On a sunny day, you can see why everyone wants to live in the Pacific Northwest, but we know that you can’t take the good weather for granted, so when the opportunity arises, dine alfresco! We’ve rounded up a great list of family-friendly spots with views of the water and the happenings down the road each with menus that will please even the pickiest eater (even if it’s you!) So grab the sunscreen, and pack a few extra snacks into your diaper bag, these restaurants offer more than a chance to eat outside—many have views that will make you want to sit and stay awhile.
Dukes Seafood
Did you know that there are seven Dukes Seafood restaurants? And did know that you can dine al fresco at six of them? They know what the people want. Good food and good views. Begin your meal with an “appeteaser” or a shared plate. Enjoy a dinghy-sized bowl of their award-winning clam chowder before your big meal with a “Duketail” beverage. Kids don’t like seafood? They’ve got you covered here as well offering burgers, chicken strips, linguini noodles, and more.
2516 Alki Ave. SW, Seattle
7850 E. Green Lake Dr. N., Seattle
1111 Fairview Ave. N., Seattle
757 Southcenter Mall, Tukwila
240 W. Kent Station, Kent
3327 Ruston Way, Tacoma
Online: dukesseafood.com
Bongos
What a fun place! Located just off Green Lake, Bongos prepares Caribbean food with a backyard flair. Having transformed an old gas station into a restaurant, they describe the place as “practically a theme park ride” with a colorful paint job. They even have their own sandpit with bright plastic shovels and buckets. Oh, and the food is pretty good too.
6501 Aurora Ave. N., Phinney Ridge
Online: bongosseattle.com
Ivar's Mukilteo Landing
Ivar's Mukilteo Landing serves up everything from simple grilled Alaska Sockeye salmon sandwiches to whole Dungeness crabs. But you can't beat the original 1938 recipe for Ivar's Alaska True Cod Fish 'n Chips alongside the classic white clam chowder while watching the ferry boats come and go. The outdoor deck offers spectacular 180-degree views of Possession Sound. They also feature an extensive kids' menu with non-seafood choices for those who prefer not to partake.
710 Front St., Mukilteo
Online: www.ivars.com/mukilteo-landing
Demetris Woodstone Taverna
Your young fam won't mind that you're dining on small plates of tapas if they've got their own plates of pasta and butter sauce. Nope. Neither will they mind that you're enjoying a glass of fine wine with a view to match if they have a cheeseburger slider to chew on. They won't even get antsy when you order bacon-wrapped dates, Chicken Souvlaki, or even a Charcuteries plate as long as they have a kid-sized pizza. All kidding aside, Edmond's Demetris Woodstone Taverna offers a large menu, excellent service, and outdoor dining all day long.
101 Main St., Edmonds
Online: demetriswoodstonetaverna.com
Pike Place Market
Pick up your favorite Market food, we’re talking Honest Biscuits, Matt’s in the Market, Shug’s Soda Fountain, and more, and enjoy them at one of over 20 outdoor patios throughout the Market. Market restaurants have been leaning in, and you'll find more outdoor spots for dining here than ever before. Copacabana, Falafel King, and Miss Cafe are great casual spots to stop and grab a bite. And you can't go wrong with a trip to Shug's. You'll find all the Market's fantastic eateries along the cobblestone walkways, in the Secret Garden, in Post Alley, and along First Avenue and Western Avenue. Sound and city views? It doesn’t get any better than this in the summer.
Pike Place Market, 85 Pike St., Seattle
Online: pikeplacemarket.org
Mezzanotte
Pasta and plane lovers will love Mezzanotte's spacious outdoor patio in the heart of Georgetown. Stop in after a trip to the Seattle Drum School, Fantagraphics or the eclectic Georgetown Trailer Park Mall for a dish of homemade pasta and plate of roasted carrots (trust us, they're worth it) on a sunny day. Although there isn't a kid's menu, the pasta dishes are simple, so even the pickiest of eaters can find something to fill their tummies. And the planes overhead (they're on the Boeing Field flight path) will keep the kids entertained throughout the meal. Our tip? Bring coloring pages or a few table games to keep the kids busy so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the meal.
1210 S. Bailey St., Seattle
Online: mezzanotteseattle.com
RELATED: 11 Hidden Gems around Seattle We're Pretty Sure You've Never Visited
Magnuson Cafe & Brewery
The shores of Lake Washington never looked so good as they do with a pint from this Magnuson brewhouse in hand. You’ll love sinking your teeth into this locally sourced pub fare that features burgers, tacos, and salads as much as the kids do. And with plenty of umbrella-covered tables and these cute covered "houses" where families can gather no matter the weather, this outdoor dining spot makes grabbing a bite easy. Hint: it also makes a wonderful lunch stop after your class at Arena Sports or when you need a break along the Burke Gilman.
7801 62nd Ave. N.E., Seattle
Online: magnusonbrewery.com
RELATED: 9 Spots to Rest, Play & Eat Along the Burke-Gilman Trail
Ballard Pizza Company - Frelard
Won’t your kids be surprised when you tell them you’re going for takeout, but you end up on the outdoor patio at this favorite local pizza joint instead. Ballard Pizza Company specializes in New York-style pizza made with PNW ingredients and aged dough. Patio seating here is self-serve. All you have to do is order your favorite pie (we’re partial to the Veggie Bomb, but dig the Bianco too), wait for a text, then pull up a picnic bench and enjoy a slice with your crew.
