The Nest The view
Thompson Seattle, Downtown · $$$
Photo: Ryan
Why it made the list: Atop the Thompson Seattle near Pike Place, The Nest pairs a straight-on view of Elliott Bay and the ferries with polished cocktails and a stylish crowd. It's the downtown rooftop locals name first.
The Mountaineering Club The alpine one
Graduate Seattle, U District · $$
Photo: Marc Vigneault
Why it made the list: On top of the Graduate Seattle in the University District, this cabin-cozy rooftop leans into a playful alpine theme with big views of the campus, Lake Union and the mountains beyond. It's fun, warm and a little less formal.
Frolik The party patio
Motif Seattle, Downtown · $$
Photo: Alexandre Bijaye
Why it made the list: The lively rooftop of the Motif Seattle downtown, with fire pits, a big patio, seasonal Pacific Northwest bites and skyline views. It's the easygoing, group-friendly rooftop for pre-dinner or pre-show drinks.
The Fog Room The upscale pick
Charter Hotel, Downtown · $$$
Photo: Lorenzo Romero III
Why it made the list: A sleek, glass-walled rooftop lounge at the Charter Hotel downtown, with elevated cocktails, a refined mood and city-and-sound views. It's the dressier, date-night rooftop.
Smith Tower Observatory Bar The historic one
Pioneer Square · $$
Photo: Athena
Why it made the list: Near the top of the 1914 Smith Tower, once the tallest building west of the Mississippi, a Prohibition-era-styled bar opens onto an observation deck with a 360-degree view over Pioneer Square and the bay. History and a view in one.
⭐ Bonus Pick: Altitude & Olympic views
Two more for the skyline: the Space Needle's rotating Loupe lounge pairs cocktails with the city's most famous view, and many downtown hotel bars keep a west-facing seat or two, worth grabbing for a clear-day sunset over the Olympics.
This page contains affiliate links, including Expedia. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend places we'd actually go.
