Disappointed in the quality of the food. I had a curry stew, broth was excellent but both the scallops and the prawns were overcooked and rubbery. Salmon was in the stew and it seemed to overpower the delecate flavor of the scallop. A white fish would have been a better combination. Girlfriends mussels were very good but when spending close to $200 on dinner for 2 the entire meal needs to be excellent. Great view though. read more

OK, this is one of the very best that the Bellingham area has to offer. Not a cheap date, but the quality if top notch. We had been meaning to stop by for a long while and finally made it for lunch. When they say very expensive (3 $) they mean it, but in this case you get what you pay for. We started with a baked oyster appetizer. Five medium or large pacific oysters baked with a mixture of prosciutto, spinach, leeks, tomatoes and spices. Perfectly cooked and very flavorful. About the same cost as 5 fresh oysters. My wife had the Alaska King Crab sandwich which is a riff on a lobster roll. Nicely seasoned crab salad on a house made brioche bun. The filling to bread ratio might have been a little heavy on the bread as she left some of the bun. She commented that if they had hollowed out the top just a bit, and perhaps lightly grilled it it would have been improved. It was accompanied by some of the best sweet potato fries we ever encountered. Also a nice aioli for dipping. I had the cioppino which was loaded with perfectly cooked fish (two types), clams, mussels, veg, and some pasta. The broth was really spectacularly good. the cioppino was spritzed with a bit of tasty aioli and served with a couple of small sliced of grilled crustless bread. All in all a perfectly presented and balanced dish. Wine by the glass was pricey, but the limited selection offered good options. Good service, great food, spectacular view. What more could one ask for? read more

Came here with my fiancee (an hour before he proposed!) For a nice lunch together to start off our four day weekend. I've been wanting to drive up the Chuckanut for about a year now, and have had my eye on this restaurant for about the same time, but wanted to wait until an anniversary or birthday to try it. Our other option was down the street, but looking at the menu, it just seemed a little more classy. We came with no reservations around 2pm, and were seated right away on the patio with a gorgeous sunny view. Our waitress seemed newer, but nonetheless knowledgeable and friendly. My fiancee got two oysters, I didn't partake because they were out of the one I wanted to try. They came with a refreshing vinegar lemony relish (called something more exciting). They were also out of the rainbow trout dish that I had originally wanted to order (I was being adventurous and trying something new) and she told me their specials for the day. One of them was herb grilled swordfish with a smoked tomato chardonnay butter, with morel mushrooms and I chose to pair it with the fingerling potatoes as a side. My fiance got the seafood stew. I had never had swordfish, but was curious to try it. If I didn't like it, I planned on hitting up McDonalds later! The food came out and the presentation was beautiful. Again, I've never had nor touched swordfish, so I grabbed my knife to cut a piece, and it fell apart so easily, my eyebrows shot up. Not what I was expecting. I took my first bite paired with some sauce and a small piece of mushroom and onion, and instantly knew this was the best dish I have ever eaten. I've been to some good restaurants, the Chart House, House of Prime Rib, Morton's, Ruth Chris, amongst others thanks to rich traveling parents, but this dish blew every single dish I've ever had out of the water. I honestly wanted to cry it was that good! My fiancee's dish was good as well, he loved it. Again, I'm not the biggest seafood person, so the mussels made it a tad too fishy for me, but the broth was herby, winey, and buttery deliciousness. Even the bread that came before our meal was good (one of the few times I liked the wheat more than the white.) I'm so glad this is the meal we shared before he asked me to marry him, it was unforgettable and he and I absolutely love good food. I can't wait to come back here again, and try an oyster and another specialty dish. If I had to choose one restaurant to eat at for the rest of my life, you guys take the cake. Thank you for an amazing meal, great hospitality, and an unforgettable experience. Cheers! read more

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One star for the view and another star for fresh oysters. However, at $4 a piece, it's really overpriced. The crab cake was bland and tasted like frozen dinner that you microwave. Not a bad place to go for ambiance but the food really isn't good and it's very pricey. read more

