Founders Club

4.6

354 Reviews

$50 and over

Cocktail Bar

Make a booking

2 people

11 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 12 times today

Experiences are available.

Great for creative cocktails
Fancy
Romantic

Nestled off the main lobby of Fairmont Olympic Hotel, the Founders Club is an intimate haven with warm lighting, vintage books, sky-inspired art, and polished brass accents. This exclusive space blends 1920s speakeasy charm with modern sophistication, featuring rich crimson interiors reminiscent of a red-light district. Hidden behind a bookcase, the club invites intrigue and curiosity.

Specializing in rare, vintage, and limited-edition spirits, the club boasts an impressive Cognac collection and liquor lockers for guests. Signature offerings include Seattle’s most luxurious Manhattan, complemented by indulgent snacks like caviar, Wagyu sliders, and oysters.

Ranked #7 Best Hotel Bar in the U.S. by Food & Wine, the Founders Club welcomes walk-ins but recommends reservations. For large party bookings or buyouts, contact PrivateDiningSea@Fairmont.com.

Additional information

Dining style
Elegant Dining
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Cocktail Bar
Hours of Operation
Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am
Phone number
(206) 621-1700
Website
https://www.fairmont.com/seattle/dining/founders-club/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive Chef
Eraj Jayawickreme
Private party facilities
For larger gatherings, consider a Partial Buyout accommodating 9-15 guests, or go all out with a Full Buyout, perfect for groups of up to 35 guests. Immerse yourself in the exclusive ambiance of our bar, where each reservation option ensures a unique and memorable experience tailored to your group's size and preferences.

Location
411 University St, Seattle, WA 98101-2519
Area
Downtown
Cross Street
Located on University Street in the Fairmont Olympic Hotel.
Parking details
Valet
Public transit
Bus stop on 5th avenue.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Behind the Bottle Series x High West Whiskey
US$100.00 per person
Prepaid
25 May 2025 only
We’re partnering with award-winning distillery High West Whiskey to Continue our 2025 Behind the Bottle series, an exclusive experience highlighting the history, fun facts, and makers behind the featured spirit. Join Josh Novaski, National Whiskey Ambassador for High West for a guided tasting of Three High West Whiskey Expressions and a signature cocktail, all paired with curated canapés, in an intimate setting. The event takes place from 6 PM to 8 PM, with limited availability. Tickets include gratuity, and cancellations require 72 hours’ notice.

What 354 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.5Service
4.8Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

Seattle
Best Ambience

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Founders Club is a hidden gem with a "great atmosphere" and "true speakeasy vibes." Guests rave about its "fabulous space" and "amazing drinks." Bartenders like Sarah and Su are noted for their "amazing" service. Despite high prices, it offers a "special experience" perfect for a "special night out."

354 Reviews

V
Victoria VIP
Indiana3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
we LOVED this speakeasy and will be adding it to our regular spots
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t
tony
Seattle24 reviews
4.0
Dined on 1 March 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Great find and experience. The hostess was super cool! We ordered bourbon sours with egg whites, but the bartender didn’t properly make them as they did not do a “dry shake” (a shake in the mixer with the egg whites prior to adding ice) - regardless, the drinks were ok and didn’t bother having them made correctly. I would just think that with a locale as such they may have a bartender with more experience making fine cocktails. Our server could have been more attentive, as he was more focused and very attentive to two women sitting at the bar. Otherwise, the ambiance, low noise level and entire experience being tucked away is really neat!
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K
Katherine VIP
Philadelphia9 reviews
5.0
Dined on 1 March 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Felt very VIP. A true speakeasy! And the best sazerac outside of New Orleans.
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R
Reilly
Nashville1 review
5.0
Dined on 28 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Honey was so lovely. And our waitress sue was absolutely incredible. The drinks were decent, but the staff made our experience so perfect
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A
Amanda
Salt Lake City1 review
5.0
Dined on 16 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had such an awesome time- beware that even with reservation, you will be asked to leave after an hour and a half.
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L
Lee
San Diego2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 2 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Sue was amazing and the cocktails were excellent! Can’t wait to go back!
Is this helpful?
T
Troy
Vancouver7 reviews
5.0
Dined on 2 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great place, very cool atmosphere! Visited many time from Victoria BC one of our favourite hotel bars menu is limited but good quality
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M
Michelle
Seattle2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 26 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A nice romantic hideaway with a secret entrance. Drinks and service are amazing albeit a little pricey.
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C
Cathrine VIP
Seattle9 reviews
3.0
Dined on 19 January 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
First time here, unfortunately we were not seated until almost 30 minutes past our reservation
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T
Tyler VIP
Chicago14 reviews
4.0
Dined on 18 January 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Drinks were great, hostess was very warm and helpful. Bartender service was disappointing, sat with an empty drink for a while and didn’t feel super attended to.
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FAQs

Founders Club is rated 4.6 stars by 354 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

11 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 12 times today

Experiences are available.

411 University St, Seattle, WA 98101-2519

Additional information

Cross Street
Located on University Street in the Fairmont Olympic Hotel.
Area
Downtown
Hours of Operation
Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Cocktail Bar
Dining style
Elegant Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Valet
Public transit
Bus stop on 5th avenue.
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Eraj Jayawickreme
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.fairmont.com/seattle/dining/founders-club/
Phone number
(206) 621-1700
Private party facilities
For larger gatherings, consider a Partial Buyout accommodating 9-15 guests, or go all out with a Full Buyout, perfect for groups of up to 35 guests. Immerse yourself in the exclusive ambiance of our bar, where each reservation option ensures a unique and memorable experience tailored to your group's size and preferences.

Founders Club

Make a booking

Additional information

Experiences

Behind the Bottle Series x High West Whiskey

Menu

What 354 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

Review summary

FAQs

How is Founders Club restaurant rated?

Is Founders Club currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Additional information