Zig Zag Cafe Reviews

4.4

119 of 3,215 Restaurants in Seattle


Reviews

Amazing Seattle Restaurant

By ladyjadegd |

Just to start, I loved Zig Zag Cafe. While we were sitting there at the end of our dining experience I was trying to think what would knock a star off and honestly, there was nothing negative during out dinner. I don't often give 5 stars for a first visit, but this was an outstanding experience. I did not find it all that hard to find and I didn't think the stairs was that big of deal. The decor and ambiance is really nice. Our server was wonderful and attentive. I did have a drink and six weeks later, I've forgotten what I had, but I'm sure it was something with rye and probably ginger in it. I remember really liking it, though! I had a beef cheeks meal with a carrot puree that was freaking AMAZING. I loved my meal. My husband ordered the burger and he said, "this is probably the best burger I've ever had". I was shocked, but very happy! I was a little surprised by the menu because from all of the pictures, I expected to see a lot of pizza on the menu, but there was none. Overall, we had a wonderful dinner and experience. I recommend the Zig Zag Cafe and I will definitely come back when in town.

Best bar in Seattle

By GINA G |

It took my husband and I a while to find the place but once we got there it was totally worth it. Erik the bartender makes de BEST drinks in town!! We are definitely returning on our next visit to Seattle. Thank you so much Erik!!!!

Great Place,worth the extra effort to get there

By Bill C |

This was a very different experience. Upon arrival they whisk you to a bar stand to wait for your table. Quickly get a drink in hand and then you watch their amazing bar tender Erik, make cocktails. It's a great way to start. He was so entertaining that we turned down a table and sat for our meal at the bar. The food was super great. Too bad there were not more Washington wine selections but if that's the bad... then it's not so bad. This place as an amazing energy which is generated by their staff.

interesting place out of the way

By omars |

An interesting bar/lounge tucked away on the Pike Place Hill Climb (not visible from the street), in an otherwise empty area below the PIke Place Market. Nice decor/ambiance. The bar and tables were mostly full on an early November Saturday evening. Most people seemed to be there for the long-haul (little turnover in the 45 mins I was there). The drink menu is...interesting. While you can order from the full bar, I usually try a place's specialty cocktails for a better feel for what the establishment is going for. In the menu I saw, there was a lot of slivovitz, as well as sherry, as mixers. Unusual (and strong flavored). The drink I had was very potent and meant to be sipped slowly (and tasted strongly of sherry). Not sure I'd repeat it. Service was very solicitous, polite, and attentive. Come here when you have a chance to linger, bring a date-- not the best place to come solo.

Date

By Jenchurch |

I’d go back again. Was referred from a foodie and after venturing way out of downtown the night before (& disappointed) this was unexpected surprise in great way. Laid back and out of market chaos. Meal was great even for dietary restrictions.

Good drinks

By waldosgone |

Stopped in for several drinks after work and dinner. Had a modest selection of beers but the cocktails were the stars. I tried two that were pepper liquor based and both were good. Prices were average. Location was difficult to find at first. The atmosphere was pretty good as well; I'd second the "speakeasy" vibe.

Love cocktails? Most stop in!

By lcrow7 |

I had a wonderful visit to the Zig Zag Cafe. We stopped in before dinner to grab cocktails, so unfortunately we only had drinks, but all the food looked amazing. Interesting, creative and delicious cocktail list, and my bartender was gracious and attentive. I had never even tried some of the liquors that they had to the menu and was delighted by the new combinations I tried. Next time, dinner too!

(Not so) Hidden Gem

By Cizzle |

Amazing staff and classiest bartender we have encountered in a while. Amazing cocktails and great menu. The French Onion Soup is a can't miss

Excellent cocktails

By Lance W |

Very good, modern cocktail bar. A little hard to find, but worth searching for. Even on a Friday night we only waited a few minutes for a table. We didn’t have anything to eat, but drank some good fresh cocktails. I would have liked to have sat at the bar and talked to the bartender, but the bar was too crowded. I’d definitely check it out again.

Great burger

By Pekr8000 |

Visited the cafe late on a tuesday evening. we had a table outside. We had some some great local beer and a burger. The burger was great and very tasty.

unusual drinks

By fotokaren |

Service is perfect for those used to waiting for a handcrafted drink. No short cuts, lots of fresh tasty ingredients and many twists.

Great atmosphere and fantastic service

By Marc S |

I had a fantastic experience at the Zig Zag cafe. Their cocktails and service were excellent. Try the Red Sea if you like rye whiskey based cocktails.

Not very good

By Butnut |

Good service, crappy food, very limited menu, expensive, weird. Hated salad, fried ravioli, lasagna. Liked the corn bread.

Worth the extra steps to locate it!

By Springtraveler06 |

This was the best dining and cocktail scene we encountered. The location, helpful staff, creative cocktails, extensive beverage selection and equally inventive dining options were superb. We dined here twice in one week. Try the grilled octopus small plate.

Delicious

By Tania R |

This restaurant is tucked away in Pike Place Market, definitely a challenge to find but well worth it. I had a wild boar dish for dinner and it was lovely, the boar was cooked to perfection and paired wonderfully with saffron cousous, collard greens and yogurt. I had a banana pudding with butterscotch and banana pieces for dessert that was also great tasting. The atmosphere and service are okay but the food is incredible.

No better cocktail bar in Seattle.

By SquishyCat |

I used to live in Seattle, and I've been to most of the places here. However, if you want an absolutely stellar cocktail, some amazing food, and incredible service (with groovy ambiance, no less), this is one of, maybe THE, best places in the city. The bartenders are truly remarkable. Also, the food is of the highest caliber. Top shelf ingredients, prepared well. I will always come to Zig Zag, when I'm in Seattle.

Fun place to meet for a drink!

By misopiso88 |

My friends and I met at Zig Zag after work one evening. Centrally located off Western right behind Pike Place Mkt it is a great location. Cool bar and drinks were good. You have to go down a staircase off the West side of Western so it is a bit tricky to find but worth it!

This is an absolute MUST visit place!!

By idahoduke |

Wow what a place. From the minute we walked in to when we left. Stephanie and Katie are awesome ladies. We ordered drinks and I was not happy with it, So Katie got me a new one and we were not charged for it. We asked Stephanie where she likes to go and she came back with a list of where to go. We will always come back here. The service is awesome, The food and drinks are top notch! So ask for Stephanie and Katie when you visit.

Yummy and Romantic

By dblN |

Fun eclectic restaurant with GREAT drinks. Zig Zag had such a cool vibe, very intimate and romantic. Great date spot. I'd suggest this as an adult crowd, probably not a good spot for families. We ordered a few different plates for sharing. All were great. We had some cheese puffs that were light and airy. We also had a tuna dish that was seasoned just right. The real reason to come - THE DRINKS! So great. I ordered off the menu and loved every sip. Very crisp and refreshing. My husband told them the kind of drink he was looking for and the bartender whipped up something perfect. We live in Chicago and are surrounded by great cocktail bars. This place could beat them out any day.

Poor service

By Andy B |

The 1 star is for the food as it was actually OK. Unfortunately the service was far from OK. Drinks took an age to arrive. I had to eat the majority of my meal without a drink as the bartender was too engaged talking to customers at the bar and our server made no attempt to follow up on the drink. When my wife tried to make a complaint about the length of time the drinks had taken the staff member just ignored her and walked away from the table. At the end of the meal our server brought the bill, even though we had almost full drinks with them taking so long. A few minutes later she returned and, as we had not put and money or credit card I; the bill wallet, she condescendingly advised us that “in a restaurant like this it is customary to put the credit card in the wallet and let the take it to the till”. What she meant by “a restaurant like this” I don’t know, they call themselves a cafe. Everywhere else on the planet has moved on to contactless. Credit card companies tell their customers not to let their cards out of their site, yet “a restaurant like this” is living in the dark ages, but still expect a 20% tip for poor service.

Great Bar

By chrisshepp |

This bar made famous by 50 shades was a great spot to go for a drink; We went there twice-once midweek and once at the weekend Midweek there is a fantastic happy hour, Staff super friendly and efficient; would recommend going there before dinner midweek.would definitely go back even when you pay full price

Good happy hour

By Flyer783728 |

Despite there being a large party while we were there, my two friends and I received excellent service. Great ambience. Pretty good cocktails and appetizers.

