Rooftop Views Above the City
The Nest
Ride up nine stories at the Thompson Hotel, at 110 Stewart St near Pike Place Market, and step out to The Nest. Wide views, outdoor seating and cocktails that lean big and theatrical are the draw here. Bring a group, or come for your first look at the skyline with a drink in hand.
Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails
Inside Motif Seattle at 1415 Fifth Ave, Frolik spreads out across a sleek rooftop patio with strong city views. Stop by for a relaxed after-work round or spend a warm evening outdoors. Its central spot keeps you close to downtown shopping and theaters.
Waterfront Lounges on Elliott Bay
Six Seven
Find Six Seven in the Edgewater Hotel at 2411 Alaskan Way, where the seats look straight out over Elliott Bay. It is a dressed-up choice for a nightcap. Happy hour brings house cocktails and small bites, so it works just as well for an early evening stop.
Goldfinch Tavern
At the Four Seasons, 99 Union St, Goldfinch Tavern pairs water views with a refined setting. Browse a strong cocktail list and local wines. Save it for a special occasion, or slip in for a calm drink near the waterfront.
Cocktails With a Real Meal
Rider
Rider anchors Hotel Theodore at 619 Pine St, right in the downtown core. The kitchen leans heavily on seafood, while the bar is known for custom cocktails made with care. Come here when you want dinner and drinks in one place.
Lola
Lola, a Tom Douglas staple in Hotel Ändra at 2000 Fourth Ave, blends Pacific Northwest cooking with Mediterranean flavors. Brunch is a big draw, and the Bloody Mary made with house pepper vodka has a loyal following. Sleep in, then pair your morning drink with a proper plate.
Classic Lounges and Moody Rooms
Oliver's Lounge
Oliver's Lounge fills a corner of the Mayflower Park Hotel at 405 Olive Way and has long been known for one of the city's best-known martinis. Classic-cocktail fans and anyone craving old Seattle character will feel right at home. It sits close to downtown shopping, too.
Pennyroyal
Pennyroyal sits in the Palladian Hotel at 2000 Second Ave, on the northern edge of downtown. Low lighting and an elegant room set the tone, and the cocktail list is lively and inventive. Book it for a date night or whenever you want a bar with personality.
Plan Your Downtown Bar Crawl
Start at The Nest near Pike Place Market, then head down to the water for Goldfinch Tavern or Six Seven. Finish inland at Oliver's Lounge or Rider, and round out the evening with a stroll past nearby Seattle landmarks.
- For views: The Nest, Frolik, Six Seven, Goldfinch Tavern
- For food with drinks: Rider, Lola
- For classic atmosphere: Oliver's Lounge, Pennyroyal
Rooftop seating depends on the weather, and hours and happy hours can change. To branch out beyond the center, browse our guide to Seattle neighborhoods.
Before you go, check each business's own website for current hours, menus and reservation details.