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oChef » Fountain Wine Bar – Seattle
Fountain Wine Bar - Seattle
Photo from Fountain Wine Bar
Fountain Wine Bar at a glance
Seattle Central Business District
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 13 of the guests
#769 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#86 Restaurant out of 94 in Seattle
Average
5.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
149
Reviews
52.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Cosy Atmosphere
- Attentive Service
- Good Drinks
Frequently criticized
- Slow Service
- High Prices
Overview: Introducting Fountain Wine Bar
Fountain Wine Bar offers a generally pleasant experience, with many appreciating its cosy ambience and opportunities for people watching. Guests often find the staff to be friendly and attentive, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
However, some visits to Fountain Wine Bar have been marred by significant service lapses, with reports of long waiting times and unacknowledged patrons. The food quality has also been a point of contention for some, alongside concerns about drink prices.
Average
5.6
out of 10
149
Reviews
52.3%
Satisfaction
58
negative
13
neutral
78
positive
Fountain Wine Bar holds an overall score of 5.6, placing it in the average category, with customer satisfaction at a mixed 52.3%. Based on 149 customer remarks, with 78 positive against 58 negative, the Ambience (7.1) stands out as a strong point, often described as pleasant and cosy.
The Food (6.1) also receives an average rating, with some dishes earning praise. Conversely, Service (4.6) appears to be a notable area for improvement, with many experiences falling short of expectations.
The Value (3.9) also struggles, frequently cited as a concern regarding pricing. This divergence between the appealing atmosphere and inconsistent service and value is a key takeaway from customer feedback.
What people like
- Pleasant Ambience
- Friendly Staff
- Select Dishes Praised
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Service
- Questionable Value
With a recommendation score of 5.5, Fountain Wine Bar presents a mixed proposition. While it offers a pleasant setting and some enjoyable menu items, the overall experience can be inconsistent, particularly concerning service and value.
If you’re seeking a relaxed atmosphere for a drink and perhaps a specific, well-regarded dish, it might be worth a visit. However, for those prioritizing consistent service and clear value, you might find other options more satisfying.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Fountain Wine Bar
Food (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
Alright, lets talk food! It seems like a bit of a mixed bag here, with a score of 6.1 putting it squarely in the average category, and customer satisfaction at a 56.9% mixed rating. However, theres definitely some good stuff happening, with 33 positive comments out of 58 total.
Many guests enjoyed the margarita pizza, mac n cheese, and Caesar Salad with salmon, often praising the food quality and drinks like the draft beers. On the flip side, 18 negative comments point to some areas needing attention. Some found the buffalo chicken to be lukewarm, and there were complaints about cold chowder and buffet food being of poor quality.
The burger also received criticism for its patty and preparation, suggesting inconsistency in execution.
Food
58
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
18
negative
7
neutral
33
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious mac n cheese
- Great draft beers
- Quality salmon burger
What people don't like
- Cold buffet food
- Lukewarm buffalo chicken
- Poor quality burger
Often praised
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had a delicious pretzel and some drinks. The service was great, and I highly recommend trying the draft beers.
- foodOur food was delicious
- Caesar Salad with salmonCaesar Salad with salmon and the apple pie. Both very very good.
- Chef Larkinprepared on location by Chef Larkin
- Handcrafted Wild King Salmon BurgerHandcrafted Wild King Salmon Burger was very good
- apple pieCaesar Salad with salmon and the apple pie. Both very very good.
- beerdrinking a beer is actually rather nice
- bread puddingbread pudding was decent
- caesar saladThe naked wings, fries, and a caesar salad which was amazing!!!
- chipsappreciated the complimentary chips
Frequently criticized
- food qualitythe food was lower quality than what was expected
- Caesar saladWhile the seating by the windows was the only great thing and our server was excellent, the food was not good. The buffalo chicken was lukewarm, the fries were hard, and the Caesar salad was sad with stale cheese crisp.
- bottom shelfmany were bottom shelf
- breakfastdefinitely do not come here for breakfast
- buffalo chickenbuffalo chicken was luke warm
- buffet foodThe buffet food is mostly cold
- buffet onlyIt’s buffet only
- burgerit came out like a hockey puck
- chowderMy chowder was cold
- friesWhile the seating by the windows was the only great thing and our server was excellent, the food was not good. The buffalo chicken was lukewarm, the fries were hard, and the Caesar salad was sad with stale cheese crisp.
If youre heading out, you might find some delicious comfort food like mac n cheese or a good pizza, especially with their praised drinks. But be cautious if youre considering the buffet or certain main dishes, as consistency in quality seems to be a bit of a gamble.
Service (4.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 78% of the guests
When it comes to service, there are definitely some bright spots! Out of 52 comments, 20 were positive, highlighting amazing service from the staff and bartenders. Many guests praised individual servers for being attentive and friendly, ensuring drinks were always full and experiences were great.
