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17 Amazing Rooftop Bars in Seattle With Stunning Views

Published on Nov 15th 2024
Rooftop Bars in Seattle

Rooftop bars in Seattle offer impressive views and are great places for gathering with family, friends or coworkers. The vast selection of bars makes it easy to find one whether you are looking for a more intimate spot or a livelier club scene. Rooftop restaurants in Seattle and rooftop restaurants in downtown Seattle also offer you the option to dine in luxury while enjoying expansive views. 

With rooftop bars in Seattle on your mind, perhaps you’re looking for more information about these establishments. Does Seattle have a good bar scene? What do people wear to bars in Seattle? Let’s review some information about the rooftop bars in downtown Seattle and other rooftop bars in Seattle with a view to help answer some of those questions. Keep reading to find out more. 

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Rooftop Bars in Seattle With The Best Views

1. The Nest at Thompson Seattle

See a great view of the pier and Ferris wheel from this rooftop bar in Seattle.
See beautiful bay views (via The Nest)

Taking advantage of the beautiful views of the city from the top of the Thompson Hotel, The Nest is one of the most exclusive rooftop bars in Seattle. Here, you will find premier cocktails, regional and international wines, craft beers, sharable plates and sweeping views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains.

With plush seating and creative cocktails, this rooftop restaurant in downtown Seattle provides an upscale vibe perfect for a sunset drink, bachelor party, or fun date idea in Seattle.

2. Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails

Located at the Motif Seattle Hotel, Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails is one of the most popular rooftop bars in Seattle. The location offers incredible views, especially at night and under clear skies. The space includes cozy fire pits, lively ping-pong tables and stunning views of downtown from all angles.

The ambiance at this rooftop bar in Seattle is quiet and ideal for conversations with friends. Their menu offers a mix of classic and inventive drinks plus plenty of Seattle foods to enjoy, with the city’s sparkling skyline as your lovely backdrop.

3. MBar

view the city landscape from this rooftop bar in Seattle.
Experience city views (via MBar)

With unparalleled views of the Space Needle and Lake Union, MBar is a must-visit for locals and tourists who frequent rooftop bars in Seattle. This trendy bar offers delicious and healthy Mediterranean-inspired food and unique cocktails.

The venue has a chic, modern design and is an ideal spot for ending a day of team building activities in Seattle or as part of an experience gift in Seattle.

4. Rooftop Brewing Company

Rooftop Brewing Company is a popular, relaxed, casual rooftop bar in downtown Seattle. This brewery serves up local craft beers in the trendy Queen Anne neighborhood. Enjoy your drinks while taking in a laid-back atmosphere that welcomes conversations and invites you to be yourself, dress casually and find time to unwind.

You can do all of this while enjoying views of the city and mountains. The rooftop bar in Seattle is undergoing renovations and repairs due to a fire but is set to reopen in time for hockey season. 

5. The Fog Room

See the sights of the city from this rooftop bar in Seattle.
See the city from this bar (via The Fog Room)

Sitting atop The Charter Hotel, The Fog Room offers a refined experience at a rooftop bar in Seattle. The ambiance is sleek and sophisticated, modern-chic. The expansive views of Elliott Bay and the downtown skyline are unbeatable and there’s coverage to protect guests from rain.

Try one of their top-shelf cocktails while talking with friends around the communal fireplace. 

6. Mountaineering Club

The rooftop bar in Seattle with a view found atop the Graduate, the Mountaineering Club, is a unique addition to bars and restaurants in the city. The bar embraces a Pacific Northwest adventure theme and offers scenic views of the city and Cascade Mountains.

While taking in the view, enjoy tasty snacks like the Campsite Spread charcuterie board and expertly crafted cocktails while hanging out with friends in one of the heated patio nooks at this rooftop bar in Seattle.

Hotels With Rooftop Bars in Seattle

7. Ascend Prime

Try some unique and literally smokey dishes at this rooftop bar in Seattle.
Try some crazy food and drinks at this bar (via Ascend Prime)

Expect the unexpected with panoramic views that are difficult to match at Ascend Prime, a rooftop bar in Seattle with three intimate patios tucked alongside a modern, scenic dining room.

Their top-notch service is frequently quoted as a reason to visit and each patio nook can manage about 24 guests. This helps keep the experience at this rooftop bar in Seattle intimate while leaving you space to mingle and enjoy your time with family and friends.

You can order drinks or anything off their full steak and sushi menu, making this an impressive rooftop restaurant in Seattle. Dress to impress when visiting here. Enjoy the mountain views or Seattle skyline from your cozy seat at this Seattle rooftop restaurant with a view. 

8. Thompson Seattle

Thompson Seattle is a beautiful hotel overlooking the heart of the emerald city. The hotel has a modern look and one of the best rooftop bars in Seattle, offering cocktails with a historic waterfront view. Thompson Seattle advertises itself as allowing visitors to “live like locals” and enjoy the best of downtown Seattle. The hotel offers many dining and beverage services, such as in-room dining and a classy restaurant and bar. 

9. Fairmont Olympic’s Rooftop Pop-Up Bar

Experience this beautiful and classic bar in Seattle.
Enjoy the classic decor at this Seattle bar (via Fairmont Olympic Hotel)

The Fairmont Olympic Hotel is a beautiful vacation spot that has earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places. This modern and sophisticated hotel offers a luxurious experience with fine cocktails and elegant small bites. The Olympic Bar is one of the most luxurious rooftop bars in Seattle, perfect for those who want a classy night out and are ready to dress to the nines.

Approachable American cuisine is served here, along with a wide selection of top-shelf liquors and a full wine and beer menu. The staff aims to please and the service is always top-notch. 

