Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
oChef » Oyster Cellar – Seattle
Oyster Cellar - Seattle
Photo from Oyster Cellar
Oyster Cellar at a glance
Seattle West Edge
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $51–$60
mentioned by 51 of the guests
#219 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#1 Seafood Restaurant out of 4 in Seattle
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
348
Reviews
82.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Friendly staff
- Good atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Service inconsistency
- Pricing issues
- Hygiene issues
The restaurant, a delightful seafood restaurant in Seattle’s vibrant West Edge neighborhood, invites you to experience its cozy atmosphere. At Oyster Cellar, you can unwind with happy hour drinks, fine wine, and expertly crafted cocktails.
Whether you’re craving small plates or a full dinner, this trendy spot offers a casual yet inviting setting for your evening.
Overview: Introducting Oyster Cellar
Oyster Cellar offers a compelling experience, particularly for those seeking quality fare. Many guests consistently highlight the delicious food, especially the fresh oysters and small plates, often paired with well-crafted cocktails.
The inviting atmosphere also contributes positively to the dining experience, making it a pleasant spot for many. However, the experience isn’t without its caveats.
While many praise the attentive service, some encounters with staff, particularly bartenders, have been less than ideal, leading to feelings of being rushed or disrespected. There are also some concerns regarding the overall value, especially concerning happy hour pricing discrepancies.
Good
8
out of 10
348
Reviews
82.2%
Satisfaction
52
negative
10
neutral
286
positive
Oyster Cellar earns a solid Restaurant Score of 8, indicating a good overall performance, supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 82.2%. This positive sentiment is largely driven by the exceptional Food (8.7), which stands out as a clear strength, and a pleasant Ambience (7.7).
These scores reflect the opinions gathered from 348 customer remarks, with 286 positive and 52 negative. While Service (7.3) is generally good, it shows some room for improvement, as noted by various customer interactions.
The area that presents the most significant challenge is Value (5.5), which falls into the average range. This suggests that while guests appreciate the quality, some find the pricing, particularly for happy hour specials, to be a point of contention.
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Knowledgeable, friendly staff
- Pleasant dining atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service experience
- Value for money
- Cleanliness concerns
Oyster Cellar is a worthwhile destination if your priority is excellent seafood and a comfortable setting. The high marks for Food and Ambience, alongside a strong Recommendation Score of 8.1, suggest you’re likely to enjoy the culinary offerings and the overall vibe.
It’s a place that delivers on its core promise of quality fare. However, be mindful that service can be inconsistent, and the perceived value might not align with everyone’s expectations, especially regarding happy hour deals.
If you’re prepared for these potential variations, particularly in service and pricing, Oyster Cellar could be a delightful choice for a focused dining experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Oyster Cellar
Food (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 93% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot truly shines with an excellent score of 8.7 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 90.9%! With 179 positive remarks, guests rave about the incredibly fresh oysters, creative flavor combos, and the standout albacore crudo. Expect thoughtful, rotating offerings that keep things exciting, alongside fantastic cocktails.
However, a few of the 14 negative comments mention a limited menu, especially during happy hour. Some experiences included subpar oysters with shell pieces or a slight fishy aftertaste. While these instances are few, they're worth noting for a balanced view of the food.
Food
197
Reviews
90%
Satisfaction
14
negative
4
neutral
179
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, delicious oysters
- Creative flavor combos
- Albacore crudo standout
What people don't like
- Limited menu options
- Subpar, fishy oysters
- Oysters with shell pieces
Often praised
- oystersMy experience at the restaurant involved enjoying their oysters during happy hour. I found that a decent majority of the oysters were fresh, as they did not have a fishy aftertaste. I believe I encountered one or two oysters with a very slight fishy aftertaste.
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was incredible, marked by exceptional service, delicious food, and a wonderful atmosphere. I thoroughly enjoyed the company of the bartenders and servers, and their recommendations were spot on.
- cocktailsI love their small bite plates and fresh shucked oysters. The cocktails are also a great addition, conveniently located by the ferry. The menu for both food and cocktails changes frequently, which is a nice touch as it allows me to try something new with each visit, in addition to the always delicious oysters.
