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
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
10/05/2006 Posted by shinidapooh
This spining restaurant is a very nice spot for out of town tourists. I, for one, is the tourist that visited the space needle like everybody else. The food cannot compare with those popular restaurant; but it still costs more than those fancy restaurant because of it's location and attraction. It is a nice restaurant to impress your date or to bring a out of town friends to. But it is certainly not a good restaurant to visit for gourmet dining. Our entrees were just ok, the braised beef with chocolate sauces and the Seafood Mixed Grill we were not very speical. But it is done nicely, not over cooked nor under. The food was a big greasy than it supposed to be. I don't understand why does it need so much oil to cook seafood. My risotto cake was practically covered in oil. It is lack of the wow factor, however. My waitress wasn't very attentive, we have to waive to get her attention. Overall, it's a tour spot, you are there for the view not the food.
Pros: View
Cons: pricy, lack of service
