I really wanted to enjoy my time at this bar, but unfortunately, my experience left me feeling judged and deeply uncomfortable.
The bar was nearly empty when my friend and I arrived. I greeted the bartender politely and ordered a drink while we looked at the menu. We took a few moments to decide on food, during which the bartender seemed visibly impatient and hovered over us — despite the place being quiet with no other tables occupied.
My friend and I were using sign language to communicate some of the time, and later sat outside in the beer garden. When our food was ready, the bartender didn’t bring it out — instead, he leaned out the window, and I was happy to come inside and grab it without issue.
Later, I came back in to order a second drink. I politely asked for two shots of Bulleit whiskey, served in a glass with ice and two straws. The bartender initially began preparing it but suddenly changed his mind and refused to serve me, saying he thought I was on drugs.
I was shocked. I remained calm and asked, “What makes you think that?” He couldn’t provide any reason other than that we were standing outside while my friend juggled — which we had even been mindful about, taking turns staying in the beer garden so it wouldn't look like we were trying to leave without paying. My card was left at the bar the entire time.
Even when he made this unfounded accusation, I stayed respectful and simply asked for clarification. Instead of answering, he made me even more uncomfortable by asking me where I lived — a question that felt intrusive and inappropriate.
As someone who lives in the area and loves supporting local businesses, this was really disappointing. I don’t know what assumptions were made about us, but I can say with full honesty that I was polite, communicative, and respectful throughout the entire evening. I left feeling judged for being a little different — and that really ruined what should have been a relaxed night out.
I hope the staff here reflect on how they engage with patrons who don't fit the mold. Treating people with dignity — especially when they’re being respectful — should be the bare minimum.
TL;DR: I was treated with suspicion and eventually denied service, not because of anything I did — but because I showed up confident, kind, neurodivergent, and unapologetically myself.
Alexus Gomez
Beautiful location, but wish the service reflected that.
Seen alot of reviews that expressed ethnicity. Our group had color.
We had an extremely disappointing experience at this bar, entirely due to the bartender’s unprofessional and rude behavior.
When we arrived, the bartender was outside on a smoke break. Rather than greeting us or even acknowledging our presence, he looked irritated that we had walked in. Out of courtesy, we offered to wait so he could finish his break—something we didn’t have to do, but we wanted to be respectful. Unfortunately, our patience and kindness were met with a bad attitude from the moment we walked in.
He was cold and dismissive while taking our drink order—no greeting, no smile, no effort to be welcoming. Still, we kept things friendly and left a fair tip after the first round. Later, when we ordered an additional drink, he became noticeably irritated again and insinuated that we should have tipped more. Despite already having tipped once, we even left an additional tip—yet his attitude continued to worsen.
When we finally said, “Don’t be rude next time,” hoping to call out the unnecessary hostility, his response was a sarcastic and immature, “You too.” That really summed up his entire approach to customer service: passive-aggressive, entitled, and completely lacking in professionalism.
What’s frustrating is that we did everything right. We were patient, polite, understanding, and tipped—not once, but twice. There was absolutely no reason for the treatment we received. No one wants to spend their money somewhere they’re made to feel like a nuisance.
If management cares about the customer experience, they should seriously reconsider who they have representing their bar. One person’s attitude can ruin an otherwise good night—and unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened here.
We would write up staff members that treated customers this way.
Cam Kay
This business is located in the Alaska Trade Building which was built in 1909 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. This is a beautiful historic building and a must see. Check it out!
J Jj
I visited with a group of friends hoping for a great evening, but unfortunately, it turned out to be the worst experience we’ve had. We sat in the back, and the bartender not only lacked basic skills in mixing cocktails correctly but was also incredibly rude. This completely ruined the atmosphere for us. Definitely not what we expected and very disappointing.
David Ortega
Seattle is beautiful, but nothing is perfect. Horrible service, this is a place where you don’t want to be.
