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Blue Martini
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 4 pm - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Music:
- DJ, Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Trendy, Upscale
- Has TV:
- Yes
41 reviews for Blue Martini
41 reviews in English
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Review from Gene D.
5/20/2012 1 photo
Satisfying neighborhood experience located in the Bravern building. Cover music is the centerpiece of the night, for People Of A Certain Age, which falls under my group.
Wine list won't kill a budget. Start with a few Happy Hour cocktails until 7pm, first.
No complaints about food, especially some of the seafood plates. I liked them.
I haven't stayed so late that I get to witness reported craziness at the 2AM let-out, but hear it's entertaining at best, loud and obnoxious at worst. In other words, the same we find everywhere that serves alcohol.
The drinks are free pours, if that makes some of you, hmmm, cheaper people, feel any better about the price of a good cocktail in a city.
Just saying. -
Review from Peter Y.
Bellevue, WA
5/20/2012
I'm surprised at all the bad reviews for this place. This is our go to lounge in Bellevue for Happy Hour and drinks. Three reasons why Blue Martini rocks -
The drinks - All martinis are $7 during HH which is a really great deal. Try the Perfect Pear or if you want to get buzzed faster try one of their Dirty Martinis. The drinks here are much stronger than other places like Earl's. Also on Wednesdays ladies get their first martini for only $1.
The food - Their chicken skewers and spinach dip are only $5 during HH. They also have really good lamb chops, beef tenderloin and seared tuna all for half off during HH.
The decor - Two bars on each side with a stage in the middle. Lighting is perfect. Nothing wrong with the decor as others have complained.
Some negatives -
The only live music act that I saw here was terrible (it was Wednesday night)
They charge $10 cover on Friday and Saturday nights. However the place is usually packed during this time so maybe it's worth it
Come during the Happy Hour and you'll definitely have a great time. -
Review from Katy B.
5/17/2012
I'm surprised that Blue Martini has such poor reviews. Maybe it's a little pricey, but it's in Bellevue at The Bravern, what do you expect? The 3-4 times I've seen live music here I've been really impressed.
I've been for a bachelorette party (with bottle service), a live show (Mycle Wastman!!), happy hour, and just a night out with friends. All have been a positive experiences. I admit that seating can be a challenge, but then again I've never tried to make reservations. The smores martini was DELICIOUS, but I could only have one because it's definitely dessert. I like the cucumber martini but I get it with grey goose instead of gin!
I haven't tried much of the food, but my friends had some at happy hour and all liked their dishes. The few bites that I tried were acceptable...I just don't really come here to eat. I come to DAAAANCE! just kidding. sort of.
Mixed crowd, probably on the older side, not really a fan of house music which is what they play after the live music ends. -
Review from LB D.
Redmond, WA
Updated - 5/21/2012
Well, as promised I let some time pass to see how this new venue might be able to step things up. While they are still to loud for any socializing when the music is playing, they are stepping up their game with service and effort and I admire that. The prices are still steep for what you are getting but understanding the level of entertaiment they are bringing in I can understand some of it. The quality of the constancy in drinks is getting better too. Will keep checking in. ;)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/13/2012
I have been putting off doing this review for a few weeks now. While I understand that they are in… Read more »
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Review from Cheryl B.
Kirkland, WA
5/7/2012
I heard from a friend this place is rocking. Finally went there last night and wasn't impressed at all. I heard on the radio that they have free entrance Fridays and Saturdays. We got snagged at the entrance for $10 per person on a "lounge". Really?!! FALSE ADVERTISING.
Then to top that, there's no dress code cuz anyone with $10 can just get in. No class at all. They have tables and chairs on the dance floor or so called dance floor?! This place is tightly packed like a sardine. No room to move cuz you will bump into chairs that shouldn't be in the dance floor. To top that, holy cow. So many old people are in there. It's fine if they're couples but 50-70yr old guys by themselves? Talk about alot of DIRTY OLD MEN in this joint. Very creepy when you see them checking out girls as young as their grand kids.
The drinks are double priced/over priced there than any other place you go. Not worth going when you cant afford $14 for a martini. Their happy hour is regular price for other places. Which tells you that they have no clue how to price things. Lucky Strike and Parlor that's just down the road has better lounges and is actually free to get in because it's a LOUNGE. Lounges are suppose to be free to get in. Waitresses don't come around your table until you catch one of the other waitresses to get some service. Horrible service. Waited 20 mins to get a waitress. Saw them flirting with customers and chatting with other waitress neglecting that they're job is to wait tables. Food another 30+ mins for a small portion. This place is ridiculous. -
Review from Srta l.
