Highlights
- Live music
- Sports
- Great beer selection
oChef » Otter – Seattle
Otter - Seattle
Photo from Otter
Otter at a glance
Seattle Eastlake
- 🍔 Hamburger-Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 85 of the guests
#238 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#5 Hamburger-Restaurant out of 24 in Seattle
Good
8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
652
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Food quality
- Engaging atmosphere
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Pricing issues
- Service issues
The restaurant, Otter, is a vibrant Hamburger Restaurant nestled in Seattle’s lively Eastlake neighborhood. When you step inside, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for enjoying a meal.
Otter Bar and Burger is renowned for its fantastic live music, creating an energetic backdrop for your dining experience. You can also look forward to a great beer selection, hard liquor, and happy hour specials, making it an ideal spot for a quick bite or a relaxed evening out.
Overview: Introducting Otter
Otter presents a vibrant setting, often hosting fun events and welcoming patrons with a dog friendly policy. Many guests appreciate the attentive staff and the generally positive atmosphere.
However, some find the pricing structure, particularly for certain items, to be a point of contention. While the culinary offerings, especially the burgers and unique bar eats, generally receive high marks for their quality, there are occasional concerns about the overall value.
The establishment aims to provide a good experience, but consistency in pricing and service can sometimes vary.
Good
8
out of 10
652
Reviews
81%
Satisfaction
98
negative
26
neutral
528
positive
Otter generally earns a solid reputation, reflected in its Restaurant Score of 8, indicating a good overall experience. This is supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction of 81%, suggesting most patrons leave pleased.
These figures stem from 652 customer observations, with 528 positive remarks outweighing 98 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Food (8.2) stands out as a particular strength, with many praising the quality of dishes.
The engaging Ambience (8.5) also contributes significantly to the positive experience, creating an enjoyable setting. While Service (7.9) is generally good, the Value (4.7) aspect presents a notable area for improvement, with some finding prices less appealing.
What people like
- Excellent food quality
- Engaging atmosphere
- Friendly service
What people don't like
- Questionable value
- Pricing transparency
- Service missteps
Otter, with a Recommendation Score of 8.1, is certainly worth considering, especially if you prioritize a vibrant atmosphere and well-prepared food. It’s a place that often delivers a memorable experience, particularly for those seeking a lively setting and quality dishes.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some find it less competitive. If you’re looking for a spot with generally good food and a great vibe, Otter could be a good fit, but it’s wise to check the menu for value.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Otter
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 8.2 and a solid 85% customer satisfaction. Out of 334 comments, a whopping 284 rave about the delicious offerings, particularly highlighting mouthwatering burgers like Lisa's Hot Mess, crispy fries and tots, and a diverse menu with quality ingredients and unique options like boozy milkshakes and deep-fried pickle spheres. However, not every bite is perfect, with 40 comments noting some areas for improvement.
Some guests found certain items overpriced, experienced inconsistent food quality with bland or dry dishes, and raised concerns about cross-contamination, especially regarding gluten-free options. It seems there can be a bit of a mixed bag.
Food
334
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
40
negative
10
neutral
284
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Mouthwatering burgers
- Crispy fries/tots
- Diverse menu options
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- Inconsistent quality
- Cross-contamination risk
Often praised
- foodThe bartender, Deb, was also amazing, as was the other bartender whose name I unfortunately didn't catch. The food was delicious, with standout dishes like the fantastic tater tots, caprese skewers, hummus, and veggie lumpia. Our group had a blast, and we will definitely be returning.
- burgersThe owners, Lisa and Jim, are truly great hosts. I've tried many items on the menu, and Lisa's Hot Mess is a fantastic burger with unique Dutch elements. They also offer an excellent choice of beers and great cocktails.
- burgerMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed a great burger and a quick bite. The seating was plentiful, the service was extraordinary, and most importantly, the food was great.
- friesThe food was great too. I ordered the Diablo burger with fries, and even the regular burger was juicy. They also have a plenty of beers.
- drinksthe food and drinks are fantastic
- onion ringsThe onion rings were the crispiest I’ve ever had
- mealI came in for a solo dinner and just enjoyed the whole experience. The chili verde soup, custom pork belly bacon cheeseburger, and a shake made for a very filling and satisfying meal.
