4. Restaurants

Steelhead Diner

95 Pine St,Pike Place Market, Seattle, WA, 98101
  • (206) 625-0129
  • Store is closed

Steelhead Diner Menu

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  • mei s.

    hmmm, there were 7 of us, including my little children, so i was totally expecting to get the gratuity added on bc of our size, just based on the crappy service we were getting. i was on the verge of giving mgmt a piece of my mind. the service was PAINFULLY slow. And besides waiting for a table that irks me, I HATE waiting for my food to come. but, alas, no charge for service. shocking. the jumbo lump dungeness crab cake was THE BEST we have had in a long time. the alaskan razor clam chowder was so creamy and delicious. Salad? who ever raves about salad. but the brutus salad-with romaine lettuce with whole citrus vinaigrette, pine nut gremolatta, deelish!! my husband ordered the grilled double r ranch new york strip with blue cheese butter and baby arugula and walla walla sweet onion rings, he raved about the blue cheese sauce. i ordered the grilled britol bay sockeye salmon with cucumber salad and mint tzatziki, it was perfectly cooked. my sister ordered the grilled whole stream raised idaho trout-- it was a whole fish, with eyes, tail and all! awesome! the sides were excellent too: pan roasted green beans, baked macaroni-very good, poutine-gravy,cheese curds, except the potato latkes-not so good the food was delicious, but the service stunk.

    (4)

  • Andrew W.

    A big disappointment. We went here on a Saturday for lunch. The service was decent but the food took far too long. We waited for over an hour to receive cold, subpar food. My pork sandwich was nothing worthy of its $12 asking price. Another guest at our table ordered the omelette which arrived and was cold. I will definitely not be returning and I would hope the management addresses this issue. For a dinner located in the market your food wait time should never be over an hour.

    (2)

  • Stacie K.

    Atmosphere was good. Wait staff was good. Food was yummy. No complaints.

    (4)

  • Trish Q.

    The food was how do you say it? oh AMAZING!!!! We went here for my girlfriend's birthday. Our party of 12 was greeted with two "a slice of caviar pies", with four types of roe & goat cheese, red onions & capers on a toasted herb crustini The kasu marinated black cod actually melted in your mouth. It was like pure velvet. It was complimented with baby bok choy & a ginger salad which seemed to bring out the flavor even more It was succulent, and cooked to the perfect tenderness, still flaky but when it touched your tongue you actually stopped and thought "if I died right now I would truly die happy" .- and then it hits the food coma ....CLEAR! At this point in the evening my friend TaDao V would be doing her food dance in her seat right about now! It comes in a half order and a full order. One girl in our party ate a half order then ordered another one. She also ordered the double chocolate Sunday which was big enough for three. It looked like a mountain of chocolate, icecream, caramel, & fudge brownies.........just looking at that dessert could make you gain ten pounds. At one point I turned to her and asked if she had a tape worm because of the large quanity she was putting away for her size but she was sharing with others and the food was AMAZING!!!!! The service was good considering our party size and that we had some people ordering food & others drink & some too many drinks and acting out. He handled it all very well. And what is even better at no point when we asked "what is your wine by the glass?" or "what kind of fish do you have?" did he ever say "it's on the board, nor did he ever say "you need to slow down although one girl needed to slow after she had wiped chocolate sauce across her face and smeared caramel in her hair" something I don't recommend.

    (5)

  • Kjell S.

    I visited this diner a few times. Yeah, that's right, a few times. No big deal. Where was I... oh yeah, I visited this place a few times. And you know what, the first time, I ordered the fried chicken sandwich. You know what I ordered the second time? The fried chicken sandwich. The service was friendly, the ambiance was that of a diner. The sandwich was quite excellent, a nice size, and delicious. You've heard of the term breakfast of champions, their fried chicken sandwich is the lunch of champions. At least when I eat it, beecause I am a champion. Curiously, when I just looked at the online menu, I didn't see the fried chicken sandwich. But proof of its existence can be found under the photos section of Yelp. I am retroactively writing this review, so at first, I second guessed my remembrance of the fried chicken sandwich. It is kind of like recalling the time you saw bigfoot, but in this case, I am happy to report that there is photo evidence. Yeah, I dunno, if you go, if they have it, order the elusive fried chicken sandwich. but I'm sure (in the words of rap artists) it's all good.

    (4)

  • Lily S.

    Dear Steelhead Diner: When one orders dinner salads to go for $12/13 each, one would think that one would get ACTUAL DINNER SIZE SALADS and not tiny halfheartedly thrown together side salads that someone obviously did not care that much about - which consisted of half a handful of wilted, sorry greens, brown apples, and dressings that were supposed to be in containers, but were not closed all the way. SHAME ON YOU. We were excited to get salads from your restaurant, but when we got home and opened up our to go boxes, we were faced a very disappointing excuse for food. You might want to rethink the way you throw together to go meals if you want people to continue frequenting your establishment. Or hire people that actually give a shit about what they're doing b/c this was definitely a food FAIL and a complete rip off.