I had the 4 oz fillet and it was cooked to perfection. Everything I had on my plate was delicious! My friend got the mussels and the stew and loved them both. The waitress was very helpful and attentive. Great view! I can't wait to go back! read more

Great fresh food but very small and always busy so make a reservation!!!! You can sit out on the back deck to watch the tide come in or the oyster farmers out in the bay. read more

The Oyster Bar - Seafood Near Me - Bow, Washington

We had the most lovely time sitting on their patio with an amazing view. We sampled fresh delicious oysters, a smoked salmon appetizer special, and king crab salad. The French Rose was wonderful! All were yummy and we would definitely come back if we're in the area! read more

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We had an absolutely spectacular experience at the oyster Bar. It was the perfect way to celebrate our anniversary. each dish was creatively prepared and presented. While the food was delicious from the appetizers to the entrées to the dessert the service stood out as among the best services we've ever received at a restaurant Tristan is to be commended for her timing and her presentation. Highest compliments to the chef and kitchen staff. read more

My first time here. The view was amazing. The service was even better. John was the absolute best server we have ever had. Go here!!

Dining location was a 5, Oysters were definitely a 5, desert was a 5, but unfortunately the mains disappointed a bit, they were probably 3s, maybe 4s. The blue prawns were overdone unfortunately, but also the combo of them on top of a heap of couscous with small random patches of greens with a pool of liquid coming out on one side was a bit strange. The halibut, however, was very nice and flaky, but it wasn't the best/most interesting halibut dish I'd ever had either. I have to say the unexpected star of the show was the key lime pie, it was absolutely delicious. My complements to the desert chef because I think it was the best piece I've ever had. We also made the mistake of moseying down here after an 8 mile hike, assuming they got a lot of hikers coming into the restaurant given its proximity to the trailhead. If you want to eat here after a hike (which I would highly recommend as a treat yourself for a job well done), don't be us, and bring a change of clothes! That being said I appreciated their being accommodating given our situation very much. read more

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We planned on having lunch at Taylor Shellfish Farm, but they were only serving oysters that day (no crab) so I was still hungry. We stopped at The Oyster Bar next door and I'm glad we did. The restaurant is small and cozy with breathtaking views of the water. The building is old, but has a lot of character. Parking is limited and pretty close to the road so be mindful of the limited space. We wanted to sit outside so we were led to the bottom floor through a narrow metal winding staircase. Once outside, we just took in the view. They provide blankets at each seat in case you get chilly. Nice touch! Since we already had oysters, we went straight to the entrees. I ordered Fresh Alaskan Halibut with a green chard crust topped with local black truffle cream and fresh chives. Cooked perfectly, and those sweet potato fries were the best I've had! My husband ordered the Crab Cakes (Dungeness and Jonah crab) with mango chutney, curry aioli, sautéed vegetables. Not a lot of fillers so the dish was very good (nice seared surface and meaty inside). Our server (tall lady) was very friendly and courteous. She checked back a few times and was very engaging. We will definitely be back! read more

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Laurel & Lois were not only great with service but fantastic with advice on the area! Food was fantastic

My husband and I were visiting family and went to The Oyster Bar for lunch. The atmosphere and service was warm and welcoming. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and the view from our table was amazing. I realized after we'd left that I'd left a favorite scarf behind. My sister called them and they very kindly sent the scarf to my home in Maryland. We will definitely be back! read more

This is the best place to get oysters as fresh as they come aside from harvesting them yourself. When I last visited, we watched them pulling up baskets while we ate! You've got pristine views of the San Juan Islands and Anacortes, even on a typical cloudy winter day, and the building is modest and unobtrusive, yet still has an elegant feel. I kind of like how you have to go outside to get to the restrooms, which are clean and heated, just inside a different door. I guess that's the kind of thing you have to do when you are on the side of a super steep mountain just above the waterfront. read more

