Del Rey

Not a huge fan of mexican food, but this place is awesome for happy hour, great drink specials, cool vibe, good music, and nice view of elliot bay from the patio out front

Pros: great view of elliot bay, cheap happy hour

Cons: mexican food is ok

Posted 09/21/09

I've only been to Del Rey for happy hour (a couple of times), so I can't comment on anything else. Compared to other happy hours, I'd say there food is pretty good and the prices are ok. I've been to cheaper happy hours with better food. Del Rey is middle of the road as far as taste and price. Service is also just pretty good. If you haven't been there, try it out, but don't expect to be blown away.

Pros: several happy hour dishes to choose from, walking distance from my work

Cons: parking- rhymes with "ducks"

Posted 10/06/08

I went to Del Rey for the first and only time last summer. I met my fiance there that night, so I highly recommend the place!

Posted 07/08/07

I've been here several times and the bar is nothing special. service is usually okay. the happy hour prices are unbelievable. the food is pretty good, I've definetly had better, but not bad. but for the value, it can't be beat.

Pros: happy hour

Cons: very loud

Posted 03/16/07

I just held my "welcome to the 3rd decade" cocktail party at Del Rey's Party Room and I couldn't have wished for a more attentive staff, great food (thanks to the magic of Chef Kurtis!) and amazing drinks. The night went on so smoothly that all my guests couldn't believe that it was already 2 in the am and we had to leave already!!! If you ever need to host a private party --- Del Rey is the best place!!!

Pros: chic place, great food, attentive staff

Cons: parking (but it is in Belltown, so what do you expect :)

Posted 01/15/07

Del-Rey is one of my favourite spots to go to in Belltown, especially on First Ave. I've been here on both a slow night (Wednesday) and busy nights (Friday, Saturday), but in both scenarios, when I've managed to snag a table, the waitresses has been both decent and super friendly. The atmosphere is a perfect combo of sophistication meets chill; the dim red lights and decor give Del-Rey a very seductive feel.

One of the best things I love about Del-Rey is their late happy hour. I've only had their mac-n-cheese, and while it's nothing TOO special, it's a tasty snack when one is tipsy at a non-too-shabby price of $4. The drinks are a bit more expensive (naturally), but wonderful -- I would recommend their appletini. The drinks are usually made pretty strong too, so that's always a plus!

If you're looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, Del-Rey isn't the place for you. On busy nights, it can be quite the meat market, and the music will be blasting far too loud for casual conversation level. And even though Del-Rey can become crowded rather quickly on busy nights, I've always had fun conversations with the random strangers I've met there. It may be a meat market, but there hasn't been too much sleaziness. Also, try to come here with a group on busy nights -- you'll appreciate the place much more!

Posted 01/15/07

I love this place. Great for after work, even sometimes on weekends. The staff is friendly, helpful, and know how to make you pay the next day! Never one to turn down a good time I will gladly come here when anyone suggests Belltown as a destination. And the bartenders are fun too look at too! ;)

Pros: Service, service with smiles, eye candy

Cons: Not enough seats at the bar

Posted 12/19/06

People here are great! Strangers are fun and interesting to chat with, not sleezy. I have a lot of fun every time, and late night bar grub is delicious! It's pretty small so it gets packed, but doesn't feel hot and sticky like most places. Fast and friendly service.

Posted 11/20/06

Happy hour is well priced, but the music was too loud and depressing. Recommended for a quick drink but not somewhere to lounge for a while.

Pros: cheap happy hour

Cons: loud music

Posted 11/19/06

Love the bar, hate the headache the next day. Always have fun and i love Lauren! The bartenders are pretty cool too!

Posted 11/14/06

The reason for the contradicting reports of the quality of service in the previous reviews is that the turnover rate is pretty high, even for a bar. I've been going to Del Rey since it opened and it's been either really bad or really good the entire time. Lately it's been a little better but for the several months prior you could come in and sit down for a good 15 minutes before getting any service.

Also, unless you're a cheesy guy or girl, avoid the weekends here. Ugh. Brutal. But it can be a cool place during week to chill with friends.

One more thing, the music is terrible. No more ambient chill electro house stuff. It's basically one of the employee's iPods (seemingly) on shuffle so you'll hear everything from Journey to Pat Benetar to Usher and everything in-between. Lame.

Pros: Great food, decent vibe

Cons: Terrible music, potentially bad service

Posted 11/09/06

great location...swanky place....strong drinks....never gets too crowded....i would like to go back here soon again

Posted 10/25/06

I've been going to del rey's happy hour for months now. The food is amazing and where else in belltown can you get $2 pbrs and $4 well drinks! Everyone that works there is super cool and well groomed. Go to del rey and enjoy!

