Seattle Space Needle restaurant

[Zac495]

We are going to be in Seattle for one day before leaving on the Clipper to Victoria. Then we'll return for one night - staying at the Marriott. Currently, we hold a reservation at the restaurant at the space needle because we've heard it's THE thing to do. Comments?

Cheers,
Ellen

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

We are going to be in Seattle for one day before leaving on the Clipper to Victoria. Then we'll return for one night - staying at the Marriott. Currently, we hold a reservation at the restaurant at the space needle because we've heard it's THE thing to do. Comments?

Cheers,
Ellen

The only reason to have dinner at the Space Needle is for the view. The food is mediocre.

 

[Karen G]

The only reason to have dinner at the Space Needle is for the view. The food is mediocre.

But, don't let the food stop you. The view is fascinating, and every time you see a picture of the Space Needle, you remember that you were there.

 

[Zac495]

Perhaps just go for drinks and eat elsewhere?
Any recommendations? Or will it be just too hard to do both in one evening?
THANKS!
Ellen

 

[Karen G]

I'm rethinking my advice to go ahead with your dinner reservations at the Space Needle. It has been a few years since I ate there.

Here's the menu and it's quite pricey. It says there's a $30 minimum charge per person. Maybe you might want to consider just riding up to the observation deck for $14/person or look at the webcam on the website! I don't think you can just go for drinks. But, on the other hand, if you consider the $14 charge to just ride the elevator up to the observation deck, may the $30/person minimum isn't all that bad, especially if there's something on the menu that appeals to you. I guess for a "once in a lifetime" experience, it's okay. I'd want to do it only if the weather is really good and clear.

The lunch menu is a little less and the minimum per person is $25.

 

[T_R_Oglodyte]

There are many other restaurants that have nice views and that offer very good food - though none, of course, are going to offer a view as spectular as the Needle.

 

[Zac495]

Thanks all. Yes, I think 14 to just go up seems like a waste. If it's raining, I take it we should cancel, correct? Otherwise, we'll go. We won't expect great food, so we'll order with cared. Thank you again!
Cheers,
Ellen

 

[mtwingcpa]

Although I live in the area, I haven't had a meal at the Needle in years. As I recall, the management of the restaurant has changed over time and, as others have indicated, it probably doesn't match up to the view or the cost. On the other hand, I never recall having a BAD meal there. I've probably eaten there about 5 times, mostly lunch or brunch.

A couple of other points to note: The restaurant floor rotates 360 degrees at approximately one revolution per hour. So, you would want to stretch out your meal for at least an hour to get the full rotation view.

Also, I don't recall how they handle the elevators. Maybe people with restaurant reservations go the front of the line. If not, arrive early and be prepared for a wait. On some occasions I believe they use one elevator exclusively for restaurant patrons. But, be prepared for anything.

It is definitely worth seeing and doing ... once.

 

[Karen G]

If it's raining, I take it we should cancel, correct?

I think I would if it's overcast all over, but if it's mostly sunny & clear with just a few clouds, you'll be able to see a lot. Since there are beautiful mountain ranges on each side--the Cascades all along the east with Mt. Baker to the north and Mt. Rainier to the south and the Olympics to the west, along with lots of water views--there will be a lot to see as you make the 360-degree turn.

If you do go up to the restaurant, please post your opinion when you get back. I'd like to have a recent review of the restaurant and overall experience.

 

[Zac495]

I do have reservations and I promise to review it if it's sunny and we go. I'm grateful to all!
Cheers,
Ellen

 

[marsha77]

I ate at the Space Needle New Years' Eve 2004, the food was good, certainly edible, although pricey! The view was fantastic! I remember I had some type of steak, and no one in our group of 5 complained about the food - everything was eaten. It was a very special, and wonderful experience.
Marsha

P.S. Even though we had reservations - we did have to wait over an hour for our table! But, the view was great!

 

[Icc5]

We did breakfast there about 10 years ago. Rate was much better and the food was actually good.
Bart

 

[ronandjoan]

I'velived in SEA for years and still visit there about once a month, but never go to Space Needle - HEY, breakfast or lunch? IS it still offered? would bemuch cheaper

 

[RDB]

Walk around observation deck. You don't have to eat while waiting for the hour long rotation.

 

[MULTIZ321]

Other Seattle Viewpoints

Zac495,

A much less expensive alternative to going to the top of the Spaceneedle for views, is to visit Kerry Park on Queen Anne - here's a link for more Kerry Park Info

Also check out nearby Kinnear Park

Richard

 

[MULTIZ321]

Another spectacular ViewPoint

Zac,

I forgot to add another location for a spectacular viewpoint of the Spaceneedle,
Downtown Seattle, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains is Volunteer Park

In addition to great views at Volunteer Park, you also have the Volunter Park Conservatory, and the Seattle Asian Art Museum located there. The Seattle Art Museum which is also there is currently closed until 2007 for renovation. A lot of there collection is temporarily housed at the Seattle Asian Art Museum.

The Volunteer Park website has directions on how to get there by car or bus
if you're interested.

Richard