Seattle - Washington State - page 89

with a view at other Seattle restaurants, but you won't get as spectacular a
panorama anywhere but here. The menu works hard at offering some distinctly
Northwestern flavor combinations but still has plenty of familiar fare for those
diners who aren't into culinary adventures. Simply prepared steaks and seafood
make up the bulk of the menu, with a couple of vegetarian options as well. We
recommend coming here for lunch. The prices are considerably more reason-
able, and the views, encompassing the city skyline, Mount Rainier, and the
Olympic Mountains, are unsurpassed.
Space Needle, 400 Broad St. & 800/937-9582 or 206/905-2100. www.spaceneedle.com. Reservations
highly recommended. Main courses $19-$29 at lunch, $28-$45 at dinner. Weekend brunch $37 adults, $16
children 5-12. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Mon-Thurs 11am-2:30pm and 5:30-9pm; Fri 11am-2:30pm and
5:30-10pm; Sat 11am-3pm and 5:30-10pm; Sun 11am-3pm and 5:30-9pm.
EXPENSIVE
Canlis NORTHWEST This is the perfect place to close a big deal or
celebrate a very special occasion. A Seattle institution, Canlis has been in busi-
ness since 1950, but a major remodeling a few years back gave the restaurant a
stylish look that mixes contemporary decor with Asian antiques. The Northwest
cuisine, with Asian and Continental influences, keeps both traditionalists and
more adventurous diners content. Steaks from the copper grill are perennial
favorites here, as are the spicy Peter Canlis prawns. To finish, why not go all the
way and have the Grand Marnier soufflé? Canlis also has one of the best wine
lists in Seattle.
2576 Aurora Ave. N. & 206/283-3313. www.canlis.com. Reservations highly recommended. Main courses
$22-$57; chef's tasting menu $65 ($100 with wines). AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Mon-Sat 5:30pm-midnight.
Palisade NORTHWEST With a panorama that sweeps from down-
town to West Seattle and across the sound to the Olympic Mountains, Palisade
has one of the best views of any Seattle waterfront restaurant. It also happens to
have fine food and inventive interior design (incorporating a saltwater pond,
complete with fish, sea anemones, and starfish, right in the middle of the din-
ing room). The menu features both fish and meats prepared in a wood-fired
oven and in a wood-fired rotisserie. The three-course sunset dinners, served
before 6pm, cost $20 and are a great way to enjoy this restaurant on a budget.
Palisade also has an excellent and very popular Sunday brunch. The restaurant
is not easy to find, but it's more than worth the search. Call for directions.
Elliott Bay Marina, 2601 W. Marina Place. & 206/285-1000. Reservations recommended. Main courses
$18-$46. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Mon-Fri 5-9pm; Sat 4-10pm; Sun 10am-2pm and 4:30-9pm.
INEXPENSIVE
The 5 Spot AMERICAN REGIONAL/LATE-NIGHT Every 3 months
or so, this restaurant, one of Seattle's favorite diners, changes its menu to reflect
a different regional U.S. cuisine. Maybe you'll find Brooklyn comfort food or
Cuban-influenced Miami-style meals featured, but you can bet that whatever's
on the menu will be filling and fun. The atmosphere here is pure kitsch—when-
ever the theme is “Florida,” the restaurant is adorned with palm trees and
flamingos and looks like the high school gym done up for prom night. This
bustling diner is popular with all types, who appreciate the fact that you won't
go broke eating here. To find The 5 Spot, look for the neon coffee pouring into
the giant coffee cup sign at the top of Queen Anne Hill.
1502 Queen Anne Ave. N. & 206/285-SPOT. www.chowfoods.com. Reservations accepted only for parties
of 6-10. Main courses $8.75-$18. MC, V. Mon-Fri 8:30am-midnight; Sat-Sun (and holidays) 8:30am-3pm
and 5pm-midnight.