How is Prelude at McCaw Hall restaurant rated?

Name: Prelude at McCaw Hall
Address: 321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA, United States, 98109
Telephone: (206) 615-0404
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.3

Prelude at McCaw Hall

4.3 (2764)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

321 Mercer Street, Seattle, WA 98109

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)

Not bookable

This restaurant is open seasonally. Unfortunately, it is currently closed.

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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

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What 2,764 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

4.3

4.3 based on recent ratings

4.1Food
4.5Service
4.3Ambience
3.9Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Prelude at McCaw Hall is the ideal dining spot before events, praised for its "excellent food" and "outstanding service." Diners appreciate the "convenient location" and "quick service" that ensures a timely arrival at performances. While some find the menu a bit pricey, many highlight the delicious offerings and welcoming ambiance, making it a delightful pre-event experience.

2,764 Reviews

D
Drew
Seattle / Eastern Washington2 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 6, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The food was quite good and it came quickly. The waiter was very pleasant and gave good service. Of course the location is perfect when attending the ballet or other events at McCaw Hall and Seattle Center generally.
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S
Susan
Seattle / Eastern Washington16 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 6, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We are devastated that you have not brought back the cheese and fruit platter, which was the perfect appetizer to share. Please, bring it back! Also, very high prices for what you get.
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A
Angela
Seattle / Eastern Washington1 review
5.0
Dined on June 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I’ve eaten here a few times and the food is always good. My 12 year old granddaughter was with me this time and she loved the beef tenders. The waiter suggested a Shirley Temple and she was happy with that too. I had the cod and it was delicious. It is comfortable and service is always Pretty quick but never rushed. It’s nice to be so close and not worry about eating and being able to get to our seats on time.
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R
Robert VIP
Las Vegas67 reviews
4.0
Dined on May 18, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
Overall a nice place to dine prior to any event at McCaw Hall. I found the food to be excellent in both taste and visual appeal. This is a high volume restaurant with a very compressed serving time. However even in a full restaurant like it was on Saturday evening their limited menu allows them to accomplish this feat. I enjoyed my dinner. I would say the only drawback is that the restaurant lacks ambience which is a feature being located inside the hall. Would definitely return again!
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M
Marla
Seattle / Eastern Washington2 reviews
4.0
Dined on May 15, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Great place to eat before the opera! Service and food is excellent.
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R
Robert
Seattle / Eastern Washington7 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 11, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Brunch before a matinee. Quickly served very tasty. A bit expensive but worth it.
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B
Barry and Jill VIP
Seattle / Eastern Washington17 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 10, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious food! Great waiter Kevin. Beautiful venue.
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J
John
Washington, D.C. Area1 review
5.0
Dined on May 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was my first opera and we dined at Prelude for brunch. It exceeded all expectations. Food was divine, service was great, and we loved the atmosphere. This is extremely convenient before a show. Looking forward to the next time we get to dine here.
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D
Debbie
Seattle / Eastern Washington1 review
5.0
Dined on May 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Convenient location for dining before or after a performance at McCaw Hall. Delicious menu, extensive drink options and friendly efficient service. A wonderful experience.
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D
Daniel VIP
Seattle / Eastern Washington23 reviews
4.0
Dined on May 4, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We always look forward to dining at Prelude. We were sad to hear that Charles was out on sick leave. We wish him a speedy recovery. We were a little perplexed with the menu item selection. We tried three items. Our hands down favorite was the marinated grilled chicken salad. My wife has a bad reaction to vinegar. Caroline asked the chef if the dressing had vinegar. He offered us a side of olive oil that worked well with the greens. The Open face sammy was a bit difficult to cut into bite sized pieces. The flavor was O.K. My wife found the mushroom asparagus quiche to be tasty. We are hoping for a change of menu when we return in August. Thank you!
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FAQs

Prelude at McCaw Hall is rated 4.3 stars by 2764 OpenTable diners.

Not bookable

This restaurant is open seasonally. Unfortunately, it is currently closed.

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.