Bellevue, WA
5/7/2012
This place is great for martinis, but not great for food.
My girlfriend and I went for Happy Hour and prices are 50% off :) which made us happy because regular prices are over $14 per martini. They have an interesting menu for drinks.
The place is huge and nice. I can see that at night it can be a great environment. However, as food place, it is a ripped off.
Service was great. -
Review from Chewie G.
Seattle, WA
5/17/2012
Everything about this place is wrong. It's literally like the Cheesecake Factory decided to open a nightclub.
The decor is cheap and tacky. The food is horrible. The service is slow. And the prices are a joke. $7.50 for a bottle of Heineken. $7.50. Are we at the airport? And the drinks are both horribly overpriced ($14-16 which is insane) and poorly made. My friend had to send hers back it was so bad.
Don't go to this place, save your money and your dignity and go somewhere else. Hell, I was tempted to steal a menu and give it to the bartenders at Rob Roy or Canon as a joke.
This place is tacky, overpriced, has bad food and bad service, and like the Bravern itself, it's just completely unnecessary. It's absolutely classless, clueless, and just plain awful.
In other words: it's perfect for Bellevue. -
Review from Peter A.
Seattle, WA
4/11/2012
When judging the food and drinks here it is only fair to bear in mind that these products are secondary, as plainly the primary product of the Blue Martini is cleavage. With that in mind, one might be a bit more patient with over-priced, over-sweet cocktails, which seem designed for 16-year-old girls determined to get some liquor in their system without suffering the indignities of tasting liquor.
If one diligently applies oneself, you *can* find a cocktail fit for non-teenagers (e.g. perhaps the Cucumber Martini), and if you arrive during happy hour you can get both food and drinks for an average club price, minus the considerable bosom tax that leaves mediocre drinks in the $15 range.
The food is actually pretty good. The cleavage is served in ample portions and in various appetizing presentations. The place is fairly packed and lively with the after-work crowd, with live music starting most nights at 7:30. -
Review from Long P.
3/26/2012
I never go to "clubs" but made an exception because it was for a friend's birthday.
Waited more than 45 minutes in a line of 20 people because the bouncers told us the club was "at capacity" at 10:30pm.
Meanwhile, they were letting other people walk right in from a special line (prob guestlisters, friends & family, or people who paid a couple extra bills).
Once we got to the front of the line, bouncer said another 15-20 minutes so I said F THIS and we all went somewhere else. -
Review from Kathy B.
Bellevue, WA
5/4/2012
Beautiful place, expensive drinks, validated parking, 7 dollar beer bottles, waitresses have bad customer service and that sums it up.
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Review from Alex G.
Seattle, WA
3/22/2012
I'm not your Bro!
Door guy was a douch and called me "Bro" which is one of my biggest pet peeves. Then he told me they had a dress code and I could not come in. That's like Joey's saying they have a dress code. This isn't Miami and this isn't the Jersey Shore. Don't pretend your a nice restaurant because a nice restaurant isn't going to have door guy who says "Bro" -
Review from Katie V.
Medina, WA
3/26/2012
This is a fun place to go hang out with friends! I have enjoyed myself every time that I have gone there. One thing that I really appreciate about this place is that there are 3 bars. When you need a drink there isn't a long wait. They have enough bars and bartenders that getting service isn't a challenge. I organized a get together on a weeknight there, and had about 25 people show up. It was great! There was plenty of room for people to mingle and everyone had a really good time.
Pros: fun vibe, good drinks, live entertainment, nice athmosphere, good place to go with groups
Cons: pricey, STRICT dress code, sometimes there is a line and a cover -
Review from Ryan P.
Bothell, WA
4/5/2012
This place is a joke. If you're into neon-colored kool-aid drinks with flavored Vodka and like wasting $14 a glass for one, by all means run, don't walk here. The huge flat screens playing sports games behind the music entertainers seemed very odd but essential for those with the attention span of a gnat. If you enjoy people constantly screaming, broken dishes every 5 mins, Jersey shore fist pumping, and glow in the dark sugar drinks what are you waiting for?
For others wanting a more sophisticated environment don't even bother. Try Daniel's, El Gaucho, Pearl, or Naga Bar.
