explore pioneer square
Welcome to the Original Seattle Neighborhood – rich in history, arts, culture, and food!
Opening on July 4, 1914, Smith Tower was Seattle’s first skyscraper. At 42 stories, it was the fourth tallest building in the world at the time and remained the tallest building west of Chicago for nearly 50 years — a crown jewel of the city’s skyline.
On the 35th floor, the legendary Chinese Room has been transformed into the Observatory & Bar, one of Seattle’s most unique destinations. Originally furnished by the last Empress of China as a gift to founder Lyman C. Smith, the space retains its breathtaking historic character — a hand-carved wood and porcelain-inlay ceiling, ornately carved blackwood furniture, and 17th-century works of art that tell the story of the tower’s remarkable origins.
Step outside onto the wrap-around observation deck for unobstructed 360-degree views of Seattle: the waterfront, the Olympics, Mount Rainier, and the city skyline stretching in every direction. Then step back inside for a craft cocktail in a setting unlike any other. The Observatory & Bar channels the spirit of a classic speakeasy, with a thoughtfully curated menu of handcrafted cocktails served beneath one of the most ornate ceilings in the Pacific Northwest.
Whether you’re here for the history, the views, or the drinks — the Smith Tower Observatory & Bar delivers all three.
