Insider Pages Reviews for Zig Zag Cafe

1 Stars: bad for reservations for group (by shamalag7)

shamalag7 — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:00:00 GMT

DO NOT GO HERE FOR ANY REASON! This place nearly ruined my birthday party. I spoke with the short blond male manager to make reservation for a large party. He screwed up our seating by giving it to another group that reserved days after we did, then only set a place for our 14 guests around 2 small tables with 10 chairs! Instead of apologizing and accommodating; he was rude, defensive, argumentative, and unprofessional. I didn't want to argue, because it was my birthday and I was with my guests. It was embarrassing. The staff looked scared, sad, and oppressed. The manager was also the host, right off the bat he was rude when we walked in to be seated, the reservation was under my name and he refused to seat me, because "there were people there before me"....I said, "These are my guests....you are seating them for my party!" He snapped "You still have to wait!!", then he attempted to seat my guests without me, my guests refused. We were shocked. Apparently he was in conflict with another large party also. I had to get on my cell and intercept the remaining 10 guests to have them meet us at Chapel instead. Where we had a great evening! The owner of Zig Zag Cafe is the rudest and most arrogant person I've ever met! Totally unprofessional. Don't risk ruining your group gathering at this place.

5 Stars: Wonderful Manhattans! (by PotPie71)

PotPie71 — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Experienced bartenders and a cozy atmosphere. A grown ups bar, which is a nice change from the usual corporate styling.

2 Stars: Great drinks, abhorrent attitude (by jncjansen)

jncjansen — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 09:00:00 GMT

A group of eight of us went to Zig Zag tonight to meet an old friend. We'd all been there before, and liked their drinks and atmosphere. We sat in the back area, where they have banquette seats and half-round tables, and had to push a couple of tables together to accommodate all of us. We all ordered cocktails and several appetizers for the table to share. The waitress was fine, nothing great but not too bad. About 35 minutes in, we'd all ordered a second round of drinks, when a short, bald man in a Charlie Sheen bowling shirt comes out of the back with an air of importance and makes a beeline for our table. Without a word, he yanks one of the tables we're using back to its rightful place, sloshing a couple of fresh drinks all over it in the process. We all looked at each other, and someone said, "can we take a couple extra chairs from over there?" you know, so we could at least all crowd around the one table we had left. To which the man replied, "Nope, the fire department wouldn't like that". And left. The guy wasn't Murray the bartender, and he wasn't serving any tables, so I assume he was one of the owners. We were there for another 90 minutes, and no one ever came and sat at that other table - I'd guess the place was about half full. Our party's bill was about $200. In these times, I'm surprised that people who have chosen to be in the service industry - you know, when you offer a service to other people, who pay you for that service - insist on treating customers badly. It's a shame that this guy's attitude overshadowed an otherwise enjoyable evening - while I work about a block away and like their drinks and atmosphere, I probably won't be going back to ZigZag anytime soon. Who wants to spend $200 to be treated like that?

5 Stars: Best Cocktails in Seattle (by ajanmd)

ajanmd — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 09:00:00 GMT

If you are a cocktail aficionado, or just like to expand your horizons in the world of booze, go hear. Its not as much fresh fruit as some of the up and comers, but its amazing drinks at a reasonable price. And service is incomparable.

4 Stars: Best maritini in Seattle? (by SkySurfer)

SkySurfer — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 09:00:00 GMT

I usually go to Zig Zag to have exotic, hard to find and even harder to make cocktails. If you're a purist, have an interest in mixology, or like trying new drinks you can't have anywhere else, this is a great place to go to. Most bartenders in Seattle know who Murray is (bartender) and how amazing he is, although he only works weekdays.

Never really tried the food, although I've been told it was ok. The rest of the staff can be a little indifferent, in a faking to be friendly kind of way. The only thing I hate more than a snobbish place is a place that pretends to be nice, but clearly doesn't care. As an example, we once showed up 7 for a booth, and instead of accommodating by letting one of us sit in a chair that could clearly fit, basically told us we were out of luck.

