Highlights
- Great beer selection
oChef » The Salty Shack – Seattle
The Salty Shack - Seattle
Photo from The Salty Shack
The Salty Shack at a glance
Seattle Wallingford
- 🥪 Sandwich Shop
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 13 of the guests
#589 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#4 Sandwich Shop out of 23 in Seattle
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
202
Reviews
69.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Lively atmosphere
- Great service
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Inconsistent food
- Long waits
The restaurant The Salty Shack is a vibrant sandwich shop nestled in Seattle’s charming Wallingford neighborhood. You’ll discover a casual yet trendy spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Beyond its delicious sandwiches, you’ll appreciate the truly great beer selection, making it an ideal destination for happy hour drinks or a late-night food craving. With options for everyone, including vegan and vegetarian choices, it’s a welcoming place for all.
Overview: Introducting The Salty Shack
The Salty Shack offers a mixed bag, with many guests praising their hearty sandwiches and well-prepared fries. Their cocktails also stand out as a strong point.
However, some food items, like the bacon or bread, have occasionally missed the mark, leading to less satisfying experiences. Beyond the plate, the vibrant atmosphere and engaging staff contribute positively to the visit, often providing friendly customer service.
Yet, there are instances where waiting time can be extended, and the nature of their takeout service has led to some feeling a lack of direct interaction.
Good
7
out of 10
202
Reviews
69.3%
Satisfaction
57
negative
5
neutral
140
positive
The Salty Shack earns a solid 7 out of 10, indicating a generally good experience. However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 69.3%, suggesting that while many are pleased, there’s still room for improvement.
This assessment comes from a substantial 202 customer opinions. Diving deeper, the Ambience (7.9) and Food (7.3) are clear strengths, with 140 positive remarks highlighting these aspects.
Service (6.8) also performs well. The primary challenge appears to be Value (3.1), which garners a significant portion of the 57 negative comments, indicating concerns about pricing relative to the offering.
What people like
- Delicious sandwiches, fries
- Lively bar atmosphere
- Friendly, quick service
What people don't like
- High prices for quality
- Inconsistent food preparation
- Extended waiting times
The Salty Shack presents a compelling case for a casual outing, particularly if you’re seeking a lively spot with good sandwiches and cocktails. While the atmosphere and staff generally impress, be mindful that the overall value might not always align with expectations.
With a recommendation score of 7.2, it’s worth considering if you prioritize a fun environment and specific menu items. If price sensitivity or consistent food quality are your main concerns, you might find the experience a bit uneven.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Salty Shack
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the grub! Overall, the food here gets a pretty solid thumbs-up, with a score of 7.3 and customer satisfaction sitting at a good 72.9%. Out of 133 customer comments, a whopping 97 were positive, highlighting delicious sandwiches, amazing cocktails, and those to-die-for tots and perfectly seasoned fries.
It seems like the kitchen really knows how to deliver tasty and fresh options. However, its not all smooth sailing, with 32 negative comments pointing out some bumps in the road. Some folks weren't thrilled with the tiny portions, and there were a few unfortunate mentions of quality issues like hair in food.
Dry bread and limited vegetarian options also popped up as areas where things could be improved.
Food
133
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
32
negative
4
neutral
97
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious sandwiches
- Amazing cocktails
- Tots are fantastic
What people don't like
- Tiny portions
- Quality issues (hair)
- Limited vegetarian options
Often praised
- foodbest food in Wallingford! Hot, fresh, and always fantastic!
- friesThe sandwiches are huge, and they come with a TON of fries. The chicken tenders are great and LOADED with even more fries. The fries are thick-cut, seasoned well, golden crisp on the outside, and soft inside.
- sandwichesThe sandwiches were a good size, very tasty and filling.
- tater totstater tots and onion rings, all tasty and fresh
- totsThose tots… let’s just say they speak for themselves.
