Salty's On Alki Beach Seafood Grill

A very classy place! A great setting fo business professionals. I would recommed sitting near the back of the restaurant. The view of downtown Seattle is stunning, a great alturnative to the needle for those afaid of heights. This is one of those places that is a little expensive, but the atmosphere and great food require a little splurging.

This is definitly a hot spot for business professionals or retired folks with some money to spend. The food was geat and you can't beat the view but expect to drop at least $30 per person. I don't know what their lunches are like and I hear good things about the Sunday brunch but my diner was a pleasan experience.

Pros: Food, view, atmosphere

Cons: Price

We dined there last sunday with party of five. The host wasn't very friendly, nor does the waiter is attentive. The food is good but not great. You are paying for the view basically. The restaurant get a fantastic view for the lake and the whole enviornment. The prime beef is good, and the made to order omelete is nice, and the dessert is fantastic. Their chocolate fountain is great too! I had big hope for the oyster, but my appetite was ruined after I saw a little, live, warm on my oyster shell. The shrimp and the crab legs were just ok. Their smoke salmon turned into cooked salmon after only two rounds. You might be disappointed if you are a food critics or a gourmet. But if you just want to relax and enjoy a view with family and friends, this is a ok place to be. I'd recommend their dessert if you are a sweet tooth.

I do not eat seafood and was a little sceptical about eating here but dinner is good. What really got me was the Sunday Brunch which is now also offered on Saturdays. A little bit of everything, so be ready to eat a lot of good food because once you start you don't stop!

Pros: Love the view absolutley gorgeous

I heard many things about this view. It was amazing as everyone said! My love and I came on a Friday night. We were lucky enough to find a seat outside. Our waiter, Adam, was very busy. The service may have been distributed a little better, but he as attentive as he could have been. We had a wonderful meal, great wine, and a fantastic desert. It was perfect for my last dinner in the states for a while. I had a wonderful time with my love and enjoyed a fantastic view and dinner. Salty's is a must try for any romantic couple in Seattle.

Although the lunch and dinner there are good, go for the Saturday and/or Sunday brunch. All I gotta say.

Pros: location, environment, selection

Cons: parking if you don't wanna 'valet' it, can be pricey (which is expected)

My companion and I thought our host was very rude. When we approached her, she was very condescending because of the way that we were dressed and because of our younger age. We had just come from the beach, so we were pretty dressed down. She automatically assumed that we could not afford dinner, so she asked us if we would be eating an entire meal there. She then did not seat us, but let us wander the restaurant to find seats. When we came back unsuccessful, the manager found a table for us. The host was unapologetic as well. We felt that in a restaurant of that class, we felt that we should have been treated much better.

Pros: view

Cons: bad service

I've been to Salty's several times. I love Alki and I love seafood. However, I have only had a good experience when sitting for Oka, a friendly Balinese waiter that has worked at Salty's for several years. He is certain to make you feel like the only one in the restaraunt!

My friend and I took a visiting friend (from Denmark) because we wanted her to have a special experience. It was mortifying. Our service was horrible and it was not very busy. The food was mediocre at best. She had to send back her salad twice because she asked for the dressing on the side and was finally told that it always has dressing on it?!! And then they didn't even take it off the bill! The manager was at our table for probably 20 minutes and all she managed to do was give us a card for someone who wasn't even there. No apology, nothing taken off the bill. Really lame.

Pros: View.

Cons: Service or lack thereof

Unlike a lot of previous reviewers, we received excellent service from our server. She was very attentive and delivered everything we asked for. The view is FABULOUS but unfortunately the food did not live up to expectations and the price we paid. Our bill for an appetizer sampler, two entrees , two KIDS MEALS and drinks came up to $130. I'm not going to go into pricing details as one can find them on the Web, but with those prices, we expected a better culinary experience. Food was just OK. It's too bad because we really wanted to like this restaurant.

Pros: Fabulous view, attentive service

Cons: Food and presentation does not justify price

Though I've lived in Seattle for seven years, last Saturday marked my very first trip to legendary Salty's on Alki. I partook in the brunch with a group of friends, and am pleased to report that the experience completely exceeded my expectations. Although we did not score a window or outdoor table, the atmosphere was still pleasant and comfortably elegant. As the brunch is an all-you-can eat affair, I arrived anticipating the food quality would be sub-par. I could not have been more wrong! Every dish was delectable, from the oysters on the half-shell to the marinated eggplant & squash. Mountains of fresh shrimp and crab legs were enjoyed by our table, along with mussels, lobster ravioli, perfectly ripe strawberries, and penne pasta salad. The offerings are so vast, there is simply no way one person could try everything, and I didn't even attempt the traditional ""breakfast"" offerings (potatoes, sausage, eggs, omelettes made to order, scones, biscuits, waffles, and more...). Following our seafood extravaganza, we still managed to taste some of the many delicious and aesthetically-appealing desserts such as creme brulee, coffee-rum cheesecake, ganache tartlets, rich chocolate mousse cups, and fluffy lemon chiffon cake. All the while, we were attended to by an incredibly polite and prompt server who was quick to bring more OJ, clear away shell-laden plates, and explain the finer points of brunching. Whereas I believe I ate enough crab to last me the next few months at least, once I've recovered I'll certainly return to Salty's for brunch!

