Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
oChef » Oliver’s Twist – Seattle
Oliver's Twist - Seattle
Photo from Oliver’s Twist
Oliver's Twist at a glance
Seattle Phinney Ridge
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 20 of the guests
#612 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#65 Bar & Pub out of 78 in Seattle
Good
6.9 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
303
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- craft cocktails
- Cambodian dishes
- welcoming staff
Frequently criticized
- poor value
- rude service
- loud setting
The restaurant, a welcoming Bar & Pub in Seattle’s vibrant Phinney Ridge neighborhood, invites you to experience a relaxed atmosphere where even your furry friends are welcome. At Oliver’s Twist, you’ll discover a fantastic selection of hard liquor, cocktails, wine, and beer, alongside delicious food options.
It’s the perfect spot for a casual evening out, offering both happy hour drinks and food specials.
Overview: Introducting Oliver's Twist
Oliver’s Twist offers a distinctive experience, often praised for its creative cocktails and flavorful Cambodian dishes. Many guests appreciate the generally friendly atmosphere and the attentive staff who make them feel welcome.
However, some visits are marred by concerns over value, with food and drinks occasionally perceived as overpriced. There are also instances of inconsistent service and an atmosphere that can sometimes feel less inviting, impacting the overall experience.
Good
6.9
out of 10
303
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
78
negative
16
neutral
209
positive
Oliver’s Twist holds a respectable Restaurant Score of 6.9 out of 10, indicating a generally positive but not outstanding performance. Customer Satisfaction stands at 69%, placing it in the ‘mixed’ category, suggesting that while many are content, a notable portion of patrons have reservations.
Looking closer, Food leads with a strong (7.4) score, particularly for its innovative drinks and Cambodian offerings. Ambience also fares well (6.9), often described as pleasant, though some find it can be loud.
Service is an average (6.2) aspect, with many positive interactions balanced by reports of less satisfactory experiences. The primary area for improvement is Value (3.3), which consistently receives lower marks.
This assessment is drawn from 303 customer opinions, with 209 positive and 78 negative remarks.
What people like
- Exceptional craft cocktails
- Delicious Cambodian dishes
- Welcoming, knowledgeable staff
What people don't like
- Poor overall value
- Inconsistent, rude service
- Loud, uncomfortable setting
If you’re seeking a spot with creative cocktails and a unique Cambodian menu, Oliver’s Twist could be a worthwhile visit. The 7.1 Recommendation Score suggests many find it a place they’d recommend, especially for its culinary strengths and often engaging atmosphere.
However, be mindful of the potential for inconsistent service and the perception of higher prices. It’s a place that shines in certain aspects but might not deliver uniform excellence across the board, so manage your expectations regarding overall value.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Oliver's Twist
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 86% of the guests
Based on 168 customer opinions, the food here generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.4 and 75% customer satisfaction, many rave about the expertly crafted cocktails, unique Cambodian dishes, and tasty small plates like pork egg rolls and truffle popcorn. It seems theres plenty to love for your palate.
However, not every bite is a winner. While 34 negative opinions were noted, some found certain snacks and spring rolls underwhelming, while the cod curry and other dishes were occasionally criticized for being overpriced or not quite hitting the mark. A few also felt the Cambodian food wasnt as authentic as hoped.
Food
168
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
34
negative
8
neutral
126
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious cocktails
- Unique Cambodian food
- Tasty small plates
What people don't like
- Food can be overpriced
- Some dishes underwhelm
- Authenticity concerns
Often praised
- foodMy experience at Oliver's Twist was wonderful. We love the consistently delicious cocktails and the yummy food. The friendly atmosphere makes it a place we often stop at, and we usually end up staying longer than planned!
- cocktailsThe food was good, with great snacks available. I was particularly impressed with the amazing cocktails, which featured a menu dedicated to classics, long-forgotten cocktails, and original recipes inspired by them. Our service was friendly, and our bartender was very knowledgeable, offering insights into the history of the drinks.
- drinksThis was our first visit to the restaurant, and it certainly won't be our last. We enjoyed tasty drinks and delicious small plates. The service was on-point throughout our meal.