    (1)

  • The Next Time O.

    This place came highly recommended by my ever so trustworthy cousin, as usual she hit the mark. We were so impressed with our lunch, we came back for dinner the next night with the rest of the family. The only shortfall is that the hostess is not very friendly nor accomodating, I am sure she halts lots of folks from actually visiting this place. Even with those issues, this place certainly deserves the highest rating, after all, it's about the food. As many reviews suggest this is no ordinary diner. This place really isn't a diner except for some booth seating and some diner favorites on the menu. The food: starters, crabcake & spring rolls were excellent. Gumbo and clam chowder very good. Pulled pork sandwich, fish & chips, fried half chicken, and whole grilled trout all delicious. Asparagus and baked macaroni were excellent sides. Wow, this place, unsure what to recommend as they were all execellent, on my next vist... The Next Time: If lunch, I order spring rolls for starter, buttermilk half chicken sandwich, and baked macaroni side. Saw some folks folks having the buttermilk chicken sandwich and looked delicious. If dinner, I order oysters on the shell, gumbo or clam chowder, mixed green salad, and the oregon black cod. Can't wait to go back.

    (5)

  • Erika S.

    Everything was so-so until we noticed our waiter had a freaking SWASTIKA tattoo on his forearm! He even had his long sleeves rolled up, not trying to hide it at all. I was shocked that an establishment would allow blatant display of hate like that. We did not tip.

    (2)

  • jess l.

    Met family from out of town there for lunch. Here's my findings... SLOW SERVICE....the place wasn't that busy as at all, and I work in a restaurant and know the deal. When we did have service, we had about 3 or 4 different girls...I couldn't tell u who was our server. The food too way too long for a couple of macaroni's and fish and chips....almost 45 mins. When I did see a server they all had a slow, non-engeretic way about them. They would ask if we wanted icetea refills instead of just refilling them....of course I would like a refill, I haven't even received my food. Serving 101...just refill it without asking. We had asked for seperate bills at the begining and that was forgotten about at the end. No biggie, but its the little things. FOOD....nothing special. We got the Poutine for an appy. I'm Canadian, and where I come from the Poutine arrives hot, and the cheese melted. This StealHead American version wasn't hot and the cheese wasn't melted....fail. it would be good if served properly because the gravy was good. Fish and Chips....for 17 bucks we got 4 pieces of fish....and most of it was batter and fries. Hardly no fish. Unseasoned plain fries.. again nothing special. With plain yucky tartar sauce. Baked Mac and Cheese....good. The food arrived about 45 mins after we ordered. And came out periodically. About 4 mins apart. So after waiting for all the food be at the table, so of us ended up with not so hot food. So all in all I won't be back. If the service was better and more lively perhaps me and the hubby would try it again and try some other menu items. But since the staff was so sleepy and amo...we won't be.

    (2)

  • Karen A.

    I got the olive crusted Alaskan halibut. It came with pea vines and a white bean purée. It was very delicious; the fish was perfectly cooked. I would have enjoyed a lot more vegetables to go with it whether it was more of the pea vines or another additional vegetable. Because I mean it was pretty much just the fish with a few greens hidden underneath. For $22, I think a little splurge in the veggie department would have been nice.

    (4)

  • Peter K.

    The kitchen tries too hard. Let the salmon speak for itself. If its a good cut of fish, it doesn't need much help

    (3)

  • Cole B.

    Not amazed by this place. The food was good, but it wasn't worth the price we paid. I'd go again with friend, but probably not of my own initiation.

    (3)

  • Camila L.

    Yay for super fresh seafood! Everyone at the table ordered some form of fish and agreed they were fresh and delicious. That said, the deep fried cheese curds and black velvet cake were so great I don't remember what I ordered for my entrée. How I pitied the lactose intolerant one of the group for missing out on some awesome cheese. The cake was delicious - super chocolate-ly, moist, covered in chocolate and nuts, then topped with ice cream. If only the entrées were as memorable as the appetizer and dessert, then I'd consider coming back should I make another trip to Seattle.

    (4)

  • Meghan G.

