Space Needle
Seattle, WA 98109
Phone: (206) 905-2180
- Cross Street:
- John Street
- Hours:
- Sun-Thu 9am-11pm, Fri-Sat 9am-12am
Editorial Review for Space Needle – by Robert Smith and Jeff Zeunert
The Background
The story goes that a Seattle businessman was musing about possible centerpieces for the 1962 Seattle World's Fair when he penciled the needle shape onto a coffeehouse placemat. Forty years later, no one is living in "Jetsons"-type sky houses, but every day, tourists line up at the Space Needle to see what it could be like.
The Appeal
The observation deck may not have the best view in Seattle, but on a sunny day, the 360-degree panorama is stunning. Head directly to the outside railings, where maps mounted around the rim will tell you which mountain and skyscraper is which. But the best source of information is your glass-elevator guide on the 43-second trip to the top: The Space Needle hires out-of-work actors and comedians who dare you to stump them with any question about the city.
Photo by Chris Daniel
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoIf you dine at the Space Needle's restaurant, you'll receive free admission to the observation deck.
Save MoneyPurchase a City Pass and enjoy half-price admission to the Needle, Pacific Science Center, Seattle Aquarium and other sight-seeing attractions.
The ExtrasThe interactive game stations scattered throughout the observation deck educate young visitors about Seattle history and geography.
User Reviews for Space Needle
05/23/2008 Posted by elruso79
We were staying over night is Seattle, awaiting a cruise. Went to have dinner at the space needle restaurant. Seating was prompt and the view was AMAZING. The Caesar salad ($9) was probably one of the best I had yet. We ordered a bottle of Pinot Noir. The waiter had no clue about the differences between the various bottles. The wine he suggested was tasteless, fizzy and low quality ($46). We ordered the filet mignon ($51) and the kobe sirloin ($49). The food was delivered to the table by the kitchen, and they had no idea which was which. We called our waiter and he said which was which. Well, he was wrong again...in the end, we figured out by tasting it. The food presentation was very simple, the asparagus did not have any salt or butter on them, the potatoes did not complement the meat at all, the sauce's taste left much to be desired and they pepper crusted the wrong stake (should have been the kobe sirloin, not the filet...the menu said one thing, but the waiter insisted on the other). We did not order dessert. In the end, we spent $216 (including tip) for an average and lack luster meal. If you want to visit the space needle, go to the observation deck, but skip the restaurant. Unless you want crappy service, tasteless food and you have utterly disregard for your wallet.
Pros: Amazing view you cannot get anywhere else in the city
Cons: The restaurant, service, food, wine, price
11/19/2006 Posted by kee22
The space needle is a must stop for tourist or anyone that is new to the area. The view is spectacular. It is kind of expensive to go up an elevator. However, the experience is worth it. Also, there are some rides nearby that are fun for kids.
Pros: Memorable experience, good for tourists
Cons: expensive
