Dining: Lets Take It Outside
By Allison Scheff & Chelsea Lin July 17, 2015
This article originally appeared in the August 2015 issue of Seattle magazine.
SWANKY PIER PERCH
Six Seven at the Edgewater Hotel
Waterfront, 2411 Alaskan Way; 206.269.4575; edgewaterhotel.com
Why here: The setting is unforgettable. You could reach out and touch the cool waters of Elliott Bay from your table at Six Seven; the craggy Olympic Mountains stand outlined by the sunset. Only ferries, seagulls and the occasional seal interrupt the vistas.
Best table: A beautifully appointed table for two next to the glass windbreak, just before sunset (dont forget your sunglasses).
What to order: Fennel-scented seafood bouillabaisse with a glass of Oregon pinot noir. $$$
WATERFRONT ON A BUDGET
Marination Ma Kai
West Seattle, 1660 Harbor Ave. SW; 206.328.8226; marinationmobile.com
Why here: The addictive Hawaiian-Korean food think Spam musubi and kimchi rice bowls with fried eggs. Marinations everyday prices contradict the million-dollar view of the Seattle skyline across Elliott Bay. Plus, the roomy, casual patio with orange umbrellas is open all day.
Eat: Extra-crisp fish n chips with crave-worthy miso tartar sauce.
Drink: The sweet-tart lychee margarita goes down easy in high summer.
Insider tip: Stop by for breakfast (daily, starting at 9 a.m.): Loco moco, the Hawaiian classic rice/fried egg/hamburger/gravy mash-up, is on the menu!
TACOS AND A SIDE OF KAYAK
Agua Verde Cafe and Paddle Club
University District, 1303 NE Boat St.; 206.545.8570; aguaverde.com
Why here: It puts the quintessential Seattle summer spin on dinner, preferably eaten on the popular patio, though even the indoor seats at this homey restaurant are breezy.
Eat: Bacalao tacos (beer-batter-dipped Alaskan cod with cabbage and avocado sauce) get a delicious boost from the selection of housemade salsas. Turn your meeting into a scene from a rom-com with a paddle around Portage Bay in a kayak built for two (rentals downstairs).
Drink: You cant go wrong with a classic margarita on the rocks.
Extras: Much of the patio is covered, though a recently expanded alfresco dining area seats 30 to 40 patrons with full sun exposure. $
VIEW MASTER
Rays Cafe
Ballard, 6046 Seaview Ave. NW; 206.789.3770; rays.com/CAFE
Why here: Rays Cafe (above Rays Boathouse) is an iconic, only-in-Seattle experience, especially the deck, where the jagged Olympic Mountains and lapping waters of Puget Sound create an unforgettable backdrop for dinner alfresco.
Eat: Start with the outstanding smoked salmon skewers and splurge on king crab legs with drawn butter.
Drink: The Bloody Mary here is terrific: spicy, strong and packed with veggies. Its an ideal match for most of the seafood.
Insider tip: If you dont have reservations, expect to wait about an hour to sit outside on clear summer evenings. $$
URBAN ROOFTOP
Terra Plata
Capitol Hill, 1501 Melrose Ave.; 206.325.1501; terraplata.com
Why here: In a city not known for its rooftop-dining scene, theres a treasure to be found atop Terra Plata: a triangular deck that echoes the salvaged-wood sensibility of the main dining room. Best enjoyed with a drink in hand and the sun high overhead.
Eat: Carefully blistered shishito peppers get a hit from a squeeze of lemon and a dash of sea salt.
Drink: Share a bottle of R. Lopez de Heredias Vina Gravonia Viura.
Extras: Dine amid the garden of edible potted herbs and veggies. $$
NEW KID ON THE BLOCK
Dunbar Room, Hotel Sorrento
First Hill, 900 Madison St.; 206.693.3767; hotelsorrento.com
Why here: A recent redo at the Sorrento added a new bar and stylish furniture to the Fireside Room as well as a revamped restaurant (good-bye, Hunt Club; hello, Dunbar Room). But a new outdoor dining space built into the former circular driveway beckons most this time of year. Best of all, it offers the Dunbar Rooms full menu.
Eat: Oysters on the half shell, steamed mussels in a tomato and sausage broth, and avocado toast with fresh Dungeness crab.
Drink: The Old Cuban, a bubbly summer sipper with prosecco, rum, bitters and mint.
Extras: The fire pit area features custom bench seating made with reclaimed mahogany and built as was the rest of the patio space by Michael Marian of Marian Built. $$$