South Lake Union just scored a new spot for laid-back drinks and snacks by the water. The Cove, a wine bar and event space from Seattle’s Ackley Brands, opens June 14 at Lake Union Piers, bringing a menu built around Northwest wines, easy-drinking slushies, and casual plates that fit the waterfront vibe.

The wine list keeps things local, with plenty of familiar names and styles. Expect glasses and bottles from places like Montinore Estate’s biodynamic vineyard in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, and others. There’s a good mix — sparkling, pink, white, and red — plus a few imports for variety. And because it’s summer, The Cove is going all in on wine slushies. The Riesling Slushy and Frosé were instant favorites during a friends-and-family preview, especially on the deck looking out over Lake Union.

More than just wine

Beer drinkers will find local options too, including Mac & Jack’s Amber Ale and several brews made just for The Cove. Whether you’re coming for a glass of wine, a slushy, or a pint, the drinks are designed for hanging out — no need to overthink it.

On the food side, the all-day menu sticks to approachable, shareable plates that play well with whatever’s in your glass. There’s tinned fish with crackers or chips, crab cakes with garlic aïoli, a radicchio Caesar, seasonal flatbreads, and rotating dips with fresh veggies. It’s the kind of menu that works for a light snack or something more filling if you’re making a night of it.

The Cove is part of the broader redevelopment of Lake Union Piers, the former Chandler’s Cove site, which is slowly turning into a new go-to for waterfront eating and drinking. The space is also set up for private events, with room for up to 200 people or smaller groups on the deck.

Look for The Cove to be open daily — with summer hours running 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.