P.S. Leave the ballcaps at home. Some dude got 86'd by the bouncers for wearing one inside and they nearly sent the kid to the ER. -
Review from Jared S.
3/30/2012
Good music; best thing about this place. Decor is interesting and the color scheme is vibrant.
Drinks are about as hit or miss as the staff, and the price point is more reflective of the ambiance than the drink itself. Still, the energy of the place I think is worth 14 bucks for a drink every now and then.
Crowd is a bit on the older '40ish' side, but they also tend to a rowdier kind of 40 - avoid later in the night on weekends unless you like the sound of ambulances and/or have run out of blow. -
Review from Laura P.
4/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
Me thinks not is right. over priced drinks. WAY too loud of a band to even hear yourself think. did i mention that the drinks are over priced and weak? i dislike this place so much i don't even want to bore you with my awful experiences. This bar should have stayed in Vegas - not in a high end shopping mall. :-/
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Review from Chau D.
Everett, WA
3/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
It's okay...for Bellevue anyway.
Came here for my work going away party so it was HH time so the drinks were half off instead of the normal $14/a drink. I had 2 of their Blue Martini's. Loved the drink and I like how it came in a cute cup with a little glow stick in it. No I did not take that glow stick and pretend I was at a rave but if I had had another one I probably would have. We ordered a few flatbreads, scallops, hummus plate, beef tenderloin, and whatever chicken plate they had. All was good.
Service..Blah! It was fine at first when we had gotten there because it was still empty but come the 5pm hour it got busy so our waitress got side tracked and it was hard to get her attention to order more drinks and more food. We had to ask the bus boy a few times to track down our waitress and a few of my coworkers had to order from the bar. They definately need to work on their service otherwise everything else was good. I'd come back but I wouldn't rush going back there anytime soon. -
Review from Kyla C.
Seattle, WA
2/9/2012
Went here for opening night because my workplace got some "VIP Invitations" in the mail. Let me just begin by saying this place works in Bellevue but I don't think it would fly in Seattle. Bellevue has this "wannabe ritzy" image and Blue Martini definitely tries to fit that image as well. It reminds me of being in Vegas: velvet ropes, bouncers everywhere, VIP areas where us "normal folk" aren't allowed to go in, cocktail waitresses in bustier's and black bras that make all of their boobs look fake (wonder if that's a standard issued uniform from CIntas?), etc.
The martini list is extensive (about $14 average per drink) but this is not a "cocktail nerd" bar - it's cookie cutter. A real drinker's bar wouldn't have large martini glasses like you find here. The drinks on opening night were free and I really wouldn't pay much more than that for what I got (their signature "blue martini" has a glow stick in it - is that necessary?). We tried some food and it was meh. The scallops were overcooked and the menu said they were supposed to have wasabi on them but you could have fooled me, the beef was pretty underseasoned and the crab cakes were heavy and just not that great.
I completely understand that this was opening night and the bartenders were probably hating life but this place is a chain so at least the food should be better. Hopefully they will smooth things out over the next month or so but this just isn't my kind of place anyway. If you're into dark clubs with ok drinks and food and hot chicks serving you, come here. Personally, if I'm spending $14 on a martini I'd way rather go to Tavern Law or the Zig Zag Cafe where they really know how to mix a fine cocktail. -
Review from Kat S.
Woodinville, WA
3/18/2012
Bellevue needs a place like this. I went with a pack of friends for a birthday and we had a really good time. Showed up at around 7pm and walked right in. Managed to find a table to sit at (you would have to show up at 7 to get one) and the band was really, really good. The $10.00 cover was really reasonable.
The drinks were slow to come out and expensive, but pretty tasty. The people were all really nice and it was nice to see a mix of old/young people. Loved the bathroom attendant and the dance floor. Can't wait to check out ladies night! -
Review from Steve G.
Kirkland, WA
Updated - 3/6/2012
Reposted - Blue Martini keeps having it taken down!
I had such high hopes when I heard about this club opening. All I can say is what a disappointment. Also, if Blue Martini is paying yelp to remove bad reviews, I will repost every week to let people know how truly bad this place is.
1) Overcrowding - I am not sure why the Bellevue fire department allows them to stay open. There were so many people let in that there was no open spaces to walk or move. People had to push their way through which caused drinks to be spilled everywhere, causing people to slip and fall.
2) No service. I ordered a drink, waited an hour, and never received it.
