It’s summertime, which means you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors. Whether you’re looking for an air-conditioned restaurant or just want to enjoy the sun before it sets, we’ve got your back! Today, we discuss 10 of the best restaurant terraces in America – from Seattle to Miami. Find out which restaurants have amazing outdoor spaces and what they offer.
The 10 Best Restaurant Terraces in the USA
The first restaurant on our list is in Seattle. Canlis, established in 1950, has been a favorite for locals and tourists alike. The restaurant is located on the East side of Lake Union – giving guests views of the downtown Seattle skyline while they enjoy their meals outside on the terrace. The menu consists mostly of seafood options, but it has some meat dishes as well! The prices are not too bad either. Appetizers range from $12 to $19, mains are between $27 and $42, and desserts cost anywhere from $11 to $16. If you’re looking for a romantic evening out or want to take in the beautiful Seattle skyline, Canlis is the place for you!
Number two on our list is in Denver, Colorado. The Rooftop at Coors Field has been voted one of the best restaurant terraces in America by Yelp. With sweeping views of downtown Denver and the Rocky Mountains as your backdrop, it’s easy to see why this spot made the list! While baseball games are definitely popular here (Colorado Rockies play their home games at Coors Field), concerts and other events.
The next restaurant we want to talk about has won awards from Food & Wine Magazine multiple years running: Eleven Madison Park. This New York City-based restaurant was voted best new fine dining establishment by Time Out NY and received four stars by Forbes Travel Guide (formerly known as Mobil). Guests can enjoy dinner at this French-American bistro dining room with stunning skyline views right above Madison Square Park. The prices are on the high end – $155 for a three-course meal without wine or $210 with wine – but are definitely worth it!
Moving down south to Miami, we have The Bazaar by José Andrés. This restaurant is located at the SLS Hotel and offers tapas-style dishes from all over the world. While customers dine on delicious food, they take in views of South Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. The prices are a bit higher here, with most tapas costing between $12 and $22. If you’re looking for a fun night out in Miami Beach, The Bazaar is the place to go!
If you’re looking for a skyline view in Chicago, look no further than The Hampton Social – Streeterville. This seafood restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating offering views of Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago. It has classic seafood dishes as well as a delicious variety of soups, salads, sides, and desserts – perfect for any palate.
Heading out west to sunny California, one of our favorite picks is Napa Valley’s Morimoto. This sushi spot not only offers an amazing skyline view of the valley but also has an award-winning wine list. With both indoor and outdoor seating, you can enjoy your meal either under the stars or in the shade of Morimoto’s bamboo garden. The prices are on the expensive side, but for what you get it’s worth it!
The next restaurant we want to share with you is another New York City gem: Park Terrace in Bryant Park. With delicious American fare and skyline views of Manhattan, this rooftop terrace has become a favorite among locals. The prices are very reasonable here – $14 for an appetizer and $32 for the main course – making it a great option if you’re on a budget.
If Atlanta is more your scene, we’ve got a great skyline restaurant for you: Ponce City Market’s The Roof. This open-air bar and restaurant overlooks downtown Atlanta and offers cocktail, small plate, and entree menus to order from, all while taking in the view. The prices are reasonable here, ranging from $12 to $34 for most dishes.
The next spot on our skyline restaurant guide is in Boston’s Seaport District: Legal Harborside. Boasting both indoor and outdoor seating with harbor views, this upscale restaurant has become a favorite among locals looking for delicious seafood cuisine. The prices are a bit higher than some of the other spots on our list, but you get the views of the Boston Harbor, a famous port and one that tourists from around the world come to see.
Last but not least on our skyline restaurant tour is San Francisco’s Waterbar. This seafood spot sits right on the Embarcadero with views of the Bay Bridge, Ferry Building, and Treasure Island. It offers fresh seafood options and sushi – perfect for seafood lovers. San Francisco has plenty of great restaurants with terraces because of the great weather, but Waterbar is one of our favorites. The prices are on the higher side here – $24 for most small plates and entrees up to about $50 for larger dishes – but it’s well worth it for the fantastic experience of the location and the top-notch cuisine.
The US Restaurant Terrace Scene
Restaurants with terraces in the United States are always interesting because there is such a wide range of locations and views to take in. The places on this list give you a variety of options, whether you’d like to eat and check out a lake, ocean, or park dining on sandwiches, pizza, fries, prime rib, or fish.
The best months to visit a restaurant with a terrace will undoubtedly be May through to October. Before May, there is often a lot of rain in many of the cities mentioned, and after October, the fall weather begins to set in, making it less enjoyable.
We hope you enjoy this skyline restaurant guide and that it inspires you to get out and explore some of America’s best restaurant terraces. Bon appetit!
