Smith Tower

This was actually my second time visiting the Smith Tower, but it was my boyfriend’s first and since he’s already been up the Space Needle, I wanted to show him that this historic spot also offers some seriously cool views of Seattle. What’s even more impressive is that at one point, Smith Tower was actually the tallest skyscraper in the West! One thing I love about this place is how well they’ve preserved its old-school charm, especially the elevators. They still have an operator who manually controls the lift, and there’s even a display of the original green Otis elevator motor in the lobby, the same kind that powered the elevators for over a century! The operator told us there’s a tenant who lives above the observatory, which blew my mind. The rent was originally a whopping $17,000 a month, but the tenant apparently negotiated down to $14,000 since there’s no A/C up there. Talk about living in style with a historic discount! Once you reach the top, there’s a bar where you can grab a cocktail and enjoy the view. As you walk around the observatory deck, there are plaques pointing out different Seattle landmarks, so you can easily spot everything from Mt. Rainier to Lumen Field and Lake Washington. It makes the 360 deg view even more interactive and helps you appreciate just how much of the city you can see from up there. Pro tip: They don’t open until noon, so if you’re planning to go early, you’ll end up waiting downstairs. Otherwise, grab a drink, take your time, and soak in one of the best vintage views Seattle has to offer.

lawyer.traveler.dreamer for more footage of our experience. Treat yourself to a solo date with a view at the Smith Tower! This isn't just a skyscraper; it's a piece of history. Built back in 1914, Seattle’s first skyscraper and one of the oldest in the U.S. still holds all its charm with vintage elevators and stunning art-deco interiors. Head up to the Observatory Bar, and you'll understand why this building, once the tallest west of the Mississippi, is so special. The 360° view makes sunset feel like pure magic! Order a cocktail and a small bite, sink into that golden-hour glow, and toast to a century of Seattle skyline stories. This is a must-do for anyone looking for a unique and memorable Seattle experience. 🥂💫

Great view, they have some really nice seating and their servers are fun and attentive. The cocktail selection is great. The history of the tower is neat being the oldest part of downtown Seattle in Pioneer Square.

This is one of my favorite places in Seattle! The view is excellent and it's way more low key than the Space Needle. There's lots of fun history here too and delicious food and cocktails.

The Smith building was Seattle's first skyscraper and once was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. Tickets are required to reach the observation deck or have a drink in the bar on the top floor. Along the hallways leading to the last elevator that is an express to the top of the Smith building is a series of rooms that host period pieces of equipment like a switchboard and a display featuring the office of Mr. Smith who built the building and was a partner in the Smith Corona typewriter company. You ride to the observation deck in the building's original elevator (that has been updated with modern equipment). You can still see each floor through the metal cage of the elevator car and use the original handle that used to move the cables suspending the cage. There is even an elevator operator dressed in the wardrobe of the 1920's. From the top deck you can see all around the downtown skyline and out over the Seattle docks and ferry piers. As you take in the views you are transported back in time when bootleggers and speak easy's provided the backdrop for the businesses that occupied various office space in the Smith building. This is a must for history buffs and visitors to experience the other side of Seattle away from the Space Needle.

I have wanted to visit the historic Smith Tower for the longest time and finally got the opportunity. As a Washington resident, my cost was a reasonable $10. It was easy to purchase from a kiosk upon entry. I love old buildings and this one didn’t disappoint. I was able to take a bank elevator up to the 35th floor and was pleasantly surprised to walk into a lounge where drinks and small bites are served. I was directed to the doors that opened to the outside deck which took me all the way around the building. There is a sturdy metal guardrail for safety and the views were spectacular. I recommend taking the time to visit this site.

After much reflection, I decided to review this hidden gem in Seattle. My son and I made Same day online reservations for a Monday afternoon viewing while dining at a nearby Irish bar. When you enter the lobby before the elevator, you will go back in time to see and hear how Smith Tower came to be, with photos, exhibits, and interactive items. You then take the classic gilded elevator with an operator to the 35th floor, where a beautiful Speak Easy bar and restaurant await you. You then walk to the open but gated 360-degree observation deck of the city and bay. My son and I were the only two tourists there for almost 30 minutes. It's windy, so watch your hat and your phone. After the observatory, we had superbly made cocktails and enjoyed conversation with our server in the restaurant. He said the venue is busier during the summer season, when many cruisers visit. I wanted to keep it a secret because other locals had mentioned how much nicer and less crowded it was than the needle. It is so lovely and classy, and it was a good experience so I had to share. I recommend a weekday afternoon visit, giving yourself 1-2 hours. The tickets were $25 each.

