Discovering Bowriders Grill: A Seattle Waterfront Culinary Experience
Nestled along the scenic shores of Lake Union, Bowriders Grill stands as a cherished fixture in the Seattle dining landscape. Located at the accessible address of 101 NE Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98105, United States, this establishment offers more than just a meal; it provides an immersive Pacific Northwest experience. For years, Bowriders Grill has cultivated a reputation built on fresh, locally inspired cuisine, exceptional service, and an atmosphere that perfectly complements its stunning waterfront setting. Whether you are a long-time Seattle resident seeking a familiar comfort or a visitor eager to taste the essence of the Emerald City, Bowriders Grill invites you to settle in and savor the view alongside expertly prepared dishes.
The location itself is a key component of the restaurant's appeal. Situated right on the water, patrons are treated to dynamic views of passing boats, seaplanes, and the ever-changing Seattle skyline. This unique positioning transforms a simple lunch or dinner into a memorable occasion. The culinary philosophy at Bowriders centers on honoring the bounty of the region, emphasizing fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and thoughtful preparation that allows the quality of the ingredients to shine through. It is a place where casual elegance meets genuine hospitality, making it suitable for everything from a relaxed afternoon gathering to a special evening out.
What truly sets Bowriders Grill apart in Seattle’s competitive culinary scene are the elements that define its core offering. These defining characteristics ensure a consistent and highly satisfying experience for every guest who walks through the door.
Prime Waterfront Location and Ambiance: The restaurant boasts unparalleled views directly onto Lake Union. This setting provides a vibrant, ever-changing backdrop, often featuring the activity of the surrounding maritime community. The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance, feeling both upscale enough for a celebration and relaxed enough for everyday enjoyment.
Commitment to Regional Flavors: The menu is deeply rooted in the Pacific Northwest tradition. While offering familiar grilled favorites, there is a strong emphasis on sourcing ingredients locally, particularly seafood harvested from the nearby waters. This dedication ensures peak freshness and supports the regional food ecosystem.
Versatile Dining Options: Bowriders Grill is designed to cater to various dining needs throughout the day. From a bright, airy setting perfect for brunch or lunch overlooking the water, to a cozy, inviting evening environment for dinner, the space adapts seamlessly to the time and occasion.
Genuine, Attentive Service: The staff at Bowriders Grill are known for their warm, knowledgeable, and unobtrusive service. They aim to enhance the dining experience by providing insightful recommendations about the menu and ensuring every guest feels welcomed and well-cared for throughout their visit.
The commitment to quality extends beyond the plate and into the overall guest journey. Understanding that dining out is an experience, Bowriders Grill focuses on creating an environment where guests can truly unwind. The design subtly incorporates elements that reflect Seattle’s nautical heritage without feeling kitschy, maintaining a sophisticated yet approachable feel. Whether you are enjoying a quiet moment watching the sunset paint the sky over the lake or sharing laughter with friends over a shared appetizer, the environment is curated for enjoyment.