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Found this place on accident. I was actually looking for the Taylor Shellfish market based off a suggestion but somehow ended up here and just went with the flow... Was making a trip up to Bellingham with the lady and stumbled upon this place. We were on a mission for oysters and drinking so that's all we did. We ordered the hood canal, Shigoku and Kumamoto oysters with a salad. You can really taste the difference in quality and flavor profile of the 3 types. Kumamoto was our favorite. Nice texture, more "full" and had a overall better flavor than the other two. Shigoku was tasty as well but it comes in second place. This one was a bit more salty and wasn't as dense, but still delish. Hood canal was our least favorite. Nothing exciting. The flavor was not as inviting as the Kumamoto and shigoku. I would probably skip that one in the future. Salad was tasty and refreshing! Service was good. Our server was knowledgeable of their food menu without looking...including specials. So that was neat. Went on a little too long on descriptions...and we didn't even ask a question! (At least she was doing her job, lol) The restaurant itself was nice. Has a nice view of Puget Sound and the oyster farms down the way. I wasn't even looking for this place but now I can say I tried it! read more

Great food after an awesome drive. Fried oysters after an appetizer of raw oysters will may your day! read more

The Oyster Bar - Seafood Near Me - Bow, Washington

Had a lunch-dinner here after my friends and I finished the oyster some trail. A gorgeous view beside the window and I love it. Currently only four kinds of oysters were available, and we tried them all! Fresh and tasting! We also had crab cake, asparagus soup, etc, and we really enjoyed them. read more

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What an exceptional place to dine!!! The food and staff are exceptional!!!! The location is fabulous!! I would recommend this restaurant anytime. read more

This falls into the category of 'best restaurants I've given only two stars to'... The Oyster Bar is one of the finest restaurants in this neck of the woods, with a well-deserved reputation for its cuisine, but is hamstrung by some maddening logistical and housekeeping issues. THE ROSES: Let's start with the obvious; the location is exquisite! on a cliff overlooking Samish Bay, TOB is where you go to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, and to propose to that special someone. The dining rooms are long and narrow, and every table has at least a good view, and most have a spectacular view! There is also an outside deck for the gorgeous summer evenings we've been having, but they come with a caveat: more on that in a moment. The food is, well, as the kids say, 'it's all that!' (mostly; more on that in a moment). An appetizer of a dungeness crab 'lasagna', served in a pool of a roasted pepper puree was nothing less than transcendent! The Quinoa Roulade is a vegan entree that could make this carnivore swear off meat, and the fried fresh local oysters were a delight! One controversial thing about the restaurant is their policy of denying entry to any patrons under 9 years old. In Seattle, this would be 'casus belli', as hordes of well-heeled yuppie parents would picket the establishment for daring to deny entree to their precious little Ritalin-addled sprogs. Speaking as one who has had no end of flights, movies, and dinners ruined by over-indulged, out of control brats, I am totally behind this! Memo to would-be indignant parents: this policy was probably the result of a lot of bad experiences. When you're going to be dropping $100+ a patron for a dinner experience, you're paying wayyyyyy too much $$$ to have your evening ruined by an undisciplined kid. Before you complain, ask yourself, 'am I part of the problem?'. THE THORNS: I hate to be the 'dog in the manger', given all the 5-star reviews, but this critique must be shared. It's easy to be a 'big fish in a small pond', but what can slide in Bow would never fly in say, Seattle. 1) Service is a bit inconsistent. Your experience depends a lot on who you get. On our level, we had two servers working the area. One was very attentive, and a rather charming raconteur, but the other was younger, a bit indifferent, and frequently 'AWOL'. We got stuck with the latter. 2) Not all the dishes were of stellar quality. The smoked salmon chowder was, to be brutally honest, thin, weak in the flavour department, and I wasn't getting any of the smoked salmon taste. Did they simply wave a smoked salmon in front of the pot and call it good? 3) Pacing left a LOT to be desired. Apertifs and first course were prompt enough, but there was a gap in time between the second and main courses that made me wonder if the kitchen staff was rappelling down to the bay to get my oysters. The entrees are served with a delightful cheese & onion souffle; I suspect they ran out, and had to fire a fresh batch, hence the delay. Keeping us in the loop would've helped. This was a case where the pacing wasn't 'romantically slow', it was downright glacial! 4) If you DO choose a seat on the outside deck, do so when there's a north wind. We were repeatedly hit with wafts of 'overfull septic tank smell' coming from somewhere, and that did put a bit of a damper on our experience. 5) Parking sucks. No lot, just street parking, and if it's busy, you may be in for a hike. SO WHY ONLY TWO STARS? This is not a cheap restaurant. The oysters on the half-shell are rather spendy, and the wine list is skewed towards the 1%. When you're playing at this price point, little annoyances become big annoyances. What may slide in Bow would never fly in Seattle. THE VERDICT: Big fish in a small pond, The Oyster Bar offers some really show-stopping dishes that match their view, but is somewhat hamstrung by inconsistencies in service, pacing, and - if you're outside - the risk of a rather offensive assault upon your olfactories! I say check it out, but dine inside! read more

