The Old Sage

Seattle, United States

3.9

20 reviews

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Telephone:
+1 206-557-7430
Website:
theoldsageseattle.com
Address:
1410 12th Ave, Seattle, WA, 98122
b/t Union St & Pike St
Capitol Hill
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
140 ftE Madison St & 13th Ave
300 ftE Union St & 13th Ave
430 ftE Madison St & 12th Ave
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Today

Today –
Local time (Seattle) 18:25 Friday, 20 June 2025

Business hours

Monday –
Tuesday –
Wednesday –
Thursday –
Friday –
Saturday –
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

21+ Amazing Food, Amazing Bar, Ambiance, Happy Hour and Sports.

Using unique smoking techniques, award-​winning Chefs McCracken and Tough draw delicious flavors out of premium meats and fish. Our shadowy allure offers an urban hearth, celebrating amazing food and malted beverages.

Under the muralled gaze of a teetotal-​ling City pioneer, guests of The Old Sage enjoy skillfully smoked meats and seafood.

Simple meats, starches and vegetables are revered here. The incandescently lit bar hosts a library of scotch and a rotating selection of artisanal craft beers… which satisfy those less moderate in this city of pioneers.

History

Established in 2013.

Chefs Brian McCracken and Dana Tough (McCracken Tough) take a decidedly modern approach to their timeless craft, always honoring and elevating their carefully sourced ingredients. In 2008 these Gayot Top Five Chefs opened Spur, the Seattle bar that Food & Wine Magazine quickly put on their Go List of «the most outstanding, must-​visit restaurants in the world.» 2009 brought Tavern Law and its secluded Needle & Thread bar. Named by GQ Magazine as one of the Top 25 Bars in the nation, Tavern Law attracts lovers of the classic cocktail who enjoy the Chefs’ unique take on American classics like the buttermilk fried chicken cooked in sous vide — a dish that’s incited its own cult following. Their first restaurant, The Coterie Room two doors up from Spur in Seattle’s Belltown neighborhood, joined the McCracken Tough family late 2011 with a menu of memorable American classics. Now they bring you The Old Sage.

Meet the Manager

Mason B.

Manager

Mason has worked his way up through the McCracken Tough organization from cook at Tavern Law all the way to General Manager of The Old Sage! We are proud to have his as a part of our team!

The Old Sage also recommends

Spur Gastropub

512

reviews

American (New)

,

Lounges

,

Gastropubs

Mason B. says,

«sister property»

Tavern Law

561

reviews

American (New)

,

Lounges

,

Cocktail Bars

Mason B. says,

«sister property»

Needle and Thread

220

reviews

Lounges

,

Cocktail Bars

Mason B. says,

«sister property»

The Coterie Room — CLOSED

203

reviews

American (New)

Mason B. says,

«sister property»

Nearby

Near this location:
1
ft
The Local Vine
1410 12th Ave
60
ft
Trace Lofts
1414 12th Ave
70
ft
Mighty-O Donuts
1400 12th Ave
70
ft
High 5 Pie
1400 12th Ave
90
ft
Needle and Thread
1406 12th Ave
90
ft
Tavern Law
1406 12th Ave

