Indoor seating, beer
Art Show
Photo by Jenny Jimenez
NBA Jam!
a dimly lit dining room
Photo by Jenny Jimenez
a menu on a blackboard
a woman blowing a bubble in front of a painting
It's like an art gallery.
interior
Calvin Wagner art
interior
Gallery with Bar in the back
interior
drink
The bartender boy Alex, made me a drink so stiff I threw out my back and had to call my wrist chiropractor to re-set my bones.
Chain Letter S3 E1
A circle of people drinking and playing music.
A moment in between art shows.
interior
Leela S.
Jan 3, 2017
Vermillion is such a cool space. It's always filled with works by local artists, so you can walk in to both admire the art and buy some if anything catches your eye. If art isn't really your scene, maybe pinball is? Several pinball machines (and a couple of other arcade games) adorn the entrance. Do be prepared to wait for your turn if you come on a busy weekend evening.Once you make your way past all the art and arcade fun and find yourself at the back area, you'll find the bar. There are several beer and wine options available, as well as standard well drinks. Prices are reasonable, and pours are generous (especially for wine). If it's a popular night, you'll also find a DJ in this area, and a dance floor spontaneously forming. You always have the option to retreat to the quieter gallery section if you need a break from the DJ, which is nice.Vermillion offers a much chiller vibe than the clubs up the street, but doesn't skimp on the music. Drink prices are also lower. Definitely check it out if you're on the hunt for a live DJ!
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Trisha F.
Jan 19, 2013
I love the idea of this place. Art and alcohol! They cater to local artists, which is lovely. They also have quite eclectic offerings, both in the visual and audio areas. I've seen a huge stuffed bear with crepe paper blood, light installations, things that move, things that make noise... That being said, alcohol and art can also offer a new set of challenges. I've been in groups that were sternly reprimanded for "getting too close" to displays. Without barriers and when the displays are right in the middle of the room, I think this widely varies from person to person. Yelling at patrons isn't ever a good idea. I hustled out of there pretty fast after that experience.
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Clarissa O.
Apr 15, 2011
I like good ole Vermillion. You walk past it and you'd just assume it was a little room for your typical Capitol Hill-ites to display their misunderstood art work. BUT GUESS WHAT, there's a cute little bar in the back and the art work is actually pretty nice to look at [especially after a few glasses of their happy hour boxed wine].I've been here a handful of times but only remember a few. One of the first times, I was way too intoxicated and asked a complete stranger who was walking past our table, "Do you get naked?" and apparently he just kept walking.Another time we went and there was a group of people sitting in a circle and playing various musical instruments and it WAS AWESOME. It totally didn't feel like we were on 'the hill'. They have food too, but I haven't tried it. But I think it's actual food instead of just nuts and a Doritos chip(!).Yes, sometimes it has a weird smell that I think resembles damp hay, but after a few drinks you have more important things to think about, like if that person over there gets naked.I should apologize in advance, Vermillion. I will be returning again and again.
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Kenny C.
May 2, 2017
Honestly, we came in here because we saw two Cruis'n USA games. But the space is actually pretty cool. Lots of local artwork, and they were having a hip hop show in the back (free, but suggested donation). They also have NBA Jam.
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Heath H.
Jul 22, 2017
Like the bar and the music but... "Donations" are actually just cover. Great indoor music, but it kinda seems to me that they blast music outside just to compete/drown out other music.I've changed my review because I didn't realize donations went to performers. Makes sense. The two specific experiences weren't great overall but I've had plenty of good times here previously.
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Inna B.
Feb 25, 2009
The art. I loved the art. There were several very different styles of art, some of which were "my kind of thing" and some that I'm sure that certain others would love. I love that they had painted pieces, different items put together to make a piece of art, a big fish hanging with a movie being played on its side, and some other kinds of art. I love variety and, at least right now, Vermillion definitely provides that!The section with tables and the bar was darker and swanky. Just felt cool to hang out in somehow. I love the brick wall, the mirrors, the windows. I guess I enjoy some strange things. Anyway. I was there for a going-away party and there were some nice munchies available (veggies, hummus, breads, meats, cheese) and drinks were at HH prices. I had a glass of the house red (wine) and it was alright (and I think only $3?)... at the very least it got me feeling warmer for when we took off into the cold night to go find some food on Broadway.I rather enjoyed my visit to Vermillion, and I recommend stopping by during HH to check out the art while perhaps enjoying a beer, glass of wine, or one of their non-alcoholic options. You know you want to.
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Katya L.
Apr 18, 2011
I don't hang out here very often, and after recent consideration, I can't figure out why. I should! And you should too! Here's why:- fun, busy openings, events and art walk nights- interesting art, some of it can be quite avant-garde but it's definitely interesting to peek at and pretend you're an art critic as you sip your wine and push your oversized glasses up your nose (or that may just be me)- a cozy little bar in the back with friendly bartenders and good drinks- board games! yeahHaven't tried their food, but I hear it's tasty.
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Cara N.
Aug 15, 2013
This place is amazing. This is a sustainable restaurant using only local ingredients that are as fresh as possible. The wine list is very good. I had fresh salmonthat was cooked perfectly, just rare in the middle. My husband's steak was perfectly cooked as well. It was my birthday so they brought me a chocolate cupcake with a candle.We went back the next night just for drinks at the bar. The staff works hard to see that you are well taken care of. Can't wait to go back next time I am in the area.
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Claudia C.
Feb 1, 2019
It's just a hole in the wall that puts local "artists" on the wall, has a bar that looks like it might serve some munchies, and plays random "musician" spinning some beats. Sometimes the music is good and others the guy doesn't work with the beats. The art that they show are over priced for the venue. The venue is dirty with broken arcade games in the front and bathroom. Not my fav place that I wouldn't go out of my way for but it's ok for a drink
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Staci M.
Oct 6, 2016
This place is GREAT! We were walking around town looking for places to dance and drink and happened to stumble in here. I'd like to think that we found a really good mullet... business in the front, party in the back.In the front it's a really nice art gallery... seems posh and more quiet... but once you walk a little back you enter the bar area. Exposed brick and an extensive alcohol selection, complete with a live DJ playing dope house tunes. LOVE! The drink pricing was not bad at all and I loved that I could float between a back room party and a swanky gallery during our time here. Another perk was that it was not insanely busy so we were able to snag seats and move about freely.If you ever find yourself wandering around this area with nothing to do and a desire to dance, stop by here.
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