2 Stars: No Go (by grambofood)

grambofood — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 09:00:00 GMT

OK Ill try tobe fair we never got past the front door . It was a friday night happy hour the place was packed a hostess met us at the door and asked how many their was we had 3 in our party . She went to look for a table and came back with some guy saying it would be awhile and did we know it was happy hour and that you had to be twenty one our daughter was with us and she was twenty one.I thought we could stand around the bar like everyone else was but they said all of those spots were taken,OK I know their are fire codes but I really thought we wern't welcome like we were not good enough for the place. I read about this place and had wanted to try it out for some time and yes I knew it was happy hour thats why I chose to come at that time ,you know its cheaper at that time hello!! I just think they are a little full of them selves to turn us away like they did.Oh well like you care what i have to say, Guess Ill never know how great the Zig Zag is............

5 Stars: Nice people! good service (by nelson0071)

nelson0071 — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 09:00:00 GMT

loved this place even busy people are nice. good drinks.
kinda hard to find the parking space but. cozy and warm.
we be back again

5 Stars: Love the Zig Zag! (by csmk)

csmk — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Zig Zag is a timeless, classic cocktail bar and by far, my favorite of it's class in Seattle. I love it's ambiance, it's stellar service and (of course) the cocktails. Delicious drinks guys!

5 Stars: A bartender and martini worth seeking out (by Mo J.)

Mo J. — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 19:11:00 GMT

This perfectly secluded lounge behind the Pike Place Market is worth the search when the thirst strikes. Pick out one of the booths and then seek out Zig Zag's great bartender, Murray Stenson. Try the classic martini made from Oregon's Aviation Gin!

5 Stars: Some choices are simple (by hghstnrds)

hghstnrds — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:00:00 GMT

In Seattle, some choices are simple. Like where to buy a hat or where to go for a drink. No one bothers to compete with Bernie Utz Hats. It would be futile. It has a history, integrity, and a niche. It?s like that with the Zig Zag Cafe on the Pike Street Hillclimb, behind Pike Place Market. There are hundreds of places where you could go for a drink. It all depends on what you expect. If you appreciate hospitality, integrity, and a passion for drink, then the universe sharpens to a point. Zig Zag is Colin Powell?s doctrine of overwhelming force (+ knowledge, skill & love) applied to booze. The atmosphere is authentically intoxicating. Drinkers are appreciated and treated according. It?s palpable.

2 Stars: Merose atmosphere (by qa_scenester)

qa_scenester — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Tried after hearing great things only to be disappointed by the "smugness" of the staff.
Ordered a Manhattan only to have them put other ingredients in it because "I'd like it".
Small bar top to actually watch the bartenders, no parking.....it was tough.

5 Stars: great cocktails and a wonderful atmosphere (by eskercurve)

eskercurve — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 09:00:00 GMT

My wife and I had just started watching a japanese animated series called Bartender and it actually got us interested in cocktails (dorky, I know, but that's how we roll). We wanted to find a place that had wonderful drinks made by a man who knew what he was doing. Doing a search on google found Drinkboy, which is an excellent site run by a man who knows his drinks. So my wife and I went out on a limb and went here.

The location is somewhat hard to find. The bar is located on the second terrace of the Pike Hill climb, which is about half a block south of Pike st., and then you have to find the staircase doing down to Alakan way, and then you have to remember to look beyond the mexican restaurant. We both missed it on our first try.

But boy were we rewarded for our searching! We came in on a Sunday afternoon about 30 min after it opened and at the time the bartender is conversational, and wanted to learn who we were. He seemed genuinely interested in us and made us an excellent Hemingway Daiquiri, a nostalgic Manhattan, then we tried the menu. We had the foccacia, which was superb, if American-ized. I ordered a Black Velvet, made with champaign, which is VERY difficult to do, but he executed it flawlessly. When I said I first had it in Japan, he asked how often I went there. He then brought back a Violet based liquer which isn't exported!