One of the best food and drink hide-aways in Seattle

By Patrick S |

It was really hard to find, but once there the food and drink were most memorable. Tucked away off an outdoor staircase behind Pikes Place, this restaurant offers unique food in a relaxing setting. A MUST when in Seattle.

Swanky, Speakeasy Atmosphere with Killer Drinks!

By AtlWineFoodie |

While at dinner, we asked our server for a recommendation for after dinner drinks and he said Zig Zag Cafe was the best place nearby. We need to thank him tremendously! Our bartender, Ricky, is the best I have ever met! This guy only needs to know what your favorite liquor is, what your tastes prefer, and he'll make you a concoction that is unmatched! It was so good we went back the next night! Ricky is who the movie "Cocktail" was made after - in my opinion! Again, best in the business! You won't regret a visit here!

Nothing special

By K_Traveler |

Late night menu is limited and what our group had was average at best. The salads couldn't be ordered with chicken and the service was slow. The flat bread tasted like Pizza Hut.

amazing drinks, service, and happy hour

By Yvonne H |

loved the atmostphere, loved the cocktail menu. We also had a couple of appetizers where were great - the pita spread sampler and pork skins (dont knock them until you try them).

Great Find!

By Carole W |

Stopped a guy on the street and asked for a recommendation for a good, non-tourist place to get good food. This was a great find! It's halfway down a flight of stairs so if you don't know to look for it, probably won't find it! Got there while it was still happy hour. They had a great selection of small portion bar bites and discounted drinks. The regular menu food looked really good too! Behind Pike's Market but not all the way down to the water!

Would go back for lunch

By imyours12 |

We went there with hopes of having dinner. Was seated right away and greeted by our server. After looking at the drink menu I was really up for spending $15 for one cocktail. My boyfriend didn't order anything as they beer list was quite small and didn't have anything to his liking. I did find a cocktail ($11) to try... it was tasty and then we decided to leave. The dinner menu looked really creative but limited.

let down

By andria |

Having heard such great things about zig zag, and being a Greek myself, I couldn’t wait to try Zig Zag. Upon entering the place I instantly fall in love with the burlesque-style decoration. We ordered different items from the menu, including oysters, greek salad, octopus, saganaki amd chicken skewers. We all enjoyed the oysters, although I would not recommend Zig Zag as the place to go for shellfish. The salad was just blah, the saganaki OK and the skewers dry (very very dry). I think the best dish was the octopus, which again was nothing to write home about. The best part of our dinning experience was the service, which was truly amazing and attentive. To conclude, I would return just for the atmosphere and the service but I would not expect much from the food itself.

A cozy, hidden treasure!

By Cheri D |

A cozy little cocktail bar tucked away in a corner with a lovely atmosphere. It is an ideal place for couples. We ordered a couple of appetizers which were good and a couple of cocktails which were very good. Our waitress was attentive and friendly. I would not hesitate to visit again.

Great drinks and food

By Andrew K |

Amazing bar, with extremely well crafted cocktail. Had seared Tuna and banana pudding for dinner, and they both taste delicate and divine.

Great Happy Hour!!

By jjpdx123 |

Very cute, rustic ol' time bar with cheap $7 manhattans on their happy hour!! Good nibbles to accompany. Loved the atmosphere

What a cool spot

By lovestoroam78 |

A little tough to find (down the street, down the stairs), but definately worth the effort. They serve food late and have the best baked cauliflower we have ever had - or maybe we were just really hungry. Outdoor seating if nice but indoors give a nice vibe as well. A nice treat at the end of the night.

Wed night before Metallica

By Eggslut |

Stoped in for happy hour before heading to Metallica concert. This is by far the best bar I Seattle. The Moscow mule was spicy and used homemade ginger beer over 15#s of fresh ginger used to produce the ginger beer. The Bourbon and whiskey selection is second to none and the corn on the Cobb and watermelon salad are not to be missed. My favorite place in Downtown Seattle. Come in and see your self.

Amazing bartender

By CrazyaboutDiving88 |

Please please please if you go here allow the bartenders to make you an excellent drink based on what you like. It is an upscale, very trendy bar that has a neighborhood feel.

Ask for the 'Port Maria'

By BlackMambaNumberFive |

Such a nice sweet chill bar! I always get the port maria and go to gave a low key drink if I am too tired to dance. The bartenders are friendly. Service is good. The owner is very accommodating. I wanted to get my own wine once. They usually don't allow it but they made an exception, charged me a corking fee and let me. It is very well located too.

nice, maybe just not my thing...

By Welshdr |

Many distinctive drinks, they do serve food, but maybe I am not metropolitan enough. I am from Burlington, WA, however I did grow up in Bellevue. Most of the items on the menu I either could not pronounce or had to look it up on my smart phone. W did share a caesar sale and a "smoked trout dip" both were good. Seating is available outside with some heaters, the staff was pleasant and accommodating. We probably will not be back.

Excellent Bartender

By Cindy H |

The owner of Copperworks Distillery recommended this bar to us while we were in Seattle for our first time. It was a little hard to find; we had to ask a local where it was located after we had walked by it twice! But...it was worth the time and effort! We sat at the bar and enjoyed a couple of handcrafted cocktails. They were absolutely some of the best we have ever had! The bartender was very friendly and gave us some recommendations for our next night out in the Capitol Hill area. We will definitely return to the Zig Zag the next time we're in Seattle!

Sips and Apps

By christine.wilder12 |

Stopped in for a drink and a bite based on reviews I'd seen in TripAdvisor. The menu didn't do much for us in terms of appetizers-we weren't super hungry so settled on the feta/blue cheese spread with pita wedges and salted almonds. Not bad but probably wouldn't order it again. They have a super interesting drink menu and the staff are very helpful in describing items. We enjoyed Ben, our bartender. Very accommodating and will go out of his way to make sure you get something you'll enjoy. He also makes the BEST Mexican coffee. A must try.

we hosted an informal business reception

By Rob C |

Great experience. Food was great, drinks and setting were very informal andthe experience with our clients was relaxed but the quality was high. Staff and management very friendly and flexible. We also went for drinks one night , to try it out. Again...loved it. Close to Pike Market...but not one of those dive bars ( which I like sometimes also). Highly recommended.

Romantic Spot with a Fabulous Selection of Spirits

By Tim K |

Absolutely incredible experience at the bar. Fantastic and knowledgeable bartender was friendly and paid just the right amount of attention to us. Never bothersome but always ready to check in and refresh our drinks. We were blown away by the selection of gins, rums, whiskeys, liqueurs, and amari. Probably because we were inquisitive about some of the more unique offerings, the bartender showed us bottles and helped make recommendations, and it really felt like he rolled out the red carpet for us. Additionally, the cafe and bar had a very romantic atmosphere.

Was hoping for music on a Sat. Night

By Krista S |

Loved the bartender Ethan. He was very quick and skillful in mixing drinks. It was a delight to watch. We dropped in for a drink and were hoping because of the area, there would be music or entertainment of some sort. This is more a cafe with a bar, than a bar that sells food. So the drinks were very good, just not the vibe we were looking for.

Downtown hidden gem

By Alice Sydney |

The best drinks are served in this hidden downtown gem. The house salad and flatbreads are fine accompaniments .

Late Night Drinks!

By Lou99019 |

The Zig Zag cafe was recommended to us by a couple we met at Pike Brewery, so we went for late night drinks on a Sunday. It did not disappoint! They make fantastic cocktails and the servers were so friendly and accommodating. It was such a good experience that we went back again Monday night after the baseball game!

Enjoyed this place

By Paul T |

Took the stairs up from the true waterfront and stumbled on this place. Got a few drinks and an appetizer. Food and drink was very good. They up charged us for some extra pita bread for our dip but overall, a nice experience.

Our neighborhood bar!

By Cassie C |

My boyfriend and I are regulars here. We fell in love with this place due to the combination of amazing staff, drinks and food! Angela who runs the front is a gem. All of the servers are fantastic, Sarah, Esther, and Erin! I'd recommend Zig Zag to anyone - local or tourists.

