Back in 2006, Vessel was one of the original Seattle cocktail-revival spots—the first place in town where each drink on the menu bore a date, a place of origin, and a composer. It was contemporary-swank, it was snobby about vodka, and it was good. The location near the Fifth Avenue Theater closed in 2010; in summer 2012, Vessel was reincarnated at Seventh and Olive (site of the original El Gaucho, from 1953 to 1985). Owner Clark Niemeyer and noted barkeep Jim Romdall serve “progressive and creative” cocktails in a dark, luxe space with leather floor tiles in the entryway and a laboratory for experiments with ice. Cameo McRoberts, recently (and briefly) at Little Water Cantina and Pop Kitchen + Bar, runs the kitchen.