Excellent little museum with lots of interactive elements on the lower two floors - really helped set the scene of the building in the late 1910s and 1920s. Beautiful elevators. Excellent views from the observation deck, with helpful signs pointing out the landmarks. Also looked like a really nice bar/lounge for a cocktail! I walked up and bought a ticket on a Sunday lunchtime with no delay.

Stunning views, fun speakeasy bar energy, and an elevator that has a historic gate? Yes. I'm in. This location is the oldest skyscraper in the city and has a ton of history to it. You'll enter in and take the gated elevator with attendant up. Near the top of the building (the penthouse takes claim to the very top) you'll enter into a gorgeous bar that offers a stunning view from pretty much every angle. The bartenders were quick with menus and drinks while we sat and enjoyed the view. There is a door you can use to go out onto the overlook, and note it was VERY windy, so I recommend a jacket and hair tie for this part. The views make for fun pictures and just a great time. Overall: A+ Great bar at the top of a very historic building. The speakeasy energy with a well-done aesthetic makes this a worthy stop.

The views are nice and our family visiting from out of town loved the photo booth experience. The restaurant, however, felt like a bait and switch. We bought tickets downstairs on a Monday and they let us know it covered $10 off food at the bar per person, after spending $20+ per person. When we were seated, they told us it was only $10/table regardless of how many people or spend. We all spent over $20/person. Something was irritating me afterwards so I checked the site. Two separate places and the lobby all show the midweek offer of $10 off per person with a $20+ spend. So we overpaid by $60. Complete bait and switch. Two calls and voicemails to talk to a manager and no response. I guess it's just how they do business.

It's recommended that you buy your ticket online first to make sure there is space. When you check in, tell them if you'd like a spot at the bar or not. Views are great all around! My friend and I tried the bartenders choice cocktail, giving them our taste palate, and they were both delicious! This feels like such a hidden gem because it's a lot less busy than the space needle but still have lovely views. I've also attended a cocktail class, which was a fantastic time! We made three different cocktails. They provide all of the ingredients and supplies as well as some snacks to keep the cocktails from hitting too hard. Admission to the observatory is included with the cocktail class so make sure you stop at the rooftop before/after class! I will definitely be back

For my birthday, we headed to the top of the tower to enjoy some drinks and light bites. Our server was super friendly and attentive the view and the restaurant were amazing.

Smith Tower is a cool place to check out in Seattle where you'd be able to get a quick history lesson, views, and food. It's a bit pricey for what it is as they charge you to just go up Smith Tower, but it's worth checking out once. We made the bar in time for happy hour. I only ordered the vegan potstickers. These were pretty good and it had a decent spice to it which I appreciated. The presentation of the dish itself was also really nice. Although I didn't have anything to drink, the prices for them during happy hour were super reasonable. The ambiance of the restaurant is really nice! Not only does it have rooftop views of downtown Seattle, the interior was also really warm and lux. The service here excellent as well and our waiter checked on us several times during our time there and made sure our waters were always filled.

This is definitely one of my favorite spots to take out of town visitors! The museum itself is cool- I love that you can touch things and interact with the material. It's so cool to see what old Seattle was like! The elevator ride up in the old 1920s elevator is always so fun and feels like a Time Machine. I love that they have the original elevators! The view up top is incredible. While you can't see the space needle, you can still see a lot of the city and get some great photos on the amazing balcony. The upstairs bar is really funky and cool. Lots of fun photo opps. The service was pretty good and the drinks are a little pricey, but overall you're paying for a really cool experience.

