You’re walking down a dark, somewhat damp alley in Belltown. It’s drizzling because, well, it’s Seattle. There is no neon sign. There isn’t even a proper door handle that looks like it belongs to a world-class bar. Just a wooden door with a small, discreet plaque. If you didn’t know Bathtub Gin and Company Seattle was right there, you’d probably just keep walking toward the more obvious lights of 2nd Avenue.
That’s exactly how they want it.
The "speakeasy" trend has been beaten to death in the last decade, hasn't it? Every city has a bar hidden behind a phone booth or a fake bookshelf. But Bathtub Gin feels different. It isn’t trying to be a theme park version of the 1920s. It’s tiny. It’s cramped. It’s located in the basement of the old Humphrey Apartments, and it feels like a secret you actually stumbled upon rather than one you saw on a sponsored Instagram ad.
Why the Basement of the Humphrey Apartments?
History matters here. The Humphrey was built back in 1923. That’s peak Prohibition. While the bar itself didn't open its doors until 2009, the bones of the building dictate the vibe. You feel the weight of the city above you.
The space is split into two levels, but "levels" is a generous word for what are essentially two small rooms connected by a narrow staircase. The upstairs is mostly a bar rail and a few stools. Downstairs? That’s where the magic is. There’s a tiny library nook and a few tables where you’re basically sitting in your neighbor's lap. It’s intimate. Sometimes too intimate if you’re trying to have a private conversation about your tax returns, but perfect for literally anything else.
People often ask if they actually make gin in a bathtub. No. Please don’t drink gin made in a bathtub. Historically, "bathtub gin" was a term for poor-quality alcohol topped off with water from a bathtub tap because the bottles were too tall for the kitchen sink. At Bathtub Gin and Company Seattle, the name is an homage, not a DIY instruction manual. They stock a massive library of gins from all over the world—hundreds of labels—and the bartenders actually know what to do with them.
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The Drink Menu Isn't Just for Gin Lovers
Don't let the name scare you off if you're a bourbon person. Yes, the gin selection is the star. They have local stuff like Big Gin and international heavyweights that you can't find at a standard liquor store. But their cocktail program is broad.
I once watched a bartender there build a drink with the precision of a watchmaker while four people hovered over the bar waiting for seats. He didn't break a sweat. He just kept stirring.
The Classics and the Weird Stuff
They do a phenomenal Martinez. If you think you hate gin because you had a bad experience with warm Seagram’s in college, try their Martinez. It’s silky. It’s sophisticated. It’s basically the bridge between a Martini and a Manhattan.
They also rotate seasonal drinks. You might find something with elderflower, muddled herbs, or house-made bitters that sound like they belong in an apothecary. They use real ice. Not the cloudy, fast-melting cubes from a soda fountain, but dense, clear ice that keeps your drink cold without turning it into a watery mess in five minutes.
How to Actually Get a Seat
Honestly, getting in is the hardest part. They don't take reservations. You just show up at the alley door and hope for the best.
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If it’s a Friday night at 9:00 PM? Good luck. You’ll be standing in the alley with six other people looking at their phones. The best strategy is to go early. Like, right when they open at 5:00 PM. Or go on a Tuesday. Seattle is a town that loves its weeknight drinks.
- The Alley Entrance: It’s located between 1st and 2nd Avenue, specifically in the alleyway between Blanchard and Bell Street.
- The Waitlist: If it’s full, they’ll take your number and text you. Go grab a snack at one of the nearby spots in Belltown while you wait.
- Group Size: Don't bring a group of ten. You won't fit. This is a place for two people, maybe four if you're lucky and willing to squeeze.
The Belltown Vibe vs. The Speakeasy Soul
Belltown has changed a lot. It’s got high-rises now. It’s got flashy restaurants with valet parking. But the alleyways still feel like old Seattle. There’s a grit to it. Bathtub Gin and Company Seattle anchors that feeling.
The lighting is low—low enough that you’ll see people using their phone flashlights to read the menu, which is always a little funny. The walls are brick. The wood is dark. It smells like citrus peel and old books.
There’s no loud music. No DJ. No dancing. It’s a place for talking. You’ll hear the low hum of a dozen different conversations blending into one. It’s the kind of place where you lose track of time. You go in for one drink and suddenly it’s two hours later and you’ve made friends with a couple from Vancouver who are also obsessed with botanical gins.
What People Get Wrong About Speakeasies
Most people think a speakeasy has to be "exclusive" in a snobby way. Bathtub Gin isn't snobby. The bartenders are approachable. If you tell them you don't know anything about gin, they won't roll their eyes. They’ll ask what kind of flavors you like.
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Do you like pine? Do you like flowers? Do you like something that tastes like a damp forest? They’ll find a bottle for you.
They also don't have a dress code. You’ll see people in suits next to tech workers in hoodies and Patagonia vests. This is Seattle, after all. As long as you aren't being a jerk, you're welcome.
Practical Insights for Your Visit
If you're planning to head down there, keep these things in mind.
First, the bathroom situation. It’s a tiny bar in an old building. Don’t expect a spa-like experience. It’s functional.
Second, the prices. You’re paying for the expertise and the atmosphere. Expect to pay $16 to $20 for a cocktail. Is it expensive? Yeah, kinda. But you aren't just buying booze; you're buying a seat in a 100-year-old basement where the world feels very far away.
Third, look at the back bar. Even if you aren't a drinker, the sheer volume of bottles crammed into that tiny space is impressive. It’s a library of spirits.
Actionable Steps for the Best Experience
- Arrive early. Aim for 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM on weekdays to snag the downstairs library seats.
- Ask for a "Bartender’s Choice." If it’s not too busy, give them a base spirit and a flavor profile (like "refreshing" or "bitter") and let them work.
- Respect the space. It’s small. Keep your volume at a reasonable level and don’t hog a table for three hours if you’ve finished your drink and there’s a line outside.
- Explore the Gin. Try something local from the Pacific Northwest. We have some of the best distilleries in the country right in our backyard.
- Check the Alley. Don't be deterred by the lack of signage. If you see a wooden door with a small light above it in the alley between 1st and 2nd, you’re in the right place.
Bathtub Gin and Company Seattle remains one of those rare spots that lives up to the hype without needing to shout about it. It’s a quiet, tucked-away piece of Belltown history that reminds us that sometimes the best things in a city are the ones you have to go looking for in the dark.