My lovely wife and I had a wonderful visit to the Salt Cellar for happy hour. It was our first visit to the restaurant and we were very excited to try a place celebrated for great seafood. While waiting to get in, we met some fun ladies who explained they had been going there for some 15 years and that it was their favorite meet up spot. We were definitely encouraged now. On opening we found comfortable seats by the bar and ordered some drinks. My wife found a nice Moscato which is her favorite and I was a bit challenged by the large selection but decided on a Cellar Ice Tea. Both were delicious. We were not planning on a meal, but rather browsing through the happy hour and bar specialties. We had the Tempura Cod, Clam Chowder and Scallops amongst other offerings. The food was fresh and delicious. We loved every platter. Honestly we ate too much, but my wife and I lived in Florida for over 20 years before moving out here over 10 years ago, so finding good seafood was worthy of a celebration. The overall environment was excellent. The bar itself is beautiful and the seats are comfortable. The selection of drinks is tremendous and will take you a while to sort through. The Happy Hour offerings are vast and the quality was excellent. One of the fun things about our experience were the bar tenders, two delightful young ladies who were full of smiles and joyous laughter. It's really uplifting to see people who are working hard yet filling the air with happy banter and spreading that feeling to everyone there. Suffice to say the service was above and beyond expectations. Just wonderful. So our first impression of Salt Cellar is excellent, and we are wondering why we didn't try it sooner. I can easily recommend them to anyone who needs a great seafood fix. Now that we know where to go, we will be back soon! read more

Was there for my wifes 80th birthday on the 21st. The food was just ok. My lobster was rather chewy as was the wifes grouper. The honey glazed carrots were just plain small carrots and way undercooked. Not real impressed especially with the price. Have gotten better lobster at Red Lobster and much less expensive. Service was excellent as was the Ambiance. read more

First time to the salt cellar. I liked the vibe as it's underground and cozy atmosphere. Food was excellent. I had the one and a half pound stuff lobster, which the waiter cracked and prepared at the table side. Shrimp appetizer was tasty with a special dipping sauce. we also had the scallops which were to die for. Overall very good experience. Highly recommend. Will go back and try their happy hour as they have a very nice bar area. read more

The best restaurant I have been to in a long time! The food was outstanding! So many choices!!! Our waiter, Robert, was fantastic. Very helpful. Attentive. And knowledgeable! The ambiance was great. We had a wonderful celebration for our anniversary! Thank you! read more

I'd been here before a few years ago. It was good then but tonight was disappointing. I ordered Halibut cheeks. They were dry and mealy. I know fish can be tricky to cook, but this is a seafood restaurant. A tell here is that they have a whole section of menu focused on chicken and fish. Give it a miss. read more

Looks old and worn. The quality of the food was poor at best. Sharp decline since my last visit several years ago. Lobster was hard and felt as if it had been reheated. What a huge disappointment this visit was. You lost me as a client. Sorry, not sorry. Our server was very nice. The décor love oks like it has been there sine 1971. read more

For those who haven't been here before, this is a very unusual place. After entering the front door, you walk down 3 flights of stairs to arrive at the greeting station. The 3 of us were seated at a table, drink orders taken. My brother and I had Harvey Wallbangers to start. Pretty good! Our appetizer, steamed clams in a bacon, dashi broth, were delicious. Plentiful portion. Wife had the crab cakes, baked potato and carrots. Enjoyed, but wished for more lumps of crab in the cakes. Brother and I had Alaskan King Crab. We agreed, best crab ever. 1 1/2 lb. Portion was all I could possibly want. Fresh, sweet, perfectly cooked, and our outstanding Waiter cracked them for us at the table. Service, and I rarely if ever have said this, was Superb! Rolls and butter kept supplied, drinks replenished. No rush at all, leisurely, relaxed and friendly. Complimentary dessert for my Birthday, a "Snickers" cheesecake. Pretty good. Wife's carrot cake was delicious. So, food was excellent, service was outstanding. Rather pricey, but that goes with the territory. Sorry, no pictures, too busy enjoying a fine meal. Thanks Brother, sorry about those beatings when you were little! read more

