When we have such a short summer and such a looooonggg winter, we don’t want to waste a single drop of sun — especially when good food is involved.
So whether you’re looking for a rooftop, a waterfront location, or just something outside — we’ve got you covered with 35 spots and an interactive map to help you find one near you.
🌊 Near water
Driftwood | 2722 Alki Ave. SW
Opened in January 2023 by a husband-wife duo, the menu offers dishes like rockfish crudo, glazed pork belly + manila clam steamers, and carrot gnocchi.
Bowriders Grill | 101 NE Northlake Way
No need to get out of your boat — just pull up to the dock while you’re enjoying the Lake Union waters for burgers and bottles of wine.
Duke’s Seafood | 1111 Fairview Ave. N.
Peep the lakefront views and a direct line of sight on the Space Needle, plus stop by on Mondays for half-priced bottles of wine. We’ll cheers to that.
Pub 70 | 2801 Alaskan Way, Ste. 103
This one’s a hidden gem with a patio directly over the water — fish + chips are just better that way.
Agua Verde Cafe | 1303 NE Boat St.
Allow us to set the scene: tasty food, a bright patio space, and rentable paddle boards + kayaks.
Marination Ma Kai | 1660 Harbor Ave. SW
Pair your spicy pork tacos with outdoor seating directly on the water taxi pier and a gorgeous view of the downtown cityscape.
Westward | 2501 N. Northlake Way
We challenge you to try and find a beachier restaurant in Seattle than this one. Waterside seating, outdoor fire pits, and fresh local oysters will keep the good vibes going.
Ray’s Boathouse | 6049 Seaview Ave. NW
Pro tip: Book your reservation an hour before sunset and try to snag a table near the westward-facing windows. You’ll thank us later.
Maggie Bluffs | 2601 W. Marina Place
The fry baskets and “killer grilled cheese” will be a hit for all ages.
Elliott’s Oyster House | 1201 Alaskan Way
The restaurant’s giant oyster platters and a view of Puget Sound in the background is a great way to spend the afternoon.
Six Seven | 2411 Alaskan Way
Heavily-wooded interior decorations, a patio suspended just above the water, and a menu that highlights the area’s best wines — how do you top that?
Aqua by El Gaucho | 2801 Alaskan Way
Nothing says luxury like a juicy New York Strip, a fine Cabernet, and dessert accompanied by up close views of the bay.
Daniel’s Broiler - Leschi | 200 Lake Washington Blvd.
This restaurant in a converted 1919 boathouse hosts panoramic views of the Cascades and Mt. Rainier.
🌇 Rooftop spots
mbar | 400 Fairview Ave. N., Floor 14
This swanky downtown spot’s rooftop views are perfect for a good photo op.
Altitude Sky Lounge | 300 Terry Ave. N.
You know what they say — the higher the elevation, the better the charcuterie boards. Okay maybe we just came up with that, but there’s real potential for a case study there.
Mountaineering Club | 4507 Brooklyn Ave. NE
Clear skies mean getting to gaze upon the great mountain vistas from this restaurant 16 floors up.
The Nest | 110 Stewart St.
Even the Great Wheel can’t get you views of the Sound like this — sip on a stunning cocktail on the rooftop of Seattle’s Thompson hotel.
Flora Bakehouse | 1511 S. Lucile St.
You really can’t go wrong with anything on Flora’s pastry menu, but we especially love the soft serve ice cream that comes in a croissant cone.
Terra Plata | 1501 Melrose Ave.
Catch us sipping wine out here on this garden terrace alllllll day — this Mediterranean spot is also equipped with blankets and overhead heaters to fight off that evening chill.
Smith Tower | 506 Second Ave.
It’s a little touristy, but it’s popular for a reason — the views can’t be beat.
Rooftop Brewing | 1220 W. Nickerson St.
The name of this brewery really says it all — gaze out upon the Lake Washington Ship Canal with suds in hand.
Old Stove Brewing | 1901 Western Ave., Ste. A
This is your lifeline if your out-of-town visitors are getting a little hangry after walking around Pike Place Market — impressive views of the Sound + good snacks will set things straight.
Ascend Prime | 10400 NE Fourth St., Ste. 3100, Bellevue
This one’s a stunner with its creative dish plating and distant views of downtown Seattle.
⛱️ Patios
Tim’s Tavern | 9655 16th Ave. SW
This patio with live music has one main rule — no bozos allowed. Not that any of our readers would fit that bill anyways.
Victory Hall | 1201 First Ave.
Pregame all your summer sports events at this giant outdoor beer garden across the street from T-Mobile Park.
The Deck at DeLille Cellars | 14300 NE 145th St., Ste. 100, Woodinville
The patio area attached to the winery’s beautiful restaurant is where you’ll want to sip on that award-winning wine.
Paseo | 1760 First Ave. S.
Memories of your first sandwich bite at this Caribbean joint will haunt your dreams.
Bottlehouse | 1416 34th Ave.
The airy wine bar’s patio is coastal, bright, and great for a summer afternoon break.
Optimism Brewing Co. | 1158 Broadway
Sitting with a locally-brewed beer in the sunshine will fast track your way to being an optimist — just prep for some extra crowds on the weekends.
The Pink Door | 1919 Post Alley
Picture this: a bottle of bubbly, a plate of lavender honey budino, and the lights of the ferries glowing from the Puget Sound below you — it’s a summer dream.
Linda’s Tavern | 707 E. Pine St.
Patios don’t need to be all glitz and glam — sometimes all you need is a greasy, comforting brunch in the shade.
The Lookout | 757 Bellevue Ave. E.
The Lookout’s fenced-in patio hidden within the trees feels like a tucked away secret.
Rob Roy | 2332 Second Ave.
A craft cocktail is already a treat — but sipping one in the sun on this bar’s urban patio adds an extra layer to the experience.
Bake’s Place Bar + Bistro | 155 108th Ave. NE, Ste. 110, Bellevue
This restaurant’s patio is covered + surrounded in greenery — not a bad choice if you’re looking to enjoy warm air while avoiding those UV rays.
Cantinetta | 10038 Main St., Bellevue
The patio’s cozy, fur-covered chairs make it so hard to leave — especially after a glass of wine or two in the sun.
