Classy [bar? or..?] to follow classy dinner?

[nickblesch]

Hi all,

My fiancee and I will be in Seattle for three days on our honeymoon (we're splitting our time between Seattle and Portland) at the end of August.

I'm planning one of our nights there as a gift to her.

First, I've got a car picking us up. Then we've got reservations at Canlis at 6:45. (Not in their uber-private room, sadly, as it was already booked - I'd also take any other suggestions on other restaurants, if any, that offer the same type of thing.)

But after that, I'm at a loss. Neither of us has been to Seattle before, and I'm just not sure what to do after dinner. I'd be okay with a good, classy bar - wine, martinis, etc - so if anyone could make recommendations, I'd be forever grateful.

That said, I'd also be open to any other suggestions, in general. Is there someplace else you'd all recommend going, like an upscale ballroom, or some kind of romantic-night-walking-area, or a view you have to see, or...? Maybe an upscale jazz/music club? We'll have the car to take us wherever we want to go (even if we do each have two glasses of wine!). While cost is important, I'm not particularly worried about it (you only live once), and honestly, I don't think you can put a price on having a good time.

Thus: how would you follow up a classy dinner on your honeymoon in Seattle?

Thanks in advance!

~~Nick

[zoogrrrl]

Nick -- So cool that you want to make this the best experience for your soon-to-be wife. A great example for all of us!

[bluedog67]

Nick, specifics on the suggestion from hc- the bar under El Gaucho is called the Pampas room, and they have live jazz on weekends. It is very elegant retro kind of martini place would be very romantic for drinks maybe dancing, depending on who is playing. http://www.elgaucho.com/elgaucho/_seattle/music.htm

Also if you like dancing, the Century Ballroom is a beautiful historic ballroom in Capitol Hill. I think they have salsa on Sat, Swing on Fridays. http://centuryballroom.com/

Do stop at Kerry park on the way, it is the best view of the city. if you go right at sunset, mt rainier is visible in the glow as well.

[hhlodesign]

Agreed, Kerry Park at sunset, a bottle of Champagne, 2 flutes, and a blanket.

[hc_]

One more idea: drinks/music at the bar in El Gaucho.

[nickblesch]

To everyone:

Thanks to all for the quick suggestions! This is definitely one of the nicest, most helpful communities on the entire internet.

I'll check everything out and see what sounds most fun - and thanks again!

[hc_]

Since you'll in Queen Anne anyway for Canlis, I highly recommend a stop at Kerry Park. It's easily one of the best views in the city. If you wanted to stop off for a drink afterward, Bricco is a wine bar at the top of Queen Anne, and the bar at Opal is another winner; both would be good spots for a night cap after a big dinner at Canlis. I second the Sorrento Hotel as well. Enjoy the honeymoon and congratulations!

[Simpatico]

Since you have a town car at your command, I recommend a drive over to Alki beach for an evening stroll and an unsurpassed view of the Seattle skyline.

[laurahutch]

Taking a ferry over to Bainbridge (the Winsolw ferry) at night is pretty romantic, if you ask me. Also, strolling the market is nice. The bar at Place Pigalle is cozy and the restaurant is in the back of the market, overlooking the water. (Not sure how late their bar might be open, though.) Years ago I used to go to Il Bistro in the market and liked their low-lit atmosphere. Have fun and good job planning!!

[Lauren]

Congratulations. Your evening, as planned, sounds great. Don't forget to order dessert at Canlis. Their new pastry chef is fantastic ;)

I know I have posted some pretty negative things about Waterfront restaurant in the past, but my husband and I just had our anniversary dinner their last week and I have to say - I was surprised at how much I liked it. We don't have that many restaurants in Seattle that are right on the water and Waterfront is by far the best of them. I would probably go there and watch the last of the light disappear behind the Olympics. You could also take a stroll through the Olympic Sculpture Garden and/or the waterfront itself.

Have fun.

[JackNH]

I often go after dinner to the Sorrento Hotel on Madison St. It's not intimate, but I like the old-style hotel atmosphere. And congratulations on your marriage!

[bbqer]

The last time I was at the Sorrento, they had a very good piano and bass playing mellow jazz. That along with the ambiance of the nice fireplace and cozy lounge should put you in the right mood for later on!