The man is a genius. He even made a couple free drinks for us! We will definitely make this a weekly regular thing.

5 Stars: Cocktail wizard (by billycar)

billycar — Thu, 15 May 2008 09:00:00 GMT

Murray is a wizard behind the bar. This is my top recommendation for delicious, sophisticated cocktails and just a great place to go to unwind and for conversation. It's tucked away in the hillclimb of the Pike Pace Market and it makes you feel like you're part of a private club since not everyone is in the "know" because it's off the beaten path.

They have the biggest Whiskey and Brandy selection that I've found since I moved to Seattle. The menu is simple with sandwiches, salads and light snacks but they are really tasty.

5 Stars: "Murray is God." (by katyl8y)

katyl8y — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 09:00:00 GMT

I love to bring my friends here when I'm showing off how great the nightlife can be in Seattle. As my friend put it, "Murray is God." He's a great bartender, makes any drink you can think of (contrary to the review by tummyphat...you can order any coctail you want, it doesn't have to be on the list to be made), and he's a great conversationalist. Some days, I just walk in and tell him my mood, and he will make the best drink to fit it.

The food is so good! Try the calamari. And make sure to at least go once during Happy Hour. This way you can get a large assortment of the appetizers. My favorite drink is the Moquito. Everthing is made from fresh ingredients, and the drink turns out to be the best thing you've ever tasted and the most beautiful drink you've ever seen! Nothing compares! (Just keep in mind that you may never be able to drink a Moquito anywhere else.)

Check out their web site!

5 Stars: One of my Fav's (by malsquad)

malsquad — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 09:00:00 GMT

The Zig Zag Cafe is one of those great little gems that, if you didn't know where to look, you'd walk right by it. Located between Western and the water, we walked right past it the first time we went there (and we had directions and an address!). Once you find it though, you'll be greatful you took the time - it is fantastic. I went with a group of 4, we each got a couple drinks and food. Usually when one orders food from a bar, its either really greasy comfort food or tiny little gastro-plates. Zig Zag offers the best of both worlds. I had a grilled cheese sandwich that was too die for, while the others in our group got a large caesar salad, a calimari dish, and some sort of spicy panini. All were amazing. The drinks were good as well, although nobody ordered any of the speciality cocktails (although I've heard they're good, except for the Devil's Soul Patch). Our server was also very nice and very helpful, and I loved the interior of the bar as well as the relaxed atmosphere.

1 Stars: Terrible, Awful Service and Tasteless Food (by trippindasiy)

trippindasiy — Thu, 31 May 2007 09:00:00 GMT

When we arrived we were pleased to see that there was an open deck where we could sit out side and the establishment was not over crowded. To not much of our surprise the deck was full of people chain smoking and drunk people begin very loud and spilling their drinks. When we ruled out the deck we decided to sit inside.The menu had no organization or theme. The food was all over the place from seared albacore tuna to lamb burger to chips and dip. The menu looked like it had no consistent thought to its design and no creativity just the same old same old. Nothing about this restaurant/bar differenced itself from the other establishments in that waterfront area. After about 20 minuets our waitress came back and asked what was my drink and my partners drink order. We then proceed to order our food. I order the seared Tuna and my partner order the high anticipated linguini with clams and my friend order the special the salmon. few minutes later our waitress brought out our drinks to our table. My drink order was incorrect and when I asked the waitress to send my drink back she lied and told me that was the correct drink. I didn?t want to be a bother About 15 minuets later the waitress come back and tell my friend that they are out of the salmon special so, not all of our meals are not on a timely manner. After about 10 minuets our food had still has not arrived I decided to notify the owner, I told him that our waitress has not check on our table in awhile my drink was empty and another friend who join us later that night wanted to order and my partners drink was empty. He then caught this unnecessary attitude really made me loose my appetite. When our food finally arrived my tuna was ice cold full no flavor, my partners linguini noodles were over cooked and my other two friends were waiting on their meals, we could not have eaten together. Our entire bill was over 250+ dollars more on drinks

