I really like this place. Off the beaten track but worth the effort for sure. Great food and nice ambience. Always look forward to eating here read more

Don't bother. Today we drove up for lunch. We ordered a half dozen oysters as a starter. I ordered the crab cakes, my husband the halibut tacos. After a bit of a wait our waitress brought our lunch saying the kitchen forgot about the oysters! What, in an oyster bar??? To make matters worse, my husband was given deep fried halibut, which he sent back as he can't eat deep fried anything. She took back both plates, brought the oysters, and then told me that my food was ready so would I like it now? I said yes because I didn't want to get into asking if it would be reheated, etc. So, I ate and we had oysters. My crab cakes were dry; however, the Brussel sprouts and sweet potato fries were good. Finally, my husband's meal came. Talk about a debacle. It's an oyster bar! They are the appetizers not desert. read more

Overpriced, BLAND and tiny portions! At these prices you would think they could afford some spices/seasoning and to put an adult size portion of food on the plate. Would have given 1 star except the view was excellent. read more

Great food and service. The pork belly appetizer was excellent. In the summer the view can't be beat right on the water. Staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. read more

Very slow it took over 1 hour after we ordered to get the food which was good but not great

Outstanding food, great atmosphere, amazing view, and great service. We went here to enjoy a family event -- my mom's birthday. The wait-staff were superb: attentive but not too attentive, if you get the idea. The food was beautifully presented and was of high quality, well-prepared. The various courses were brought out at just the right intervals, allowing us to enjoy each course without feeling rushed. Everything from the wine to the after-dinner coffee was perfect. Our waiter was knowledgeable about the wine and beer selection, and we felt completely confident in his judgment -- and we weren't disappointed! The ambiance, the staff, and the food really made the celebration of my mom's birthday extra-special. It was an evening and a meal to remember! Thank you, Oyster Bar! read more

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I love a scenic drive on a beautiful day, and the Oyster Bar is the one place that always has it's parking lot full, no matter what the weather. But after lunch last week, that was the first (and hopefully last) time you'll see me at the Oyster Bar. Don't get me wrong, the view alone was worth the money we paid for our lunch. The tide was out, people were combing the flats harvesting oysters and several bald eagles swooped through the trees just out from our window. Maybe the lunch cook just had an off day. My companion ordered the salmon "pastrami" sandwich with sweet potato fries. Sounds interesting, right? Not that I had any idea what it should be like, but with a word like "pastrami" we'd been envisioning thinly sliced cured salmon and instead had chunks of somewhat dry salmon atop of dried out bread. The sweet potato fries were tepid, and that's being nice. My mushroom bisque was topped with cheese. Come on people. Mushrooms and cheese? Forget about it...bring on the cream. The dressing on my endive salad was so overly doused that if there were gold coating the tender green leaves, I wouldn't have noticed. The one thing I can't complain about was the oysters on the half shell. Mmmm. They were fresh and tasty but folks, mother nature did that work, all the kitchen did was pop the top shell. But you know what? I've eaten worse and most likely even paid more. What really sucked about our experience was the service. Now, let me preface. I put in my time slinging plates, telling specials, wining and dining people in many upscale restaurants on the west coast. Some people have the knack, and others don't. Imagine finishing a less than memorable meal. The server proceeds to clear the table (and I'm talking about the whole table, here) directly in front of myself and my mate. We were sitting at a 4 top, and here I am having my plate become the receptacle for the rest of the tables dirty silverware and bread plates. (This is where the part about me doing my time waiting tables in fine dining restaurants comes into play.) So, dear Mr. Server, try this next time. Pick up a diners plate and nestle it between your forearm and elbow. You then discreetly circumnavigate the table to remove used silverware, excess plates, etc. If you need to make more than one trip to the kitchen, do it. Or better yet, plan and bring a bus tray over. The icing on the cake (and I'm not talking about dessert) was the server returning to "de-crumb" our table and proceed to push them all onto our laps. Maybe it was his first day. Maybe my standards are just too high. Lunch service just sucked. Considering Chuckanut Drive has numerous pull-off's en route to Bellingham, next time I'll load up on picnic supplies and get comfy on a rock to enjoy a meal. read more

