Hunt Club-Sorrento Hotel

We had drinks here, those turned into dinner and I have to say I was impressed with the new menu/chef at the Hunt Club. We had kind of a preconceived notion that the place was snooty, but that couldn't have been farther from the truth. Tasty app's and a casual atmosphere were great.

Pros: Excellent Food, historic setting

Cons: none

Posted 08/04/09

Four of us dined here on 7/10 and were incredibly disappointed with the service and food. As long time Seattleites who have dined at the Hunt Club many times over the years, it's sad to see this restaurant decline. This used to be a "special occasion" place, but that's changed. Specifics: Our waiter was unprofessional and indifferent. He did not greet us or tell us about specials or the menu. He seated us, then showed up and said "are you ready?". There were very few people in the restauarant (now we understand why), so they were not overly busy. Our wine was served in dirty/spotty glasses. We had to ask for bread and water refills. When servers showed up to deliver the courses (salad, mains and desserts) they put the wrong dish in front of the wrong person each time. The pork belly was so salty it was inedible, the venison stew was flavorful but dry, and the lamb chops were like leather. The server never came back to check on us after the food was delivered, so we never had a chance to offer feedback or ask for something else. This is a spendy restaurant - $25 and up for entrees - and there's no way they'll stay in business at this rate. There are many restaurants providing a much better experience, thus we'll take our business elsewhere.

Pros: Sadly none

Cons: Terrible service and food

Posted 07/21/09

I first went to the Hunt Club in college 15 years ago. It was one of my first dates with my husband. We have returned many times for special occasions in our lives as it is the most romantic spot in Seattle. We consider it a special place just for the two of us, so we always go alone. It is our little secret. There isn't a better place to enjoy an after dinner drink than sitting on the plush seats in the bar area. The food is creative and beautifully presented. I always feel happy and pampered when I leave.

Posted 01/06/08

I think that the Sorrento is a jewel in Seattle - one of the most iconic locations in the city. The staff in the Hunt Club is friendly, unpretentionious, but attentive without being overly so. I have never had a bad experience there.
The food is very good, and I love the chips they serve in the bar - made in-house, and a nice change from your standard "mixed nuts."
I'd recommend the hotel time and again.

Posted 01/06/08

About 6 years ago I had the most disastrous lunch I have ever experienced here. The events that unfolded were comical, involving the kitchen apparently being nonfunctional but instead of that fact being disclosed by management, myself and two guests were poured continuous glasses of wine for an hour and a half until we were finally served our 2 salads and a burger (which was raw and unedible). They tried to bill us for entire meal (including the "complimentary" wine) and one of my guests, my assistant at the time, was drunk enough that we drove her home so she could pass out in private. This year I gave the Hunt Club another chance, figuring that the previous lunch must have been a convergence of bad circumstances. I met my sister there for lunch in the festive holiday ambiance, which is undeniably elegant. The good news is that this lunch was better than the last lunch! The bad news is as follows. The prices were high so we hoped the food was worthwhile.We were very dissapointed. I had two dry, flavorless crab cakes thrown artlessly onto soggy greens ($23). My sister had approximately three pieces of beef thrown onto the same soggy greens, for $14. It seemed that maybe someone had made a run to Trader Joe's up the street a couple of days prior (the greens were a little aged as well as soggy) and also thawed out some crab cakes which had subsequently dried up. We had to request that bread or rolls be served and I'm thankful that they didn't bill us an extra charge. The waiter was inattentive but in fairness seemed to be assigned too many tables. He did charge us incorrectly and it took quite awhile for him to change our bill because it seemed that he had to run everything through management. I don't know if the lunches here are always exceptionally bad or if I am just an unlucky person. In this town of fabulous food, it is a shame that an historical location such as the Sorrento should allow this to happen.

Pros: Ambiance is great.

Cons: Valet parking is $12 and there's little parking to be found nearby. Inattentive service. Overpriced.

Posted 12/19/07

Nothing bad on the menu and can even customize as you go. Actually a quiet dinner place, which is often hard to find. Large selection of wines. Pricey but good for client dinner.

Posted 09/28/06

The Hunt Club at the Sorrento should be visited if only for the reason that it is an absolutely beautiful place. The bar in the lounge is my favorite spot to sit: a rich, mahogany counter is perfect for leaning up against when indulging in a well-balanced glass of Syrah while checking out the bar's other patrons. Food here may be a bit overpriced, but well worth it--the heirloom tomato salad straight from the chef's garden can't be missed.

