Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Sonya’s – Seattle
Sonya's - Seattle
Photo from Sonya’s
Sonya's at a glance
Seattle Central Business District
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 21 of the guests
#688 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#73 Bar & Pub out of 78 in Seattle
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
250
Reviews
64.8%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Cozy vibe
- Fair prices
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- Rude staff
- Bad cocktails
The bar and pub, Sonya’s, in Seattle’s Central Business District, offers you a cozy and inviting atmosphere. This popular spot is known for its wide selection of happy hour drinks, making it a perfect destination for you to relax and unwind after a long day.
You’ll find a welcoming environment whether you’re looking for a quick drink or a full meal.
Overview: Introducting Sonya's
Sonya’s offers a setting that many find quite appealing, with a generally inviting atmosphere that makes guests feel at home. The staff often receives praise for their personable approach, contributing to a comfortable experience for many visitors.
However, the experience isn’t uniformly positive. Some patrons have encountered significant issues with the service, reporting instances of unhelpful or even rude interactions.
This inconsistency can certainly impact the overall enjoyment of a visit.
Good
6.5
out of 10
250
Reviews
64.8%
Satisfaction
72
negative
16
neutral
162
positive
Sonya’s holds an overall Restaurant Score of 6.5, placing it squarely in the average category. Customer satisfaction also sits in the mixed range at 64.8%.
These figures are drawn from 250 customer opinions, with 162 positive remarks contrasting with 72 negative ones. Looking closer, Food (8.1) stands out as a clear strength, with many finding the dishes quite satisfying.
Value (7.8) is also well-regarded, suggesting reasonable pricing. While the Ambience (7.4) generally garners good feedback, Service (4.8) is an area that clearly needs considerable attention.
What people like
- Delicious food options
- Inviting atmosphere
- Reasonable drink prices
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Rude staff interactions
- Poor cocktail preparation
With a Recommendation Score of 6.6, Sonya’s presents a somewhat mixed proposition. If you’re seeking a place with good food and a pleasant setting, and are prepared for potentially inconsistent service, it might be worth a try.
Ultimately, your experience here could hinge on the specific staff you encounter. It’s a spot that delivers on certain fronts but has clear room for improvement in others, making it a place to approach with tempered expectations.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Sonya's
Food (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 60% of the guests
The food and drink scene here is definitely a highlight, boasting a strong 8.1 score and an impressive 84.4% customer satisfaction! With 54 positive comments, guests frequently praise the delicious food, from amazing waffle fries and chicken wings to tasty chowder and a great cocktail list. It seems many are leaving well-fed and refreshed.
On the flip side, a handful of the 64 total opinions, just 5 to be exact, pointed out some areas for improvement. There were mentions of inconsistent drinks and cocktails, with some finding them not up to par. A few also felt the food selection could be more extensive, suggesting some room for growth in variety.
Food
64
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
5
negative
5
neutral
54
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious chicken wings
- Best Seattle chowder
- Excellent cocktail list
What people don't like
- Inconsistent drink quality
- Limited food options
Often praised
- foodThey were so quick with the food and their chowder is hands down the best I’ve had in Seattle. All of our guests loved the food and had the best time. The bartender was also great and so quick with the drinks even with a party of over 40.
- drinksAll of our guests loved the food and had the best time. The bartender was also great and so quick with the drinks even with a party of over 40. I can’t say enough how impressed we were and will continue to recommend Sonya’s to anyone seeking an amazing space with great food and service.
- Chef Armando De Luz Specialslook for guest Chef Armando De Luz Specials
- Negroni or Manhattanmake you a Negroni or Manhattan
- bar menuGOOD BAR MENU
- best mealmake sure you have the best meal you've ever had
- burgerTheir burger is not only delicious but also incredibly filling
- chicken quesadillashared the chicken quesadilla and the mini grilled cheese. It was so good!!
- chicken quesadillasThe chicken quesadillas – crispy, flavorful, and so filling
- chicken sandwich & totsa solid chicken sandwich & tots
Frequently criticized
- drinkstwo drinks for another customer that were undrinkable
- beerAfter witnessing the bartender/manager prepare two undrinkable drinks for another customer, we placed our order and sat down. One member of our party stayed at the bar to order a beer. When he finished his empty beer bottle, the bartender threw him out of the bar.
- cocktailsI visited with a group of friends hoping for a great evening, but unfortunately, it turned out to be the worst experience we’ve had. We sat in the back, and the bartender not only lacked basic skills in mixing cocktails correctly but was also incredibly rude. This completely ruined the atmosphere for us.
- foodFood is limited
If you're looking for a spot with generally great food, especially the wings and chowder, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that while many love the drinks, there might be some inconsistency with certain cocktails, so choose wisely!
