June started off as one of the rainiest on record in the Puget Sound region, leaving us wondering if we’d ever see summer. The answer to that, provided to us over the past weekend, is a resounding yes! One of our favorite things to do on a hot summer day when it’s too hot to even think about being in the kitchen is enjoy a cool beverage on a sunny, breezy deck overlooking the water – and to let someone else do the cooking. Fortunately, the Seattle area has no shortage of restaurants with decks with fantastic water views and delicious food. Here are a few of our staff favorites:

Seattle
Aqua by El Gaucho – On the northern end of downtown Seattle’s waterfront
Maximilien – A lovely, romantic spot with fantastic food in Pike Place Market, Maximilien also has a rooftop deck overlooking Puget Sound.
Ivar’s Salmon House and Fish Bar  – You can boat over and tie up to Ivar’s dock on the north end of Lake Union for a meal on the deck or order take out from the fish bar.
Westward – Also accessible by boat on the north end of Lake Union is Renee Erickson’s Westward, a member of her Sea Creatures family of restaurants.
The White Swan Public House – Down at the south end of Lake Union, you’ll find the White Swan Public House, sister to Matt’s in the Market, with weekday happy hours from 3pm to 5pm.
Ray’s Boathouse – A Seattle classic, near Shilshole in Ballard
Water’s Table – Located in the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington in Renton, Water’s Table has an outdoor patio, and their seasonal pop-up, Dock and Drink, is now open. 

West Seattle
Salty’s on Alki Beach – In West Seattle, Salty’s offers up amazing views of the Seattle skyline.

Kirkland
Beach House Bar and Grill – A great casual spot for a burger after a walk along Lake Washington Boulevard
Beach Café – Another good casual spot, located at the Woodmark Hotel.
Como – Situated above the dock at Carillon Point, Como serves Italian food from the Lombardia region of Italy.

North Puget Sound
Ivar’s at Mukilteo Landing – With the new ferry terminal, it’s not quite as convenient to grab fried oysters while you wait in line to board, but the Fish Bar is still there, and the restaurant has fantastic views.