I first went to the Oyster Bar 20 years ago, and was as impressed as a freshman in college can be. Since then, my experiences have broadened and the quality of food available from coast to coast has really gone up. But the Oyster Bar has stayed essentially the same. We went recently for a family event and while the table service was excellent, the food certainly didn't warrant the price, and our experience with the hostess was unacceptable. I started with the lobster bisque - served as a special for the evening. The flavor was good. But the texture was grainy, not creamy. There was a lump of cheese crouton in the middle that was utterly tasteless. For the main course, I had the wild game knoedel. This was essentially a pot roast with bison and elk, served with root vegetables and slices of knoedel in a broth. The vegetables and knoedel were really good. The meat, unbelievably, was dry and relatively tough. Game meat can be lean, but don't serve it if you don't have the skills to make it tender. The price was such that it should have been better. For desert, I ordered the pumpkin cheesecake which was fine (nice crust), but unremarkable. Others had the duck (good, but not outstanding), the oysters (looked good - and should be - but I didn't try them), the crabcakes (tasty) and the mahi mahi special (very good). Wine selection was nice, but in my opinion priced very high. The room is dated - like checking into a hotel that was once nice, but is getting a little tired. I'd ditch the mirrors on the support posts. And you should prepare to have an intimate meal with everyone else in the restaurant as well... diners are right on top of one another. This probably explains the rule about not seating children under 9 in the dining room - perfectly understandable. No one wants to eat an overpriced, mediocre, meal with kids running around the dining room. We actually had a 4 year old in our party and were told originally upon making the reservation about the rule - but that it would be 'okay' this time. We were a little hesitant, but decided to go forward with the reservation anyway. When we arrived, the hostess (who did not take the original reservation) made several attempts to seat us in the basement in a manner that can only be described as passive aggressive. We opted for the dining room, and our young guest was very well behaved. Crisis averted. My beef isn't with the rule - I don't have kids. I get that they aren't all good. My primary complaint is how they treated us once they made the decision to relax the rule - which wasn't good. Our server was outstanding and very accomodating. Our hostess, not so much. And given that the dining room was essentially empty on a Saturday night, I think service had better be top notch when you're paying a 20% premium. Particularly when the food doesn't support it. 2 stars may seem stingy. But the bad service at the hostess desk cost them a star. Otherwise I'd have given it three stars based on the food (3 stars), price (2 stars), and table service (4 stars). Sorry to say we won't be back without some major changes. read more

We had Thanksgiving dinner here and it was SUPERB. From start to finish, everything was perfect. The staff were so friendly and professional, starting with the hostess who seated us. Our server, Michael, was amazing. He knew exactly the right times to check on us, and a couple times he knew exactly what we needed before we even asked for it. The food was great. Two of us had the turkey dinner and one ordered the squash ravioli. We also had two salads, a mixed green salad and a beet salad. Everything was so fresh and well prepared. It's the kind of food that you don't feel heavy and lethargic after eating, just pleasantly full. For dessert we had the Calvados Creme Brulee, the Pets de Nonne, and coffee cardamom ice cream. Everything was excellent. The Oyster Bar takes ordinary dishes and elevates them. From service to food, we agreed this was one of the best Thanksgiving dinners we've ever had. read more