This spot is a vibe !! Views of the city are AMAZING It's free to come here and have drinks or eat I do recommend making reservations if possible as seating is rather limited Inside decor is nice Even the ceiling is a view lol The building itself has tons of history The elevator ride up is like going into a time capsule Food is GOOD and reasonably priced I asked to go box and unfortunately they didn't have any to go boxes so they gave me a used but clean Tupperware I appreciate the effort but that was kinda weird View is breathtaking And I would definitely recommend coming here for a nice dinner and or some drinks I can't wait to come back

If you go up to the bar, have a cocktail. Enjoy the FABULOUS view of Seattle from a different perspective. Learn a bunch about the history of that area. But remember, it is a tourist attraction and manage your expectations accordingly.

Rum runners, guns, typewriters, romantic superstitions, and ties to Chinese royalty are all woven into the historical fabric of this icon, which presents a window into the Emerald City's colorful past. The 484 ft Smith Tower is the oldest skyscraper in the city and was among the tallest skyscrapers outside New York City at the time of its completion. The tower bar is an absolutely gorgeous place to sit, drink and take in the awesome views of the city and surrounding area. The preserved ambiance here makes you feel like a part of that vibrant history. The taste experience in a swanky speakeasy bar like this is nothing short of extraordinary. Each cocktail is a carefully balanced blend of flavors, from the bright and refreshing notes of a Southside Fizz to the complex and smoky depths of an Old Fashioned, and they have several very tasty versions of the Old Fashioned. One of the standout features is its panoramic views. Large windows provide a sweeping vista of Seattle, including Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains, and the bustling cityscape below. As the sun sets, the city lights create a mesmerizing backdrop, enhancing the bar's magical atmosphere. Plan ahead and be prepared to let the staff know which view you would like to be seated at, immerse yourself into the nostalgia on the way up and allow the awesome staff at the top take care of you as they do so very well. Being led by Michael Ginnity, superb service is a guarantee here. Cheers!

Second visit to the Observatory Bar - you just can't beat the view. The bar itself is also noteworthy- comfortable chairs, beautifully appointed, great photo opportunities, and a view from all angles. The food is average; we tried dumplings and a sandwich. Nice presentation. Be prepared to wait a while for your drinks. The Gojira Old Fashioned had a nice flavor but a tad sweet for my taste. I preferred the smokiness of the Oaxacan Old Fashioned. Our server Amadeus was charming. The team at the ticket counter were incredibly kind in assisting my mother who has mobility challenges. We all appreciated the historic tidbits they provided as well. Customer service here is a priority and worth the ride up.

shame on me for living here for over three decades and never going to the top of the smith tower. i've recently rectified this transgression. you buy your $22 per person ticket online, show up, get paper tickets as well as the opportunity to reserve a table upstairs a d off you go through the historical but interactive displays. lots of black and white images from the time period in questions, and a great elevator ride up (in our case, we were taken to the 32nd floor and told that the elevator is broken and we'd have to walk the remaining theee flights which isn't a problem but if that would be for anyone thinking of doing it, you may find this information useful in your trip planning.) the observation deck has plenty of room to allow multiple people to be outside, taking photos, gawking at life happening down below. the observatory bar is quite interesting in terms of the asian ambience afforded by some of the furniture and the ornate ceiling. we sat in some wing back chairs and thoroughly enjoyed the views and the experience. the elevator ride down is quick and you're dropped off right on the square where the pergola is on yesler and 1st ave. this experience is as long or short as you want it to be. from what i could tell you are the decision maker in terms of how long to spend reading and interacting with the information on the way up and once you've reached the top, the observation deck and bar are to be enjoyed for however long you want. from today onwards, i will now be bringing out of town visitors here because it's a great mix of local history and modern day enjoyment. it's a part of the local skyline that adds knowledge and appreciation to one's understanding of the city. a fun activity especially for clear days when the views are spectacular in any direction.

I went inside the building and saw a little cafe with a line. For the rest I wasn't sure how it worked to get to the top. I should have done my research better because I think you can order and enjoy it on the top but honestly not sure.

The service here was solid. We had reservations, so we got a table right away. We were in the glass, so the views were almost as good as the walkway outside. The specialty cocktails were great. I had the Seattle Mule, with blackberries. It was cool and refreshing. Perfect way to cap a great tour of the Smith Tower!

