10 Great Spots for an Informal Business Meeting in Seattle

With so many companies returning to office, the return-to-happy-hour has arrived! Meeting with clients in an office setting always has a time and place, but having alternative locations to talk business and socialize is key to maintaining strong client partnerships.

Our Insight Global Seattle office is our largest, and we meet with a lot of clients (both in the office and around the city). With so many things to do and places to go in the city, we’ve broken down a few of the most popular locations for a business meeting in Seattle, whether that’s to grab coffee, a drink, or a bite to eat with clients.

10 Great Seattle Locations

Here are 10 great spots, broken down by neighborhood.

Eastlake

Located on the eastern shore of Lake Union and above downtown, Eastlake is a beautiful area full of parks, lakefront views, and places to eat along the harbor.

1. Little Water Cantina

Great outdoor common space
Option to reserve a private event for large gatherings
Often cited as the best outdoor dining place in Seattle
Easy and unique food ordering process
The staff will help get you situated at your table, then you order and pay using a QR code via your smart device. They make everything and bring it out to you!

Downtown Seattle

Full of sky rises, busy streets, and waterfront shops, downtown Seattle sits right below Pike Place and right above Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park.

2. Elliott’s Oyster House

Has been a Seattle seafood staple for over 50 years and is stationed at a memorable location on Pier 56 overlooking the Puget Sound
Offers a private room for events or more secluded meetings

3. Ivar’s

Historically renowned gathering spot in Seattle—has been around since 1938
Great informal outdoor area overlooking the water
Best fish and chips in Washington

4. Purple Café and Wine Bar

Great ambiance for an evening meeting—the restaurant has a 30-foot tower of wine encapsulated in glass in the middle of the restaurant
One of the best and most accessible wine bars in the downtown financial district of Seattle
Great for one-on-one client meetings with its tapas, wine, intimate ambiance

Belltown

Situated right next on the water above Pike Place and downtown, Belltown is the most densely populated neighborhood in Seattle.

5. 2120

Iconic restaurant with dozens of local accolades
Located right by the Space Needle and Chihuly Glass Museum
Has a spotless covered and heated patio for outdoor entertainment throughout every month of the year
Offers dedicated space for both small and large groups

South Lake Union

At the southern tip of Lake Union, South Lake Union has been a huge focus of growth for the city of Seattle. With a mix of corporate offices, luxury condos, and endless restaurants, South Lake Union is always a great option to meet up for a casual business meeting.

6. Flatstick Pub

Informal, fun activity bar and restaurant right next to many corporate offices
It has indoor mini golf, curling, bingo, trivia
Excellent place for both large and small groups
Provides a unique experience that is fun and memorable to clients

First Hill

Right in the middle of Seattle, First Hill is situated away from the water and has a rich history of diversity in both business and people.

7. L’Oursin

L’Oursin’s trendy French fair and all-natural wine shop
Located in Seattle’s Capitol Hill district, it’s a lively and fun location to entertain
Beat the crowd and book a table through their website

Pike Place

The quintessential Seattle experience, Pike Place provides all the glitz of the city with hundreds of options in a small radius.

8. The Pink Door

Can’t make a restaurant or bar list in Seattle without including Pink Door. It’s one of the most well-known restaurants in the area
Speakeasy-style restaurant with an inconspicuous entrance that offers dazzling décor inside and an inviting Italian fare
Offers live entertainment at night to provide clients with a memorable experience, offering entertainment like cabaret, trapeze, music, etc.

9. Matt’s in the Market

Classic Italian fare in a small setting that overlooks Elliott Bay and the Olympic mountain range
Located directly in Pike Place Market, it is a tourist attraction for a good reason: excellent seafood and a feeling of exclusivity provides the opportunity to leave an impact on clients

Queen Anne

Queen Anne is one of the most well-known neighborhoods in Seattle and is home to dozens of parks and hundreds of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and small businesses.

10. Canlis

This is hands-down the most famous restaurant in Seattle
It has been around since 1950 and offers a unique and fresh pacific northwestern menu that will impress anyone
The location overlooks Lake Union and offers truly special views of the water, trees, and local Pacific Northwest foliage
Reservations are required, and it’s on the pricier side. This is usually a spot for higher-level meetings and negotiations

Connect With Us in Seattle!

Seattle is home to some of the United States’—and the world’s—largest companies. We work with a lot of them. But we also work with hundreds of small businesses across the area, too. However big or small, let’s talk about your recruiting and hiring needs.

P.S. Check out our list of where to meet in Bellevue!