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35+ sunny, outdoor dining spots in Seattle

Enjoy the weather from a patio, rooftop, or waterfront location.

dukes

Duke’s also has six other locations throughout the area. | Photo via Duke’s Seafood

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When we have such a short summer and such a looooonggg winter, we don’t want to waste an ounce of sun — even when going out to eat.

So whether you’re looking for a rooftop, a waterfront location, or just something outside — we’ve got you covered with 25+ spots and an interactive map to help you sort through them.

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Driftwood Outside (1).jpg

The camera’s facing the wrong way, but we promise the beach is just on the other side of this lens.

Photo by Kathryn Barnard, via Driftwood

🌊 Near water

Driftwood | 2722 Alki Avenue SW
The highly anticipated seafood restaurant opened only in January 2023 with a menu of dishes like rockfish crudo, glazed pork belly and 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.

Salt District | 1011 Alaskan Way
Tucked next to the downtown Argosy Cruises, you may have to fight off a few tourists, but the bruschetta will be worth the wait.

Duke’s Seafood | 1111 Fairview Ave. N.
Peep the lakefront views and a direct line of sight on the space needle.

Pub 70 | 2801 Alaskan Way, Ste. 103
A little, hidden gem with a patio directly over the water — fish + chips are just better that way.

Agua Verde Cafe | 1303 NE Boat St.
Not only is the food tasty and the patio bright and colorful, but you can rent paddle boards + kayaks there, too.

Marination Ma Kai | 1660 Harbor Ave. SW
Pair your spicy pork tacos with outdoor seating directly on the water taxi pier.

Westward | 2501 N. Northlake Way
You almost can’t find a beachier restaurant in Seattle with waterside seating, outdoor fire pits, and sooo many oysters.

Ray’s Boathouse | 6049 Seaview Ave. NW
This little coastal hideaway makes for a good, low-key hideaway and its westward-facing windows make for some excellent sunset views — even if you stay inside.

Maggie Bluffs | 2601 W. Marina Place
The fry baskets and “killer grilled cheese” will be a hit with the kids.

Natalie’s On Alki | 2532 Alki Ave. SW
Across the street from Alki beach, the bright, bubbly cafe’s colorful desserts and boba drinks could be the cherry on top to a beautiful summer’s day.

Elliott’s Oyster House | 1201 Alaskan Way
A pic of the restaurant’s giant oyster platters with the Puget Sound in the background is an easy way to make a subtle brag on social media.

Six Seven | 2411 Alaskan Way
Heavily-wooded interior decorations, a patio that hangs just above the water, and a menu that highlights the area’s best wines definitely makes one feel at home.

Aqua by El Gaucho | 2801 Alaskan Way
Nothing says luxury like a juicy New York Strip, a fine Cabernet, a little dessert, and up close views of the bay.

Daniel’s Broiler - Leschi | 200 Lake Washington Blvd.
Mmmm … lobster tail over views of Lake Washington.

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Grab your honey for an excellent sunset view at SLU’s mbar.

Photo by SEAtoday

🌇 Rooftop spots

Mbar | 400 Fairview Ave. N.
This swanky downtown spot’s rooftop views are perfect for the folks looking for some new Instagram content.

Altitude Sky Lounge | 300 Terry Ave. N.
It’s just science that charcuterie boards taste better 16 floors up — the fire pits and views of the Space Needle don’t hurt either, of course.

Mountaineering Club | 4507 Brooklyn Ave. NE
Clear skies mean getting to gaze upon the great mountain vistas from this 16th floor restaurant.

The Nest | 110 Stewart Street
Even the Great Wheel can’t get you views of the Sound like this — pier over the waterfront on the patio.

Flora Bakehouse | 1511 S. Lucile St.
The soft serve ice cream that comes in a croissant cone is just lovely — but you really can’t go wrong with anything on Flora’s pastry menu.

Terra Plata | 1501 Melrose Ave.
We could drink wine out here on this garden terrace all-day. It’s easier to do when this Mediterranean spot is also equipped with blankets and overhead heaters for chilly evening

Smith Tower | 506 2nd Ave.
Maybe it’s a little touristy, but its that way for a reason — it’s just beautiful up there.

Rooftop Brewing | 1220 W. Nickerson St.
Well, they didn’t name it Rooftop Brewing for no reason — gaze out upon the Lake Washington Ship Canal with beer 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 all day — it’s got impressive views of the Sound + good snacks.

Ascend Prime | 10400 NE 4th St., Ste. 3100, Bellevue
This one’s a stunner with its creative dish plating and views of far-off downtown Seattle.

Optimism Brewing, Seattle Wa

Hard to feel pessimistic with a juicy IPA in your hands (also, RIP Alina’s glasses that were later lost to the wild).

Photo by SEAtoday Staff

⛱️ Patios

Tim’s Tavern | 9655 16th Ave. SW
No reason your day basking in the sun shouldn’t be accompanied by a little live music.

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 Suite 100, Woodinville
The patio area attached to the winery’s beautiful restaurant means you can sip on award-winning wine all afternoon.

Paseo | 1760 First Ave.
You’re going to remember these sandwiches for a looonggg time.

Bottlehouse | 1416 34th Ave.
The airy, little wine bar’s patio and a wide-brimmed straw sunhat have the same vibe — coastal, bright, and great for a summer afternoon break.

Trade Winds Tavern | 2505 2nd Ave. Ste. 105
This pub’s got the feel of an alpine sports bar, but with a friendly, cool guy vibe — and its patio is big enough for larger groups.

Optimism Brewing Co. | 1158 Broadway
Sitting with a locally-brewed beer on a sunshine-y patio is one way to turn yourself into an optimist — just note that it gets a little crowded out there on the weekends.

The Pink Door | 1919 Post Alley
Picture this — a bottle of bubbly, a plate of lavender honey budino, the lights of the ferries glowing from the Puget Sound below you, and your sweet thang next to you — it’s a summer dream.

Linda’s Tavern | 707 E. Pine St.
Patios don’t need to be fancy — enjoy a good greasy brunch in the shade while you recover from a hangover.

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 2nd Ave.
A fine cocktail is already a treat — but sipping one in the sun on this bar’s little urban patio adds an extra layer of enjoyment.

Bake’s Place Bar + Bistro | 155 108th Ave. NE, Bellevue
This restaurant’s patio is covered + surrounded in greenery — not a bad choice if you’re looking to enjoy warm air, but stay out of the sun.

Shama | 1501 Pike Place, #200
Tucked away along one of the market’s stairwells, this restaurant’s covered patio is an escape from the hustle and bustle of the waterfront.

Cantinetta | 10038 Main St., Bellevue
You may have trouble finding motivation to stand up from the patio’s cozy, fur-covered chairs after a glass of wine or two in the sun.

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