Golden hour at Mbar: the SLU rooftop that earns the hype

Twelve floors up in South Lake Union, Mbar pairs one of the best Space Needle sightlines in the city with a genuinely good kitchen — not just bar snacks with a view.

The food

The menu draws on Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors. Come hungry: this is a place to order several plates for the table rather than a single entrée.

The view

You’re looking straight at the Space Needle with Lake Union off to the side — seaplanes landing in the background while you eat. The deck has heaters and covered sections, which makes it one of the more shoulder-season-friendly rooftops in Seattle.

Best time to go: dinner reservations just before dusk.