In summary, Bowriders Grill, situated at 101 NE Northlake Way, represents a quintessential Seattle dining destination. It successfully merges a spectacular natural setting with a menu that celebrates the best of regional ingredients. It is a place where the culinary craft is respected, the views are breathtaking, and the welcome is always sincere. For those seeking an authentic taste of life on Lake Union, this grill offers an inviting table ready to serve up memorable moments alongside delicious food.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Assistive hearing loop
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Outdoor seating
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service
Fireplace
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Sport
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Comfort food
Late-night food
Organic dishes
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Counter service
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Menus
SHAREABLES
Chips & Salsa FlightUS$10.00
Black-Eyed Pea HummusUS$10.00
SPECIALTY WRAPS
Chicken WrapUS$12.00
Shrimp WrapUS$18.00
Salmon WrapUS$21.00
BLT WrapUS$12.00
Shroom WrapUS$12.00
CRAFT HANDHELDS
The Bowrider BurgerUS$16.00
Chicken QuesadillaUS$13.00
Tequila Shrimp TacosUS$19.00
BBQ Chicken SandwichUS$16.00
BBQ Pork SandwhichUS$16.00
Tenderloin LollipopUS$21.00
Smoked Salmon BLTUS$21.00
Grilled Salmon SkewerUS$19.00
Salmon SandwichUS$21.00
Garden BurgerUS$16.00
FRESH GREENS
Caesar SaladUS$12.00
Bar-B-Que Chicken SaladUS$18.00
FIRST MATES
PB+JUS$6.00
Grilled CheeseUS$6.00
QuesadillaUS$6.00
All-Beef Hot DogUS$8.00
DOCK SIDES + SWEETS
Potato ChipsUS$2.50
Cole Slaw with herb vinaigretteUS$5.00
Texas Caviar with grilled breadUS$6.00
Chocolate Chip CookieUS$4.00
Photos
Reviews Bowriders Grill
Sandra Roest - Nuij
18-05-2026
Food had a good flavour, but too small portion sizes, even for our European standards. No value for money. They had a 'limited menu', not the same as online. The views are stunning, but I wouldn't recommend going here to eat. More
Omar Alkhalisi
11-03-2026
We found this place by accident. Truly a hidden gem!! Matthew is incredibly nice! In addition to the delicious Salmon skewers and tacos, he offered us a mouthwatering red velvet cupcake and tea on the house! … More
Justin Duval
09-03-2026
Mathew was super friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Great view! Fun to hear the chicken wire around plants is to prevent beavers! There’s cozy fire pits, spare blankets, tasty food and interesting beers.
Service
Dine in
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Matt Perrone
08-01-2026
Bowriders is a restaurant on Lake Union. It's got access from the road plus the dock where you can pull your boat or paddle parts up. The gas station for boats is right here, so mooring your boat can be difficult. They have a smaller menu, with prices being ok for the portion size. They have about 3 dozen tables here, with a back area that can fit probably a dozen people alone. The staff here are really nice and quick with drinks and service. The food here is good, the burger is the best and the grilled cheese was solid. Overall it's a great spot for summer drinks or a quick stop for gassing up your boat and a snack.
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chicken Quesadilla, The Bowrider Burger
Group size
1 person, 2 people, 3-4 people, 5-8 people
Doberman Mews
18-12-2025
A great place to enjoy good food and great views on a warm summer evening. MUCH less crowded and a MUCH more pleasant atmosphere than the adjacent establishments. Note the "hidden" part of "hidden gem" though. You're looking for a small … More
Jane Lu
02-12-2025
I looooove this place! The staff are some of the nicest people and I had the best salmon and shrimp skewers here. I was shocked by how juicy and perfectly cooked all the food was. We also got to sit at the shore of lake union and watch the city skyline and people watch boats that came by. Highly recommend.
Kate Hagenston
14-10-2025
My husband and I recently had our Wedding Welcome Party at Bowriders - and it was everything and more. After a brief cancellation due to their current temporary close, the team put me in touch with a new member of their staff, Elias, who … More
Ken Au
08-09-2025
We are from Vancouver, BC and were visiting our daughter in Wallingford. She took us to this place for lunch and we loved it. This place is also dog friendly. It is a bit tricky to find, don't be surprised that you have to walk through a … More
Cathy Oun
15-06-2025
This restaurant is a very nice hidden spot. We came here on a rainy day but they have a covered area with heaters everywhere so it’s really nice. With the upbeat jazz music… it makes this place super cozy and we literally were eating next to the lake 🙂 probably 10 steps away from the water!
The owner is super friendly we got to chat a bit. We ordered three dishes and it’s just about the right amount for two people.
We plan to come back here soon!!
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Lauren Allen
04-05-2025
Went with my partner and we had a great time. I had the salmon sandwich, which was delicious. We shared the salmon skewers, and the sauce that came with it really added something extra to them. My partner had the bbq pork sandwich and … More
Reviews Bowriders Grill