Gorgeous view friendly service and amazing food!!! The oysters are always fresh and delicious. A creative menu in a gorgeous setting overlooking the islands. What more could you ask for?! read more

We decided to try the Oyster Bar for New Years. We loved the ambiance and the service was decent, but the food was awful. We love good food and have no problem dropping a couple hundred dollars on a good meal a few times a month. We thought it would be nice to give a local restaurant a try. I would think twice about trying this place. My salad was a soggy sad mess with way too much dressing and lettuce that had the texture of slime. I was so hopeful my main course would save the day. But, alas, I was wrong. My cioppino was horrible. The broth was a sad mess of bland garlic tomato broth and the scallops were so over cooked they were rubber aaling with the fish being a hot overcooked chewy mess. The only saving grace were the three clams and some garlic toast on top. read more

The food was delicious and I highly recommend the crab cakes entree with mango chutney if it is in season. However, for being on a somewhat long stretch of road and wanting to stop for a quick, wee bite to eat... the price is outrageous. It was a random stop and perhaps I should have bowed out somewhat gracefully but instead I committed and stayed. As I said the food was incredibly tasty but I felt a little judged for not having a reservation and for not being a local. Oh well, it was an experience and I doubt I'll be back again simply because it is out of my general price range. The service was fine and the view beautiful. read more

We treated ourself to this place when driving down the scenic route on our way to Vancouver and we were so happy we did! Really got to experience the freshness, wildness of the seafood that was offered here! Especially the oysters! It was my partner's second time having raw oysters, the first time was at pikes market the day before and he wasn't that impressed with the oyster shots. First off, the restaurant is beautiful, you're paying for good food but you're also paying for the scenery! Open, large windows to a lovely waterfront view! It was a cloudy day, but it didn't take away from the beautiful ambiance and view. Service was good, we had a young woman explain the menu and it was good she did. They had a list of different oysters we could order from different areas of Washington and Vancouver Canada! We got oysters right near the restaurants! My partner was really impressed, his eyes would roll back because he was experiencing a real oysters! We were encouraged to have a glass of Riesling, which is my favorite and it really complimented everything we ordered! We wanted to take advantage of all the fresh seafood so we got a salmon chowder that had wild salmon in it. We got gnocchi which isn't seafood but it had local wild mushrooms! Everything was so delicious, everything hit the spot: the food, the Riesling, the bread and butter, the atmosphere! It was well worth the spot and we treated ourselves to a great lunch! read more

The Oyster Bar - Gnocchi, salmon chowder and Riesling. - Seafood Near Me - Bow, Washington

We walked in with our adorable quiet baby and they promptly refused service. There was no signage and nothing on Yelp or their website claiming they only serve kids 9 and older. We will never go back to such rude people. read more

Please please please, no more reviews of this place. Oyster Bar is one of the best kept secrets in the Northwest. It rivals any of the other more "famous" establishments, most of which are just living off their reputations. Herb Farm? Good grief no. Canlis? Whatever. This place is an understated jewel. The closer you look the better it gets. Cruising along Chuckanut Drive, blink and you'll miss it. An unexceptional exterior leads to an intimate space with knock your socks off views. The menu includes traditional fare prepared with northwest authenticity and subtle flavors that sneak up on you. We enjoyed the beet salad, lightly fried oysters, fresh halibut, and a half bottle of pinot noir. A spur of the moment "let's stop in" turned into a meal to remember. Exceptional service too, without that pretentious vibe you get at a lot of "nice" places. Tell no one about this place! read more

One of my favorite spots to dine at in Puget Sound! Great views, fantastic food and great service! The quality of seafood and attention to detail shows in their food. read more