Excellent food

By PSM369 |

This cafe was an unexpected but exceptionally good find. The cafe is on the steps to come up from the harbor piers to the Pikes Place Market, slightly off the beaten track. The food was exceptionally good. An eggplant dish was superb, perfectly cooked and with the right garnish. Even a hamburger was perfectly cooked and delicious. Drinks were plentiful and the service was friendly and attentive. Highly recommended and worth looking for.

Good atmosphere, cocktails and lousy service

By Kent M |

We had received several reccomendations to try the Zig Zag. We visited early on a Friday night. Initially our server was attentive, we our food and drink orders were placed, we had to wait about 40 minutes. Everyone else around us was being served by others, even those that had arrived well over us. Once the server showed up there was no apology. We didn't see her again for over half an hour. We paid our check and left. There was a lot of good people watching here and younger, lively crowd. Doubt we would give it a second chance.

Amazing craft cocktails

By mayrtuck |

If you want an amazing drink that you have never heard of and that tastes incredible then go here! It is a romantic place that is perfect for a 1st date!

The secret is out...

By RV |

Actually, the secret was out about the ZZ about 10 years ago. Articles in Seattle Times and Sunset didn't help. Yet despite all the press, the ZZ consistently mixes the best classic cocktails in town. Don't come here looking for Cosmos. Oh, they'll serve you one, and a very fine one at that, but what's the point when you can choose one of over 18 perfectly balanced craft cocktails. And if they sublime drinks weren't enough, they recently upped their nibblies game. Be sure to try the deviled eggs and the cracklins....[happy sigh].

Merry Christmas

By Idobeer |

This cafe bar was a fun hidden jem. We stopped in for dessert and drinks. The atmosphere was fun fuand full of charactersand el

A real jewel of Seattle

By Kathryn R |

I had read about this place and it sounded cool so we went along for a cocktail after a day exploring Seattle and what a perfect end to a great day! We could not have made a better discovery. Along with a cocktail or 2 we had a few bar snacks and both were just on another level. The service was great, the bar staff so friendly and attentive, the bar snacks we had showed they were made with the care and attention of a great chef, even though we choose quite basic snacks. The people beside us had quite a few different plates and the presentation was so impressive we wished we were staying for dinner. (we had other arrangements) The place itself looks nothing from the outside, clinging onto the edge of Pike Market but inside it is a beautiful bar with a great ambiance. Its a very swish, old fashioned cocktail bar and the whole experience was well worth the visit.

Service charge ruins experience

By Devin B |

Zig Zag was the first cocktail bar I visited when I moved to Seattle 15 years ago (the legendary Murray Stenson was still working behind the bar back then). I immediately fell in love with the place and have made it my go to spot over the years and especially when friends are in town. I loved the high quality, creative cocktails, ambience and excellent service. Unfortunately, their ownership/management has decided to start engaging in the deceptive practice of adding a 21% “service fee” to patrons’ checks instead of just being honest and raising menu prices. They also make it clear that this fee is entirely retained by the business and puts customers in an uncomfortable position of not knowing whether an additional tip is expected or not. As much as I love Zig Zag, I refuse to go to places that do this. An easy fix: raise your menu prices, pay your staff competitive wages, and eliminate all extra fees and gratuities altogether.

Great people, food and drinks

By rnewman4421 |

Had the burger and fries was very good and filling. Also had one of the cocktails the bartender recommended was very good! If you are looking for not your average drinks or food this is the place.

FUN TO FIND!!

By alan a |

This unique Café is located on the Pike Street Hill Climb! And it was well worth finding! Great atmosphere along with great service. Specialty cocktails is certainly their forte'! Bartenders here have a reputation for quality ingredients and a generous pour. We certainly agree! Our late Night Menu Bite included Oysters on the Half Shell--excellent! Falafel--very good, and the Buttermilk fried chicken--very tasty! As a side--marinated olives in garlic, orange and herbs---perfect with our custom cocktails. Zig Zag was a great find, especially looking for "late-night unique"! Definite repeat!.

This is an absolute MUST for Happy Hour

By Angela K |

This has to be one of the best happy hours in the city. I lived here for a few years and had my fair share of hh. This became my favorite from my first visit. The cocktails are delicious, and so cheap (on happy hour) While I haven't eaten here, I do have to say if you are looking for a fun place to grab a drink down by the market, this is your place. I actually waited to review until I left Seattle, as I didn't want to let the secret out! You will find mostly locals here (thankfully!) and always get so crowded, so get here early! :)

It's about the cocktails. Seriously.

By Carter T |

I'm picky when it comes to cocktails and the ingredients with which my cocktails are created. The Zig Zag Cafe has some of the best bartenders in Seattle using some of the best ingredients. Period. Call them crafty, bright, talented, libation geniuses….whatever you want, but nothing short of a great cocktail will be coming your way. A threw a couple of unusual cocktails at them and without even blinking an eye they mixed up my obscure order and passed it over to me. I'm impressed. Even my request for a Ramazzottii Amaro Americano didn't stun them, and it's my special drink. The food is good, but the staff is even better. Big smiles and very polite manners, the servers offered regular recommendations based on questions we asked about the various dishes. Honestly, I can't say enough good things about this place. If you have the chance, drop in, but do it early; the place tends to fill up quickly and most people aren't in a hurry to leave.

Old School Lounge, Top Flight Drinks

By Filmprof |

They take their cocktails seriously at the Zig Zag Cafe. We popped in for happy hour and spent a pleasant hour at the bar enjoying a couple of libations expertly prepared by our bartender, Eric. The room has sort of a timeless old school lounge feel without being forced. The best thing about Zig Zag is that it doesn't take itself too craft-cocktail-crazy-seriously. They know you're there to have fun and so are they. After all, how many places that have a camel burger on the menu are going after snob appeal? They offer both drink and food specials at happy hour. The Zig Zag is a little hard to find, but worth the hunt.

I loved this place

By aaronwernli |

I absolutely adored this place. The food was wonderful, the staff was great and it's in a good location. Aaron Wernli

Not so hidden gem!

By amygritters |

Could be considered hidden, is located halfway down the stairs. The food was off the charts delicious, the risotto with broccoli, fennel, and leeks was amazing and the bourbon rabbit with polenta cakes was also fantastic. The service was excellent, the ambiance was great, and they offer a vast menu of interesting cocktail concoctions along with beer and wine. Highly recommend eating and this amazing place.

Yummmm!

By Timothy B |

The wife and I were visiting Seattle for the first time. We arrived in the evening, then went to dinner a little late (8 or 9ish.) We walked to Zig Zag. It is located in a busy area so that makes you feel safe, however, given Seattle's homeless population and the fact that you get to Zig Zag by walking down some sketchy stair cases (if you're coming from North at night) my "mug sensor" was on high alert. Maybe it really didn't need to be, but it was. All that said, service was great, food was very good as well. The drink list gets my thumbs up. We started with Gougeres, they were pretty good...delicate, warm, dough balls mixed with cheese. Then, we split a Caesar salad which was also good, nothing special just yet. Finally, I had some sort of ravioli with mushroom, spinach, and ricotta and my wife had something with fresh ahi tuna. I wish I could remember the names of them, but I couldn't find a menu online so I am just describing them. Both were phenomenal. We went home happily satisfied after a long day of travel. For delicious late night eats and a great cocktail menu, hit up Zig Zag.

Cool spot

By Jackie C |

A really nice experience for my husband and I. We sat outside later in the evening, had appetizers and drinks. Staff was so friendly and helpful, just a cool vibe. Its sort of hidden so you'll have to look for it, but well worth it!

Quirky Bar Okay food

By kdpsi |

We went to have a drink after being recommended by our tour guide and as a ZZ Top fan it seem like a good fit. The weather was warm and the restaurant was hot just not in a good way. We wanted seafood and this is not a seafood place. We ordered apps. Baguette and Butter ($4) which was great fresh bread, Deviled Eggs ($7) better than Matt's but stick with your grandma's deviled eggs. Had drinks Barnum was Right ($11) and we were a suckerbad drink,but better than the rest, Eskimo Sister ($11) horrible, Shanghai Spitz ($11) horrible, and Prairie Fever ($11) the number 2 of my all time list of worst drinks.