4 Stars: Nice drinks, no atmosphere (by mjkc)

mjkc — Fri, 25 May 2007 09:00:00 GMT

The Zig Zag has a nice menu of cocktails to try, and pours a good drink and if that was all one wanted when they went out that would be great but this place lacks what most places in Seattle lack, atomsphere. The place lacks the friendly, warm feeling that a bar should have, meaning, unless you are with people to talk to, you won't find any good, friendly conversations. Of course, if you like to drink alone, this place will be perfect for you. Still, this place does do a good job on cocktails so I would recommend this place to others.

5 Stars: Good cocktails, great people (by rajgom)

rajgom — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 09:00:00 GMT

Have been a regular here for a couple of years now. My wife and I are big fans of Murray the bar tender. Its a pleasure watching him make his Mojito and other creative concoctions. The cocktail list is extensive and creative and served up in a great Its a great place for after work meet up and their happy hour food is awesome (havent tried the other stuff). If you havent been here, you should definitely check this place out

5 Stars: Cocktails, yes, but also food! (by cheriwan13)

cheriwan13 — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 09:00:00 GMT

After years and years of coming to the Zag, I'd have to say that recently I have been really impressed with their food as well as their amazing talent with the Spirits. The specials have been warming and comforting on these rainy days, and the new bread salad is one of my current favorite additions to the menu. It's nice to know that my favortie place to be, and partake of the beverage, also believes that the food should be of high quality. Way to go!

5 Stars: best cocktails and bartenders in the city. period. (by kcwaldbauer)

kcwaldbauer — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 09:00:00 GMT

simply put, this is THE place in seattle for cocktails. kacy, ben and murray are expert craftsmen and enthusiasts and we are lucky to have them in our city. their research into classic and forgotten cocktail recipes is what i love most. as a bartender, i usually sit at the bar and just soak up everything i can from them, and i'm not the only one. every bartender in the city should make it a point to sit at the bar and see how it should really be done.

5 Stars: Best Bartenders (by helen_f)

helen_f — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 09:00:00 GMT

This place is fantastic. I find myself forgetting about it often though, likely due to it's "hidden-gem" of a location--perhaps this is just part of the charm. Happy hour is nice out on their shady terrace, but my favorite seat is right at the bar--their infamous bartender is friendly and fun to watch as he dishes out banter and creative cocktail creations. The owners are super friendly and the red lighting gives the place a very seductive vibe. Hands down probably my favorite bar in Seattle.

4 Stars: Good for after work... (by jesslyngt)

jesslyngt — Wed, 08 Mar 2006 09:00:00 GMT

A co-worker and I stopped by here for a drink after work recently. I wasn't too impressed with the happy hour menu, but I tend to like fruity drinks better. The atmosphere was nice, not as upscale as I had imagined but a good place to meet someone for a drink. I thought it was a little hard to find as it is on a different level than the street. Overall I would recommend it but it wasn't amazing.

5 Stars: Engaging Mixologists (by dotdave)

dotdave — Mon, 19 Dec 2005 09:00:00 GMT

My date and I decided to give Zig Zag a try last Sunday. I noted that "Seattle.CitySearch did not state the it was open on Sunday so I confirmed via phone call that it was. Ben, our mixologist, was personable and fun. (though a bit political) He definetely added to our experience. It was our "First" date and very unlikely our last. Food was tasty too.

5 Stars: night-time hidden place that awaits to give its secret (by shianxiu s.)

shianxiu s. — Mon, 04 Jul 2005 00:13:00 GMT

the zig-zag is hidden at pike's place market. one must walk through many stairs, but, it is worth the peak. the drinks and cocktails are absolutely delicious. there is even dom perignon on the menu. such a vast amount of drinks, how can one resist the night-time pleasures of this place. and the food is outstanding. even just a dish of grilled cheese sandwich is just so irresistable. i would have to say that the zig zag is my absolute favorite spot to be.