10. Inn at the Market

Inn at the Market is a beautiful place to stay if you travel to Seattle or are looking for a staycation that keeps you local to the city. It is located in the heart of the historic Pike Place Market. Beyond being a great vacation spot, it also offers some amazing spots to eat and some of the best rooftop bars in Seattle.

From all-day breakfast to fresh sushi and creative drinks or your favorite glass of wine, Inn at the Market has it all and gives it to you with a view that is difficult to beat. 

11. Smith Tower Observatory Bar

Experience a fun atmosphere with friends at this rooftop bar in Seattle.
Get your friends together at this bar (via Smith Tower Observatory Bar)

Though not a traditional hotel, the Smith Tower’s Observatory Bar offers a rooftop bar experience for those seeking iconic views of Seattle. Situated on the 35th floor of the 1914-built Smith Tower, it is one of the oldest rooftop bars in Seattle and well known for serving prohibition-style cocktails.

The space retains its vintage charm with original fixtures and a Prohibition-era ambiance and the full bar menu offers classic cocktails with a twist, often featuring recipes inspired by the early 20th century. The top of the tower provides modern decor, cozy seating and a unique vantage point, offering 360-degree views of this historic landmark building.  

12. Cloud Room at Chophouse Row (associated with Hotel Sorrento)

The Cloud Room near Hotel Sorrento in Capitol Hill is a quirky, fun, bohemian-style rooftop bar in Seattle, offering a creative, laid-back vibe. The Cloud Room primarily advertises itself as a workspace for people who want a break from their usual working environment. Coworkers who more often work remotely meet here. An abundance of professional networking also happens behind these doors.

Outside of that, Cloud Room offers a bar space. This is the area to connect with coworkers and step away from the office. It is an ideal spot for grabbing drinks after five on a Friday evening or holding a casual meeting. With cozy indoor and outdoor spaces, Cloud Room is a prime location for drinks and views of the urban landscape.

Must-Visit Seattle Rooftop Restaurants

13. The Lookout

Have a drink surrounded by nature at this rooftop bar in Seattle.
Have a drink surrounded by nature (via The Lookout)

Located on Capitol Hill, The Lookout is one of the more relaxed rooftop bars in Seattle. It offers impressive views of the city skyline, allowing visitors to see the city through a bird's eye lens. We recommend going at sunset for the best view. Make your reservation here to enjoy a laid-back vibe, perfect for casual drinks with friends.

Sip a margarita with fresh and crispy coconut shrimp or flaky fish and chips. The Lookout is the ideal spot to grant yourself permission to decompress and enjoy the night. 

14. Four Seasons Hotel Rooftop Pool and Bar

The Four Seasons Hotel offers a waterfront retreat, a spa and one of the best rooftop bars in Seattle. Surround yourself with nature's beauty with evergreen forests, stunning mountainscapes and deep blue oceans. Take a dip in the infinity pool or grab a cocktail and lounge by the fire pits. The hotel’s amenities include a relaxing poolside bar and grill, the perfect spot for a summer getaway with your love or a girl’s afternoon in town and a spa escape. 

15. Cielo at Astra Hotel Seattle

Altitude is a upscale rooftop bar in Seattle with city views.
Get city views at this bar (via ALtitude)

Altitude is located atop the Astra Hotel and is a chic addition to rooftop bars in Seattle. The views are fantastic and guests are treated to a 360-degree view of South Lake Union and the Space Needle. This trendy spot serves craft cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired plates, offering a stylish setting for a night out.

16. The Pink Door

The rooftop at The Pink Door offers a funky vibe and atmosphere with impressive views of downtown Seattle. The Pink Door is known for its lively and eclectic feel.

Events hosted here include live music and mysterious tarot card readings, making it one of the best neighborhood rooftop bars in Seattle to relax and enjoy a casual evening with friends or a delightful dinner with your favorite Italian-American cuisine. The Pink Door offers a laid-back environment and has an alternative vibe to it that visitors will love. 

17. Ben Paris

Check out bay side views at this rooftop bar in Seattle.
Rooftop views (via Canva)

Ben Paris is a beautiful Seattle rooftop restaurant with a view located atop the State Hotel. Guests can choose between beers, wines and cocktails. Ben Paris offers a variety of Pacific Northwest-inspired dishes, from breakfast to dinner.

It is a beautiful rooftop bar in Seattle with incredible food and drinks and an even better view. With its comfortable seating, friendly service and prime location, Ben Paris Rooftop Bar is an inviting urban escape in Seattle's heart.

Rooftop bars of all sorts exist worldwide and offer some of the best views of cities and historic landmarks imaginable. Which city has the highest rooftop bar in the world? Seattle may not be on that list, but it definitely offers some of the best rooftop bars in the country for experiencing magnificent views and enjoying prime drinking and dining experiences.

From many vantage points, you can look upon picturesque mountains, gaze at the waves in the sea and enjoy impressive views of incredible historic landmarks like the Space Needle. This certainly makes the rooftop bars in Seattle worth a visit, even if none of them make the list when searching the Internet for which city has the highest rooftop bar. 

Rooftop bars in Seattle range from classy to casual, with each offering unique atmospheres and impressive views of the city skyline, mountains or waterfront. Serving local and international food and beverages, Seattle’s rooftop bars cater to every taste, from craft cocktails and regional brews to small plates and gourmet fare.

Whether on a date, catching up with friends or networking with coworkers, you will find the perfect spot to suit your mood and make any occasion memorable. From sophisticated lounges to laid-back terraces, Seattle’s rooftop scene has something for everyone. Which one will you try first first?

For even more fun Seattle ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!”