Salty's on Alki

Salty's on Alki offers the best view and the best brunch in Seattle. Those two points are as close to universally accepted as it gets. The menu of the iconic Seattle restaurant isn't as "inventive" as some of the newer spots around town, but it also comes across as confident and unpretentious; making a meal there a nice experience for pretty much anyone. Salty's is also a great place for special occasions and entertaining out-of-towners. You'll get friendly service and good food with great view.

Salty's on Alki Basics:
Salty's on Alki is located in West Seattle at:

Salty's on Alki
1936 Harbor Ave. SW
Seattle, WA 98126
(206) 937-1600
Reservations at OpenTable.com

• Brunch: Sunday, 9am-2pm; Saturday, 9am-1:30pm
• Lunch: Monday–Friday, 11am-3pm
• Tea Time (aka Late Lunch): Monday–Friday, 2pm-5pm
• Dinner: Monday–Thursday, 5pm-9:30pm; Friday, 5pm-10pm; Saturday, 4pm-10pm; Sunday, 4:15pm-9pm
  (Note: Salty's closes 30 minutes earlier, Monday–Saturday in the Winter)
• Happy Hour: Monday–Saturday, 4pm-6pm
• Cuisine: Seafood and Steak
• Cost: Dinner with an appetizer, one drink, and dessert is about $65 before tax and tip.
• Full bar service, wine list
• All major credit cards accepted

Salty's Overview

Salty's on Alki has been a mainstay on the Seattle fine dining scene since the mid-'80s. The landmark restaurant has remained successful over time with consistent quality and good food, and the view doesn't hurt either. What Salty's lacks in innovation, it more than makes up for by offering exactly what it promises: really good seafood and steaks in a comfortable, classy environment that everyone will enjoy.

The view of Downtown Seattle is unchallenged as the best anywhere in the city. As the sun goes down, it shines back across Elliot Bay offering up the most stunning view of the Seattle Skyline centered almost directly on the midpoint between the Space Needle and Columbia Tower, as the backdrop for the boats and ferries cruising between Seattle and the surrounding islands.

Salty's Starters

If you don't like seafood, then you're at the wrong place. While possible to manage a complete meal sans seafood, it isn't recommended. The East vs. West Crab Cakes are very good, but if I had a do-over, I would surprisingly go with a double order of the Blue Crab cakes only over the Dungeness. The starters menu is fairly typical: clams and mussels in white wine, coconut-flaked tiger prawns, crab and shrimp cocktails, crispy calamari, crab and artichoke dip, and oysters on the half shell. All made with top quality seafood and executed well.

For larger parties, it is probably just easiest to order the Grand Seafood Platter (serves 4-6). For $69.95 you get Salmon Lox, Chilled Prawns, Raw Oysters on the Half Shell, Dungeness Crab, Alaskan King Crab Legs, Marinated Manila Clams and Blue Lip Mussels, Baby Octopus Salad, and Hawaiian Ahi Tuna. It's quite the spread and gives you an idea of what to expect during the weekend brunch.

The Main Course at Salty's

The two best times to head to any Seattle seafood restaurant are during halibut season and when the Copper River Salmon arrive. Salty's is no exception to that rule. While the standard dinner menu offers a solid collection of seafood standards, it is the market sheet that really shines.

We had the opportunity to dine at Salty's just as halibut season began. Alki Executive Chef Jeremy McLachlan has created some inventive halibut dishes, including an exceptional Pan Seared Halibut Oscar as well as Oven Baked Halibut in Kumquat Butter and Coriander Crusted Halibut. Any of them are worth trying, but the Oscar is the real standout.

The market sheet is the place to try something more inventive, while the regular menu is the place to look for consistently tasty classic seafood preparations. Salty's also features USDA Prime Steaks and Certified Angus Beef, but I couldn't bring myself to pass up on the outstanding seafood selection.

Salty's Desserts

I don't know who has room for the Ooey Gooey Sundae – four scoops of vanilla ice cream, strawberry, fudge and caramel sauce, brownies and bananas, but I am sure a few diners could manage a way to share it. White Chocolate Grand Marnier Cheesecake and The Best Chocolate Cake Ever are popular options. I really prefer the homemade ice cream and sorbet after a nice seafood dinner, especially if the weather is nice.