I wish every Seattle day was prime for dining outside. While drizzly at times, I still find myself pushing the limits of when outdoors is the right choice. Chalk that up to a desperation for fresh air and patio furniture, I s'pose.
Stranger to the city with the same unsatiated desire to dine outside? You're in luck - this city's bursting with al fresco options!
Salty's on Alki (and Redondo) are quintessential outdoor dining experiences, IMHO. Expansive views of Seattle's skyline (or in Redondo's case an incredible water-level view of south Puget Sound), simple nibbles or a full-on dinner, Salty's knows how to bring it to the table! A quick/easy water taxi ride from downtown (or a call to your concierge for complimentary downtown hotel picks) make getting there easy. www.saltys.com
Waterfront Seafood Grill sits perched on the northern-most of our waterfront piers. A little stark on their deck, but with a fun, part-of-the-action feel as strollers, walkers and joggers pass by. Their sequestered seating area affords views west to the Olympic Mountains ... cool saltwater breezes ... and a menu that'll blow your socks off! www.waterfrontpier70.com
Ray's Boathouse is a Seattle institution. A bit of a drive NW of the downtown core (but happy to take one-way cab fare off your bill), it's well worth the trip. Ray's sits at the opening of the Washington Ship Canal, which makes for plenty of boating action and interesting people watching. With their full-on western exposure, sunsets over the Olympic Mountain range are beyond compare. Dine downstairs in their more formal setting (with a menu that holds up to Seattle's best), or upstairs in their casual cafe. Deck space is limited, but arrive early and make an evening of it! www.rays.com
Elliott's Oysterhouse is a downtown staple. Tucked between Argosy ships and curio shops, Elliott's brings excellent, affordable food with impecable service. Sip a drink and watch the tourists walk by, or enjoy a full dinner of northwest favorites on their planked over-the-water pier. www.elliottsoysterhouse.com
Looking for something completely casual, but with amazing Seattle ambiance? Head to Ivar's on Pier 54. Originally Ivar Haglund had an aquarium at this site, but as he so cheesily put it: "More people wanted to EAT my fish than VIEW my fish ... so I opened a seafood restaurant!". Since 1938, their grab-it-from-the-counter-take-it-to-the-pier uber-casual Fish Bar offers one of my favorite chowder & fish experiences. (If you want something in a packed-literally-to-the-gills dining experience, try dinner, lunch or brunch inside in their full-service restaurant with views out to city's fireboats). www.ivars.net
Anthony's at Pier 66 brings an experience you can have 'your way'. Enjoy their casual Bell Street Diner (downstairs) with pier-end deck dining overlooking marina and Elliott Bay, or make a reservation in their more formal dining room upstairs. With views out to Alki Beach (where Seattle first began) and ferries scooting across the bay, it's an affordable, delicious way to dine. www.anthonys.com
European-canal experience in Seattle? Try Ponti's Seafood Grill - on the SW side of the Fremont Bridge. Richard Malia, owner and chief, originally put Seattle on the Asian-Fusion map with their signature Thai Curry Penne dish. Coupled with dreamy views of passing-by boats, you'll find yourself feeling like you're climbing into a Seurat painting here. www.pontiseafoodgrill.com
Need a few more options inside or out? Check out our members website: http://www.visitseattle.org/visitors/memberlisting/ or drop by our concierge center at 7th & Pike. What your choose, you're likely not only to leave full ... but full of memories!
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