I've been here with coworkers a couple times before but this time with my spouse was a step up since October. I don't know if there was something in the air or what but everyone was in synchronicity to say. The entire staff was very welcoming, accommodating and knowledgeable of the hotel and menu. They were hospitable including valet on the way in. The manager came by and told us about the University's history at the hotel along with the origin of this bar (the original lobby bar) which was nice and we love fun facts like that. We will be back because of that environment that is being provided at the Founder's Club. We felt like royalty and it's a perfect luxurious touch to a night out.
Thai20
Upon arrival, the host wasn't very welcoming. He was actually a bit hostile. We had a reservation here and he pointed to areas that were empty and when I pointed to where we'd like to sit he said it wasn't available.. with an attitude - what was the point of pointing to the areas if we weren't allow to sit there. Our only option was in a tight corner in the back. We sat down and our waiter she was actually very nice and sweet. The drinks were good. We took 2 pictures total with a film camera and the host came up to us telling us that we weren't allow to take flash photos. When I've seen others plenty of times here do so. The host that made us feel unwelcome the entire time so we hurried and finished our drink and decided to just have more drinks in the lobby instead. We thought maybe it was a bad day for him but we seen him be nice to everyone else but just us. Such an unpleasant time here at the Founders when I go to the Fairmont all the time and everyone is always so sweet and welcoming.
A M
Amazing experience at the bar plus tasteful american food such as chicken lollipops, jalapeño burger among others. Drinks are poured as deserved and service by Andrew is exceptional. Great to stop by if you are around.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chardonnay
John Doe
Finally got in and it was worth the wait. Grade A.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Ralphy Ralphy
Very accommodating and informative. From start to finish is was top notch. No wonder it’s in high demand and always on a waitlist.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
SusanL
A “secret” bar designed with an air of mystery, cleverly hidden behind a bookcase. You can only gain access to this small, but elegant “speakeasy” via the hostess lingering near the bookshelves, and/or through OpenTable reservations. The experience was like being in a small, exclusive club, with plenty of personal attention from the wait staff. Our cocktails were perfect!
Andrea
Last night did not disappoint! Amazing job by the bar staff. They were rather busy when we first arrived but service was fantastic and they have been consistent. Noticed how everyone at the bar (not from same groups) were having a fantastic time and appeared that they were attended to with care. Good selections of liquors (specially harder to find whiskies and unicorns). They make great cocktails that we continue to come back. WORTH IT!
SylR
Overall it was a decent experience but it was pretty low brow for an employee to ask us to leave 2 minutes after we closed our tab because “someone was waiting for our table” the Fairmont Olympic is a top end establishment in my opinion and my favorite hotel in Seattle. But I may not visit the founders room again because of this tacky interaction. We purchased multiple rounds of drinks and tipped adequately but being asked to leave immediately after closing our tab is classless and unnecessary. I actually wasn't even finished drinking my last drink before we were bothered with this. “I hate to bother you” but then proceeding to bother me. Is terrible customer service. I wish that this would've been done prior to me closing my tab so I could've reflected my displeasure in my gratitude.
RandyM
Sat at the bar, had a couple of drinks. The bartender, Su, is outstanding and the service from all is superior. And they have a pretty excellent selection of drinks and various spirits, all expertly crafted. I'll be back.
Andrew Rosenthal
Ellen and Su and the team at Founder’s were fantastic. We were already impressed by the low key and thoughtful atmosphere, and really blown away by the smart guidance and expertly crafted drinks. Can’t wait to return.
The Founders Club is marketed as an exclusive place, but in reality it just seves overprices cocktails, poorly made by what appears to be inexperienced bar tenders. We ordered a couple of Manhattans and GTs, which are not exactly novelties in any rosters and the mix was wrong - too much vermouth in one and not enough gin on the others. Service was mediocre and impersonal. It's not worth the money or the trouble. The bar just outside the club is far better in variety and service altogether.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 2
Javi
Service is
Service: 1
Sharath Chandra
Loved every minute of this bar and the staff there.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Lena _K
(Visited in January 2024)Visited twice while staying at the hotel. A hidden world beyond the wonderful bookshelf, speakeasy? Non-alcoholic cocktail ‘Spanish Cloud’ recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nick
French 75?was a bit too lemony. All drinks very drinkable. I'm not a fan of known drinks with a big twist in the preparation. Except something and get something else. Presentation was beautiful. 6th time there, 7th will be soon.