- milkshakesI was pleasantly surprised by the food quality; it seems they've revamped their menu under new ownership. They have solid beer options and really good milkshakes. During the summer, the back patio area is a really nice spot to enjoy your meal.
- FoodFood were all top-notch
- Lisa's hot mess burgerThe menu offers typical bar eats with some unique specialties. I particularly enjoyed Lisa's hot mess burger, the traditional lumpia, and the fried cheese curds. Street parking is available, though it can be harder to find later in the evening.
Frequently criticized
- burgersburgers were terrible and not tasty
- foodThe hostess then suggested the burger place inside the Waterpark. We took the family there, and the wait time was better, but unfortunately, some of the food was sold out. We ended up taking the food back to our room to eat.
- Bloody Marypay $10 for a Bloody Mary that had no garnishes
- Chipotle mayo dipping sauceordered (and paid for) Chipotle mayo dipping sauce
- Guinnessthey don't serve Guinness.
- RuebenRueben was dry and not "piled high."
- avocado toastavocado toast was not as elevated as the pricetag
- back of the housethey need to work on the back of the house
- beef burgerbeef burger lacking any flavor
- blue cheeseblue cheese they sent also tastes suspiciously like sour cream
If you're craving a fantastic burger and enjoy a menu with creative twists, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful of potential pricing on certain items and the possibility of occasional inconsistencies in quality.
Service (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 75% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a 7.9 score and a solid 76.4% customer satisfaction. Many guests rave about the friendly staff, attentive service, and welcoming owners, with 123 positive remarks highlighting top-notch service and personable interactions from everyone, including the bartenders and servers. However, its not always smooth sailing.
Out of 161 total comments, 31 pointed to issues like long wait times, a few instances of bartender attitude, and a lack of transparency regarding charges. Some experiences mentioned bad service or staffing issues, suggesting theres room for improvement in consistency.
Service
161
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
31
negative
7
neutral
123
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Welcoming owners
- Exceptional service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Unfriendly staff
- Hidden charges
Often praised
- serviceI really miss the Nashville Buffalo chicken burger, which has been removed from the menu. The service was good and the staff was friendly, though a bit slow, which I understand given they were busy. Overall, it was a gloomy experience.
- staffI really miss the Nashville Buffalo chicken burger, which has been removed from the menu. The service was good and the staff was friendly, though a bit slow, which I understand given they were busy. Overall, it was a gloomy experience.
- ownersThe owners are fantastic and make you feel so so welcome.
- ServiceService was awesome
- serverMy experience at the restaurant was great, thanks to a super friendly server. I highly recommend trying the boozy milkshakes; they were absolutely slammin'!
- peoplesuch friendly and welcoming people
- LisaLisa was so friendly, going above and beyond
- customer servicestaff provided exceptional customer service
- ownerLisa, the owner, came over to say hi
- waiterThe waiter was by far, leaps and bounds above the norm
Frequently criticized
- waiterwaiter joked, “we wouldn’t want to poison you, would we?”
- bartenderthe bartender seemed upset the whole time
- serverclarified with the server that we wanted the happy hour items
- serviceNo Guinness after sitting there 5 minutes for service.
- wait timeThe hostess then suggested the burger place inside the Waterpark. We took the family there, and the wait time was better, but unfortunately, some of the food was sold out. We ended up taking the food back to our room to eat.
- alcohol questionsEvery question we had about alcohol he kind of rolled his eyes
- bad serviceBad service starts at the top
- bartender attitudehis shifty attitude was
- charges50 for a refill. This was particularly frustrating as these charges were not disclosed upfront, and the staff refused to reverse them even after an apology. Consequently, a simple meal of a burger, tater tots, and a Coke amounted to $32 before tip, with the soda alone costing $11.
- driverthe driver... refused to bring it to our office.
Overall, youre likely to encounter friendly and attentive service here, making for a pleasant visit. Just be prepared for potential wait times or occasional communication hiccups, especially if theyre slammed. It's worth a try for the generally good experience, but manage expectations for peak hours.
Ambience (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 62% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot really shines! With a fantastic score of 8.5 and a customer satisfaction of 89.3% across 122 observations, its clear most folks love the atmosphere. Patrons rave about the "dog friendly" and "chilled vibe, " often mentioning the "fun events" like drag shows and the "welcoming energy" that makes everyone feel right at home.
