The Best Patio Dining in Seattle | Seattle Magazine

MADISON PARK

The Independent Pizzeria [PIZZA] [SIDEWALK PATIO] This slice of pizza heaven in Madison Park seats about 15 people comfortably on its tiny patio, furnished with dark wooden, lacquer-topped tables. The space opens when the weather is warm enough (permanently from July 5 to Labor Day). And while that may sound like a recipe for hypercoziness, this hot spot boasts a nice little view of Lake Washington. 4235 E Madison St.; 206.860.6110; theindiepizzeria.com

MADRONA

Bottlehouse [WINE BAR] Why here: Fig trees spill over the long, side-yard deck lit with starry white lights; its the lush, enchanting patio of your dreams. Eat: The seasonal toasts, topped with combos such as prosciutto, chvre and figs, and the excellent cheese plate. Drink: On a hot day, ros by the bottle is the way to go. But Bottlehouse has the most eclectic by-the-glass list in the cityspanning sherry, bubbly and amaroso consider trying something new to you. Insider tip: The backyard is available to rent for summer parties.Late afternoon and evenings, Tue.Sun. 1416 34th Ave.; 206.708.7164; bottlehouseseattle.com

St. Clouds [AMERICAN] We wont tell if, once youre sitting at one of the six tables in the secret back yard, you slip your shoes off. Why wouldnt you? Glass-topped metal tables are set up as if for an impromptu dinner party. Strings of white lights sweep from fence to fence, and the locals only vibe keeps things warm and sweet. Youll probably want to sip that Sauvignon Blanc and nibble those slow-roasted ribs a little slower than usual so that you can stay awhile. Brunch and lunch Sat.Sun., dinner daily. 1131 34th Ave.; 206.726.1522; stclouds.com

MAGNOLIA

Maggie Bluffs [WATERFRONT] [SEAFOOD] At this classic spot situated at the Elliott Bay Marina next to Palisade, the food and drinks are your typical pub fare with an aquatic slant (crab cakes, fish and chips, and clam chowder). But whats anything but typical about this dockside patio is that it has one of the most awesome views in town. On a clear day, the Space Needle, Mount Rainier and the city skyline can all be viewed through the masts of the massive convoy of docked boats. When it gets cold, there are heaters. There are only about a dozen tables, and they go fasteven when the weather is just summer-ish. 2601 W Marina Place; 206.283.8322; maggiebluffs.comNORTH LAKE UNION

Ivars Salmon House [BOAT-UP SPOT] Why here: Its classic waterfront deck dining. The shores of Lake Union lap beneath the patios attached boat dock, which local boaters and kayakers use to pick up takeout orders of fish n chips. Here, youll sit under umbrellas, enjoying the cool breeze and that skyline view across the lake. Best table: The bright cloth-covered tables on the lowest level of the tiered patio (closest to the water) offer unobstructed views. What to order: Keep it simple and stick to seafood: clams steamed in white wine and butter; or splurge on a Dungeness crab Louis salad, with hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and sweet, fresh crab. And to drink: Imbibe one of the 26 Washington and Oregon wines available by the glass. And remember: no tipping! 401 NE Northlake Way; 206.632.0767; ivars.com

Westward [WATERFRONT] [OYSTERS] Why here: The city glittering across the boat-dotted waters of Lake Union can be fully appreciated from the shade of a striped umbrella or around the oyster-shell-lined fire pit. Its an absolute wonder no one thought of creating a place like Westward before. Eat: Incredibly fresh oysters, smoked Manila clam dip with house-fried potato chips, and Mediterranean-style roasted trout or branzino. Drink: A glass of chilled Muscadet from the Loire Valley will do mighty fine. Insider tip: Your best bet for a prime outdoor seatin one of the weathered, conjoined Adirondack chairsis midday (35 p.m.). Also: select oysters are half-price Sun.Thurs. from 910 p.m. 2501 N Northlake Way; 206.552.8215; westwardseattle.com

PIKE PLACE MARKET

Le Pichet [FRENCH] [SIDEWALK PATIO] Four small bistro tables on the sidewalk front this downtown French bistro, beckoning passersby to sit and drink ros for hours. Beware that, although perfect for people watching and feeling cosmopolitan, Pichets tables are on the west side of the street and only see sunlight in the morning hours. Ditto for the small sidewalk deck at sister restaurant Caf Presse on Capitol Hill, which is perfect for eating a hearty breakfast of oeufs platsa baked dish of eggs, bchamel, ham and cheese. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 1933 First Ave.; 206.256.1499; lepichetseattle.com