Loved this bar! My boyfriend and I came here before the Smith Tower cocktail-making class to get drinks and soak in the view. It was an unfortunately cloudy day, so while we couldn't see Mount Rainier, we still loved the view of downtown Seattle and the two stadiums! The outdoor terrace area is pretty small, so I imagine on a more crowded day it might be harder to walk around, but since it was pretty empty when we went, we had it virtually all to ourselves. The indoor area is also beautiful, and very ornately decorated. It really does remind you of the 1920's! There's a fun free photo booth and also a small section where you can learn more about the history associated with the tower. The drinks themselves were pretty good, and I also loved the charcuterie board that we ordered! The cheese and meat selection paired well together, and I loved whatever jam it was that they included too. Not a big chorizo fan though, so I wish we got less of that for my personal taste preference, but honestly I can't be mad at the diversity.

This place has really great drinks. The spot has good people working both the observatory bar, and the tour of the building. I really am pleased with the value of the ticket and what we got to experience. I will leave the disclaimer that we didn't try anything except the potstickers. And we only tried them, because somebody mentioned them being one of the popular orders here, but I must say that if the rest of the food taste like the potstickers, it is probably worth skipping. It wasn't bad it just was really underwhelming. Anyways, my point is get a drink, enjoy the view, and come with a friend who you want to hang out with for a while since they don't kick you out after getting your table. Claps and kudos to the Smith tower. I actually would recommend visiting this over the Columbia tower.

Ambiance of the bar was cool, two of the sides of the outdoor observatory are really cool to look at after dark with all the city lights. The museum beneath the bar is fun, where you can follow the (sometimes very interesting) lives of people who used to live in that building (you might even find a way to get discounts in the museum...). That said, we had to wait 15 minutes to have our drink order taken, and 45 minutes to be served our drinks (two mixed drinks total). I would not wait that much for these drinks again.

We had high hopes for this experience but unfortunately it ended up being a huge letdown. The quality of service, food and drinks does not match the location. Considering the history of the building and the price we expected better all around. Our drinks were heavily watered down, which is unbelievable considering the way the bar sells itself as a premiere cocktail bar. The food was a massive disappointment. Nothing tasted freshly made or made in house and it all had the quality of frozen, store bought pre-packaged meals. The only good things was the staff in the lobby and both elevator operators were great, very hospitable and funny. Overall a big disappointment that relies more on the nice view and not the quality, the experience or service.

Views are amazing. Museum-like entrance is well done and interesting. However, the bar service is horrible on the 35th floor. You pretty much have to beg to get anyone to come to your table. My husband had to track down someone in order to get a second beer and again to get our bill. Unimpressed.

Superb views and fun history, but staff seemed to mail in their service and were clearly not depending on return customers but used to the pure tourist crowd. Our drinks were good and pricing as expected. The elevator guy was only staff member who actually engaged and at least pretended to enjoy his job.

You're mainly paying for the view. With overpriced food and overpriced drinks it completely not worth it. With reservations for each guest they give you a $10 voucher per guest but can only use one per table. Doesn't make sense.

Came here for drinks + happy hour! Great food, good drinks, awesome view (behind some bars). Ordered the bao and dumplings off the happy hour menu! Bao - 4.5/5 stars - solid, excellent taste dumplings - 5/5 stars - super flavorful and layered; not what I expected, but great! The Smith Tower experience is also awesome - we were able to read some of the history and try out a typewriter in one of the rooms! Answer a question about one of the characters for a small discount :)

Bogus. $75 per person for brunch. Powdered, inedible eggs, an incessant dearth of desserts, and over-priced cocktails. Our server, a fifty-something man, confessed that the entire wait staff had quit, and he was thrust in the role of waiter, when he had hired on expecting to wash dishes...he was totally ignorant of the menu, wine list, and he was wearing beat up old sneakers. What a rip off. Bogus.

Loved stopping here after dark! The building itself has great a great history and it was fun to read about the characters that once worked here. The view is amazing and totally worth it While I was up there I enjoyed a cocktail and cheesecake and both were very good. The setting is very much speakeasy and makes for a great date night or girls night spot.