First off really wanted to love this place. The atmosphere is very cool, the service is good. However there is a huge problem with the quality of the food. 4 people = $500, so I am expecting well prepared food that's properly cooked. One of my friends sent his plate back, my lobster was chewy, I mean I'm not trying to be a pain but come on. Just saying this place was an unfortunate let down. It is cool, but no where near the quality it needs to be to be priced the way it is. Sorry guys I did like your oysters, and service was good but there needs to be some adjusting here on how your food get prepared and tastes, just being honest. read more

Service was good but food was terrible. We sat at the Bar for happy hour. The Oysters Rockefeller were a big disappointment. The spinach was mushy, appeared to be frozen, cheese was not good quality. Normally Oysters Rockefeller has onions, garlic and breadcrumbs. The ones we received were bland with pieces of the rock salt mixed in. The bucket of Littleneck clams had four clams that did not open. The Clams were extremely small and did not appear to be fresh. The Shrimp cocktail was overcooked, tough and rubbery. It was a disappointing long drive for a special occasion. We went here years ago and the food was excellent at that time. read more

As the crow flies I live about a half mile from what is the best restaurant in the neighborhood. I have been patronizing this place since the mid 80's and still remember the late night drum solo's off the bottles behind the bar. It was always late in the evening and sometime symbolized last call. I think it was about 12:30 back then. The bar has always been my favorite spot, and throughout the years has always been a very friendly place, with bartenders who knew how to serve when needed and be a buddy when that is needed too. These bartenders have never shied away from conversation, and I dont believe have ever forgotten a fork. Clam Chowder, Shrimp San Remo and Sourdough with butter has always been my favorite meal, but in the dining rooms they serve up great fresh lobster and Jumbo king crab, and they are always happy to crack the shells at the table for you. A list of about a dozen fresh fish await your purview as you come down the stairs. Service is top notch, yet friendly and casual enough. It never seems rushed or inattentive, and sadly that is becoming more of the norm, even at nicer places. It's not inexpensive but the value is there so dont be afraid to enter and descend to one of the most hospitable dining spots in The Valley. read more

Food was really good. The environment was really nice and different from other restaurants which I enjoyed. Only complaint I would have is with my shrimp scampi I ordered I asked for a potato and not rice but I did end up enjoying the rice so it's okay. The waitress was very good at keeping up with us as well. read more

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I've been enjoying The Salt Cellar 2 to 3 times a year for nearly 20 years. Unfortunately, the quality has dropped significantly, while the prices have skyrocketed. I paid $75 for a steak that I would expect to get at Denny's. $60 for micro-scallops that tasted like they came out of a microwave. For the first time in 20 years, I truly feel ripped off. The ambiance and service is still good; but if the food quality and value is this bad, nothing else really matters. RIP Salt Cellar. read more

Had dinner with friends last night and it was delicious, everyone was friendly and courteous, our waiter Ron was wonderful. The mood is very smooth there, quiet, but not pretentious. read more

For seafood it's probably your best option here in the valley. Otherwise nothing to great about the place. It definitely screams 1970 inside. The service was amazing the food was good. I highly recommend the crab cakes, the best we have ever had. The fried shrimp was not that great, crab legs are crab legs, the calamari was very bland and no flavor unless you used salt, pepper and lemon. Overall we were satisfied with our choice. The rolls are ehhhhh read more

As new residents of Tempe, we had to experience this historic local's favorite dinner spot for seafood. The place is definitely uniquely Arizona and I recommend all locals should visit at least once. If you're visiting AZ, I'd skip it. The service is exceptional and the drink prices were very reasonable. The food is expensive and it was not worth it. Especially the sad salad they give you with every entree. It seemed like it came from a bag with no life in it. Just plain lettuce and maybe a carrot? The dressing was great but still barely made the salad worth eating. The baked potato was cooked to death as was the soggy broccoli. It felt more like wedding food then what you would expect for a fancy night out. read more

Great service amazing sea food and a really cool atmosphere! Lobster and crab cakes! Best old fashioned drinks

