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
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
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
The Diller Room is a must if you’re in Seattle! Best cocktails and bourbon selection without a doubt…no contest!!! The espresso martini is made with in-house espresso made daily…true sign of quality!!! And the pizza was amazing too!
J
Wonderful selection of private barrel selection and bottles. They have some bottles I’ve been looking for but never found. Had an old fashioned as well as a pour of Bomberger’s. Wife had a ginger beer. I would 100% come back here next time I’m in town. Alex was our bartender, he’s… read more
Paul
This place is a gem in the Emerald City! My friend and I came upon it after playing tourist all day and it did not disappoint. The bar is over 130 years old and the atmosphere beckoned us in from the street. The service was outstanding-we sat at the bar… read more
Ann
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
Absolutely LOVED my experience here and I will be back. My bartender Christian was not only knowledgeable on their outstanding whiskey/bourbon selection but he provided me with a friendly, professional and welcoming experience overall. The energy here is immaculate and a place worth investing your time/money in. If you haven’t… read more
Sophia
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
Incredible whiskey bar. Christian and Nemo were knowledgeable, gave me great recommendations, and took us on a journey. The bar has an incredible selection and reasonable prices. Absolutely must go to for whiskey lovers. Great time.
Jeffrey
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
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
Experience was amazing and drinks were delicious!!! Christian was our bartender and top tier!! Thank you Christian for making us feel like we are back at home🙂🌵 AZ
Amber
We happen to find this place by chance and are thrilled that we did! Christian was a fabulous bartender. Incredibly knowledgeable and kind. The selection of drinks as well as spirits by far surpassed most places in Seattle. Definitely would come back and recommend for those who enjoy QUALITY. Prices are… read more
Sarah
Super friendly staff with above and beyond service! My friend and I came in one late evening after a concert and were very happy with the experience. The atmosphere is fun, lighthearted, and overall pleasant with the layout as well as the lighting and decoration. Staff was super accommodating and kind!… read more
Misha
One of the best bourbon selections I’ve seen in the country, and an awesome bartending team. Christian knew his stuff and poured some great drinks. Worth a visit for sure!
John
10/10 vibes and selection, if you’re looking for great American whiskey this place has it! There’s hardly a place like this in Seattle.
Amauri
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
alex is the best!!! great service wonderful people behind the bar. best espresso martini i’ve ever had and i’m picky(own a little cafe in texas)!! if i lived here this would be a regular spot.
Maddi
Amazing service! Alex was awesome. Best espresso martini I’ve had on seattle so far
A.
Alex was so knowledgeable and provided great insights into my bourbon experience at Diller’s. Awesome job. Thx. Let me know when you’re in NYC. Z
Christopher
