Founders Club

Name: Founders Club
Address: 411 University St, Seattle, WA, United States, 98101-2519
Telephone: (206) 621-1700
Price range: $50 and over
Rating: 4.8

4.8 (361)

$50 and over

Cocktail Bar

411 University St, Seattle, WA 98101-2519

Make a reservation

2 people

May 2, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 9 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Great for creative cocktails
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

Dining style
Elegant Dining
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Cocktail Bar
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am
Phone number
(206) 621-1700
Website
https://www.fairmont.com/seattle/dining/founders-club/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Eraj Jayawickreme
Private party facilities
For larger gatherings, consider a Partial Buyout accommodating 9-15 guests, or go all out with a Full Buyout, perfect for groups of up to 35 guests. Immerse yourself in the exclusive ambiance of our bar, where each reservation option ensures a unique and memorable experience tailored to your group's size and preferences.

Location
411 University St, Seattle, WA 98101-2519
Neighborhood
Downtown
Cross street
Located on University Street in the Fairmont Olympic Hotel.
Parking details
Valet
Public transit
Bus stop on 5th avenue.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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 361 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

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.8Service
4.9Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Seattle / Eastern Washington
Most Booked 1000-Point Tables
Seattle
Romantic
Seattle
Most Booked 1000-Point Tables

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Founders Club offers a unique speakeasy experience with "the best knowledge and drinks in town." Patrons rave about its "phenomenal atmosphere" and "exceptional service." It's a perfect spot for special occasions, thanks to the "amazing" staff and meticulously crafted cocktails. While pricey, the quality and unique vibe make it worth the visit.

361 Reviews

S
Sean
San Antonio3 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Su and the bar staff are the best! Best knowledge and drinks in town. This is always the first option for company and client entertainment in town of I can get us a spot. They always love it!
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T
Terry
Seattle41 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My date and I had a fabulous experience. The cocktails were amazing although a little pricey. The service was exceptional. The atmosphere was phenomenal.
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M
Michael
Seattle14 reviews
4.0
Dined on March 16, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great spot for a drink, quiet, comfortable and the cocktails are amazing but pricey.
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k
kirans VIP
Vancouver23 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 15, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Booked same day for 8:30 and luckily we were able to snag a reservation! Got there early and we had to wait about 10 mins for our table. It’s a speakeasy. Dim lighting small space but we loved it. We were seated at the bar. The bartender was amazing! You can tell he was a perfectionist as everything was meticulously crafted. We enjoyed the drinks.
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M
Meghan
Seattle1 review
5.0
Dined on March 14, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Founders Club exceeded our expectations! The staff was knowledgeable & a blast to talk to while sitting at the bar. My boyfriend & I dressed up to make a night out of it but there were people in a more casual dress. The food was good. The drinks were incredible!
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A
Alec
San Diego2 reviews
5.0
Dined on March 14, 2025
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 on March 12, 2025
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 on March 8, 2025
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
Philadelphia10 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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FAQs

Founders Club is rated 4.8 stars by 361 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

May 2, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 9 times today

Experiences are available.

411 University St, Seattle, WA 98101-2519

Additional information

Cross street
Located on University Street in the Fairmont Olympic Hotel.
Neighborhood
Downtown
Hours of operation
Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–12:00 am
Price
$50 and over
Cuisines
Cocktail Bar
Dining style
Elegant Dining
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Valet
Public transit
Bus stop on 5th avenue.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Eraj Jayawickreme
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://www.fairmont.com/seattle/dining/founders-club/
Phone number
(206) 621-1700
Private party facilities
For larger gatherings, consider a Partial Buyout accommodating 9-15 guests, or go all out with a Full Buyout, perfect for groups of up to 35 guests. Immerse yourself in the exclusive ambiance of our bar, where each reservation option ensures a unique and memorable experience tailored to your group's size and preferences.

Founders Club

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Experiences

Behind the Bottle Series x High West Whiskey

Menu

What 361 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