Service (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 79% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres definitely a bright side! Many guests rave about the friendly staff and attentive bartenders, with shout-outs to individuals like Dani and Lucas for making experiences special. With 46 positive remarks out of 107 total comments, its clear that many appreciate the warm interactions and helpfulness.
However, the picture isn't entirely rosy. The service received an average score of 4.8, and customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 43%, reflecting some significant concerns. A notable 58 comments highlight issues with rude bartenders, a bad attitude, and unprofessional behavior, with some feeling staff were cold and dismissive.
Service
107
Reviews
43%
Satisfaction
58
negative
3
neutral
46
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Quick drink service
- Engaging bartenders
What people don't like
- Rude, arrogant staff
- Unprofessional behavior
- Long waiting times
Often praised
- serviceMy experience was fantastic! We had a great meal and received fantastic service before attending a Sunday show at the Moore. My friend and I shared the chicken quesadilla and the mini grilled cheese, which were both incredibly delicious.
- bartenderAll of our guests loved the food and had the best time. The bartender was also great and so quick with the drinks even with a party of over 40. I can’t say enough how impressed we were and will continue to recommend Sonya’s to anyone seeking an amazing space with great food and service.
- staffThe bar has a cosy and warm atmosphere with comfortable sofas. Initially, the staff seemed stressed and not smiling, but this changed once I engaged with them more, and they became very friendly. I also met some very interesting and fun people.
- bartendersLovely bartenders that are super personable.
- peopleGreat place for great people
- Daytime Dani and Afterhours AndreaDaytime Dani and Afterhours Andrea are the coolest, most attentive barkeeps
- LucasLucas took good care of me
- Lucas and his teamThe back area is a huge space with wooden floors and a beautiful view of the water. Lucas and his team were amazing! They were so quick with the food and their chowder is hands down the best I’ve had in Seattle.
- bartender Laurenbartender Lauren is a delight
- bartender NickBartender Nick is incredible!
Frequently criticized
- serviceOne member of our party stayed at the bar to order a beer. When he finished his empty beer bottle, the bartender threw him out of the bar. He then came over to our table and stated it was our option to leave as well, mumbling something as he walked off.
- bartenderracist bartender who already has several other reviews written about her
- attitudecoming over to take our order with a sour attitude
- bartender attitudethe bartender ... had terrible attitude and was curt and disrespectful
- staffTheir staff is inattentive and rude
- bad attitudemet with a bad attitude
- bar staffWhen I finally interjected and made it clear we were happy waiting 20 minutes, she rudely told us to just wait because she was busy, only to bring out a box of new glasses and start loading them into the dishwasher in front of us. I’m not sure I’ve ever encountered bar staff who were worse than this. Don’t waste your time.
- bartender / managerbartender / manager make 2 drinks
- bartender eatingbartender eats their own meal
- bartender mansplaining bourbonDidn't appreciate the bartender mansplaining bourbon
Service here is a bit of a gamble. While some guests rave about friendly and attentive staff, a significant number report rude or unprofessional behavior. If you're willing to roll the dice, you might have a great experience, but be prepared for potential inconsistencies.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, scoring a 7.4 and boasting 76.1% customer satisfaction, both indicating a good experience. Many guests rave about the cool vibe and cozy atmosphere, often highlighting the back room with its views and the charm of the historic building. With 54 positive remarks, its often seen as a spacious, chill spot or a lovely date night spot.
However, not everyone is thrilled, with 9 negative comments among the 71. Some feel the atmosphere can be lacking or that the place has an identity crisis. Issues like limited street parking and people smoking in the entryway also detract from the overall experience, suggesting theres room for improvement in certain areas.
Ambience
71
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
9
negative
8
neutral
54
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Spacious back room
- Cool, relaxing vibe
- Fantastic views
What people don't like
- Identity crisis felt
- Smoking in entryway
- Limited street parking
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The staff were very friendly, contributing to a great atmosphere. I also enjoyed the excellent drinks.
- ambianceI wouldn't recommend wasting your time here. Much better ambiance and service available elsewhere.
- back roomThe back room is spacious, beautiful and ready for a party!!!
- placethe place is still “Just like your Living Room”
- vibeWhat really sets Sonya’s apart is its vibe
- cozy placesuch a cozy place that made me feel like one of their own
- locationGreat location to walk around
- viewWe had our Welcome Party before our wedding at Sonya’s and it was absolutely amazing! The back area is a huge space with wooden floors and a beautiful view of the water. Lucas and his team were amazing!
- Alaska Trade BuildingThis is a beautiful historic building and a must see.
- back barFind out when he's in that BACK BAR
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereWe sat in the back, and the bartender not only lacked basic skills in mixing cocktails correctly but was also incredibly rude. This completely ruined the atmosphere for us. Definitely not what we expected and very disappointing.
