Spirits and sushi are the specialty at this Capitol Hill hotspot.

Liberty — a dark, cozy lounge located on 15^th Avenue — seems to be one of Capitol Hill’s hidden little lounges. Yet it was very busy, even on a Tuesday. The restaurant boasts an impressive cocktail menu, as well as beer, wine, espresso and sushi. The atmosphere was relaxing and laid back, and the staff was very attentive and friendly. Since Liberty’s claim to fame is craft mixology, I’ll highlight a few of those.

Drink deals: Liberty’s three best cocktails under $10

My date ordered a Manhattan ($10) – always a classic – and said it was one of the best he’s ever had. Bourbon, sweet vermouth and angostura bitters are stirred together and strained into a lowball glass. It’s the perfect warm-up drink for this chilly weather.

As a devoted gin drinker, I opted for a gin martini with olives, but plan to sip on a Continental ($10) – a Liberty original — during my next visit. It’s a mix of Plymouth Gin, St. Germain (an all-natural elderflower liqueur) and Amaro Nonino, a bitter, Italian herbal liqueur.

For the tequila lovers, try the Pomelo ($8), another Liberty original. It’s made with reposado tequila, Campari, Cointreau and fresh grapefruit juice. ¡Qué delicia!

For something to munch on, we ordered a spicy tuna roll, tuna poke, and yellowtail poke — all of which were delicious. We also switched from liquor to Cabernet Sauvignon, which was great as well. Liberty is one of those places that’s great for a date, dinner with a group of friends, an afternoon coffee or a place to sit alone at the bar and chat with the bartenders. They open early, close late and offer Happy Hour from 4 to 7 p.m. every day. Add this to your list of new spots!

Liberty  |  517 15th Ave., Seattle  | (206) 323-9898