Just belly up and let the bartenders do the rest

By hrdclck |

Happy birthday to me! I wish i could write a lot but i only remember a little. Ths was the highlight bar on our seattle trip. So intimate yet wild! Witty and smart! Let the bartenders take you back in time...and lose sight of all concept of time. Great local find. If you dont go here, you are missing out. Just tell them what you DONT drink and then drink what they pour! Cheers

Hidden away, worth looking for.

By TessDeVille998 |

We were in Seattle during some rare warm weather and finding patios was difficult. While visiting Pike Market we found this little place and the patio was great. It is a little pricey but we just wanted a drink and an appetizer so we got that and a sampler plate which was delicious for $13.00 and just enough to tide us over to dinner. The cocktails were craft and delicious which was good because they were $12 each.

Great little Cafe; brilliant atmosphere

By Anton V |

We were looking for somewhere to have a few drinks and a light slack on our first night in Seattle. Decided to walk up the many flights for stairs from the Waterfront (quick tip - go into one of the car parks and get the elevator to the top!). Stumbled across Zig Zag and decided we no longer wanted to climb! We were seated straight away (8:30 on a Saturday night); it was very busy but a few tables were available. The atmosphere was great - a real buzz. We had a couple of drinks each and both had the burger which was great - really tasty although the Greek fries were a bit overloaded with salt. Staff were really attentive and friendly. Would recommend for couples / parties looking for a good place to chat and have fun.

Great place for pre dinner drink

By chrisshepp |

The drinks and food are great here particularly during happy hour which is 5-7 mon to Thursday Last time in Seattle we had food as well and looked at the food which appeared good but we did not have Very easy to have a couple of martinis!

Trendy

By Shannon S |

Trendy place to go and during happy hour 5-7 it's crazy busy. The menu provides plenty of variety, greatly enjoyed the cheese plate served with mixed olives and roasted almonds, the calamari was super delicious the preparation was new to me, the meat flat bread topped this off with a bang. Prepare yourself for the drink menu which I found to be amazing. It was very busy when we arrived but once happy hour was over it calmed a bit improving service greatly. Staff was polite, gave us the only table left which was reserved although we had no reservation. Yes I would go back to try out more items on menu and different cocktails

Maybe the best cocktail bar in Seattle?

By Peter B |

My friend and I, traveling from afar, drowned our sorrows (after a miserable defeat) in this very lively and wonderful gem of a bar near Pike Place Market. We were lucky to be served by the friendly and committed proprietor and he had sympathy for our plight and made sure we'd leave Seattle with great memories. The drinks are excellent, the people are friendly and the food, though we only had a bit of oysters, were also very good. Why must these places be so few and far between; and hard to find. This ones halfway up a staircase from the waterfront. If I am ever back in Seattle I hope to toast victories in this wonderful establishment. Thanks Ben.

Geeat plce to relax

By peter k |

Just got to Seattle after a 9 hours of flying and plane changes. We were tired and wanted an early dinner. This was the perfect spot. The mixed drinks were excellent (martini and manhattan ) plus we arrived just before the end of happy hour and told the waitress to bring 2 of each but she said she would bring the 2nd as we finished the first round and we would still get the happy hour price. We ordered the dips with pita bread and it was so good we ordered chicken kabobs and salads and ate in their nice outside patio. It was just the perfect type of dining place after a long trip. A bit hard to find as it is on the decent through pike place but keep going down the flights of stairs and you will run into it.

Great bar gem - hard to find!

By guru4travel |

Zig Zag has the best mixologist in Seattle with a wide range of spirits. Very ool place but hard ro find the first time. Walk past the Gum Wall at the south end of Pike Market, go down the stairs to Western Ave, cross the road then go down the next stairs and its halfway down. Great place

Refreshing Cocktails in a Moroccan Style Hideaway!

By Rita V |

We were looking for a unique happy hour and directed to Zig Zag by the concierge at our hotel. What a great referral! This was truly a find! It was Friday around 5 and happy hour was in full swing. We had to wait for a table but ordered a round of cocktails and a couple of appetizers while we waited. The service we received from Katie was stellar...fast, friendly, and knowledgeable. I enjoyed a Ginger's Snap and it was refreshingly delicious! The prices were very fair and the drinks were "bold"! Definitely order the deviled eggs and the hummus! Both were excellent! Cheers to the bar tender for making some great refreshments for these weary sightseers!

Cozy place with a patio

By Mandana R |

A very cute place with delicious food! It can get quite packed! Drinks and food are nice. It’s very cozy and has ambiance!

Good food and drinks, fun atmosphere

By travels_ahoy |

Had dinner and drinks here with my husband and had a lovely evening. The location is a bit odd (we were sat outside, right next to a flight of public steps) but the food was tasty, the drinks fab, and the general atmosphere was lively and fun. Great range of cocktails too!

Worth it at happy hour

By chepaddy |

Located just behind the Pike Place market across the road and down the steps. We came for happy hour - late afternoon and left quite happy.

Love, love, love this place!

By TerriS |

Excellent food, service and cocktails. Definitely know what they are doing with flavors and they use fresh ingredients. The staff is super friendly and helpful. The Burrata was incredible!

Hidden gem

By EnArr77 |

Cosy and hidden away this little place is somewhere I hope to return to. Just off the waterfront they serve some varied beers and tasty food. I got to try oysters for the first time and the waitress recommendations and knowledge were useful. Very relaxed atmosphere and didn't feel rushed even though they were busy.

Seattle's gold standard for cocktail bars

By jml66 |

ZigZag is a Seattle classic, and arguably its best cocktail bar. The cocktail menu is outstanding, and someone interested in mixing new drinks can learn a lot here. The food is hit and miss. Their cheese plate is very generous, but some of their other foods are overly spicy. But the drinks are what you come here for, and they are always very good. They have excellent variations on old standards, but also offer new inventions that are often very well balanced. I'd rate them 3 stars for the food, 5 stars for the drinks. I've been here several times, and the service is always top notch. Servers are friendly, attentive, and never seem rushed, even when it is full. Prices are OK, but not overpriced for the quality. The space is kind of smallish, and can fill up and get noisy from all the talking. The clientele is a wide range of ages, from early 20s into the 60s, which is a good sign for a bar.

Hidden, hidden gem.

By katjam |

Look, here's the thing: Pike Place Market in the daytime is tourist hell. May all who go there, be at risk to be hit in the head with a flying fish! Now, there are great places, but the worst of tourist traffic ends up there on a weekend, and it is hell on earth. But night time is a different story. You can eat at El Borracho, enjoy a band at Showbox, hit up the roof top at the Nest, or make your way to Zig Zag. Good lucking finding it. It is very hidden adjacent to one of the staircases as you descend down from the market. And what a great spot it is when you find it. Beautiful red colours abound, and there is a diversity of seating, whether at the bar, stand up bar, and various seating areas in the space. The music was pretty horrible - some kind of free jazz, but that is my only complaint. Lots of people go there to eat; we didn't. Cocktails are expensive, as per Seattle, but the staff know what they are doing. I had a absinthe-based cocktail that was extraordinary. Then had another. I'd of had more, but at $16.00 u.s. per drink, it was a pretty steep price to pay. You are likely to wait for a table, but you can still be served a drink while you wait. What we liked was the diversity of the clientele - young and old, college couples, older couples, tech millionaires, a few groups - nobody was excluded. Again, remember, this is blocks away from the tourist hordes, but you would never know as we didn't see any, and we blended in nicely with the locals. Zig Zag is just a great spot to start or finish a night in downtown Seattle.

Fun Cocktails

By ISLANDGIRL3013 |

We stopped in for drinks a local told us it was a fun place to go, the server was very knowledgable and suggested drinks based on our favorite alcohol. It was a nice place to stop and have a nice cocktail.

Fine.

By Justin H |

the food was fine and it took a while to come out. I had the house pie. The ambiance is nice and it's right near the waterfront. I was surprised by the lack of flavor considering how highly rated it was.

So cool

By Kawelalove |

We were referred here by some friends who knew a bartender. We are SO glad we stopped by. Its such a cool little spot and the drinks are amazing. Their happy hour menu had some yummy little small plates that we enjoyed very much. Service was great too. It was packed after a while and we were glad we got in when we did. Highly recommend.