My sweetheart always says I want to take you there every time we drive by the Salt Cellar so I finally said let's go! We went with another couple and had a great time. It really is a cellar and everything is below street level. The food is amazing as is the service. We all tried different things and were extremely pleased with how good everything was. I highly recommend the Salt Cellar. read more

I wanted to try this place for years but every time I go it's so busy Someone went this time and then told me it's a 10 minute wait I was super excited So the cocktail server came 1st came 1st I didn't want anything to drink so she got kind of a nasty attitude is the attitude Ask her for water and she says I do not get water you need to talk to your server for that How's it going So I got the new server that was training and no he had no idea what was going on which is going on but it's fine so his trainer came she was OK Anytime I ask how something was it's the best nothing they had was bad I ordered the snails which were great love the butter On them but they didn't have the right bread for it She highly recommended the stuffed lobster is lobster which I was not impressed it's not impressed super dry His lobster was so overcooked so were the scallops didn't care for the breading Another person got shrimp they were overcooked and tough I ordered the cream bulee it was Horrible it tasted like vanilla vanilla jello that they Is torched sugar on top Not sure for just me Or what I ordered The place was still pretty busy I might give it a chance I don't know I was as really unhappy with the place read more

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We have been going to this restaurant for years last night will be the last time I had the grouper 51.00 and my husband has the halibut 53.00 both were over cooked and We were told Fish was flown in just today well we know frozen fish we we get it So very sad read more

So can't write a review on the food or service but am going to say that I am very disappointed. I thought about not posting anything but can't hold back my vent. I called last week to make a reservation for Thursday evening at 730 for a party of 4. This was for my 19th anniversary ( and informed them) Got it on the books. Thursday they even called me to confirm my reservation. We arrive at 715 to check in, 750 we left and still had not been seated. If I have a reservation, you call me to confirm, and don't seat us, you've got to be kidding me. I am sorry but I will never return, and yes I will spread the word. read more

Moved here 4 years ago. I've passed many times with high hopes to try. We skipped angry crab to come here. We started getting nervous hearing the people next to us complaining about their meal. My husband ordered salmon Wellington dry flavorless. Myself, I order the "sushi grade" ahi. Mine was so salty I had to drowned it in lemon to get some of it down. The best part was about half way thru our salads the server came up and said your food is in the window did you want me to take your plates. As we are still eating... well sure I guess since You're already grabbing for them. Then we waited 15 more minutes for our dinner. Server came up and said she was so embarrassed. She thought it was our food. "My bad haha" weird. For the prices paid. We won't be back. Spend the 150-200 somewhere else read more

The place it's really nice !!! Love the underground style. My friend and I sit at the bar , I had a super delicious French Martíni ! The bartender was great Rachel ! read more

Salt Cellar - French Martini - Seafood Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

Words cannot express the experience of dining here. Top notch on the entire experience. Highly recommend for a special occasion. Amazing. Everything was cooked to perfection. read more

I took my wife for our wedding anniversary and had a great meal. One of the best I've had in a long time. Service was also over the top. Just wished they had a better local craft beer selection. We will definitely be back! read more

We went for dinner with my family last night and it was phenomenal. Being a new Englander I know good seafood and this is the best in the valley. The four of us started with some cocktails. The wine list here is outstanding. My sister-in-law had the French kiss martini she loved it. You have a waitress and a cocktail server which is so smart. This for sure keeps they Beverages flowing which is nice. We all had soup most of us had the white chowder and my brother had the red. I make the best chowder so I thought lol. This is the best New England chowder I have ever had. Next we had the San Reno's sautéed shrimp and the shrimp cocktail. Both are really good but the cocktail was the best. For entrees my sister in law had the kind Salmon Oscar style she loved it. The rest of us had the bakes stuffed lobster!!! It was soooo good and stuffed with a crab stuffing with George Banks sea scallops. No joke mine had like 8 sea scallops stuffed in there . Finally for dessert we had the snickers cheesecake and the chocolate cake. This place is hand down the best seafood in the west coast !!! The staff is also top notch!!! read more

