Roquette — Restaurant in Seattle

"This is my new bar", I said to Evan. We had just received an "in flight refueling" as Evan calls it (our sparkling wine was topped up while we were holding our glasses).

A lot of changed in Seattle since I left several years ago. Many of my favorite places have gone away, been boarded up or they have lost their magic due to the pandemic. So to discover that your favorite bartender has opened his own bar and to walk in and be greeted like an old friend, I immediately felt at home. It was no wonder why the place was buzzing with business.

The bar and atmosphere reflected the work and passion of the owner Erik Hakkinen. For over a decade I have seen him work next to some of the greats like Murry and now many years later, I'm delighted to be sitting at his bar.

The bar was well stocked and the bartenders never stopped for a moment, it reminded me of old times when conversations and cocktails flowed freely. Having been in several bars since I got back to Seattle, I can tell you first hand that Seattle in general is struggling but if you look hard enough you'll discover some gems and Roquette is certainly one of them.

For the Filipinos, Sir Eric is a proud of his half pinoy son and pinay asawa. We had the chance to talk about the Philippines a bit as now we have something in common that we never knew.

I'm looking forward for a few more visits before heading back to the...

Disappointed by Unfair Treatment and Poor Service

I was really looking forward to visiting The Roquette on Friday, January 31, 2025, but unfortunately, the experience left me disappointed. My party of two arrived at 8:25 PM and patiently waited in line outside in the cold for our turn to be seated. Another party of two was behind us, also waiting.

However, despite our patience, we witnessed a couple walk in—without a reservation—who were friends with the host/waiter. Instead of seating the next guests in line, the host allowed them to cut ahead and take a booth before us. It was an uncomfortable and awkward situation, and while we didn’t want to make a scene, it was interesting to see such unfair treatment. In fact, the other party waiting behind us was so put off that they left for another bar.

For the overpriced drinks here, I expected much better service and fairness. I have been to this bar many times in recent years, but after tonight, this will be my last visit. I hope management takes this feedback seriously and ensures that all customers, regardless of personal connections, receive the same level of...

I need to be careful. There are about 500 bars within walking distance of our new apartment. With my love of booze, this can be a land mine leaden field for me to navigate. Caution has to be applied.

Roquette is tiny, like most of the bars in Belltown. Again, I was the oldest dude in the place, but unlike other cities, Seattle doesn’t practice bar ageism. They reserve that for employment. My bartender Jessie, a refugee from his own bar in Pioneer Square, allowed me to taste a beautiful vermouth. I never take vermouth in my martinis. Most bars never refrigerate their vermouth, forgetting it’s ostensibly a wine. Jessie prepared my vodka martini with this vermouth, see my photo, and it was wonderful. Thanks Jessie. I will be back to Roquette, but maybe once a week. My liver is crying out...