20 reviews of The Old Sage

No registration required
Place rating: 4
Seattle, WA
Stopped in here after having a terrible experience at Canon nearby. So glad we did, they have a great selection of food and drinks and an extremely friendly wait staff. It was a bit empty and quiet for a Thursday but we had a great time.
Place rating: 5
Seattle, WA
Me and my fiancé stop by the old sage every now and than to sit by the fire and enjoy one of their delicious small plates and scotches. We usually come by on slow days like Sunday or Monday nights because it’s normally much quieter than the weekends can be. Over the time we have been going here we have seen lots of change, some good, some bad, but over the last few months we have noticed a great change in the quality of drinks and friendliness of the staff. It still seems that there is some hiccups to get through, one being service knowledge, I have been drinking scotch for just a short while and by no means consider myself a expert but it’s a little funny when I know more than the server at a scotch bar knows and could tell when he was seemingly making stuff up.
Anyways, this Wednesday we came in to a empty restaurant, which was fine seeing as how it was raining and everywhere else we walked by was dead empty as well. We went up to the bar to order and were greeted by Craig (Greg? Sorry ha), who I can only describe as exactly who you think would work in a place with smoked meats and scotch, big long red beard and a plaid shirt. Craig was incredibly knowledgable and helpful and even sat down with us by the fire to talk about scotch and blew me away with what he knows. He was very laid back and very kind and funny. Though the other staff we have encountered seem to know little, that guy knew more than I think I will ever know. In the past I would have given the old sage a 3 – 4 stars and would have recommended it to friends, but after the other night I couldn’t help but make a Unilocal account and give it 5 stars so I could recommend it to everyone.
Place rating: 1
Mercer Island, WA
We went online and tried to find a «warm, cozy, winter restaurant» in Seattle. The Old Sage was rated HIGH for our likings. So we went! Not a soul in the place. Empty on a Thurs night! Carry on… It was COLD, freezing!
We ordered, and the food was SO GOOD!!!
But the service was SO BAD! There was only one other table besides ours. Empty restaurant! We had the WORST SERVICE. Maybe that’s why the place was so empty?
The food was AWESOME. The service was SO TERRIBLE. We will never go back because of that. So sad. The place could be amazing but the service is terrible. Not worth our $ 300, plus tab!
Place rating: 1
Seattle, WA
Extremely overpriced whiskys. The only way to get a normal price for your drink is if you go on half price Tuesdays (only includes scotch whisky and not other whiskey). Example, Oban 14 at Old Sage was listed as $ 23. Other whisky-​friendly bars like Canon and Radiator Whiskey have the same for $ 7 – 8 less (even cheaper at other bars around town) and have better food. The small plates we had were decent. The space is big, open, and not overly loud. If they weren’t overpricing their drinks 30−60%, it’d be a decent place for a drink.
Place rating: 5
Bellingham, WA
The duck wings are unreal. The Brussels sprouts too. We really enjoy hanging with the bartender Adam and learning about scotch. Also try a whiskey sour. It will blow you away.
Place rating: 5
Seattle, WA
I’ve been craving Old Sage’s burger for quite some time now. I went back for their burger and it was just as DELICIOUS as I remembered. I need to give them 5 stars for the hickory, smoky, crave-​worthy, hit-​the-​right-​spot burger. I actually like the fact that it’s on the smaller side because I feel satisfied but not gross. Tried 8 ounce burger on Cap Hill before and felt totally gross after. Old Sage, I believe you have the best burger in Seattle.
Place rating: 3
Seattle, WA
This is a Whiskey bar first, and a restaurant second.
I think it’s still pretty new, and are still working out the kinks.
5 of the 12 tables don’t have any over-​head lighting, so it makes it quite difficult to see a menu — so plan on people pulling out their phones to light things up.
The atmosphere was nice, almost candle-​lit — until the TV above the bar was turned on :(
They offer an odd, eclectic menu with few ‘normal food’ choices. Much of the menu is food that is full of air! And those prices… OUCH. We waited almost an hour for our burgers with flavored ‘puffs’ to come out of the kitchen.
The food was good, better than average — but they need to address the lighting and acoustics — and work on that food service (unless it’s slow so that you drink more)
Place rating: 4
Seattle, WA