What good stuff can I say that hasn't already been said about this place? Really, not much. So, I'll keep this review kinda short. Pros: * Great service * Fantastic view. * Great service * Really good food. * Great service * The drive to here is scenic. * Did I mention the service is really good? Cons: * The pillars have cheesy mirrors on them. OK, I had to come up with something for the cons section. * In order to use the restrooms you must exit the restaurant and enter from outside the building. I'm not sure of this belongs in the "pros" section or the "cons" section so I'll put it here all by itself: * The waitress looks like Shannen Daugherty. If you think Shannen is cool, then you should go the The Oyster Bar and see her. If you think she is uncool, then you should go to the Oyster Bar anyway. If you think I misspelled Shannen and that it should be spelled with an 'o' then take it up her with directly--because, hey, that's how she spells her name. read more

Ok - soooo if you don't like raw oysters, you should probably NOT go to an oyster bar. But I do appreciate my husband for taking me. With that said, the poor guy had to endure (and I kid you not!) a filet mignon which I'm pretty sure was previously frozen... or something. It just wasn't right. And I decided I was going to try fried oysters - ACK. Please don't get me wrong. I love me some oysters. But I can't stand chomping down on black gooey bleck along with egg yokish liquid. I literally started to feel ill. (Yes yes, I know that black stuff is a delicacy - it's all yours, you can have it.) I did try the raw oysters. The waitress was so pleased when she came out to tell me they found 1 more of this special kind of oyster. You know what 1 last special oyster means? It was put aside for a reason. Because it wasn't worth serving. Out of my 6 oysters - 4 were fabulous. Unfortunately, I think 2 of them were found in the corner somewhere. Soooo yes, I reiterate: If you're going to go to an oyster bar - it's best to have the oysters. The raw ones. Oh my!! I almost forgot to mention the bill!!! 6 oysters, filet mignon, fried oyster dinner, small bottle of wine (was supposed to be 17 dollars and they charged 21; was going to say something but we just wanted to leave) and 2 beers came to 120 something. Add in the tip and you've got a WAY expensive bill for a not good enough meal. read more

I've heard about this place from friends over the years, but was finally able to make a trip this summer. Stopped by LaConner, which is a cool place on our way from Seattle. It was a great restaurant with a great view of the water. We got a seat outside on the deck and it was terrific. We definitely ordered plenty of Oysters and they were quite fresh. Which, we later learned that Taylor Shellfish is about 3-minutes down the road. We visited there on our way out. But, we did have a find dining experience and was great service, great food, great location. read more

Everything p.e. said, except we didn't have the Shannen Dougherty hostess. :D Fantastic food. Great seafood. Great preparation. and hands down ****OUTSTANDING SERVICE****** We always have Mark as our waiter and he is simply fantastic. Let him pick a wine for you. He will bring a few suggestions in different price points. The guy knows his wine and will not steer you wrong. I was just there for my birthday last week. Wonderful. And for that person who said the portions were small. He/she must have a big appetite, because they are normal size portions. Especially when you enjoy a bunch of oysters on the half shell before your main course. I was stuffed and couldn't have dessert from oysters, bisque and sole as my main course. Plus yummy rolls served hot. Also to the lobster bisque complainer: That lobster bisque actually contained a bunch of lobster. That's what the "grainy bits" were. He/she was probably used to the lobster-flavored cream that cheapo restaurants pass off as lobster bisque. Oh and there IS an indoor bathroom downstairs for the cold winter nights. It has a lovely view of the bay out the window too. :D The Oyster Bar is worth the drive from Seattle. read more

WOW Delicious food, right amount of ingredients. Fresh. Warm welcome. Friendly. And I'm happy to chosen this place to eat. I'll come back again. read more

