Best oyster bar in Seattle, excellent raw seafood bar. Spot prawn crudo and Pacific oysters are a standout. Outstanding service and staff that really know their seafood. Renee Erickson's team always does excellent with small plates. The endive salad with toasted pistachios was delightful, refreshing, and well-made. Sit at the oyster bar and order a glass of your favorite crisp white or bubbly. Always a good time, great vibes. Usually love the steak tartare but the night we went they were using some odd aioli that I didn't care for. read more

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The Walrus & Carpenter is a place I wanted to love, and there's definitely a lot to like here. The space is fantastic and very inviting, with a lively, cozy feel that makes it easy to settle in and enjoy the experience. The food is good across the board. The oyster selection is always fantastic with a great variety to choose from, though they do feel a tad pricey. The bread is fabulous, really well done, but at the end of the day it's still just bread. The tartare is solid and enjoyable. I was a bit disappointed in the sardines as the walnut pesto and shallots overwhelmed the fish, which on their own are delicious and didn't need that much going on. The cheese options are another highlight and something I do quite enjoy. Overall everything here is solid and well executed, and I understand why it's popular. For me though, it never quite reaches exceptional. It's a good experience, just not one I find myself going out of my way for. read more

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Came in after a long day at work looking forward to trying their oyster selection - I dressed appropriately to show respect for the establishment, but was treated terribly. I drove over 20 minutes to this place to treat myself today, but only met with disrespect. This place could do with a diversity requirement. What a shame. read more

Great place for happy hour! I came here after hearing their happy hour for oyster's deal is really good. The day I went, their specialty oysters were Moonshine, and they were delicious. For $3 an oyster, they were super fresh and very flavorful. Probably one of the best oysters I've ever had. Will definitely have to come back here when I visit Seattle next! read more

The Walrus and the Carpenter - Happy Hour Oysters - Seafood Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Best Fried Oysters I've had! They're delightfully plump and fried to crispy, golden perfection with a sweet, milky center. I couldn't stop dunking them into the herby cilantro aioli. Each bite was sooo good, an absolute crowd-pleaser! I highly recommend ordering these, maybe even two! Of course, we also tried a dozen raw oysters on the half shell. Fresh, some briny, some sweet. A splash of zing from the lemon, horseradish, or mignonette makes them go down easier. This place may be famed for its seafood, but don't skip the Steak Tartare. There weren't enough rye crisps to scoop up all the decadent, velvety smooth beef, but we still scraped that plate clean real quick. Big thank you to our knowledgeable server, who helped us pick some of the most memorable dishes we had in Seattle. Save this charming little spot for your next date or special occasion :) read more

The Walrus and the Carpenter - Steak tartare with rye crisps - Seafood Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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The Walrus and the Carpenter is an absolute must whenever I'm in Ballard. A friend and I have made it an almost annual tradition, always returning for the oysters and a sampling of their incredible menu. We order something from each section of the menu and share (they are shareable size plates). Every visit feels indulgent in the best way and we leave feeling like we've just experienced the most decadent, perfectly balanced flavors of Seattle. The wine list is excellent, and the atmosphere is cozy but bustling--lively and a bit noisy in the best way. I'd absolutely go on a date here, just keep in mind it's energetic and intimate rather than quiet. A true standout for elevated dining in Seattle. read more

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We came right when they opened on a saturday and were lucky to get the first seating - the restaurant fills up quicky, so come early. Love how you can try different kinds of oysters and they were all incredibly fresh, clean with the perfect sweetness. Beyond the oysters, every single dish we ordered was excellent, we enjoyed their grilled pear, scallop crudo and halibut collar. It's one of those places where you can confidently order across the menu and know it will be good. The atmosphere is lively yet intimate with attentive service. A must-visit for oyster lovers. read more

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Y'all. Pricey? Yes. Delicious? Also yes. I'd do bad things for the hazelnut chili crunch situation on the halibut collar. Cocktails really unique and nicely balanced. You gotta get Abby as your server. Nice, knowledgeable, and didn't steer us wrong. 10/10 will return read more

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The best food to get here are undeniably the oysters. There is a large local selection of oysters and they are all delicious, ranging from sweet and creamy, to crisp and briny. The other seafood plates are also tasty, but I would say on the smaller side. Cocktails here are fun as well and they specialize in amaro's, so get one of those. The space is cozy and often fills up, so get here early or expect to wait. The biggest drawback of this restaurant is the price. At dinnertime the oysters are $5 a piece, which despite how tasty they are is quite the splurge. Additionally, the check comes with a pre-added 22% service charge, and then tax is added on top of the whole bill (meaning you are also paying tax on the service charge). I'd like to note that I came here with my infant for a weekday dinner, and there were no complaints - I wouldn't call this restaurant "child friendly" but they are accepting of well behaved children. read more