The Old Sage has a great happy hour menu, discounts on small plates and drinks. This place is great on a cold rainy day. Sit next to the fireplace and enjoy a nice scotch. We enjoyed the squash salad, farro risotto, and brussel sprouts.
Place rating: 2
Seattle, WA
For some reason I went into sage expecting more. Kinda selling itself as a «meat» and whiskey joint. I was thinking well mixed drinks and hearty portions.
Well the drinks were nice (old fashioned), but the food was a bit of a let down.
First, I will say that the food menu was minimal, but the bar menu was plentiful (obviously they know where to look that cash cow in the face) .
Started with hickory smoked popcorn and puff sourdough, as well as seasonal salad. Frankly the starters or «snacks», were all flavored well. Main course was a twist on the tradition Monte Cristo, but done in the burger format. My guest had their burger. Waiter explained mine would take longer, which was fine, but they brought my guests out 10 minutes early. I think it’s called timing, and it doesn’t seem that difficult for two people to enjoy the meal together.
Upon delivery, the burgers were minuscule and served on a plank, I mean slider size essentially. Mine came with a lame side salad. I mean, it was just very underwhelming. The favors were nice, and my guests burger was overlooked after asking for med-​rare.
With that said, it’s not a bad place to grab a drink, but the food is very par at that. Nothing outstanding about this place at all.
Place rating: 4
Seattle, WA
Great atmosphere in here on a Friday night! Parking is easy to find and this cozy spot has amazing drinks! Good service and comfy chairs/​couch spots are inviting and almost coffee-​shop like. A perfect spot to gather with friends at the beginning or end of the night. This is my new favorite area of Cap Hill. This restaurant/​bar/​lounge is close enough to hop over to the gelato place a few doors down or get small plates of food along the walk. Can’t wait to come back!
Place rating: 5
Edmonds, WA
The Gentleman’s Club of Cap Hill (girls allowed!). Well it certainly feels like a club with individually rolled white hand towels in the restroom.
Boasting an extensive list of whiskey and libations, and a half off single malt happy hour, Old Sage always draws a good crowd for nightlife on 12th Ave. Thanks Unilocal for the Check In Deal, $ 15 for a traditional burger and pint of premium draft. Half of our table cashed in on their checkins. This place has got fantastic dark and classy mood lighting, murals, table pieces, wallpaper and bar theme. A+
Place rating: 4
Seattle, WA
So I have waited awhile to visit the Old Sage while my fiancé is a fan of scotch. I have also read much about their food so I was excited to try it. I can’t say that it started off on a good foot but in the end it was enjoyable. When we first arrived at the restaurant at 7pm the restaurant was empty, really empty. That was a bit disconcerting. Shortly after we were seated we were told that we couldn’t partake in the half priced scotch night (Tuesdays) because we were using an Amazon Local voucher. Oh well. We each ordered a drink, both with scotch and the Old Sage burger and the short ribs.
The drinks were brought out fairly quickly and they were well executed. I had the Blood and Sand and found it really tasty and not overpowering in scotch flavor or smoke. Shortly after that our food came out and we were wowed by the food! The burger was fantastic. It was cooked perfectly, was juicy and flavorful, the sauces and toppings were super complimentary. The buttermilk root chips were also fantastic. My short ribs were awesome. They were mouthwateringly tender and flavorful and with the watercress and super buttery smooth sweet potato purée this was truly a decadent meal. Small portions but the flavor and quality doesn’t really leave you wanting much more.
I loved the food and drinks but the service and the atmosphere of the bar was a little cold. I’m surprised that they were so empty of customers but whether or not I come back or not is a big maybe.
Place rating: 5
Seattle, WA
Great place with a great vibe. Jenna was extremely friendly and helpful.
The duck wings were our favorite and the Old Fashioned’s were spot on.
Place rating: 5
Santa Clara, CA
Quite possibly one of the best old fashions I’ve ever had. This place has great atmosphere, good music, and good service. I’ll be back here again.
Place rating: 4
Seattle, WA
The Ild Fashioned is really good and the atmosphere is casual but classy. The scotch prices are a bit pricey. Very quiet on a Wednesday, which is exactly what I needed.
Place rating: 3
Seattle, WA
