Meet Our Team
Tommie White
Christopher McElroy
Delores Olin
Alan Daniel
Irina Grooms
Micheal Schrock
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
Like any building with a past, our walls hold secrets. During the Prohibition era, the discreet entrance and storied history made it a natural home for a speakeasy, a clandestine haven for those seeking illicit spirits and lively company.
By the 1950s, the space transformed again, becoming the famous Flamingo Room. It was a vibrant cocktail lounge and a fixture of downtown’s social scene, a place where deals were made, romances blossomed, and the city’s movers and shakers gathered over classic drinks. The legacy of this era lives on in our menu and in the timeless, convivial energy that still fills the 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
Selected Whiskey Varieties, Local Friendly Atmosphere
Great drinks and genuine hospitality await.
We Offer Only the Best Drinks
for Your Long Evenings
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
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
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
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
First trip to Seattle and first bar we stopped at was The Diller Room. Our bartender Christian was so friendly, welcoming and helpful. Gave us advice as to what to do as first timers and told us where to find Big Foot!!! ☺️ We will definitely be back!
Cayla
If you’re looking for the perfect spot to unwind, sip something extraordinary, and enjoy some seriously good pizza, look no further. This bar is a hidden gem that hits all the right notes—especially if you’re a whiskey lover or a fan of expertly crafted cocktails. The whiskey selection here is incredible—from… read more
bosko
Christian and Armando were great! Drinks and conversation with these guys made our trip to Seattle awesome.. highly recommend the 1894 old fashioned and whiskey sour. Thank you!
Lane
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
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
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
Can honestly say The Diller room hosts the best private events. Currently attending the Old Fitzgerald event & I’m blown away by how organized & unique it is. They have a wide range of whiskies & some of the best cocktails I’ve had in awhile. Come check this place out!
Francesca
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
If you haven’t been here yet, you’re seriously missing out — mostly because of Neno. Hands down the best bartender there. He’s fast, fun, always on point with the drinks, and honestly? Way too cute for his own good. Pretty sure half the reason people keep coming back is just… read more
Natalie
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
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
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
Neno took great care of us and was super knowledgeable. Great selection with options for everyone’s price point. The flights were a great deal and allowed us to sample multiple different pours
Brandon
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
Repeat trip back to Diller. Everything about the place is well, perfect. As they say, the place is the people. And the people here are as good as it gets. Take the time to appreciate the place and the people and the Diller family will pay you back in spades.… read more
Andrew