Great place with an outstanding view. Reasonable prices. Food is delicious and drinks are fancy. Customer service was great. 5/5 overall

Not a bad spot to see Seattle from: they have a board walk that wraps around the rooftop restaurant. I didn't eat but the food looked good. Once you pay you can re-enter all day. Sunset was nice

This place is definitely on the pricey end but worth it to give it a try. The views are pretty hard to beat and they even have signs explaining which buildings have history. We got an old fashion and it was really good. If you want to spend a few extra dollars to get the view and the service then I would give this place a try.

I enjoy taking visitors to Smith Tower for several reasons. They have an museum experience where you get to learn about the history behind the building and downtown Seattle. They even have an old timey telephone you can use. An elevator car takes you up to the 360 observatory where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Sound. They have a cocktail bar that has amazing drinks and a good food menu. Overall, the experience is worth the price of admission and a great place to show off to your out-of-towners.

This was one of my favorite memories from my first trip to Seattle. I enjoyed the interactive experience before going up to the bar, and the elevator up alone was quite fascinating. Something I'd suggest going to more for the experience and views than for food & drinks. The drink was good just not very strong and pricey.

Absolutely beautiful old building opened in 1914 is rife with unaltered architectural and interior design details. The old Otis elevators are classic! The other part of a visit to Smith Tower is the observation deck, totally worth a walk around the outside deck to see Seattle from up high. Only downside was the food was delivered cold. The wontons were barely room temperature and the meat on the bahn mi was pretty cooled down by the time it got to the table. All the dishes arrived at once. Somehow I thought the wontons would come first as an appetizer and the sandwich after, but maybe that's not how they serve. Other than cold dishes, fun and entertaining.

This is a cool speakeasy theme bar to take visitors to for the 360 views of the Seattle area (alternative to the busy Space Needle). It did cost about $10 each for entrance to/elevator up the tower but we spent a couple hours here so it was worth it. We didn't try any food on the menu but we got drinks which were all good. I got some passion fruit cocktail that was delicious! Overall it's a cool experience for locals and visitors if you're looking for something different than the Seattle tourist cliches to do!

Smith Tower was a very fun experience - it's a great spot with a great view. It was cool to learn a little bit about the building along the way. The food was pretty decent, but the drinks left a little to be desired. Service was good, but the room layout could've been a little better. It felt a little cramped, but still enjoyed the experience.

I'm getting tired of restaurant owners not hiring enough staff. One waitperson and one bartender for 40 people? Just charge us more. Or let's raise the minimum wage. I'd rather pay more than wait for 1.5 hours for food.

This building is architecturally beautiful, historically noteworthy and definitely worth a visit. You can purchase a ticket to the observation deck at any time during business hours. If you'd like to have a drink or dine in the observation level restaurant, you may have to wait until a spot opens up. Tickets are purchased, once they have a spot for you. They will send a text. Reservations are not available, although they do prebook events. Once you have your tickets (a souvenir post card) a small museum is available for you to browse with information about Smith Tower history. There are several rooms to view, and bathrooms along the way, before reaching the elevator. On the way up we had a tour guide who quickly told us about the elevators through the years. This elevator moves quickly. At the top let staff know if you have a table reserved, or be directed to the outdoor observation deck. The fog rolled in while we enjoyed a visit and the views. Some tables are not near a window, so be prepared to be seated in the middle of the room, or by a solid wood wall. The woodwork and ceilings are beautiful in the restaurant. The staff very friendly and professional. If you have time to wait, it is a nice spot to dine. Beers are about what you'd pay anywhere in town, a cocktail is a bit more than standard. The observation deck reminds me of a birdcage encircling the floor. There is some information out there to read if you chose. If you are driving into the city, parking is on street or paid lot. Close to Pioneer Square and the Underground tours.

Good place for some fantastic views of south Seattle. The building has some history and things to see. They have a good Happy Hour and I think that's a good time to go. The service was just ok. The elevator conductor is an interesting person with a lot of information on US presidents. He's quite impressive. It's right next to pioneer square on the light rail. It's a bad area full of homeless, tents, people doing drugs and hanging around. If you go I would suggest going to smith tower and then leaving.

