Welcome to The Backdoor
Located in Seattle’s vibrant 36th Street, The Backdoor offers a unique culinary experience that seamlessly blends authentic pit BBQ with an impressive selection of whiskies. Diners can indulge in a 14-hour hickory-smoked beef brisket or a smoky half BBQ chicken, both praised for their rich flavors and tender textures. The bar excels in crafting innovative cocktails that surprise and delight, while the friendly, attentive bartenders enhance the overall experience. Despite occasional service delays, the laid-back ambiance and live music create an inviting atmosphere, making The Backdoor a hidden gem worthy of exploration. Don’t miss the chance to savor their exquisite offerings.
- 462 N 36th St, Seattle, WA 98103, United States462 N 36th St, Seattle, WA 98103, United States Hotline: +1 206-632-7322
Welcome to The Backdoor, a hidden gem nestled at 462 N 36th St in Seattle, Washington. This unique venue blends the essence of a speakeasy with the vibrancy of a contemporary bar. Upon entering, you're welcomed by an inviting atmosphere where great food and exceptional drinks take center stage.
The Backdoor is renowned for its creative cocktails and a well-curated selection of spirits. With highlights like the Balvenie 17 Year Double Wood at $40 and the smooth Aberlour Classic Cask 12 Year for just $20, enthusiasts of fine whisky will find their haven here. But it’s not just about the drinks; the culinary offerings are equally impressive. Patrons rave about the classic hand-cut French fries topped with melted cheese and jalapenos for $4.50 and the highly praised jerk chicken tacos, which guests have dubbed some of the best in Seattle.
Customer feedback reflects a blend of appreciation for the service and the experience. For instance, one visitor described their time as an “amazing magical evening,” thanks to the stunning aerialist performance and attentive bartenders. While some reviews mention service may be slower during busy hours, the overall sentiment points to a relaxing environment where one can enjoy delightful conversations without the need to shout over loud music.
What truly sets The Backdoor apart is the connection it fosters. As one reviewer noted, the bartenders are open to creating custom cocktails based on individual preferences, adding a personal touch to each visit. This aligns with the gem’s ethos of being more than just a bar—it's a place for memorable gatherings where delicious food and drinks unite.
In summary, The Backdoor is not just a stop for drinks; it’s an experience that beckons you to linger longer, savoring each moment. Whether enjoying the truffle fries, sipping on a well-crafted cocktail, or soaking in live entertainment, you’ll find this unique spot offers a little something for everyone. But don’t forget to make a reservation, as this hidden gem can get quite popular!

Amazing magical evening. The aerialist was stunning, the music was wonderful. The whole evening felt surreal. The bartender Ireland and Brantley made sure we were taken care of all night. High recommend.

Loved our experience here. We got seated immediately at the bar. The cocktails had some surprising combinations that really worked, the bartenders were friendly and attentive. They said the kitchen had limited staff so the menu was limited to truffle fries and jerk chicken tacos, but both were absolutely fantastic. Best tacos I’ve had in Seattle actually.

Has excellent cocktails. Nice place to spend time with people over good food and good drinks. There is an option to let the bartender mix a new drink for you. That went well too! Decent small plates, potato fries and also the beans! Book a reservation as getting a table might be tough during busy hours. Didn't know concept like this existed. Place is tough to find as with speakeasy places.

Overall it was a different experience than the usual bar/restaurants in Seattle. The service was very slow I don’t know if it was a one time thing or it is their norm. ...

First time visiting and it was excellent, very relaxed, music at a great level of volume, didn't have to speak UP to the person across the table from me. Our waitress was on her first day and did a great job, the bartenders drinks were fantastic! Will return.

Felt like walking into a secret speak easy- the vibe was killer, the food was fantastic. The cocktail menu is extensive & everyone at our yable absolutely loved what we got. Have late Night food available for Night Owls strolling through. Though it is more expensive then a typical diner in the area, the price you pay is very fair for the quality you recieve in both service & food (Ryan Gosling drink for 12 , a shrimp cocktail for 2.50 & fried pickles for 5.00). Ambience absolutely kills it, will be back soon.

our new favorite place!!!! For a sultry, quirky, gloriously delicious late night bite. Located behind the deli out front, the interior is filled with murals and colorful music. The food was SO good. TBH way better than we anticipated - we figured would be more of a divey food spot. But everything was delicious. HIGHLY recommend the crab cakes - we got the bread and butter and actually layered the cakes, some tomato, the butter, and the dipping sauce and had little crab sandwiches. The bread and butter was also so good (it’s not always worth the money eh??) but especially the butter. I took that butter home!!! The cocktails were delicious - we got two mezcal cocktails per our waiter’s rec - and yes, you guessed it, our waiter was awesome as well. We will be back for sure!

My favorite speakeasy-style experience. Live music from Caety Sagoian on Wednesday was a lovely surprise! We ordered two "Pick Your Poison" cocktails with notes of bourbon, cherry, and citrus. Back in my day, this Bartender's choice drink was called "Ya Gotta Have Faith", and tonight they out-did themselves.