The handful of mixed reviews here definitely have it right. My fiancé and I came with a group of friends for a drink around 9:30pm on a Saturday; I should’ve expected this but I felt WAY underdressed. I was wearing a casual dress, and maybe it was the people we were with or maybe it was the venue, but I felt way *too* casual. That was unfortunate.
I’d only planned on ordering a drink, and I chose one of the lagers on tap. That was a good choice, but you can’t really go wrong with beer, right? Almost everyone else ordered various cocktails, which everyone seemed to enjoy. One friend ordered the «cheap beer» from the menu; that turned out to be Hamm’s and shortly after he added a shot as part of the beer/​shot combo on the menu.
A few of the girls were going to order the beet salad to share, but our server let us know they were out of it for the night. That was a bit disconcerting, but things happen, it’s fine. They ordered the smoked pork head instead, as did my fiancé. Some of them really liked it, others thought it was a bit weird; it was somewhat of a prosciutto-​like meat, yet a little thicker. I decided to order a snack after all, and chose the pickled vegetables. By the time we were ready to leave (nearly 11pm), they still hadn’t arrived. I’m pretty sure the server forgot, but once we reminded her she made sure to send them out. I was sort of over it by that point, but we ate them anyway and they were pretty good. The «spicy carrot» was definitely a bit spicy for my taste! The pickled beets were amazing and the other vegetable was some sort of celery, which was good but a little tough to chew into.
It has a very «Capitol Hill» ambiance and feel, which could be a good or bad thing depending on what you’re into. The menu is fairly limited, but what we tasted was good. I would like to come back sometime when I’m not driving so I can try some of the cocktails!
Place rating: 5
Seattle, WA
Timeless classic perfect drinks served with innovative unique smoked or pickled deliciousness! This food speaks to me!
Great ambiance, professional kind service, and cool location. I’ve been here a handful of times and always leave exclaiming «why am I not here more often?» I love the shocking strong flavors of the pickled veggie appetizer. The Applewood Smoked Duck Wings are a Must order every time, they fall off the bone and are served with perfect accompaniments. Don’t miss the Smoked Hogs head appetizer, amazing slices with homemade mustard absolutely «melts» in your mouth. One of the best burgers in the city served here… Everything we’ve tried –we love. Come during HH and start with some amazing appetizer such as smoked char or a fried chickpea and cabbage with Harissa yogurt dipping sauce, what? Yes?! I hope this restaurant LLAPs!
Place rating: 4
Seattle, WA
Came here for the first time on a Saturday night for a drink after dinner. Cool vibe (though I can’t say it’s all that unique on The Hill) — with dark tables and a short menu. Solid service, nice ambiance for a low key evening or a first date. Menu looked delicious but I did not eat there.
Great place to grab a drink or a few but a little too high brow ($) for an all-​evening drink fest. Might come here again for a girls night out but prob wouldn’t drag the boys out for a beer fest, if that helps explain it.
Place rating: 4
San Francisco, CA
I used a Gilt City deal as an excuse to try this place out and I’m really glad I did.
I was told the chef is gluten intolerant so a lot of their dishes are prepared that way by default. EVEN DESSERTS! Which is rare to find something to tame my inner sweet tooth beast at a restaurant that’s not straight ice cream.
We got the pig head, beef short ribs, and duck wing (duck…a wooo wooo… anyone? anyone?). Then I got the frozen chocolate mousse for dessert. I really loved every bite I had. Honestly.
Service was great. Loved my cocktail. The only thing that wasn’t ideal is that it was pretty empty for a Thursday night which made it feel a little less cozy. But really, that won’t stop me from coming back. Less wait!
Place rating: 5
Federal Way, WA
We went here for dinner during Restaurant Week for the first time this past fall. We really enjoyed the atmosphere and the food. The fact that they focus on making food that is unique and done in house, like rending down a boars head and making a sliced appetizer was unique!
They offer a Whisky Dinner on the third Thursday of each month and I would highly recommend it. Although it’s a bit pricy, for what you get it’s worth it. You get three courses, each paired with the evenings selected whisky, plus a welcome cocktail containing the same!
The meal is paired with the whisky and they have someone representing the distributor or the distillery their to guide you through the evening. Looking forward to the next one!