Where Stories Are Stirred and History is Served
Welcome to The Diller Room, where the spirit of Seattle’s past is poured into every glass. Nestled on the corner of 1st and University, our foundation is built upon more than just earth; it’s built on the stories, secrets, and resilience of a city that has always dared to rebuild and reinvent itself. To step inside is to step back in time—to a place where the patina of age is not just preserved, but celebrated.
From the Ashes: The Diller Hotel (est. 1890)
Our story begins in the wake of the Great Seattle Fire of 1889. From the ashes of a city determined to rise again, the Diller Hotel was constructed in 1890 by Leonard Diller, a pioneer who saw promise in the burgeoning city. Built with distinctive red-orange bricks from Japan—a necessity in the timber-scarce aftermath of the fire—and featuring a stunning pressed-tin ceiling that still crowns our bar today, the building was a testament to Seattle’s enduring spirit.
For decades, the Diller Hotel was a landmark, offering lodging to the merchants, prospectors, and pioneers who flocked to the Pacific Northwest. It stood as a silent witness to the Klondike Gold Rush, the rise of a bustling port city, and the everyday lives of Seattleites.
A Chapter of Intrigue: The Speakeasy & The Flamingo Room
The Diller Room Today: A Seattle Institution
Today, The Diller Room honors every chapter of its rich history. We are not a replica of a bygone era; we are the real thing. The original brickwork, the century-old tin ceiling, and the intimate, candlelit ambiance are all authentic pieces of our story. We have lovingly preserved the soul of the building while dedicating ourselves to the art of the cocktail.
Our philosophy is simple: serve exceptional drinks in a comfortable, unpretentious atmosphere. We are a “come as you are” establishment, a sanctuary from the bustle of the city where locals and visitors alike can connect. Whether you’re settling in for our signature
1894 Old Fashioned—a tribute to our heritage—or exploring a new creation from our talented bartenders, you are part of this building’s continuing story.
Thank you for being here. We invite you to sit back, soak in the history, and let us pour you a piece of it.
Explore Seattle's Best Cocktails
The Diller Room History
Step into a piece of Seattle’s living history at The Diller Room, a landmark cocktail bar nestled in the heart of downtown. For over a century, our walls have absorbed the city’s stories, from the heady days of the Klondike Gold Rush to the clandestine whispers of Prohibition and the vibrant pulse of modern Seattle. We are more than just a bar; we are a testament to the enduring spirit of this city, a place where classic cocktails and rich history intertwine.
Our story begins with the very foundations of the historic Diller Hotel, a magnificent structure that rose from the ashes of the Great Seattle Fire of 1889. Visionary Seattle merchant Leonard Diller, in a stroke of resourceful genius, utilized Japanese-made bricks, originally ballast on ships returning from Japan, to construct this iconic building. The hotel quickly became a cornerstone of the burgeoning city.
The Diller Room first opened its doors in 1894, establishing itself as a premier destination. When the Klondike Gold Rush ignited the region in 1897, our bar became a bustling hub for prospectors and fortune seekers, their dreams and schemes echoing within these walls. The dawn of Prohibition in 1916 saw The Diller Room transform into a speakeasy, cleverly disguised behind the facade of a Chinese laundry, serving illicit spirits to those in the know.
The World War II
Following World War II, the space evolved into the Flamingo Room, a chic lounge known for its modern cocktails and as a discreet meeting place for the city’s influential figures. After a period as an antique store, the spirit of hospitality was reawakened in 2008, and The Diller Room was reborn, quickly reclaiming its status as a beloved Seattle institution.
Today, The Diller Room honors its storied past while embracing the present. The original brickwork, hand-cut mosaic floor, and pressed-tin ceiling bear witness to the passage of time, creating an ambiance of timeless elegance. Our skilled bartenders are custodians of a rich cocktail heritage, expertly crafting both classic and contemporary drinks from our extensive collection of over 900 spirits. For those seeking a culinary accompaniment to their libations, we are pleased to offer a menu from our esteemed sister wine bar, Tra Due Leoni.
We invite you to join us at The Diller Room. Whether you are a history aficionado, a connoisseur of fine cocktails, or simply seeking a unique and welcoming atmosphere, you will find a home here. Become a part of our ongoing story and experience a taste of authentic Seattle.
1889
Seattle Merchant Leonard Diller built this hotel using Japanese-made bricks, initially used as ballast on returning ships from Japan. He bought them all as they piled up on the foreshore.Since all the local brickworks were swamped with orders, this made it possible for the Diller Hotel the first to rise from the ashes of downtown.
1894
The Diller Bar opened with furnishings shipped around Cape Horn from the East Coast, earning a reputation as a “Barroom of the highest standard.”
1897
The Klondike Gold Rush brought an influx of prospectors, saving the Diller Hotel from near bankruptcy and filling the bar with fortune seekers nightly.
1916
1924
Federal agents began enforcing Prohibition laws more strictly.
