Seattle Bars Esquire Should Have Chosen For Their Top Bars In America

Seattle was completely ignored by Esquire's Best Bars of 2011. Out of our booming cocktail scene, only one bar in the city limits was selected--two in Washington. At first glance, it seemed that it was because of Esquire's emphasis on new bars, around two years old and younger, for this year's list (which would explain the exclusion of previous picks like the Zig Zag). But the two Washington bars, Sambar and the Geoduck Tavern in Brinnon, both of which have more whiskey stains than my prom dress.

While we at Seattlest have a soft spot in our heart for dives, we tried to put ourselves in Esquire's faux-gentlemanly shoes and choose our favorite classy joints. And so, thirsty and a little butt-hurt, the Seattlest staff brainstormed a list of bars under two years old that Esquire could have paid attention to.

Vito's: While Vito's is a pillar of Seattle bars, it came under new management, and a complete revamp, so recently that we feel it deserves a mention -- especially since the new Vito's seeks to harken back to its wheeling-and-dealing heyday. It garnered quite a reputation as a hangout for the elite of Seattle questionable characters like former governor Al Rosellini and vice entrepreneur Frank Colacurcio, and now, in its rebirth, it exemplifies what presumably attracted them to Vito's in the first place -- good Italian food, strong but delicious cocktails, and a well-attended grand piano, plus a plethora of dark corners where you can do your dirty work without harm to your classy reputation. From Alex: "Homeboy Justin behind the bar pours a mean Old Fashioned and the place is dark enough inside to forget all your troubles and to wash away all your sins. Plus, they have a taxidermy cougar and I may or may not have a crush on Chef Bruno."

1022 South: Tacoma is the red haired step-child of Seattle; it often gets a bad rap, despite having plenty to offer. Perhaps one of the best new cocktail bars is in the City of Destiny, Food Editor Lorraine recommends 1022 South. Profiled earlier this year by the New York Times Magazine, 1022 South is a different breed of craft cocktail bar, an apothocary bar. House-made bitters and infusions alongside small-batch distillers. Tired of the elusive $12 cocktail? 1022 boasts a very affordable $5 happy hour daily from 4-8pm featuring their signature Hill Top New Yorker; a blend of whiskey, lemon, rhubarb bitters topped with red wine. Feeling adventurous? Order the apothecary cup -- bartender's choice (bonne chance!).

The Knee-High Stocking Co is kind of a hole-in-the-wall, but in that sense speaks to the strong Prohibition-era roots of craft cocktails. A great sit-down bar with friendly staff and a set of rules that only adds to their charm, Esquire would do well to take notice.

Tavern Law: Speaking of prohibition-era craft cocktails—and beyond—Tavern Law takes the most gentlemanly era of cocktails and runs with them, with an extensive cocktail menu that cites its sources, from 19th-century hotels to more recent, original cocktails. They even take it one step further; their semi-hidden, speakeasy-throwback upstairs area, Needle and Thread, simply consults with you on your drink of choice in lieu of a menu. What's not to love, from Esquire's perspective? It's among the classiest, most delicious bars in Seattle, plus it's a great way to impress a date, if you're into that kind of thing.

Licorous: Their vibe screams "hotel lobby" a bit much, but the drinks are fantastic, and somehow we doubt that Esquire has any sort of problem with hotel lobbies.

Barrio: Right down the block from Tavern Law, Barrio shies away from the speakeasy trend so common in the Seattle cocktail scene, but that hasn't affected its solid footing within it. They even competed in Esquire's own Manhattan shake-off last year, although it's possible Barrio's inclusion was more Woodford Reserve's decision.

Hazlewood: Sure, it's more than two years old, but it's about the same age as Sambar, so pffffft. Hazlewood boasts an impressive menu of specialty cocktails that are usually a few dollars less than other craft cocktails (and often, those other cocktails don't measure up to Hazlewood's), including their signature cocktail, which comes with a truffle and a single Nat Sherman cigarette. Plus, certain Esquire readers might enjoy its D-list celebrity roots: ex-Soundgarden bassist Ben Shepherd is one of the original co-owners.

Smith: Smith is around three years old, but is still relatively new in the grand scheme of things. One of the classier branches of the Linda Derschang lineup that also includes Oddfellows, Linda's and King's Hardware, you can go to Smith for a PBR pitcher or a Lavender Moon (somewhat like an aviation, but with lavender) and not feel out-of-place -- but its upscale, hunting-lodge decor makes you feel straight-up noble no matter what you're drinking.

The Night Kitchen: There aren't a lot of places to class it up late-night in the Downtown/Belltown area, but the Night Kitchen changes all that. Open 6 p.m. to 9 a.m., they're not rushing people out late at night like the nearby Belltown party--just ceasing to serve alcohol past two. Their specialty cocktail list is outstanding, including the Tee Time, which uses an Earl Grey infused vodka. Strictly speaking, it's better-defined as a full restaurant than a bar, but the feeling is there.

Bathtub Gin: Right in the thick of Belltown proper, Bathtub Gin is a nice, hidden gem away from the crowds with old-style cocktails, an impressive bookshelf and one of the most comprehensive bitters racks in the city.

What bars do you think should have been included in Esquire's list? Post them here, or tell us on Facebook or Twitter.