    Well, here is the rant from the angry ex-employee. I only worked there for a short time and got fired for not being "enthusiastic" enough about working there. It seemed as if I didn't enjoy running around pleasing the manager's every whim, calling the owner "chef" at all times and being super human in the amount of food I could carry and sell. After being fired for what was blatantly not an honest reason, I recalled just a few days prior having complained that a manager was not treating me correctly because she had accused me of not doing a menial task that I had already done. And when she made me do it again, I was not enthusiastic. It did not make me happy to be called a liar. Anyway, if you must know, the restaurant is like many others. The food is okay and lack of quality is shrouded in salt and uneccessarily large garnishes which hide the small portions. The reason they call it a 'Diner' is so that they can skimp on things that customers would expect from a pricey restaurant and simply say, "What did you think it was going to be like? It's a diner." The employees are pitted against each other in competition (most restaurants are like this). They are pressured into doing more work than they signed on for and probably show it when they are dealing with customers. When I first started working there another employee mentioned to me that you must "do a lot of extra stuff" in order to "get noticed around here". Well, I got noticed for refusing to sell out for more than I'm worth. The cooks work long days with few breaks, but are rewarded with simply being in the kitchen of a "world class" chef (even though some customers have told me they weren't able to tell this "world class" chef apart from a Denny's cook). I found that I got along best with the employees that only spoke Spanish, because then at least we could speak our minds to each other. They deserve to be the highest paid position in the house for all the dirty work they have to do. All while the manager walks around and micro-manages everything down to how you polish the silverware. (My opinion about micro-managing is that is generally means your position isn't needed, you've let the "power" go to your head, and frankly, you're a jerk.) Well, there are my two cents. Go to a more notable Pike Place restaurant instead like the Pike Place Brewery or the Pink Door.

    (1)

  • Amanda P.

    This place is awesome! I was with a group of 4. We wanted to do an appetizer and the waiter suggested we try the caviar pie and if we didnt like it, he would buy it for us. Needless to say when he came back 10 minutes after it was placed on our table, the plate was clean. I ordered some sort of pasta dish that was good but the others I was dining with ordered lamb and some sort of cod. We all shared bites and I must say the cod was like melt in your mouth. I will be back here... A LOT!!

    (5)

  • Trick C.

    This place is decent. Make no mistake - it's a tourist trap. The menu is wide-ranging - from reasonably priced sandwiches to overpriced entrees. All the dishes have to many ingredients. The trout with a pecan brown butter sauce was a bit surprising. I think there must have been 1/4 cup of pecans sitting atop the trout.

    (3)

  • michael p.

    Excellent crab cakes, chowder and the grilled king salmon. Consider the half slab to save room for the theo chocolate pecan pie - "like french-kissing an angel"

    (4)

  • Kzed Z.

    Overall, you will go here and have a good meal. But for the price, I'd choose lunch over dinner. Half the dishes are mediocre but half the dishes are delicious. It's entirely dependent on which one you try. However, it's a great place for variety if you are going with picky or less adventurous eaters. There's sandwiches, salads, soups, main courses and awesome side dishes which you might just want to eat as a main course.... It's also bright, well lit, and easy to hear your companion. More of a family dinner spot than a date night locale. This week, I was fortunate enough to eat here with 7 friends. Three of us had the lackluster pork sandwich, which sounded much better than it tasted. And I wasn't too impressed with the fried chicken sandwich. However, we also had the clam chowder, dinner salad, mac and cheese, catfish tacos and fish and chips, which were all very good. The chowder is topped with a drizzle of truffle oil and is some of the best I've had in this city. The winner though, was the black cod. It was buttery and silky and flavored very well. Runner up was the side dish of brussels sprouts, grilled with a dash of something special - maybe lemon or soy.

    (4)

  • Erin W.

    We decided to go here after hearing great things about the food, service, locale, etc. It was a smart move on our part, too -- we had a great time! The food wasn't the most innovative in the city (there's some stiff competition in Seattle), but was absolutely cooked to perfection! OMG, I'm still salivating over the crispy/creamy hominy cakes, and razor clam chowder! To be subjective, however -- let me start with the cons: it was WARM in there! Granted, this weekend has been unseasonably warm, but still, it was a little too much. Secondly, we had reservations for 7pm, but were still asked to wait about 10 minutes for a table. Not a huge deal, though -- they took a drink order and we had them before we sat. Nice save! The service was very good, since there were about 3 or 4 people tending to our table (keeping our water glasses full, our plates cleared, and the alcohol flowing!). The other glitch in the evening was service-related and, in my opinion, an honest over-sight. E's fork and knife were cleared after the salad course, and were never replaced. This wasn't the biggest deal in the world, since he shared a sandwich & fries with H -- but was a little off-putting, since he was raised NOT to eat with his fingers (even fries) in a nice place (ah, manners are not totally a lost art). So anyway, the four of us started with the crispy hominy cakes, poutine, razor clam chowder, and beet tartare -- a truly indulgent and mouth-watering start to the meal. The only other comment I have is that if you like poutine (fries with gravy & cheese curds = a delicious heartattack on a plate...), you HAVE to try it at the Collin's Pub. It's the best in the entire world (sorry, Canada -- it must be said). For dinner, A&I shared the salmon with (dried cherries?), smoked almonds, and browned butter, while the boys shared the catfish sandwich and fries. We also shared an order of mustard greens with pancetta (a really unnecessary addition, but good). And then for dessert... ooooooooooh dessert. The double chocolate sundae and chocolate pecan pie were decadent and the perfect end to a really amazing experience. Keep up the good work!

    (4)

  • S G.

    I've had by far THE BEST crabcakes ever in my life at this place! Dinner prices are on the pricey side and I wouldn't go as far as to say it's my favorite restaurant in Seattle, but it's definitely 1 of of my top 5 favorites. Great seafood place!

