Highlights
- Great beer selection
oChef » Emmett Watson’s Oyster Bar – Seattle
Emmett Watson's Oyster Bar - Seattle
Photo from Emmett Watson’s Oyster Bar
Emmett Watson's Oyster Bar at a glance
Seattle Belltown
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 55 of the guests
#483 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#60 Restaurant out of 94 in Seattle
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
509
Reviews
71.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh oysters
- Outdoor seating
- Oyster value
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent service
- Food quality
- High prices
The restaurant Emmett Watson’s Oyster Bar offers a quintessential Seattle dining experience right in the heart of Belltown. You’ll discover a cozy and casual atmosphere perfect for enjoying a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Known for its great beer selection, this spot is ideal for unwinding after a day exploring Pike Place Market. Whether you’re looking for happy hour drinks, small plates, or a full dinner, you’ll find a welcoming setting here.
Overview: Introducting Emmett Watson's Oyster Bar
Emmett Watson’s Oyster Bar offers a compelling experience, particularly for those seeking fresh oysters and other seafood. Many appreciate the pleasant courtyard setting, which provides a relaxed atmosphere away from the bustle.
While the food generally receives high marks, some aspects of the experience can be a bit of a mixed bag. Visitors often find the prices reasonable, especially for their signature offerings.
However, the service can be inconsistent, with some guests encountering less-than-stellar interactions. Despite these occasional drawbacks, the restaurant maintains a generally positive reputation for its core strengths.
Good
7.3
out of 10
509
Reviews
71.9%
Satisfaction
115
negative
28
neutral
366
positive
Emmett Watson’s Oyster Bar earns a solid overall score of 7.3, reflecting a generally positive dining experience. Customer satisfaction stands at 71.9%, indicating that most patrons leave content.
This balance suggests a place that delivers well on its promises, even with some areas that could see improvement. These figures are drawn from a substantial 509 customer opinions, showcasing a broad consensus.
Delving into specifics, Food leads the way with a strong (7.9), frequently highlighted for its quality. Ambience also scores well (7.8), contributing positively to the overall visit.
However, Value sits at an average (6.5), and Service is the lowest at an average (5.9). While there are 366 positive remarks, 115 negative comments, particularly concerning service, temper the overall sentiment.
What people like
- Fresh, delicious oysters
- Pleasant outdoor seating
- Good value for oysters
What people don't like
- Inconsistent, rude service
- Occasional food quality issues
- Some find it expensive
If you’re primarily seeking fresh seafood, especially oysters, and appreciate a pleasant setting, Emmett Watson’s Oyster Bar is certainly worth considering. The Recommendation Score of 7.3 suggests a generally positive experience, making it a good option for a casual meal.
Just be prepared for the possibility of varied service quality. This spot shines for its culinary offerings and atmosphere, but managing expectations regarding service might enhance your visit.
It’s a place that delivers on its core strengths, offering a reliable choice for seafood enthusiasts, provided you’re flexible with the occasional service hiccup.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Emmett Watson's Oyster Bar
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at a good 79%, its clear many diners are leaving happy. Based on 214 positive remarks out of 271 total, guests frequently rave about the fresh oysters, delicious fish and chips, and the excellent clam chowder, often highlighting the overall freshness and quality of the seafood.
However, its not without its minor hiccups, as noted in 39 negative comments. Some found certain oysters to be briny or have a weird taste, while others mentioned issues like overly spicy chowder, small portions, or fish that wasn't as fresh as expected. These points suggest there might be some inconsistency, but they are less frequent concerns.
Food
271
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
39
negative
18
neutral
214
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, delicious oysters
- Excellent fish and chips
- Flavorful clam chowder
What people don't like
- Inconsistent oyster taste
- Small portion sizes
- Overly spicy chowder
Often praised
- oystersMy first time in Seattle was an absolutely refreshing experience at EW's. The location is very welcoming and intimate, and it has revitalized my excitement to try new oysters from various coasts. The restaurant offers an amazing array of fresh flavors, accompanied by appreciative staff.
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was marred by an incredibly rude male waiter. I would recommend seeking out oysters elsewhere, as there are plenty of places in Seattle offering better food, better prices, and better staff. The reviews praising the oysters here likely have low standards, akin to thinking Kraft singles are a luxury cheese.
