Seattle's Best Spot for a Secret Affair 2008

Delightfully uniform Italian joint offers polite service in an intimate setting.

Reviews:

• “Mediocre at best!”
• “Pretentious and overpriced!”
• “A step up from Olive Garden”
• “Authentic clean flavors and excellent service”
• “Best italian in Seattle”

Tips: In addition to the lengthy wine selection, there is a full bar to accommodate any cocktail request.

Il Terrazzo Carmine or email Il Terrazzo Carmine

The finely crafted cocktails are the draw at this classy downtown escape.

Reviews:

• “Some choices are simple”
• “Merose atmosphere”
• “great cocktails and a wonderful atmosphere”
• “Cocktail wizard”
• ""Murray is God.""

Tips: Not eating? Get a spot at the bar—the bartenders put on a great show, and will describe the drinks they’re mixing.

Zig Zag Cafe

This stylish, intimate lounge has folks lining up for elaborate cocktails and unique surroundings.

Reviews:

• “Beautiful cocktails, frites and garden”
• “This place is not woth checking out”
• “Rude and pretentious”
• “bad service”
• “Drinks, Atmosphere & Bartenders are Amazing. The servers have attitude and the owners don’t care.”

SAMBAR or email SAMBAR

Get a distinctive dining experience and amazing eclectic cuisine at this hidden Lake Union hot spot—if you can get a table.

Reviews:

• “Terrible service- DO NOT GO TO THIS RESTAURANT”
• “Have a heapin’ helpin’ of raw abuse!”
• “Life is short…”
• “Totally-mental: Avoid at All Costs”
• “THERE ARE 1000 “NORMAL” RESTAURANTS IN SEATTLE, THIS IS NOT ONE OF THEM"

Tips: No reservations are taken, and there is no list. To get a table, get there for cocktail hour at 5pm or around 9pm. A full menu is served until midnight.

Elemental

A slice of summertime creeps onto the Hill at this nightspot inspired by the romantic feel of old Havana.

Reviews:

• “Too much hassle”
• “Shady Bartenders!”
• “Great music, dancing, decor, cocktails”
• “$10 MOJITOS AND HORRIBLE SERVICE? NO THANKS!”
• “Disappointing”

Tips: Happy hour runs daily 4pm-7pm and features half-price bottles of wine.

Havana

One of Seattle’s best kept secrets, this treasured bar on First Hill attracts artists, writers, modern iconoclasts and random adventurers.

Reviews:

• “Quite bar with eye for art.”
• “dark and intimate”
• “So adorable for a cozy evening”

Tips: Try the Caipirinha, a tasty mixture of Cachaca, muddled lime and sugar; or The Hemingway, a shot of Hornitos, bottle of Dos Equis and a Nat Sherman. Feeling playful? Order the Andy Warhol, a refreshing Cosmopolitan and a Polaroid picture of yourself.

The Hideout

Quirky decor and games make one of Eastlake’s oldest establishments an enduring favorite.

Reviews:

• “No Free Pool Any More!!!”
• “Beer joint – that’s it”
• “First time there, felt right at home…”

Tips: Go elsewhere for food: this is a potato chips and peanut sort of place.

Eastlake Zoo Tavern

More Little Italy than the real thing, this friendly family-run Ravenna trattoria serves Italian-American fare with an creative daily menu.

Reviews:

• “Nice Little Italian Spot”
• “HORRIBLE “Italian” food"
• “The best Italian theis side of Little Italy”
• “Best Italian I’ve ever had”
• “Best Italian in Seattle!”

Tips: Reservations aren’t taken; go early or late or be prepared to wait.

Casa D’Italia Market & Cafe

The martini culture thrives at this hip club under the streets of Pioneer Square.

Reviews:

• " Best Martinis Ever!!!"
• “Best martinis ever!!! "
• “Best Place to Book a Birthday Party”
• “top of the line”
• “Snowboarder bar? WTF?”

Tips: DJs in a variety of genres spin nightly; call ahead or check local listings to get a better sense of the nights’ vibe.

Marcus’ Martini Heaven or email Marcus’ Martini Heaven

A generic strip mall in Eastlake provides an unlikely setting for original Northwestern cuisine.

Reviews:

• “Arrogant attitude”
• “Very Good but It Didn’t Knock My Socks Off”
• “food is great, but staff is off mark”
• “Very small place but very good.”
• “A must go if you like small plates!”

Tips: Meals usually come in three differently sized portions to match your appetite and budget.

Sitka & Spruce