    (4)

  • Lindley E.

    Expense account dining can be really great - you order anything you like and the company covers it. So I love travelling to cities like Seattle because the food is so good in comparison to some of the other places I visit (middle of nowhere North Carolina, anyone?). Steelhead was recommended to us by our client who is based in Seattle. Perhaps he picked it because we were staying downtown, perhaps it was because he really liked it. I will never know, because we will never discuss it. The Steelhead Diner is very average. That's right. Average. Their heart is in the right place - lovely salts and herb blends on the table, laid-back, local, fun, comforting and simple food. But execution is uninspired and inconsistent. As an example, we ordered the poutine, a stable of Eastern Canada. The fries were pretty generic -were they a simplot IQF fry? - and sprinkled a little too lightly with cheesecurds, accompanied by a gravy boat full of a flavorful, but very salty gravy. It was a great idea but the execution was disappointing. Entrees were similarly uninspired. A beautiful wild salmon was sprinkled with hubbard squash dice and served with a sauce that tasted remarkably like the gravy from the poutine. The salmon was very salty. I also tasted the black cod - again, very salty. Half portions were a great idea, but the presentation was unappealing - my colleague's fish looked like something off a buffet line. The half-portion just looked incomplete and a tad anemic. Desserts mostly missed the mark, too. A pumpkin creme brulee lacked body and didn't have enough substance. A stout pound cake was an unpleasant combination of sweet buttery poundcake, sweet spices, and yes, stout. The coconut ice cream on the "black velvet" cake was a stand-out. The pecan pie was average. I really liked the concept, and I would have liked the restaurant if execution had been consistent with the ideas and 'ethics' that guide their purchasing and cooking decisions. I'll try it again sometime.

    (3)

  • N P.

    Good selection of classics and modern/contemporary dishes. Regular updated menu and good service. Really like the shared servers that help vs. other restaurants where if your server isn't around you end up waiting.

    (5)

  • Rich R.

    I travel to Seattle on business quite often; every time I am in town I make a point of having at least one meal at the Steelhead Diner. The menu successfully marries elements of southern food with the fresh ingredients found in the Pacific northwest. Though the selections I have had from the Field and Stream section of the menu have been excellent, I always gravitate towards the Sandwiches. The Fried Oyster Po Boy is an enjoyable sandwich, as it is dressed New Orleans style and served on the perfect roll. Another great selection is the Buttermilk Fried Chicken sandwich; though fried, the chicken is moist and flavorful, the batter just thick enough to add texture to the sandwich but not overpowering. A Manny's Pale Ale compliments both of these sandwiches quite nicely. In terms of desserts; I have tried the Lemon Cake (I enjoy homemade lemon cake and rarely find it on a menu!) and it has been hit or miss with me - I have ordered it twice; the first time it was excellent, tangy and sweet; the second time the lemon curd overpowered the cake. Overall, the service is friendly and attentive, the location is hard to beat, and the menu has a little something for everyone, though some items appear ambitious in theory they tend to work well in practice. If you want an enjoyable, reasonably priced meal in a great location I think the Steelhead is a great choice.

    (4)

  • Robyn P.

    There's so much to choose from on SD's menu (w/o being overwhelming), and everything I've ever ordered has been delicious. the caviar pie is a must each time I come here - the vibrant colors, the flavors that literally pop in your mouth, the decadence of eating good-quality fish eggs by the spoonful. at the other end of the luxury spectrum is poutine. fries covered in gravy and cheese curds. but it's just as satisfying (if not more) and utterly yummy. Try it for $2 off during HH and pair it with any type of booze. i like whiskey on the rocks. Steelhead always participates in the "30 for $30" program that happens a couple times a year, and serves both lunch and dinner at prix fixe prices. I had the pleasure of having lunch here on my bday this year, which consisted of beet tartare, blackened catfish, and chocolate pecan pie (made w/ Theo chocolate, no less). It was one of the best lunches ever. and for $15, one of the least expensive for the quality of ingredients. The service has been consistently great, HH specials are decent, and the small deck in the back provides nice alternative seating in the summer (although there isn't much of a view). I really, really like SD. Love hasn't happened yet, but with one more bite of caviar pie, i have a feeling it just might.

    (4)

  • Val L.

    alaskan razor clam chowder was great... the spiced olive oil gave it a kick. waiter was pretty cool.

    (4)

  • Inga S.

    Horrible experience. It took over 1 hour to get our food. This included the 25 minutes after we were told it was coming. Worst part as watching another customer who came 20 minutes after us get served the same thing we had ordered. Manager did finally cover the cost of our meal.

    (1)

  • Chas B.

    I come to Seattle once a year for a conference and this place is always on my list for dining - consistently good, always fresh, great service and reasonable prices.

    (5)

  • Dianne C.

