Founders Club

4.6

356 Reviews

$50 and over

Cocktail Bar

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 15, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 16 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

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

Location
411 University St, Seattle, WA 98101-2519
Phone number
(206) 621-1700
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Cocktail Bar
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Valet
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Eraj Jayawickreme

Experiences

Behind the Bottle Series x High West Whiskey
$100.00 per person
Prepaid
May 25, 2025 only
We’re partnering with award-winning High West Whiskey for a truly unforgettable experience. This exclusive event is designed to immerse you in the world of world-class spirits, featuring brand ambassador Josh Novaski, National Whiskey Ambassador for High West, guiding you through a tasting experience like no other. Guests will have the unique opportunity to savor three distinct variations of High West Whiskey, each showcasing the brand’s commitment to quality, innovation, and craftsmanship highlighting the history, fun facts, and makers behind the featured spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or just beginning your journey, this event will expand your appreciation of one of the finest whiskey brands in the world. Drinks will be 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 356 people are saying

Founders Club reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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
4.6Service
4.8Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Seattle
Best Ambiance

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."

356 Reviews

A
Alec
San Diego2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
It was an amazing experience! First time coming and definitely not the last! Hideki our bartender made the most absolute stunning cocktails I have ever seen! Hunny greeted us at the entrance and truly made our anniversary special. She even noticed me trying to Shazam a song and immediately came over to tell me. 10/10 customer service. Literally these two are an amazing duo!!💚
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A
Anne
Denver1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Unique speak easy experience- bar within the walls of another bar. It is pricey, but worth trying! Stylish setting and craft cocktails. Enjoyed a delicious dessert too.
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V
Victoria VIP
Indiana3 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 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 March 1, 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 March 1, 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 February 28, 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 February 16, 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 February 2, 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!
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T
Troy
Vancouver7 reviews
5.0
Dined on February 2, 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 January 26, 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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FAQs

Founders Club is rated 4.6 stars by 356 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Mar 15, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 16 times today

Experiences are available.

411 University St, Seattle, WA 98101-2519

Additional information

Phone number
(206) 621-1700
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Cocktail Bar
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Valet
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Eraj Jayawickreme

Founders Club

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Experiences

Behind the Bottle Series x High West Whiskey

Menu

What 356 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is Founders Club restaurant rated?

Is Founders Club currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information