5 Stars: Detail (by chiefring)

chiefring — Mon, 02 May 2005 09:00:00 GMT

An exhibition of attention to detail. That is the quality of bartending you will find at the ZigZag. Classic cocktails, modern cocktails, shaved ice and cubed! Great selection of every spirt from around the world. A wonderful place to meet new people or to relax after a work day!

5 Stars: The best drinks in Seattle (by jenablaze)

jenablaze — Wed, 23 Feb 2005 09:00:00 GMT

I experienced nothing but the best at Zig Zags. If your looking for a great environment, great drinks and great bartenders. This is the place to be.

5 Stars: zigzag, my home away from home (by andreanh)

andreanh — Fri, 07 Jan 2005 09:00:00 GMT

i've managed to make the zigzag my favorite bar. i have brought all of my friends and they have all made it one of their regular night spots as well. ben is an amazing host, murry can make the best drinks and the food is always divine. great atmopshere, good people and every night is different... always a good time. check out sunday nights, too... great dj.

5 Stars: Great cocktails, great music! (by urbanmojo)

urbanmojo — Tue, 16 Nov 2004 09:00:00 GMT

These guys can do almost anything imaginable with a cocktail and make it great. Last time I went in on a Sunday night they had great electronic music with a live tabla player and it created a great mood for cocktails and conversation.

5 Stars: Best bar in town (by king_david)

king_david — Mon, 20 Sep 2004 09:00:00 GMT

Ben, Casey, and Murry put the togethr the best drinks in town, by a long shot. Murry being the master bartender can make a drink out of just about anything. This is the place to go to relax, unwind, and have a great conversation. The food is outstanding, the service is excellant. The location is out of the way and descrete. Trully the hidden Gem in the city.

5 Stars: Best bar in Seattle (by melaly)

melaly — Wed, 15 Sep 2004 09:00:00 GMT

Always my bar of choice when I go out. In terms of quality and service, you can't find better anywhere. I couldn't count how many times I've had a cocktail elsewhere and said to my companions with a frown, "They make this better at Zig Zag". Seattle is lucky to have a bar with such a great atmosphere and bartenders.

4 Stars: $9 for a cocktail (by mzlouise)

mzlouise — Thu, 17 Jun 2004 09:00:00 GMT

Nice atmosphere, good food and drinks but serious sticker shock when the check comes.

5 Stars: Anniversary Treat (by tangodebbie)

tangodebbie — Sat, 02 Aug 2003 09:00:00 GMT

We had a great time celebrating our anniversary last night at Zig Zag. Murray, the bartender was fun and informative on our choice of libation. He educated our pallets while keeping our water fresh and our conversation light. What a wonder secret place we've found.

4 Stars: I'm Mr. Cellophane! (by twobyfour)

twobyfour — Wed, 23 Jul 2003 09:00:00 GMT

I'm sure this is THE place for giddy groups... but do not go by yourself! You beome invisible. I waited almost ten minutes after sitting down for a waitress to ask if I needed anything. I ordered a glass of wine and sat for another ten minutes as a group of six at the table next to me became a group of 10. I was sqished against the wall that I asked to move to the bar. There, I was given my wine and placed an order. The food was fantastic! But after I had finished - clean plate, empty water and wine glasses, napkin on plate. 15 minutes went by before the bartender even noticed I was done. My evening would have been 10 times more enjoyable if this party of one was given maybe 20 minutes more of attention.