Pros: Food, Music, Atmosphere

Posted 10/04/06

I used to frequent Del Rey when it first opened, transical music, laidback vibe, and an attractive and more mature crowd, and beautiful and professional service. I went back again for the first time in months and I must say, I was sorely dissappointed. The service was horrific and the food, not that great. 1st let me say...bring back the old mac and cheese, the yellow one. The pretentious black truffle mac is good in theory until you get the over cooked noodles in watered down cream sauce with far too much truffle oil. We suffered through happy hour that lasted far too many, due to the neglagence of our server. On a Tuesday, really, how busy can you be? We ordered Mac and Jacks, and got mac and cheese. We caught greif when we asked to have our check split equally 5 ways (which has been done for me before there), and I even think an eye roll. And then, I have friends who work in the industry, so we still left more than 18 percent and didn't get so much as a "thanks for coming". So, in short, if you want to be ogled by men in button up shirts, and ignored by the chicks wearing black and aprons....Del Rey is your place...if not...look else where. I certainly will.

Pros: nice bathroom

Cons: everything else

Posted 09/25/06

Horrid service, terrible drinks, so so food. Upon arriving, my friend and I were ignored, then brushed off. We should have left. But we stayed. Found our own way to a table outside. Ordered a mojito. It was full of brown mint leaves. Yum. Ignored some more. Ordered some food, waited a while. The food was ok, sundried tomato bruschetta was pretty good. We sat outside. All the tables around us were full of dirty dishes and were absolutely filthy. Why are we still here? Waitress was downright nasty. We left. Won't be back. My advice, steer clear.

Pros: None

Cons: Food, drinks, service

Posted 09/19/06

I went to Del Rey last Tuesday with a couple girlfriends. I just moved to Queen Anne so it was my first time there. The decor is brilliant! The dim red lights give the place a very seductive appeal. We shared a few items from the menu. The food was tasty and so inexpensive! My whole experience was great...our server was sweet, the music was rad and I ended up meeting some new people.

Posted 03/13/06

Not getting out too often these days... my wife and I got a hall pass from our kids. We ended up at Del Rey during our crawl around town... needless to say we were very pleasantly surprised... not at the drinks but with the food... so many tasty dishes to choose from, I ended up eating half the menu. The execution of the food was near perfect for a busy corner hub teaming with some of the city's sexiest and swankiest clientele. I would definately advise a look see into this popular pulsing hot spot... I will sneak out for more drinks and food in the nights to come....

Pros: easy to find, pleasant staff, quick service

Cons: busy weekends, wide open at 4, closes at 2

Posted 03/09/06

I've always known Del Rey is great for happy hour or a night out and I recently threw a private birthday party there and was still really impressed with the service I received and how everything turned out. I worked directly with the owner and the chef to plan all the aspects of my party and both were very helpful. Del Rey is a first rate establishment, but at the same time, I was able to throw a catered party for a small group and still keep it relatively inexpensive, which was wonderful.

Pros: Location, ambiance,, Great food & drinks, Attentive service

Posted 03/09/06

I recently flew in from Boston for business and had the chance to check out Del Rey in Belltown. Upon entering, I was surprised by the wash of red and black decor and modern style. However, unlike other restaurants/bars with similar design Del Rey was warm and inviting. I was with two of my girlfriends who frequently visit Del Rey on the weekends. Being that it was Wednesday night they werent sure what to expect. We ordered dinner and the food was phenomenal, I indulged my appetite with the roasted duck breast surrounded by a butternut squash sauce, while sipping my pomegranate martini. One word: Delicious. The staff was incredibly helpful and best of all my bill was completely reasonable. I would definitely recommend Del Rey to anyone who is looking for a restaurant/bar with all the amenities. If you do get there, check out the ladies restroom.

Pros: Sexy lighting , Great Food, Not Crowded

Cons: No Dance Floor

Posted 03/08/06

Not only do you feel embraced by the warm decor of this belltown bar, the staff always welcomes you with a smile and a very tasty cocktail. The menu offers quite an eclectic selection ranging from macaroni and cheese to roast duck! The few times I've been able to make it in on a weekend the Dj was amazing, and I was pleasantly surprised by the deversity of the crowd and the wide range in age, especially for belltown.

Pros: service, food, specialty drinks

Cons: parking

Posted 03/08/06

I have been to Del Rey many times since they opened last summer its beautiful. I love this bar, especially now that they have opened up the second bar in the back room. The servers and bartenders are really fast and attentive and their hot, really hot! The happy hour is great. This bar is one of the best places to meet people in Seattle. The clientelle that is attracted to this bar is so nice and sexy. I also love the music, its a good mix i find myself dancing or singing along. Its just fun, I love it.

Posted 03/08/06

I get into Del Rey every once in a while and have always enjoyed myself. My most recent visit was last Friday night. We went early so it wasn't too crazy until we left. I was very impressed with the $10 Special menu. Everything looked great. Busy bartender wasn't annoyed by our indecision which I appreciate. Our dishes were fantastic. The chocolate dessert was a dream come true for this choco-junkie.
Del Rey does become the typical Belltown scene in the later hours, so I recommend going early if you like your elbow room. Food and Drink are Great. Always something new to try.

Pros: Great Food, Cool Space, Early Night Fun

Cons: Parking, Drunks, Late Night Nuts

Posted 03/07/06

A Girlfriend & I recently held our 30-something Birthday's @ Del Rey. From the moment we arrived at Del Rey, we were warmly welcomed by the staff and owner. Del Rey promptly and enthusiastically served over 150 party goers in the private room all night long. Our Mad Hatter Party was a huge success thanks to Del Rey's atmosphere, food/cocktails & legendary customer service. Thank You again Del Rey for a party that will remembered as the event of the year.