3) No coat check? Come on! This is not Phoenix. It is cold in Bellevue. No tables/chairs, unless you want to pay $200 to sit. I asked the woman at the entrance what I should do with my coat, and she suggested that I "just carry my coat all night". I could not wear it because it was so hot in there!
4) No dance floor. They claim that there is one, but my living room is larger! There is an open space for dancing, but it is very ver small.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/4/2012
I had such high hopes when I heard about this club opening. All I can say is what a disappointment.… Read more »
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Review from Tim S.
Bellevue, WA
2/10/2012
Enjoyed the Grand Opening of Blue Martini last night @ the Bravern in Bellevue. The Live Music right behind the main bar is a nice touch. Plus... they were damn good.
I didn't catch the unhappy/overworked bartenders mentioned in the other two posts. Ours was very happy and did a great job.
A lot of security, upscale Bellevue vibe for sure.
Didn't try the food, but the overall look and feel of this place is nice.
I'll be back as a paying customer next time. -
Review from John A.
Seattle, WA
3/31/2012
So this is a review of 2s.... First, lets start by saying I don't write reviews. Second, lets setup some credibility..., I'm the sweet spot for what the Blue Martini would want as a guest.....First, I'm in Tech --network engineer (certs aside, I work everyday with Cisco fully converged networks). Second, I work in hospitality (Condé Nast, reader's choice award for 2012). Together, I know the capabilities of what luxury service can be in Seattle. As I hear my wife crying from our bathroom, I can say with total honesty and conviction --- the Blue Martini satisfies none of these things. Moreover, we (my wife & I) do not feel safe at the Blue Martini.
First -- and most importantly we do not feel safe at the Blue Martini. My wife had only 2 drinks and she was literally delirious. It is my belief that someone put something in her drink. You could argue that this is not responsibility of the Blue martini but I would disagree. They have way too many guests for their space and it leads to an out of control environment --Either way, thank God I was with my wife! I have never in my 7 years of marriage seen her so disoriented. She had only 2 martinis!! Hell, one was an espresso martini ( its more sugar than alcohol). Something happened... my wife is/was really scared and very disoriented. She just couldn't understand how two drinks could make her this confused.
Second, not as important but still makes me REALLY frustrated -- the service. Lets drill into this -- First, I know what impeccable service looks like -- I see it everyday where I work. The Blue Martini clearly did not offer top shelf service. Eight tops managed by no one ?!?! Really!?!? Ya, i know you think some one was there but I'm sorry there was no one. I ended up going to the bar, then to the kitchen entrance before I could close my ticket. -- Even at the kitchen entrance it took me sticking out my hand to a manager to grab his attention. Dominic, looked scared at the fact I offered my handshake and that I was asking for some help. Sadly, he was not alone. Most managers there (anyone with an earpiece) that passed by, did not even offer eye contact as I stood at the Kitchen's entrance. Finally, when I did talk to the server of our table she explained that it was MY FAULT for not asking for the check. Apparently, she was talking to someone else in our group?!?! --- A DEFENSIVE POSTURE DOES NOTHING WHEN TALKING TO A GUEST.
I tipped her 18% because I know its not just her fault -- clearly it was a very bad comedy management errors.... None of which justify a $16 martini.
... oh, and I'll never go back or recommend the Blue Martini in Bellevue. -
Review from Kevin S.
Bellevue, WA
2/17/2012
I'm very displeased, in all fairness my experience was probably uncommon however they didn't properly address the issues.
Lets start with the good - live music, good food, cute waitresses.
The bad - the service, I waited over 45 minutes for a dish because the kitchen "forgot." Service was slow in general, they mischarged my drinks, and everyone agreed the place was far too hot. They offered nothing but a "sorry" for the poor experience.
Its not often that I leave no tip, but today was one of those days. -
Review from Jeff K.
Seattle, WA
4/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
Had a few drinks here and they were made pretty well. they are known for their martinis and they sure do live up to the name. Also had some spinach and artichoke dip and it was pretty good, but nothing out of the ordinary. If it weren't for the high prices, I'd probably give it a better rating.
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Review from linzy n.
Mill Creek, WA
3/11/2012
Nice bar itself but I felt like this place was more targeted for younger girls who wanted to be with a Hugh Hefner type guy. Good luck !
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Review from Kinda Invisible R.
Kirkland, WA
Updated - 3/2/2012
Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. That's basically what happened last night when I went back to Blue Martini for a second time with my happy hour friends. I didn't want to go, but gave them a second chance to impress me....FAIL!!