The poet Léon-Paul Fargue (1876-1947) once wrote: "I love oysters. It's like kissing the sea on the lips." My husband and I stopped here on our drive to Vancouver, per all of the excellent reviews. I was a bit stunned when I entered and saw how fancy it was. Nevertheless, the waiter was extremely friendly despite my nerves and travel-rumpled jeans. You see, I had never tried an oyster before and my husband doesn't like seafood. The waiter was extremely knowledgeable. He knew just the one for me to try and it was delicious. I ordered a full platter. They're salty and savory. I've never tasted anything so fresh. My husband, meanwhile, thoroughly enjoyed his burger. We were seated by the window overlooking the bay. It was beautiful. Also, we could see some men dragging their oyster catch up from the beach. It's an experience not to be missed. read more

Chuckanut Drive + lunch at the Oyster Bar is easily one of the best ways to spend a sunny day in the Pacific Northwest. This place is so unexpected: white table cloths, fantastic food, great service, all in the middle of no where. What a fun secluded spot to take in a glass of wine and a gorgeous view of the bay. This is such a great location for a summer date or a good place to drop off if you are making the drive up to Canada. There are many trails nearby as well to stop off and stretch your legs or enjoy a late summer sunset. I am a huge fan of outdoor dining and their deck is pretty hard to beat plus they give you a blanket to beat the chill. If you haven't been, make a point to put it on your list! read more

Great view! Food was sub par. My wife and I were looking for some great fish. The menu looked great. I got the salmon, my wife got the halibut. Both were over-cooked and neither were as good as the basic halibut we cooked at our campground the night before. Quiet environment, clientele was retirement age for the most part. Not in town long, but wouldn't go back if I lived there. read more

This was our first visit to the Oyster Bar. We were very delighted with the food, the view, and the service. We had the fried oysters which were very fresh and cooked perfectly. We also enjoyed the Alaskan king crab roll, also very nicely done. The homemade brioche was very nice. The sweet potato fries were best we have ever had. The service was perfect. As the restaurant filled up, we noted that all of the tables were being handled very nicely. I look forward to returning. read more

They get two stars for view and ambience. I would never go back. Food is mediocre at best. Oysters were fresh but very pricey. Skip the fish tacos. Very bland. Skip the fish and chips. Cooked beyond recognition. Went there on recommendations, but also beware , main chef doesn't come until dinner. We were there for lunch. Maybe that explains the sub par food. read more

This place has a nice view and is a good stop on the Chukanut drive. The food is okay. Nothing spectacular, but not terrible neither. I would not go out of my way to eat here, but wouldn't mind stopping here for oysters if it's convenient to do so. read more

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This cozy little establishment you may pass right by on Chuckanut Drive if you blink! Of all the oyster eateries on "Oyster Row" (aka Chuckanut Drive) I love The Oyster Bar best...how many times can I say oyster in a sentence? I went here after a hike at Larabee, and fell in love. Understated, and simple fresh Northwest seafood. Uncomplicated flavor accompaniments allow the natural essence of the cuisine to the palate. The staff is perfect and knowledgeable. Oh, and the VIEW is spectacular...even if you don't sit right at the window. They have a fireplace and plenty of intimate dining nooks. Perfect for friends, family, or a romantic dinner for two. See you after my next hike! read more

While enjoying an afternoon snack at the Lighthouse Bar & Grill, some kind patrons suggested we try this restaurant, what a home run. The view was simply amazing, the food was top notch. I have never eaten mussels this big and this tender, delicious. Our son tried the venison and it was another hit. We finished with the strawberry rhubarb cheesecake, I can't even describe it it was incredible. The whole experience is one I will never forget and there is a 100% chance that we are going back. read more

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The food and the service at the Oyster Bar is unparalleled. The crab cakes (especially!) are incredible! The menu changes seasonally, and they use fresh local organic ingredients. The quality of the food, as well as the presentation is absolutely outstanding. Everything is cooked to perfection, and is just as visually pleasing as it is on your palate. This is by far the best restaurant in Bellingham. Great place to take a date, or to celebrate a special occasion. The servers truly personalize your dining experience. All in all: Absolutely Incredible, and unmatched!! read more