- crab toastThe food was absolutely AMAZING. I particularly enjoyed the shucker's half, lox plate, and crab toast. I honestly wished I could live in that dinner forever.
- albacore crudotried the crab toast and the albacore crudo - EXCELLENT.
- seafoodIt was really busy during happy hour, but the staff was very nice and apologetic. The food was flavorful and the seafood was fresh. It was a perfect dinner for a hot summer day.
- focacciaOysters, salmon tartare, and focaccia were good.
- happy hour oystersMy experience at this restaurant involved cheap happy hour oysters, though it was evident that you get what you pay for. The establishment seemed understaffed.
- FoodFood:5
- bitesThe staff were incredibly friendly and attentive. I was impressed by the excellent bites and the outstanding cocktails. Their happy hour oyster deal is the best in the city.
Frequently criticized
- oystersthe oysters weren't well shucked--lots of shell pieces
- aiolithey dump so much aloi
- bay shrimpmenu has bay shrimp. bay shrimp are not fancy
- burratathe burrata was more like mozzarella by the time we got it
- fishy aftertaste1 or 2 that had some very slight fishy aftertaste
- foodthe food also received a low score of 1
- happy houronly had one food option and 3 drink options
- menuMy experience at the restaurant was disappointing due to a very limited menu. We came for happy hour, but there was only one food option and three drink options.
- oyster optionsOyster options were also not that good
- shrimpcould get better shrimp
If you're looking for a place with consistently fresh oysters, innovative dishes like the albacore crudo, and exciting flavor combinations, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that a few guests found the menu a bit limited or encountered an occasional less-than-perfect oyster.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.3 and a good customer satisfaction of 71.3%. Many guests rave about the friendly and knowledgeable staff, especially the engaging bartender and attentive server, often praising their exceptional hospitality. With 57 positive remarks out of 80 total, it seems many leave feeling well taken care of.
However, not every experience is perfect. There are 22 negative comments, with some guests occasionally reporting a feeling rushed or encountering an understaffed situation, leading to longer waiting time. A few instances mention unwelcoming interactions with the bartender or issues with initial greetings.
Service
80
Reviews
71%
Satisfaction
22
negative
1
neutral
57
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Knowledgeable bartenders
- Exceptional hospitality
What people don't like
- Feeling rushed
- Understaffed issues
- Unwelcoming greetings
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this Seattle oyster joint was quite pleasant, offering a happy hour friendly atmosphere with an old-school, faded windows vibe. I was served very promptly during happy hour and decided to try their oysters, which were $2 each, along with the albacore in chili oil. Both dishes were incredibly tasty.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was a bit on the expensive side, but the outstanding food was definitely worth the price. The beautiful interior created a lovely atmosphere, and the great staff made the service excellent. We also found a very good deal on oysters during happy hour.
- ServiceService was rated a 5 out of 5
- ParkerAsk for Parker and he’ll take care of you
- chefwatching the chef directly from the bar craft
- serverwhen she came by the table they were friendly and helpful
- BrendanBrendan was super knowledge and taught us all about the local oysters
- Chef AlexThank you chef Alex for the hospitality and oyster experience
- bartenderbartender is a blast to talk to
- bartender and chefYou've got to stop in, belly up to the bar & chat with the bartender and chef who will be making so many things right there. Everything is rotating and fresh depending on what's available.
Frequently criticized
- bartenderThe establishment seemed understaffed. While the oyster shuckers at the bar were nice, the bartender was completely useless and borderline rude.
- serviceI don’t think I have ever been more disrespected as a customer. The bartender/waitress was very rude, as if it was beneath her to serve us. I don’t know if race played a factor, as I’m African American and my friend is Vietnamese.
- phoneThey don’t answer the phone
- waiting timeWe walked in at 6 pm on a Friday and waited for 5 minutes by the front door. Half of the tables were empty and nobody greeted us.
- bartender/waitressI don’t think I have ever been more disrespected as a customer. The bartender/waitress was very rude, as if it was beneath her to serve us. I don’t know if race played a factor, as I’m African American and my friend is Vietnamese.
