Top 25 Outdoor Dining Spots in Seattle
From Rooftops to Patios, Enjoy Seattle Summers Al Fresco!
by Kylie Monson, SHW Event Coordinator
What’s better than sharing a great meal outside with friends? Or sipping a cocktail on a patio under the summer sun? Not much that we can think of! As your local experts, we’re going to give you the exclusive on the hottest outdoor rooftops and patios in Seattle to drink and dine at this summer.
1. Duke’s Seafood
Duke’s has 8 spectacular locations in the Greater Seattle Area. For prime outdoor dining, we recommend West Seattle, Green Lake, South Lake Union, or Dockside.
2. Marination Ma Kai
Marination Ma Kai has a location on Alki that is a must-visit stop! With outdoor waterfront patio seating, you can enjoy delicious Hawaiian cuisine while taking in a skyline view of Seattle.
3. Westward
Westward offers waterfront dining on Lake Union featuring beachside Adirondack chairs, a giant outdoor fire pit, cheery picnic tables, and the freshest local seafood cuisine with a unique flare. You can even arrive by boat and tie up to the restaurant’s dock.
4. Ray’s Boathouse
Ray’s Boathouse is located right on the water in Ballard with a beautiful outdoor patio. One of the most iconic restaurants in Seattle, Ray’s Boathouse elevates fresh Northwest seafood in an artful way.
5. Six Seven
Six Seven is an award-winning restaurant that offers Pacific Northwest cuisine with breathtaking views of the Puget Sound.
6. Aqua by El Gaucho
Aqua by El Gaucho features waterfront dining with views of Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains, Mt. Rainier and the Space Needle. The expansive outdoor deck is especially attractive on summer evenings when spectacular sunsets await.
7. mbar
mbar is a modern restaurant and bar with stunning views of South Lake Union and the Seattle skyline. Featuring a dynamic contemporary art collection, this is the perfect location for sipping a cocktail high in the sky.
8. Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi
Okay, maybe its not in Seattle, but Ascend offers elevated dining on the 31st floor of Downtown Bellevue skyrise, featuring hand-selected premium steaks, innovative sushi, and panoramic views of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.
9. The Nest Rooftop Bar
The Nest is the rooftop bar of the Thompson Seattle hotel by Hyatt. This hotspot showcases views of Pike Place Market and Seattle’s downtown, complete with handcrafted cocktails and Pacific Northwest bites.
10. Mountaineering Club
The Mountaineering Club is located on the 16th floor of Seattle’s Graduate Hotel. Here you will find panoramic views of Mount Rainier, the Puget Sound and downtown Seattle. Menus take inspiration from the Pacific Northwest surrounds, with dishes and drinks that showcase a bounty of regional ingredients.
11. Smith Tower Observatory Bar
The Smith Tower Observatory in Seattle boasts its very own speakeasy-inspired bar on the 35th floor with unique and entertaining menus showcasing local favorites and craft cocktails with a hint of Prohibition era flair.
Admission tickets apply to visit the Observatory and Observatory Restaurant & Bar.
12. Old Stove Brewing
Old Stove Brewing Company is located in the historic Pike Place Market. This is no doubt one of the best places to experience a craft beer brewpub in the Pacific Northwest. Their menu features 24 taps of the finest craft beer made onsite, as well as local cider, local wine, a full bar, and seasonally rotating food made from scratch daily.
13. Altitude Sky Lounge
Altitude Sky Lounge is a new addition to the Seattle rooftop scene. This sleek and modern spot is located on top of the Astra Hotel. Relax here with some delicious cocktails and appetizers while taking in the city views.
14. Agua Verde Cafe
Agua Verde Cafe is a fun waterfront spot that you can kayak, paddleboard, or walk up to! You can secure your water toys on the restaurant’s dock and then make your way up to the deck to enjoy frozen margaritas, baja fish tacos, and more Mexican fare! All dishes are made fresh daily using local, sustainable & organic ingredients.
15. Terra Plata
Terra Plata is a Spanish-inspired restaurant in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Menus are seasonal and change daily due to sourcing the freshest ingredients from sustainable farmers and artisan producers. The covered rooftop garden is a wonderful place to enjoy sensational food and cocktails.
16. The Pink Door
As one of Seattle’s most iconic restaurants, The Pink Door offers an unmatched ambiance with live music, trapezists, tarot readings, cabaret, and more! This secret spot is located in the heart of Pike Place Market and can be found by searching for the pink door in Post Alley. In the summertime, sit out on the patio to dine on fresh and authentic Italian food.
17. Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails
Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails is a swanky rooftop located at the top of the Motif Hotel downtown. Frolik serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Featuring stunning skyline views, this is the perfect place to gather with friends!
18.Fog Room
The Fog Room is the rooftop bar at The Charter Hotel downtown. This vibey lounge is perched high above downtown Seattle and has a stunning chic interior as well as an outdoor patio with fireplaces.
19. Bottlehouse
Bottlehouse is a charming spot in Seattle’s Madrona neighborhood. When you walk up the front porch steps of this little house, you will find a selection of wines from the Pacific Northwest and around the world. Here you can sit on the back patio and enjoy wine tastings, flights, bottles, and seasonal menu offerings such as charcuterie boards, truffle mac n cheese, black cod, and more!
20. Fremont Brewing
Fremont Brewing is the perfect place to gather with friends on a hot summer day! Sip on refreshing small-batch artisan beers in the beergarden or cool off from the sun in the taproom.
21. The White Swan Public House
The White Swan Public House is a popular place to be on a summer’s day in Seattle! This fun location is accessible by boat or walk-ups and serves fresh seafood and pub food. Cheers with friends outdoors while you sip on beer, wine, or cocktails.
22. San Fermo
San Fermo is a hidden gem in the Ballard neighborhood. This Italian restaurant was built inside of an antique home and has a back patio that is perfect for summertime dining. The pastas here will have you coming back time and time again.
23. COMO
COMO is a can’t miss waterfront restaurant and bar in Kirkland’s Carillon Point. This hot spot serves authentic Italian dishes, desserts, and drinks. Everything on the menu is made fresh. COMO’s patio dining offers a beautiful atmosphere complete with tealight candles, beachy umbrellas, and fireplaces.
24. El Encanto
El Encanto is a sister restaurant to COMO, located just one level below it. Come here for elevated modern Mexican cuisine, unique cocktails creations, and stunning views of Lake Washington. Sit on comfy couches on the patio to watch the boats go by and the sun go down.
25. Il Terrazzo Carmine
Il Terrazzo Carmine is a fine-dining authentic Italian restaurant with a gorgeous terrace for outdoor dining. You will feel like you have been transported to Italy when you come here. The owners also have a sister restaurant in Bellevue called Carmine’s which offers a similar atmosphere and menu.
Looking to book one of these restaurants for your summer event? Contact us.
SHW is Seattle’s leading agency in Destination Management and Incentive Travel, renowned for its innovative event planning and management solutions. Click here to learn more about our services!
