The art of mixology at Suite 410

Quietly secluded from the bar action and with no obvious signs in plain view, the adventure at Suite 410 begins with finding the place.

"This bar provides a good alternative for people who want to avoid the scene," says Max Borthwick, proprietor of Suite 410. "Folks come here to get away."

Located on Stewart Street between Fourth and Fifth, Suite 410 provides a sexy ambience for grown-ups who long for after-work conversations over cocktails, or a laid-back hangout to celebrate in the evening. With its classy minimalist décor, seductive dark wood walls faintly-illuminated by candles and fresh flowers pleasingly displayed, Suite 410's intimate atmosphere exudes sophistication.

Since opening in October 2005, Suite 410's cozy 50-seating capacity has already created a buzz as one of the city's most stylish hot spots and has attracted the attention of the hip thirty-something professionals in the area, as well as the regular older clientele that has long frequented the Seattle bar scene.

"It's been a slow build," says Borthwick, "but we don't advertise or promote-it's all been word of mouth."

Borthwick, who learned the ropes by bar backing and bartending at local spots such as Tini Bigs and the Capitol Club, is also the former owner of Toi —the downtown lounge and Thai restaurant located kitty-corner from Suite 410. "I learned a lot of the things I know now from those experiences," he says.

As a newbie lounge, it may seem hard to stand out from other neighborhood haunts in the city, yet Suite 410 has made a splash using the art of mixology to create their signature cocktails, and by crafting their libations using fresh-squeezed juices and seasonal ingredients straight from the market.

Delectable signature cocktails served ($8.75 per glass) include market-fresh Caipirinhas and Mojitos muddled with seasonal berries and other fruits; the Grapefruit Cosmo, a lush concoction of Danska Grapefruit Vodka, Cointreau, fresh lime and white cranberry juice with a twist of fresh grapefruit; the Northwest Pear and Apple Hot Toddy crafted with Pike Place Market Spice Tea, fresh lemon honey and cinnamon stick; and Suite 410's hottest-selling drink: the Hot Mango Love, a succulent mixture of Finlandia Mango Vodka, fresh jalapenos shaken with fresh lemon and Fee Brothers Peach Bitters.

As a toast to the past, Suite 410's vintage cocktail selection also includes the Pisco Sour, a savory combination of Pisco, Angostura Bitters, fresh lemon and an organic egg white "to ease you into the evening." Beer, hard liquor, wine and fine champagne such as Dom Perignon, Veuve Clicquot, Moet Brut Rose and Moet White Star are offered here as well. As for me, the Peach Bellini is my personal cocktail of choice whenever I'm lounging at Suite 410. Made with fresh white peach puree lightly shaken with Prosecco Champagne, the Bellini is luscious, refreshing and a perfect quencher to cool an indulgent summer night.

Despite its budding popularity, don't expect these swanky digs to stake an attention-grabbing sign outside its door anytime soon. Tucked away like a hidden treasure, part of Suite 410's charm is that it's not easy to find.

"It just fits the place," says Borthwick. "This bar speaks to a different crowd. We're not in Belltown or Pioneer Square; we're in the middle of the hotels and shops. The vibe here fits all that."

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