They were out of two dishes on an already limited food menu. The drinks were overpriced. Classic elevated bar/restaurant with mediocre food and service.

**NOTE: I found this photo from pre-COVID so this is a backlogged review, but the vibes still stand** My friend and I stopped by the Observatory Bar after being touristy in the Tower itself on a weekend. Though it was busy, wait times were slim and they had a fun auto-photography system set up that entertained us for the entire time, so it really flew by. Maybe that means we waited longer than it seemed, but I didn't mind. The food was a bit overpriced as expected (~$20), but the salad tasted fresh and was of pretty good quality, and the sandwich was filling for a quick lunch. If I go back I'll try out their drinks, but it's definitely a spot better cut for convenience than fantastic food since Pioneer Square has so many better options.

Amazing cocktails, beautiful view, and fantastic staff. Very pleased with my visit to Smith Tower all around! The food was really good too. I ordered the Taiwanese beef noodles, and the meat was tender, while the noodles were perfectly firm yet chewy. Highly recommend the Rum Combra and Last Word cocktails if you fancy rum and gin based cocktails!

Doris recommended and one of the best cocktails I've ever had. Let's start from the beginning.... Be careful because one corner of the building is riddled in homeless/bums (it's terrifying) once inside you are okay, I mention this because well, I should. This is 100% no fault of the business or reflection of Smith Tower but if you have little kids or whatever you need to know this and I don't see other reviews mentioning this point but need too as the homeless population and open drug use is shocking...it's overwhelming. Once inside you are greeted by friendly staff who are trying their best. We were told that the tables are too confusing to keep straight so you cannot walk around and be on the waitlist at the same time; so it was recommended we did the tour, went upstairs and then once back downstairs be put on the waitlist. We did this. We tried our best to listen to the "spiel" (not my words) but it was rehearsed a million miles an hour so even though not audible...adorable regardless. We had a great time on the tour, it was unguided and the switch operator room- the phone was sticky. The views are breathtaking. It's a show stopper to be in the "Chinese room" we loved it. Views for days and a site worth it to see. The bar staff is very use to turning the tables over. Our waitress was nice and kept on top of everything. I didn't see a lot of smiles but staff was focused none-the-less. We ordered the charcuterie bento box. A beautiful mustered would have been a fine addition but a bit more jam would have made the box perfect...for the price, view, and the amount of food- it is perfect for two people and I recommend this option. On to the drinks... we had Smith Tower's version of an " espresso martini" because you know we love them. These match up. Nice and frothe but please allow me to recommend this balsamic cocktail... pic below... hands down a favorite of mine.... I promise it's really different and exquisite. We had four drinks in total and the charcuterie ended up being 95 dollars THEN we 100% noticed we didn't receive the 10% off - we asked for it and our waitress changed our bill right away (super cute game... you'll see.) Again didn't see one staff member smile the whole time but I get it- you come here for the views, and an interesting cocktail not a five from me but worth the trip.

Super fun old Seattle experience! Epic views, of course! Interesting drinks menu. Mocktails must be requested, however. Do NOT come hungry! The food menu is very limited. We ended up asking if they didn't just have bread & butter, and were served an above average, but small serving of garlic bread. To be fair, our visit was 12:30 pm on a Tuesday,in the height of a summer heat wave, but I was expecting more on the menu. Service was polite, but not super welcoming. Come for the views! And the trip back in time!

We came a little after sunset to check out this spot. I liked the historical aspect of it and we came just in time so that we didn't end up waiting! It was nice. You walk around downstairs for a bit checking out little snippets about the history of the building and then you head on up to awesome looking elevator shaft. We were there mostly for drinks, but we also order a "winter roll" while we were there. It was tasty and we had a couple of ciders from a local to Washington place. The view from up top is gorgeous! Loved the night view. My BFF and I tool a lot of photos and she loved her experience so much, she went back downstairs to purchase a mug as a keepsake. The mug is super cute.

It really is a great experience. You start by walking through their museum and learning about the history. You eventually reach the elevator that takes you up to the rooftop. There you can get a drink and walk outside to the observatory deck that wraps around the entire rooftop. Fun views of the city if it's not too windy and great for a sunset spot!

