Food & Drink
The Backdoor at Roxy’s
On a street lined with watering holes, this sexy little speakeasy nestled behind Roxy’s Diner in Fre
By Jana Moseley October 17, 2011
This article originally appeared in the November 2011 issue of Seattle magazine.
THE VIBE:
The room’s feel is theatrical, yet intimate. The high wooden ceilings are decked with antique chandeliers and window frames suspended in midair. The VIP room is donned with floor-to-ceiling red velvet curtains. Great for dates, a casual cocktail or even a bros’ night out (all-you-can-eat ribs on Sundays, $18.95), it’s a revolving door for food-industry folks, sophisticated 20-somethings and locals.
THE FOOD:
Several budget-friendly, à la carte items to conquer any appetite: The shoestring onions are addictive ($3.50), as are the buttery jalapeño poppers, corn cakes topped with roasted sweet pepper and a spicy jalapeño-bacon-cheese blend ($5.95). Roxy’s famous hot pastrami is also on the menu, with stone-ground mustard, served on a baked caraway roll ($8.95).
THE DRINKS:
Classic cocktails such as the Sidecar and Sazerac (each $7) share the menu with originals like the Backdoor Baby Doll (fresh squeezed grapefruit juice, vodka, aromatic bitters and homemade Backdoor honey syrup, $8) and the Backdoor Surprise (rum, vodka, gin, Cointreau and a mixture of freshly squeezed juices, $9). Another must-try are the house-made infusions; choose from an array that includes sweet pear vodka, jalapeño tequila and rosemary gin.
THE BATHROOM:
The Backdoor shares two stalls with big sister Roxy’s Diner, so let’s hope you can hold it!
462 N 36th St.; 206.632.7322; backdooratroxys.com