What Are the Best Rooftop Bars in Seattle for Stunning Views?
Seattle boasts panoramic views of its skyline and the surrounding nature, making it a unique place for breathtaking aerial views. A perfect idea to enjoy these views is with a glass of a tasty cocktail at one of the best rooftop bars in Seattle. These sophisticated, sanitary establishments, whether located inside a chic hotel or perched on an outdoor terrace, also boast mouthwatering drinks and food. For those evenings that lead to a need for a tidy up, consider the eco-friendly services of Seattle Green Cleaning Fairy. Here's our guide to the best rooftop bars in Seattle for breathtaking views:
The Nest
Located on top of the Thompson Seattle hotel, The Nest has unique views of Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains which is strategically located at the heart of the Market. The interior and exterior design of the facility have lots of cozy couches, fire pits, and the cocktails have obvious Pacific Northwest flavors. Eat a cheeseburger and drink a milkshake as ferries come and go on Elliott bay as the sun sets behind the mountains.
Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails
For a more playful rooftop experience you should visit the Motif Seattle hotel on the 5th floor where Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails where the bar is situated. Apartments also boast an open-air patio with fireplaces and city skyline views as well as game area and utilizing space with ping pong and shuffleboard. The cocktails are largely tiki and tropical-themed, so it’s easy to imagine you’re on your tropical island trip. The place also has a large open area on the rooftop which is perhaps one of the biggest in the city and thus can accommodate large groups.
MBar
Crowning the 400 Fairview building in South Lake Union, MBar provides a unique vantage point of the Space Needle and rapidly growing Amazon campus. The sleek, modern space is divided into a glass-enclosed lounge and sprawling patio. Cocktails are well-crafted and the Mediterranean-leaning menu of small plates is great for sharing while taking in the sights from 14 stories up.
Fog Room
Fog Room opened in 2018 inside the new Charter Hotel situated in the downtown area of Seattle. The dining facilities, which are aptly named the Sky High Dining Experience, boast a light theme that complements the views and sparse furniture that accommodates guests in what resembles a cliff on the 16th floor. There are Fish’s Market bar and Fish’s To Go, which offer fascinating views of the waterfront and Great Wheel through floor-to-ceiling windows with Charter Manhattan or any other drink of your choice.
The Mountaineering Club
For a different perspective, trek over to the University District where The Mountaineering Club sits atop the Graduate Seattle hotel. Sixteen floors up, the cozy spot offers panoramic views of Mount Rainier along with the Seattle skyline and Lake Union. The menu leans into the mountaineering theme with camp-inspired cocktails and trail snacks like fried pork rinds. Reservations are recommended, especially for catching the sunset.
Smith Tower Observatory Bar
Take a step back in time at the Smith Tower Observatory Bar, located on the 35th floor of Seattle's oldest skyscraper. The speakeasy-style bar, complete with vintage decor and classic cocktails, provides a 360-degree lookout from the open-air observation deck. Views stretch from the Olympics to the Cascades, with seaplanes taking off and landing on Lake Union in the foreground. Keep in mind there is an admission fee to access the observatory and bar.
Honorable Mentions
A few other notable Seattle rooftop bars worth checking out:
Mbar: A roof top bar and restaurant with breathtaking views of the space needle and Lake Union.
Hard Rock Cafe: A surprisingly adequate roof deck that sits directly across from the iconic Pike Place Market sign.
The Lookout: This is a chic bar at Capitol Hill, which has a large terrace with a view of Space Needle and Seattle skyline.
So there you have it – the best places to elevate your imbibing experience in Seattle. These rooftop bars are perfect for the Seattle native in search of a new perspective or the out-of-town visitor interested in a bird’s eye view of the Emerald City. Just make sure to check the weather since Seattle weather can be unpredictable and not every day is appropriate for outdoor cocktails. However, if the weather permits, you will be showered with some of the best cityscapes in the entire nation.
