Cocktail Bar
Unclaimed profileZig Zag Cafe
Seattle, WA · $$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Zig Zag Cafe is a cocktail bar with a serious, inventive program: 17 house cocktails at $17 each, a generous happy hour with $3 off, and a dedicated zero-proof menu. Drinks span Japanese whisky, mezcal, and rye, with names like Smoke & Mirrors and Calamansi Cooler. The bar also pours house wines and draught beer during happy hour, and hosts live jazz most evenings.
- What should I order?
- Smoke & Mirrors, a mezcal cocktail with lime cordial and Angostura bitters, is a standout. Also try the Rossville, a rye-based Manhattan variation, or the Calamansi Cooler with sparkling wine. During happy hour, classic Martinis, Manhattans, and Old Fashioneds are $11.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Craft cocktail enthusiasts will appreciate the creative menu and spirit variety. Happy hour seekers can enjoy discounted drinks and classic cocktails. Those avoiding alcohol will find four thoughtful zero-proof options. Jazz fans may enjoy the live music on select evenings.
- What should I expect to spend?
- House cocktails are $17 each; zero-proof drinks are $15. During happy hour, house drinks are $3 off, and classic cocktails are $11. Wine by the glass is $11, or $50 per bottle, and draught beer is $6.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The cocktail menu is extensive and original, with 17 house creations using a wide range of spirits. The happy hour is notably generous, offering discounts on house drinks and affordable classics. The zero-proof cocktail section is a thoughtful addition, and live jazz on many evenings enhances the bar's character.
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
A large, creative menu of 17 house cocktails using diverse spirits. Reviews praise the drinks as delicious and unique, with Smoke & Mirrors singled out. Happy hour discounts add value.
Menu strengths
- — Creative use of a wide range of spirits.
Standout selections
- — Smoke & Mirrors: Mezcal, lime cordial, Angostura bitters, firewater tincture.
- — Rossville: Rye, Amaro Ciociaro, Punt e Mes, maraschino, absinthe.
- — Calamansi Cooler: Calamansi gin, lime leaf liqueur, grapefruit cordial, sparkling wine.
Pricing: House cocktails are $17 each; happy hour offers $3 off.
Wine
Happy hour offers house red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines by the glass or bottle. Simple, affordable options, though no dedicated wine list was documented.
Menu strengths
- — Offers a selection of wines by the glass including red, white, rosé, and sparkling.
- — Reasonable happy hour pricing at $11 per glass or $50 per bottle.
Standout selections
- — House Sparkling at $11 per glass.
Pricing: Wines by the glass are $11, or $50 per bottle during happy hour.
Beer
Happy hour includes draught beer at a low price. Limited information: no brands or styles documented.
Menu strengths
- — Offers draught beer at a reasonable happy hour price.
Pricing: Draught beer is $6 during happy hour.
Nonalcoholic
A dedicated zero-proof cocktail menu with four inventive options, each using non-alcoholic spirits and syrups. Priced at $15, they are serious alternatives to cocktails.
Menu strengths
- — Four non-alcoholic cocktails with creative ingredients.; Priced competitively at $15 each.
Standout selections
- — Daybreak: N/A gin, lemon, pineapple cordial, N/A spritz liqueur.
- — Dark Horse: N/A amaro, lime cordial, aperitif syrup.
Pricing: Zero proof drinks are $15 each.
Spirits
The cocktail menu showcases a broad spirit selection, including Japanese whisky, rye, bourbon, mezcal, gin, rum, and cognac. Classic cocktails are available at happy hour.
Menu strengths
- — Wide range of spirits used in house cocktails.
Pricing: Classic cocktails (Martinis, Manhattans, Old Fashioneds) are $11 during happy hour.
How it sits with the food
Food menus exist, but beverage pairing details are not documented. The cocktail program, with its diverse flavors, could complement a range of bar snacks or small plates. The wine by the glass options offer simple pairing flexibility.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
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