The server was really nice, but the time between ordering and delivery of drinks was really slow and this is why...
Blue Martini does not let the waitresses have their own kiosk to enter in orders!! They have to write everything down, go to the bar and hand them off to a bartender who enters EVERYTHING!! I learned this from our server after pointing out to her that this is my second trip and drinks seem to take forever. She agreed that this is the first establishment that she has ever worked at that did things this way and she flat out said it made her feel "dumb" when it takes so long and that it affects her tips because people think it's her fault that the food comes out to the wrong tables and the drinks take forever to be delivered.
Yes, food was once again delivered to the wrong table by the kitchen runners. (See my original review.) In addition to the "lamb incident" on my first trip, this time we had not one, two or even three dishes delivered to our table that weren't ours, but even a fourth one that arrived when we had actually closed our tabs and were getting ready to leave. Seriously?! High end? Bravern-quality? No.
Speaking of closing out tabs, again it goes back to having the bartenders closing them out. I had three martinis on happy hour ($7 each) plus one flatbread; total should have been $26. My poor waitress brought back my tab and it was only $12.00. I reminded her of what I had and didn't want to stick my friends with the balance, so she headed back to the bar and brought back another tab for $19; still not right. She said, "Don't worry about it" and I paid my tab. My other two remaining friends got the balance of the check, which had nothing on there that they had originally ordered and was also not the correct total...shocker.
The ONLY thing that is keeping this place alive is the name and the "Lady VIP" club that I mentioned in my original review and the fact that they severely over-price the drinks when they are not on happy hour (because they are comping so many drinks due to the screw-ups by the people entering in orders). Otherwise, unless corporate comes in here and cleans this place up, I predict Blue Martini Bellevue will close in a year or two due to its utter failure in service and management.
Tip your waitress accordingly because, based on what I saw and heard, it's probably not her fault things are so messed up there.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/19/2012
This was my first experience with Blue Martini. I went on a Thursday and arrived during happy hour.… Read more »
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Review from Lisa G.
Seattle, WA
3/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
okay, so I was sort of in "ah" of this place at first just figuring out exactly what was going on and who I was surrounded by. I definitely feel like I found the gem for people who are 40+ and single or just Bellevue Housewives looking to pretend they are 20 something again... I literally did feel like I was in the middle of a "Real Housewives of Bellevue" episode if that existed... however they had a fun cover band playing top 40 (who did look like a trashier and older version of Black Eyed Peas, but besides the point lol) and it was in general a good time just to try out something different (I am not a Bellevue regular). It was definitely trying to be more upscale and Vegas clubby but just a miniature version, sort of achieved it. They also have a dance floor and 3 bars...so for a birthday or event based evening I think this would be fun, but otherwise I highly doubt I will ever find myself here again. Also, I must add parking prices were out of control...
Pros: live music, 3 bars, dance floor, fun atmosphere for an event/birthday, feels like a very different scene than Seattle.
Cons: super expensive ($14 per drink, $10 cover, $21 garage parking), skews 40+ singles scene, full of older woman trying to be 21 again (just saying, might be a pro for some though), somewhat cheesy wannabe Vegas. -
Review from Sovannary O.
Seattle, WA
3/1/2012
Unprofessional.
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Review from Matthew A.
Issaquah, WA
3/7/2012
I've made 2 trips in so far. Once on a weeknight to hang out with some friends that were already there, then on a Sat. night to see a friend celebrating his birthday there.
I can tell you I love the bar itself. They did a great job on the layout and the decor. No, I mean REALLY great job. In the bar we didn't experience any service issues as others have.
As noted by others this is an extremely expensive place to eat/drink. $14 Martinis. I get we're in Bellevue and in the Bravern and this place obviously is a step above other places in the area. But, at those prices I can't/won't spend as much time there as I do other bars in the Bellevue.
Impacting my rating the most is the line experience on that Sat. night. When I arrived I headed to the front as my friends party was on bottle service that night and I was on his list. The door guy told me that because I hadn't arrived early enough I'd have to wait in line. I was mildly annoyed by this, had it been my birthday and my friends were told to wait after I had paid money for bottles I'd have been more than annoyed. THEN, as I'm in line waiting I notice that there are massive amounts of people that are getting through the door without waiting, so I start paying attention. And there it was, the next group handed the door guy cash. And the group after them did the same. Quite frankly that's the kind of behavior I expect from door guys at Belltown joints. I don't care that they were letting some of the industry people through, I don't care that they were letting some of the Eastside society people through. I do however care that at a high end establishment the door guys were acting like cheap downtown club "security". -
Review from Alex T.
