The Space Needle was built in 1962 as the symbol of that year’s World’s Fair. It has become the symbol of Seattle. It is privately owned and managed by the Space Needle Corporation.
We spent several days in Seattle, Washington this summer. The Space Needle, of course, was on our list to do. The Needle was built in 1962 as the symbol of the World’s Fair that year. It is privately owned and managed by the Space Needle Corporation. The location is 400 Broad Street near the Monorail and Seattle House at 5th Avenue North and Broad Street. They can be reached at 206-905-2100.
It costs $16.00 just to go to the observatory. People told us that the restaurant at the top, Sky Café, at one time wasn’t good. They told us that there were new chefs and that it was quite good. Although the prices are expensive if you factor in the fact that the observatory is free with a meal, then it isn’t as expensive as it sounds.
The hours are Monday through Friday for lunch from 11:00a.m. to 3:00p.m.; Saturday and Sunday for brunch from 10:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. and Sunday through Thursday from 5:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. and Friday and Saturday until 10:00p.m. dinner is served.
We made a reservation which I would highly recommend. This was the summer so it was prime time. I imagine there are quieter periods. We were given a table by the window without asking but perhaps you would want to try and ask for one. It makes the experience very special. In the Sky Café there really is no need for décor. The view out the window is amazing. However we were served with cloth napkins and I noted that there were a variety of pretty lamps and various styles of tables around the Café. One aspect to note: Remember you are revolving. It takes 47 minutes to go around. It is really easy to put your camera down on the ledge and hopefully find it when you realize it’s gone. Another thing that happened to me so I’m sure I’m not the only one is coming out of the restroom. My table was no longer where I left it! You might want to make a point of seeing who is sitting near you so you can locate your table more quickly.
Everything about the service was excellent from the hostess who sat us to the waitress who served us. She refilled out iced tea so many times I commented to her that I was going to float out of the Space Needles. She refilled our bread basket as well. The entire menu can be seen at http://www.spaceneedle.com/restaurant. You can also take a virtual tour at their website.
We started with some of the most delicious rolls and breads I’ve had. We had sourdough and rosemary and to top that off the butter had hazelnut in it.
The portions were small. I wouldn’t go here too hungry especially given the prices. I had a nice piece of fresh halibut with a very light coating of bread crumbs on it. Asparagus and vegetables were on the plate and a very unusual side of pearl barley. Again the portions were small but everything was cooked well and had a really nice flavor to them. I don’t see this entrée on the menu but it was about $30.
My husband got crab cakes which I tasted and though to be very good. There was a lot of crab in them rather than filler. It came with green cabbage slaw with apples and roasted corn for $32.00.
They offer a children’s menu in the $14.00 range for children under 10 years old. We ended our meal with coffee served with sugar cubes. I rarely see that and it is a really nice touch and ending to a great meal and wonderful experience.