    Last week was my first visit to the Steelhead Diner along with my coworkers for our team outing. They apparently have a brunch and a dinner menu, though, at about noon, the dinner menu was set. Here I thought we were just going to find some pricier sandwiches, but I was pleasantly surprised at the selection. I was disappointed to be warned off the poutine for its un-poutine-like flavoring, but the crab cakes we ordered were quite tasty. ("Award-winning" and "best in Seattle," according to our waitress.) I ordered a strawberry lemonade for my drinks. However, I was told that they could not serve it that day, though, if they could, it would have been hand-picked and fresh-squeezed that morning. She then noted that she could ask if they could mix up some fresh fruit mix lemonade for me, and I agreed. (I was amused by how much she was hyping everything - so I had to try and see.) Later, she came out with pomegranate lemonade, which was rather good. I don't know if they regularly do this for customers, but the service and the creativity are appreciated. I also had a salmon with bok choy and polenta (a combination I wouldn't have thought of), which turned out rather well. We also had a lemon cake for dessert, which was pretty tasty. The presentation was picture-worthy throughout (and I am not ashamed to pull out my camera for food). There are other items on the menu that I definitely want to try out, if I ever chance by there again. I hope that my experience in the future will be good as this first time.

    (4)

  • Jenna M.

    I went to Steelhead last week with a friend in town from Los Angeles. I, being the Seattle Native (although I just moved back to the area after 10 years) felt quite embarrased to have no suggestions of where to bring her for lunch. She, however, had heard great things about the restaurant and so we made our choice. It was an obviously grey December afternoon, and at 2:30, the restaurant was anything but packed. Still, it made for a nice quiet atmosphere for good catching up conversation, and a choice of a window seat to make what we could of the Puget Sound through the fog. The waiter was attentive and we both settled on a nice Oregon Pinot Noir for lunch. The menu was rich in options and it took each of us several look overs to decide on our meals. I went for the vegetable chili and then the house salad (If only I had my camera to capture this perfect display of Iceberg). She ordered the Mussels in Purgatory and an Heirloom Beet Salad. The food was well worth the recommendation, and I continued to wonder what everything else on the menu would taste like. Now that I am back in town, I dont venture down to the fish throwers haven quite often, so I am excited for when guests come to town to visit Pike Place and the Steelhead Diner again!

    (4)

  • Kevin S.

    Food was good, service was quirky in that the server seemed to disappear for a little while. I had the Poutine. My friend had the vegetarian chili. Both were good. Will go back again.

    (3)

  • Sasha P.

    We wanted a place with solid food, good vibe but capable of handling two jet lagged kids. This place was recommended and almost delivered! Dining room was cool - in a touristy area but felt like normal people come here. Food was solid. Clam chowder was totally amazing. Check it out if you want good food at reasonable prices - pretty kid friendly too!

    (3)

  • Hety O.

    This restaurant is a must! The food is amazing and the service is wonderful! It's one of my favorite restaurant in downtown Seattle and Pike Place Market. You can't beat the great view of the sound either. I would highly recommend Steelhead Diner!

    (5)

  • Grant R.

    Our best meal in Seattle so far. Hip atmosphere and outstanding service by Michael. Special order of sole with pecan brown butter sauce was outstanding. At $30, the fixed-price menu was a great value. Try to get a table by the windows on the street side.

    (5)

  • Melissa L.

    the food is decent, but for the prices i would expect something better than alright. what i come back for is their chowder. i think they have the best chowder in seattle. if you're looking for a thick stocky type of chowder, this is not ur place. their chowder is more reminiscent of homemade chowder without all the extra starchy crap to make it thick. then they top it off with a little truffle oil and it is TO DIE for. the fish is ok. i will say it's always cooked perfectly because i absolutely hate overdone fish, but for my palate the taste is a little on the bland side. other than the chowder, i'm more of a fan of their other restaurant blueacre.

    (3)

  • Pamela S.

    My hubby and I were in town to visit family and catch a game, so we stayed nearby and just happened on this wonderful place. It was a Friday night so we did wait a bit, but it was absolutely worth the wait. We had the caviar pie, as suggested by our server. Great way to start the meal, it was a beautiful presentation, very impressive. I had the Ling Cod and I decided that it is my new favorite fish. Too bad I can't seem to find it in LA. Service was wonderful, I am looking forward to going back to Seattle just to have that caviar pie again!

    (4)

  • Ryan J.

    This place was pretty good. I had great fish tacos. I honestly wasn't going to eat any battered seafood that weekend but after smelling them as they went buy, I had to try them. I was not disappointed. The ambiance was fairly modern and the location is great. They have fairly cheap drinks and the wait staff is helpful. This place is a win overall. I'll be back soon

    (4)

  • Isabel D.