Seattle, WA
3/9/2012
Upscale Hooters!
Luckily I was there at happy hour and all the drinks were half off. $14 for a drink? are we in New York? All the staff are very cute and wear tight little outfits. Lots of guys stopping by after work for some eye candy.
I like the layout. they have three bars and lots of tv's with sports on. Attendant in Men's room, to help you wash your hands.
Our server was great very attentive and nice. We didn't order food, so I can't comment on that.
The two drinks I had weren't very good. If I would have paid $14 for them I would not be happy. The bartender was very cute (busting out of her top), but I don't think she made a very good drink.
Go for happy hour 5pm-7pm, or go somewhere else with reasonable drink prices before you go here. -
Review from Stephen A.
Sammamish, WA
3/2/2012
The Blue Martini is located in the Bravern, which I would never visit for any other reason.
When you walk in the front door of the upscale bar, it's simply stunning. There is a sort of window in the small lobby that allows you to look directly at the center of the main stage, which it frames. The stage is backlit in soft blue with quite of bit of millwork and niches that reminded me of a library or museum. This particular night, the singer of the band (Jennifer Newberry) was wearing a white formal(ish) evening dress that popped against the blue background. It was all quite stunning and clear the management had put quite a bit of thought into the design and architecture of the place. After moving past the doormen, through the lobby, and into the bar itself, there were round higher tables and chairs to sit at grouped around the stage. The music was excellent and I have to specifically applaud the management for the choice of band, which is a local talent. Between sets, Jennifer moved among the patrons and talked freely with people.
$14.00 is more than I would typically pay for a drink. However, I know I can't expect to pay $3.00 for beers and get this kind of high end talent and venue. Maybe the musicians actually get paid something here? I hope so. I ordered the Hummus Plate. It was tasty, but it would be nice if there was an option with olives. It seemed a little thin of substance, and usually I expect olives with my hummus. The crab dip came with triangles of toasted flat bread, which were hard as croutons. A softer or thicker bread would have been much more enjoyable. I felt like I was going to break a tooth.
The waitstaff was pleasant and the timing was excellent. Overall, I have to give the venue a 5 star because the atmosphere and band selection was so far above my expectations that it absorbs for me anything that otherwise wasn't perfect. -
Review from Skye B.
Seattle, WA
3/31/2012
Hello martini fans. First, anyone that drinks martinis knows there is a huge difference in a traditional martini or adding espresso or Red Bull with their vodka. You only do the later, if you want to double or triple the get drunk or create more of a drug like intoxication. Its not a buzz for the average person. It can get you pretty crazy or smashed to another zone. Don't blame a bar for your hard core choice.
Most of you that are biz people with a money belt, know that Blue is also in Vegas. Its more of a place to absorb the chic entertainment value and a huge social arena. Finally, we get a true upscale Vegas style bar in our neighborhoods. Of course, its set up to make money to pay the hefty rent, to make a profit and encourage those with cash to be their guest. It's only place for the more sophisticated upper income, more mature people that want to have some fun and forget their daily transactions, their latest deal or the stock market. Its a gold card++ spot to flash some cash, like in Vegas...the more you tip and spend, the higher the quality of service. Its a 30-40+ and up spot for those with the haves, i.e. Cash & Class. Not for cheap drinks and your way up the ladder-you have to already be at the top to not wince at a $14.00 drink and have the maturity to mingle with the already successful on the eastside. Not a spot for the in college or just out 20's crowd of wanna be, yet to have stature group..opt out, unless you want to eat rice for the next month as you rack up your credit card.
You will more likely see a CEO and the six or seven figure crowd here....not whining youngesters looking for their next hang out. Not childs place, its the who's who of the Eastside. The average Joe or Jane should seek less expensive threads. Not a place for married couples, unless your super hip and loaded...bring a group of fun people that want to mix and mingle with other "boss" peeps. Great bartenders, who are beautiful...both the guys and gals. They are smart and know how to cater to groups of adults that are just out to chill and spill a few.