- barThe bar is struggling clearly
- entrywayEveryone stands outside the door on first smoking in the entryway
- gay pasterased any hint of their gay past
- identity crisisThey have an identity crisis
- restaurantMy experience at this restaurant was not positive. I found it to be not a patch on the Mutt. The response to my feedback was also unhelpful, with the owner stating that my sentence didn't need a comma and to "Do better💅".
- street parkingJust street parking
Overall, the ambience leans positive, especially if you seek a cozy, chill spot with potential views. Just be mindful of parking and the entryway vibe. Its worth checking out for a relaxed evening, but manage expectations if youre sensitive to minor inconveniences.
Value (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 11% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 7.8, indicating a good performance, and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 100%, its clear guests are thrilled. Based on 8 overwhelmingly positive observations, especially regarding the great prices and inexpensive drinks, you can expect your wallet to be happy.
Many folks loved that Whiskey and a Beer' was around 10 bucks, making it a real find. Interestingly, there were absolutely no negative remarks about the value among the 8 customer observations, which is quite rare! It seems everyone agrees that the pricing is fair and reasonable, especially for the area, leaving no room for complaint and contributing to that stellar satisfaction.
Value
8
Reviews
100%
Satisfaction
0
negative
0
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great prices
- Inexpensive drinks
- Reasonable for area
What people don't like
Often praised
- pricesI also met some very interesting and fun people. The drinks can be sophisticated if you wish, with a great selection of brands, and the prices are reasonable. It's definitely a good place in Seattle, and I'll go again.
- drinksIt has a slightly dive-ish atmosphere, but not in a bad way. The best part is that the drinks don't cost an arm and two legs. I would definitely go back.
- priceMy experience at the restaurant was decent. It's reasonably priced for the area. However, I felt they could do with a couple more beers on tap.
- Whiskey and a BeerWhiskey and a Beer around 10 bucks
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place where your money goes further, especially for drinks, this spot is definitely worth checking out. You can expect great value without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a night out.
How are the prices at Sonya's?
You’re looking at roughly 26 per person – reported by 21 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.
While the average is 26, the spending habits are quite varied! Many guests actually spend less, often in the $11–$20 range, suggesting some great value options. But there are also diners who spend more, even up to $81–$90, indicating a mix of quick bites and more indulgent experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 21 reviews.
How this Bar & Pub’s value for money compares to similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Bar & Pub. It offers flexibility, allowing guests to enjoy a quick, affordable drink or a more substantial meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Sonya's
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Prices and Superb Drinks!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The prices are great for the area, and the drinks are superb. I had the pleasure of meeting the owner, Lucas, who is a down-to-earth guy.
I highly recommend giving this place a visit!
- prices9
- drinks10
- owner, Lucas9
Price per Person
- $1–$10
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Spacious, Beautiful, and Personable Bartenders!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The back room was spacious and beautiful, making it perfect for a party. The bartenders were incredibly personable and added to the overall positive atmosphere.
The food, service, and atmosphere all received top marks.
- back room10
- bartenders10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
6
Good Whiskey, Bad Bourbon Lecture
My experience at this restaurant was mixed. I found the whiskey selection to be pretty good. However, I did not appreciate the bartender mansplaining bourbon to me.
For clarity, bourbon only needs to be made in the US, not exclusively in Kentucky, to be considered bourbon. Cheers!
- whiskey selection8
- bartender mansplaining bourbon3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Delightful Margaritas and Patio Seating
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, largely thanks to the exceptional service from bartender Lauren. She is a delight and mixes the best margarita on the rocks I've ever had. The front patio is a dandy place to sit.
- bartender Lauren10
- margarita on the rocks10
- front patio8
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Hidden Gem Downtown Bar
I almost don't want to leave a review because it's a hidden gem of a downtown bar. It's stellar. Straightforward service and a small but excellent food selection with something for everyone.
- service10
- food selection10
What Sonya's offers
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Seating
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Sonya's Seattle?
At Sonya’s Seattle, you can expect a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, perfect for you to relax and enjoy your time.
Does Sonya's Seattle offer outdoor seating and accessible options?
Yes, Sonya’s Seattle provides outdoor seating for you to enjoy. Additionally, it features a wheelchair accessible entrance and restroom for your convenience.
How does Sonya's generally perform?
Sonya’s has an overall **Restaurant Score** of **6.5** and mixed customer satisfaction at **64.8%**. **Food** (8.1) and **Value** (7.8) are strong points, while **Ambience** (7.4) is good, but **Service** (4.8) is an area needing improvement.
What do customers appreciate most about Sonya's?
Many customers enjoy the delicious food, with specific mentions of the chowder and chicken quesadillas. The reasonable prices for drinks and the cozy, warm atmosphere, often enhanced by personable bartenders, are also frequently praised.
What are the common complaints regarding Sonya's?
Some patrons have reported issues with inconsistent service, including staff being inattentive or rude. There are also mentions of poorly mixed cocktails, which can detract from the overall experience.