Maximilien [FRENCH] Its hard to believe a sweeping vista this brilliant and this unobstructed can still be such a well-kept secret. But weve lucked into tables on the large but largely undiscovered deckperched high above Elliott Bay and framed by the Olympic Mountains, with ferries pushing through the Soundwithout even having to wait. Try the eggs Benedict for Sunday brunch, escargot and soup du jour at sunset. Brunch Sun., lunch and dinner daily. 81A Pike St.; 206.682.7270; maximilienrestaurant.com

The Pink Door [ITALIAN] [COVERED PATIOS] A longstanding fair-weather favorite, the deck at The Pink Door offers an unobstructed view of Puget Sound happenings off the busy piers. The overhead wooden lattice provides shade, making this a perfect venue to watch ferry sailings, tune into the market hubbub below and indulge in the predictable Italian offerings, such as garden bruschetta or cioppino. Lunch Mon.Sat., dinner daily. 1919 Post Alley; 206.443.3241; thepinkdoor.net

Seatown Seabar [NORTHWEST] Whether youre hooking a snackthe crab cocktail is spot onor settling in for a leisurely meal, this sidewalk caf (that spills over to the picnic tables at its neighboring Rub With Love Shack when it gets busy) is a prime perch for watching the world walk around Pike Place Market. Tables are set with pretty potted flowers, and if theres a chill in the air, the servers will bring you a blankie. We love ros with everything on the menu, including the ahi poke salad and terrific tri-tip steak off the rotisserie. Breakfast, lunch, dinner daily. 2010 Western Ave.; 206.436.0390; tomdouglas.com

Caf Campagne [FRENCH] [SIDEWALK PATIO]If you pick the right seat (face south) at one of the marble-topped tables on the outdoor patio of this Parisian-style caf, youll have a nearly unobstructed view of Post Alley and its usual flocks of touriststhe unapologetic heartbeat of Pike Place Market during summer months. Order yourself a carafe of the house red or white, some frites or a sexy slab of the pt, and make an afternoon out of it. 1600 Post Alley; 206.728.2233; cafecampagne.comSOUTH PARKLorettas Northwesterner [PUB] A logging tavern from the 1930s, this treasure south of Seattle has maintained a loyal following of adoring fans since before it was considered cool to drink Rainier, Hamms and Lucky Lager. With a high roof made of clear tiles, wood paneling and local brewery relics keep this place rooted in history, and the Airstream on the back patio continually draws in new customers looking for a bar thats full of character (and characters). Order the classic Tavern burger (a pint-size cheeseburger) for $3 and settle in for a while. 8617 14th Ave. S; 206.327.9649; lorettasnorthwesterner.com

SOUTH LAKE UNION

Daniels [WATERFRONT] [HAPPY HOUR] With an expansive northward view over the entirety of Lake Union, the cement deck at Daniels is a go-to for summer boaters and water lovers. New-this-June wicker-style chairs and a couch and custom-made tables with ceramic tile and wood trim offer views of yachts and sailboats, making it all the more pleasant to dine on Daniels signature surf-and-turf offerings. The deck wraps around the back of the restaurant, has tall glass walls for wind protection and is open to all agesall the better for partaking in happy hour prices with the kids on a sunny afternoon. And Eastsiders take note: the Bellevue Daniels also has a new, glassed-in perch attached to their 21st floor restaurant in the Bank of America Building (10500 NE 8th, 21st Floor) which is a great way to get a birds eye view of just how green this City in a Park is. 809 Fairview Place N; 206.621.8262;schwartzbros.com

Row House Cafe [LUNCH OASIS] Why here: Youd never guess from looking at it, but this sweet, ramshackle house turned caf in South Lake Union boasts one of the sunniest and most relaxing (and biggest!) back decks in the neighborhood. Best table: Choose any table with a red umbrella, for shade. What to order: The panzanella salad, with fresh cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, garbanzo beans and lots of torn basil is perfect for hot weather. 1170 Republican St.; 206.682.7632; rowhousecafe.com UNIVERSITY DISTRICT

Shultzys [PUB] This U District fixture is best known for its sports bar vibe, stellar lineup of micros and outstanding sausages served in its expansive space, but theres a deck out back with a dozen tables and a soothing gazebo-like feel that falls into hideaway territory. If you subscribe to the school of thought that eating something spicy cools you down on a sizzling afternoon, try a bowl of the fabulously fiery gumbo, made from scratch, and chill. Lunch and dinner daily. 4114 University Way NE; 206.548.9461; shultzys.com