- Seattle DogSeattle Dog, but now that I see another reviewer point out that it was delicious
- All Aboard sandwichtried the "All Aboard" sandwich and found it to be solid
- Catamaran sandwichorder the "Catamaran", and have a delicious sandwich
- cocktailThank you for adapting to the times! Every single cocktail is great, I have only tried a few, but I can still say without a doubt they must all be great. 17/10 stars.
- cocktailsdope cocktails
Frequently criticized
- baconThe bacon was either microwaved or had sat out for hours
- breadthe bread was dry and falling apart
- foodI do not recommend this location. We spent a $60 tab only to end up cooking at home because the food was so unappetizing and unfilling. I wouldn't have minded the cost if the food had been better.
- BLT with cheese and avocado20$ for a blt with cheese and avocado maybe the size of my hand
- Big Sur sandwichBoth of them were in the sandwich with a hair!!
- Chicago style hotdogshotdogs had over-sized, thick sliced tomatoes on top
- avocadopathetic smear of light green that was supposedly avocado
- chiliBest thing on the menu was the chili. I mourn that the chili is gone
- chili cheese totsThe absolute best thing on the menu was the chili. I truly mourn that the chili is gone, taking with it the chili cheese tots and chili-dog. However, the pretzel and queso are great.
- chili-dogtaking with it the chili-dog
If you're craving a delicious sandwich, some great cocktails, or fantastic tots, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that portions might be on the smaller side, and if you have specific dietary needs like vegetarian or vegan, you might find the options a bit limited.
Service (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
Based on 34 comments, with 23 positive and 10 negative, many customers highlight the friendly staff , talented bartender and kitchen staff , and quick customer service . Guests appreciated fast pick up and polite interactions, contributing to an average score of 6.8. Despite the positives, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 67.6%.
Some found ordering a hassle, experienced long waiting times , and noted issues with customer service for takeout, with staff sometimes appearing too busy or unhelpful.
Service
34
Reviews
67%
Satisfaction
10
negative
1
neutral
23
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, quick service
- Talented, sweet staff
- Fast prep and pickup
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Ordering is a hassle
- Poor takeout service
Often praised
- foodgot our food in like 10 mins
- servicecanned one right then and there and threw in an extra can
- staffthe best staff in the city
- bartenderThe bartender and kitchen staff are super talented and sweet
- better teamMy experience was fantastic! The amazing product and the even better team are helping revive iconic 45th street in Wallingford. I absolutely cannot wait to see the full opening and the success they will have!
- bouncersGreat bouncers
- coming backDefinitely coming back tomorrow.
- customer serviceyou'll receive friendly, quick customer service
- dudethe dude was super chill
- kitchen staffThe bartender and kitchen staff are super talented and sweet
Frequently criticized
- customer serviceTo make matters worse, I found 2 hairs in my sandwich and my partner found hairs in their wrap. While the person who handed me my food was polite, there is no customer service to speak of due to the nature of the takeout kiosk.
- deliveryNo more delivery :((((((((((((((((((((((
- food statusHad to constantly check in with the bouncer on the status of my food
- hoursterrible hours with 2p opening
- online ordermade me do an online order
- orderingmade it a huge hassle to order
- sidenever got the side that comes with the sandwich
- staffbasically told they were too busy, not enough room, staff
- takeoutDon't bother ordering takeout unless you leave a huge tip.
- waiting timeWaited 35 minutes on a dead night
If youre looking for quick service and friendly staff for a dine-in experience, youll likely be pleased. However, be prepared for potential waiting times or ordering frustrations, especially if you're planning on takeout or have specific hours in mind.
Ambience (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 31% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, this spot is definitely hitting some high notes! With a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at a strong 85.7%, its clear many folks are loving the atmosphere. Guests rave about the great bar integration, charming holiday window decorations, and the clever pickup window setup.
Plus, its described as sparkling clean, adding to the overall positive energy, based on 18 positive remarks. However, it's not entirely perfect. A few of the 21 customer remarks, specifically 3, pointed out some areas for improvement.
Concerns included a lack of dry seating, especially on rainy days, and a general absence of activity or people, making the place feel a bit quiet. Some felt it really needs the bar to be fully operational to make sense.