1925
The Diller Bar transformed into a speakeasy, disguised by a Chinese laundry front.
1941
During WWII, the Diller Bar became a favored spot for GIs.
1947
The Flamingo Room opened in the old Diller Bar, featuring modern cocktails. Its secretive ambiance was perfect for political and business deals.
1982
The Flamingo Room closed, and the space became an antique and furniture store.
2008
Rob and Josie Wilson revived the space, opening Stella Caffe with the Diller Room in the back. Its popularity soon saw the Diller Room take over entirely.
2024
Celebrating 130 years of rich history and resilience, the Diller Room continues to thrive, having even weathered the pandemic.
Selected Whiskey Varieties, Local Friendly Atmosphere
Great drinks and genuine hospitality await.
We Offer Only the Best Drinks
for Your Long Evenings
Stopped in for a cocktail before heading to a game nearby. Great selection! Amazing team! Definitely stopping by again when we’re in the area.
Vinette
OMG! I Love This BAR! Y’all need to have a few drinks here! Christian makes amazing drinks! I highly recommend you stop by. You won’t regret it.
D
Christian was great! He was sweet to Grandma. The drinks were lovely! If we weren’t from out of town, we’d return because of Christian. Give Christian a bonus.
Michael
After scouring at least 15 spots in search of the perfect espresso martini, The Diller Room takes the crown—no contest. Smooth, rich, perfectly balanced… this isn’t just a drink, it’s an experience. Massive shoutout to Alex behind the bar—his drinks are consistently on point, every single time. If you know,… read more
Nate
We stumbled in here on a whim after the Bill Speidel underground tour and the Diller Room is an absolute MUST! Customer service is impeccable, and the Old Fashioned is honestly in the top 3 I have ever had! Rob is an incredible host and made the experience incredibly memorable… read more
Mason
Alek and Armando really make the vibe here. Both great bartenders and atmosphere is great. Made the entire bar feel comfortable and the vibes were on. From all the bars in downtown this was the most fun. Traveled from SoCal for work and needed a place to relax. The perfect… read more
Sergio
Neno was great and the best cocktails. I drove 19 hours from lowly SoCal to get these delicious bevs. I met my soul mate here and we’re both so happy. Drinks were delish.
Isaac
Great selection of bourbon! Shout out the Bartender, he poured me a sample of the Eagle Rare 10 barrel pick(Delicious)!
Ron
Neno is one of the best bartenders I’ve ever encountered. From the service to the sweetness of my drink my experience was a 10/10. This is also my first time coming here so a great first impression. I will definitely be back,
Oshae
Amazing selection and great vibe. Bartender was great to chat with and took great care of us! Definitely stop by if you love whiskey or cocktails.
Jason
Armando and Alex made our visit super special. They have a very in depth knowledge of whiskeys, they were super friendly, and offered great tops for our time in Seattle. Great bar, great bartenders. Highly recommend! Oh and try the Hakushu 12 year
Erin
Rob Wilson and gang were amazing! The vibe is very low key. Almost like a speak easy vibe, the drinks taste great you pay for what you drink they also make basic ones as well. Highly recommend will be coming back.
Terrence
Christian was a fantastic bartender! He gave us 3 different flights. He was very knowledgeable about the selection and bourbon they had on hand. Would highly recommend
Dalton
Neno was my bartender and my whole experience was amazing! He was super accommodating and knowledgeable, I tried so many whiskys and he goes above and beyond for his guests!! Greatest bar in Seattle so far thanks to this person and his hospitality!!
Emi
My fiance and I had an incredible time here and fantastic drinks. The espresso martini is a must-have, and the pizza was delicious. Christian is an awesome bartender. The word I would use to describe the whole experience is “impeccable.” Drinks we ordered, all fabulous: Espresso martini Geisha’s Whisper Kentucky Aristocrat Banana daiquiri Flamingo room punch
Kate
OMG ! Can I just say if you have not ventured out to The Diller Room YOU ARE MISSING A SLICE OF HEAVEN. Centered in the middle of Seattle’s downtown entertainment, the service is luxury , the drinks are beyond your wildest taste buds. A must try!!!
Candice
The best bourbon bar I’ve ever been in in my life. Armando is a bourbon connoisseur. He taught us so much and directed us right to where we needed to be for our bourbon preferences. He is a true credit to this company.
Randy
Bottom line, if you’re looking for the quintessential Bourbon experience in Seattle, this is your spot. They have bourbon here that has been absent in North America for 50 years. And they’re knowledgeable about all of them. Enjoy!
Matt
Best bar experience I have ever had. Christian was my bartender and was extremely knowledgeable about every whisky and gave amazing recommendations. I will be back every time I’m in Seattle.
Cameron
Christian was such a great bartender and so personable! We came to this bar back in 2020 and the staff was so friendly. Fast forward 5 years, we had to come back. The vibe is still the same and it’s such a great place to grab a drink and relax.… read more
Alejandra
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