Zig Zag Cafe

"Zig Zag became a nearly instant mecca for the nascent craft cocktail movement when Ben Dougherty and then-business partner Kacy Fitch bought it in 2002, and many of Seattle’s star bartenders came up through its ranks. Yes, Zig Zag’s past is storied, but its present is just as eminent, with a menu that ranges from tradition-oriented technique to swing-for-the-fences creativity, always with an emphasis on next-level hospitality." - Mark DeJoy

"You can’t know Seattle’s craft cocktail scene without knowing the Zig Zag. Famous for bartender Murray Stenson’s tenure, during which he reintroduced the world to the Last Word cocktail, it remains a top-notch bar even though Stenson moved on long since before his death in 2023. Cocktails are detailed and composed, the staff is warmly hospitable, and the atmosphere combines moodily lit coziness with buzzy destination elegance." - Meg van Huygen, Mark DeJoy, Eater Staff

"One version of a perfect night involves a bar stool, a dinner menu served until midnight, and a Last Word cocktail at this low-key Pike Place Market standby where Seattle bartending legend Murray Stenson, who passed away in 2023, popularized the classic drink." - Eater Staff

"When: Tuesday through Friday, 5-6pm The Deal: $3 off house cocktails, $2 off glasses of wine, $5 draft beer, $11 martinis, Manhattans, and Old Fashioneds, discounted small plates If you’re planning an early-in-the-game date, Happy Hour is a good excuse to leave work early and spend less money on someone you might never see again. ZigZag is a romantic little spot that works regardless of where you’re at in your relationship." - aimee rizzo

"Make a Beeline for the Zig Zag Tucked away beneath the Pike Place Market — halfway down the long staircase to the waterfront known as the Hill Climb — is the Zig Zag Cafe, a charming little cocktail bar with a distinctly speakeasy-esque atmosphere. The craft cocktail menu boasts obscure liqueurs and spirits you’ve never heard of, but their knowledgeable servers and bartenders are happy to explain and guide you to your ideal drink. During happy hour, cocktails are $4 off, and food discounts are offered. We loved the Pendennis, a sweet-tart drink with gin, apricot brandy, lime juice, and Peychaud’s bitters. The dinner menu is small but intriguing, with offerings such as braised rabbit and camel burgers."