Highlights
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Oliver’s – Seattle
Oliver's - Seattle
Photo from Oliver’s
Oliver's at a glance
Seattle Central Business District
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 41 of the guests
#298 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#39 Restaurant out of 94 in Seattle
Good
7.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
450
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
Often praised
Frequently criticized
The restaurant Oliver’s, nestled in Seattle’s vibrant Central Business District, invites you to a truly memorable dining experience. You’ll discover an upscale yet cozy and trendy atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
Known for its great wine list, Oliver’s also offers an impressive selection of hard liquor, cocktails, and beer. Whether you’re seeking a delightful breakfast, a leisurely brunch, or a sophisticated dinner, you’ll find it here.
Overview: Introducting Oliver's
Good
7.9
out of 10
450
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
62
negative
19
neutral
369
positive
What people like
What people don't like
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Verdict: Our expert take on Oliver's
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 84% of the guests
When it comes to the food and drink experience, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.9 score and a solid 81.5% customer satisfaction. Guests frequently rave about the excellent Martinis, cocktails, and burgers, alongside delicious share plates. With 176 positive remarks out of 216 total, its clear many leave happy with the offerings.
However, not every dish is a winner, as indicated by 29 negative pieces of feedback. Some found the Caesar salad disappointing, fish n chips mediocre, or experienced a dull taste in certain items. The unimpressive cheese plate' also drew some criticism, suggesting a few areas could use a culinary boost.
Food
216
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
29
negative
11
neutral
176
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent cocktails
- Tasty burgers
- Delicious small plates
What people don't like
- Poor Caesar salad
- Soggy fish n chips
- Dull food taste
Often praised
- drinksI walked over to Oliver's and was immediately impressed. The drinks were great, the service was excellent, and the place had real character. I think this is now my regular spot whenever I'm in the area, regardless of which hotel I'm staying at.
- cocktailsI had a disappointing experience at Oliver's, a place I've visited multiple times for their excellent cocktails and convenient location near Seattle attractions. This was my first time ordering food, and it was a letdown.
- foodIt was earthy and not salty! I will definitely come back to enjoy the atmosphere and the food. Thank you, Matt.
- martinisAfter staying in Seattle for days, I can confidently say this restaurant offers the best food and drink we've had yet. They are true experts in martinis, especially the famous Vesper martini from Casino Royale! The oyster dip and risotto were fantastic.
- FoodI had the polenta dumpling Shakshuka, which was perfect, and the hibiscus butter/rhubarb preserve pancakes were dreamy! The food was exceptional, and the atmosphere was great.
- SazeracThe Sazerac is made with French absinthe and the best we've tried
- burgerArguably the best burger in Seattle
- drinka bite of food and a drink trust that you will enjoy it
- drink menuThe customer service was impeccable, with Taylor providing excellent recommendations for both food and drinks. I also enjoyed great service from Jessie and Benjamin at suite 410 down the street, which had a fun drink menu. I will definitely be returning to Oliver's for eating and drinking the next time I'm in town.
- Jalisco HandshakeThe Jalisco Handshake is a must-have drink
Frequently criticized
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. We waited 1 hour for food, and when it finally arrived, it was both cold and burnt. To make matters worse, they forgot part of our order, making the entire situation a mess.
- cocktailstried 5 cocktails and none of them matched the perceived fanciness
- BoulevardierWatered down overly sweet Boulevardier
- Caesar saladserved us a degrading Caesar salad
- beerThe bread was hard as a rock, and the cheese plate was unimpressive, featuring four bland cheese slices, nuts we couldn't identify due to their lack of taste, and a few olives. Even the drinks weren't great; the beer was awful. After spending 60 dollars, I can confidently say, 'Never again.
- better optionsthere are a lot better options nearby when it comes to drinks
- breadThe food lacked any imagination and quality, with a dull taste. The bread was hard as a rock, and the cheese plate was unimpressive, featuring four bland cheese slices, nuts we couldn't identify due to their lack of taste, and a few olives. Even the drinks weren't great; the beer was awful.
- burnt breadarrived with burnt bread
- cheese platea cheese plate that a homeless person would have thrown back
- cheese slicesfour cheese slices, bland nuts
If youre looking for a place with fantastic cocktails and solid pub-style fare like burgers and small plates, youll likely have a great time. Just be mindful that some of the more complex dishes or salads might not always live up to expectations.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a solid score of 7.6 and a customer satisfaction of 75.8%. Based on 75 positive remarks out of 99 total, guests frequently rave about the friendly staff, skilful bartenders, and excellent customer service. Many appreciate the attentive wait staff and great recommendations, making for a truly pleasant experience.
However, not every experience is perfect. There are 21 negative remarks noting occasional slow service, long wait times for drinks or food, and instances of forgotten orders. A few guests also encountered a less-than-friendly or even pretentious bartender, suggesting some inconsistencies in staff demeanor.