We had a lovely dinner this week for our anniversary. The beef tenderloin was perfectly cooked and the port wine sauce and foie gras butter amazing. My husband had the halibut which was a generous serving and the sauce perfect with it. Entrées are served with individual cheese souffle, a delicious surprise. The creme caramel for dessert was melt in your mouth delicious. Wines by the glass were too expensive but that is really my only negative. We enjoyed the beautiful sunset from our table. Service was good. We had kind of forgotten about this place but I'm very glad we tried it again. It's a winner. read more

My favorite romantic, beautiful restaurant. This place is such a gem. It's hidden off the side of Chuckanut Drive and has the best view one can imagine, perched high above the water. The food is deliciously prepared. Obviously, a lot of planning is involved in creating unique dishes with fresh, local ingredients here. The wine list fits wonderfully with the food. This is classic northwest. If you live here or if you're in town visiting, this is definitely the spot I recommend visiting for a very memorable evening. read more

Oyster Bar has a special place in my heart as it is where my husband proposed to me....15 years ago! We have been back 4 or 5 times since then and are always blown away. Everything is perfect - service, ambiance, and last but not least the food. PNW seafood really shines here. When I eat here I am reminded of why I live here. For a truly special experience, go to the Oyster Bar. read more

No doubt the best meal I have ever had in my life. Went here for my first wedding anniversary and was absolutely blown away. The service was friendly but not over bearing. The food was fresh, perfectly seasoned and cooked. If you go I'm sure it will make your top 5. read more

Can I give this restaurant 3.5 stars? Darn it, no, no half stars can be given. Ok, I'll round up, but I really think 3.5 is more appropriate. As other have noted, the view from this restaurant, high on a bluff overlooking the water, is breathtaking. The view alone is worth 10 stars plus! We had a lovely hostess who sat us at a prime window seat for a late lunch recently, and our server was also lovely and attentive. The restaurant is deceptive from the outside, as the exterior is fairly non-descript and there is no real parking lot (you have to park along the busy Chuckanut Drive), and the bathroom is accessible from the outside of the restaurant. We thought this would be more like a real "oyster bar" and not the pricey, elegant restaurant that it is, complete with white linens and lunch dishes starting at $20 (and going way up from there). The bread basket was quite nice, with fresh rolls and butter curls. They offered a few salads, and my kid had the fig and chevre salad which she said was fantastic (would be perfect as a side dish. Small-ish). Hubby had the seafood bouillabaisse which, while very good, had way too much broth/liquid, and his bowl was left 3/4 full of the liquid. (It should have had rice with it, or more fillers - like potatoes, - or been served with a lot more bread to sop up the excessive broth). We all felt that the cioppino at Anthony's was as good and a better value by far (comes with a lot more seafood). This dish, while tasty, did not have a lot of seafood in it; hubby was still hungry (very hungry). My younger kid had what was undoubtedly the best dish of the table: the fried oysters with apple aioli sauce and grilled vegetables. I had the veggies and they were great. But the fried oysters! Oh my. My hubby and other kid tried them and nearly fainted with delight, they were that good. And all agreed, this was THE dish to get, should we return. They were eaten with relish and only shared under duress (lol!). Between the three dishes (really two main dishes and one side dish), and two bottled beers for hubby, tax and tip, our lunch was $70. Pricey, eh? Good, yes. Very good. Elegant, yes. With a stunner of a view. But worth $70? Debatable. I should note that there is a sign at the front door that children under 9 years old were not permitted in the restaurant. A family was turned away at the door while we were eating. We were surprised, never having seen this in a restaurant. Granted, we totally understand and agree with not having infants or toddlers at an "adult", elegant restaurant. But 7 or 8 or 9 years old? Heck, our daughters were well-behaved and quiet and proper at 6. Some kids are way better behaved than adults. I thought this policy somewhat off-putting. And there is another sign that says to refrain from cell phone usage. Hooray to this policy! Although I shudder to think how it's enforced. read more