The 7 Best Rooftop Bars in Seattle

There are loads of cool rooftop spaces in Seattle where you can admire the lush Emeral City landscape and shimmering cityscape. Fancy cocktails in the clouds or brews with views? Here are some of the best rooftop bars in Seattle for elevated drinking and sunset-seeking thrills at altitude.

The 7 Best Rooftop Bars in Seattle, How do these rankings work?

1. Mbar, South Lake Union

Located on the 14th floor, the mbar is the largest rooftop in the city. The views here are stunning and sweeping and you can see right out to the Olympic Mountain Range. On the menu, you’ll find flavoursome Middle Eastern and Meditteranean dishes like bay shrimp ceviche and chicken shawarma. Cocktails are equally as flavoursome, for instance, the home sweet home concoction made with cognac, lemon, white port and jasmine green tea. Cosy up in the lounge area by the firepits and catch the sunset and then wrap up in a soft blanket after sundown.

2. The Mountaineering Club, U District

Hike up to the 16th floor of the Graduate Hotel to experience the panoramic views from the Mountaineering Club rooftop bar. Soak up the splendid scenery of Mount Rainier, Puget Sound and downtown, while dining on locally inspired dishes made with a bounty of regional ingredients. Try a coastal plate washed down with a playful cocktail. For example, oysters on the half shelled paired with ‘Not Coming Home Tonight’ made with gin, fennel, lemon, hellfire bitters and raspberry lambic. When it gets chilly, warm up with a tequila hot toddy.

3. Rooftop Brewing Company, Queen Anne

For brews with views, the Rooftop Brewing Company serves up the best of both. This brewery on a roof handcrafts its beers in small batches and there are always some interesting brews on tap to enjoy at the casual picnic tables. When you get hungry, you’ll a food truck in the parking lot. The vibe here is super casual and friendly. A warm welcome awaits everyone, including children and dogs! You can enjoy a pint with a view across the ship canal to the historic Ballard neighborhood, or west past the Ballard Bridge and a spectacular sunset over the Olympic Mountains.

4. The Nest, Downtown

The Nest is perched above the urban hustle of Pike Place Market and Seattle’s downtown. This rooftop bar, cocktail lounge and terrace is on top of the Thompson Hotel Downtown. The views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountain Range are seriously beautiful and the design of the rooftop space does a good job of being as unobtrusive as possible. The views are the star of the show. The well-curated menus feature creative hand-crafted cocktails and small snacks made with seasonal produce that highlight the flavours of the Pacific Northwest.

5. Mediterranean Inn, Queen Anne

The Mediterranean Inn is located in the vibrant Queen Anne district, close to the Key Arena and Space Needle. The rooftop terrace is a beautiful space with panoramic views of the Seattle Skyline, Space Needle, Mount Rainier, Olympic Mountains and Elliot Bay. Grab a coffee in the nearby Starbucks (the first-ever Starbucks was established in Seattle) and head up to the rooftop where you can cosy up under the heaters on comfortable couches. It’s a lovely, relaxing spot at any time, day or night.

6. Fog Room, Downtown

Elevate your evening at the Fog Room Sky Lounge & Terrace at the Charter Hotel. This swish and stylish space soars high above 2nd Avenue in downtown Seattle. Sip drinks and enjoy small bites whilst taking in the stunning waterfront views. Decor and design are sympathetic to the natural surroundings meaning that the views are front and centre. The cocktail menu is splendid with a wonderful selection of classics and signature concoctions, including some creative alcohol-free options.

7. Frolik Kitchen and Cocktails, Downtown

You’ll find the Frolik Kitchen and Cocktails on the 5th floor of the Motif Hotel in the downtown area. Full of fun and flair, the space is filled with fire features and bright decor. It has a summer vibe, even when the sun isn’t shining. From up here, you get cool views of the sparkling city skyscrapers, and it is partially lovely at nighttime when the city lights twinkle. Cocktails feature playful twists, for instance, the ‘Poppin’ Pops’ are flavoured popsicles with bubbles, and the food menus are locally inspired and feature the best ingredients of the Pacific Northwest.