Staying before the cruise in Seattle
 

We are staying at the Watertown Hotel on Roosevelt Street the night before our cruise.
Any ideas for where to eat on a Friday night?
Best way to get to the cruise ship area from our hotel?
Anything to see in the area of that hotel?

Your hotel is up in the "U-District" (University of Washington) about 15-20 mins. drive to the north of downtown Seattle. The only "what's to see" I can think of is the campus at the University, it's quite beautiful. Or along the Burke Gilman trail.

For restaurants nearby www.aguaverde.com for Mexican or www.evarestaurant.com for Italian are both very good.

Oops, and I'd take a taxi to get to the cruise ship.

Your location is not conveniently located to cruise ship terminals. You may be able to find a downtown hotel for about the same rate, saving some taxi fare and putting you close to points of interest.

That said, the best place to eat near your hotel is Portage Bay Cafe.

Four blocks to the east, University Way is lined with restaurants that cater to UW students and a variety of shops. The UW Bookstore, between North 44th and 45th is of special interest. If you want to go to a movie, check out the Varsity, across the street from the bookstore, and the Neptune on North 45th Street.

I am meeting 2 other couples in Seattle the night before we cruise. We are interested in a nice dinner and maybe a visit to the Space Needle. Any recommendations? Are reservations necessary for Tues. July 21st? Our time in Seattle is limited since we arrive from the East Coast at 4pm. We are staying at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Seattle. Is this a walkable distance to the Space Needle?

That's a long walk, about a mile and a half, I'd guestimate. If you don't want to walk the whole way, you can walk the 7-8 blocks from your hotel to the monorail and take that to the Space Needle.

My favorite restaurant in Seattle is the Dahlia Lounge, but where to go depends on what you're looking for, Seattle has a lot of really good restaurants. Yes, I'd reserve ahead for most good places if you want your choice of dining times.

molc54~ For a nice dinner in downtown Seattle, I'd look at:
Etta's Seafood
Dahlia Lounge
Assagio's (italian)
Anthony's Pier 66 (waterfront/seafood)
Campagne
Andaluca's
The Metropolitan Grill
Il Bistro (italian)

That's quite a hike to the Space Needle from the hotel you mention. I'd take the monorail (that's part of the fun!) or a bus or taxi.

A second for Etta's restaurant. I've only had lunch there, but would love to go back for dinner sometime.