- truffle popcornthe truffle popcorn was delicious
- craft cocktailsfinest craft cocktails you will find
- Cambodian dishesThe Cambodian dishes we tried were so good
- Cambodian foodserving Cambodian food for take out. And you can still order cocktails to go!! It is so delicious!!!
- Cambodian menutry the Cambodian menu they added... It was fantastic!
- delicious cocktailslow ABV cocktails but also that they were delicious
- negroniTheir daiquiri and negroni are also a great way
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food, perhaps it’s what we ordered fell far short of expectations
- drinksThe pace of service was also horrible; we waited over 30 minutes for him to return to us. The drinks were very mid. I would not come back here, especially if he was serving drinks or behind the bar.
- porkI ordered the chicken, pork sausage, and burger. The pork was steamed and not appetizing, the chicken was incredibly mediocre and not very good, and the burger was unique in a bad way. The best part was the rice.
- Cambodian foodDid not seem like authentic Cambodian food
- Pisco SourPisco Sour was meh
- SeattlizedWas Seattlized
- authentic Cambodian foodDid not seem like authentic Cambodian food
- bitesBites were a bit small
- bottleThey didnt have the bottle
- brioche s'moresthe s'mores... ugh. Advertised as a sandwich with brioche bread, we were expecting something pretty nice for 10 bucks. Alas, it truly looked like maybe three toasted marshmallows were put in a sandwich with store bought pre-sliced bread, with some chocolate sauce.
If youre looking for a spot with creative cocktails and unique Cambodian-inspired small plates, its definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some dishes might not live up to expectations or could feel a bit pricey for what you get.
Service (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 59% of the guests
It looks like service here is a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6.2 and a customer satisfaction of 58.2%. Many guests, based on 39 positive remarks, consistently praised the friendly service and lovely staff, often singling out knowledgeable bartenders and their attention to detail. It seems the team, including owners, frequently goes the extra mile, creating a welcoming and accommodating vibe.
However, with 26 negative remarks, some experiences were definitely less stellar. There were reports of disappointing service, including instances of rude employees and unprofessional behavior. Guests also noted a slow pace of service, sometimes leading to feelings of being ignored or untended to.
Service
67
Reviews
58%
Satisfaction
26
negative
2
neutral
39
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, kind staff
- Knowledgeable bartenders
- Attentive, top-notch service
What people don't like
- Rude, hostile staff
- Slow, inattentive service
- Unprofessional behavior
Often praised
- serviceMy experience was with takeout. The food was ready quickly and the service was good. However, the food was so overpriced for the amount and the quality.
- staffI stumbled into this neighborhood spot for predinner drinks and was so impressed with the drinks and staff. Benji helped us out and made us feel so welcomed, like talking to an old friend without missing a beat. My favorite drink of the night was the il duce, a nutmeg margarita that marries mezcal and tequila with nutmeg.
- ServiceService:5
- ChaiYears later, my daughter is now 23, and we called to buy her a gift for her birthday. Chai was so sweet and helpful! Our daughter ultimately decided to go elsewhere because of the change in the menu, with much less vegetarian options.
- attention to detailplace has that kind of attention to detail
- bartenderI was particularly impressed with the amazing cocktails, which featured a menu dedicated to classics, long-forgotten cocktails, and original recipes inspired by them. Our service was friendly, and our bartender was very knowledgeable, offering insights into the history of the drinks. I highly recommend asking about your drink!
- bartendersBartenders that know how to mix
- best staffthe best staff around
- communitythey give a lot back to the community
- cook/ownercook/owner? included, was really nice
Frequently criticized
- serviceWhile the cocktails are generally good, some are unbalanced. However, even a strong drink program can't overcome the disappointing service and food. Most recently, half the menu was unavailable, leaving only spring rolls and a few variations of noodle bowls with spring rolls.
- serverhired this monster of a server. I have never encountered anyone like this. What a rude, despicable guy.
- bartenderThe bartender made it an extremely unpleasant experience.
- behind the baror behind the bar. Absolutely unprofessional.
