This new Greenwood bar is inside a tiny, windowless building that used to be a computer repair shop. But it’s the lack of frills that helps maintain focus on Ruby’s real draw: craft cocktail mastery. Owner Mike Jochum showcases an impressive array of mixology techniques and thought-provoking flavor combinations, honed through years working at dives and neighborhood spots. The menu highlights rum and mezcal, though this small crew can skillfully whip up just about anything based on a customer’s flavor preferences (including mocktails). The closest thing to a gimmick here is the red-tinted, ruby-shaped ice cube used in the house negroni, but like the drinks, it’s genuinely very cool.

Tucked in a corner in the Shared Roof building, Doe Bay is the latest Phinney Ridge establishment helping transform the neighborhood into an evening destination. A tasting room, wine bar and bottle shop, it’s the brand-new Seattle location for the Orcas Project, a program dedicated to showcasing small Pacific Northwest winemakers as well as local artists. Along with wines by the glass and bottles to go, this spot has a nice selection of beer, cider and sake. 

Not to be confused with Holy Mountain’s Interbay flagship location, the Phinney taproom solidified its own hotspot status once its June opening had lines around the block. (Like Doe Bay, this is inside the Shared Roof building.) The still-bustling space features custom murals and beers made just for its location (though of course the White Lodge Belgian Wit is on draft here as well). For non-beer drinkers, the taproom boasts a rotating selection of Washington wines, ciders, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic ginger beer. While only light snacks are served here, the tables have QR codes that show what the numerous nearby restaurants have to offer for takeout.

The opening of Meliora in June marked one of the most anticipated openings in Capitol Hill this year. The bar and restaurant makes great use of the neighborhood’s historic Canterbury Ale House, keeping the original stained glass while adding enchanted forest-y murals. The cozy lounge chairs feel just made for kicking back with something from Meliora’s Pacific Northwest wine program, though the rich selection of spirits behind the bartop is just as tempting.

Capitol Hill is prime turf for bar-hopping, but Donna’s is the kind of place where you want to kick back and stay for a while. Adorned in gorgeous murals, plants, and bold pops of red and gold, the new sister bar to Rose Temple is elevated by equally eye-popping cocktails. The Promise Keeper — a boozy (vodka) pink Italian soda topped with whipped cream — might be the most photogenic, but those seeking a truly unique beverage should go with the Holy Bull, a tomato and basil martini. Donna’s also has a full kitchen featuring pasta dishes and a variety of small bites, perhaps best taken advantage of during the bar’s late-night happy hour (10 p.m. to midnight).

This Central District bar has only been open since early August, but the friendly neighborhood chatter within has the aura of a longtime community staple. This is the casual sandwiches-and-quiche-meets-cocktails sister bar to neighboring French restaurant and wine bar L’Oursin. But this definition of “casual” includes some glamorous menu offerings, such as the Vermouth Préparé (vermouth, gin, and genziana fernanda) and the Martini Jambon (jambon-infused gin, amontillado sherry, and orange bitters). The uplifting drinks and atmosphere are accentuated by the amusing assortment of French movie posters: Batman Returns is Batman Le Défi, for those wondering.

Long gone are the days when hotel bars were unassertive spots for weary business travelers mindlessly swiping their corporate AmExes. Hilton’s Hotel 1000 is home to a new downtown magnet for upscale cocktail enthusiasts, locals and visitors alike. A luxury experience, Rosebay focuses on locally sourced, small-batch spirits (as seen in the Reserve Bijou, with Monkey 47 gin, green Chartreuse, Cocchi Dopo Teatro, and Seville orange bitters). The place is small, but the cozy booths and warm fireplace make for a memorable date-night setting. Rosebay nevertheless caters to groups as well — a lineup of “large format cocktails” offers 750 millimeters for four to six drinkers. 

Traffic in West Seattle’s Alki Beach has slowed for the season, but one new beach bar is noticeably busy — turns out, people love Future Primi Seeing. This popular brewery has wide array of beer styles, plus additional options for non-beer enthusiasts. There’s limited seating indoors, but don’t hesitate to take in the water and mountain views from their bungalow beer garden — in addition to some seriously tasty mulled wine that can warm you up, siding and heaters are coming out for the colder months.