Seattle tends to be a very casual city. Here’s a little secret: If you’re looking for a happy hour with a party vibe or a glitzy night out this summer, your best bet is a rooftop bar. Seattle’s rooftop bars are where people tend to dress up a little to match the breathtaking skyline views and elevated craft cocktails. Here are the coolest rooftop bars in Seattle, including Pioneer Square’s only rooftop bar that just opened this summer and an exclusive rooftop bar next to Pike Place Market.
Read on for the top rooftop bars in Seattle to visit on your next night out!
1. Little Ben’s Rooftop Bar, Pike Place Market
Previously only open to guests of The State Hotel, Little Ben’s Rooftop Bar just opened to the public in June. To maintain its intimate, exclusive vibe the rooftop requires reservations at $15 per person—but once you get up there, you can enjoy a complimentary drink, waterfront views, and light bites from Ben Paris. Make your reservation here.
Address: 130 Pike St, Seattle, Washington 98101
2. Firn, Pioneer Square
Located atop the newly-opened Populus Hotel, Firn is the only rooftop bar in Pioneer Square. You can enjoy craft cocktails while taking in views of the downtown skyline. Reservations are recommended. Read more about Firn before you go.
Address: 100 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104
3. The Nest, Pike Place Market
The Nest above Thompson Hotel is open seven days a week. Perched above Pike Place Market, this sunny rooftop bar has views of Elliott Bay and a large craft cocktail menu. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can pay a $50 fee to reserve the outdoor couches for a group of up to eight people.
Address: 110 Stewart St, Seattle, WA 98101
4. mbar, South Lake Union
mbar is a trendy, lively rooftop bar in SLU that is closing this fall. mbar’s last day of service is November 1, with food and drink specials being offered in the two weeks leading up to it. You’ll enjoy craft cocktails and seasonal Mediterranean bites while taking in panoramic views of Lake Union and the Space Needle. Walk-ins are accepted but you may want to make a reservation during peak times. Read more about mbar’s closure.
Address: 400 Fairview Ave N 14th Floor, Seattle, WA 98109
5. Altitude Sky Lounge, South Lake Union
Another popular rooftop bar in SLU is Altitude Sky Lounge on the 16th floor of the Astra Hotel. This is a sleek, modern spot with fire pits and a view of the Space Needle and the glittering skyline. It opens daily at 4:00 p.m. and reservations are recommended.
Address: Astra Hotel Seattle, 300 Terry Ave N Atop, Seattle, WA 98109
6. The Mountaineering Club, U District
Take a hike to the 16th floor of Graduate Seattle in the University District and you’ll find The Mountaineering Club. This rooftop bar has a cozy PNW vibe on the inside and stunning Seattle views on the outside. You can look across Lake Union to see the Space Needle and even catch sight of the elusive Mount Rainier on a clear day. It opens daily at 3:00 p.m. and you can make a reservation here.
Address: 4507 Brooklyn Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105
7. Fog Room, Downtown
The Fog Room Sky Lounge & Terrace is located on the 16th floor of the Charter Hotel. This is the quintessential urban rooftop bar thanks to its downtown location. It is open daily from 4:00 p.m. to midnight. Reservations are not available for parties under 10; seating is first-come, first-served.
Address: 1610 2nd Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
8. Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails, Downtown
After being closed for a “reimagining” all summer, Frolik on 5th Avenue finally reopened in late September with a brand-new look, a new executive chef, and a new seafood-focused menu. It will be open daily year-round for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Read more about Frolik’s reopening before you go.
Address: 1415 5th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101