    We came to Steelhead for dinner on our last night in seattle. I expected more after reading yelp reviews, so I was a little disappointed. For appetizer, I got the crab cake, thinking I would share it with my friends. Instead, the dish came out with only ONE crab cake. For the price of it, I would've expected a few more cakes, or at least one giant cake. I was not happy with that. And it wasn't the best either. I got the clam chowder, and that was good. But I had some from various places throughout Pike Place that weekend, so it was not too impressive to blow the other competition away. For dinner, my bf had the fish and chips. He said it was good, but I didn't try any, so I can't comment. Our friend had the chicken sandwich, but he only ate half and he didn't comment much on it. I had the trout, cooked in lemon sauce and capers. The portion was big; it was an entire fish. I had to split it with other people at the table and I couldn't even finish it. However, I think it was because the fish was drenched in oil and butter. I could barely taste the fish because the sauce was overpowering. It was good at first, but it got too heavy. I like my seafood light so that I could enjoy the taste and freshness of it, but it was just too much. Let me say again, it was way much too oily. It was a big disappointment. The menu is standard diner fare, so I don't know why I was expecting more than that. Of all the choices of great seafood places in Seattle, there is no need to waste and time or money here.

    (2)

  • Scott W.

    My wife and I are from New Orleans, spending our summers in Seattle. We love going to the Market and having lunch at Steelhead. The atmosphere is clean and fun, and the food never disappoints. The guy who opened the place is from New Orleans, and he goes a great job of blending New Orleans classics (and classic style) with pacific northwest ingredients. A "Rich-Boy" with Uli sausage. Nice.

    (5)

  • Christopher C.

    When we took our seat at this diner, our waitress started by explaining how much of the food and drink were locally sourced, fair trade, and organic. She pointed out their signature items, and made some friendly and welcoming chit-chat. We felt comfortable and welcome, something I'm getting used to feeling here in Seattle! The food was hit-and-miss. I had the Eggs Cordova which was really delicious. The eggs, salmon, and bacon were perfectly cooked, and the fresh chanterelle mushrooms and sweet peppers were an unexpected flavourful addition to the dish. My partner had the buttermilk chicken sandwich and poutine (some grease b/c we had enjoyed Seattle's late-night hospitality the night before). We're biassed as Canadians, but I think poutine is probably best left to the experts in Quebec. As for the chicken sandwich, it was just ok, nothing special. The service here was exemplary, the prices on the high side of reasonable, the atmosphere was comfortable, and the food generally high quality.

    (4)

  • Neil D.

    Steelhead has a lot of "Pro's" but also a lot of "Con's" that make more of a three star than anything else. The food is good and the menu changes often enough that you can't get bored but sometimes the offerings aren't as delectable as described. The place is noisier than some places, it is a 'Diner' afterall, but in large groups you find yourself almost on top of one another. Too crowded! The wine list is decent too but ask on quantity and availability. When I ordered a particular red for my group I was informed that they had one bottle remaining. Not bad considering there are others to select from but when being pressed to have the first bottle and 'move on from there' I wasn't impressed. The bar is nice however and if you're in for a drink before heading elsewhere it's a good place to stop. A peek-a-boo view of Puget Sound helps with that. If you're early and the weather is nice you can also get out on their patio. Price is comparable to most for what you get so there's no complaint there. Though the service? Flip a coin...

    (3)

  • Britta G.

    Walked in with a PARTY of 5! We had a few drinks and waited......and waited......and waited.........and waited......for the waitress to take our order. The food was excellent, had the jumbo crab cakes and the seafood jumbo (I am in Seattle after all), it took another FOREVER for food to arrive. We were there for close to 3 hours. The waitress didn't clean or clear our plates until we asked her. Needless to say the company was fun, and the food was rich and delightful. Made the wait almost bearable but not quite.

    (3)

  • Carri M.

    Food is down home favorites updated a bit. Service was very memorable and increased the enjoyment of the night. Best thing we had was the fried chicken (best I have EVER had) and the least favorite was the latke appetizer. Mac n cheese was good, but better can be had a few steps away at Becchers.

    (4)

  • David N.

    We walked around Seattle for hours through Pike's Market and stumbled upon this diner. It's not really a diner in the East Coast diner speak more of a bistro but the food was great. The service was nice and friendly and our server actually threw/dropped the check on my head for which he quickly apologized. They had the best fish and chips that we've eaten while on our trip, light and not oily and very crispy and fresh. There was some work being done on the outside of the building but it did not block the great view of the water. I'd go back when I go back.

    (4)

  • Jenna H.

    We went for brunch, just walked in and didn't have reservations. They have three big bar tables you can just sit at and it's full service. I really liked it. I had the rich boy sausage sandwich, it was really really good. Also, the french fries were really fresh and not greasy at all. My friend had the gumbo, also delicious! The bloody mary I had asked for spicy, and when you ask for spicy they don't hold back; it wasn't a bad drink for 7.50! I'll recommend it to people for sure.

    (4)

  • drie C.

    Decent dinner. I especially love the crab cake. It was the best crab cake I've eaten so far. Stay away from the extra stuff though (e.g. corn), they are not that great

    (4)

  • Jacob M.