- clam chowderThe clam chowder was the best in Seattle so far
- fish and chipsMy Swedish cousins and visiting niece and I had some of the very best fish and chips ever at this restaurant under the new ownership of experienced Seattle owner/fry cook Brian T. Brian has moved into sourcing extremely fresh seafood from our local Western Washington tribes.
- fishthe fish itself was super delicious
- seafoodMy Swedish cousins and visiting niece and I had some of the very best fish and chips ever at this restaurant under the new ownership of experienced Seattle owner/fry cook Brian T. Brian has moved into sourcing extremely fresh seafood from our local Western Washington tribes. Look for this great spot in the Pike Place Market courtyard, entrance hall just north of the so-called "original" Starbucks!
- broiled oystersbroiled oysters flavor was very rich
- chowderI tried the chowder and the shrimp & chips - both very good.
- fried oystersThe fried fish, fried oysters and old bay fries were good
- raw oystersOysters were delicious, very cold, very fresh
Frequently criticized
- clam chowderI don't think clam chowder should ever be served room temp
- oystersLittle dissatisfied with the tiny oysters
- fish and chipsfish and chips, and unfortunately, the fish was not fresh
- foodMy visit to Emmett on April 7th was marked by terrible service and food. When my husband expressed dissatisfaction with his meal, the server's dismissive response was "oh well that's too bad.
- friesfries looked old like they were reheated in the microwave
- North West GumboI wanted to try the oysters, but the wait seemed like it probably wouldn't be worth it. The North West Gumbo was bland and had curry in it, which was unexpected. The weather and the hot day didn't help either.
- breading on fishtons of breading on your fish, this is not the place for you
- brineNo brine though
- brinythey were briny
- buttery/fattier textureone had a more buttery/fattier texture that wasn’t our favorite
If youre craving fresh seafood, especially oysters and classic fish and chips, this place is definitely worth a visit. While there might be occasional inconsistencies, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll likely enjoy a delicious meal. Just be mindful of potential variations in oyster taste or chowder spice.
Service (5.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
When it comes to service, theres a lot to love, with 77 positive remarks out of 141 total. Many guests celebrate the friendly staff and knowledgeable servers who provide excellent service and great recommendations. The service speed is often praised, and personal touches from the owner, Brian, and specific waitress MJ frequently make for a delightful visit.
However, the experience isnt always stellar, reflected in an average 5.9 score and mixed 54.6% customer satisfaction. With 60 negative comments, some patrons encountered rude staff and unprofessional behavior, including servers wearing AirPods. Issues like wait to take order and a lack of flexibility with policies also left a less-than-ideal impression.
Service
141
Reviews
54%
Satisfaction
60
negative
4
neutral
77
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, knowledgeable staff
- Excellent, quick service
- Attentive owner/manager
What people don't like
- Rude, unprofessional staff
- Slow service/wait times
- Server with AirPods
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at Emmett's this weekend was in their lovely courtyard, where I enjoyed raw oysters and a beer. The staff was very friendly and the service was speedy. The oysters themselves were delicious, very cold, and very fresh.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant was marred by an incredibly rude male waiter. I would recommend seeking out oysters elsewhere, as there are plenty of places in Seattle offering better food, better prices, and better staff. The reviews praising the oysters here likely have low standards, akin to thinking Kraft singles are a luxury cheese.
- serverIf you're searching for fresh, amazing quality oysters, this place is the hidden gem you want to find yourself at. Our server was great and provided us with a split of 6x6 on our dozen oysters, allowing us to try both recent batches. These oysters were an incredible value at only $2 each and were harvested the night before.
- waitresswe had a waitress who was the ABSOLUTE BEST and such a delight!!!
- ownerthe owners is kind, informative and thoughtful
- new ownernew owner Brian has taken things up a notch
- waiterWe found out later that our waiter, Brian, was the new owner who took over less than two months ago.
- MJMJ who was very accommodating
- ServiceService:5
- friendly folksfriendly folks will take care of everything
Frequently criticized
- serviceThe oysters and shrimp would have been better if they gave you enough cocktail sauce for both. When I went to the counter to ask for more, the girl preparing the plates just looked up at me and walked back into the kitchen. We won't ever be back and that makes us very sad.
- serverMy experience at this restaurant was unfortunately cut short. My party of 5 career professionals had to walk out before our order was even taken due to the server being extremely rude and unprofessional. This behavior was unprovoked and unlike anything I've encountered in my 45 years.
