Given how beautiful our city is, you’d think it’d be easy to find the best rooftop bars in Seattle. But weirdly there aren’t a ton of them when compared to a city like New York City, so you really have to know where to look.
What we lack for in quantity we make up for in quality. The rooftop bars in Seattle offer stunning views of the city, Puget Sound, and mountains. If you love ambiance plus good drinks, here are the best Seattle rooftop bars worth visiting!
Best Rooftop Bars in Seattle
The Nest
website | 110 Stewart St (Downtown) | vibe: posh
The Nest is on top of The Thompson Hotel and is only steps away from Pike Place Market. It has arguably the best view of all the rooftop bars on this list because of its vantage point for seeing the waterfront piers, Big Wheel, and Elliott Bay from above.
Know before you go: Reservations are a must here. You’ll unfortunately pay a $5 per person fee that’s nonrefundable. I think of it as a cover charge, which is fitting given its sort of clubby vibe.
What to get: If available, get the False Alarm. It’s tequila based, but not super boozy at all. It’s got a smoother Manhattan vibe, but is sweeter with a slightly thicker mouthfeel. However, if it’s not on the menu, they’re known for yummy crafted cocktails so get whatever looks good!
The Mountaineering Club
website | 4507 Brooklyn Ave NE (U-District) | vibe: casual and eclectic
Not to be confused with the Mountaineers Club in Madison Park, The Mountaineering Club is a rooftop bar in Seattle located inside the Graduate Hotel.
If you’re not familiar with this hotel chain, they basically create cool themed hotels near university campuses across the US. The lobby inside the Seattle one is so friggin’ awesome. I’d like to be best friends with whoever raided the vintage shops for the decor because I love finding the best vintage shops in Seattle.
Given it’s location, this is the only rooftop bar in Seattle where you get great views of both Lake Union and Lake Washington. It unfortunately has one building taller than it blocking some views, but it still offers great ambiance.
Know before you go: Reservations are encouraged here as the rooftop patio can get crowded. Expect a younger clientele, possibly on a date or courting their parents. A lot of tables are in direct sunlight with no umbrellas, so plan accordingly!
What to get: If available, get the Sometimes Happy, Sometimes Blue. It’s refreshing and super interesting thanks to shiso leaf. The 93 Miles of Wonderland is also an interesting cocktail. It’s like a funky sweet take on an aperol spritz with surprise sprinkles in the drink!
If you’re feeling peckish, I’ll be honest the food isn’t great here. However, they have a RIY s’mores dessert where you roast your own marshmallow over a tin can fire akin to a fondue set. It’s served with cinnamon, which had me contemplating why I never put cinnamon on my s’mores growing up.
mbar
website | 400 Fairview Ave N (South Lake Union) | vibe: hip and young
mbar is one of the few rooftop bars in Seattle on this list that some might categorize more as one of the best Seattle restaurants with views given it’s extensive menu of Middle Eastern food that would rival some of the best Mediterranean food in Seattle. However, it’s a popular spot for after work drinks thanks to its killer views of Lake Union/Space Needle and inspiring decor (seriously, they can decorate my house if they’d like).
Know before you go: Make a reservation because it can get crowded. The crowd is often young and dressed to the nines, so feel free to get pretty too.
Also, it can be a bit tricky to figure out how to get in here. The elevators share the same building as a bunch of other stores and restaurants, so just enter the shopping center-esque building via the doors next to Mochi Donuts. Veer slightly right once inside and you’ll see a person at a kiosk on the wall opposite where you entered waiting to take you up.
What to get: mbar has cocktails, but my favorite thing to get here is Lebanese wines. It’s one of the few Mediterranean restaurants that carries them. In terms of food, don’t miss the chicken kebab and mezze platter with all four of their excellent dips. They rival dishes you’ll find at the other best SLU restaurants.
