I don't think there are many choices. I stayed at the Residence Inn at LU a few months ago and I think the Silver Cloud is further from the retail activity. There's supposedly a place called Bluwater Bistro (didn't see it while I was in the area). There's also a Hooter's not too far away but that may not be what you're looking for.

If you don't mind walking a little further, there is an Outback Steakhouse SW of Lake Union and just west of that a Buca di Beppo italian restaurant at 9th and Valley. I love to walk so for me, no problem - not sure what your definition of "walkable" is.

Are you sure the Silver Cloud doesn't offer a free shuttle to points downtown?

Andrew

There are several options. The best are Daniel's Broiler (steak) and Chandler's Crabhouse. Others include BlueWater Bistro (pub-style fare), I Love Sushi, and Hooters. A little father on (but still within walking distance) are Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill (Florida style fish), and Bucca de Beppo (Family style chain Italian).

I think now would be a good time to book a table for the 4th of July.

Thanks for the suggestions....a few more questions. What about Ivar's Salmon House? Also, what is your opinion of that Silver Cloud property in general and it's location? Yes, there is a shuttle going to downtown.
Are there suggestions out there of where my family of 5--almost adult children and my mother would have a nice meal. I have some picky eaters in this bunch, too--but still would like a nice restaurant and setting. Any suggestions. I should probably make reservations quickly.

Silver Cloud is perfect for the 4th of July fireworks on Lake Union; it is one of a Washington State chain of hotels that is popular with travelers and business people.

Ivar's Salmon House is a Seattle staple that has been popular with some locals for years. If you are planning dinner on the 4th, I think you would be much better off walking to a restaurant rather than trying to drive that evening.

For a "nice" meal I would pick Daniel's Broiler or Chandler's Crabhouse. See http://www.schwartzbros.com for menus.
The Schwartz Brothers have been serving picky diners for several decades.

There is also an Ivars restaurant within walking distance of your hotel--right next to Chandler's Crabhouse.

Menus for all restaurants mentioned here are available on line.

The Harborside which is a McCormick and Schmick's restaurant is on Lake Union and has very good seafood at reasonable prices (and a decandent chocolate torte they won't give the recipe for). We sometimes go there on the 4th of July for dinner and the fireworks. I'm not sure if it's walking distance, but it would be fairly close.

I wouldn't walk to McCormick's. Take a cab? Daniel's is good--and will have a great view. Bluwater's patio is very popular on weekend evenings to a fault. It's so crowded, it's not enjoyable and food is marginal.

Serafina is north of the Silver Cloud, and doesn't have a view, but is a really nice little restaurant. You could go back to your hotel to watch the fireworks from there.

Good-I was so hoping we could see the fireworks from the hotel--this will make it so much easier with my 80 year old Mom. I'll check into these restaurants for our 5 day stay there.
If there are any other good tips-I'd love to hear them.

How far would Ivar's Salmon House be from the Silver Cloud Inn??

Ivar's Salmon House is 2.5 miles from the Silver Cloud on Lake Union--if you don't get lost trying to find it.

You seem determined to dine there, so why not do so and forget about the places you have asked us to recommend.

Sure make reservations at Ivars and plan to travel by taxi. Because of the fireworks in that area, traffic gets *really* snarled up.

Daniel's Broiler is exellent but expensive. Serefina is a hidden gem but might be more 'unique' then what you are seeking for your group.

Honestly I'd probably head away from the lake and the confusion and eat downtown... somewhere like Cutter's or Anthony's on the waterfront. Then zip back to your hotel by taxi before the fireworks start (not until after 10pm).

Gee, I didn't mean at all to sound determined to dine at Ivar's--a friend I know had mentioned it so I was just asking. I'm looking in to all the recommendations people have given me and am just considering my options. I'm trying to please my whole family and we are staying in that area for several nights so I'm not just looking for ONE place either. Wow.

In that area, I also like Pasta Freska. It's a little mom and pop (perhaps just pop) Italian place. www.pastafreska.com.

If you're in the area for 5 nights, I wouldn't try to eat/visit only that area for your stay. Downtown Seattle is a 5-10 minute ride, depending on where you are headed. You'll have many more options on restaurants if you don't mind heading out.

I've lived in Seattle for 25 years, and honestly have never been to Ivar's Salmon House.

Ivar's Salmon House has been around for many years--it has a loyal clientle.

However, as far as I know, it isn't on anybody's list of the best seafood restaurants in Seattle. That list includes Elliots, Flying Fish, Ray's Boathouse, The Waterfront, Etta's, Salty's, McCormick & Schmick's Harborside, Oceanaire, Fish Club, and, perhaps, a couple others that don't come to mind.

Considering everything (price, quality, setting), I recommend you include on your list McCormick & Schmick's Harborside (which isn't far from your hotel).

For a more informal Ivar's option, you could hit Ivar's Acres of Clams down on Pier 54 at some point. It's fun and casual, outdoor seating available, right on the waterfront. I believe even at the Salmon House location there's still a side window with patio tables for dining.

For the night of the 4th would be one time I'd probably recommending dining away from the waterfront or the lake just because parking and traffic gets so crazy with the two different fireworks shows.

The restaurants across from the Silver Cloud all do take out if needed.
Also having lunch at Chandlers is fun to watch the seaplanes take off right in front of the restraunat...

OK, it's not fine dining but after moving to the other coast, I could sure go for a halibut and chips from Daly's with a chocolate-banana malt ...

Look quick - new real estate project is nuking Daly's soon.

No, the horrors . . .

Thanks for the bad news, GL, next you'll probably tell me that Mama O's in Spenard has been razed for condos ...

repete - AFAIK, no. Who would buy condos on that site?

Maybe someone relocating after a Spenard divorce ... perhaps.

But since I've led us off-topic, I'll offer this: I have great memories of that hot crab dip at Chandler's ... even if you don't eat a full meal there, it's a great quick snack.

I have booked McCormick and S. for the 4th of July-hoping we can walk there and avoid the taxis--we really don't want to do that. How far would you say that is?
Chandlers looked good-but very expensive for my family of 6. I still need to book a few other places so still looking into everyone's suggestions....thanks.

Harborside is .9 miles from the Silver Cloud. On the way you may notice Bonefish Grill, which does a great job with Florida style fish cooking at reasonable prices (but snobbish locals don't like the place because it is affiliated with Outback Steakhouse).

Harborside has a very popular happy hour that ends at 6:00 p.m. and has some big bargains. They also serve items that aren't listed on the menu. My favorite is a big Caesar salad with fried calamari on top ($9.95).

I had heard of the Bone Fish Grill and will look into that too.
I thought this was such a great idea staying on the lake near the fireworks, but the more I hear it sounds like getting anywhere around there at that time will be a hassle.
The .9 miles to Harborside is no problem for most of us--for my mother, it may be a bit too far to walk unless there are some benches for resting along the way.....hmm, I hope this doesn't get too hard.

Harborside has great views of Lake Union, whereas Bonefish Grill does not have views of anything.

I think you will find places to sit along the way to Harborside, especially if you follow the path closest to Lake Union.

Okay, thanks, that sounds good. We'll keep our reservations to Harborside on the 4th.
I thought the menu at Joey's looked like something my teenage kids would enjoy for something informal. Any thoughts about that place?