Ambience
21
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great bar integration
- Charming decorations
- Sparkling clean
What people don't like
- Limited dry seating
- Lack of activity
- Bar needs presence
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food was delicious every time. I was also impressed by the great bouncers and the great atmosphere. The people were nice, and I especially appreciated the most economical to go packaging I've ever seen.
- BINGOplaying BINGO!
- barthe bar is dope
- bar integrationGreat integration with the bar
- best barBest bar in Seattle reborn
- brandingAnd the branding is just perfect
- decorationsI was able to walk up, order the "Catamaran" sandwich, and receive a delicious meal in just a few minutes. For a new establishment, the pickup window setup and decorations are amazing! They have a giant sign displaying their sandwich and hotdog menu, along with additional signs for to-go beer and cocktails, which makes it easy to social-distance and plan my order.
- energyIncredible energy on a Monday night
- funbringing the fun to dinner and snack time
- holiday window decorationsIf you visit in person, you'll receive friendly, quick customer service. While waiting, you can enjoy the gorgeous holiday window decorations or stay warm in the covered waiting area. The Salty Shack is definitely setting itself apart from other walk-up/to-go bars and eateries.
Frequently criticized
- activitylack of people or activity
- barthis place needs the bar or else it doesn’t make sense.
- seatingI left feeling pretty underwhelmed. Perhaps it was the rainy Saturday, or the lack of dry seating, people, or activity. There was no sign the place was awake, save for a bare touchscreen.
If youre looking for a place with a great atmosphere, especially if the bar is integrated and you appreciate thoughtful decor and cleanliness, youll likely enjoy it. Just be aware that on quieter days or if you're seeking a bustling scene with ample seating, it might feel a bit underwhelming.
Value (3.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
When it comes to value, a couple of customers did find some things to appreciate, specifically noting the reasonable prices for the quality and the incredibly economical to-go packaging. Out of 14 total customer comments, 2 positive remarks highlight these aspects, suggesting that some patrons found specific elements to be a good deal. However, the overall sentiment for value is quite challenging, with a score of just 3.1 (considered poor) and customer satisfaction at a low 14.3%.
The overwhelming majority of 12 negative comments point to concerns about the high sandwich price, the cost of a Red Bull, and a general feeling of being overpriced, leading many to question the business model.
Value
14
Reviews
14%
Satisfaction
12
negative
0
neutral
2
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Economical packaging
What people don't like
- Overpriced items
- High sandwich cost
- Poor value for money
Often praised
- pricesExtremely reasonable prices for the quality
- to go packagingI was also impressed by the great bouncers and the great atmosphere. The people were nice, and I especially appreciated the most economical to go packaging I've ever seen. It was amazing how they fit four sandwiches, 4 tots, and a boatload of sauce into it!
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by its terrible hours, with a 2 PM opening time for a sandwich shop. While the $15 sandwich itself wasn't terrible, its quality was about on par with Subway. I also found the inclusion of goldfish crackers to be cheap and kitschy, especially for someone with a child.
- tipmaybe tip better and we might consider your order
- Red BullA can of red bull is 6 dollars
- business modelInteresting business model, not impressed 🤔
- pricesslightly disappointed they raised their prices
- sandwich pricea sandwich is going to run you AT MINIMUM 15-20 dollars
- vegetarian sandwichover priced
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for prices that many find steep for what you get. While a few appreciate the reasonable quality for the cost and clever packaging, the general consensus is that its often overpriced. Go in with realistic expectations about the cost, especially for sandwiches and drinks.
How are the prices at The Salty Shack?
On average, you’ll spend around 25 per person – from 13 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $21–$30 category. For a Sandwich Shop, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
While the average is 25, it’s interesting to see that most guests actually spend in the $11–$20 bracket, with fewer in the $21–$30 range. This suggests a nice mix of options, from more budget-friendly to some premium choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 13 reviews.
