Chances are you've heard of the finely crafted cuisine and cocktail culture that's been keeping Seattle in the headlines. It's not just about the coffee anymore. And seriously, what's better than drinking and dining while taking in gorgeous panoramic views of the city? I know how you like it and I got you.
This is your list for where to go when you're looking for sweeping vistas of glittering water outlined by distant gradients of mountain range, white boats sailing toward distant shores, and tall glass buildings reflecting the teal colored ocean by day and by night the pinks and oranges of our sunsets. You didn't ask for much.
Of course, these are all best enjoyed during the summer, but many rooftop bars accommodate for the chilly and quite possibly wet e-v-e-r-y other season of the year.
Click here for the top three: Best Rooftop Bars - Seattle, Part 2
Best Rooftop Bars in Seattle
Starting with the most casual, then working our way up...
LITTLE WATER CANTINA
Not technically a 'rooftop' but their sought-after garden patio's got panoramic views of the water from Eastlake to Downtown. We're talking sailboats and sunsets surrounded by trees and flowers. Add to that the menu, which consists of locally-inspired Mexican food, tequila shots & cocktails as well as their unique décor, including a glowing wall made of 800 recycled tequila bottles, I think we can throw technicalities aside here. Did I mention they were voted "Best Mexican Food in Seattle" twice. Que rico!
TIPS
Open 7 days a week
They've got a late night happy hour with free chips and salsa, and a separate Happy Hour weekdays from 3-6.
They've got a free parking garage below the restaurant.
Don't leave without trying their house made fluffy flour tortilla strips. They’re addicting. Also try the seasonal marg. My favorite is watermelon 🥂
TERRA PLATA
Situated on the edge of Capitol Hill and Downtown, between Melrose Market and the Starbucks Reserve (two other hotspots you'll prob want to visit) this triangular shaped restaurant is surprisingly open and spacious inside with lots of wood, exposed brick and large windows allowing in a flood of light. Perfect for food photos.
Upstairs you’ll find the rooftop garden nestled into the surrounding city, encircled by the tops of nearby buildings. An edible slice of Eden. Perfectly fitted for Chef Tamara Murphy’s ‘earth to plate’ vision. In true earth to plate fashion, Terra Plata changes their menu 3 times a day. So I can’t tell you exactly what to expect, except that it will be straight from the heart and most probably contain some bits from the little garden upstairs.
Tips
Every Monday night they serve Paella accompanied by Spanish wine flights and seasonal sangria.
From 2:30-5 they only serve 'apertivo' (a small menu of appetizers) as they transition from lunch to dinner.
There's a parking garage directly across the street which charges $8 for 2 hours. There's also street parking. It's inexpensive but difficult to find.
THE PINK DOOR
Almost hidden in the heart of Pike’s Place Market, solely distinguished by a flushed rose colored door, lives one of Seattle’s most celebrated restaurants. It offers an old world aesthetic and gorgeous view of the water, as well as live shows, cabaret dancers and trapeze artists that fly above the table tops.
On said tables you’ll find local ingredients starring in your favorite seafood and pasta dishes. The owner, Chef Jackie Roberts, uses vegetables and herbs from her own garden to enhance the flavor. Her infused olive oil is the best I’ve ever tasted. It’s nutty and fruity with a hint of spice. I want to bathe in it. Use it on everything. And if you’re lucky, she might even let you buy a bottle to take home.
Tips
Check the website for entertainment & showtimes.
All shows are free except the Saturday night cabaret and burlesque with its $25 cover charge.
Open till 1am Fridays and Saturdays
Street parking for a fee with a few parking garages nearby. Free parking all over Seattle on Sundays.
FROLIK KITCHEN + COCKTAILS
Frolik is a perfect combination of swanky and casual. It's a contradiction, but it's a vibe. It's almost like an upscale living room party where everyone dresses nice, but like also might be casually watching football, playing Wii U or outside on the terrace playing ping pong. I've heard the tables light up at night.
It's located on the 5th floor of the Motif Hotel. Don't let the height get you down, it's still got a spectacular view.
Out on the terrace, you'll find long fire-lit tables and large comfortable lounge chairs. Order off the 'Millionaire Menu' if you're feeling frisky. Beauty in Paradis, a rare cognac, is avail for $280. Pola Debevoise approved. And if you're feeling fiscal, they also have a pretty sweet happy hour from Sunday through Thursday, 7pm-close.
(photo from website)
Tips
Live DJ every Saturday from 8pm-close, no cover charge
They show outdoor movies on Fridays during the summer, click here for showtimes
There's a parking garage directly underneath the hotel starting at $9 for the first hour.
Hope you get to experience some of these before the weather turns cold. Let me know which one is your favorite in the comments below!
And stay tuned for...
Best Rooftop Bars - Seattle, Part 2