Early evening cocktails

By wedelmaster |

Spur-of-the-moment decision to have a late afternoon libation...cousin who lives in Seattle led us down to Zig Zag and we happened upon 3 vacant bar stools. Within a half hour the place was buzzing with Friday afternoon post-work crowd. Overall a wonderful experience, to sit at the bar and watch Derek the bartender at his craft, soaking up the cozy, warm atmosphere of the cafe. Drinks were delicious, bar service was attentive. Seemed to be a popular local spot. Recommended.

Best burger in Seatle

By RPgoodlife |

Hands down one of the best burgers in Seattle. The Zig Zag burger is perfectly cooked, juicy, and packed with flavor—simple, classic, and executed at a seriously high level. Every bite just works. The fries are crisp, the portions are generous, and the quality is consistent. Add in the cozy, tucked-away atmosphere and some of the best cocktails in the city, and you’ve got a spot that never disappoints. Whether you’re here for a date night or just craving an elite burger, Zig Zag Cafe delivers every time. Worth seeking out, worth returning for. 🍔🍸

Nice meal with friends

By marcolet |

We were visiting Seattle and brought to Zig Zag for dinner and drinks by friends who have been going there for years. We arrived early and had drinks at the bar before being seated at a lovely circular type booth - perfect for the five of us. Service was good - staff pleasant and friendly. I had a lovely risotto, the others had the steak/beef - all for which were great. Nice choice of drinks and cocktails. It was busy when we arrived not long after 5pm - so booking would be a good idea. There is a nice outdoor seating area as well.

Good, but not up to expectations

By IkoraLi |

I think we were expecting a lot more out of this place based on reviews and reading about it. The drinks were average, since we had better at some other restaurants in the area, and the food was ok. We ordered the meat and cheese plate and only got one meat and 2 cheeses. The couple that came and sat next to us told us after looking at what we ordered that Frolik had a much better cheese plate with tons of selections of meat and cheese. But the atomsphere was pretty good and overall it was a good experience, but not the best that Seattle Pike Place has to offer.

Good, but isn't anyone else sick of speakeasies

By Tyler L |

I'm not in love with the 20s speakeasy vibe much anymore, but beyond that, Zig Zag Cafe is a great place for a drink. Located down some zig zaggy steps from Pike Place, the cafe isn't exactly hidden with its nice outside seating. The drinks are ok, but rather than going from the menu, let the bartender craft something for you. The sound proofing, which I don't normally get excited for, is incredible here and you won't spend your whole night yelling to be heard. Really fun for late night drinks after exploring the market.

Gotta Go!

By OldMoeD |

Simply put, a must stop every time I'm in Seattle. Customized Craft cocktails that won't disappoint, have an idea, they will make it a reality. A worthwhile challenge to find which makes it all the more rewarding. (the name is a clue if you are coming from Pike Place)

Great place

By Drew T |

Cool bar. Tasty drinks. Great cocktails. Down some stairs away from much of the riff raff. I highly recommend this place.

Fun, trendy bar

By darthur09 |

A great cafe/bar to get the tone of the city. Located by the steps from the harbor to the Pike Market, it is a perfect quick stop to get you in the Seattle mood. Try their extensive mixed drink list and some quick food- I strongly recommend the any of the appetizers.

Awesome drinks tailored to your tastes

By scottyedog |

Zig Zag was one of my favorite places in seattle. They have a casual atmosphere with a nice bar where you can interact with the very friendly bartenders. I told the bartender the alcohol I like and he proposed different concoctions that he would make. He came up with something not on the menu and it was great. They also make a Spanish coffee that definitely showcased the art of drink making. They coat the rim with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, add some alcohol that facilitates catching on fire, and then use the fire to toast the spices around the rim. They then add coffee and not sure what else. Very cool experience. They don't open until 5pm, so I decided to wait around the market to check it out. Worth the wait. A little difficult to find, but don't give up.

Flavorful & Fabulous

By Krissy S |

I've heard about this place for a while especially for cocktails, but was blown away by the food. This was absolutely one of the best meals I've had in Seattle in a while. Every dish, each cocktail was incredibly delicious and Service was top notch. Can't wait to go back.

zig zag for happy hour

By jbjmog |

If you're a tourist or a loudmouth-don't go there-happy locals love it! great happy hour and a very special calamari appetizer-skip the house pizza--this has craft cocktails by talented & friendly bartenders-good prices-nice cliental and a great PP marketplace smell

Out of the way, and that is a good thing

By Sue N |

Nice little Seattle staple, close to the Market but away from the bustle. Outside tables are nice, but you can hear the din of Highway 99 very clearly so I almost prefer Zig Zag in the winter when the interior is nice, dark, and cozy. Cocktails are fun and different, if not a little pricey. The food was much better than expected. We had small plates: harissa smashed potatoes, deviled eggs, and gougeres, all very, very good. A nice little escape if you are looking for a nice cocktail without "the scene".

A very nice place to have A drink and some appetizer.

By Raul V |

We wnt to this place with my wife to relax have a solo time (We were in family vacations with son, daughter,daughter in law and Grand children) We had a table outside, the person who attended us were very friendly , and they took our request in a very professional way. I like Campari with orange juice probably the drink I like most, and I requested the waiter to serve me in a particular way, and he did it. we also tasted Smoked Trout tartine, and not the best but tasty.

So good

By kmanshouse |

We went there around 7:30pm on a Saturday night before it got real crowded. Got a table right in front by the window. This place has such a cool vibe. Low red lighting, not terribly loud. People aged 21-61. They have an extensive drink list, but I recommend going the custom route. You tell them the liquors and flavors you like or don't like, and they'll make you a drink. Mine was incredible. So were the ones on the menu. Highly recommend for a place to relax or bring a date.

Happy hour

By ErinKelly82 |

Great drinks and great service. We had to work to find the place, but I was determined. We only went for happy hour but the drinks were amazing. Erik was super helpful and modified drinks to our taste. Would recommend a stop while in Seattle!

Great little spot right by the Market

By missg920 |

Zig Zag Cafe is located right by the Pike Place market, just off the main drag. While it is hidden out of the way, this is the perfect spot to stop for cocktails after a day of exploring. The ambiance can't be beat, and there is a great list to choose from for drinks. While we did not eat, the food coming out of the kitchen looked amazing, and the menu offered some fantastic options. Happy hour prices were spot on, and we would go out of our way to come here again. Great place!

Great tasting food but...

By jak-2008 |

Picked this place based on Yelp reviews. Got there around 8pm, free parking on the ocean side-bonus! Asked a few questions about dishes on the menu, then made choices. Somehow the order did not get put in as we ordered, the appetizer came with dinner and my dinner was not ordered at all. We ate the appetizer, while my husband's dinner sat on the table. He proceeded to eat dinner while I waited for mine. Lasagna was my husband's dish, a hint of cinnamon added a different flavor. Unfortunately the dish was barely warm. Once my husband finished eating my spare rib dinner arrived- was hot and tasty, the dish comes with scallop potatoes. The team offered to buy us desert due to the mix up - we were full by then and declined. Great place just a bit of a mix up, that unfortunately affected our overall dining experience.

Lovely cafe

By RoRo |

Hidden behind, down, and around but worth it to find. Cafe has a varied of seating; patio, banquets, bar, and tables. It has something for everyone. Food is good but I noticed a "trend" in the flavor palate: savory to tangy. Not a lot of sweet. So if you are a person that loves foods like pickles then everything on the menu will be in your flavor palate. My only complaint would be the $2 for extra pita? The spreads are a generous amount but with only 5 little pita wedges.

Bartending Skills

By eileenmM9013WN |

It is a great place for cocktails. I just sat there and watched Eric the bartender making 5 drinks at a time. Amazing skills. The cocktails were fabulous as was the atmosphere. Go from Pike Place Market through Gumball Alley and its down on your right. Great service. This establishment was very crowded and the bartender had no problem accommodating everyone. A must see on your to do list.

A Hidden Gem

By Thruth W |

The place is a bit hard to find if you follow the google maps instructions. But it has got the Best Ramp Dips ever, sickeningly good. House cocktails are great as well, and the servers are not only nice but they also KNOW about what they offer! btw. Ramp dips are seasonal. Try to be there in summer.