    Ate here on my one night in Seattle, chosen by a friend. Good place. The raw oysters were good and fresh, they came with a tasty shaved-ice type cocktail sauce. Then I had the Blue Plate special - didn't really know what to expect. Basically, albacore tuna on a mashup of croutons and salad - also good. My friend had the marinated Black cod - amazing. Highly recommend that. For dessert we had the chocolate mousse and the chocolate pecan pie - which was to die for. For Pecan pie lovers - holy crap - I mean this thing was good. Overall great restaurant, i was worried about the "touristy-ness" of it because it's located right by Pike's Market. I don't think there was one tourist in the restaurant (except for me!). Good local find, definitely recommend!

    (4)

  • Stacie S.

    Steelhead provides an affordable option in the heart of downtown, near Pike Place, on a Sunday. Weekends are apparently a day downtown Seattle restaurants believe people only dine at during 11am and 1pm, because it's incredibly difficult to find a place serving anything other than the bare minimum between "regular" lunch and dinner hours. Food is good and dependable, with a comforting but not too avant garde take on Southern style cuisine. You'll see options like poutine, collard greens, and grits. Clam chowder is delicious, fried chicken arrives moist (but swimming in gravy, be warned). Desserts are definitely not the norm (no molten lava cake or bland fruit tart here). The main area where Steelhead should strive for improvement is service. I've been here twice and both times service has been agonizingly slow. It hsouldn't take 15 minutes to get drinks. Or another 15 minutes to order. Or an hour to receive an entree. Servers are slow to notice empty glasses, retrieve plates, or bring the check. Steelhead, if you can get your service to match your selection, you'll be great.

    (3)

  • Jen K.

    I've always seen this place listed as one of the Dine Around Seattle restaurant, but I'm really glad I came here for brunch. I came here on a Sunday around noon, around the holiday weekend expecting it to be busy, but luckily it wasn't. My boyfriend and I were seated immediately, and service was great. I had the Sequimbled eggs, which were lobsters eggs benedict, and omg, it was TO DIE FOR! There was a lot of crab meat, and the sauce was oh so yummy! My boyfriend had the grilled wagyu steak and eggs, and it was cooked exactly the way they'd asked. Over all, what a great place for brunch, I can't wait to go back!

    (5)

  • Mina I.

    Update: They stopped making the fried cheese curds.. which apparently were the best thing (ever).. I was dying to go our last trip to Seattle and it was OK, nothing was 'bad' but it wasn't memorable. It's off my "must go" list for Seattle.. Sad!! -------------- Fried cheese curds + microbrew + 1/2 rib eye = heaven. I love this place and it makes me wish I could eat much more at one time so I could have had dessert too. The wait staff are attentive and cheery, every single thing that comes from the kitchen looks like it will blow you away. I love how everything is fresh from the market!

    (3)

  • Graham E.

    Alway's a great place to eat! Excellent service and amazing food items. Local foods mixed and served in amazing preparations! I would recommend this to anyone as well as the vies over looking Pike Place Market!

    (4)

  • Ben Z.

    I've had a couple of great meals at this outstanding upscale diner. A friendly little escape from the throngs of tourists at Pike Place Market, Steelhead is great for lunch--try to get a seat at the counter overlooking the kitchen. I was lucky enough to get a couple of free samples from the chef. All the ingredients are local and most likely from the market around the corner. The Rich Boy sandwich (a spicy sausage sandwich served "Nola-style") will not disappoint; it was recently named "one of America's sandwiches" by Esquire. The Chorizo-like sausage is smothered with a creamy Louisiana hot sauced and garnished with hot peppers. Even better...for a real treat upgrade your fries to Poutine--fries served with cheese curds and beef gravy. You will not be disappointed. While Steelhead isn't you grandfather's diner, it stays true to the concept with friendly staff and fantastic meals served up with style.

    (5)

  • Heather W.

    Accidentally stumbled upon this place this past weekend and came in for lunch. I'm vegan right now so uh...the menu wasn't too friendly for my diet, but I did find some tasty broccoli to devour. My dining partners seemed to immensely enjoy their meals and express desire to come back. They get an extra star for using lots of local Pike Place merchants in their restaurant.

    (4)

  • Grace L.

    Suggest going out for lunch or dinner with me "somewhere downtown" and it's a good bet that I'll suggest Steelhead. Not only is it near one of my favorite places ever (Pike Place Market) but the food is simply divine. Service is always excellent, the severs attentive and ready to offer suggestions. The view of the market and the Sound is excellent for people -watching. The menu varies daily, but they do have sample menus up on the website, and several staple items that are always good. Favorites include the fried chicken sandwich, the kilt lifter fish and chips, the potato latkes, and an appetizer called Angry Prawns, which were excellently spicy and tender... and, of course, no visit to Steelhead is complete without the Fried Beecher's Cheese Curds, which you can nosh while looking AT the Beecher's cheese shop across the street. I have to compliment their taste in music, too -- the last time I was there, I heard Moxy Fruvous playing! Favorite music to accompany my favorite food. I'm in love.

    (5)

  • Ronnie K.

