Our postcard-perfect summer is short but we Seattleites know how to squeeze every last drop out of it. When temperatures dip after sunset, do we cower back inside? Hell, no. “Garçon, bring us a blanket.” Or we retrieve our jacket from our car trunk and weather the conditions, all while slouching in our cargo shorts and sandals. We look ridiculous. Never mind that. This is our summer. This is how we roll.
Here’s where to go:
RAY’S CAFE
To Seattle natives, this deck offers the best view, especially at sunset with the amber backdrop over Shilshole Bay and the seals playing peek-a-boo. Heaters and blankets provided. 6049 Seaview Ave. N.W., Seattle; 206-782-0094 or rays.com.
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AQUA BY EL GAUCHO
The wait isn’t as long anymore now that this waterfront bar/restaurant added 75 additional outdoor seats with views of Mount Rainier, the Space Needle and Olympic Sculpture Park. There are two firepits and a wind screen to shield you from the elements. 2801 Alaskan Way, Pier 70, Seattle; 206-956-9171 or elgaucho.com.
LITTLE WATER CANTINA
Grab a stiff happy-hour $6 margarita while you breathe in the unobstructed water view and listen to the megaphoned barking of the coxswains and the hum of float planes. The best view and sounds of Lake Union. 2865 Eastlake Ave. E., Seattle; 206-397-4940 or littlewatercantina.com.
MARINATION MA KAI
This West Seattle bar/restaurant allows kids in the patio during happy hour. Make a day of it. The bike-and-kayak rental shop is behind Ma kai and the water taxi docks out front. 1660 Harbor Ave. S.W., Seattle; 206-328-8226 or marinationmobile.com/locations.
BEACH CAFÉ
You get sweeping views of Lake Washington, the Olympics and the Seattle skyline without the spring-break vibe of the Kirkland waterfront nearby. Heaters and blankets when you need them. 1170 Carillon Point, Kirkland; 425-889-0303 or thewoodmark.com/beachcafe.
This feature is adopted from Seattle Times.
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