You might laugh/scoff at this suggestion but don't knock it until you've tried it. There's a decent bar up there and it's hard to deny the kitsch factor. A friend of mine a few years back bought... More

You might laugh/scoff at this suggestion but don't knock it until you've tried it. There's a decent bar up there and it's hard to deny the kitsch factor. A friend of mine a few years back bought an annual pass to the spaceneedle (can take up to 4 people up on the elevator) for something like $40 (double-check the price). His wife and he would meet there for drinks after work pretty regularly to avoid rush hour traffic and revel in the view. Pretty genius. Go there for a drink and then wander into Belltown for a wonderful dinner at one of the many restaurants there. How can you go wrong?
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Even though the space needle is just something to look at and their prices in their gift shop and restaurant are way too high, the food is EXCELLENT! The portions are large and the taste is great.... More

Even though the space needle is just something to look at and their prices in their gift shop and restaurant are way too high, the food is EXCELLENT! The portions are large and the taste is great. For approximately $38 per person, you get the brunch brunch. I got a glass of orange juice, coffee and water; three types of bread with hazelnut oil, a bowl of clam chowder, Prime Rib with garlic mashed potatoes, and cheesecake in a raspberry sauce. Mmmmmm Good!!!!!
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So if you visit Seattle, everybody wants to visit the Space Needle. Now it's a great thing to do once, just to say you've done it, but in reality, it's expensive and there's nothing overly... More

So if you visit Seattle, everybody wants to visit the Space Needle. Now it's a great thing to do once, just to say you've done it, but in reality, it's expensive and there's nothing overly compelling about it. It seems more worthwhile to eat in the revolving restaurant if you're going to pay for the ticket up. Do so, and you'll feel a little better about the whole experience, but the food's only mediocre and you'll see that you really are paying for that ticket up anyways. But, it's Seattle, and this is the Space Needle, so you gotta do it once--but just once.
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The first time my native Seattleite spouse took me to the Space Needle I thought it would be a waste of time and money. As soon as I reached the observation deck I had changed my mind. The view is... More

The first time my native Seattleite spouse took me to the Space Needle I thought it would be a waste of time and money. As soon as I reached the observation deck I had changed my mind. The view is stunning, especially on a clear day around sunset. The handy maps around the observation deck allow you to find your bearings. After this view I am not sure why you would want to live anywhere else. Though I have seen cities more in harmony with their surroundings, the outlook over the bay is almost perfect. The price to ascend to the observation deck is reasonable, though if you are in town for a few days you might want to purchase the Seattle super saver which will save you a few dollars. Lines are long during the summer so be prepared for a wait or visit during another season.
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If you are spending your first time in Seattle, you have to see the Space Needle. The view from the top is much more beautiful at nighttime, when you can see the Seattle night lights. The rotating... More

If you are spending your first time in Seattle, you have to see the Space Needle. The view from the top is much more beautiful at nighttime, when you can see the Seattle night lights. The rotating restaurant on the top is very expensive, yet very luxorious. If you have some money to spend, you should try it, as the chefs there are world reknown.
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