I was a literal nervous about being able to get a table for our group of 7 since they don't take reservations but they were able to get us in very quick. Our server was awesome. The drink menu has a nice variety of cocktails, beers, and wine. We enjoyed everything we ordered (oysters, clams, bread, cheese, little gem salad, and sardines). Highly recommend this place. read more

I was visiting friends in town, and they brought me here. We came on the weekends, and it was Busy. No reservation,s so we put our name down and went next door for drinks. It only took about 20 minutes, and then our table was ready. Delicious food, I tried oysters for the first time! The dessert was good too. I love it when a restaurant has dishes that are great to share. The place is clean and we had great service. If I lived closer, I'd definitely work my way through that menu. Seattleites are lucky! read more

The covered patio in the back is really great! They also have some street side booths, but I'm not sure if they're still in use as the restaurant is more in the back of the building (from the front door, you go down a long hallway to get to the restaurant dining room area). This is definitely an oyster bar first and foremost. They get good quality and good variety here. (The rest of the food is also very good). They have a nicely complimentary list of wines and other beverages. Staff are helpful and knowledgeable. It's pricey, but in my option oysters are something that usually is worth spending a bit more money on. They do happy hour with select oysters for $2 which is my preferred time to visit. It gets busy and is first come first serve, no reservations read more

Cam for dinner on a weekend night and the service was very good. The setting was nice, and the service was very good. Tried the beef shank, fried oysters and french onion soup. Lots of drink options. Get the oysters. Would recommend a reservation, but there is a bar close by. read more

This restaurant is one of my absolute go to in Seattle. I miss it so much and whenever I come to visit, I make sure we make time to eat here. The oysters are amazing and the menu has a great mix of seafood. That's also unique and always tasty. The place is definitely very busy even at 4 o'clock when it opens you have to get there right away or have a wait. We got there at 4:30 and it was already a 45 minute wait which was fine because we had a nice happy hour at their bar next-door. The drinks are fun and different and very boozy. I love the food. It's a fun vibe the service is always great. My only downside is it can be kind of expensive for not as much food. If the prices were a tad better or you got a little bit more food for what you paid for I would give her five stars. I wish I could do 4 1/2. We got way more food than this, but I was so busy eating. I forgot to stop and take photos of the rest. read more

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Despite the cramped table arrangement this is a great place to go for oysters any day of the week. I tried two of each of the seven different oysters on offer, along with the Paddlefish Caviar (bland and not really worth the $23 for a teaspoon full. Cheese plate is great. Leeks as a side dish were delicious and we ended the meal with profiteroles. I loved the atmosphere and the bar with open kitchen behind - all set in an industrial port area of Ballard - makes this as authentic as you could want for a water-side Oyster Bar read more

One of my favorite restaurants in Seattle. The food is tasty and seafood and ingredients are super fresh. The service is fantastic and the ambiance is comfortable and inviting. Looking forward to my next meal here! read more

My friend brought me here for dinner to end my first trip to Seattle and I was underwhelmed to say the least. There really wasn't a standout dish here and I was quite disappointed after ordering close to 10 items and spending over $100 per person. To me, everything was either too little or too much. Too little salt and flavor profiles on both crudos, too much salt and heavy accompanying aioli on the fried oysters. The menu changes so maybe this on just wasn't it for me but I have no interest in going back. The best thing was the lemon curd on the pavlova and the fresh oysters, everything else was a miss and unmemorable. The staff was great though! They were very friendly and accommodating. read more

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When in Seattle - oysters! oysters! oysters! We were walking around the area and searched for a few places that had oysters on their HH menu. This place popped up multiple times and I'm glad we swung by! We mapped to the restaurant and outside was completely empty. We then realized it was through a hallway in the back of the building! We were the 3rd party in line waiting for them to open. Within 10 minutes, the entire hallway was packed. We sat in the covered patio and just kept ordering oysters after oysters. Their drinks were also good! read more

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My first time in Seattle. They do not accept reservations. We got in line at 3:50 pm before they opened at 4pm on a Saturday night. Really impressed by the decor. It was very open bright and inviting. There is a mandatory 22% service charge fyi. The staff was ever attentive. The freshest oysters I've ever had, paired with some horseradish and a pink sauce I wasn't sure what it was but it complemented the dish. My favorite were the Hama Hama clams. The white wine sauce was so good and the tomatoes & shallots were delicious & fresh. They also had unique mushrooms in the dish. Outside the restaurant the streets(2 + blocks away) were really nice to stroll around. You can either sit at the bar, outside, or at a table inside. read more