Pros: Superb brunch food, great Alki waterfront location

My boyfriend and I have now dined at Salty's twice. The first time was in Oregon. The view was fab and so was the service and food. We decided to go back to Salty's on Alki. We made reservations and requested a seat by the window (a must!) and were seated promptly. The hostess was nice and I recieved multiple comments by her. However, once our server (his name was Brian) arrived I knew I would not be enjoying Salty's as much as I did before. He seemed to rush us a bit, and paid little attention to us from what I think is his assumption that we would not tip well. My boyfriend ordered the clam chowder (which is awesome) and I the ceasar salad (mediocre, needs a bit more dressing). He did not give us crackers with his chowder. We had to ask and wait for atleast 10 minutes before recieving any. We did not get any bread, which made me upset because every other table was given bread the moment they recieved their drinks. It was dissapointing that we had to ask for things that are included with the meal and other people were given with not having to say a word. In addition to not recieving the items we should have and having to ask for them, Brian seemed a bit ""too good"" for me and my boyfriend. Bottom line is, if you plan to go to Salty's, remember you must look ""rich"" (he was being overly nice to the ""rich"" men sipping wine at a table next to us) to be given good service.

Pros: Great view, Awesome food.

Cons: Service.

My fiance and I brought her parents to Salty's when they came to visit. We had been there before and sat in the lounge and enjoyed the food. We made a 7:30 reservation and arrived about 10 minutes early. We were told they were running a few minutes behind but should have us seated shortly. When I went to check on our reservation 30 minutes later I was rudely told, ""we'll seat you when we get a table! We can't make people get up!"" I overheard this being said to several people by the host and manager. We were finally seated over an hour after our reservation time. The waitress was friendly but not attentive. It took forever (almost 25 minutes) to get our order taken. On a positive note the food was very good and the view was nice. However, the service and attitude will keep me from returning.

Pros: Good Food, Great View

Cons: Rude host and manager, Slow service

Well it is FABULOUS especially the deserts! The chocolate fountain...yummy. The only bad thing I will say about brunch is--if you don't like seafood well the menu revolves around it.

My husband and I recently went to the Salty's brunch and I have to differ from those who complained about the staff and food. I thought they made the experience memorable. They were cheerful and seemed like they really enjoyed working there.
The brunch array was spectacular..so much to choose from that you have to do a walk through first. The chocolate fountain alone was worth it as was the view!!
Every restaurant can have a bad day but Salty's is totally a 5 star experience.

Forcing down my intuition after reading the reviews on this site, I decided against my better judgment to make reservations last night for a business dinner. The view is spectacular and guite a treat for out-of-towners. I'd entertained business clients at Salty's several years ago and don't recall the service nor the food. However, when I called to make reservations, the young woman on the other end of the line was so rude that I hung up on her. I will never entertain another client at this establishment and I will make sure that my experience is known among my colleagues, family and friends.

They've lost more than a few customers due to this!

Cons: Attitude/Behavior, Customer Service

While we were seated quickly in the cafe and the view was second to none, I probably will not be returning to Salty's again. The service was rude (I think they assumed we were not going to tip well, which became a self-fulfilling prophecy), the wine wasn't chilled properly, and the seafood pasta was marginal (fettucine stuck together in a ball, etc).

Pros: View, Good Parking

Cons: Service, Price, Quality

The free valet parking is a nice touch. The view is fantastic. The food is fantastic (won't be on a Chef's TV show any time soon, but tasted great). But lets face it, you're not buying food or parking here, you're paying for a view and great service. Our dinner for 2 was around $150 after a tip, but it was worth it. I had a beautiful date, but it was tough to pry my gaze off the sunset reflected on the cityscape. Bring your fiends, bring your family. Make EXCUSES to come back if you have to. A+

Pros: View, Service, Food

Cons: Expensive

Many visits to this restaurant, including brunch; last week's was our last. No table at our reservation time, however seated outside right away with great view. Caesar and spinach salads arrived after 40 minute wait and were quite ordinary. Both my wife's cowboy ribeye and my grilled halibut were nothing special. Dinner rolls were somewhat tough and chewy. We were given a free desert for our anniversary celebration; the white chocolate mousse cake was excellent. As we left the deck and walked through the indoor dining area, we couldn't believe how noisy it was inside - reminded me of college taverns. I would say go once if you must, just to say you have been there. Otherwise, there are much better places to celebrate a special occasion and spend less than the $100+ Salty's will cost you.