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I have been coming here for as long as I can remember. I have alot of fond memories of this place, but it seems like the more I come the more inconsistent food has become, as well as service. Every time my honey and I come in, the two of us always spend about $200+, without drinks. That just shows how much of fattys we are. We always order the fried oyster meal as an appetizer, and they were always BIG FAT JUICY oysters, but the last three times we've gone, they have been maybe the size of quarters and only 5-6 of them. I asked our server the last time we went if the oysters go by pieces or ounces and she said ounces, so I told her we have been getting skimmed then and she said sometimes the chefs get busy and just "give you whatever." NEAT! Then the last two times we went, they didn't have anymore 3lb lobsters for the stuffed lobster so that was a bummer... Oh and DO NOT get the stuffed Jalapeños.. A SERVER TOLD US THEY WERE BIG AND DELICIOUS... mehhh my three year old could make better ones.. Service is subpar at most nowadays, and definitely not attentive. I literally watched bussers, maybe servers clear off a whole table, while that table went to the bathroom, then the server for that table freaked out and yelled at them for clearing it when customers were still eating. LOL! read more

We celebrated my wife's birthday last Saturday 4/30. A fabulous restaurant built under ground. Three staircases will lead you to the Cellar which is heaven on earth. If you want a great meal with superb service, the Salt Cellar Restaurant is calling you. We started with a crab cake which was the best I've had in many years. The salads were served on chilled plates. I ordered the Baked Stuffed Shrimp which was served very hot--temperature wise--. My wife ordered the Grilled Swordfish, again everything was hot. For desert, Crème Brûlée was ordered. Loved the top as once we broke thru the melted sugar, it was wonderful. Due to the pricing, I don't see the Salt Cellar opening in our current location any time soon. Dinner for two ran $175 + tax & tip. read more

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Living on it's Laurels... The Salt Cellar is unique and legendary for its longevity in south Scottsdale, plus the whole fresh seafood in the desert thing. While the subterranean setting is part of the appeal and charm, the furniture and fixtures were in need of a refresh ten years ago. On the night that we were there, there were 10-20 minute lags and lapses in the service. Waiting for drink refills, waiter to return to take order, etc.. The food ranged from excellent to meh. The oysters Rockefeller, scallops, and some of the sides were exceptional, while the side filet would have been a reject at the Golden Corral. Prices are lower than other Scottsdale establishments serving similar fare, but overall the service and the atmosphere need to improve to make it worth taking a chance. read more

Amazing seafood in underground restaurant. Service is always impeccable and dishes are so scrumptious. My partner and I meet here 14 years ago and go every year for our anniversary. As well as many times during the year for HH. The decor could use some updating but the nostalgic ambiance is a comforting feeling for us as well. Hope you enjoy as much as we have over the years. read more

Great restaurant. We loved everything. Atmosphere is uniquely cool and food and service were perfect

First off To start this off I've been coming to this restaurant for 30 years with my family, along with them eating here for the last 50+ years so this is painful to write. My girlfriend and I went here tonight and this had to be one of the, if not worst restaurant experiences I've ever had. It was just a cascading bad experience that was capped off by roaches crawling across the bar, not just one but ATLEAST 2 and after the second it's hard to say if we saw others. This was directly behind the bar tap. The mussels were over cooked and almost pulverized, but beyond complaining about the food because it was all just not good tonight, the roaches were just too much to handle. I didn't want to alert the bar guests sitting to the left and the right but I probably should have said something, which is why I'm here. One single "bug" can be a fluke, it can happen anywhere. This was TWO in the same spot directly infront of our food, which I had to blow at to get them away. Needless to say we tried to tough it out but we had completely lost our appetite. $70 later we leave shocked at what just took place. I say this in hopes you address the issue, as someone who bartended for 15 years and saw almost everything, the roach thing at one of my FAVORITE seafood spots ever is just a real let down as I don't think I can ever walk foot through there again. Please fix this for future customers, I have always spoke so highly of this as one of my favorite places ever :( read more

Something must change when ordering shell food the server takes way too long to help the rest of your food is cold ! And if more than one person orders shell fish than two peoples food is cold! Or your dining guest being polite and waiting to eat all together. Maybe crack the shells behind the scene and then serve it ? Or get better tools and leave the cracking to the customer read more

