In a city the size of Seattle beautiful bars, chic restaurants and funky rooftops are often found. It takes a little bit of digging and local knowledge to find the right places, you can’t stumble upon a funky rooftop bar with the front door open. This quick guide will tell you about a place for every personality of friend or visitor on your list.

1. Impress a date with an inside view of Seattle’s past. The iconic Smith Tower is arguably better than the Space Needle. Smaller crowds at a fraction of the cost to enter will leave more money for dinner and drinks up top. Enjoy a history lesson about Seattle while walking through the building, which was once the tallest high-rise outside of New York City when it was completed in 1914. Make your way to the bar with beautiful speak easy period décor, rich colors, thick textiles and opulently embossed ceilings. Take in city views and sunsets with professionally blended cocktails and charcuterie plates.
2. For more unencumbered views of the Seattle Skyline try The Nest. On a clear day you can see the Olympics jutting out from behind the Puget Sound. A swanky cocktail bar with small plates and a pretty skyline are left wide open to view over the clear glass railing.
3. For a rooftop bar that doesn’t take themselves quite as seriously as the others. Go up above the Motif hotel to visit Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails. Located on top of the 5^th floor, Frolik gives off a business casual vibe surrounded by high rises. Frolik has a fresh, modern, American menu and invites you to stay after for a drink by a fireplace while playing lighted ping pong, giant Jenga and bean bag games. Musicians and classic comedy movies play in the summertime on a giant screen.
4. If you’re looking for a low key, unpretentious locals bar try the Lookout on Capitol Hill. Known more for its views and cheap drinks than for the food. Come here for a drink with a view of Lake Washington and Mount Rainer while meeting your neighbors.
5. For a fancy rooftop downtown bar with a menu full of Middle Eastern infusion dishes check out the mbar. It gets very busy late nights with the off-work techie crowd, so reservations are recommended. Look out over city lights while enjoying the swanky fashions of the young afterhours crowd.
6. The Monkey Lounge is where to be for DJ dance parties and techno music on the roof. A funky, grunge atmosphere known well in inner Seattle techno circles. Dance floors are on the roof deck and inside along with tufted red leather and unfinished wood walls. Be prepared for long lines outside, cash only cover charges and long bathroom waits, this place is hopping. With nothing more than a Facebook page as advertisement, it is well known in the dance scene.
7. As the name implies, Rooftop Brew Co is on a rooftop in Seattle. With a rotation of food trucks visiting out-front, you can always enjoy a different meal while sipping homemade brews and enjoying free popcorn at your table. This is a little known, low key gem on a roof, with beer brewing in the basement. Bring your dog to enjoy the view. The majority of the brewery is outdoors, and heated, so come in the winter to savor the fresh air under cover from rain with good prices and space to enjoy the company of friends. This one is a clear winner for one of the easiest spots to sit back and enjoy a fuss free afternoon. Not only is it dog friendly, but it also has a parking lot for easy access and is almost never too busy to find a table.
8. If you’re looking for a nice meal out, The Pink Door will impress. You’ll likely recognize the bold mural of a bearded man in high heels swinging from a chandelier on a wall in Pike Place. Located behind a very non-descript pink door down Post Alley you’ll find a hidden restaurant behind. Guests are asked to dress for dinner. The Pink Door offers indoor and outdoor views over Pike Place Market and brings nightly entertainment. This is an experience worth finding. The fresh menu changes seasonally, with reasonable prices it’s high quality Italian food. A Pike Place staple that’s been in business for 38 years. Reservations are recommended especially for outdoor seating.
9. A newer Pike Place gem is the, terra plata. A warm, urban patio in Capitol hill where you sit surrounded by office buildings, herbs and garden plants. Go on a Monday night for paella or Saturday and Sunday for brunch. Terra plata creates daily farm to table meals change daily changing with the chef’s mood and fresh, available ingredients. Come every day and never have the same meal twice. Eat with the seasons while basking in them on a rooftop. Terra plata is known for such amazing meals you will be talking about it around the water cooler tomorrow and maybe even a week later.
10. Another Capitol Hill eatery with a rooftop in the trees is Monsoon. A beautifully blended menu fusing the Chinese, and European influences in authentic Vietnamese cuisine with flavors from the Pacific Northwest. The overall menu is packed with many layers of flavor and the décor is relaxed, artistic and inviting.

Seattle has a venue for everyone, even if you’re looking only for rooftops there is one for all ages and lifestyles. As fall is fast approaching it’s time now to get out and enjoy the last days of summer or stick around as the leaves change colors. They’re beautiful from rooftops as well.