I'm not going to be like the other cool people who have reviewed the restaurant and crapped on it. There's quite a few "hip" Seattle places that serve crappy food and crappy atmosphere that the... More

I'm not going to be like the other cool people who have reviewed the restaurant and crapped on it. There's quite a few "hip" Seattle places that serve crappy food and crappy atmosphere that the cool people just love. Every time I've been to the Needle restaurant (about 5 times), I've had great food, better than some other well-known Seattle restaurants. I'm not going to join the Needle bashing, because they've greatly improved their menus and the quality of the food. It's hard to cook at a higher altitude than the rest of Seattle, and they do a good job of it. The viewing experience is outstanding, almost as good as the view from the Columbia Tower Club. Maybe their tummies were upset by the Needle taking a full rotation around Seattle every hour? Or perhaps they don't like the well-deserved notoreity and how the Space Needle has become the symbol of Seattle. Sometimes, I'm tired of the smugness of transplanted or woe-is-me Seattleites. I'm a native Seattleite, and for what it's worth, I'd go to this place for a special occasion meal faster than I'd go to the traditional places like Ray's (even though that's awesome, it's definitely overpriced and hard to get to). The best restaurant in Seattle for food and experience is Canlis, and I doubt the "cool" people will trash their overpriced food or views.
Less

Ok...I was only like 6 years old or so >.< I went to the rest room, must have spent quite some time in there and when I came out, my table was gone. Being 6, this seemed like a pretty big deal and... More

Ok...I was only like 6 years old or so >.< I went to the rest room, must have spent quite some time in there and when I came out, my table was gone. Being 6, this seemed like a pretty big deal and I had to ask a server to help me find the stupid thing. :) I have been to the Space Needle restaurant several times throughout my life and I have to agree with other posts, the restaurant is just not what it should be. It isn't that the food is bad, but it isn't that great, especially for the price. I could cook a better meal blindfolded and with one hand tied behind my back and I suspect that most people with any cooking interest at all would probably say the same thing. The view is spectacular though...the elevator ride is fun and I think it is definitely worth while to go at least once during your time in Seattle. I give it a rating of three stars but here's how I really break it down: The elevator and view experience is a 5 but the restaurant is a 1.5 star :)
Less

You really can't beat the view of Seattle from the observation deck of the Space Needle. It's pretty spendy to ride to the top, but it's worth it on a nice sunny day when you can see all the way to... More

You really can't beat the view of Seattle from the observation deck of the Space Needle. It's pretty spendy to ride to the top, but it's worth it on a nice sunny day when you can see all the way to the mountains on both sides of the city. Just don't eat in the restaurant - the food is ridiculously overpriced and very mediocre. Be sure to visit the gift shop in the observation deck - and stand at the front of the glass elevator for the stomach dropping sensation!
Less

The Space Needle is actually way shorter than you would expect if this is the first time you've seen it after hearing so much about it. It's super expensive to ride the elevator up to the top also,... More

The Space Needle is actually way shorter than you would expect if this is the first time you've seen it after hearing so much about it. It's super expensive to ride the elevator up to the top also, although it's a nice view if it's a clear day (if!!). The restaurant is super overpriced and serves terrible food. I wouldn't recommend eating there. I do love looking at the Space Needle from the various view points around the city, but getting too close to it just ruins it.
Less

When we think of Seattle we think of Starbucks, Microsoft and Boeing. The rest of the USA thinks of Big Mountains and the Space Needle. Not being from here originally, I have been to the Needle... More

When we think of Seattle we think of Starbucks, Microsoft and Boeing. The rest of the USA thinks of Big Mountains and the Space Needle. Not being from here originally, I have been to the Needle many times since moving out 17 years ago. It is funny to me that many natives only go to Seattle Center when they have out of town guest in. Even though I think the food at the Space Needle is over-rated and over-priced, it is still a wonderful place to see the beauty of Washington. It is always an awesome sight to view Mt. Rainer while on the deck of the Needle.
Less

As a first time visitor to the Seattle area we had to take a ride up the Space Needle. A majestic icon for the area, it is amazing to look at from the ground as well as the sky. As a major tourist... More

As a first time visitor to the Seattle area we had to take a ride up the Space Needle. A majestic icon for the area, it is amazing to look at from the ground as well as the sky. As a major tourist attraction the lines were long and the elevator packed. I was stuffed in first and pushed up against the windows of the elevator on the way up. At first I felt elated to have front row seats for the climb up the high-rise, but soon I became quite ill. The combination of vertigo and claustrophobia was enough to make me feel faint. I felt weak in my knees for the rest of the visit even after leaving the elevator. Being outside on the Space Needle viewing deck is also a little brain warbling with the winds and the heights. Not one to normally feel these sensations, I was surprised by my uneasiness. Pushing all that aside… I did enjoy the views from inside behind the windows, far away from the elevator!
Less

This is the place you just have to take your aunt if she is visiting Seattle or if you are visiting for the first time. As with all towers like this, it is expensive as a tourist trap, but how can... More

This is the place you just have to take your aunt if she is visiting Seattle or if you are visiting for the first time. As with all towers like this, it is expensive as a tourist trap, but how can you resist the view. Actually the way to see it is to book brunch at the SkyCity (see the other review). This is the rotating restaurant. That is more expensive, but actually the food ain't half bad and it really does rotate with the benefit of a tiny 10 horsepower motor.
Less

super slow is fine, if that's what it takes for you to get there and back. for that matter, you can walk if you need to. if you do this at least 2x a week, no matter where you live in seattle (aside... More

super slow is fine, if that's what it takes for you to get there and back. for that matter, you can walk if you need to. if you do this at least 2x a week, no matter where you live in seattle (aside from maybe belltown), you will not need a diet. in fact, you will be able to completely get rid of worrying about what you eat and when entirely. one final suggestion, and it only costs $3/day (less than curves! less than health clubs! less thanspecial "low fat" food!): take the bus to & from work everyday. it will work and it will help your city too.
Less

of of the top5 for sure tourist attractions in seattle, bring you out of town vistors, and locals every couple years. but...the gift shop is not good, lots of products but huge markups, mainly cause... More

of of the top5 for sure tourist attractions in seattle, bring you out of town vistors, and locals every couple years. but...the gift shop is not good, lots of products but huge markups, mainly cause targeting to tourists. the restaurant on top is overated, not a good value at all. decent food, worth going once, especially if the boss or wife is paying. nice view of course
Less

This is the tallest structure on the west coast! Built back for the fair, it's still standing after numerous earthquakes! This thing is solid. Admission is well worth it if you are going to take... More

This is the tallest structure on the west coast! Built back for the fair, it's still standing after numerous earthquakes! This thing is solid. Admission is well worth it if you are going to take pictures from the top of the Space Needle. The food is very pricey, I suggest you bring a sack lunch. This is great for field trips or even family trips. The view from the top is extrermely amazing. 360 degrees of seattle. From elliott bay to alki beach. The elevator that takes you up and down is very fast. I suggest this to anyone who is new to the city or just to anyone who hasn't visited it ever!
Less