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Place is a bit tricky to find. The inside is very small however beautifully decorated. The service was a bit slow on a slow weekday afternoon. We ordered a dozen oysters for their happy hour special. (10 off shuckers dozen oysters) so that's about $50 for a dozen oyster. We ordered albacore crudo and the scallop crudo. And two sodas. The oysters were none impressive. The albacore tasted bland and unflavored. The scallops were delicious. At the end the total for those few items were $200 And they automatically charge a 22% service charge on all orders ( no one informed us of that. ) Over all I expected way more for what we paid. Fine dining prices for mediocre food and service. I was so disappointed my date and I went down the street to Trader Joe's for better tasting food. Save urself the trip. Save ur self the money and go elsewhere read more

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The Walrus and the Carpenter had amazing food and great service. The atmosphere was quaint and well decorated, making it a comfortable spot to enjoy dinner. The lab grown salmon was a unique highlight (one of to four in the country) and the oysters were fresh and flavorful. It is a bit pricey at about $5 an oyster plus a 22% surcharge, but the quality and experience made it worth it. read more

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Happy hour is where it's at! We arrived 10 minute before opening and there was a line. Entrance was a little hidden as the actual restaurant is through a hallway behind the bar of the main street. We ordered the happy hour wildcat and summerstone. OMG the wildcat. Creamy and meaty. No hint of ocean flavors. I would go back and just have this. We also got their beef tartare. Also, delicious if you're looking for something else. read more

The Walrus and the Carpenter - Seafood Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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This is more hidden gem in a more industrial area and I feel the only justifiable way to dine there would be for the happy hour $2 oysters as opposed to $5 oysters (incredibly fresh and locally sourced though). Do note that there is an 22% automatic applied service charge and the wait staff is great. Incredibly good fried oysters (best accompanying dish imo) and the yogurt heirloom tomatoes were highlights for side dishes. Clams were great but I wish it had more bread for the sauce, and the octopus carpaccio was thinly sliced and tasted more like cilantro than octopus. Worth the try and overall delicious. read more

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I've dined here multiple times and the freshness of the freshly shucked oysters is outstanding. The oyster shucker is a master at their craft. I've been impressed. Sometimes the shuckers at other houses may leave a piece of the shell which takes away from the taste of the mignonette. Also, great service and ambiance. I've always loved the restaurants name. We need more fun restaurants like this. read more

This restaurant is fairly small and was super packed when we came (5pm on a Tuesday). Definitely try and plan ahead as I don't think they take reservations. We sat at the bar and our bartender was super friendly! I can tell there are a lot of regulars and it's a very established restaurant in the area. Oysters were super fresh (although $50 for a dozen was a big shock especially since it was happy hour). I highly recommend the maple bread pudding. It was a great combination of textures (crunchy, soft, creamy) and sooo good!!! read more

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Charming LITTLE place. Seating uncomfortable. Oysters were delicious, but we never say the price ("MP") We ordered the scallops, tiny plates and over $20! Nothing to write home about. All other items were priced at "entree" level, yet were hardly 3 bites. Our final bill was $300(including 20% tip) We will not be going back. read more

$50 as the happy hour price for a dozen oysters is criminal. I know this is a local institution but they capitalize on their fame far too much with these prices. For comparison, Taylor Shellfish (where half the oysters in this town come from) has a dozen for $42 on their regular menu - and at happy hour, a dozen are $27. Nearby, The Garrison has a happy hour dozen for $24. Never pay more than $3 for oysters on happy hour in this region. read more

The Walrus and the Carpenter - Seafood Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Came here at 7 on a Saturday night and were quickly seated. I think a big party had just gotten up. The restaurant is so cute. We had a great waitress who helped us order our oysters. They were nice and salty. The bread was fresh and tasty. We did the scallop crudo. Delicious. Get it!! Also treat yourself to some cheese. I may be biased. It's my love language. Highly recommend this spot. read more

This place is incredibly overpriced. $18 for a single scallop?? 22% service charge? And all of this for a restaurant that expanded into a parking lot. Like many Seattle restaurants, particularly by this restaurant owner, it's overpriced & underwhelming. read more

Classy ambiance? yes. Fresh bread? yes. Great service? Yes. Located in the back of a sneaky hallway is the walrus and carpenter. It's first come first serve, making reservations is not available. I'm new to the raw oyster game and I learned I enjoy the small and sweet kind than the briny oysters. The oyster texture was fabulous paired with the vinegrette. I highly recommend the grilled sardines. I wish it came with more sardines bc I couldn't get enough of the herby walnut sauce. The clams were good but I wish it came more carbs so I can lap up the delicious lemongrass boil soup. The salad was fabulous, I wouldn't think fresh snap peas would work in a salad but it does. Bread and butter is a no brainer because I saw the gorgeous mound of butter from the bar and I knew it was gonna be amazing with the flaky salt. This restaurant is definitely on my favorites in Seattle list. read more