Service
99
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
21
negative
3
neutral
75
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, skilled bartenders
- Attentive customer service
- Quick, efficient service
What people don't like
- Slow service times
- Inconsistent staff demeanor
- Forgotten orders
Often praised
- serviceThe customer service was impeccable, with Taylor providing excellent recommendations for both food and drinks. I also enjoyed great service from Jessie and Benjamin at suite 410 down the street, which had a fun drink menu. I will definitely be returning to Oliver's for eating and drinking the next time I'm in town.
- bartenderPatrick was the most knowledgeable and entertaining bartender I have ever met.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic. I was impressed by the amazing cocktail list and the friendly staff. It's a great place to grab a pre-show drink.
- Serviceservice. Staff was attentive and courteous
- customer serviceTaylor had impeccable customer service
- hospitalitydesire a raise for hospitality and expertise that they explemfied
- waitressThe waitress removed it from the bill
- AbbyAbby was our server and when we sat down , she even sat down with us
- Conner, bartenderConner, served up Icey cold perfect martinis
- ConnorConnor, who was making the drinks, made them to perfection
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe pasta dish was okay, as was the dessert. The service was not the best, as the server would forget to ask for our food order, instead taking it individually. Overall, the atmosphere was pleasant, but the food and service were just okay.
- bartenderBartender was pretty good until she decided to not make a new $15 drink
- waitressthe bitter waitress with the scowl on her face was not happy
- DrinksDrinks take a long time after ordering
- billwere given the bill instead
- conversationHowever, the waitress, who had a bitter demeanor and a scowl, was clearly unhappy and seemed to want no one else to be happy either. When I received a FaceTime call from my sister, I was interrupted and told to end my conversation. A sign was then placed in front of me.
- dessert menuasking for the dessert (Lounge menu had been taken off the table) menu
- food orderforget to ask us for our food order
- hotel companywrite the hotel company and SURPRISE no response!!!
- orderforgot part of order
Overall, if you're looking for a place with generally good service and a high chance of encountering friendly, skilled staff, this spot is worth a visit. Just be aware that occasional inconsistencies in speed or demeanor might pop up, but the positives largely outweigh the negatives.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 68% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.3 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 93.1%. Guests frequently praise the old-school atmosphere and elegant and relaxed vibe, making it a cozy space for a quiet drink. Many love the people-watching opportunities from the huge windows in this historic location, with 108 positive remarks out of 116 total.
However, a few of the 5 negative remarks noted a perceived lack of personality or found the clientele to be bland. Some also wished for more music to enhance the atmosphere. While these are minor points, they offer a little room for improvement to perfect the overall experience.
Ambience
116
Reviews
93%
Satisfaction
5
negative
3
neutral
108
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Old-school charm
- Elegant, relaxed vibe
- Great people-watching
What people don't like
- Lacks unique personality
- Bland clientele noted
- Music often absent
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this charming lounge was defined by incredible teamwork! Stu, our bartender, ensured my beer was ice cold and served my wife a refreshing vodka cocktail.
- ambianceMy experience at the restaurant was marked by a great ambiance. The staff were friendly and professional, and it was fun to listen to their take on local lore.
- placeAfter an exhausting day of walking and viewing Seattle's downtown attractions, my wife and I were looking for a nice, quiet place to unwind and enjoy a cocktail and healthy lunch. We found the perfect spot in Oliver's Lounge after reviewing the nearby options.
- AtmosphereI had the polenta dumpling Shakshuka, which was perfect, and the hibiscus butter/rhubarb preserve pancakes were dreamy! The food was exceptional, and the atmosphere was great.
- ambienceMy experience at Oliver's was exceptional. The well-crafted drinks were a highlight, complemented by a great ambience and excellent service. These factors combined make Oliver's arguably the best hotel bar in Seattle.
- noise levelNoise level: Quiet, easy to talk
- people watchingpeople watching out the huge windows
- cocktail barone of the best cocktail bars left
- locationNice location but no personality.
- loungeThe happy hour was good with complimentary bites. Overall, it's a nice lounge. If you sit at the bar, you can enjoy people watching.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereno personality. Just another hotel bar, really.
- bathroomthe bathroom that I am aware of is inside the hotel and down half a flight of stairs
- clienteleLots of bland old rich white folks and business bros.
- musicIf they had music playing it would be a 5/5
- parking spaceDifficult to find parking
If youre seeking a charming, relaxed spot with a rich history and great people-watching, this place is definitely worth a visit. Its perfect for a cozy drink, though don't expect a lively music scene or a super unique crowd.
Value (6.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, many guests found things to smile about, especially regarding the reasonable prices and great deals on offer. The happy hour was a particular hit, often described as providing excellent bang for your buck. With 10 positive remarks out of 19 total, its clear many felt the price was right for the overall experience.
