June 13, 2025

Raise a Glass: The Cove is Opening

Head to Lake Union Piers this weekend for Riesling slushies, Frosé, and more.

A new waterfront hangout is ready to make waves in South Lake Union. The Cove, a wine bar and event venue from family-owned Ackley Brands, opens Saturday, June 14, at Lake Union Piers—a revitalized destination that blends Seattle’s maritime past with its vibrant future.

The Cove plans to offer a relaxed yet elevated experience with 4,000 square feet of indoor space and an outdoor deck right on the lake. Guests can enjoy Pacific Northwest wines, craft beers, and seasonal bites while soaking in views of the skyline and shoreline activity along the bustling Lakefront Promenade.

The Cove interior

“This will be our first location where you can enjoy wine and beer from our entire family of Pacific Northwest brands,” said Brandon Ackley, CEO of Ackley Brands. The beverage list features favorites like Kung Fu Girl Riesling, exclusive brews from Mac & Jack’s, and fun twists like Riesling Slushies and Frosé. The food menu ranges from tinned fish and crab cakes to radicchio Caesar and rotating flatbreads.

The Cove is available for private events, with capacity for up to 200 guests. The outdoor deck, which seats up to 50, offers one of the best front-row views in town for everything from fireworks to sunsets.

lake union piers & SLU at dusk

But The Cove is more than a wine bar—it’s part of something bigger. Lake Union Piers, formerly known as Chandler’s Cove, has been reimagined as a 5-acre lakefront hub that combines dining, retail, recreation, and events. Once home to the iconic Boats Afloat Show, the site now features upgraded buildings with a modern maritime aesthetic, energy-efficient systems, and improved access for pedestrians, cyclists, and boaters. Visitor moorage and a redesigned Central Lakefront Plaza create opportunities for informal meetups or larger community events.

Whether you’re toasting a special occasion or just catching up with friends over a favorite Northwest beverage, The Cove invites you to slow down, take in the view, and savor the best of South Lake Union—one sip at a time.

The Cove interior

Details

Location: 901 Fairview Ave North, Suite C100.
Hours: Open Sunday through Thursday from 11am to 9pm, and Friday and Saturday 11am to 10pm.
Social: Follow The Cove on Instagram for more about the new spot.

Story by Ethan Chung. Photos by Ellie Lillstrom.


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