Where To Celebrate July 4th In Seattle
With summer being the best time to be in the Emerald City, Seattle has fittingly fantastic fireworks. Head to these Lake Union restaurants for a variety of festive fare and local brews to accompany the sky show. Be sure to arrive early to secure a prime spot.
Westward
With a wink to their Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, Westward is hosting a paella party benefit for the 4th. The $175 ticket includes paella, snacks, beer, wine, and sangria. A DJ will be spinning tunes on the patio, which offers lake view seating that can't be beat, complete with Adirondack chairs and a roaring bonfire. Nautical attire is encouraged. Part of the proceeds will benefit Food Lifeline.
Little Water Cantina
Put some fiesta in your 4th at Little Water Cantina. The patio will be pumpin' with a special Mexi-American menu, Georgetown Brewery specials, and live music from the Country Lips. Email tacos@littlewatercantina.com to reserve a 6-8 person table. $300-$400 food & beverage minimum. Eastlake.
Ivar's Salmon House
At Ivar's, pick your viewing point: an expansive, waterfront patio, or the cedar-walled dining room. The menu brims with bounty from the sea, like their famous fish n' chips, salmon chowder, and crab cakes. For an homage to the fireworks, opt for fresh fish cooked in an open, Alder wood fire. Reservations are still available, but they're going fast! Kids are welcome, too.
Nickerson Street Saloon
Escape the Lake Union hubbub at this neighborhood pub. On the patio along the Fremont bridge, sip microbrews while noshing on chipotle BBQ wings, burgers, nachos, and fried calamari. Arrive early to secure an outdoor seat.
The Swedish Club
Starting at 6pm, the Swedish Club is hosting an all-American style BBQ. Smokin' Pete will be slinging BBQ faves–pulled pork, smoked chicken thighs, burgers—with all the fixins' while local band Lushy keeps the party pumping. With an awesome lake view and free parking, this party can't be beat. All ages welcome, though reservations required.
Eastlake Bar & Grill
Eastlake Bar & Grill's roofdeck is a rollicking good time. Celebrate America's birthday with their tasty comfort food: spicy mac n' cheese balls, bourbon mustard meatloaf, and burgers with bottomless fries, and wash it down with a local brew.
Duke's Chowder House
Chow down at this casual and convivial Lake Union institution. Famous for their eponymous clam chowder and sourdough bread, they are home base for seafood like fried clam strips, crab cakes, and fresh fish. For drinks, sip local wines, beers, and their signature 'Duketails.' Happy Hour goes from 9-close at the bar and on the deck.
Daniel's Broiler
For a 4th of July splurge, this lakeside steakhouse is for you. Daniel's Broiler serves Americana classics like shrimp cocktail, oysters Rockefeller, and stellar steaks. A piano player will accompany your fireworks with jazz standards, making for a most classy celebration.
A Terrible Beauty
Good times are guaranteed at this neighborhood, Irish pub. The menu has stick-to-your ribs fare like Fisherman's pie, fish n' chips, and their beloved Reubens. Of course, pints-a-plenty are on hand, plus a great view of the lake, especially from the upstairs dining room.
SkyCity Restaurant
For a birds-eye view of the pyrotechnics, visit SkyCity at the Space Needle. With cuisine to match the unparalleled views, the restaurant features fare using Pacific Northwest bounty. Reservations are a MUST.