McGilvra's

The CD, Madrona & Madison Park


This backdrop to Madison Beach is definitely more pub than bar and has a loyal local following of drinkers slapping on the after-sun lotion. You can get your Guinness in a glass or poured over your beef stew. The Jameson Irish whiskey, meanwhile, often ends up in the crab soup. Dozens of soccer jerseys are hung from the ceiling.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The CD, Madrona & Madison Park attractions

1. Madison Park Beach

0.04 MILES

A riotously popular place in the summer with a grassy slope for lounging and sunbathing, two tennis courts, a swimming raft floating in the lake, and…

2. Washington Park Arboretum

0.87 MILES

This wild and lovely park stretching from Madison Valley up to Union Bay offers a wide variety of gardens, a wetlands nature trail and 200 acres of mature…

3. Japanese Garden

1.02 MILES

At the southern edge of Washington Park Arboretum, this 3.5-acre formal garden has koi pools, waterfalls, a teahouse and manicured plantings. Granite for…

4. Denny Blaine Park

1.12 MILES

South of Madison Park toward the tail of Lake Washington Blvd is Denny Blaine Park, found at the end of a looping tree-lined lane. The beach is surrounded…

5. Viretta Park

1.21 MILES

Amid a lakeside nirvana of posh mansions, you’ll find two-tiered Viretta Park, from which you can see the large house once owned by Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain…

6. Howell Park

1.34 MILES

Just south of Viretta Park in Madrona is a small beachfront abutting Lake Washington called Howell Park. If you're looking for a beach with some elbow…

7. Louisa Boren Lookout

1.65 MILES

Outside the Volunteer Park boundaries, the Louisa Boren Lookout provides one of the best views over the university and Union Bay. The small park is named…

8. Seattle Asian Art Museum

1.81 MILES

In stately Volunteer Park, this outpost of the Seattle Art Museum houses the extensive art collection of Dr Richard Fuller, who donated this late–art deco…