Seemor
Smith Tower Observatory & BarB+Worth Trying
506 2nd Ave #35, Seattle, WA 98104
· Bar, Restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (810 reviews)
Reservations
Iconic views and vintage ambiance with creative, Asian-leaning bar bites and cocktails; come for the experience, expect slow service and event-related constraints.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Smith Tower Observatory & Bar delivers a distinctive Seattle experience anchored by unmatched panoramic city and waterfront views and beautifully preserved art deco architecture. Creative small plates with Asian influences—particularly the ahi tuna bowl—show solid execution, but slow and uneven table service during peak times and variable cocktail quality and availability limit the overall experience. The venue excels as a destination for the view and historic ambiance rather than as a culinary standout.
Restaurant Summary
The ride up in the vintage elevator opens into a room that feels warm and bustling, all wood, history, and skyline. Guests gush about the "gorgeous 360 views" while noting that hosts and elevator operators are gracious and welcoming. However, operational quirks around tickets, last call, and capacity can create hiccups, and service at the tables can run slow during peak times. In the bar, the cooking leans creative with Asian accents—char siu sliders, miso mayo, and a well-liked ahi tuna bowl—so it reads as contemporary fusion more than pub grub. The culinary approach leans contemporary and produce-driven (innovation level 7.4): small plates with cross-cultural flavors suited to view-chasing cocktail fans rather than hearty dinner seekers. Expect a location premium; you are paying for that view as much as what is on the plate. Families do come for the scenery, and there are a few accessible options like edamame and sliders, but the menu is mostly adult-leaning. There is no explicit kids menu, and portions skew snacky, so plan accordingly—grab simple shareables for younger diners and focus the outing on the observatory experience.
At a Glance
- Unmatched panoramic views in a beautifully preserved historic tower
- Creative small plates with Asian influences and a standout ahi tuna bowl
- Slow, uneven table service during peak times and events
- Ticketing, last call, and event buyouts can limit bar access and availability
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- historic_art_deco_setting
- 360_degree_city_views
- cocktail_classes_with_observatory_access
What People Love
- The thrill of stepping into a living slice of Seattle history
- Skyline and waterfront views that make photos effortless
- Playful cocktails and occasional themed menus or classes
- Ahi tuna bowl and vegan-friendly carrot cake that overdeliver
Points of Concern
- Service delays are common at peak times; some guests waited 40-60 minutes for orders or checks
- Ticketing policies, overbooking for events, and last-call cutoff can block access to food and drinks
- Pre-batched cocktail complaints (especially old fashioned flights) and occasional stock-outs on event nights
- Pricing reflects location; shareables can feel light for the cost
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (tourist-heavy excitement, templated owner replies) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$42-$58 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair ahi tuna bowl with steamed vegetable dumplings for a balanced light meal; finish with the vegan carrot cake if you want dessert without dairy or gluten
- If you prefer simple flavors, opt for edamame or chicken sliders and avoid the more assertive miso/chile accents
Perfect For
- Sunset cocktails with out-of-town guests
- Date nights focused on views and ambiance
- Architecture/history lovers who enjoy a drink
- Small groups looking for a memorable vantage point
Location Insights
Area: Historic district with brick-lined streets, art galleries, and sports crowds on game days; attracts tourists and locals for architecture and history.
Safety: Generally busy during daylight and event hours; standard downtown vigilance advised, especially late night.
Nearby: Near Pioneer Square attractions, Underground Tour, stadiums, and waterfront; strong pre- and post-activity foot traffic.
Pioneer SquarePioneer Square is Seattle's historic district, characterized by its brick buildings, art galleries, and a lively nightlife scene. The dining environment is diverse, ranging from casual eateries and coffee shops to upscale restaurants, attracting a mix of locals and visitors seeking both trendy and classic dining experiences.
International District (nearby)Just east of Pioneer Square, the International District offers a concentrated area of Asian cuisine and cultural shops, providing a unique and authentic dining atmosphere distinct from the broader downtown area.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–19:00
Tuesday12:00–19:00
Wednesday12:00–20:00
Thursday12:00–18:00
Friday12:00–21:00
Saturday12:00–21:00
Sunday12:00–20:00
Available: Reservations
View full analysis on Seemor →