The Oyster Bar - Seafood Near Me - Bow, Washington

We flew in from LA and we were looking forward to eating here for two weeks. We researched Chuckanut Drive and were so excited to experience some beautiful seafood. My children are well mannered children who actually enjoy seafood. We were turned away because there are no children allowed. It was 2 o'clock in the afternoon. I was mortified. There are other places along this road that have wonderful service and great food. read more

Hat tip to Yelp for saving me the trip to The Oyster Bar. My wife wanted to go here after watching a YouTube video of someone who dined there, and we were planning this as a stop on a drive north. But their child policy is indeed odd, and not something I have encountered before; who would think to call ahead or check around to make sure kids are allowed? I've been to many a posh restaurant and all have had no problems with children. To give the establishment props, they do have the following statement on their website, but again, who would think to look for such a policy? ***It is our policy not to seat parties with children under 9 years of age unless our downstairs dining room is unoccupied. read more

When in Bellingham and are looking for the dankest of meals, check out this joint. Mad real foods. I had the boar chops with some blueberry goo all over it. It was like a party in my mouth and everyone was breakdancing. Our server knew exactly which wine to go with our foods and they had a dope sorbet to cleanse our filthy pallets. I would highly recommend bringing a date to this place, cause when you get home, you know dem panties is coming off. read more

Perched cliff-side, above the beautiful Samish Bay, looking West to the San Juan Islands, the Oyster Bar has been delighting people since the 1930s. I imagine, 90 years ago, getting there was a little more perilous, involving Model T automobiles and a treacherous and winding road. Chuckanut Drive is world famous for its beauty and views, and the Oyster Bar is a jewel on that crown. The menu revolves about ultra-fresh and skillfully-prepared seafood, but if you prefer turf over surf they have you covered. We had a mixed dozen of raw oysters (natch'), delightful crunchy salads, a fabulous flaky Ling Cod, and the best Cioppino I've ever tasted. The selection of oysters and wines are top-notch. We finished with a pear tartin and a plate of puffy pastries that exceeded our already-high expectations. I wanted a cocktail, but the Oyster Bar has beer and wine only. A quintessential pacific northwest culinary experience - rivals any trendy Seattle flash-in-the-pan! Reservations recommended. Enjoy! read more

Amazing food and atmosphere! Super intimate and perfect for a date night. I really understand why they don't allow young children/phones. This place is just as much about the experience as it is the food. We'll definitely be coming back! read more

Wow, a fabulous meal at the oyster bar. Came for a later dinner on a Friday night. We had a reservation but the place was only a quarter full. The restaurant is small and intimate with a beautiful view of the water, too bad it was dark, but you could see across to the islands which was beautiful. Our server was very friendly, warm, and gracious. We felt comfortable and relaxed from the beginning. It was ladies night so we started with wine and a couple fried oysters. They were delicately panko crusted and fried crisp. They were light and tender served with a lemony aioli. My friend had the lobster bisque which was good, I'm not a huge lobster person and this one was a combination of lobster and maybe some root vegetables, which made me like it even more. The rolls to start with butter are deliciously hot and crispy with a tender inside. There were white bread rolls and a nuttier whole wheat version. Our server was very friendly and nice. After our first course we received a blood orange and champagne palette cleanser, I could of had a whole bowl of that! The main courses were wonderful! My friend and I had the special monkfish with a truffle butter sauce I believe, served alongside fingerling potatoes and carrots. The fish was fresh, meaty, beautifully moist and tender, cooked perfectly to a medium rare almost, definitely not over. The sauce was divine, with a subtle truffle flavor, herbs, and delightfully creamy. The vegetables alongside were excellent, tender and sweet gold fingerling potatoes, carrots, and a few other vegetables in between. Mains are also served with their cheese soufflé which is yummy. Came out to the table piping hot and risen, it was cheesy, herby, and wonderful. My friends whole Maine Lobster she said was delicious. We finished the night with their donut like dessert with cardamom coffee ice cream, it was good, but I was way too full to appreciate it. This place overall is wonderful, I will be back for a special occasion and when I'm craving seafood for sure! read more