Salt Cellar - King crab dinner - Seafood Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

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If you haven't been here, come. If you've ever wanted amazing food and wine in Phoenix, Tempe or Ahwatukee. Also come. Arancini, aka stuffed risotto cheese balls. THAT'S ANOTHER REASON. Reason enough.. Come in, say hi, be jolly. Life is good as it can be. So enjoy it!!! read more

Been coming here for years but the last two times have been horrible. Lobster has been completely overcooked and rubbery, completely unacceptable for the prices that we pay. This used to be a place that I would have to take friends and family from out of town, not anymore, we're done, you've lost a 10 year customer. read more

A slice of AZ history from 1971 but neglected. Yes, it's underground. :) The ambience is cool and dark, a nice respite from the heat. It's got a live lobster tank as you come in which is a built in pool. Our server, Sydney, rocked her part. Unfortunately the drink server was missing in action, did not know anything about wine and pretty much failed at their part. We didn't get drinks at all for a full 15 minutes into our service. Sydney ended up taking over the drink service for us. After that all was well. The wine selection was decent but the restaurant could use a wine specialist on staff. The food menu promises a lot of fresh seafood and fun flavors. The execution was not up to advertised. Our group ordered a variety: turtle soup, large scallops, escagot, oscar style salmon, sea bass, halibut cheeks and softshell crab. The quality was there but the preparation left some items chewy or mushy and others under seasoned. Happily the creme brulee was fantastic. Perfect crust and delightful dessert. Our group probably won't go back to this restaurant since Phoenix is rife with good places to eat seafood these days. I am glad we got to go just to say we went since it's historical. Thank you to Sydney for all her hard work and good service. read more

What a cool place! Looks like a shack, but has its own parking lot. You would think Tempe is big enough for everything to be above ground, but I guess the concept is cool if you can do it. Tight space but underground, lots of wooden steps so becareful whose coming. The lobster is right there at the landing and its fresh. I made the mistake of getting the halibut with lemon capers, because you just have to go with the lobster and crab. The staff breaks it for you so even on a night out you don't have to worry about it ruining your outfit or smell. Also probably the best crab cake I ever had, and it's not cheap. Definitely reccomend, staff is friendly, just have deeper pockets than normal and you'll enjoy yourself. Sorry I don't have pictures its self explanatory anyways read more

I just finished a family dinner here. I have to say they do a great job! The waiter was fantastic he even cracks the lobster for you. It's a great throwback and the food was great! read more

Yum. The seafood here is fresh and tasty, albeit expensive. Come for happy hour and you can get some good deals in the bar. Don't miss the shrimp toast. Or the off-menu homemade jalapeño popper. Or the HUGE shrimp cocktail - the shrimp were the size of lobster tails. We also stayed for dinner and loved the scallops with mushrooms and sherry. The halibut was good but a bit bland even with the lemon caper sauce. Service was fantastic at the bar. Dining service was very good. Everyone was friendly and efficient. A really nice and different special occasion spot with an unusual ambiance of an underground restaurant. read more

OLD SCHOOL GOODNESS. This place is a hidden gem-it's literally nestled underground. Being from the Bay Area, and spoiled with fresh seafood my whole life, I drove by it for years wondering, "how good could a desert seafood restaurant really be?" On a friend's recommendation, my lady and I decided to pay it a visit. Suffice to say, the food is 100% legit by any location standards. They fly in their seafood daily, explaining the somewhat higher than usual market prices; it is worth it. Our visit was during the covid restrictions. They did everything they could to have a safe, wonderful dining experience. The Salt Cellar seems like it has a lot of history to it. The decor is a little dated, adding to the restaurant's unique charm. It has subdued class without being Scottsdale pretentious. If you like good, fresh seafood, old school ambiance, and helpful service then visit the Salt Cellar. read more

If I could give this place 100 stars I would!!! Absolutely recommend the Salt Cellar! The owner is always kind and greats you when you walk in. Food is ABSOLUTELY to die for and the service here is superb. I come here for every special occasion. read more