Tay B
I was super excited to try this place and the food saw the reviews. Nice setting and all food was good but Tom the bar tender made me feel super uncomfortable and like i missed a sign that said “no coloreds allowed” when i asked is it open seatin he asked me “what am i here to do” tom what do people normally do when they come to sonyas. I feel like sonya would be pissed with the service tom provided to me tonight
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 1
Caoilin Hoctor
We had our Welcome Party before our wedding at Sonya’s and it was absolutely amazing!! I wish I had better pictures, but the back area is a huge space with wooden floors and a beautiful view of the water. Lucas and his team were amazing! They were so quick with the food and their chowder is hands down the best I’ve had in Seattle. All of our guests loved the food and had the best time. The bartender was also great and so quick with the drinks even with a party of over 40. I can’t say enough how impressed we were and will continue to recommend Sonya’s to anyone seeking an amazing space with great food and service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kyle Steele
After watching the bartender / manager make 2 drinks for another customer that were undrinkable we placed an order and set down, one of our people in our party stayed at the bar to order a beeran empty beer bottle he threw him out of the bar and came over to our table and said it was our option to leave as well and mumbled something as he walked off. We were in town as travlers and thank goodness everyone else has been super nice. Warning to other travelers don't expect much!!!
Food: 1
Service: 1
SK Tim
Lovely place! Grab the seats at the back overlooking the water if in a group.
I went here for a birthday party, the back room had plenty of seating, waffle fries were yummy, and the bartender was kind and sweet. Overall great service!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tots or Fries
Riley Mack
I went here for a birthday party, the back room had plenty of seating, waffle fries were yummy, and the bartender was kind and sweet. Overall great service!
Kevin Krone
The front of house is low key bar but the back of house is a date night spot for sure.
Just street parking and it’s busy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sierra Gonzales
Cozy, dim-lit 'sky lounge' with some good food. I got the fish sandwich which was pretty tasty. Definitely a lovely date night spot.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sandwich
Justin Time
Judging from the responses from the owner, it’s clear they have a borderline personality disorder. The bar is struggling clearly. They have an identity crisis. They used to be a gay bar that went back to the 70’s. I decided to visit at their new location. They have erased any hint of their gay past. Their choice, but sad.
I really wanted to enjoy my time at this bar, but unfortunately, my experience left me feeling judged and deeply uncomfortable.
The bar was nearly empty when my friend and I arrived. I greeted the bartender politely and ordered a drink while we looked at the menu. We took a few moments to decide on food, during which the bartender seemed visibly impatient and hovered over us — despite the place being quiet with no other tables occupied.
My friend and I were using sign language to communicate some of the time, and later sat outside in the beer garden. When our food was ready, the bartender didn’t bring it out — instead, he leaned out the window, and I was happy to come inside and grab it without issue.
Later, I came back in to order a second drink. I politely asked for two shots of Bulleit whiskey, served in a glass with ice and two straws. The bartender initially began preparing it but suddenly changed his mind and refused to serve me, saying he thought I was on drugs.
I was shocked. I remained calm and asked, “What makes you think that?” He couldn’t provide any reason other than that we were standing outside while my friend juggled — which we had even been mindful about, taking turns staying in the beer garden so it wouldn't look like we were trying to leave without paying. My card was left at the bar the entire time.
Even when he made this unfounded accusation, I stayed respectful and simply asked for clarification. Instead of answering, he made me even more uncomfortable by asking me where I lived — a question that felt intrusive and inappropriate.
As someone who lives in the area and loves supporting local businesses, this was really disappointing. I don’t know what assumptions were made about us, but I can say with full honesty that I was polite, communicative, and respectful throughout the entire evening. I left feeling judged for being a little different — and that really ruined what should have been a relaxed night out.
I hope the staff here reflect on how they engage with patrons who don't fit the mold. Treating people with dignity — especially when they’re being respectful — should be the bare minimum.
TL;DR: I was treated with suspicion and eventually denied service, not because of anything I did — but because I showed up confident, kind, neurodivergent, and unapologetically myself.
Beautiful location, but wish the service reflected that.
Seen alot of reviews that expressed ethnicity. Our group had color.