It’s a place where you can truly relax and enjoy the company. However, a few experiences, noted in 8 negative comments, suggest some minor hiccups. Some found the "loud music" a bit much, driving them out, while "road construction" occasionally made the approach less pleasant.
A couple of long-time visitors also felt the place had "lost unique charm" compared to its past, hinting at changes that didnt resonate with everyone.
Ambience
122
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
8
negative
5
neutral
109
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming, dog-friendly vibe
- Fun events and shows
- Great community feel
What people don't like
- Loud music issues
- Road construction impact
- Lost original charm
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this friendly local Eastlake bar was a pleasant surprise! We were all impressed, especially with the banging happy hour which had a distinct southwestern flair. Although the staff was a bit sparse on a Thursday, everyone we encountered was super friendly.
- dog friendlyVery dog friendly, inside and outside.
- AtmosphereI really enjoyed the selection of local brews and the friendly staff made the visit even better. The food, service, and atmosphere were all top-notch.
- placethe place itself was cute and cozy
- ambianceThe ambiance was delightful
- communityThis place is all about the community.
- drag showsespecially the drag shows!! Absolutely love the shows
- eventsLove the events they have
- fun eventsLots of fun events like drag brunch!
- neighborhood barIt's definitely a neighborhood bar, but they are very welcoming
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereTook a little fun out of the atmosphere.
- Parking in backParking in back... eh' hem...
- flyer in their windowput off by the pro parking, anti-cyclist, anti-public transportation flyer in their window
- original charactermuch of the bar’s original character seems to have been lost
- restaurantsad waste of space this restaurant is
- road constructionroad construction you have to double your effort
- unique charmlost the unique charm that used to make it special
If youre looking for a lively, welcoming spot with a great community feel and plenty of events, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful of potential loud music or current road construction, which might slightly impact your visit. Overall, its a solid choice for a fun atmosphere.
Value (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 18% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some bright spots, with 12 positive remarks out of 35 total. Many folks rave about finding reasonable prices, especially during happy hour for things like bottomless mimosas or a great deal on tacos. Plus, a local worker discount was a nice touch, making some feel they got a good bang for their buck.
However, the value proposition here is a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 4.7 and customer satisfaction at a low 34.3%. A significant 19 comments point to issues like steep prices, food being overpriced for the portion sizes, and some even calling certain menu items a rip-off. Hidden charges and the overall business model also left a sour taste for many.
Value
35
Reviews
34%
Satisfaction
19
negative
4
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy hour deals
- Bottomless mimosas
- Local worker discounts
What people don't like
- Overpriced portions
- Hidden charges
- Menu item rip-offs
Often praised
- happy hourduring happy hour so great deal on tacos
- reasonable priceswith reasonable prices
- bottomless mimosas$25 for bottomless mimosas!
- deal on tacosI enjoyed the great service and the excellent carne asada street tacos. We were lucky to be there on the sunny patio during happy hour, which offered a great deal on tacos. The tacos were simply scrumptious.
- decent pricescocktails at decent prices
- local worker discountkindly gave me a local worker discount, which was such a nice touch
- locally ownedAlways great to support locally owned.
- priceReasonable, since it has now become two meals
- ticketsThe tickets are cheap
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently disappointing over the course of a year, despite trying several different items on multiple occasions. The food is way overpriced for the portions and the quality is consistently low. I would consider somewhere else if you don't want to feel hungry and disappointed after spending around $30.
- pricesConsequently, a simple meal of a burger, tater tots, and a Coke amounted to $32 before tip, with the soda alone costing $11. In comparison to other nearby establishments offering similar or better quality food at 20% lower prices without such deceptive practices, this restaurant's business model is unacceptable. I will not be returning and will advise others in the area to avoid it.
- beer priceprice of a beer to be excessive
- burger, tater tots, and Cokeburger, tater tots, and Coke amounted to $32
- business modelConsequently, a simple meal of a burger, tater tots, and a Coke amounted to $32 before tip, with the soda alone costing $11. In comparison to other nearby establishments offering similar or better quality food at 20% lower prices without such deceptive practices, this restaurant's business model is unacceptable. I will not be returning and will advise others in the area to avoid it.