- staffeven shorter tempers from the staff they do have
- rudeso unprofessional and rude off the bat
- wait staffThe wait staff was lacking
- waitressUpon arriving with friends, we were excited to enjoy a meal together. However, our anticipation quickly turned sour when the waitress at the entrance refused to seat us, solely because I was holding a cake from another establishment. Despite explaining we had no intention of consuming it there, the waitress remained firm.
- 1 star reviews1 star reviews are ALL about this one server
- AirPodsguy server with AirPods in ruined the whole vibe
- Google hoursGoogle showing they were open until 7pm today, when we walked in, it was dark, locked and closed.
- attitudetried to ignore his attitude
Overall, service here can be a bit of a mixed bag. While you might encounter incredibly friendly staff and knowledgeable servers who enhance your visit, be aware that some experiences point to rude staff and slow service. Its worth a try if youre feeling lucky, but temper your expectations.
Ambience (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 44% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a highlight! With a solid score of 7.8 and customer satisfaction at a fantastic 84.5%, its clear most folks love the atmosphere. Out of 71 total comments, a whopping 60 rave about the welcoming atmosphere, charming outdoor patio, and its hidden gem character, making it a truly special place to unwind.
However, not every experience is perfect. A few of the 8 negative remarks mentioned minor issues like flies or finding the location a bit tricky. Some also felt it had a run-down feel, which occasionally impacted the overall vibe' for a small number of guests.
Ambience
71
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
8
negative
3
neutral
60
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Charming outdoor seating
- Unique character
What people don't like
- Hard to find
- Occasional flies
- Run-down feel
Often praised
- atmosphereThe crumbed fish was easily the best I've had in the USA, and after trying the crumbed shrimp, I regretted not ordering more of everything. Overall, it was a really lovely date with kind and thoughtful staff, good food, and a relaxed atmosphere.
- courtyardThe courtyard was sunny and nice and felt clean
- locationlocation is tucked away behind Pikes Place Market
- placegreat place, cutesy, and some aesthetic.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- crowdswe didn't really need to deal with a lot of crowds
- outdoor patiosat at the outdoor patio and it was such a comfortable, relaxing area
- sitting outsideEnjoyed our time sitting outside.
- Pike Placeeat in front of the pikes place on the water
- ambianceadded to the ambiance
Frequently criticized
- atmospherea run-down diner-like atmosphere
- fliesThere were some flies in the corner
- hours postedNo hours posted at restaurant
- lipstick marks on water cupFrom ripping the salt and pepper shakers out of my 4-year-old son's hands, to not saying a word and walking away, to taking my credit card and running it through and giving himself a 20% tip, our experience was awful. We also had a 4-inch hair on our lunch plate, a 4-inch hair in one of our soups, and lipstick marks on our water cup. How this place is still open is beyond me.
- locationKinda hard to find
- placeThe 1-star reviews are all about this one server, and they are not exaggerating. Stay away from this place for your own good, please. It was actually the lowest point of our trip in Seattle/Tacoma.
- umbrellawish the umbrella had been covering the sun more
- vibeguy server with AirPods in ruined the whole vibe
If you're looking for a spot with a unique, welcoming atmosphere and charming outdoor seating, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be aware it might be a little tucked away, but that often adds to its hidden gem appeal!
Value (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6.5 with a mixed customer satisfaction of 57.7%. Based on 26 customer remarks, with 15 positive and 8 negative, many patrons appreciate the overall prices and affordable seafood, often calling it a deal or noting the best price for certain items. However, not everyone agrees, as some found the experience expensive for the portion size, with a few feeling it was overpriced or that the price was simply too high for lunch.
It seems while some find great deals, others feel the cost doesn't quite match up to what they receive.
Value
26
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
8
negative
3
neutral
15
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Best oyster price
- Affordable seafood
- Reasonable prices
What people don't like
- Expensive for portions
- Overpriced items
- High lunch cost
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was marred by an incredibly rude male waiter. I would recommend seeking out oysters elsewhere, as there are plenty of places in Seattle offering better food, better prices, and better staff. The reviews praising the oysters here likely have low standards, akin to thinking Kraft singles are a luxury cheese.
- price” Thankfully, the friendly waitress from my first visit stepped in and helped me. While the oysters were delicious and reasonably priced, the other waitress's behavior made me feel extremely uncomfortable. This experience ruined the last day of my Seattle trip, and I have no desire to return.