Cheers, Kaycee

Pros: service, cocktails, hip & sexy

Posted 02/08/06

Fun place, nice atmosphere and good food (artichoke dip)... Music was louder than expected for a bar/lounge which made it harder to hear people especially if you are sitting in a booth.

Cons: music a bit too loud

Posted 02/03/06

Fun, dark-red, sexy and loud........ We had a couple of food items and they exceeded expectations....Service was good and prices fair

Cons: parking

Posted 11/28/05

The first thing you notice is the great lighting. Pefect setting for dinner. The food choices were great for wanting to stay. The food was light and came out quickly. I was full, but not stuffed. After dinner we headed to the back loung area. We had some cocktails (stiff) and relaxed the night away. The music was great, the staff was friendly, and even the other patrons were cool.

Pros: great food, sexy lighting, womens restroom

Posted 09/25/05

Del Rey is definately the new hot spot of Belltown for so many reasons! I was in there last night for their late-night happy hour and it was great! We had fish and chips and the mac n cheese which were both awesome! They also have a great specialty drink menu, I had the pink mimosa and will have to come back to try one of the others. The ambiance is great, with huge floor to ceiling windows in the front and dim lighting that makes everyone look good. The service was great, it's always nice to see a cocktail waitress work with a smile and isn't too overbearing.

I will be back soon for sure!

Pros: GREAT food, GREAT drinks, GREAT (and hot) staff

Cons: none.

Posted 09/23/05

From the second we walked through the door, this place was a complete disappointment. The service was horrid and so was the food, you would think these people had never had a job before or even knew the concept of "customer service." If you'd like to be ignored, wait 30 minutes for a drink, eat tasteless food, and then pay for it all, then you should really check these guys out. I wouldn't recommend this place to my worst enemy.

Pros: getting out of there

Cons: everything else

Posted 09/22/05

I have been in Del Rey numerous times now and have always had good service, great drinks and tasty food! The tables are private, yet give you a good vantage point to see the people in the bar, and some of the outside people. The food is presented nicely and has always been very good.
Whenever you go out, especially in Belltown, you expect to pay a premium for atmosphere and drinks...is the nature of the beast.

Pros: atmosphere, tasty food

Cons: parking

Posted 09/20/05

What a treat to find a Belltown location with a view of the water! We sat on the high bistro tables, enjoyed our tasty cocktails and looked out at the gorgeous view (water across the street and good looking people inside). I liked the ambiance, the cool sun art piece on the ceiling and they even serve you drinks in the women's lounge. I would definitely recommend this place to my friends!

Pros: Ambiance, Cocktails, View

Cons: Parking

Posted 09/20/05

Del Rey is my favorite place to go in Belltown for great atmosphere and a nice restaurant/bar combination.  Since it's a couple blocks away from Tia Lou's/Frontier Room, you can escape the bacchanalia but still enjoy the Belltown scene.  I love the dark, sexy lighting (everyone looks great!), unique interior design (be sure to look up at the cool domes), and two distinct rooms.  When I want the typical bar scene, I stay in the front room where it's fun to watch the crowd (varied 20's-40's, usually pretty good-looking) but the back room is quiet and cozy enough to have a real conversation. The food is delicious and I personally think totally worth the price (I actually LOVE the fish and chips).  For the best service (if you're not eating), go to the bar for your drinks because the bartenders are super! 

Pros: atmosphere, bartenders

Posted 09/20/05

I made reservations for a b-day party & was promised the private room unless otherwise told. The manager emailed my work acc @ last minute saying we weren't getting the room. I wasn't at work, and wasn't called either, even though my notification specifies to call my cell for urgent matters. They seated us in this tiny area that barely held our drinks much less our plates. The service was awful- the guests had to walk up to the bar to get more drinks. The beef lettuce dish was just saturated w/fish sauce- it was disgusting & was sent it back. The halibut of the fish & chips was so heavily breaded- you wouldn't know there was halibut inside. The caesar salad was dretched w/dressing so the lettuce was all soggy. I was motified to have invited the whole party to Del Rey. Don't make the same mistake!

Pros: nice women's bathroom

Cons: terrible service, awful food

Posted 09/19/05

Del Rey is a very nice choice for a more expensive happy hour. Choices range from $4 to $6 a plate. If you want to share two happy hour plates, check out the "shared plates" and you might save a buck. The artichoke dip, oysters, and clams are pretty good - but some may question the price. The environment really gives a sexy and smooth clash of blacks, oranges, and reds in dim lighting. The available private room is worth taking a peek. The only problem with the vibe is the soundtrack, many rock tracks just didn't mix with the majority of people that were there. The table service I've received was very pleasant, and the bar service was about average. More effort can be made into the bar's specialty drinks. Looking for a good happy hour? Del Rey has a nice selection, but the price will stop frequent visits.

Pros: Happy Hour, Stylish Environment

Cons: Expensive, Street Parking

Posted 08/29/05