One of the main perks of living in a city surrounded by rivers, lakes, canals, bays, and, of course, one very large Sound is that waterfront dining is usually within reach. And while smoked salmon and clam chowder will always be our staples, Seattle has just about every version of the “on the water” experience you could ask for: fish and chips on Elliott Bay, tacos after a long paddle around Portage Bay, oysters overlooking the very boats that hauled them in, and even brunch with an uninterrupted view of our iconic skyline. Sure, good food tastes good just about anywhere. But add some salty air, crashing waves, ferry boat horn blasts, and the occasional (socially distanced) hungry seagull? Now that’s Seattle.
Agua Verde Cafe
There are plenty of Seattle restaurants near the water, but very few that invite you to show up for a meal via kayak. That’s the appeal of Agua Verde Cafe, the beloved Portage Bay institution where breakfast burritos, frozen mango margaritas, and house-made tacos are all best enjoyed with a front-row seat to the lake. The menu has many standouts, from rockfish tacos with mango salsa to inventive veg fillings like yams and cauliflower, and there’s hardly a bad drink in the house. And if you visit during the sunny months (May–September), the seasonal Marina Cantina has fiesta vibes with an outdoor bar and regular events. If admiring the view proves to not be enough of an experience (or if the tequila courage reaches a precipice), the adjacent Agua Verde Paddle Club rents kayaks and paddleboards for some low-effort waterborne fun. LANGSTON THOMAS
Northeast Seattle