We had an extremely disappointing experience at this bar, entirely due to the bartender’s unprofessional and rude behavior.
When we arrived, the bartender was outside on a smoke break. Rather than greeting us or even acknowledging our presence, he looked irritated that we had walked in. Out of courtesy, we offered to wait so he could finish his break—something we didn’t have to do, but we wanted to be respectful. Unfortunately, our patience and kindness were met with a bad attitude from the moment we walked in.
He was cold and dismissive while taking our drink order—no greeting, no smile, no effort to be welcoming. Still, we kept things friendly and left a fair tip after the first round. Later, when we ordered an additional drink, he became noticeably irritated again and insinuated that we should have tipped more. Despite already having tipped once, we even left an additional tip—yet his attitude continued to worsen.
When we finally said, “Don’t be rude next time,” hoping to call out the unnecessary hostility, his response was a sarcastic and immature, “You too.” That really summed up his entire approach to customer service: passive-aggressive, entitled, and completely lacking in professionalism.
What’s frustrating is that we did everything right. We were patient, polite, understanding, and tipped—not once, but twice. There was absolutely no reason for the treatment we received. No one wants to spend their money somewhere they’re made to feel like a nuisance.
If management cares about the customer experience, they should seriously reconsider who they have representing their bar. One person’s attitude can ruin an otherwise good night—and unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened here.
We would write up staff members that treated customers this way.
This business is located in the Alaska Trade Building which was built in 1909 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. This is a beautiful historic building and a must see. Check it out!
I visited with a group of friends hoping for a great evening, but unfortunately, it turned out to be the worst experience we’ve had. We sat in the back, and the bartender not only lacked basic skills in mixing cocktails correctly but was also incredibly rude. This completely ruined the atmosphere for us. Definitely not what we expected and very disappointing.
Seattle is beautiful, but nothing is perfect. Horrible service, this is a place where you don’t want to be.
I was super excited to try this place and the food saw the reviews. Nice setting and all food was good but Tom the bar tender made me feel super uncomfortable and like i missed a sign that said “no coloreds allowed” when i asked is it open seatin he asked me “what am i here to do” tom what do people normally do when they come to sonyas. I feel like sonya would be pissed with the service tom provided to me tonight
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 1
We had our Welcome Party before our wedding at Sonya’s and it was absolutely amazing!! I wish I had better pictures, but the back area is a huge space with wooden floors and a beautiful view of the water. Lucas and his team were amazing! They were so quick with the food and their chowder is hands down the best I’ve had in Seattle. All of our guests loved the food and had the best time. The bartender was also great and so quick with the drinks even with a party of over 40. I can’t say enough how impressed we were and will continue to recommend Sonya’s to anyone seeking an amazing space with great food and service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
After watching the bartender / manager make 2 drinks for another customer that were undrinkable we placed an order and set down, one of our people in our party stayed at the bar to order a beeran empty beer bottle he threw him out of the bar and came over to our table and said it was our option to leave as well and mumbled something as he walked off. We were in town as travlers and thank goodness everyone else has been super nice. Warning to other travelers don't expect much!!!
Food: 1
Service: 1
Lovely place! Grab the seats at the back overlooking the water if in a group.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
So fun!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I went here for a birthday party, the back room had plenty of seating, waffle fries were yummy, and the bartender was kind and sweet. Overall great service!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tots or Fries
I went here for a birthday party, the back room had plenty of seating, waffle fries were yummy, and the bartender was kind and sweet. Overall great service!
The front of house is low key bar but the back of house is a date night spot for sure.
Just street parking and it’s busy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cozy, dim-lit 'sky lounge' with some good food. I got the fish sandwich which was pretty tasty.
Definitely a lovely date night spot.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sandwich
Judging from the responses from the owner, it’s clear they have a borderline personality disorder. The bar is struggling clearly. They have an identity crisis. They used to be a gay bar that went back to the 70’s. I decided to visit at their new location. They have erased any hint of their gay past. Their choice, but sad.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 2
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