- experienceMy experience at Oliver Twist was incredibly disappointing, especially considering it was supposed to be a birthday celebration. The bartender made it an extremely unpleasant experience. What should have been a fun and memorable night quickly turned into an uncomfortable and frustrating experience.
- forgotten tableWhen you know you are the forgotten table
- hospitalityit was the literal opposite of hospitality
- lesser serviceyou will get lesser service
- new partiesNew parties kept being seated
- outsiderif you are an outsider prepare to loathe every second of it
If you value friendly, knowledgeable staff and a welcoming atmosphere, you might have a great experience here. However, be aware that some guests have encountered slow service or even rude staff, so it could be a hit or miss depending on your visit.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 52% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot generally hits the mark, scoring a 6.9 and boasting a 72.9% customer satisfaction rate, which is quite good! Based on 59 opinions, with 43 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the dimly lit atmosphere, romantic ambiance, and cozy atmosphere, often enhanced by live music. It's seen as a perfect place for dates or catching up with friends, offering a great vibe and lovely decor.
However, not everyone is entirely charmed. The 11 negative comments point to some areas needing attention. Some found the music oppressively loud, while others mentioned uncomfortable seats and issues like no ventilation or a filthy restaurant.
These aspects can definitely detract from an otherwise pleasant experience.
Ambience
59
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
11
negative
5
neutral
43
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Romantic ambiance
- Cozy atmosphere
- Live music
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Uncomfortable seats
- Poor ventilation
Often praised
- atmosphereWe love the consistently delicious cocktails and the yummy food. The friendly atmosphere makes it a place we often stop at, and we usually end up staying longer than planned!
- vibeWonderful vibe
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceThe ambiance was really great here.
- cocktail barvery nice cocktail bar
- cozy atmospheretake in the cozy atmosphere
- Life jazzThere was Life jazz, too
- art on the wallsabundance of great art on the walls
- barI love this bar
- casual datesgreat for casual dates
Frequently criticized
- RestaurantRestaurant is filthy
- guestsdrunk obnoxious guests out front obviously over served
- musicthe music oppressively loud
- neighborhood barthis isn't that place anymore
- nightThe bartender made it an extremely unpleasant experience. What should have been a fun and memorable night quickly turned into an uncomfortable and frustrating experience. I rarely leave negative reviews, but this one felt necessary.
- parkingParking can be a bit hard to find
- popcorn machinethe popcorn machine produces a bunch of smoke
- seatsthe seats uncomfortable
- social clubWrapped in their own social club
- sound system speakersspeakers for the sound system were in the back and turned up loud
If youre looking for a romantic or cozy spot with good music and a lively vibe, this place is generally a solid choice. Just be aware that some guests have experienced issues with noise levels, seating comfort, or ventilation, which might be a dealbreaker if youre sensitive to those things.
Value (3.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
When it comes to value, theres a tiny glimmer of hope! One customer did find a good price on a Moscow mule, which is a nice little win. It seems that specific drink might be a sweet spot if youre looking for a deal, based on the 1 positive comment we saw.
However, the overall picture for value isnt so bright. With a low score of 3.3 and customer satisfaction at a mere 11.1%, its clear theres significant room for improvement. Many felt the raised prices made items overpriced, noting that the value for money just wasnt there.
Out of 9 total comments, 7 expressed disappointment, with some even saying the prices were huge.
Value
9
Reviews
11%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good Moscow mule price
What people don't like
- Raised prices
- Overpriced food/drinks
- Poor value for money
Often praised
- good priceGood price on a Moscow mule
Frequently criticized
- pricewe were expecting something pretty nice for 10 bucks
- pricesLower the prices or make better food
- overpricedThe environment was cute, which was a pleasant start. However, the food and drinks were unfortunately not tasty, and I found them to be overpriced. Given these issues, I can't say I would go back here.
- raised pricesraised prices, they choke you out
- value for moneythe value for money just wasn’t there
If youre really watching your wallet, this spot might disappoint, as most find the prices too high for what you get. Unless youre specifically after that Moscow mule deal, you might want to look elsewhere for better value.
How are the prices at Oliver's Twist?
