Barca

Barca is a large, almost cavernous lounge and does a great job making the place feel warm. The bi-level bar makes it more varied than many of the small single room lounges around Seattle. Big booths with high sloping cushions surround the main level and high bar tables dot the interior. There is something for just about any type of group. more

I could divide a room of people based on whether they like Barca and think it's charming and fun or whether they think it's full of pretentious hipsters. Although I'm pretty close to straddling the line, I lean slightly more to the "I think it's charming" group. The walls are dark and red, and there's a nice stairway to the upstairs/balcony area that is lit by a string of white Christmas lights. Although I dislike the fact that I actually have to dress up a little, I don't mind being in a room full of well-manicured, social people; I just keep to myself and my own circle, though, so I'm not really bothered. The reviews are true: Lines can be long for drinks. If you stay downstairs, though, you stand a better chance of getting served. The upstairs area tends to get packed (PACKED!) and so standing around in the designated fire lanes can be dangerous. You'll either end up accosted by one of the bouncers/coolies/Barca bad guys or given rude looks by the waitresses. If you manage to find a seat next to said fire lines, you run a huge risk of having one of the people crowded around spill their drink right on top of you as the waitresses mow them down for being in their way. True story. The drink lists are longs (they carry my framboise lambic!), the shots are tasty and I've never encountered any sort of cover. The atmosphere and crowds? Up to you to decide. more

Barca is a pretty good spot although a bit north of downtown in Capitol hill. They have a good scene though. Drinks are good and there are loads of singles there which may appeal to your friend. more

I always seem to know people who want to go here and think this place is great. The waitresses are typically slow and stuck up, the prices are so so and the crowd is typically trendy cap hill. I guess its all about priorities here. It has its good points, just depends on what you can/cannot overlook. more

This is a fun place to go and meet friends on Capitol Hill. Good drinks and friendly service. The bartenders are knowledgable and friendly. The atmosphere is tops. Nice, dimly lit space with darkly painted walls. Cozy and stylish. The place can fill up quickly on a weekend evening. Grab a seat at the bar while you wait. more

Walking into Barca immediately gives you a good impression. The style and layout is what a cocktail lounge should be. Grab a table with a friend on the main floor, pack one of the large booths with a small party, or enjoy the balcony for a little more privacy. Whatever you choose you'll immediately feel like you've found the ideal cocktail lounge. The decor only improves on this feeling with its confident, yet not overwhelming, sophistication. Your great impression of Barca will fall apart when you go to order though. Having been there a bunch of times with various friends the service has been consistently slow. This has occurred whether at busy times late on a Saturday night or early on a weekday. They just can't seem to get there act together to even serve up a simple gin and tonic in a timely manner. Barca is a good cocktail lounge in Capitol Hill. If you're feeling patient one evening, check it out. more