East Coast transplant Seth Sempere manages the bar at Belltown's lauded Spur Gastropub (113 Blanchard St, 728-6706). His first job tending bar when he moved here four years ago from Vermont, however, was at Suite 410 (410 Stewart St, 682-4101), and it's still a favorite for post-shift drinks. "For a long time, it was one of the best-kept secrets in Seattle," Sempere says of the inconspicuous Suite 410. When pressed for his libation of choice, he admits, "The guys there are always playing with stuff, so I often don't order anything, I'm just handed something to drink... but I'm a sucker for a Sazerac—as often as not, that's what gets put in front of me."

The same spirit of good service and creativity inspires his cocktail menu at Spur. For new ideas, Sempere often collaborates with his chef, Jeff Vance; Spur offers a multicourse tasting menu with optional wine and cocktail pairings. And the proximity of Pike Place Market is a blessing: "I try to take a walk around the market at least once a week or so, and see whatever's there, and figure out how to incorporate whatever's fresh, now that we're finally getting into the good produce season." A stellar example of the market in liquid form can be found in his newest favorite, a startlingly bright blend of tequila, mezcal, rhubarb shrub, and Kina l'Avion d'Or, named "Life on Mars?"—that's his question mark, and a riveting topic of conversation, after one or two drinks.

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