We are visiting from Atlanta and decided to do the talking tower experience to learn about the history of the building and key players in the prohibition era. Richard is a knowledgeable gem and we enjoyed him guiding us through the experience. We finished off the tour with drinks and a few appetizers at the bar on the 35th floor. We received excellent service and were able to catch the tail end of happy hour and watch the sunset from our chairs

This was such a fun, uniquely Seattle way to spend a few hours! We took my in-laws here who were in town visiting and we had such a fun time! Initially, we were a bit skeptical to even go up in the tower because of how unorganized the ticket cashier was. They claimed to have just gotten new system, but we waited 10 minutes while they were trying to figure out what was going on and two of the employees were bickering back and fourth. But we are glad we stuck through it, because it was a fun experience! You get a postcard as your admission ticket which is creative and you can use it as a keepsake! There's a small interactive museum on the way to the elevator with a lot of facts about Smith Tower. There's even a little discount for the bar hidden, if you look for it! The elevator is super retro looking and well kept and boy does it go up and down fast lol. Up at the observation deck, you get 360 views and there's little maps in each direction pin pointing key things to look at, which I personally love and I think it enhances your experience. When we initially arrived, there was a 45 minute wait for a table but it wasn't a big deal because we were able to do the museum and observation deck while waiting for our table. When your table is ready, you get a text, and have to go back down to the lobby to get your table assignment, this is super unnecessary and annoying for a customer and needs to be fixed (yet another complaint by the staff about the new system apparently). The drinks were good but pricy, be sure to use the discount you find in the museum! We opted not to get food, just because we weren't feeling the menu but it looked good coming out of the kitchen! It would be nice if they had open seats at the bar where you could just grab a drink without making a reservation or being put on a waitlist for a table. We felt bad taking up a table just for drinks. Overall, we had a great time here and I would definitely recommend it to anyone traveling to the area!

Wanted to stop by some where for a drink and a view so decided to come here! As I walked in the lobby, I was greeted by this guy who was literally such a character, love him! Super an amazing experience with going through the rooms and the elevator going up and everything. It was pretty dang windy but had a nice seat to watch the view. Got their daily special cocktail which was super refreshing and crisp!

We LOVED our time at Smith Tower. Great views, wonderful drinks, and such an enjoyable afternoon!

We didn't have any food just got a few drinks. Service was good he was nice and helpful. The ambiance is great, it's an experience I'm so glad we got to have this trip to Seattle.

This is the more casual, less crowded adult version of the Space Needle. When you're looking for a homey, loungey, historical option and a place to have a proper drink -- this is the place to go. Gorgeous views, outstanding drinks (especially the old fashions), and a slice of historical Americana that many don't get to experience. Definitely worth a 90 minute happy hour stop over.

I'm a sucker for a good rooftop, history lessons, and a good old fashioned, so you'd best believe that Smith Tower was on my radar for a while. That said, my experience was okay at best. Drinks: 5/5. I had both the Gojira Old Fashioned and Washington Old Fashioned, and both were refreshing. It sounds like you can't go wrong with ordering anything on the cocktail menu - my friends spoke highly of the full range of their picks as well. Atmosphere and service: 3/5. Our interactions with the server were fine, but we did feel a bit rushed. The day we went, the air quality index was very high, so windows were all closed. This was disappointing, but it's completely understandable and out of the staff's control. Unfortunately, the HVAC was also not working, so it was humid and muggy in the building. We were all sweating while sitting indoors, which was disappointing since it was so cool out. I'd like to try again later when they're able to open the windows.

This is a tourist trap at best. While the museum and tour leading up to the restaurant are well curated, the dining experience itself is abysmal. We were told that they were undergoing a shift in their menu and that happy hour was discontinued, despite visiting on a weekday after the posted happy hour time. Our drinks were not very creative or balanced in flavor and the food was awful. How so? We ordered the spam Masubi and the rice was hard and undercooked, the "hummus" was really just flavorless, smashed chickpeas accompanied by a crudité of dried out carrots and celery. The brie dish tasted like cold butter and brie mixed together and nothing hit the mark. The only saving grace was the server, Wanda, who was cheery and welcoming.