The Fog Room
website | 1610 2nd Ave (Downtown) | vibe: swank and mellow
The Fog Room is one of the best rooftop bars in Seattle that I think not enough people are talking about. It’s inside The Charter Hotel and doesn’t have one of the best water views in Seattle, but it feels like you’re immersed in the glistening buildings. They also have an excellent bar program and super knowledgeable staff.
Know before you go: You can make reservations here as well. They have a mix of couches and tables scattered in their indoor/outdoor space. Most of the indoor seats also have good views, but specify if you want to be outside. Also, they have a few alcoholic drinks for those not partaking in booze.
What to get: The cocktails are great, but if you like sipping spirits get one of their flights.
Smith Tower
website | 506 2nd Ave (Pioneer Square) | vibe: speakeasy
You probably know this tower if you have any familiarity with the Seattle skyline. It’s the historic-looking white one near the stadiums that has a pyramid-like roof. The bottom of this tower has a gift shop and small museum, which you walk through to get to the vintage elevators that will take you up to the observation deck.
Know before you go: Tickets are required to get into this bar. When you get to the observation deck, you’ll find a wood-clad bar with speakeasy vibes tucked into the corner. It’s fun to grab a drink before heading outside for (windy) views.
What to get: If available, get The Great Seattle Fire. It’s a spicy margarita-like drink that’s one of the best cocktails in Seattle!
Old Stove Brewing
website | 1901 Western Ave (Downtown) | vibe: crowded
One of my favorite ways to spend 24 hours in downtown Seattle is to visit Pike Place Market, and no tour of Pike Place Market is complete without a stop at Old Stove Brewing. It has great views of the water and is perfect for taking in the hustle and bustle of the market.
Know before you go: This spot is crowded and doesn’t take reservations, so get there at odd times to snag a table!
What to get: The best way to experience their beers is to get a tasting flight! I also heard they have good fish and chips, but I haven’t had a chance to try it yet. Let me know if the people are right!
Terra Plata
website | 1501 Melrose Ave (Capitol Hill) | vibe: more a restaurant
Terra Plata is similar to mbar in that it’s more a restaurant than a bar. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not a great place to grab a drink when you tire from walking around Cap Hill.
The restaurant is in a cute, triangular building on the corner of Pike and Melrose. You can sit inside, but the real draw is the covered rooftop patio surrounded by buildings. They’re known for Spanish food here, so the focus is on high quality ingredients manipulated in a way that really lets them shine.
Know before you go: Reservations are highly recommended and they require a credit card to reserve. They serve brunch, too, if you’re interested.
What to get: It’s admittedly been awhile since I’ve been here, but I remember the paella and wine menu being excellent!
Frolik
website | 1415 5th Ave (Downtown) | vibe: young office crowd
I have many fond memories of coming to this Seattle rooftop bar after work in my 20s. It’s inside the Motif Hotel near the 5th Avenue Theater and has a modern vibe with couches, string lights, and fire pits.
Know before you go: This spot can skew young and clubby. It’s definitely more of a hang and drink place than a foodie destination.
What to get: If available, get their prosecco pops! They’re quite Instagrammable.
Rooftop Brewing
website | 1220 W Nickerson St (Queen Anne) | vibe: relaxed and off the beaten path
This is one of the best rooftop bars in Seattle if you don’t want to deal with the more dressed-up crowd downtown. It’s right along the Fremont cut next to the Ballard Bridge. It’s easy to miss it as you fly along Nickerson to get to Fremont, but it’s well worth a stop.
Know before you go: There’s often a food truck, so check the schedule before you go! Also, if they’re open, check out Fast Penny Spirits in the warehouse area behind the brewery for American-made amaro!
What to get: A tasting flight is the best way to try their beers!
More Places to Try in Seattle
Once you’re done exploring the best rooftop bars in Seattle, make your way through these awesome spots.
- Seattle’s Best Urban Wineries
- My Go-To Restaurants in Seattle
- Seattle Burgers You Have to Try
- Where to Find the Best Pizza in Seattle
- All of Seattle’s Best Bagels, Ranked
