The Watering Hole: Flow Lounge, 2 Boston St. QUEEN ANNE
The Atmosphere: Situated on the busy corner of Boston Street and Queen Anne Avenue, this curtained lounge quietly tends to those on their way home from the office and keeps thirsty bicyclists pedaling the hill hydrated. Inside, intimate seating arrangements accessorized by table candles make for a perfect first-date spot, where bar noise is contained to an upper level. The lounge’s owners also operate the neighboring Thai restaurant, Orrapin. Both feature bustling patios, a hot commodity for afternoon and evening sippers and diners.
The Barkeep: Michael Arreola, who just weeks ago left the sandy beaches of Maui to return to Seattle, where his family resides. Arreola takes pride in preserving island hospitality by referring to each of his guests as “my friend,” and reminisces about his days as head bartender at Bellevue’s Rock Bottom Brewery and The Golf Club at Newcastle.
The Drink: A mango margarita: Puerto Vallarta tequila, triple sec, sweet and sour, lemon juice, muddled lime, and mango puree. “I must have sold over 50 of them,” Arreola says, looking at a near-empty juice container. With a smile, he adds, “I think I have enough for one more.”
The Verdict: Refreshing, with subtle hints of lime and mango served in a tall, salt-rimmed glass over ice. Although it could use a bit more alcoholic punch, the drink rings up at only $5 as part of the all-day happy-hour special (4–11 p.m. Mon.–Wed.), and cooled me off on one of Seattle’s hottest days. On top of the drink specials, Flow also offers a happy-hour deal on small plates ($3 for pesto fries). But late-night snackers beware: The lounge stays open only until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
