The Best Patio Dining in Seattle

Patios with sensational views, and hidden decks we locals like to keep secret.

By: Allison Austin Scheff | June 2011 | FROM THE PRINT EDITION

Boat Street's urban oasis near Belltown

We wait...and wait...and wait...and finally, it’s warm enough to eat dinner al fresco. These decks offer senstational views, making a meal feel like a summer vacation.

Ray’s Cafe
Sitting at the wooden tables, nestled under a fleece blanket (provided to guests on breezy evenings), sipping chilled white wine, and snacking on calamari and steamed clams as the Olympic Mountains put on a sensational sunset show over Puget Sound: It’s a quintessential, jaw-dropping summer experience. >> Ballard, 6049 Seaview Ave. NW; 206.782.0094; rays.com

Maximilien
It’s hard to believe a view this brilliant and this unobstructed (pictured left) can still be such a well-kept secret. But we’ve lucked into tables on the large but largely undiscovered deck—perched high above Elliott Bay and framed by the Olympic Mountains with ferries pushing through the Sound—without even having to wait. Try Dungeness crab omelets at brunch, escargot and soup du jour at sunset. >> Pike Place Market, 81A Pike St.; 206.682.7270; maximilienrestaurant.com

Ponti Seafood Grill
Situated just above the ship canal and strung with white lights at night, this longtime favorite patio with linen-clothed tables is romantic and secluded. During the day, watch boaters pass by while you catch some rays and nosh on pan-Asian dishes—ahi tuna poke, five-spice-cured black cod—just right for hot weather. >> Queen Anne, 3014 Third Ave. N; 206.284.3000; pontiseafoodgrill.com

Le Grand Bistro Américain
Offering a view well worth paying the (eventual) 520 tolls for, the two decks of this new French bistro are set above Kirkland’s Carillon Point, where white yachts bob next to docks on sparkling Lake Washington. At sunset, the Seattle city skyline glimmers. And to boot: the best niçoise salad in the city. (pictured at top) >> Kirkland, 2220 Carillon Point; 425.828.7778; bistrolegrand.com

La Rustica
A true gem, this humble, lovely Italian spot has a flower-lined patio strewn with ivy and terra cotta pots that will transport you far, far away. You can gaze out for miles over Puget Sound at wooded islands and the snow-capped peaks of the Olympics as you twirl linguine di mare (mixed seafood pasta) onto your fork (all the pastas are tasty here). In authentic Italian fashion, you can taste the love. >> West Seattle, 4100 Beach Drive SW; 206.932.3020; larusticarestaurant.com

Madison Park Conservatory
When blue skies and warm evenings stretch out before us, Madison Park always comes to mind. This newcomer restaurant (in the old Sostanza spot) has a roomy patio with tree-filtered views of Lake Washington, but the real appeal is the unmatched people watching: beach-going hipsters in flip-flops, locals in their linen suits and everything in between. Don’t miss the hamachi crudo with blood oranges and olives, octopus with chiles and preserved lemons. >> Madison Park, 1927 43rd Ave. E; 206.324.9701; madisonparkconservatory.com

The Pink Door
This sun-dappled Post Alley patio (pictured left) is at the top of our summer checklist. With colorful floral tablecloths and hanging flowerpots, it’s always, always bustling on summer days and warm night, and the view of Elliott Bay is matched only by the good vibes. To eat: antipasti, Bloody Marys and simple pastas made with fresh-from-the-market produce...perfection! >> Pike Place Market, 1919 Post Alley; 206.443.3241; thepinkdoor.net

Hard Rock Cafe
Pass right on through the touristy main space and head directly up to the rooftop, where the panoramic views of the city and the Sound are truly stunning. We recommend coming here to drink in the vista and a cold brew on the low-slung couches warmed by gas fireplaces, then hit one of the countless excellent restaurants nearby (Matt’s in the Market, Le Pichet, Place Pigalle, Etta’s), where dinner is a better bet. >> Downtown, 116 Pike St.; 206.204.2233; hardrock.com

Secret Hideaways
Forced to power through the dreary, wet winter months, locals deserve the warm-weather spoils: secret outdoor sanctuaries sparkling under strings of lights and starlight summer skies

Oddfellows Cafe
The only view from this secret sliver of open space (shown right) at the rear of Oddfellows Cafe is of the 10–12 other people seated at bistro tables—because its literally surrounded by brick walls. But the view is still pretty good, considering, since there’s rarely a style slouch in the bunch. To eat: homemade coffee cake early, cured-meat plates and Bibb lettuce salads later, with a chilled bottle of rosé, of course. >> Capitol Hill, 1525 10th Ave.; 206.325.0807; oddfellowscafe.com

St. Clouds
We won’t tell if, once you’re sitting at one of the six tables on the secret back patio (some regulars still don’t know it exists!), you slip your shoes off. Why wouldn’t 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. You’ll probably want to sip that rosé and nibble those smoked ribs a little slower than usual so that you can stay awhile. >> Madrona, 1131 34th Ave.; 206.726.1522; stclouds.com

Walrus and the Carpenter
Tacked onto the side of this bustling Ballard oyster house (which is tucked behind Staple & Fancy Mercantile) and with just four picnic tables, it’s a supremely casual spot to sip a beer and slurp some cold oysters on the half-shell. But don’t forget the fried ones, and save room for dessert: The simple cakes and cobblers here are divine. >> Ballard, 4743 Ballard Ave. NW; 206.395.9227; thewalrusbar.com

Poppy
Summer savory herbs and edible flowers destined for the menu gently scent the air on Poppy’s back patio, where a subtle fence surrounds the poppy-orange tables and chairs. >> Capitol Hill, 622 Broadway E; 206.324.1108; poppyseattle.com

Boat Street Cafe
There’s something magical about Boat Street’s sweet urban hideaway (pictured left), down an unlikely ramp and tucked into the courtyard of an urban warehouse. Lit with strings of white lights and fragrant from pots of herbs—who can resist lingering over champagne and buttery slivers of asparagus tart? >> Belltown, 3131 Western Ave.; 206.632.4602; boatstreetcafe.com

Serafina
Snug behind this Eastlake eatery is one of the lushest patios in the city. We like it best at brunch, when brioche French toast arrives under a cloud of vanilla whipped mascarpone. >> Eastlake, 2043 Eastlake Ave. E; 206.323.0807; serafinaseattle.com

Bottlehouse
Madrona’s sweet little wine bar doubles in size when the weather permits, as guests spill out onto the wood-plank patio and gather around picnic tables under gas heat lamps. The thoughtful cheese plate is an especially good choice when you’ve got a tawny port in hand and a starry sky to gaze up at. >> Madrona, 1416 34th Ave.; 206.708.7164; bottlehouseseattle.com