Posted 09/04/06

My wife and I came to Seattle for the Weekend. Are stay at the Sorrento was pleasant, the Staff was friendly and courteous. We dined in the Hunt club On a relaxed Friday evening, again the staff was professional and attentive, however, The Chef paced the hallway talking on his cell phone throughout our entire dinner. Strange, considering the price of an entree and the mediocrity of the presentation.

Posted 07/06/06

We went here for Thanksgiving dinner and were disappointed by the service from the beginning. After waiting too long for a server he arrived with an officious attitude. We asked him to take a photo of the table and he declined saying he would do it later - later never came. The first course soup was cold. The entre food was pre-cooked and tough. Both the turkey and rack of pork dinners were tough and chewey. Service continued to be slow throughout the meal. We had to ask several times to get water! The ambience is terrific - clubby and romantic - but the service and food quality are totally lacking. We won't be back.

Pros: ambience

Cons: food, service

Posted 11/25/05

My college roommate was in town and I wanted to treat him to a great dining experience. We chose the Hunt Club from a friend's referral. IT WAS AMAZING. I'd recommend the following (exactly what we did): grab a few cocktails in the Fireside Room and enjoy the ambiance on one of the big, comfy couches. When you're ready to eat, head for the dining room and ask for Paul to be your server. Start with the Grazer's Plate, a make-your-own-creation appetizer plate including grilled tiger prawns, and cured salmon. If you're hungry, go for the crab salad before enjoying either the Filet or the King Salmon for your dinner. Our plates were so clean by the time they were done, they could've gone back on the shelf! You've gotta check it out. Perfect for a date or a special night. Easily one of Seattle's BEST.

Pros: Great service, Unbelievable food, Imtimate & cozy

Cons: A bit pricey..., but worth it!

Posted 07/27/05

A group of friends and I went to the Hunt Club for dinner last night and were sorely disappointed. After we were seated, it took the waiter over 10 minutes to come over to take our drink orders (in a half-empty restaurant and no apologies for the wait). We were all interested in the "Dine Around Seattle" menu and he seemed disinterested in engaging us (that included menu recommendations, bringing us bread or refills on drinks and coffee). There were long waits between courses and no interest in asking how we liked our meals. This was an overglorified food-runner with a bad attitude and we felt cheated when the restaurant tacked on a built-in gratuity. After this experience, I would never recommend The Hunt Club. With all the excellent restaurant choices in Seattle (who don't give an attitude when you opt for the pre-fixe menu), you should skip this one!

Pros: Ambience

Cons: Service, Service, Service

Posted 03/23/05

I tried this restaurant through the Dine Around Seattle, 25 for $25 promotion. I was sorely disappointed. The initial service was excellent, but the waitress's service was below average compared to what I would expect for a high-end restaurant. The tomato soup was mediocre and the salmon was dry and overcooked.

Being that the first impression is the most lasting, I would not dine here again. Neither would I recommend it, even with the discounted price from the promotion.

Posted 11/10/04

Yes, the ambience was romantic and dramatic on Oct 30th but the price paid and the food left much to be desired. For $300 dollars (including 20% tip), the ala carte food is mediocre - I make better at home! A $50 steak should be accompanied with more than just a bit of cheese and the collared greens were raw. Don't waste your money!

Pros: intimate, elegant ambience

Cons: , better pricing, accompany side dishes

Posted 11/09/04

The worst lunch service I've had. Sat in the bar for 15 minutes before I was greeted. The food was tasty and the hotel is lovely, but not enough to compinsate for the lousy service. I will return for dinnerand for the holidays. But a weekday lunch, never again.

Pros: good food, non-smoking

Cons: , cocktails

Posted 10/28/04

I have dined at the Hunt Club about a 1/2 dozen times and have always had a wonderful experience.

This place knows the meaning of service!!!

Thank you Hunt Club staff!! :)

Pros: Service, Food, Value

Posted 07/20/04

I am consistantly impressed with the food and the service at The Hunt Club. Their attention to detail is always impeccable. They decantered my wine, refolded my napkin and made my wife feel like a queen. I will always return for the salmon alone it is by far the very best in Seattle. My wife and I go every year for our anniversary and whenever we feel like being spoilt. Keep up the great work and we will be customers for life.

Pros: Pure class, Salmon and the duck, Great wine list

Posted 08/29/03

Amazing! The food, service, ambience were all impeccable! Move to the lobby for a drink or dessert after. It is unlike any hotel!

Pros: ambience, service, food

Cons: pricey

Posted 10/13/02