5 Stars: heavenly drunkenness (by megstar)

megstar — Tue, 22 Apr 2003 09:00:00 GMT

This place is FANTASTIC! The spirits list is incredible! They have rums and tequilas I have never heard of...cigars, good food, a comfortable environ....and in such an out of the way locale...one word of advice tho, watch that bartender that looks like James Dean...he seems to drink as much as he pours and while amusing, he was in better form before he caught a buzz from all those beautiful cocktails they serve. Well worht a visit but go early!

5 Stars: Nice Mussels (by hufflepuffer)

hufflepuffer — Wed, 12 Mar 2003 09:00:00 GMT

Went in for early dinner & drinks last night. The service was terrific, the mussels in red curry were delicious. The music volume was perfect. I hate it when you have to shout to have a conversation. Will be back soon!

5 Stars: MY NEW FAVORITE (by BJMOORE)

BJMOORE — Wed, 26 Feb 2003 09:00:00 GMT

WHAT A GREAT SPOT- ESPECIALLY IF YOU APPRECIATE A FINE COCKTAIL. AND- FINALLY A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN GET SOMETHING DECENT TO EAT AFTER MIDNIGHT! LOVE THE AMBIANCE AND THE MUSIC TOO.

5 Stars: WOW!! (by ilovetoeat)

ilovetoeat — Wed, 12 Feb 2003 09:00:00 GMT

Just got back into coming here...it's great! New look and a new menu that's good but could stand a few more finger-foody type items...where's the old bruscetta? What about a quesadilla?
Good drinks...try the New Orleans Buck or the Commodore, mighty tasty! And a cigar selection too! Service was accomodating and friendly. It's worht a visit for sure!

4 Stars: A New Regular!! (by A_new_regular)

A_new_regular — Wed, 05 Feb 2003 09:00:00 GMT

This place is heaven for cigar smokers...one of the only places in town you can light up without reprecussion! The food's good and the service is friendly. If you're into cocktails and smokin', this is definately for you!

5 Stars: same great place for a drink (by madmanatee)

madmanatee — Fri, 31 Jan 2003 09:00:00 GMT

My husband and I went in here for a few drinks and to try the food after the recent review. We had a great experience! The server was attentive but unassuming, the food was great, have the cauliflower!!! The drinks were as we remebered a few years back and the place has a face lift but it's still dark and sexy. Check it out for yourself! You won't be disappointed! But beware, this is a smokers paradise and if you like cigars, it's a safe haven. They're even listed on the menu! Gotta love it!

3 Stars: the good and the bad (by blondie63)

blondie63 — Wed, 29 Jan 2003 09:00:00 GMT

The Good-loved the decor-very comfortable place for a cocktail. The food was different, and good.
The Bad-My waitress seemed to think my husband was paying-or so it appeared with all the special attention she was giving him. The night was my treat, and the flirtation with may other half lowered the tip.

5 Stars: Mo' Hair feels soo nice. (by bodie_hine)

bodie_hine — Tue, 28 Jan 2003 09:00:00 GMT

Just right. I used to like going to late night happening bars, but in my age, I prefer classy over meat market. My last visit to Zig Zag Cafe was like reacquainting with an old friend...fun, active, and adult. The staff were professional and frankly, allowed me to spend a great time with friends without ever wanting for anything. Oh, and the mo' hair banquet feels soo nice.

5 Stars: The Brand New Zig Zag! (by DrinkBoy)

DrinkBoy — Mon, 27 Jan 2003 09:00:00 GMT

Wow! Back from the shadows, the Zig Zag is re-opened, under new ownership, and with a totally new menu and dining area.

If you are looking for the best cocktails in Seattle, served by the best bartenders, then this is clearly the place to go.

As for the food, Ive tried virtually everything on their menu, and there hasnt been one think I havent liked. Their "Anchovy Sandwich" is wonderful, and -nothing- like you would expect. Trust me.

A casual, very relaxed "Just Drop In" sort of place for when you just want to recharge and get out of the rain. The large picture window gives you a great vantage point for watching people taking the hillclimb stairs between the Pike Place Market and the Waterfront.