3 stars for too much humingbird mixer in their specialty drinks and putting my Mohito in a brandy sniffer. I was with a Cuban beauty biz woman who did not recognize the beverage after she tried my sugared diluted drink. Order straight and clean here. The bartenders work here to make top tips, they are well trained. -
Review from Jennifer A.
Los Angeles, CA
4/12/2012
1) Parking: 5 stars - Parking is in Bravern (New high rise condo/Microsoft/ Neiman Marcus in DTBellevue)/I think parking is free but I'm not 100% sure as my friend was DD.
2) Location: 5 stars - Downtown Bellevue (glam & ritzy-you'll see Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, etc. etc.)
3) Line: 2-3 stars - Yes, the line's long! So ladies & gents, get your bottle service to not deal w/ waiting in line BS!
4) Staff: 2.5 stars - service was A-OK & cocktail waitresses/staff weren't really attractive either.
5) Venue: 2 stars for club/lounge. Initially I was really excited to check out an atypical venue in Seattle (Vegas/LA-Like) club but Seattle isn't ready for this type of partying. I love that Seattle is changing/trying something new by introducing "Blue Martini" to the grungy, low-key, hipster like Seattlelites but COME ON! Let's be real here... Really!? Seattlites will always be dorks, comfort over style/heels, etc. etc. at heart. "Blue Martini" isn't a good fit for Seattle; you have a ritzy venue w/ the wrong crowd. When you go to the nice bars/clubs in Vegas/LA, you go there for the scene (venue, beautiful people, hot/good looking staff - eye candy) let's just say it's epic fail in Seattle haha!
6) Dancing: 0-1 star - Not good for dancing!
7) Crowd: Very diverse but that's it
*You don't need to dress to impress
*Frat party like vibe on the crowded dance floor - COME ON! That's soooo college!
8) Drinks: 2 stars - Nothing great
9) Service: 2 stars - Nothing great
Conclusion - I'm not a fan!!! -
Review from Ken P.
Kirkland, WA
3/10/2012
I've read all the posted reviews and this is my take on it:
If $14 martinis are out of your league, don't go. If you're looking for a 'local Seattle bar' with the usual local beers on draft, don't go. If you are insulted by good-looking wait staff and the crowd that appreciates that, don't go.
Look, I get it that sometimes that staff can mess up stuff, especially when the restaurant is new. Admittedly I didn't like to see the review that said that the line staff prioritized those that tipped even for birthday party latecomers, but that's just the way the story goes in some places (ever been to New York City?). I've been to bars in NYC where I've been a VIP and got past dozens of those behind the ropes. Sometimes it's nice to be able to play those games. If you don't like it, don't go.
Blue Martini is decidedly from another place, and for the Bravern and for a certain crowd that likes the higher-end Eastside nightlife and something definitely NOT Seattle, then it works.
I've been there half a dozen times over the last few weeks. I enjoy the discount during happy hour where I can get some really decent food for a reasonable price and get some good drinks that, yeah, are a little steep for 'happy hour', but I go there *expecting that*. If I feel like staying for a while for the band to start up, the drinks double in price, but hey -- I'm having a good time with good music and hanging with my friends that enjoy the same. We go there looking for something upscale and we're prepared to pay for it.
So far I have received generally excellent and consistent service, and the drinks and food have been very good. I connected with the band that opened it up, some of the wait staff know me by name, and I'm a 'friend' of the bathroom attendant.
I like that, and I like having Blue Martini to escape to. -
Review from Chris C.
Mercer Island, WA
My third visit in a ROW! Three days, a soft opening, hard opening and a regular night! I must say that Blue Martini has done a great job! Their staffing is more than sufficient, their security is hardly noticeable, but there and cordial. Their music ROCKS! And the drinks are awesome! I suggest the Agave Blue Martini. Yum.
Having opened bars/clubs like Parlor, I understand the extreme difficulty of moving into a new city/venue and making everything run smooth. With the help of people like Luis, Ric, Sylvester, Sarah and of course Dominic, this place seems to be on the track to success on the east side. I have been sending my friends their way and have not hear a complaint yet. Drinks prices are a lil high, but it also eliminate the riff Raff. So you have to weight the pros/cons.
Thank you to Blue Martini for stomping out the lesser bars like Munch and offering a fun and exciting place to hang out after a long stressful week in Washington's financial capital!
This place may not rival Blue Martinis in other cities, but Seattle isn't exactly the most exciting place on earth. When the money here starts spending like other cities, instead of being so boring and conservative, perhaps the nightlife will catch up! Until then, be happy that a place like this even showed up in Seattle!