Iconic Seattle Bar

By Ughhh |

The Zig Zag is part of Seattle history. Great cocktails, good food, a cool patio, it's a favorite for Seattle locals. Seattle best bartender ever - Murray - is no longer there, yet they seem to have kept up his stellar bar program. A perfect spot in warmer weather.

Cool low key cafe

By Lem B |

A cool place that was recommended to us. Second time in two days because it's that good. Our drink was called Ginger's Snap. Delicious and refreshing. Deviled eggs was amazing. The owner and staff were great, very friendly and fun. Highly recommended

Happy hour turns into a few hours! I came in on Friday the thirteenth. .. what a lucky day.

By ZillowGirl |

Had the Caesar salad, risotto, and smoked almonds. They have a wonderful beverage menu and a delightfully right dinner menu.

Great place just down the stairs

By BridgetMK |

We stumbled upon this restaurant walking from pikes place down the water before heading over the smith tower. The hostess was lovely, getting a seat at the bar at 730 pm was painless and the bartender was funny and attentive. Food was good. $30 special bottle of rose was easy and lovely.

Great bites, amazing drinks

By VivaLaVida98101 |

I love this place. They have a great menu of small and hearty plates with tons of flavor and unique twists on old favorites. Their drink menu is enormous and their bartenders are fantastic. Plus, the environment is very cozy and you feel very tucked away when you are there. The neighborhood isn't the best to be walking around late at night, so if you don't know your way around, catch a cab/uber.

Tasty drinks

By Rob S |

Went here for happy hour. Had a great Manhattan for $7. Nice location just down the steps from Pike Place, but you wouldn't even know it. They did a nice job making their patio feel secluded even though it's right on the hill climb.

Cheers!

By LoladeTiburon |

The Zig Zag is where we bring out-of-towners who matter: those who appreciate a drink made right. We love getting a group together and sharing a few appetizers and trying out the range of cocktail options. As tempting as some of the more exotic combinations are, there is nothing like a martini done at the Zig Zag. We love the dark atmosphere, the corner booths and the feeling of getting away from the throngs at Pike Place Market. It's a world all its own here.

Twice in One Week . . . that's how good this is

By DonnaW_10 |

We were in Seattle for the week. Love this place. Love it so much so that we came for dinner on Wednesday (based on recommendation from a server at another restaurant in town) and then cancelled the reservations we had for Thursday dinner elsewhere...and did Zig Zag AGAIN. Outstanding brussels sprouts and hummus (both have a bit of a kick). Really amazing ambiance. . . both inside and out. Outstanding service. And the drinks . . . :P Highly recommend.

Accomodated large group after wedding

By thinkofsomethingcool |

I made a reservation for a few hours after our wedding reception on May 27th. We wanted to kick back in a fun, casual atmosphere and have some drinks and food with our best friends after the hectic event. I called about two weeks before and they said "No problem" even when I asked for the large banquet in the corner. I knew it was the only thing that would fit all 9 of us. That's a large group for the Seattle dining scene that doesn't involve renting out a private room. The food was good and the drinks strong. Atmosphere and wait staff were able to handle a few of our boisterous friends without us sticking out like sore thumbs which was a plus. Only thing that could be improved was the lighting. It was so dark that without reading glasses I couldn't read the menu.

Great food and cocktails

By HighClub |

We came here two nights in a row to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere, cocktails and food. Have the the Jafar cocktail, the octopus and the Imam Bayaldi. Service was also excellent. Come and enjoy this place!

great cocktails in a hidden gem

By kristravels25 |

I come here every time I am in Seattle, and this last time I was here was a little of a let down (service wise). There were no tables available so we were escorted to a hightop to grab some cocktails. Went up to the bar to order drinks and was very rudely told we couldn't order with the bartender, and a waitress would be over soon- okay, no need to be snippy, we then waited for 15 mins for a waitress that hadn't appeared, after telling the hostess, she was able to flag down a waitress. On to the food & drinks. Cocktails are AMAZING. greek fries - meh. nothing special saganaki- it came with an orange marmalade - so tasty. all in all although it was off to a rough start, we had a great time.

Swanky cafe without the snobby hipster pretentiousness.

By pikagrass |

I was directed to Zig Zag by a friend in the restaurant/bar business and he was spot on with the recommendation. I've been back several times since. Zig Zag is in a great location below Pike's Market but is not really affected by the tourist fiasco happening above it. Service is always excellent and the bartenders are at the top of their game and very knowledgable. What I liked most about Zig Zag is that it has the "coolness" without the pretentiousness of so many other Seattle and Portland establishments that fill a similar niche. Food is excellent as well. The place is fairly small and can get a bit noisy, but it's got a neat vibe and is definitely unique.

Best Place for Cocktails!

By TLK611 |

My husband and I stumbled upon this place in the Pike Place Market and decided to try it out. We ended up going back two more times during our visit! They have some of the best cocktails I have ever had. The bar tenders, waiters, and waitresses were extremely friendly. They even created new cocktails for us by just asking what type of flavors we like. We also tried a variety of their appetizers and they were just as amazing. I definitely recommend trying this place out if you are in the area and enjoy unique drinks made right. They have happy hour during the week that is also very popular. The atmosphere is casual, yet romantic enough for a date night.

Found by accident and ended up being one of the highlights

By JaninaAllOut |

We found this place purely by accident while walking up the hill from the waterfront looking for a place to sit and have a drink. It didn't look like much from the doorway but the waiter by the door happily welcomed us in and found us a nice table for two. The service was very good and we enjoyed a few cocktails and the beer that was on happy hour special. We weren't really planning on eating but the menu was so interesting that we just had to try. We talked to our server and ordered prawns as an appetizer. They were probably some of the tastiest prawns we've ever had and we cooked to absolute perfection. After that we shared the camel burger just to say we had tried it. We weren't expecting much but it was truly delicious! Crowd was very eclectic but cheerful and welcoming. It ended up being a highlight of our trip, we're so happy we stopped in!

Best happy hour in Seattle - tough to find!

By nisiHawaii |

Tough to find, but so worth it!I live part time in Seattle and do urban hikes often in downtown Seattle. Years ago, i even lived at the Pike Place Market, just blocks from Zig Zag Cafe - and STILL had difficulty finding this hidden gem in the middle of a staircase!

Somewhat hard to find but worth it

By James |

I've been there many times and its a great place especially late night. Nice atmosphere and good service. You cant go wrong

Special atmosphere

By Кирилл Л |

Such a lovely and friendly place with good food and nice selection of drinks. Feels cozy and sometimes can be really loud :)

Drinks!

By Andrew B |

I went 2 times during my trip to Seattle and had 4 different drinks. All were unique, had a nice balance, and very refreshing. The servers were extremely knowledgable on the ingredients and tastes, offering nice suggestions. Full price is high, so id recommend coming during happy hour for more affordable drink prices. We sat outside both times and is was a very friendly atmosphere. A little bit of a walk from downtown, but a nice place for a late afternoon drink with friends or co workers. 4 stars, only because of the prices, otherwise it would be 5.

A cozy, sophisticated place to have a drink

By Valeria F |

The atmosphere makes it ideal for couples. Location is great, with quality drinks and snacks. Make sure to go during happy hour.

Slow Service

By Joe M |

Stopped in for drinks with some friends of ours in Seattle. We were visiting from out east. We had a few different drinks they were ok, but to me not great. Also the service was very slow.

Fantastic Cocktails, wonderful happy hour

By Anne C |

We always stop into Zig Zag when we're in Seattle. The patio is lovely, the happy hour specials are unmatched, the cocktails are spot on, the food is seasonally delicious. This is our favorite bar in Seattle!

Great drinks, nice atmosphere, pretty good food

By Ernesto Ruiz Photography |

Love the location, would be super fun on a summer day when the terrace is open. Very creating and large drinks menu and fun appetizers. The food was very good although not spectacular, and slightly overpriced. $18 for the cheese plate? I'd definitely go back though, mainly to try more of the drinks!