The view is fantastic, the food is not bad, but our service was absolutely horrible. Our waitress was very rude. When I sent back a diry glass, she rolled her eyes. My husband ordered a glass of wine. We waited and waited, and when we finally asked for the wine she replied ""Oh, you want that now?"". She never told us what the specials were. After we received our meals, I heard a waiter behind us talking about the specials, and I really wished she had told us about the specials because they sounded fantastic. Finally, our waitress never checked on us after we received our meals. I was very dissapointed, and will not be driving the 35 miles from our home to eat at Salty's again.

Pros: Great View

Cons: Bad Service

Beautiful place speaking of the main issues for a restaurant - the view, the menu, the service.
It is a great place to watch the sunset. The menu is not ordinary. The service is great and waiters do not interfere conversations.

Last week I wrote a review titled WE WERE UNDER-WHELMED, and while I stand by the review of that nights experience, we will return to Salty's again, all due to a phone call from Mary, director of operations for Salty's. Mary call was very sincere, and she is very proud of Salty's, (I think she has been there for nearly 10 years) and felt horrible that we had such a bad experience. I am convinced Salty's just had an off night, and will write another review after our next visit. Mary thank you for your call, you are a valuable asset to your organization!

Arriving 11 minutes late for our 9:30 reservation (was a long cab ride) we were told by a very cold hostess that we would have to find a table in the bar. A table of 8 was seated in the mostly empty dining room a few minutes later. Hummmmm... After a long wait, our waitress took our drink order, and returned with same 15 minutes later. Long story short, horrible (non existent) rude service! Average overpriced food.

Pros: View

Cons: Service, Food, Price

Salty's is not the place to bring a large group. They will not separate a tab and are of no help in decoding the tab. Our special event ended with frustration because of the poor service.
My first trip to Satly's on Alki was a let-down. I don't plan to return.

Pros: The view!

Cons: Slow, poor service, No separate tabs

A friend and I just ate at Salty's. We weren't on the window but still had a clear view of the city. Thran, the hostess, was short with us but the waiter, Oka, was very attentive and helpful. The manager came to the table to see how things were. She told us about the Copper River salmon and why it tasted so great. We spent $100 for a night out and some beautiful views. We had fun! I say go and enjoy the experience for yourself.

Pros: happy staff, clear view, good crab cakes

Cons: snooty hostess, somewhat expensive

From the minute arrived at Salty's we were treated poorly. The hostess said that our wait would ""be just a few minutes"". After 40 minutes when I inquired about our table and reservation I was rudely told that ""we will seat you as soon as we have a table!"". We were seated 45 minutes after our reservation time.

If they try to give you table 73...run!! With the kitchen close by and spot lights shining down on the art work it was well over 90 degrees. When we asked if the lights could be dimmed, we were told no.

The service was slow and sloppy. My daughter's salmon arrived with a sauce she asked to be kept off. My meal was not even the entree I ordered.

When a meal for 4 runs in excess of $200 you should expect something special. Salty's is far from special. Typical tourist trap.

Pros: decent seafood

Cons: long wait, poor service, over priced

Perhaps it's just a phenomenon of happy hour, but the last few times we have visited Salty's on a sunny day the service was terrible. There were not a lot of customers during those times, but somehow it was too hard for our servers to get to the bar to pick up our cold beers before they got warm. Once our beers ran out, the server smiled and walked right by us without offering to get us some more. We tried to wave her down several times, but she never thought to look in our direction. There were errors in our bill. There are a lot of other sun decks in town with much greater service that we are beginning to consider.

I have had the pleasure of dining at Salty's several times - and each time I have not only had outstanding service - but the food was amazing! Fresh, fresh, fresh! My last visit was on a VERY busy night - but the food and service did not disappoint. It's as if my guests and I were the only ones in the restaurant. I have dined at some of the city's most fabulous, swanky new restaurants, and I can say that Salty's ranks right up there with them. I do understand the crowds. The place does get packed. But there is a bar - and a great patio - which can take the edge off the wait.

Pros: View, Service, Food/Wine

Beautiful view, great atmosphere and excellent food. Expect to hit the cash machine before you go but you will not be disappointed.

...just went for a valentine's day dinner. the food was average but way overpriced, though a lot of places jack up their prices for this special occasion. service was great and we were seated promptly, but got stuck behind the fireplace which limited the otherwise great view. it's only worth it if you place a high value on the view...

