Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar

Too pricey for too little food.

The main course portions are very small—over $20 for a serving that is smaller than a normal appetizer.
An 18% mandatory tip is also added, which makes the already expensive food cost even more.

The taste overall is ordinary, with nothing distinctive or special. The oyster is okay. I am not very good at comparing food, but it tastes the same as what you can get from Costco and open yourself.

Great place for seafood and small plates. Little pricy.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The best Oyster bar in Seattle!!!

The food is really good here. I recommend mix oyster platter the “Shuckers Dozen”, A Dozen of Curated Oysters direct from Taylor's own Farms. Thus you could have to taste the variety of the Oyster and order what you like the most later. I love Mussels Classic Steamer also, together with the sourdough is the best. The best time to avoid peak is around 1:30-3:30 pm

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

My wife and I ate at Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar on Melrose twice, before our trip to Alaska and upon our return to Seattle. This is a great seafood restaurant with all the important features and none of the frills. Just great food, great service, and great atmosphere. If you're headed to Seattle, or possibly have overlooked this gem, make it a point to go there.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Highly recommend this Dungeness crab. The OMG sauce is so good. Geoduck sashimi is fresh and sweet. Fat bastard is the best I had with them.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Like most reviews here, I find that the server is a huge problem here, probably cause they are sure to get an 18% tips regardless of how crappy they behave.

I wanted to reserve online, went to the link on this page and it says that I can just walk in. Upon entering this middle age short server asked me to use their online reservation, I said that the website told me to walk in. He exclaimed “I’m telling you to do it now”.

Food is not bad, just typically cooked crab. Geoduck is good for first time. Cocktails are bad and washed down. The environment is like a food court, not so much of restaurant vibe. Price is on the high side though.

I think tipping culture is getting out of hand here. People are no longer wanting to serve without a confirmed “tax”. Even with tipping, they’d only smile if they get more than the average. It’s a nonstop cycle of toxicity.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 4

Service: 1

The wait staff being rude seems to be a reoccurring thing at this place. The waitlist said 25-35 minutes wait and by 40 mins mark, we went in because there's no one ahead of us. Well we found all the tables full and the host completely ignoring us. After 15 mins of standing there being ignored, my boyfriend finally asked what's up and the host replied so annoyingly that we will get our seat when it's ready. Like oh im sorry you have to do your job. At this point, it's been an hour and knowing they are all lazy, they were gonna take their time clearing the table and taking our order so we just left.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 4

Service: 1

Taylor Shellfish Farms had oysters so fresh they tasted like the sea.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We are happy that we found this place. We were craving for oysters 🦪 and this place really exceeded our expectations. The oysters were fresh, the oyster dip just yum and the geoduck sashimi HEAVEN. Happy hour was a good deal 🫶 thank you for having us and we are happily giving 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This is a must-try in Seattle! Far and away the freshest oysters and highest quality seafood I have had for some time.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Oysters were fantastic. Loved the Vino Verde option. Only improvement would be complimentary baguette with oysters.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Clothing shop so cool

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

I've been here once before. I like to come back to places with the most memorable meals, and compare for consistency. That way I have sure to please places in mind for lunch with acquaintances who are visiting the city.
Nice bar table with a view to bustling city sidewalks and classic architecture. Friendly, attentive and knowledgeable staff.

Loved this place! Will come again.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Visited with 3 people for lunch — total came out to $125 (with 18.9% service charge included). A little pricey, but the quality made it worth it. Here’s what we had:

🦪 Oysters (2 each of 3 types):
• Fat Bastard – Big, meaty, and bold in flavor. Briny with a creamy finish.
• XS Pacific – Smaller, crisp and clean — refreshing and easy to eat.
• Shigoku – Mild, plump, and buttery. One of the best of the bunch.
• Kumamoto – Always a fan favorite. Sweet and smooth with a delicate texture.

🥣 Chowder + 1/4 Baguette

Thick, creamy, and full of seafood flavor. Black pepper on top gave it a kick. The baguette was warm and crusty — perfect for dipping.

🥪 NW Seafood Roll Sandwich

Generous portion of chilled crab and shrimp salad on a toasted roll, topped with roe and herbs. Served with crispy house-made chips. Super satisfying and light at the same time.

🥘 Steamers (Clams & Mussels)

Cooked in white wine garlic broth — super fragrant. Clams were juicy, mussels tender. A must-try if you’re a shellfish fan.

🍺 Lager

Cold and crisp, great pairing with oysters.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Our group of 6 had a great time at Taylor Shellfish! Our waiter, Louis, made sure we our meal was an experience, he met our vibes and brought the fun. We did have to wait quite a long time to be seated as the restaurant is very small with limited seating, but Louis' amazing attitude and great customer service overshadowed the long wait. He single handedly turned what had been a frustrating day of tourism into the start of a great night out on the town.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4