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This place is always a treat. It's in the back of a building in Ballard, but the space is still open and inviting. My group ordered the scallop crudo, some cheese and bread, Billy's tomatoes, and the steak tartare. The scallops were sweet and fresh. The dressing and tomatoes were good accents to the light scallop flavor Billy's tomatoes were scrumptious. I don't think I've ever had tomatoes this good. It would be good with some bread to drench in that delicious sauce. Steak tartare was also really good! The little crisps were light and crunchy. Like a chip haha. Service was also nice and efficient. Overall, this place is a treat. An expensive treat but a treat nonth read more

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Oysters, small plates, great drinks! Visited from out of town and a friend recommended this place. I'm not usually one for oysters but the fresh oysters were amazing! Very casual atmosphere to order a couple of small dishes (don't sleep on the cabbage) to share amongst a group of people. Great variety of drinks as well to go with the meal! Service was very attentive and helpful for our group! read more

Okay first let me start by saying my review will forever be biased. My wife and I came here on our honeymoon in 2017 and we've loved the restaurant ever since. The staff is always so friendly, the atmosphere is awesome and the oysters and food are always top notch. Not to mention a killer cocktail menu. On our most recent visit in June 2025 we enjoyed their happy hour getting $2 select oysters and $10 drinks. Given the ongoing price jumps all over we weren't surprised to see prices had steadily risen since previous Seattle trips but the happy hour is still a great deal. We got two rounds of oysters all were very good. I ordered their oyster stout to drink which I enjoyed and my wife got their spritz which was a bit too bitter for her and so she didn't finish it. But overall still good we will be back as usual! read more

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I haven't been to Seattle in 5 years, but I'm still thinking about the butter I ate here. Thats how good it was. read more

The Walrus and the Carpenter - Seafood Near Me - Seattle, Washington

5 stars Tucked away at the end of the street this restaurant is the go to for oysters in Seattle There are lots of high top tables and bar seating. Would recommend making reservations if a bigger group or for busy hours. Was able to get bar seating easily. Also they have a happy hour from 4-5pm! We ordered two of every oyster, and our favorites were the indigo, Jamestown, Hama Hama. The menu has the oysters listed in terms of saltiness with the indigo, being the least salty. We enjoyed the bread appetizer Tomatoes were okay and would likely order something else Excellent drink and wine menu. Service was superb. Highly recommend and can't wait to go back read more

The Walrus and the Carpenter - Seafood Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Business trip solo dinner here did not disappoint despite the hype. Every bite was spot on. Oysters were excellent. Leek salad with the hazelnut was superb. Scallop crudo with the vinegar bite plus perisimmon cutting through was excellent. Bread pudding was a fantastic finish. Best tasting meal I've had in a long time. read more

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I finally managed to get in here...I've tried multiple times to do walk-ins, but the space is just too small so finally made a reservation for when a friend was in town. Sat at the bar and had a blast! Staff really knows their oysters - not just "do you like big or small?" as some places will ask, but asked about our preferences around how briney, fishy, fresh - and then made some spot on recommendations. Cocktails were great - need to go back again soon. read more

Oysters were superb! We sat at the oyster bar area and the shuckers were very helpful, as was our waitress. Drinks were delicious and the scallop crudo was divine. The caviar was an extra special treat along with the creamy butter and bread appetizer. We ordered extra oysters instead of dessert. read more

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Been here couple times. If you are looking for great oysters, you come to the right place. Few things need to know: 1. They don't take reservation. So you go to the hostess, they take your phone number to join the waitlist in Opentable. If you miss the first round of seating when they just open, then morelikely you have to wait about 1.5hr for 2nd seating. 2. Street parking free front and back of the restaurant 3. Restroom is downstairs, ask the code from the restaurant. 4. This is more farm to table restaurant, so do not expect to find things you in yelp except for their drink, oysters and bread. 5. Bread and butter is $8 , about 4-5 thick slice, non refillable 6. Food comes out fast. 7. Restaurant's atmosphere is fast and loud. Overall food today is good. We ordered: 2 dozen of oysters of each type, today they have 7 types of oysters Bread and butter, bread from SeaWolf - 2 order, not knowing the second one is not free. Asparagus Grilled artichoke Halibut crudo Fried oysters Hama hama clams We sat inside, it's more highbar tables. Tight and close to other tables. They also have few table outside or the bar area itself. read more

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Looked up this place while at a conference in Seattle. I'm from Florida. Was shocked the price of the oysters at $5.00 each. I know that the Seattle area has higher priced food than other parts of the country but $5.00 is high being that the oysters are local. Steak Tartare was not tasty. The toasted bread that it came with was burnt. The thing I do give praise to is the lemonade. It was amazing. Bathroom was sketchy. Service was great! Sourdough was good, rye bread was not. I had to give an honest review since I traveled so far and expected a great experience. read more

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