Readers' Choice 2026
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Best Cocktail Bar: Smith Tower Observatory Bar
This article originally appeared in the November/December 2026 issue of Seattle magazine.
Located on the 35th floor of the historic Smith Tower, the Observatory Bar serves up classic cocktails—think martinis and old fashioneds—and seasonal signatures inspired by the time of year. Barrel-aged favorites are a throwback to the Prohibition era, bites are shareable, and the city views can’t be beat. If you’re looking to bring an elevated drinks experience home, try one of the bar’s weekly cocktail classes; each month has a spirits-based theme.
Runner Up: King Leroy
About Readers' Choice 2026
Once a year, we turn the tables and ask our readers about their favorite local spots. The neighborhood café with the best coffee, the restaurant you book for every special occasion, and where you send out-of-town guests for top-tier cocktails. Seattleites have opinions, and they shared them with us. This year, we received more votes than ever before, with some familiar favorites returning and plenty of new names making the list.
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