Pros: view, service

Cons: expensive, crowded

I was worried after reading the former reviews but our Sunday Brunch was the best. Terrific food and absolutely wonderful, almost intuitive service at least from our waitress, Megan. Yes, it's pricey, but where else do you get King Crab, Smoked Salmon and shooters? Wonderful destination. Need to paint up the waiting area, though.

Pros: Food, Service, View

Cons: Waiting Area, Cost

Over-priced, bad food. Rude staff. Disintrested management. Shoddy decor.

I will not return to any of the salty's locations. Save your money.

Cons: , rude, ugly

My family drove 40 miles to have our thanksgiving dinner at Salty's but ""IT WAS A DISAPPOINTMENT"". My other friends drove 152 miles. We've been to a lot of restaurants and my Salty's experience was the WORST. I was so disappointed that I actually lost some sleep.
We were very disappointed with the food, the atmosphere and the service at the carving station.
We were sitting on the lower level and the customers kept bumping into my chair because they used my space as way to go around the area (going to the food, to the hallway, to the bathroom). We felt that the place was so crowded and was just like a rented hall. The service at the carving station was slow and at times no ham or turkey. The only good thing is the service.

Pros: service

Cons: , ambiance, crowded

My husband and I went to brunch here for our anniversary and we were very disappointed with the poor service. They moved our table 3 times and pretty ,uch ignored us the rest of the time. We had to find out what about the drinks by listening to a different waiter tell other diners about it. The food was good and the view amazing.

Pros: Great food, Amazing View, Free valet

Cons: , unorganized staff

I had my worst dining experience in Seattle ever at this place. I agree the view is nce, but everything else about this restaurant is awful - service, food, management etc. I can't for the life of me understand how anyone can give a good review. My advice is to spend your hard earned dollars at one of the many great restaurants in Seattle (Ovio on California as an example) and stay away from Saltys on Alkai.

Pros: View

Cons: , food, additude

The food was average.
The view was very nice. But thats it!
The service was terrible.
Attitude from the waiter, an eternity to get a room temp. Corona!?! and to pay my bill took almost 30 min.
Staff not unfriendly, but indiferent, seemed they didn't want to be there either.

Oyster appetizer very average, nothing special.
For oysters go to Elliots, and for drinks & food with a view...elliots, anthonys, ettas...etc etc.

Pros: view

Cons: , food, elevator music!

My husband and I often have lunch at Salty's. When we have exchange students from other countries we always bring them there for lunch. They can dine on the best NW seafood while enjoying one of the best NW views.

Pros: Great views

Last year I called ahead for reservations when my brother's family was visiting. We drove an hour to the restaurant and they turned us away saying they were sorry that they were booked (they told us on the phone that we would be easily accomodated). This year I took my son back. We had reservations and still had to wait 40 minutes after the time of the reservation. The staff were extremely rude to an elderly couple in front of us. The food was extremely common. The fish dishes were all overcooked and dry even though they were sauced. The deserts were great as usual. If you want to pay $27.95 for breakfast buffet to enjoy a great view, then this is the place to go. But, if you go for good food, you're best to stick with Chandlers, Ray's, Fishbone or some such place with really good food.

Pros: great view

Cons: , poor service

We eat here several times a year and sample the ever changing exciting menus. All in all Salty's is one restaurant we can count on to keep fresh and up-to-date with the latest menus and chefs willing to experiment and at the same time provide our all-time favorite comfort dishes. If you're not comfortable with the cost, remember that you're also paying for the fabulous and relaxing view.

Pros: New menus, Valet parking, Friendly Wait Staff

We went for Sunday brunch the day after Valentines day and it was absolutely perfect. There was SO much food it was incredible - a made to order omlett station, more seafood than you can shake your fist at and anything else you could possibly want. The dessert choices were so fierce you'll probably want to starve yourself for a week before coming. Amazing view and a terrific staff...enjoy!

Pros: large variety, great service, the view

The restaurant offers a good view of Seattle, and that is ALL. I ordered the Alaskan Halibut, and it was great. However, the price was astronomical! I agree that it is somewhat of a tourist trap akin to eating in Sausalito, CA for a view of San Francisco. For out-of-towners, eating there once will suffice, especially if one is on vacation and has money to burn. That's my only recommendation to go there if price isn't a concern.

Pros: Great View

should be an oxymoron in an upscale Seattle ""seafood"" restaurant. Unless it's the Space Needle, where people don't know any better. While there were many appealing salmon entrees on the menu at Salty's, I was surprised when the server said their salmon was ""Farm Raised"" (yikes!) I opted for the lobster, which was OK, but pricey at $60 for a 2lb whole lobster. Also, I thought the mashed potatoes tasted like instant, thick and starchy. However, the view is nearly worht the price of admission, but if you want to impress with food, go elsewhere.

Pros: view, service, view

Cons: , parking