- foodfood was overpriced for the portions
- happy hour itemscharged full price for everything
- minimum 20%machine defaults to minimum 20%
- portion sizesoverpriced for the portions we received
- pricetagnot as elevated as the pricetag
If you're looking for a deal, aim for happy hour specials like bottomless mimosas or taco deals, as these seem to offer good value. Otherwise, be prepared for potentially steep prices and smaller portions on the regular menu, which might leave you feeling a bit disappointed.
How are the prices at Otter?
You’re looking at roughly 28 per person – reported by 85 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Hamburger Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests tend to spend right around this average, with a good number also finding options in the $11–$20 range, showing prices cluster nicely without too many extreme highs or lows.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 85 reviews.
Comparing value for money against similar restaurants in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Hamburger Restaurant. It hits that sweet spot for a casual meal without being overly expensive, which is always a win in our book.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Otter
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Overpriced and Underwhelming Burger Experience
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I found the price of a beer to be excessive at $9. 75.
The burger itself was just average, and the bartender seemed clueless. Overall, this place felt like a sad waste of space.
- burger5
- beer price2
- bartender2
- restaurant1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Great Food and Fun Vibe
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I tried the burgers and they were great, along with other dishes I sampled. The selection of beers on tap was fun, and they had interesting drink specials.
The atmosphere felt like a fun local bar/sports bar, and the good was great. The service and atmosphere both received a perfect score of 5, and the food also got a 5. It was a great dinner experience with no wait time and a price range of $20-30 per person.
- burgers9
- other food8
- beers on tap8
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Fantastic Drag Brunch Experience!
My experience at Otter Pop was fantastic! It's my favorite drag brunch in Seattle. The tickets were cheap, and they feature very talented Queens, some even from Drag Race!
I've also seen a famous local King and hot Burlesque performers. I always have a great time. The food, beer, and fun drinks were also really good.
- tickets9
- Queens10
- King8
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Will Definitely Be Back!
My first experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I was incredibly impressed with the corn niblets; they were SO good. The bbq chicken salad I ordered exceeded all my expectations.
The service was amazing from the moment we walked in until we left. Overall, a 10/10 experience!
- corn niblets10
- bbq chicken salad10
- service10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Burger and Amazing Onion Rings!
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely delightful! I tried the burger that was recommended to me, and it was absolutely delicious. I'm not usually a big fan of peanut butter, but the combination of barbecue sauce and peanut butter turned out to be surprisingly good.
The onion rings were the crispiest I’ve ever had — so satisfying! The owner suggested the Chipotle mayo sauce, and it went perfectly with the burger. Since I work nearby, they kindly gave me a local worker discount, which was such a nice touch.
Everyone was super friendly, and I really enjoyed my time there. I’ll definitely be back!
- burger10
- peanut butter combination8
- onion rings10
What Otter offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and offerings can you expect at Otter Bar and Burger?
At Otter Bar and Burger, you’ll discover a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for unwinding. They offer a wide range of beverages including hard liquor, wine, beer, and cocktails, alongside happy hour drinks and food. You can also grab a quick bite, enjoy small plates, or find vegetarian options.
Does Otter Bar and Burger cater to families and pet owners, and what service options are available?
Yes, Otter Bar and Burger is good for kids, providing a kids’ menu and high chairs. They also welcome dogs, allowing them both inside and outside. For your convenience, service options include no-contact delivery, takeout, outdoor seating, dine-in, and traditional delivery.
How does Otter generally score with customers?
Otter receives a good overall Restaurant Score of 8, with Customer Satisfaction at 81%. Its Food (8.2) and Ambience (8.5) are highly rated, while Service (7.9) is good, but Value (4.7) is an area where some customers express concerns.
What are some popular food items or unique aspects of Otter's atmosphere?
Customers frequently praise the burgers, especially “Lisa’s Hot Mess,” and the onion rings. The atmosphere is often highlighted for being dog friendly and hosting fun events like drag shows, contributing to a lively neighborhood bar feel.
Are there any common concerns regarding pricing or service at Otter?
Some patrons have noted issues with value, citing certain items as overpriced or experiencing unexpected charges. While service is generally friendly, there have been occasional reports of slow service or perceived inconsistencies from staff.