I think we will all miss this awesome current live band, but we are looking forward to the next one! I will be back soon!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/9/2012
A rock band behind the bar as you walk in the door! Three bars in a fairly small area, and tons of… Read more »
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Review from Frank P.
Bellevue, WA
Updated - 4/17/2012
After swearing I would never return, I was talked in to it by some co-workers to do happy hour last week. And guess what? Just as I had said before... This place blows!!! Unless you're a douchebag or a douchebag hag, of course. I wonder if there is a pre-employment IQ test to work here, or if the cleavage lets you skip the test. Man, I wonder if the cleavage could be polite, speak properly and remember what a customer ordered. I will never go back again I promise!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/21/2012
Sorry MunchBar, this place has now taken over as duechebag central for downtown Bellevue. I was… Read more »
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Review from Tyler B.
Seattle, WA
4/8/2012
If i i had a choice of giving zero stars, i would. this place is a joke. bouncers are so inefficient. drinks are expensive...and you're already paying cover.
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Review from Laura H.
Redmond, WA
2/20/2012
Thought It might be fun to check out the new martini bar...not impressed. First it was $20 cover to get in for 2 of us which was crazy! We walk in an there is a live band playing which was super loud and nothing special...we go to the bar and We took a look at the martini list and ordered 2 $16 martini's. They both tasted like juice, couldn't even taste the alcohol and not sure there was any in our drinks. Seriously?? If they are going to charge that for a martini they better be good! We finished our drinks and left...couldn't even have a conversation without yelling to hear each other. There bartenders all wear these blue bustier tops which look trashy. The people are like wannabe's that try to act cool and try way too hard! The vibe is strange...this place does not belong in Bellevue, kinda trashy. $60 for 2 drinks, no thanks...won't be going back.
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Review from Kelly B.
Lynnwood, WA
2/16/2012
What a surprise to find such a fun place at a happy hour value. Loved the food, dirty martini and my server - Amanda was awesome. This is a great place to unwind after a tough day. Met I people from Miami and Scottsdale. No pretentiusness,just a good Time!
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Review from Lacy C.
Bothell, WA
4/24/2012
Use to love it here on Wednesday for happy hour ($1 drinks for the ladies) and their food is good. I could have fun after work, and it was cheap. However, last Wednesday was a complete disaster! The waitress spilled the martini all over my friend and when we asked if they would comp our food for the incident, they took $1 off our bill...yes people, $1!! Oh and they would pay for the dry cleaning bill if we came back with the receipt. Seriously!! Obviously, we were not happy...so no tip and I guess the waitress didn't like that, so she proceeded to charge my friends card extra money so she'd get her tip I guess. Are you kidding me???!!! What is wrong with this place. Piece of advice, make sure you zero out the tip line so they can't pull this scam on you, which sounds like its happened to others. I'm pretty sure customers are not first here, so be careful! The service here has always been super slow...the girls never come back, but sure do pay attention to the boy tables. For some reason, we never get silverware or napkins, but noticed that the boys do, huh?? Guess I'd love to see a place with boy waiters in tight clothes, where's that place? The good news to this story, they sent my friend a $50 gift card after she emailed the GM, so at least someone knows how to treat their customers and have somewhat redeemed themselves.
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Review from Mike S.
Bellevue, WA
Updated - 2/23/2012
One word... Awful! Worst service I have ever experienced in my life. For some reason our waitress thought that her looks would make up the fact that we weren't greeted for 10 mins, took 25 mins to get our drinks after we ordered, she messed up my friend's order THREE times (how that is even possible is beyond me) and it took 45 min for my husband to receive his first drink, as she forgot about him twice. Went there for my birthday, and it turned into a total mess because of our waitress. And this was a on a Sunday!!!!!!!! Not even one apology. Then she charged three of our cards the wrong amount! She put in her own tip!!!! Called and talked to a manager and she was as dumb and useless as her staff. Not even to mention their "specialty" cocktails were over priced and nasty. So much sugar and juice. There was about 15 of us, and we all had the worst time. I've never been a complainer and never even used yelp, but in this case, I had to. I'm sure not many people will get to read this due to BM paying yelp to take down bad reviews. Good luck BM, your never going to make it in Bellevue, Suite Lounge already took over.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/20/2012
If there was a "0" star option I would give it to the Blue Martini and here is my reason. I showed… Read more »
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