Welcome to Seattle Aquarium Café
The Seattle Aquarium Café, located at 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, offers a unique dining experience nestled within one of Seattle's prime family attractions. With a bustling atmosphere and stunning views, it's the perfect spot to enjoy a variety of dishes, from wild mushroom tacos to exceptional burgers noted for their quality. While the café features efficient, friendly service, the ordering system can be a bit confusing for newcomers. The café has indoor and outdoor seating, making it family-friendly, despite occasional crowds. Overall, it’s a delightful place to unwind after exploring the wonders of the aquarium.
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1483 Alaskan Wy Pier 59, Seattle, WA 98101, United States Hotline: +1 206-386-4300
Welcome to the Seattle Aquarium Café, a hidden gem nestled within the vibrant confines of the Seattle Aquarium, located at 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59. This charming café combines the wonder of aquatic life with a delightful dining experience, making it a perfect stop for families and food enthusiasts alike. While you explore the captivating sea creatures, don’t miss the chance to indulge in scrumptious offerings that showcase the local flavors of Washington State.
Upon entering, you’re greeted by a friendly staff, eager to guide you through your culinary journey. The café’s atmosphere is bustling with families, as lively children often overshadow the serene aquatic scenery. Despite the occasional crowd, the buzz of excitement only adds to the ambiance, making it a family-friendly haven.
The menu boasts an array of enticing dishes, with signatures like the wild mushroom tacos, which have received rave reviews for their rich flavors and fresh ingredients. It’s a testament to the café’s commitment to serving local, sustainably-sourced food. Guests have praised the classic burger, known for its juicy patty, crispy bacon, and fresh bun—a delight that rivals some of Seattle’s best burger joints.
However, as with any eatery, recent changes have introduced a bit of confusion in the ordering system. Some patrons have expressed frustration over the new pickup process, which can be a bit counterintuitive, particularly when food is ready at multiple counters. These operational hiccups can detract from the otherwise enjoyable experience, yet the staff remains efficient and supportive, helping guests navigate the technology.
Don’t forget to try the fish and chips and those full plate sandwiches, which have been well-received by visitors celebrating special occasions, including family birthdays. The Seattle Aquarium Café has even catered to personalized experiences, such as reserving sections for celebrations, enhancing its charm as a local favorite.
As I sat among the laughter of children and the occasional splash of a curious otter, I couldn’t help but appreciate the café’s unique position. You’re not just having a meal; you’re part of an experience that combines culinary enjoyment with the wonders of marine life. It’s a place where memories are made—whether you’re relishing those wild mushroom tacos or indulging in the classic burger, you’ll leave with a satisfied palate and fond memories.
If you find yourself exploring Seattle, make sure to stop by the Seattle Aquarium Café. It's more than just a meal; it’s a delightful pause in the fascinating world of marine exploration.
Very nice aquarium, nice cafe staff, otters are amazing. Very crowded, pushy people, lots of strollers- but it is a family place.
I definitely recommend the wild mushroom tacos and its locally forged in the nature here in Washington state.......they got lots of other verities here of food and drinks and outdoor and indoor seating areas
Update: Burger still great. Their new system for ordering is obtuse and poorly thought out. You now have counters where you can pick up in takeaway compostable containers and are normally recently made, however the order process seemingly expects you to order first, not pick up from the shelves, and then pick up from a pick up counter where the staff will place your items. (Why would you have counters with the food readily available for pick up, with barcodes on it, when you're expected to order and later go to a different counter for pick up?!) Also the burger no longer comes with fries. Photos haven't been updated, and the menu lists drinks that are actually unavailable. Wife tried the grain salad. Reports it to be exceptionally bad. Is now upset. Quite disappointing really. Original review: 5/5 stars Their burger has no business being this good. I've been here 3 times already, every single time their hamburger knocked it out the park. The bacon is juicy, cooked perfectly, the patty has the right thickness and firmness, the bun is just right. It outclasses many burger places in Seattle, and it's still cheaper than 5 guys despite being a restaurant inside an aquarium. The service is mostly automated by kiosks, but the staff is efficient and professional. Atmosphere is the best you can get in a place with lots of kids running around. I'd love to come more often, but unfortunately my kid prefers the zoo over the aquarium. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
So I have to take away a star because the amount of actual filling in my vegan wrap was ridiculous. It was all lettuce and tortilla and a few pieces of cucumber and a sprinkles of corn. They listed alot more than that on what comes in it. But my son and husband loved their burgers.
Great experience! They reserved the back half of the cafe for my daughter’s first birthday and we were able to bring cupcakes! We did have to purchase food, but that’s completely understandable as it is a business and wouldn’t want to loiter. Wonderful fish and chips and great full plate sandwiches! Thank you for helping to make my daughter’s birthday special!
Quick and easy home quality fresh. Staff is very patient and friendly with "us" new people learning technology in ordering