It seems some team members truly shine. However, the overall picture is a bit more challenging. While the service scores an average 4.6, customer satisfaction sits at a poor 38.5%, indicating significant room for improvement.
With 29 negative comments, issues like long waiting times, order accuracy problems, and unresponsive servers were frequently mentioned. Guests reported frustrating wait times for tables or checks, and a general lack of server attention from some waitresses.
Service
52
Reviews
38%
Satisfaction
29
negative
3
neutral
20
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Great bartenders
- Fast service
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Rude staff
- Order accuracy issues
Often praised
- serviceThe service was on point. Our drinks were always full.
- staffeveryone I encountered at the Sheraton was friendly and welcoming
- serverThe server was very nice and attentive.
- MichelleMichelle was an absolute gem
- amazing serviceThank you for the amazing service
- bar staffAmazing bar staff
- bartenderWade is an exceptional bartender
- bartendersI had a great time here with my girlfriend. The bartenders were so nice. I don’t know why the rating here is so low because I really enjoyed it!
- service at the barour service at the bar was brief
- waitressincluding Hibo my waitress
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was extremely negative due to the terrible service. I sat myself and waited for thirty minutes with absolutely no waitress stopping by. I received "I'll be right with you" three times after raising my hands at least five times to gesture that I would like to order.
- bartenderThe bar tender didn't really seem to care.
- servercontinued to slap the napkin in front of me and walked away
- serversno acknowledged whatsoever by the servers walking by
- waiting timewaited about 20-25 minutes with no acknowledged whatsoever
- ServiceDo not dine here. Service is terrible.
- employeeNo employee was visible
- get a tableSlow slow slow service. It took us forever to get a table and forever to get the check settled. I say go for a drink but leave it at that.
- get the checkSlow slow slow service. It took us forever to get a table and forever to get the check settled. I say go for a drink but leave it at that.
- hotel staffhotel staff as they did nothing to help resolve this issue
So, what's the verdict? If you catch the right server or bartender, you might have a great experience. But be prepared for potentially long waits and inconsistent service, as it seems to be a bit of a gamble.
Ambience (7.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
The vibe here seems to hit the mark for many! With a solid score of 7.1 and customer satisfaction at 76.7%, its clear most folks enjoy the atmosphere. Out of 30 opinions, 23 rave about the relaxing atmosphere, great views, and prime location for people watching, often noting the cosy ambience and quiet noise level.
However, a few of the 5 negative comments point out that it definitely feels like a hotel bar, which might not be what some expect. Theres also a feeling that the sign outside can be a bit deceiving, leading to expectations of a dedicated wine bar that aren't met.
Ambience
30
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
5
negative
2
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Relaxing atmosphere
- Great views
- People watching
What people don't like
- Feels like hotel bar
- Sign misleading
- Not a wine bar
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was nice
- people watchingThe drinks were good and generous. I enjoyed the excellent people watching from the window seats. While I didn't try the food, I appreciated the complimentary chips.
- placequiet, pleasant place to catch your breath
- viewsNice views around you of downtown
- ambienceLet me start by saying everyone I encountered at the Sheraton was friendly and welcoming, including Hibo, my waitress. The bar is nice, and the candles make for a cosy ambience. I would recommend it for a nice, relaxing drink when downtown and even to enjoy some people watching if you're by the window.
- barLet me start by saying everyone I encountered at the Sheraton was friendly and welcoming, including Hibo, my waitress. The bar is nice, and the candles make for a cosy ambience. I would recommend it for a nice, relaxing drink when downtown and even to enjoy some people watching if you're by the window.
- candlesthe candles make for a cosy ambience
- friendly atmosphereFriendly atmosphere
- locationenjoyed the location
- loverly placeloverly place to have an after concert drink
Frequently criticized
- Sheraton hotelI’m spect something better from Sheraton hotel.
- atmosphereAtmosphere:2
- hotel barthis is definitely a hotel bar
- sign outsideThe sign outside was deceiving.
- wine barIt's definitely not a wine bar
If youre looking for a relaxing spot with good views and a cosy atmosphere, especially for people watching, this place is a solid choice. Just manage your expectations that its primarily a hotel bar, not a dedicated wine bar, and you'll likely have a great time.
Value (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few diners (2 out of 9 comments) did find the prices werent bad, even noting they were reasonably priced for a hotel. These positive remarks highlight that some guests found the cost acceptable, though they are in the minority. However, the majority of feedback (6 negative comments) points to significant concerns.
Many felt drinks and overall prices were high, with some even saying it wasnt worth the cost. The overall score for value is a poor 3.9, and customer satisfaction sits at a very low 22.2%, suggesting that most guests felt the offerings didn't justify the expense.