How this Sandwich Shop’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Considering the variety, we feel the pricing is fair for this type of Sandwich Shop. It offers flexibility, allowing guests to choose between more budget-friendly and premium options.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Salty Shack
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
3
Underwhelmed by Hotdog and Soda
I left feeling pretty underwhelmed. Perhaps it was the rainy Saturday, or the lack of dry seating, people, or activity. There was no sign the place was awake, save for a bare touchscreen.
My $20 hotdog and soda combo was tasty enough, but something was definitely missing. This place needs a bar to make sense.
- hotdog and soda combo5
- touchscreen5
- seating2
- activity2
- bar2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Expensive and Unappetizing Meal
My experience at this restaurant was genuinely bad. I do not recommend this location. We spent a $60 tab only to end up cooking at home because the food was so unappetizing and unfilling.
I wouldn't have minded the cost if the food had been better. Be aware that a sandwich here costs AT MINIMUM $15-20 and is not very good. A small can of Red Bull is $6.
The bread was untoasted and crumbly, filled with grocery store ingredients. To make matters worse, I found 2 hairs in my sandwich and my partner found hairs in their wrap. While the person who handed me my food was polite, there is no customer service to speak of due to the nature of the takeout kiosk.
- person who handed food8
- food1
- sandwich1
- hairs1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Takeout
2
Quality Drop and Inconvenient Experience
I used to frequent this restaurant, but it had been a while since my last visit. Unfortunately, I felt the quality had dropped since the last time I had one of their sandwiches. The bread they're using is super dry and honestly just not good at all; it tasted like the cheapest white bread.
The sandwich also had a ton of mayo-type dressing, which was odd considering it also came with a dipping sauce. I'd prefer to choose my own spread for the sandwich, as dipping it into a tiny cup isn't very convenient. The sandwich contents were also concentrated in the middle, leaving the outer portions mostly bread, which was a bummer.
To top it off, I never received the side that was supposed to come with the sandwich, presumably forgotten in my to-go bag. I believe a few changes to address these issues could significantly improve the experience.
- sandwich dressing5
- quality2
- bread1
- dipping sauce3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Tots and Great Experience
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The tots were absolutely incredible, truly speaking for themselves. The kitchen did a great job overall, and the service and atmosphere were also top-notch, both receiving a perfect 5/5 rating.
It was a truly enjoyable dining experience.
- tots10
- kitchen9
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Talented Staff, Dope Bar, Fire Food!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's surprising this place doesn't have a higher rating. The bartender and kitchen staff are incredibly talented and sweet.
The bar itself is dope, and the bar food is fire. 🔥 The club sandwich and chili were so good.
- bartender10
- kitchen staff10
- bar9
What The Salty Shack offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at The Salty Shack in Wallingford?
At The Salty Shack, you can enjoy a casual and trendy atmosphere with various dining options. Whether you’re looking for lunch, dinner, or a quick bite, you’ll find seating available, including outdoor seating. They also offer convenient takeout and delivery services, and the entire venue is wheelchair accessible, ensuring comfort for everyone.
Does The Salty Shack cater to different dietary needs and offer amenities?
Absolutely! The Salty Shack provides excellent vegan and vegetarian options, alongside a great beer selection, wine, coffee, and cocktails. You’ll also find free Wi-Fi and clean restrooms. If you’re planning an event, catering services are available, and they even have a kids’ menu, making it a family-friendly spot where dogs are also allowed outside.
What is the overall rating for The Salty Shack?
The Salty Shack holds a 7 out of 10, with Customer Satisfaction at 69.3%. While Food (7.3), Ambience (7.9), and Service (6.8) are generally well-regarded, Value (3.1) is a notable area for improvement.
What do customers enjoy most about The Salty Shack?
Many patrons appreciate the delicious sandwiches and fries, along with the vibrant atmosphere and cocktails. The staff also receives praise for their friendly and quick customer service.
Are there any common concerns about The Salty Shack?
Some customers have noted issues with food consistency, such as dry bread or small portions. The prices are also a point of contention, with some finding them high for the perceived quality, and waiting time can be a concern.