1040 Leary Way N.W., Seattle
Online: ballardpizzacompany.com
Marination Ma Kai
What started as a food truck has morphed into a successful mini-chain of local eateries for the folks at Marination Mobile, but Ma Kai is their shining star: a laid-back restaurant perched on West Seattle’s shore with an unparalleled view of the city skyline. The menu is Hawaiian with a Korean influence—tacos are a popular choice, though the fish and chips (only available at this location) are stellar. Kids may enjoy the salty Spam musubi, the perfect precursor to the sugary Hawaiian shave ice for dessert. Board the water taxi from downtown for a door-to-door adventure, complete with an outdoor dining experience.
1660 Harbor Ave. S.W., Seattle
Online: marinationmobile.com
Agua Verde Café
Eating outdoors can’t get much cooler than this: at Agua Verde, you can nosh on a large outdoor deck that overlooks the kayak rental area. So, as you and the kids share a basket of chips and fresh salsa from the serve-yourself bar, you can check out kayakers paddling in and out of the dock. Don’t miss the mangodillas! These quesadillas with fresh mango and melty cheese are a hit with diners of all ages! Psst... bring your kayaks if you've got 'em for an afternoon paddle.
1303 N.E. Boat St., Seattle
Online: aguaverdecafe.com
RELATED: 13 Safe & Scenic Places for Families to Go Kayaking
Elemental Pizza
It’s hard to go wrong with a wood-fired pizza for dinner with the kids. That’s one of the reasons Elemental Pizza’s U Village is a great outdoor dining spot for Seattle families. Enjoy the people-watching while you dig into their creative pizza combos that are true crowd-pleasers. If you’re looking for less crowded times, try going on a weekday. But if pizza is how you roll on the weekends, you’ll probably get a table quickly if you can avoid peak dining times. If all else fails, you can wander the Village, cell phone in hand, and wait for them to call when your table’s ready.
2634 N.E. University Village. St., Seattle
Online: elementalpizza.com
Anthony’s HomePort – Everett
The views of the Everett waterfront are just as impressive as this popular restaurant. If you've got small kiddos, try snagging an outdoor table at lunchtime. That’s because the menu prices are cheaper and the selection choices are more kid-friendly. Kids can choose from a variety of favorites including bay shrimp macaroni & cheese, clam chowder and fish tacos. Reservations are recommended.
Good to know: Next door to Anthony’s HomePort, Anthony's Woodfire Grill offers both surf and turf with the same views but cheaper prices. This restaurant also tends to be a little more relaxed and less busy too, making it a great choice for families.
Anthony's HomePort: 1726 W. Marine View Dr., Everett
Anthony's Woodfire Grill: 1722 W. Marine View Dr., Everett
Online: anthonys.com/restaurants
Red Mill Burgers
Seattle icon Red Mill Burgers has been featured on Oprah and the Food Network. But to Seattle locals, it’s just a great place to grab a delicious burger and some onion rings with the family. Red Mill is known for cooking up a huge stack of bacon for topping burgers, hand-blending fresh milkshakes (try banana or peanut butter) and offering wonderful outdoor picnic tables for eating in the sun. It's casual-fast outdoor dining at its best.
Phinney Ridge Location: 312 N. 67th St., Seattle
Interbay Location: 1613 W. Dravus St., Seattle
Online: redmillburgers.com
The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar
Located on Pier 57, home of Seattle’s Great Wheel and Wings Over Washington, The Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar features views of said Wheel, Puget Sound and downtown Seattle. In addition to standard, fresh fish dishes, you’ll find a collection of other unique plates including the west coast fish taco, wild citrus halibut taco, shrimp mac 'n' cheese and the PNW Captain’s Plate that includes portions of king salmon, halibut, Alaskan pollock, panko prawns and fried calamari steak strip. The patio (and the view) are open for dining, and reservations are recommended, especially on the weekends.
1301 Alaskan Way S., Seattle
Online: fishermansrestaurantseattle.com
The Spot West Seattle
You gotta love a spot that serves waffles until 4 p.m. and offers live music a few times a week. Whether you bring the kids for an early breakfast-for-dinner meal or to enjoy music on the patio, this new-ish spot on the accidental island won't disappoint. And if you can't find a "spot" here, you can be rest assured, Luna Park Cafe is just next door, so you've got options.
2920 S.W. Avalon Way, Seattle
Online: thespotwestseattle.com
Lombardi’s Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar
Lombardi’s features fresh and delicious true Italian dishes that will please the palates of those both young and old. In fact, while Mom and Dad dine on such dishes as Salmon Picacata, Roman Style Lasagna, or Scampi Diavolo, the kids can have their own extensive menu of delights to choose from (at very reasonable prices) including spaghetti, cheese ravioli, and pepperoni pizza. Lombardi’s is a great spot to dine on a hot summer night since it often gets a cool summer breeze and if you time it just right, you can enjoy free "Music at the Marina" within view during the summer months.
1620 W. Marine View Dr., Everett
Online: lombardisitalian.com
Additional reporting by Chelsea Lin, Sara Billups & Katie Kavulla