I've been here with coworkers a couple times before but this time with my spouse was a step up since October. I don't know if there was something in the air or what but everyone was in synchronicity to say. The entire staff was very welcoming, accommodating and knowledgeable of the hotel and menu. They were hospitable including valet on the way in. The manager came by and told us about the University's history at the hotel along with the origin of this bar (the original lobby bar) which was nice and we love fun facts like that. We will be back because of that environment that is being provided at the Founder's Club. We felt like royalty and it's a perfect luxurious touch to a night out.
Upon arrival, the host wasn't very welcoming. He was actually a bit hostile. We had a reservation here and he pointed to areas that were empty and when I pointed to where we'd like to sit he said it wasn't available.. with an attitude - what was the point of pointing to the areas if we weren't allow to sit there. Our only option was in a tight corner in the back. We sat down and our waiter she was actually very nice and sweet. The drinks were good. We took 2 pictures total with a film camera and the host came up to us telling us that we weren't allow to take flash photos. When I've seen others plenty of times here do so. The host that made us feel unwelcome the entire time so we hurried and finished our drink and decided to just have more drinks in the lobby instead. We thought maybe it was a bad day for him but we seen him be nice to everyone else but just us. Such an unpleasant time here at the Founders when I go to the Fairmont all the time and everyone is always so sweet and welcoming.
Amazing experience at the bar plus tasteful american food such as chicken lollipops, jalapeño burger among others. Drinks are poured as deserved and service by Andrew is exceptional. Great to stop by if you are around.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chardonnay
Finally got in and it was worth the wait. Grade A.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Very accommodating and informative. From start to finish is was top notch. No wonder it’s in high demand and always on a waitlist.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
A “secret” bar designed with an air of mystery, cleverly hidden behind a bookcase. You can only gain access to this small, but elegant “speakeasy” via the hostess lingering near the bookshelves, and/or through OpenTable reservations. The experience was like being in a small, exclusive club, with plenty of personal attention from the wait staff. Our cocktails were perfect!
Last night did not disappoint! Amazing job by the bar staff. They were rather busy when we first arrived but service was fantastic and they have been consistent. Noticed how everyone at the bar (not from same groups) were having a fantastic time and appeared that they were attended to with care. Good selections of liquors (specially harder to find whiskies and unicorns). They make great cocktails that we continue to come back. WORTH IT!
Overall it was a decent experience but it was pretty low brow for an employee to ask us to leave 2 minutes after we closed our tab because “someone was waiting for our table” the Fairmont Olympic is a top end establishment in my opinion and my favorite hotel in Seattle. But I may not visit the founders room again because of this tacky interaction. We purchased multiple rounds of drinks and tipped adequately but being asked to leave immediately after closing our tab is classless and unnecessary. I actually wasn't even finished drinking my last drink before we were bothered with this. “I hate to bother you” but then proceeding to bother me. Is terrible customer service. I wish that this would've been done prior to me closing my tab so I could've reflected my displeasure in my gratitude.
Sat at the bar, had a couple of drinks. The bartender, Su, is outstanding and the service from all is superior. And they have a pretty excellent selection of drinks and various spirits, all expertly crafted. I'll be back.
Ellen and Su and the team at Founder’s were fantastic. We were already impressed by the low key and thoughtful atmosphere, and really blown away by the smart guidance and expertly crafted drinks. Can’t wait to return.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
The Founders Club is marketed as an exclusive place, but in reality it just seves overprices cocktails, poorly made by what appears to be inexperienced bar tenders. We ordered a couple of Manhattans and GTs, which are not exactly novelties in any rosters and the mix was wrong - too much vermouth in one and not enough gin on the others. Service was mediocre and impersonal. It's not worth the money or the trouble. The bar just outside the club is far better in variety and service altogether.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 2
Service is
Service: 1
Loved every minute of this bar and the staff there.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
(Visited in January 2024)Visited twice while staying at the hotel. A hidden world beyond the wonderful bookshelf, speakeasy? Non-alcoholic cocktail ‘Spanish Cloud’ recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
French 75?was a bit too lemony. All drinks very drinkable. I'm not a fan of known drinks with a big twist in the preparation. Except something and get something else. Presentation was beautiful. 6th time there, 7th will be soon.