 GEOFF CARTER / NWSOURCE
The deck at Duke's Alki Chowder House is a near-perfect summer spot. |
Outdoor drinks and dining
During sunny, warm weather, nearly every restaurant in town manages to offer some type of outdoor seating, but a few places offer something extra. It can be obvious — an outdoor bar, a great view — or something that's difficult to define but nonetheless makes for a great Seattle summer experience.
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Agua Verde Cafe & Paddle Club
(University/Montlake)
Agua Verde's Mexican menu is solid, and its outdoor patio over Lake Union affords one of the loveliest views you'll find in Seattle.
Anthony's Pier 66
(Downtown)
Martini or beer, ahi or fish and chips? Whether you go upscale or down, you'll have a fantastic waterfront view of Elliott Bay.
The Ballroom
(Fremont)
This bustling Fremont nightspot has a terrific street-side patio with outdoor heaters for cold nights, and a seemingly limitless selection of cocktails and beers for hot ones. The crowd is college-age and somewhat rowdy.
Barking Frog
(Woodinville)
The patio area of this Woodinville eatery is lush and beautiful -- the very essence of wine country.
BluWater Bistro (Lake Union)
(Eastlake/Lake Union)
A large, sunny deck and a critical mass of people make for a fun after-work atmosphere.
Broadway New American Grill
(Capitol Hill)
Go to the Grill to sample tasty and strong froo-froo drinks while hanging out with cute gay boys, or for late night food if you crave more than a Dick's burger. Plus, its sidewalk seating is a perfect stop for people-watching.
Capitol Club
(Capitol Hill)
Grab one of the few tables on the second-floor balcony for a trendy cosmo, a hummus plate and a bird's-eye view of Pine Street below.
Carmelita
(Greenwood/Phinney Ridge)
This arty charmer has one agenda: serving great food to vegetarians, vegans and carnivores alike. Excitement comes from the world-ranging palette of flavorings.
Chandler's Crabhouse & Fresh Fish Market
(Eastlake/Lake Union)
Enjoy terrific seafood and even better service on the shores of Lake Union.
Duke's Alki Chowder House
(West Seattle)
The chowder and burgers served here are good, but the view from the upstairs deck is extraordinary. You'll imagine yourself living large in a faraway resort town.
Duke's Greenlake Chowder House
(Green Lake)
Grab a brew and salmon burger after a walk around the lake. It's packed on warm summer evenings.
Eastlake Bar & Grill
(Eastlake/Lake Union)
The names and menus may change at this Eastlake location, but the large deck overlooking Lake Union stays the same.
El Camino
(Fremont)
Good food and a great vibe — worthwhile even if the service isn't always great. We love the margaritas, which you can enjoy from an outdoor deck in the heart of hip Fremont, if you can snag a spot.
Iris Grill
(Issaquah)
Steaks and fowl are served with a smile on the deck of Iris Grill, nestled amidst the walkways of Gilman Village. Live music is offered on weekends.
Ivar's Salmon House
(University/Montlake)
Order from the restaurant or the fish bar and grab a waterfront table with a great view of University Bridge and North Lake Union.
King's Hardware
(Ballard/Crown Hill)
From its hardwood fixtures to its wall festooned with tacked-up vintage photos, the place feels as old as the hills. It's a no-nonsense bar with a pool table, a Skee-Ball machine, a giant outdoor seating area and a killer menu of burgers 'n' brews.
Luau Polynesian Lounge
(Green Lake)
Secluded in Green Lake's "Tangletown" district, Luau feels like an exclusive beach cafe. The mini Coronitas and tropical drinks add to the atmosphere.
Madame K's
(Ballard/Crown Hill)
A fun, intimate courtyard in back is surrounded by green trees and other funky knickknacks. We like the thin-crust sausage pesto pizza and the mac 'n' cheese, and the fruit-filled sangria is something else.
The Madison Park Cafe
(Madison Park/Madrona)
Chicken liver pate, gruyere-crusted onion soup, blintzes, quiches and Benedicts, oh my! This quaint, slightly upscale French spot really packs 'em in.
Mama's Mexican Kitchen
(Belltown)
Enjoy killer margaritas, rib-sticking Mexican platters and street-side seating right in the heart of Belltown.
The Matador (Ballard)
(Ballard/Crown Hill)
It's noisy and it's crowded, but the Matador's positive aspects - strong drinks, a decent Southwestern-themed menu and a friendly bar staff - help to offset its flaws.
Palisade
(Magnolia/Interbay)
This upmarket Polynesian restaurant should be your first choice for impressing the out-of-town relatives, appeasing the kids with a fun dining experience or celebrating a special day.
Ponti Seafood Grill
(Fremont)
A fine spot for a seafood meal or happy-hour specials while watching boats travel under the Fremont Bridge.
Ray's Cafe
(Ballard/Crown Hill)
With a killer sunset view of the Olympics, Ray's is still one of the best outdoor dining and drinking spots in Seattle, whether you're a tourist or local.
Red Door
(Fremont)
An interesting crowd of old-school bohemians and young urban professionals gathers at this fun and unpretentious pick-up bar to sip tasty brews and cruise. Even though it's hemmed in by Fremont office buildings, the patio area is exceptional.
Tacos Guaymas (Greenlake)
(Green Lake)
Sip your marg and dip your chips at the sidewalk tables while you watch the runners go by.
Tia Lou's
(Belltown)
This Mexican restaurant is a little trendy, but lots of fun. The spacious joint has great appetizers, stiff drinks and you can hang out in the relaxing enclosed patio.
The War Room
(Capitol Hill)
This handsome venue has it all: a terrific rooftop patio bar, a bustling happy hour and a spacious dance floor and stage that hosts everything from hip-hop to indie rock. Check out the constructivist-style artworks by "Obey Giant" creator Shepherd Fairey.
Yarrow Bay Grill
(Kirkland)
The Lake Washington view from the deck of this lively seafood restaurant is little short of breathtaking.
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