Happy Hour- a good find

By Kathy53Usa |

As others have said, it is a little difficult to find, but worth it. It is down a few flights of steps near Pike's Place so it is near everything but a little tricky to find. The Happy Hour had great drinks at good prices and the the menu had a lot of choices. Very cozy inside and some tables outside as well. The staff was very friendly and helpful wiith drink choices.

Hip and Hard to Find

By Michael C |

The Zig Zag Cafe was recommend to us by our server at lunch and she was spot on. The place is down the stairs between Westen Ave and Alaskan Way--not the most prominent location. This is clearly a hot spot for locals--we went for happy hour and the place was packed 20 minutes after opening--and with good reason. Everything is excellent--food, decor, music, drinks and service. We will certainly be back.

hard to find but don't stop til you find it!

By dgmac54 |

Finally got see the famous Public Market/Pike Place- great place to walk around, take in all of the colors and sights and sounds and smells. Sat on a bench and took in the beauty of the Puget Sound on a beautiful day in Seattle. Then headed to Zig Zag Café- not an easy place to find. Down the stairs and then down some more and then almost walked right by - luckily the neon sign drew my attention. This is the spot- the locals hang here. I did not try the food- sat at the bar and had an absolutely perfect dirty martini mixed by an super cute bartender with a great smile. This place has the best vibe- will definitely check it out for dinner next time I'm in town!

Cozy little bar

By Evi_02 |

Stopped here after dinner for a drink. They have an extensive drink menu and lovely drinks made with fresh ingredients. They do offer some food but we just had drinks and my husband and I had a nice time.

Great Craft Cocktails

By Diana and Steve C |

We stopped in on a sunny day. They soft red lights above the bar drew us in. Their cocktail menu is extensive and their bartenders know their stuff. Their bitters are good and they make a mean craft cocktail. Most drinks are on the pricey side but for an adventurous drinking, this is a great place! It well hidden on the steps on the back side of Pike Place and is definitely worth the stop!

Relaxing and Chill Atmosphere

By Daniel M |

We really enjoyed the place. Very cozy and relaxing atmosphere; Lighting was pleasing if you like red light. It could appear sleazy or swanky with the color light. The food was good. I Went w/ 2 others for drinks and snacks. Arrived around 8pm to find the bar full yet only 3 tables (out of 10'ish) sat. So we sat @ 1 of the 3 next to window. Promptly greeted by Vincent (server) who took our drink order. There is a cocktail list in which the ladies ordered from and I made it easy by ordering a glass of red wine. We also ordered a starter of olives and 2 Pita dishes that came with Hummus and Tzatziki separately. Each order had about 5 pita triangle slices which were leisurely finished and were offered more Pita to help finish off the accompanied spreads. We didn't need anymore and good thing we didn't order more since I read an earlier review while typing this that they charge for more Pita. Then why serve plenty Hummus and Tzatziki? Sounds like a revenue trap; knowing you would probably order more to help finish off the spread. The pricing overall I thought was fair but the dinner entree's on the menu looked pricey. Service was great. Thank you Vincent. We would come again .

Fun Bar with Great drinks

By NancySanFranciscoCA |

Hard to find place near Pikes Market but worth the trouble asking a few people for directions! Great drinks and a fun and busy environment. Friendly bar staff and patrons kept us there a few hours and we had a great time. We learned about lots of great Seattle places to visit and excellent people watching!

Fun Spot and Great Food

By Kim J |

Cool atmosphere like something you would see in a movie. Service was great and the food was very delicious. Hidden on the backside of pike peaks market

Try hard to find it...its worth it.

By Errol999 |

Dropped in for a late night cocktail at the bar. Excellent mixologist behind the bar making specialty cocktails. Food looked great & everyone raved about their meals whom we spoke with. Outdoor table patio seating available. Just another great bar find. Hint: its down an outdoor flight of stairs on the right...across the street from Jarrbar.

Inventive cocktails, delicious apps!

By 339susan |

The spread sampler appetizer was amazing! Hummus, blue cheese, and tzaziki - how can you go wrong?! And the cocktails were even better -- inventive combinations made with a variety of spirits -- a little something for everyone.

Hard to Find, Worth It

By Autumn B |

I came here for cocktails and was actually a bit sad to leave for our dinner reservations at another restaurant. Our bartender was super nice, knowledgable, made us laugh, and most importantly, made great cocktails with a little bit of flair. My sister and I asked him to make us a drink with whiskey and citrus flavors, and it was excellent.

Great place for drinks. .. .

By Carlos L. |

We came here for some great drinks and we werent disappointed. This place has nice vibe and great bartenders. Come here you wont be disappointed Highly Recommend!

Off the beaten...

By kayaker12 |

Zig Zag gives you a really spectacular ambiance and a fantastic selection of cocktails. The food is good as well. Half the fun is getting here, the stairwell down is quite photogenic, especially at night with the lights on.

Live parasite in ceviche

By T M |

Be very careful eating there. I was there about two weeks ago, ordered a ceviche and there was a live parasite in one of the pieces of fish! Absolutely disgusting, ruined my appetite. The kitchen needs more quality control because this is something that should have been caught way before being served to the client, the servers should be checking as well. Huge health & safety risk. Fair to say I will never return there.

This place redefines "Class" in a bar.

By Jason A |

The food was good. I'd highly recommend the Warm Beet Salad. The drinks were amazing. They have something for every palate. And the ambiance made for a great evening. But that's not what makes this bar so good. It's the people. Ben the (owner,?) was extremely hospitable. Making rounds, and making sure everyone was comfortable and well taken care of. An old soul and classy guy. And then there was the Bartender (also named Ben), who after we ordered a couple of cocktails off the menu, had us sit at the bar to craft a couple based off of our personal tastes. Great place.

Average for a vegetarian and non-drinker

By DreamerDisha |

Bar is good. So is the menu if you eat non-veg. But server recommended corn on the cob which was good in taste.

Great place to meet up with friends!

By Vi D |

We were looking to meet up with some friends for drinks and appetizers. Seattle is brimming with places to do that. We decided on Zig Zag Cafe given the good reviews and the close proximity to our hotel. They are located really close to Pike St Market and Waterfront. Although not visible from the street though. We got lucky and were able to get the last available table. Ambiance: Pretty dim (as you can see from the pictures) but had a cozy/intimate feeling. The noise level was med/high but not loud enough that you couldn't hold a conversation. You don't want it to be too quiet so that everyone can hear you either. NO TVs and no kids. Big PLUS. Food: We only had a few things: clams, greek fries and dozen oysters on half shell. The oysters were great. The accompanying sauces were interesting. The fries were crisp and flavorful. The clams were very fragrant but the taste was a little bland. But we mainly came for the drinks. Drinks: I had a Moscow Mule and the wife had the Sayonnara (tequila-based). The prices were on the high side but the place itself is not a dive. $12 for cocktails. The Mule was good, not great. Prices: Having stayed a few days in Seattle, you realize that EVERYTHING IS EXPENSIVE. This place is not exception although the food is actually cheaper than surrounding places. A dozen of the oysters were $30 where most places charge you >$3 each. Service: Fantastic. Glasses always full. Server would check on us regularly to see how were doing. Food and drinks came out pretty fast. Overall: Definitely recommend. Not necessarily to have dinner but a great place to meet up with friends for a few drinks and snacks.

Small but worth it

By Jtravelerss |

Very cute little bar/restaurant. Not much seating but is worth it to get in. Drinks are about 10-14, but some of the best tasting drinks ever. Servers were friendly and very good at recommending different drinks.

Great vibe!

By Cathric |

My husband and I came here on a recommendation from Eric at the desk at Inn at the Market. The cocktails are great, the bar tender attentive and friendly and the vibe was energetic and fun without being over the top. Tasteful and fun key decor. It was a great find.

Spartan Race and Bday celebration

By Nabil S |

This place is awesome! I was visiting from San Francisco and we were looking for tasty cocktails! Came across this place which is walking distance from Pikes Market Place. Our server was amazing! Told her it was my birthday and she surprised me with a Mezcal Old Fashioned! Definitely check this place out!

Excellent Dinner & Cocktails!

By Mamjensen |

We found the Zig Zag Cafe by accident when descending a stairway from the Pike Place Market to the waterfront. It looked good and had good reviews so we tried it. It turned out great! The Rutherford cocktail was superb. The food was excellent and the service very good. Thumbs up!