However, the picture isnt entirely rosy, as the overall score sits at an average 6.1 with customer satisfaction at a mixed 52.6%. Some found the drink prices to be on the pricier side, with a steep price tag for cocktails. These 7 negative comments suggest that while some find value, others feel their money could be better spent elsewhere.
Value
19
Reviews
52%
Satisfaction
7
negative
2
neutral
10
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- Reasonable overall price
- Debit accepted
What people don't like
- High drink prices
- Better value elsewhere
Often praised
- happy hourMy experience at this restaurant was excellent. I enjoyed the delicious cocktails and the great happy hour. While I haven't tried it yet, it appears they now offer brunch.
- Happy hour330-6pm happy hour- great "bang for the buck"
- PricePrice is right for the overall experience
- debitDebit accepted
- great dealgreat deal on prawn cocktail
- price is also reasonableThe price is also reasonable.
- pricedReasonably priced
- pricesthe prices were very reasonable
- reasonableWe found Olivers reasonable given the quality of the ingredients
Frequently criticized
- priceThe atmosphere is pretty romantic. I can't give this place a 5 because there are so many bars in the area that are nicer and better for the same price.
- bars in the areamore interesting bars in the area you could go to - probably cheaper, too.
- cocktail priceOn the pricier side, roughly 18 dollars on average for a cocktail
- drink pricesThe drink prices seem extremely high
- price tagI don't mind a steep price tag but please make it right
- value$100 after tip service, can be spent elsewhere for a much better value
If you're looking for a good deal, especially during happy hour, this spot could be a solid choice. However, be mindful of the regular drink prices, as they might leave you feeling like you could find better value elsewhere for your cocktails.
How are the prices at Oliver's?
On average, you’ll spend around 36 per person – from 41 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $31–$40 category. For a Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While the average is 36, its interesting to see that many guests actually spend less, with a good number falling into the $21–$30 and even $11–$20 brackets. But dont be surprised if you see some folks splurging, as there’s also a mix of higher-end spenders.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 41 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, for a restaurant in Seattle, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good mid-range option, with flexibility for both more budget-conscious and those looking to spend a bit more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Oliver's
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Solo Dinner
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Enjoyable Wine and Fries with Great Company
My experience at the restaurant was quite pleasant. I enjoyed some wine and fries. I had the good fortune to meet an old couple who visit every year from Gig Harbour, and we had a lovely time discussing Cary Grant movies.
The service, atmosphere, and food were all rated a perfect 5, indicating a highly enjoyable visit.
- wine9
- fries9
- Cary Grant movies9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Yummy French Toast and Great Service!
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. The space itself is described as very cozy. I ordered the French toast, and it was so yummy.
The service was great, and I would definitely recommend this place.
- cozy space9
- French toast10
- Great service9
Price per Person
- $51–$60
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Pleasing Window Seat & Great Flavors
I stopped for a cocktail and a light bite. My experience was surprisingly pleasing, especially sitting in that window. The classic flavors were amazing, and the service was great.
- classic flavors9
- service9
- window seat9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Protein Bowl & Excellent Service
My first time stopping in for a quick lunch was a great experience. The service was on a personal level, with my bartender/server, Matt, being very attentive. He ensured I didn't feel awkward sitting alone at the bar, and I felt genuinely taken care of.
I ordered a Chrysanthemum cocktail and a Cappuccino with an extra shot, and both were nothing to complain about. For my main dish, I tried the new Protein Bowl, which Matt explained. Initially, I was hesitant because it sounded too healthy, lol&lol, but it was soooo delicious, like a warm, well-presented home-cooked meal.
It had an enough amount of veggies and nuts, and the egg on top was the perfect addition, mingling well with the other ingredients. It was earthy and not salty! I will definitely come back to enjoy the atmosphere and the food.
Thank you, Matt.
- service10
- bartender/server10
- cocktail8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious Martini and Beautiful Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was centered around their award-winning martini, which absolutely did not disappoint. It was a delicious vodka martini with drunken olives. The bar itself is located in a historical hotel and boasts a beautiful atmosphere.
While we didn't eat this time, the food looked so delicious that we will definitely be back to try it.
- award-winning martini10
- vodka martini10
- drunken olives10
What Oliver's offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and special offerings are available at Oliver's?
Oliver’s provides breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with table service. You can enjoy small plates, vegetarian options, and desserts. They also offer late-night food, happy hour drinks, and happy hour food. A private dining room is available, and the bar boasts a great wine list, beer selection, and cocktails.
What accessibility features and amenities does Oliver's provide?
Oliver’s offers full accessibility with a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms. You can enjoy free Wi-Fi and usually find plenty of parking. For your convenience, curbside pickup, no-contact delivery, and takeout are available. There’s also a bar onsite, ensuring a comfortable and connected experience.