Liam's (CLOSED) [AMERICAN] One of the newer restaurants in U Village from the man who brought us Beechers, this corner spot, which is kitty-corner from QFC (and just down the block from Din Tai Fung), has one of the cutest and most functional indoor patios around. During the colder months, the logs are stacked and the gas fire is roaring. But when the weather turns warm, the electric walls are raised to create a gazebo-type environment that includes a wood floor and party lights strung overhead. Order one of the incredibly fresh salads, such as the Dungeness crab cob, for a full dose of vitamin D. 2685 NE 46th St.; 206.527.6089; liamsbistro.com

Agua Verde Paddle Club & Cafe [WATERFRONT] [MEXICAN] 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 house-made salsas. Turn your night 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 sits 30 to 40 with full sun exposure. 1303 NE Boat St.; 206.545.8570; aguaverde.com

WALLINGFORD

Tilth [NORTHWEST] Shaded by umbrellas and surrounded by shrubs and potted herbs, this space has a hidden-garden feel even as traffic whizzes by on North 45th. Sip a glass of ros while considering Maria Hines organic, locally focused menuit will be a challenge to choose. Fortunately, there are tasting menus of different shapes and sizes, including a sophisticated lineup of vegan fare and gluten-free apps and entres. Be part of the brunch bunch and youll be rewarded by the fluffiest French omelet this side of Paris. Brunch Sat.Sun., dinner daily. 1411 N 45th St.; 206.633.0801; tilthrestaurant.com

WEST SEATTLE

La Rustica [ITALIAN] A destination restaurant for most, this stalwart West Seattle restaurant has been turning out Italian dishes made by a husband-and-wife kitchen collaboration for years. In summer, the patiobedecked with white, wrought-iron Italianate furniture and homey plantsis a quiet spot to linger over authentic pasta and hearty entre offerings while taking in the view of the Olympics and both Blake and Vashon islands. Dinner Tue.Sun. 4100 Beach Drive SW; 206.932.3020; La Rustica Facebook page

Saltys [WATERFRONT] [AMERICAN] The deck here maintains its legendary status once the sun shows its face during the warmer months. Heres a chance to sit on a sun-drenched wraparound deck and take in a cold beverage and a seriously stunning, picture-perfect view of the Seattle skyline. The sea breezes and warm evenings make nibbles such as blackened fish tacos, oven-roasted nachos and beer-batter-dipped steak fries taste even better. 1936 Harbor Ave. SW; 206.937.1600; saltys.comMarination Ma Kai [WATERFRONT] [HAWAIIAN-KOREN]Why here: Were addicted to Hawaiian-Korean foodthink Spam musubi and kimchi rice bowls with fried eggs. Marinations everyday prices belie the million-dollar Seattle skyline view 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! 1660 Harbor Ave.; 206.328.8226; marinationmobile.com

WOODINVILLE

Fireside at Willows Lodge [NORTHWEST] [GARDEN PATIO] Even if youre not a guest at Willows Lodge and just want to partake in a glass of wine (some of the smaller wineries in Woodinville are represented here), you will be welcomed with open arms. Nibbles such as an artisan cheese flight and other snacky things are on offer, courtesy of Barking Frog across the way, and best enjoyed on one of the most beautiful backyard patios on the Eastside, complete with fire pit, couches, Adirondack chairs and the sound of a trickling waterfall. Woodinville, 14580 NE 145th St.; 425.424.3900; willowslodge.com

The Hollywood Tavern [EASTSIDE COOL] Why here: When Woodinville wine tasting calls for sustenance, theres no better outdoor pit stop than an Adirondack seat at the stone-lined fire pit (similar to the brilliant pit at Westward) between The Hollywood Tavern and neighboring Woodinville Whiskey. Eat: Mabels fried chicken sandwich, an ultra-crispy, well-seasoned, unpretentious nod to the previous longtime tenant, Mabels Tavern Drink: Stick with anything brown from the next-door distillery, even something as simple as one of the house-infused whiskey shots and a schooner. Extras: Lawn games 14501 Woodinville-Redmond Road NE; 425.481.7703; thehollywoodtavern.com

This story has been edited since its original publication.

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The Best Patio Dining in Seattle | Seattle Magazine