The Oyster Bar - Monkfish Special, DIVINE!!!! - Seafood Near Me - Bow, Washington

Please been there once take this review with a grain of salt as I've only been here once. Pain following a yelpers Rave of their craft cocktails... which they don't have. They don't have a bar. I ordered $30 halibut and $18 gravlax. A sweet sauce was poured on the halibut, fries and veggies. Very sad plate. They weren't roped but he didn't come back by to check entrees and I was chomping at the bit for some lemon to cut the cloyingly sweet plate with a sweet white sauce in a Ramekin. My friend graciously shared the sauce that came with her oysters and that added a nice sharp contrast. That being said, our waiter apologized profusely but not inordinately. He offered to bring a salad that is supposed to accompany entrees. He comped the halibut.... which was fresh. He did everything in his power to redeem himself. I was really impressed. He was also very well-versed on the menu items and provided knowledgeable gastronomic descriptions. He also explained the history and pointed out where the fresh oysters came from right out the window. In my photo you can see the beds. read more

The Oyster Bar - Spectacular View and wonderful ride there. You can see the oyster beds which provide fresh oysters for the restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Bow, Washington

Went to the Oyster Bar with my partner Monday night. Great, maybe even exceptional service. The greens salad may have been the best I have ever eaten, at least in the top five. The king salmon could have been cooked another 2 minutes and the under lying vegetables were almost raw. I know how salmon should be cooked, not so sure what their intent was with the vegetables. My partner and I each had water, salad, main dish, coffee and desert and it came to $100 + tip for two so its not for everyone. read more

We had not been to the OB in many years and this will definitely be our last time. Of course the view off Chuckanut Bay is spectacular but food surely Mensa Mensa for the steep prices. A 1 pm lunch reservation took over 2 hours to be waited on, orders taken, food arrival and so on. Our server took over 30 minutes to greet us but he was stretched extremely thin for a Holiday week ( 12/30/19) Love the view but better food down in Edison or Up in Fairhaven. read more

The Oyster Bar is one of Bellingham's gem hideaway restaurants - a must for any special occasion. Yes... try the oysters! Last night, four of us ordered different entrees and each was made to perfection. One of our party decided on the Alaskan fresh halibut special - crusted with macadamia nuts; it was superb! The wine list is extensive but made easy by the explanation of the non-intrusive wait staff. Thank you for gauged our conversation and letting us dictate the speed of the meal. A great dining experience - and yes, we will be back! read more

wow, this place is expensive! ordered 1 dozen oysters. each came out to about 4 dollars each. very fresh, but can get the same ones for half the price in seattle.. mushroom pasta- really salty, good mix of mushrooms though fish of the day- very small portion. good flavors come for the ambiance and expect to spend 50-100/per person, or just hike around chuckanut and bring a picnic... again, very expensive, will not be back. read more

This dainty roadside restaurant along the coast of the Pacific Northwest is a great place to enjoy the magnificent view overlooking the ocean while dining on fresh seafood. It is constructed like a cabin house with general seating on the main floor and a private dining area downstairs since it is built on a downhill slope. The area is gorgeous and the food is almost just as good. They have a great assortment of half-shell oysters and various seafood dishes like clam chowder and fresh fish. Overall food is pretty good and service is very hospitable. Great for family gatherings. read more

Excellent food. Everything was delicious and well presented. Michael was the best server -- ask for him. He was knowledgeable about food, wine, Oyster farms and local myths We will definitely return. read more

