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Prelude at McCaw Hall, Seattle, WA

Prelude at McCaw Hall

4.4
4.4
2779 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109

Make a reservation

2 people
9:00 PM
Booked 6 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Gluten-free-friendly
  • Healthy
Welcome to Prelude - on the Promenade Level of McCaw Hall at Seattle Center. Sophistication, artistry and signature dishes designed by our Executive Chef await your visit. Prelude features the freshest local produce, artisanal products, a nice selection of wines by the glass and bottle, as well as liquor/cocktails and our sublime take on cuisine executed by the OVG culinary team. Our seasonal menus provide the perfect prelude to a Pacific Northwest Ballet or Seattle Opera performance. Reservations are strongly encouraged in advance.
~We DO NOT accept CASH
~We are open 2 hours prior to most opera & ballet (1.5 hours prior to kids shows, concerts & comedy)

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American
  • Hours of operation
    Open 2 hours prior to performances Daily 9:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (206) 615-0404
  • Website
    https://www.mccawhall.com/plan-your-visit/dining
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Cash not accepted, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Executive chef
    Scott Mclean (FOH MGR Tony Bock)
  • Catering
    We apply our extensive experience in both large and small-scale events at most any location in the Seattle Area. Our culinary team and experienced sales staff have created custom menus and unique special events to successfully support world-class events for small groups or thousands of people. You can be sure we have the expertise to handle every detail of your event, from site coordination, to rentals, to securing a pleasant service staff. Contact us to learn more.
  • Private party facilities
    Opportunities for private events abound at McCaw hall. Whether planning a large party in the dining room or looking for a private space, or larger events our team is experienced and ready to handle the details for you. For larger parties please ask for our Catering Director and we will be happy to put you in contact with her.
  • Location
    321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109
  • Neighborhood
    Seattle Center / Lower Queen Anne
  • Cross street
    4th & Mercer
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 2,779 people are saying

Prelude at McCaw Hall reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.1Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Prelude at McCaw Hall offers a convenient dining experience before performances, praised for its "excellent service" and "delicious food." The menu features standout dishes like razor clam chowder and lemon chiffon tart. While some find the buffet pricey, the "friendly" staff and "lovely ambiance" enhance the overall experience.

2,779 Reviews

  1. Elizabeth

    Seattle4 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    When I presented for my reservation, the folks at the front desk claimed that I did not have one. They were kind enough to “squeeze me in,“ but it was embarrassing. I can tell from the confirmation that you gave me that I did in fact, have a reservation for this day and this time. Something to follow .

    Is this helpful?

  2. Gary S

    Seattle1 review

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    The service staff was exceptional but a bit stretched to cover and "refills" of beverages slow. Generally a pleasant experience but the chairs were uncomfortable.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Rosemary

    Seattle7 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    I was disappointed that the cod was so tough as to be inedible while the vegan option was also toughr.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Gleb

    Portland3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I was worried that the reservation for 1 hour before the show would not leave sufficient time for an unrushed brunch, but I was wrong. The service was so prompt that there was plenty of time. I ordered razor clam chowder, avocado toast and lemon chiffon tart. All excellent - and in fact, the dessert was pne of the best I've ever had. The meal cost $60 (before tips).

    Is this helpful?

  5. Hazel VIP

    Seattle28 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent service, food, ambience. A mist enjoyable evening.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Stephen VIP

    Seattle19 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on April 13, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Fast and excellent service. Prelude is very convenient for a nice meal before the ballet.

    Is this helpful?

  7. CR

    Seattle13 reviews

    1.0

    Dined on April 13, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    Food cold and returned. Second service cold and over cooked. Did not recognized the asparagus. Service poor. Been to the restaurant numerous times prior to ballet. Usually had a good experience. Perhaps a bad day for the restaurant? Debating of giving another chance when returning to the ballet in the fall?

    Is this helpful?

  8. Gary

    Seattle3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on April 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The service was outstanding and the food was expertly prepared.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Nancy

    Seattle1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 13, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent short rib french onion soup...crab hush puppies, not so much. Delightful Cote de Rhone recommended by my server... lovely atmosphere...low noise ... I will be back!😄

    Is this helpful?

  10. clay VIP

    Seattle54 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on April 13, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The food is getting better, but still a bit pricey. Service is quite good. Super convenient before the ballet.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Prelude at McCaw Hall is rated 4.4 stars by 2779 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Seattle / Eastern Washington
  4. Seattle
  5. Seattle Center / Lower Queen Anne

Make a reservation

2 people
9:00 PM
Booked 6 times today
Google Map for Prelude at McCaw Hall

321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    4th & Mercer
  • Neighborhood
    Seattle Center / Lower Queen Anne
  • Hours of operation
    Open 2 hours prior to performances Daily 9:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Cash not accepted, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Scott Mclean (FOH MGR Tony Bock)
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    https://www.mccawhall.com/plan-your-visit/dining
  • Phone number
    (206) 615-0404
  • Catering
    We apply our extensive experience in both large and small-scale events at most any location in the Seattle Area. Our culinary team and experienced sales staff have created custom menus and unique special events to successfully support world-class events for small groups or thousands of people. You can be sure we have the expertise to handle every detail of your event, from site coordination, to rentals, to securing a pleasant service staff. Contact us to learn more.
  • Private party facilities
    Opportunities for private events abound at McCaw hall. Whether planning a large party in the dining room or looking for a private space, or larger events our team is experienced and ready to handle the details for you. For larger parties please ask for our Catering Director and we will be happy to put you in contact with her.
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