was no ginger, gin mixed with champagne, and it wasn't sweet. Â It wasn't a bad cocktail, but it wasn't what I had wanted. Â We handed our drinks around, and the one I liked best was the vodka sour.
The food was better than the drinks. Â I got to try the gnocchi, mac and cheese, and the fried chicken. Â The oxtail gnocchi was amazing; it was crispy and the oxtail was so perfect. Â The fried chicken had some kind of sweet syrup on it. Â I probably would not usually enjoy that, but in this case it was just the right amount of sweetness.
I probably wouldn't come back again. Â Since Tavern Law downstairs has the same food menu, I would much rather just go there.
A 5-star bar is hard to come by in my book, but I have nothing but great things to say about all of my visits here.
I can't think of a better place to go when I want to catch up with a friend over an amazing custom-crafted cocktail. You need to make reservations as seating is limited which is great because it keeps the space quiet and uncrowded- so its the perfect spot to have a conversation.
Plus the ambiance makes you feel like you stepped onto the set of Boardwalk Empire.
All of their bitters are house-made and you order with the bartender by telling them the flavors and spirits you want versus reading off a menu. They are not the cheapest drinks in the world but you get your dollar's worth in the quality of drinks.
Every time my friend from San Francisco visits, he always insists on making a visit (or two) to Needle and Thread. Â So far, my friends and I have been extremely impressed with the service, food and drinks this place has to offer.
For those of you who are not familiar with this place, they require reservations. Â It's intimate upstairs, which makes it the perfect place to go on a date or hang out with a few close friends and play catch up. Â
I have yet to encounter a bad drink at Needle and Thread. Â It's awesome to see the bartenders whip up drinks with spirits that my friends and I normally would not order. Â The last time we were here, they whipped up a cocktail for one of my friends that involved egg whites and whiskey (i think?), which was very tasty.
They do have the same food menu as Tavern Law (which, oddly enough, I haven't had the opportunity to hang out at) but I highly recommend their fried chicken. You'll definitely want to eat every morsel of this dish.
"I just finished writing my novel. Can you please craft me a drink that represents me finishing my novel, riding off on a unicorn..." something something leprechauns and rainbows...
That was my friend's drink order when we came to this place. The bartender's expression was difficult to read, and we assumed we'd annoyed him, but we were pretty excited to see what that story would taste like.
The ambiance upstairs in this "speakeasy" is pretty relaxed, like your grandmother's living room if she were into light bdsm? I enjoyed the furniture and the slow pace.
The waiter returned with a cocktail involving midori, egg whites, and I believe gin and other things. He explained his reasoning and we bought it. He said he loved stories like that, so we decided he was a nice fellow.
Everyone enjoyed their drinks. Mine were a bit sweet, but I'm not a very good cocktail drinker, so what do I know. Maybe I could use a bit of sweetness.
Yup. Â Craft cocktails.
Sure. Â Speakeasy phone gimmick thing.
They they were written up as a cool bar in national mags. Â Good for them. Â This pretty much means it's going to be a big deal to get inside and packed with annoying jetsetter out of towners.
Unless you're meeting a mob boss, underworld contact that you don't want to be seen with, or hiding your mistress or prostitute from your wife who is prowling the hill for you, this may be too much trouble for you.
I appreciate the uber mixologist thing for what it is. Â There are lots of bars who have their champ tenders who dream of exotic bitters and aspire to fixing the lame bars of the world. Â Keep dreaming, but at least the $10+ cocktails are worth it here.
Call ahead and get some password or whatever and Fonzie heeeyyyyyy sharkjump it if you like, but I suspect you may find that they're too much trouble now. Â Leave this to the velvet rope crowd or as a blind date obstacle course to weed out the unworthies.
Walk through Tavern Law. Pick up the receiver on a phone. Make some magic happen. Climb up a flight of dark stairs and stumble into 1921. Well, sort of a Doctor Imaginarium dreamland past where secret passageways lead to glamourous salons and unicorn piss is bottled and muddled into a cocktail.
Sitting in my high-backed, quilted chair amidst mirrored tables and gently gabbing friends, I felt truly cozy and relaxed. No windows or queues or crowds impeding upon the satin-walled interior of the bar. Don't expect a menu, just tell the server your deepest desire or flavor craving and they will turn around and concoct something magical. Did I mention the unicorn piss?
Asking simply for something light, not sparkling but with elderflower... who knew I'd be presented with an absolutely perfect drink. A delicate highball glass, an oversized cube of ice and liquid happiness.
Needle and Thread is an easy place to pass hours upon hours of an evening without any of the bothers that come with typical bar hopping. So go. Now.
I told my friends on Facebook I was going.
I checked in on Foursquare when I arrived.
I tweeted about it for all the Twiterverse to see. Â
I sent out an email invitation to a colleague to have him join us. Â (Yeah, archaic I know.) Â
I then texted him the directions and instruction on how to get in.
I Instagramed an image from the inside. Â I had to, the picture was tits. Â Really, it had boobs. Â I likey.
And now I'm writing a Yelp review about it.
Technically this makes me a very bad speakeasy patron, right? Â Kind of defeats the entire purpose of a secret bar hidden behind a vault door that requires advanced reservations and some insider knowledge in order to gain access. Â
I don't think speakeasies could exist in today's instant message, over sharing, complete saturation of communal information cesspool. Â There are no more secrets. Â Well not until it gets posted online.
Luckily, social media didn't exist back in the days of prohibition. Â Although I guess texting and Twitter are modern day telegrams. (Stop). Except back then they were used for important messages. Â (Stop). Except today's important messages consist of updates on our latest bowel movements, to let everyone know that we can't believe Monday is here again (downer) and that hooray Friday is finally here (TGIF!!!). (Stop)
No really, please Stop!
Without divulging too many more secrets, I will say that I had two amazing cocktails mixed specifically for my tastes and thoroughly enjoyed the French Quarter ambiance, the narrow staircase lined with old time nudie pictures and the overall sense of being someplace you really shouldn't be.
Someplace not everybody knows about.
Well until now.
Stop.
Hello dahling, speak easy to me please! Yes, I am obsessed with speakeasies, so naturally, I am a fan of Needle & Thread.
LOVED this secret reservation-only upstairs bar that you have to call up to from the phone downstairs inside Tavern Law. It reminded me a lot of PDT in NYC. The fabulous room accommodates about 30 people, so if you can score a spot inside, you're golden.
Prohibition style classic cocktails is what you'll find here. Each cocktail is crafted to your taste, so all you have to do is tell the bartender what spirits you fancy and he'll take it from there. AMAZING.
I won't divulge anymore. You'll just have to find your way inside and experience it for yourself. Then you'll see why Worth Magazine calls it one of the top 10 secret hot spots in the world!
This is my go-to place. Â Upstairs from Tavern Law (my go-to place too). Â You have call up from the phone that's by the door, name the # in your party or the secret password (depending on the night).
I prefer drinking on off-nights = Sunday-Thursday. Â When it's crowded up there, it's crowded, and VERY hot up there. Â You get much better service when it's not crowded and hot. Â I like my space.
I order drinks based on the desired emotion I would like: lately it's been, "happy and ravishing, extra ravishing please". Â Amazing concoctions appear!
Food is awesome.
I love the decor in there - it's like from the days of speakeasies, bustiers and garter belts. Â Nude women in vintage photographs line the wall as you walk up the stairs. Â Music from the 20s enters your ears as you walk into the bar. Â One of the best bars in the nation I think - made #25 in GQ's top bars list too (we were at that party, of course).
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