Rooftop Bars in Seattle With Skyline and Water Views
Altitude Sky Lounge
This lounge sits on the 16th floor of the Astra Hotel in South Lake Union, with views of the Space Needle, Lake Union and the downtown skyline. Expect seasonal craft cocktails, fire pits and live DJs that give it a nightclub edge after dark. It is 21 and over with ID required, and the dress code leans elevated casual. It suits groups celebrating or anyone who wants a polished night out above the city.
mbar
Fourteen floors up on Fairview Avenue North, mbar takes in a wide sweep of Queen Anne, Lake Union and Capitol Hill. The kitchen leans Levantine, with dishes like salmon kebabs and green chickpea hummus. Its upscale feel makes it a good fit for date nights or a dinner that lingers into drinks.
The Nest at Thompson Seattle
Atop the Thompson Seattle hotel downtown, The Nest draws a stylish crowd for sunset cocktails and shareable plates. Reservations are encouraged, especially on fair-weather evenings. The rooftop also hosts special events that have ranged from DJ nights to rooftop yoga, so check the calendar before you go.
The Observatory at Smith Tower
Smith Tower is one of the city's best-known Seattle landmarks, and its 35th floor bar offers 360-degree panoramas. Guests ride up in an original Otis elevator to a speakeasy-inspired room with ornate architecture. Small plates such as hummus and naan pizzas pair with seasonal cocktails. It is a natural pick for history fans and first-time visitors downtown.
Pike Place Market Decks Over Elliott Bay
Old Stove Brewing
Inside Pike Place Market on Western Avenue, Old Stove Brewing has a patio with sweeping views of Elliott Bay. Craft beer is the focus, backed by hot wings and a fish and chips specialty. It works well for beer drinkers and anyone wanting a casual break during a market visit.
Maximilien
This Pike Place Market restaurant has a roof deck that stays in use when the weather cools. Its Le Igloo setup lets diners eat inside a dome-like structure on the roof, which makes for a romantic, unusual evening. Choose it for a special-occasion meal with a view rather than a quick drink.
Neighborhood Picks Beyond Downtown
Ray's Café
Upstairs from Ray's Boathouse on Seaview Avenue Northwest, Ray's Café is a longtime neighborhood favorite facing Puget Sound. Its covered deck is a classic place for clam chowder and local microbrews as the sun drops behind the Olympic Mountains. Sea lions often swim by, which makes it a hit with visitors and families.
Mountaineering Club
Perched on top of the Graduate Seattle hotel in the University District, this bar has a wraparound terrace with mountain views. It added semi-temporary patio cabins decorated with vintage skis and antique tree loppers, a fun touch on cooler nights. Inventive drinks keep it popular with students, alumni and hotel guests alike.
Cantina del Sol
Capitol Hill's rooftop option, Cantina del Sol took over the space that was formerly Mercado Luna. It has quickly earned a reputation as one of the area's standout rooftop bars, making it a strong choice for anyone starting or ending a night on the Hill.
Making a Night of It
Pair a rooftop stop with a walk through the surrounding area. South Lake Union and the U District each have their own character, and our guide to Seattle neighborhoods can help you map out an evening. For daytime plans before sunset drinks, browse things to do in Seattle or find a waterfront stroll among Seattle parks.
- Book ahead where reservations are offered, especially on sunny weekends.
- Bring a layer, since even covered decks get breezy after dark.
- Check age rules, as some lounges admit only guests 21 and over.
Hours, menus and seasonal openings change, so check each business's own website for current details before you head out.