(4/15/2015) We did the drive down Chuckanut from Bellingham to Bow for the scenery and hoping for the food. The Oyster Creek Inn by Taylor Shellfish Farm was recommended to us, but was permanently shuttered (very unfortunate for us). We spotted the Oyster Bar further south and pulled in. In my mind's eye, I was looking for something more like a waterman's shed (which is what it looks like from the outside) and less like the fine dining set up that is the Oyster Bar. We should've walked out, but everyone was very friendly (even after hearing that we were only there for a few oysters and not a full meal) and the view was spectacular, especially when we were there at sunset. We still should've walked out (really not for any fault of theirs, we just were not prepared to pay the high rent). Oysters on the half shell ranged from $2.95 and $3.95. The Kumamotos and Shigokus were delicious, the Samish Bay were sandy. The hard cider mignonette granita was delicious and icy with the briny oysters. I might do it again if I was going for the full fine dining experience, but be forewarned, this cover hides a very pricey book. read more

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Nice environment out on the deck. The wait staff was very friendly and helpful. We had a dozen oysters and a bottle of wine. Exactly what we expected. If you are on the Chuck, stop by. read more

Won't go here after a hike. Nice place, but felt out of place if you know what I mean.

This is my favorite seafood restaurant in the area. I have been here for lunch and dinner and have never been disappointed. This past weekend we celebrated our 35th anniversary with family and had a wonderful evening. Our waiter was fantastic and all of the food was superb. My ling cod was as good as it could be. I would highly recommend The Oyster Bar for great service and wonderfully prepared and unique meals. read more

Gorgeous and romantic but very pricey for the experience. I ordered a dozen oysters for over $30. I found the same Fanny Bays at Seabolts in Oak Harbor for $8 bucks per dozen. Also the cioppino was good but seemed like a bowl of soup rather than a seafood stew. Small portions with a big price tag but an awesome view! read more

Some of the best service I've had. Best oysters ever. "Pen cove" and bouillabaisse is awesome. Several window seats :) its fabulous!!

What an absolute delight for lunch ! Most likely the best oysters I have ever eaten. Being from the Deep South that is a major compliment. The view and service were impeccable. Our first meal in Washington after heading down from Vancouver. read more

Incredible views. I'd allow extra time to find parking. Service is very attentive. Oysters are excellent. Try the baked oysters as well. Taste very fresh. The crab roll is very good. All in all an excellent restaurant. read more

The Oyster Bar - View from inside dining room - Seafood Near Me - Bow, Washington

Made a reservation for 4 people and the view they gave us was absolutely gorgeous, possibly the best in the house! The bay with the sun setting behind the mountains provided the perfect background to a lovely meal. I had the grilled salmon with a dozen oysters for an appetizer. The salmon was delicious, but the oysters were what took the cake. They gave me a sampler, so I had a little of everything. They also provided a kind of icy hard cider slush as a dipping sauce, and omg, I could sit there and eat oysters with that sauce all day. Definitely would come back again (and will!) As a side note, they ask that you not use your cell phone or bring in very young children, which I thought is a fabulous idea. read more

I honestly think the food is about a three star mainly because the food is overpriced for what you get and a little plane in flavor. You're paying for a view and great service which is close to a five star. read more

What a wonderful place to eat, enjoy the view of the sound and sip incredible wine. If you haven't visited The Oyster Bar your missing out. It's spendy but sooooo worth it. If dinner prices are to much go for lunch. I wish I could eat here once a week. read more

Had lunch here a few days ago and was very pleasantly surprised. I had the fried oysters and can say that they were the best I've had in a long time. My wife had the cheese sandwich we were amazed at how good it. It's not cheap, but as definitely worth it. Great view and professional service. The only downside is the tight parking on a busy road. BTW this is a table cloth fine dining restaurant, but we were comfortable in jeans for lunch. read more

I can't believe we found a place in Bellingham that rivals Mama's Fish House in Maui! Not just the food, the atmosphere, the service, the view, but also the price. Outrageously expensive, but SO worth it for a rare treat. read more