Restaurant
Unclaimed profileThe Fonte Bar at Rainier Square
Seattle, WA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
The Fonte Bar at Rainier Square builds its beverage program around coffee-infused cocktails, pairing espresso martini variations with a globe-trotting wine list and local Washington beers. Mocktails and a praised smoothie round out a menu that balances craft and comfort. The bar's identity as a coffee-and-cocktail destination is clear, even if some menu pages remain elusive.
- What should I order?
- Start with The Fonté Espresso Martini or the Bean & Bean, a bourbon-based coffee cocktail. For a non-coffee option, try the Clear Intentions, a clarified Painkiller riff. Wine drinkers should consider the Gruet Blanc de Noirs or a local IPA from Wander Brewing.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Coffee-cocktail enthusiasts will find a dedicated menu of espresso martinis. Wine lovers will appreciate the international by-the-glass selections, while those seeking local flavor can explore Washington craft beers. The mocktails and smoothie cater to non-drinkers.
- When should I go?
- An ideal time for a pre-dinner drink or a casual after-work stop.
- What should I expect to spend?
- Cocktails like the Bean & Bean are $19; wines by the glass range from $14 to $17, with bottles from $35 to $64. Local craft beers are $12–$13, and domestic lagers $10–$11.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The bar's focus on coffee-infused cocktails, including multiple espresso martini variations, sets it apart. The wine list spans sparkling, white, rosé, and red from regions like Spain, France, New Mexico, and Argentina, alongside a rotating selection of local Pacific Northwest beers.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Creative cocktail program with a strong espresso martini focus, including variations like Dirty Chai and Pumpkin Spice. Other cocktails show range, from the clarified Clear Intentions to the Rainier Spritz.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse cocktail styles, including clarified and spritz options.
Standout selections
- — The Fonté Espresso Martini: Timberline vodka, F2 Espresso, Fonte cold brew liqueur.
- — Bean & Bean: Brown Madagascar vanilla bean bourbon, F2 espresso, Fonte cold brew liqueur.
- — Clear Intentions: Bumbu Rum, pineapple, orange, coconut, lime, nutmeg – a clarified Painkiller riff.
Pricing: Bean & Bean cocktail priced at $19.
Wine
Well-rounded wine list with international selections from Spain, France, New Mexico, Argentina, Portugal, and the U.S. Happy Hour wine specials add value. Pricing is reasonable for the quality implied.
Menu strengths
- — Diverse international selections.; Happy Hour wine specials available.
Standout selections
- — NV Gruet Blanc de Noirs Champenoise, New Mexico – $14/$35.
- — '19 Mendel Semillon, Mendoza, Argentina – $15/$50.
- — '22 Aveleda Fonte Vino Verde, Portugal – $15/$40.
Pricing: Wines by the glass $14–$17; bottles $35–$64.
Beer
Focused selection of local Washington craft beers, including IPAs, a pilsner, and a porter/stout, plus familiar domestic options. Happy Hour pricing offers a slight discount.
Standout selections
- — Wander Brewing IPA – local IPA.
- — Lucky Envelope Brewing Porter/Stout – local dark beer.
Pricing: Local craft beers $12–$13; domestic lagers $10–$11.
Nonalcoholic
Dedicated mocktails like Fonte Spritzer and Bainbridge Punch use non-alcoholic aperitifs and fresh ingredients.
Menu strengths
- — Community praise for a smoothie suggests quality beyond the menu.
Standout selections
- — Fonte Spritzer: Spritz del Conte N/A, spiced syrup, orange slices, soda water.
- — Bainbridge Punch: Ghia N/A Aperitif, muddled seasonal fruit, lemon, ginger beer.
Spirits
No dedicated spirits list, but cocktail descriptions reveal a diverse spirit selection including vodka, whiskey, rum, tequila, and aquavit. This suggests a well-stocked bar, though direct evidence is limited.
Standout selections
- — Timberline vodka appears in multiple espresso martinis.
- — Bumbu Rum is used in the Clear Intentions cocktail.
How it sits with the food
While food details are limited, the coffee-forward cocktails and international wines suggest pairings with desserts or light appetizers. The espresso martinis could complement chocolate-based dishes, while the crisp Vino Verde or Sauvignon Blanc might suit seafood or salads.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
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