- affordable seafoodMy experience at Emmet Watson's Oyster Bar, tucked deep in Pike Place, was one of finding delectable, affordable seafood eats. The outdoor seating is charming, though small.
- best priceseemed to be the best price available at the moment
- dealThe food is very good, the prices are very reasonable, and the service is always excellent. It's definitely one of the best places to eat seafood in Seattle now and absolutely the best deal in the market, hands down!
- great pricessurprisingly great prices
- price for oystersBest price for oysters! $2 all day really can't be beat.
- price per personPrice per person:$20–30
- pricinggeneral menu fare and pricing. It is absolutely very reasonable
Frequently criticized
- priceThe price and service was in the seatllesphere. High.
- expensiveoysters were expensive
- lunch36 bucks total for a lunch is high
- portion sizefelt like it was expensive for the portion size
- small businessSave your money for another small business that actually deserves it.
- tipTip 20% on food total at 27.25 was in error
- weigh ittold they weigh it. Really 😩 no restaurant of any class sells a chicken meal by the weight
If youre seeking out specific deals, especially on oysters, you might find excellent value here. However, be mindful that for other menu items or if youre sensitive to portion sizes, you might find the prices a bit steep.
How are the prices at Emmett Watson's Oyster Bar?
You’re looking at roughly 30 per person – reported by 55 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, most prices cluster around this $21–$30 sweet spot, with a good chunk also opting for slightly lower $11–$20 options, showing a nice mix of choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 55 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Restaurant in Seattle. It offers good value without breaking the bank, especially with a decent spread of options.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Emmett Watson's Oyster Bar
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Stellar Bloody Mary and Fresh Seafood!
I had a fantastic experience at this restaurant! They now have a liquor license and offer a stellar Bloody Mary. I also enjoyed their snow crab leg and shrimp with fresh garlic.
The mix was perfect, with a cool, nice garlic effervescence. The Oyster Bar Special was also recommended.
- Bloody Mary10
- snow crab leg and shrimp9
- garlic effervescence9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Amazing Oysters and Po'Boys!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic, especially considering the best price for oysters I've encountered. The '$2 all day' deal is unbeatable. Our server was incredibly friendly and engaging.
I highly recommend ordering the Po'Boys; my Louisiana girlfriend confirmed they are the best she's had outside of the South.
- price for oysters10
- server9
- Po'Boys10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Stellar Service and Delicious Oysters!
My first time in Seattle was made exceptional by this restaurant! I want to give a special shout out to MJ, who was incredibly accommodating. The service was stellar, and the oysters were delicious!
- service10
- oysters10
- MJ10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Happy Hour and Food
I came in for the happy hour menu that was advertised on the website, but was disappointed to find out it wasn't available. The food was mediocre at best. I recommend updating the website so customers know what to expect.
- happy hour menu2
- food2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Amazing Hidden Gem with Great Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant was amazing. My wife and I split the fish and chips, and it was truly wonderful. The service was also awesome.
They keep things simple and do it right. This place deserves your business for its great food, affordable prices, and great vibes. What more could you ask for?
- fish and chips9
- service10
- food9
What Emmett Watson's Oyster Bar offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at Emmett Watson's Oyster Bar?
You can expect a cozy and casual atmosphere at Emmett Watson’s Oyster Bar. For dining, you have options for lunch, dinner, and dessert with comfortable seating and table service. It’s a great spot for a quick bite or a more leisurely meal in Belltown.
What service options and accessibility features does Emmett Watson's Oyster Bar offer?
Emmett Watson’s Oyster Bar offers outdoor seating, dine-in, and takeout service. For accessibility, you’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit. You can also enjoy their bar onsite, which features a great beer selection and happy hour drinks.
How is Emmett Watson's Oyster Bar rated overall?
Emmett Watson’s Oyster Bar has an overall score of 7.3. Its Food (7.9) and Ambience (7.8) are highly regarded, while Value (6.5) and Service (5.9) are considered average.
What are the standout menu items at Emmett Watson's Oyster Bar?
Customers frequently praise the fresh and delicious oysters, with many also highlighting the clam chowder and fish and chips as excellent choices.
Are there any common issues visitors should be aware of?
Some visitors have reported inconsistent service, with instances of rude staff. There have also been occasional concerns about food quality, such as not-fresh fish or room-temperature chowder, and some find certain items expensive.