Value
9
Reviews
22%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable hotel prices
What people don't like
- High drink prices
- Overall cost too high
- Not worth the cost
Often praised
- pricereasonably priced for a hotel
- pricesthe prices here aren't bad
Frequently criticized
- $32it’s $32
- costThe buffet options included eggs (which seemed powdered), sausage, bacon, bread pudding, bagels, and cereal. Overall, it was 0% worth the cost.
- drinksDrinks may be a little pricey
- identical products20-50% more per bottle than the Target and Walgreens stores for identical products
- priceFor this price, and the way the menu presented itself, they could do a whole lot better
- pricesThe prices seem high to me
If youre heading here, be prepared that the value might not meet your expectations, especially concerning drink prices and overall cost. While a few found it reasonable for a hotel, the majority felt the offerings didnt justify the expense, so manage your budget accordingly.
How are the prices at Fountain Wine Bar?
You’re looking at roughly 35 per person – reported by 13 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 35, many guests actually spend a bit more, often in the $41–$50 range. Theres also a good number spending less, so youll find a nice mix of price points.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 13 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Restaurant in Seattle, especially since theres a good range of options. You can likely find something to fit your budget, whether youre looking for a slightly cheaper bite or a more premium experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Fountain Wine Bar
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Food and Attentive Service
My experience at the restaurant was very positive. The food was delicious and the price was reasonable for a hotel. Our waitress, Makesa, was incredibly attentive and friendly.
The atmosphere was also great, contributing to a wonderful dinner experience.
- food10
- price8
- waitress Makesa10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Thirty Minutes Wait, No Service
My experience at this restaurant was extremely negative due to the terrible service. I sat myself and waited for thirty minutes with absolutely no waitress stopping by. I received "I'll be right with you" three times after raising my hands at least five times to gesture that I would like to order.
Ultimately, I left without being served.
- waitress1
- wait time1
- service1
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
6
Mixed Experience: Drinks Good, Food Cold
My experience at this restaurant was a bit mixed. I met some friends here, and while the atmosphere was nice (rated 4/5) and the noise level was quiet, making conversation easy, the food was a letdown. The menu felt "weirdly put together.
" I ordered the chowder in a bread bowl, and unfortunately, it arrived cold. My wife's burger and fries were just okay, "nothing special. " To make matters worse, my friends also experienced cold chowder and had to send both back.
The drinks, however, were good. If I were to return, it would probably be just for drinks.
- atmosphere8
- noise level10
- menu5
- chowder2
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
1
Terrible Service at Fountain Wine Bar
On Thursday, August 7th, my husband and I visited the Fountain Wine Bar in Seattle, located underneath the Sheraton Grand in downtown. We had previously only had drinks there, but decided to have dinner after a day of sightseeing. Upon arrival, we chose a "seat yourself" table.
We waited approximately 20-25 minutes without any acknowledgment from the servers, while other guests who arrived later were served more quickly. My husband eventually went to the bar to order our food and drinks. Shortly after, a server approached our table, placed napkins down without greeting me, and commented on my husband ordering at the bar.
When I explained our long wait, she turned away, made a "shooshing" gesture at me, and went to another table. I was offended and asked for her name, which she refused to give, covering her name badge. The bartender also refused to disclose her name, citing secrecy.
When my husband approached the server, she became irate, asked for our room number, and then alerted security. We were stopped by security and had to explain the situation. Fortunately, security provided the server's name, Tiba.
We returned to our room and called the hotel to file a formal complaint. The manager on duty was dismissive, stating "it's been a long night. " We have received no follow-up in four days, and it's impossible to reach the lobby by phone.
This experience was ruined by Tiba and the hotel staff, who failed to resolve the issue for their Elite members. Truly a disappointing experience. Do not dine here.
Service is terrible.
- waiting time1
- servers1
- service1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Pretzels and Great Service!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had a delicious pretzel and some drinks. The service was great, and I highly recommend trying the draft beers.
The atmosphere was also a highlight, rated a 5 out of 5.
- pretzel9
- drinks8
- service10
What Fountain Wine Bar offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
How does Fountain Wine Bar generally score with customers?
Fountain Wine Bar holds an average overall score of **5.6** out of 10, with customer satisfaction at **52.3%**. Its **Ambience** (7.1) is well-regarded, while **Food** (6.1) is average, and **Service** (4.6) and **Value** (3.9) often receive lower marks.
What do customers appreciate most about the atmosphere at Fountain Wine Bar?
Many customers enjoy the **cosy ambience**, finding it a pleasant and quiet place for **people watching** with nice views, especially from the window seats.
Are there any common complaints about Fountain Wine Bar?
Yes, frequent complaints revolve around **inconsistent service**, with reports of long **waiting times** and unacknowledged patrons. Some also find the **drinks** to be pricey, impacting the overall value.