The hidden Seattle treasure!

By Eugene S |

We've been coming to this amazing bar for over 15 years now! In fact, that is the only bar we go to because it is the best! The atmosphere is perfect, the food is delicious, and the drinks are out of this world awesome! Ben is a gracious host and Rodrigo makes a killer Spanish Coffee along with all the other fantastic cocktails! Whether it's a date night or a quick stop for a drink, this bar will never disappoint!

Now that's a drink!

By Karen BF |

Got chided into popping into this little bar by the venue's neighboring shop, the hippy and zombie store... because Zig Zag is featured in the books 50 Shades of Grey. So went in for a drink, and it was a doozy... I'm going to buy the ingredients! It was busy, but not overcrowded or noisy, great service and good prices, especially at Happy Hour.

Beatiful spot and around the clock service

By Nondas Constantinidis |

Interesting place and in a beautiful spot. Food is subject to interpretation as it mixes traditional Greek ingredients with something else but sure what exactly. Wine list is subject to major revisit and its pricing the same. Some work is needed to make it perfect guys.

Great little out of the way restaurant!

By Deb H |

What a find this was! I was in Seattle for a conference, and we looked up restaurants and this popped up. Nice walk from downtown, and located near the Pike Place Market. Our food was wonderful (there were 4 of us, and we all loved it) I had the beet salad and the Macrina bread. What a treat! Very fresh. And the happy hour goes until 7 PM! I'd definitely go again!

once a hidden gem, now an outhouse

By slappy42 |

Zigzag was once a great restaurant that I proudly took people to for 7 years. Now (Oct 2019) it is absolutely horrible. The service has declined precipitously, the menu is very limited, and the food just plain sucks. The once elite craft cocktail bartenders have been replaced with hacks and I am sad to say, this once beloved gem is now dead to me. We will not be going back. There are just too many great places in Seattle to waste your time and money here anymore. Its sad, I hope they get their act back together or this place will be shutting down soon.

Nice experiene in a great atmosphere

By Stan_Cooper |

I have been to Zig Zag a few times a year for the past few years, normally with colleagues. It's a great spot for excellent drinks and normally very good food as well. I always prefer to sit at the bar if possible. The number one thing to drink at Zig Zag would be a cocktail. They have a great menu, and can also make a recommendation if you're not quite sure where to start. I have found the service at Zig Zag is normally pretty good. The food can sometimes disappoint, but it's usually pretty good as well. I recommend this bar to anyone who likes drinking cocktails, and I will keep going myself during visits to Seattle.

Sorry guys, the customer has priority over the owner or investor

By Welshdr |

I understand when things are busy, you maybe short staffed etc. However, we arrived at this small restaurant/bar with high hopes of some delicious dessert and after dinner drinks. Being a party of 7, and seeing the option of sitting outside in the cool Seattle air we asked the hostess if we could sit at the available tables. The hostess said she could only seat 6 people outside and then changed her mind to 5 people, when there was obviously enough chairs and table to accommodate all of us. After being seated inside we asked the waitress if she could move us. After consultation with the hostess she said yes she was sorry, but the table was reserved for the owner and and "investor." I am pretty sure the owner would have preferred paying happy customers.

Amazing cocktails...

By Beaujae |

Zig-zag is a little difficult to find but well worth the hunt. The atmosphere is very speak-easy and the staff are excellent. What makes Zig-zag really special are the cocktails. So good I went back twice!

fantastic drinks and vibe

By Steven L |

We stopped in after dinner and only expected to stay for a drink. 3 hours and several drinks later, we were saying our goodbyes to a group of people that felt like long lost friends. The bartender for the night, Ian, knew how to create the exact drink you wanted but didn't know you wanted with just a few simple questions. The ambiance was warm, the people friendly, and the service exceptional. This will definitely be a must-visit whenever we're in Seattle.

Great vibe

By Kathryn B. |

We stopped here for drinks before heading to dinner. As soon as you walk in the door you hear jazz and feel welcomed. The server was great in giving suggestions and the drinks were great. We didn’t get any appetizers but the ones being served nearby sure smelled amazing.

Hidden little gem

By ErinP27 |

I was told by a local to check this place out and I am very glad I did. It was a bit hard to find but was worth the search. It's located on the back side of Pike's Place market across the street and down the stairs. It's a quaint, cozy bar known to have one of the best happy hours and known to make some of the best drinks in town. Their drink making is somewhat of an art. You can order off the menu or let them know what you like and they will come up with something you will be happy with. If you are there order their Spanish coffee. They will light the brandy on fire and burn it to give it a smokey smell. We ordered fried pork skins that were delicious. I had a wonderful mescal drink and ended up ordering a second. I highly recommend giving this place a visit if you are in Seattle. The service is great and it's a very relaxing environment.

Great find

By Deborah Z |

This was an unexpected find. We stopped for drinks and small bites. The place is very cozy and very relaxing. The jazz was nice and the server was great. Had a great relaxing night

Tasty and a bit secluded

By Jason G |

Voted the best cocktail bar in the US by GQ magazine, this place is worth a stop. We were just in town for one day and had some time to kill before meeting up with my cousin for dinner, so we decided to stop in for a drink, which quickly turned into 2 drinks, and easily could have been more, but the walk back up the hill would have been too difficult at that point. Place took a little effort to find, but once there we were able to find 2 seats at the bar. Was happy hour, so drinks were $4 off (putting them in the $6-$7 range) which is a great deal for the quality of cocktails they were making. Apparently the bartender will customize drinks for you based on your interests (I only learned of this after the fact), so I would inquire about that when you go. Overall, worth the stop, especially to get away from the hustle bustle of the market.

The best place for late night in Seattle!

By RockridgeC |

After an excellent birthday dinner for our daughter, we chose to take the entourage (11 strong) to Zig Zag. They accepted a reservation and kept their word, even though the place was packed. Our server (a sultry brunette who had previously served us) and identified on the check as "Server" handled the order with panache and aplomb. The drinks were great, the mood fantastic and the evening was something special. Isn't that what you want in an "afters" spot?

Consistently the best drink and bartenders in Seattle

By Casey C |

Been going here for years, the atmosphere is great and the bartenders are top notch. Whether you want a creative drink or a bit of conversation Zig Zag has what you need. Food it excellent as well.

Nice atmosphere, good food, reasonable

By slidingdown |

Great octopus and saganaki and a decent burger, too. It's a cute place with a cocktail lounge vibe - red with booths and jazz playing. Reasonably priced, too.

Excellent spot for drinks

By Micah F |

We had heard that this cafe had a reputation for being one of the best happy hour cocktail bars not just in Seattle, but in the whole country. I haven’t been to enough cocktail bars to confirm that lofty reputation, but it was certainly outstanding. We got there about 15 minutes before opening, and there was already a line forming (which we had been told to expect). The place filled up within 10-15 minutes of opening. The waitress was quick and helpful, and the ambiance was dim, tasteful, and classy without being pretentious. The cocktails were absolutely spectacular (and strong) and a great deal if you can grab them during the $7 happy hour. Highly recommended, but definitely expect to wait if you’re not there promptly when they open.

Oh So Sensual

By Philip G |

This is my favorite watering hole in Seattle and would visit the city just to go to this bar. Near the market, but hidden from the tourist hordes, the Zig Zag cafe is dark, sexy, and almost too sensual. When I was younger, the Zig Zag would be my date place par excellence. However, even now, as I wrestle with being an old fart, the Zig Zag brings out my best side. I order a vodka martini, lean back, and can go to any place I want from Casablanca to Saigon. The Zig Zag is one hell of a great bar.

A great place to catch a drink

By Lauren S |

This place was recommend by a local so we took her up on the offer. Its a bit difficult to find which makes it more of a mystery (and who doesn't like one).The drinks are creative and good. For some reason I expected more, I think it wasn't the type of place I was expecting.

Good food, great drinks, fun staff

By TravelBug-Elizabeth |

A nice place to go just for drinks or for food as well. Had a moderate amount of choices for a vegetarian diet. Drinks were delicious. It was an affordable place with a great feel. Enjoyed the staff banter as well.