- feeling rushedMy experience at the restaurant was mixed. Arriving at 8 pm, it felt a bit rushed, and I wondered if the feeling would be better if I had arrived earlier. However, the oysters were really good.
- foodThe food, we didn’t get until about an hour or so later
- food ordersone guy doing all the food orders
- greetingWe walked in at 6 pm on a Friday and waited for 5 minutes by the front door. Half of the tables were empty and nobody greeted us. We eventually walked up to the bar, the bartender looked at us and said they're not serving anyone for 30 minutes, he asked us to wait outside.
- hoursclosed on Tuesdays now, apparently? Please update your hours!
Overall, the service here is generally a strong point, with many enjoying friendly and attentive interactions. While there are occasional reports of feeling rushed or understaffed, it's often worth trying for the positive staff experience. Just be prepared for potential busy periods.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 58% of the guests
The ambiance here generally hits the mark, with a good score of 7.7 and a good customer satisfaction of 80.4%. Many of the 41 positive remarks praise the atmosphere, decor, and vibe, describing it as a beautiful interior and a perfect cozy atmosphere. Its often seen as a sleek and pleasant environment, making it a great happy hour spot.
However, out of 51 total comments, 7 negative observations point to some areas needing attention. Some found the place pretentious, while others noted crumbs on the couch and a dirty booth. One particularly concerning comment mentioned roaches, ' suggesting cleanliness can be inconsistent.
Ambience
51
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
7
negative
3
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Beautiful interior design
- Cozy, welcoming vibe
- Cool, sleek atmosphere
What people don't like
- Seating can be dirty
- Some found it pretentious
- Pest issues reported
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was incredible, marked by exceptional service, delicious food, and a wonderful atmosphere. I thoroughly enjoyed the company of the bartenders and servers, and their recommendations were spot on.
- vibethe vibe, quality of oysters and happy hour specials are better
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- interiorThe interior has the classy " I can't afford this" look and feel
- ambiancethe ambiance of the inside of the restaurant is amazing
- barBeautiful bar, lots of potential
- cool vibescool vibes
- decorGreat decor
- happy hour spotgreat happy hour spot
- little gemDo not leave this little gem off your list of must-do places!
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereAnd if you’re black, brown, you look like you could be an influencer, or laugh loudly… don’t visit this place. It was very pretentious in a 1940’s kind of way. All puns intended.
- booththe booth was dirty when we sat down
- couchThe couch we sat on could have used some cleaning
- crumbsThe bread with the honey whipped butter was delicious, and I also loved the halibut dip. However, the couch we sat on could have used some cleaning; it looked like it hadn't been cleaned for a while with crumbs everywhere.
- kid friendlyNot really kid friendly though
- pretentiousAnd if you’re black, brown, you look like you could be an influencer, or laugh loudly… don’t visit this place. It was very pretentious in a 1940’s kind of way. All puns intended.
- roachesI ate two dozen oysters, and they were absolutely DELICIOUS. However, the positive food experience was overshadowed by a significant issue: I killed two roaches on the bar top. The bartender's reaction was to thank me, without apologizing or making any attempt to adjust the bill.
If youre looking for a spot with a generally great vibe and cozy atmosphere, this place is often a hit. Just be mindful that some experiences mention cleanliness issues or a pretentious' feel, so manage your expectations regarding seating and overall upkeep.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners were pleasantly surprised with their bill, especially praising the happy hour and its fantastic oyster deal. Many found the price to be excellent, with some even calling the prices on oysters during happy hour the best in the city. With 9 positive remarks, it seems there are definite ways to find a good deal here.
However, the overall value experience is a bit of a mixed bag, with customer satisfaction sitting at 45% and the score at an average 5.5. Many were frustrated by tiny, overpriced cocktails and significant discrepancies between the website and actual happy hour prices for oysters. Several noted that online menus on Google didn't reflect the true cost, leading to disappointment with the final bill.
Value
20
Reviews
45%
Satisfaction
9
negative
2
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour deals
- Oyster prices reasonable
What people don't like
- Cocktails overpriced
- Website prices inaccurate
Often praised
- happy hourrecommend heading over for the happy hour
- priceprice was excellent
- billpleasantly surprised with our bill
- happy hour specialshappy hour specials are better than any other places
- oyster dealhappy hour oyster deal is best in the city
- prices on oystersExtremely reasonable prices on oysters
Frequently criticized
- actual priceit is ACTUALLY 1dozen/$36.