You’re looking at roughly 30 per person – reported by 20 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the bigger picture, prices are quite varied! While a good chunk of guests spend in the 11 – 30 $ sweet spot, we also see a fair number opting for the $41–$50 range, indicating a nice mix of options from casual drinks to more indulgent experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 20 reviews.
How does this spot stack up against similar places in Seattle when it comes to value for money?
For a Bar & Pub in Seattle, we think this pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, allowing guests to enjoy a casual outing without breaking the bank, while also having options for those who want to splurge a little more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Oliver's Twist
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
5
Love the bar, but it's often closed
I love this bar, but I’ve recently tried coming twice during posted hours and it’s closed.
- bar9
- posted hours2
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Birthday Celebration at Oliver Twist
My experience at Oliver Twist was incredibly disappointing, especially considering it was supposed to be a birthday celebration. The bartender made it an extremely unpleasant experience. What should have been a fun and memorable night quickly turned into an uncomfortable and frustrating experience.
I rarely leave negative reviews, but this one felt necessary. There are plenty of great bars in Seattle — sadly, this isn’t one I’ll be returning to or recommending.
- bartender2
- experience2
- night2
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Rude Service Ruined Experience
My experience at this restaurant was largely negative due to the extremely rude service. The white guy with the mustache serving and making drinks on Thursday night was sooooo rude. The attitude he displayed while we were simply ordering was hostile and uncalled for, making us feel atrocious.
The pace of service was also horrible; we waited over 30 minutes for him to return to us. The drinks were very mid. I would not come back here, especially if he was serving drinks or behind the bar.
His behavior was absolutely unprofessional.
- drinks4
- service1
- pace of service1
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Terrible Service, Never Returning
My experience at Oliver Twist was incredibly disappointing. I used to consider it one of my favorite bars, but the service was an absolute disaster. I encountered a server who was nothing short of a monster.
I've never met anyone so rude and despicable. The entire experience was terrible, and I can confidently say I'm never going back.
- server1
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Terrible Service, Avoid Oliver's Twist
My experience at Oliver's Twist with a group of friends was the literal opposite of hospitality. When a pregnant friend asked a simple and reasonable question about a nonalcoholic drink, the waiter responded with a rude, condescending tone, stating, “That’s what temperance means. ” This was not only unprofessional but also incredibly insensitive, especially as she was being cautious about her consumption.
The drinks and atmosphere could not compensate for staff who treated customers with open hostility. I would recommend skipping Oliver's Twist if you value professionalism or basic courtesy. There are many bars in Seattle that offer excellent cocktails without insulting patrons, especially while simultaneously asking for "donations" on their website to subsidize poor business practices.
- drinks6
- atmosphere6
- hospitality1
- waiter1
- staff1
What Oliver's Twist offers
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
FAQs
What kind of beverages and food can you enjoy at Oliver's Twist?
At Oliver’s Twist, you can indulge in a wide array of alcoholic beverages, including hard liquor, wine, beer, and expertly crafted cocktails. They also feature happy hour drinks. Beyond the drinks, you’ll find a selection of food items available, with happy hour food specials to complement your visit.
What unique features and services does Oliver's Twist offer its guests?
Oliver’s Twist provides several convenient services and amenities. You can choose between dine-in or takeout options. The establishment is dog-friendly, allowing pets to join you. It also offers a wheelchair accessible entrance, free Wi-Fi, and a restroom. Free street parking is available, though finding a spot can sometimes be challenging.
How does Oliver's Twist rate overall?
Oliver’s Twist has a Restaurant Score of **6.9** out of 10, with Customer Satisfaction at **69%**. Food is rated good (7.4), Ambience is good (6.9), Service is average (6.2), and Value is poor (3.3).
What are the standout features at Oliver's Twist?
Customers frequently praise the exceptional craft cocktails and the delicious Cambodian dishes. Many also appreciate the friendly and knowledgeable staff, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere.
What are common customer complaints about Oliver's Twist?
Common complaints include the perception of poor value, with some finding items overpriced. There are also reports of inconsistent or rude service, and the atmosphere can sometimes be loud or uncomfortable.