Seattle Spotlight: Elliott’s Oyster House

Elliott’s Oyster House, located on Seattle’s waterfront, is a landmark dining experience known for its incredible oyster bar and fresh, sustainable Pacific Northwest seafood.

Here is a detailed look at what makes it unique, its history, menu highlights, customer feedback, and contact information.

What Makes It Unique: America’s Premier Oyster House

Elliott’s Oyster House, opened in 1975, has earned a national reputation and has been recognized as one of the top seafood houses in the U.S. and “America’s #1 Oyster House” by publications like Food and Wine.

• The Oyster Bar: The restaurant is famous for its oyster bar, which offers a rotating selection of 24 to 26 different oyster varieties from local Pacific Northwest waters. They are shucked to order and thoughtfully arranged from briny to sweet.
• Waterfront Location: Situated on Pier 56, the restaurant provides stunning, picturesque views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains, offering an iconic backdrop for dining.
• Progressive Oyster Happy Hour: The restaurant is well-known for its Oyster Happy Hour (Monday–Friday from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM in the bar and lounge), where the price of freshly shucked oysters increases progressively over the two hours, offering an exceptional value and a lively atmosphere for seafood enthusiasts.
• Commitment to Sustainability: The restaurant is environmentally conscious, emphasizing the serving of wild and sustainable seafood and supporting organizations dedicated to the well-being of the marine environment.

History and Location

Elliott’s Oyster House has been a Seattle staple for nearly 50 years, opening its doors in 1975. The restaurant is part of the E3 Restaurant Group, a locally owned and operated group since 1951.

The restaurant’s home on Pier 56 has a history dating back to the late 1800s, when it was known as Arlington Dock.

• The original dock was destroyed in the Great Seattle Fire of 1889.
• In 1902, the Northern Pacific Railroad built three new piers, including Pier 5 (now 56), to capitalize on the Gold Rush.
• A notable event at the pier occurred in 1965 when Ted Griffin, owner of the Seattle Marine Aquarium, displayed Namu, a 22-foot orca whale, which made headlines at the time.

Significant Events

The most significant annual event hosted by Elliott’s is the Annual Oyster New Year. This beloved tradition, celebrating nearly 32 years, features freshly shucked oysters, premium wine pours, seafood delicacies, and lively experiences. A portion of the proceeds often benefits a charity, such as the Puget Sound Restoration Fund (PSRF), a non-profit dedicated to restoring the Sound’s water quality and native marine species.

Highlight Menu Items

The menu is focused on highlighting the natural flavors of Pacific Northwest seafood, but also includes other culinary delights:

• Oysters on the Half Shell: The core offering, with a rotating selection of up to 26 varieties.
• Alder Plank Roasted Salmon: Wild Pacific King Salmon, subtly smoky from being roasted on a cedar plank with the house rub and served with grilled vegetables.
• Dungeness Crab Cakes: A popular appetizer.
• Whole Dungeness Crab or Alaskan King/Bairdi Crab: Served steamed with drawn butter.
• Pan Fried Pacific Oysters: Served as an appetizer or entree.
• Tequila Lime Mussels: Steamed in a tequila cream sauce with jalapeños, lime, and cilantro.

Customer Feedback

Elliott’s Oyster House generally receives high ratings (4.3 stars on Google Maps) and is a must-visit for many tourists and locals.

• Positives: Customers frequently praise the unbeatable view, the freshness and selection of the oysters (especially during the happy hour), and well-prepared dishes like the cedar plank salmon. The service is often described as professional and the martinis are lauded as “ice-cold gin perfection” by one reviewer.
• Areas of Concern: Some older reviews have noted inconsistency in non-signature dishes like cioppino or steak, and some occasional unevenness in service. More recently, the restaurant’s practice of including a non-optional 20% service charge has sparked some discussion online. The restaurant states this charge is distributed as follows: the server earns a 12% commission on gross sales (and keeps 100% of any additional tips), and the support team and kitchen collectively earn 8%.

Contact and Location Information

Elliott’s Oyster House is located on the Seattle waterfront on Pier 56.