The Kro Bar is the exact addition that up-and-coming downtown Bothell needed. This craft cocktail bar has everything that a hit spot needs: gothic décor, an Edgar Allan Poe type ambiance, upscale food, creative cocktails, and over the top knowledgeable staff.
We were lucky enough to snag a reservation on the second night of Kro being open and what we found by far exceeded our expectations. The place was dimly lit, had crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling beautiful murals of crows on the walls, an old school movie theater set up in the loft with a black and white movie playing, antique suitcases and bird cages up top, and windows with LED changing light colors to really set the mood. We were greeted by a lovely host who let us know we would be sitting at the bartop. Kathleen, the bartender, greeted us and was able to provide a drink recommendation based on our preferences/palate-all of which were superb. We had gone in only planning to have 1 drink but due to the complexity and enticement of the menu, we ended up have not only ordering food but a total of 3 drinks each! (Which was good that we live within walking distance as although these drinks are a bit pricey, they sure do deliver with a punch!)
The food was upscale and exactly what a foodie like myself living in Bothell was looking for. We went with the Patatas Bravas and then Gnocchi Parisienne for just a little taste of food. The gnocchi were soft little pillows and the duck ragu had an essence of smoke and richness that was out of this world. The potatoes were fried to perfection and the accompanying sauces really elevated the dish.
After we each had ordered two drinks off the menu (which were some of the best cocktails we have had before), we started talking to Cameron, the bar manager, who we found out was the creator of all the cocktails on the menu. Immediately we could tell that this was his craft and he has a passion for making cocktails that is rare and unmatched compared to your typical bartender. After chatting for a while and finding out how he ended up in small-town Bothell, we asked if he would be willing to do a 'Bartender's Choice' and make us a drink off the menu to close out the night. After asking us for our alcohol preference, he made sure to see if we preferred floral vs. citrus, bitter vs. not, etc. It felt almost like dinner and a show sitting at the bar top as we were able to watch Cameron create these craft cocktails with such skill and passion. Each drink and the process of making it was unique and satisfying. I was given the best chocolate martini of my life topped with an edible flower and my boyfriend had a spin on an old-fashioned, which Cameron declared would be called "The David", completed with a spritz of absinthe (of course sprayed out of an antique perfume bottle) and was delivered lit on fire.
If you have made it to the end of this long review, I think you can tell I am giving Kro Bar a 12/10 and will DEFINITELY be back in the very near future. Thank you to Scott, the owner of this bar, for giving Bothell a late night date spot!
P.S. I recommend making a game out of trying to count how many crows (in various forms from murals, pictures, and even life sized fake crows) you can find throughout the bar! We found at least 9 but I am sure there are many...
Read morekrō bär deserves 10 stars. This place is a true gem. As you enter, you’re transported to a world with the most delicious cocktails, mouthwatering food and welcoming staff.
The space is intimate. The theme of the bar is perfectly executed - from the dark furniture and antiques to a black and white film playing above the kitchen area to the book you’ll receive at the end of your visit with your receipt. It feels exactly like a speakeasy.
The cocktail menu boasts over twenty concoctions, including three non-alcoholic options. While the “Classics” are made to perfection, it’s the “House Provisions” you have to try. They are creative and complex, yet balanced and fun. The Silent Cry is my personal favorite, but the different variations of Aqua Ardens or The Chotch have given Silent Cry some competition. For those who don’t like cocktails, there are wine and craft beer selections to choose from as well.
The food menu is fairly small, but everything I’ve tried has been delectable. I love the burrata, gnocchi Parisienne, chocolate Guinness cake and the lemon shortbread with its heavenly yuzu and lemon curd.
Lastly, there’s the staff. “Spiritual Advisor” Cameron is one of the best in the business. Not only does he possess the knowledge and skills to make the most beautiful cocktail you’ve ever tasted, but his personality makes you feel like you’ve been friends for years. I highly recommend reserving a spot at the bar to watch Cameron or Sinag, who is just as awesome, do their magic, teach you a thing or two about cocktails, or create a custom drink for you.
I’ve never been compelled to write a review, but krō bär, simply put, is special. I’ve been numerous times, too many to count at this point, and it continues to exceed my expectations each time I visit. It’s a high quality experience every single time. I highly recommend stopping by, just make sure to make a reservation before you do. You won’t be...
Read moreNew fav place for a great night out, this place legitimately has awesome vibes and yes it’s a cozy establishment maybe 9 tables max of 4 people per table and the bar area, it’s moody and I love it!!
Tables are maxed out at 4 people they can accommodate for more BUT you’d have to call to book and do so far ahead of time, service was also great (thanx John!) so let’s talk drink & food
Aqua Arden 5/5 I tried this bad boy because I saw the video and wanted my girlies to see some little Smokey bubbles but oh man I didn’t expect it to taste so good!! None of that overly sweet barely any alcohol non sense, this cocktail hits and hits hard love it!
Rib Eye & Mash potato 5/5 Ordered a medium and got it! Whoop! Love the taste and cook and portion, yes it’s pricey but I was in the mood for a steak and got what I needed, you do have to order the side separately so I did the mash, good mash nothing super fancy, straight to the point & went well with the peppercorn sauce with the steak
Scallops (special) 4/5 this thing had great flavor and a beautiful sear and whoa it was a little stringy, sigh I wish it weren’t saw cuz otherwise it would have been perfect (3 per plate)
Burrata 5/5 this dish was a perfect Burrata dish all the oils and sauces were great and the walnuts and ciabatta added the perfect...
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