- billno attempt to modify the bill was made.
- cocktailsCocktail were tiny and over priced
- happy hourhappy hour is $36 for 1 dozen oysters
- happy hour priceshappy hour prices have increased from $24/dozen to $36/dozen oysters
- menus on GoogleMost menus on Google do not reflect this
- oyster happy houroyster happy hour, per the website its 1dozen/$24. NOT the case.
- websiteOnline their OWN website states happy hour is $24
- website pricingper the website its 1dozen/$24. NOT the case.
If you're eyeing the happy hour, especially for oysters, double-check the current pricing before you go, as online info might be outdated. While some find great deals, others are left feeling short-changed by unexpected costs, particularly on cocktails.
How are the prices at Oyster Cellar?
You’re looking at roughly 53 per person – reported by 51 diners. That puts it in the $51–$60 category. For a Seafood Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, prices are quite spread out, with a good mix of mid-range options and some premium choices too.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 51 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this restaurant with similar spots in Seattle.
We think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Seafood Restaurant, especially considering the variety of options available.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Oyster Cellar
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Slice of Heaven - Amazing Oysters!
My experience at this restaurant was a slice of heaven. I had some of the best oysters I’ve ever tasted. The cozy vibe and great seafood made for a truly memorable meal.
- oysters10
- seafood9
- vibe9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Misleading Oyster Happy Hour Pricing
I went for the oyster happy hour, and according to the website, it was supposed to be 1 dozen for $24. However, this was not the case. The actual price was 1 dozen for $36.
It's disappointing to see that this issue has been noted by another reviewer and still hasn't been corrected.
- oyster happy hour2
- website pricing2
- actual price2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Great Happy Hour Deals and Atmosphere
I finally got to check out this spot for happy hour and had a great experience. The prices on oysters were extremely reasonable, and I loved their fresh daiquiri of the day. The old building adds a very cool atmosphere to the overall experience.
- prices on oysters9
- fresh daiquiri9
- old building8
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
7
Delicious Food, Unpleasant Seating
I had a lunch date here with my partner. The bread with the honey whipped butter was delicious, and I also loved the halibut dip. However, the couch we sat on could have used some cleaning; it looked like it hadn't been cleaned for a while with crumbs everywhere.
- bread with honey whipped butter9
- halibut dip8
- couch3
- crumbs3
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
False Advertising on Happy Hour
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing due to false advertising. Their own website stated happy hour was $24 for a dozen oysters, but upon arrival, we discovered it was actually $36. They also did not answer the phone, so we couldn't verify the pricing beforehand.
I would avoid this place.
- happy hour1
- oysters1
- website1
What Oyster Cellar offers
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Oyster Cellar wheelchair accessible?
Yes, Oyster Cellar in Seattle is fully wheelchair accessible. You’ll find both a wheelchair accessible entrance and seating, ensuring a comfortable and inclusive dining experience for all guests who visit for dinner or dessert.
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at Oyster Cellar?
At Oyster Cellar, you’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere, perfect for an enjoyable evening. The menu features happy hour drinks, wine, beer, cocktails, and small plates, ideal for dinner or dessert.
How does Oyster Cellar rate overall?
Oyster Cellar holds a Restaurant Score of 8 and Customer Satisfaction of 82.2%. This is largely driven by strong Food (8.7) and pleasant Ambience (7.7), though Service (7.3) and Value (5.5) are more moderate.
What do customers enjoy most about Oyster Cellar?
Customers frequently praise the fresh and delicious food, especially the oysters and small bites. Many also appreciate the friendly and knowledgeable staff, with specific mentions of prompt service, and the inviting atmosphere.
Are there any common concerns or drawbacks at Oyster Cellar?
Some guests have noted inconsistent service, particularly with bartenders, and discrepancies in happy hour pricing compared to advertised rates, affecting the perceived value. There have also been isolated concerns regarding general cleanliness, such as dirty seating or pest sightings.