    I'm rating this place a 4.5, but I think it could definitely be a five. Allow me to explain... We didn't make reservations (our own fault) and I think there must have been an event or something, because the place was packed and it was a Thursday. We were seated next to the kitchen, so we weren't able to take in any of the views of the sound (again, our fault for not planning ahead). The food was great. I had the fish and chips. The fish was delicious, but the fries were oh-so-very salty...really, they were beyond salty. Hubby had the black ling cod, which was very nice. It was in a sort of Asian-style broth, with vegetables. Dessert was really the highlight of the meal for me. We had the chocolate mousse which was light and slightly bittersweet. I wanted a second helping... The whole meal was nice, but sitting side-by-side along the kitchen proved difficult to converse with my hubby. Our waiter was upbeat and friendly and had us in, fed, and out within a reasonable amount of time. Next time, we'll plan ahead and make reservations. I sense that this place has all of the makings of a five, albeit with reservations and on a less crowded night.

    (4)

  • Katie W.

    I was looking for a good place that served seafood (i'm not a fan myself) but that wasn't too expensive, for my parent's vist. We were told to come here by one of the local wine shops, and we were happy with our dinner/experience. They were out of tables, so we sat on barstools along the kitchen window. It wouldn't be good for someone looking to have an intimate conversation, but it was very entertaining for us. The kitchen guys were fast paced and fun to watch. And they interacted with us several times. The starter bread/oil combo was SO GOOD. I could have eaten that for my whole meal. As for the fish, my parents loved it. I got the pork carnitas, and they were pretty good too. I was happy they offered something other than fish, for those of us who are ridiculously picky. It was slightly expensive (about $20 for a half serving of fish), but less than other restaurants I looked up.

    (4)

  • Crystal F.

    Sigh. We dined here when it first opened. Around the table, we were unimpressed by the "poutine" which was served with shredded cheddar cheese (they ran out of curds apparently) and cold gravy, also with the red beans and rice that was served cold. I liked the gumbo I ordered, though. We decided that the restaurant hadn't hit its stride yet but I was never really motivated to go back until last weekend. Friday, my 5-month pregnant friend was in town for a conference. I needed to find a downtown restaurant that was not too far from her hotel, not too far from the ferry, not too expensive, where I felt comfortable bringing my backpack (coming straight from work) for an early dinner. I decided to try Steelhead Diner again. Cocktails were lovely - I had a lavender flavored something the bartender named after his wife. My friend's n/a cocktail won rave reviews also. We all ordered sandwiches. The fries were great, our sandwiches were just ok. There was a minor snafu with my wagyu beef burger that delayed its arrival, so they comped me a salad, which was nice. Unfortunately when the burger finally arrived, it came slathered in the mayonnaise that I specifically asked them to refrain from putting on the burger. Since my companions were already halfway done by that point, I decided not to send it back and just ate the meat. Good thing I filled up on salad. The service is friendly, but bordering on slightly intrusive. The kitchen may or may not give you what you ordered. All in all, a fairly middling dining experience both times. 2.5 stars generously rounded up to 3.

    (3)

  • Senorita V.

    wow! the clams with chorizo and tequila sauce, the delish pork collar, and yummy wine. the portions are generous too.

    (5)

  • Serena H.

    Steelhead is located in the heart of Pike's Place Market; its menu is full of items available at Pike's Place: Bleecher's Cheese curd, Snoqualmie Valley Fireweed Honey, Uli's sausage, just to list a few. I love that about Steelhead. The diner concept is really cool with the open kitchen that is obviously way too small for 6 chefs. I watched the chefs bump into each other, swapping around to set up dishe, to cook the food - it's like a school of fish trying to avoid each other. We ordered Beef Braesola, Po' Boy Sandwich, a Purple Peril cocktail and a Lemongass Sake cocktail. Steelhead is not a cheap diner, that's for sure. The bread was fresh, the herbed infused olive oil over butter was nice. The Braesola comes with beef (obviously), arugula, rainier cherries drizzled over with Olive Oil. I think the beef is good; but thought the rainier cherry was an odd addition to the dish. No real purpose, didn't add more flavours, kind of like an after thought. The Po'Boy was fresh, simple and delicious. Purple Peril was a grapefruit cocktail; Lemongrass sake was an interesting twist - both were refreshing! 4 Star because I love Pike's Place, food is good, ambiance was casual and just right for Pike's, service was fantastic! Lastly, Steelhead is the first Seattle restaurant that serves Poutine with Bleecher's Curd - something a bunch of us Canadians (in Seattle) are known to do to make Poutine here. :)

    (4)

  • Ravenas M.

    This wasn't our first choice for dinner that evening, but the other place was closed so we quickly yelped the area and found something that seemed decent. Decent it was. The ambience and decor were nice, classy. The menu wasn't expansive, but I would take that to mean they do what little they offer well. To some degree that was right, my boyfriend's catfish tacos with salsa veracruz was good. We both enjoyed the salsa so much we had the leftover packed up and called the restaurant a week or so later to ask again what it was called. My fish and chips were lacklustre, as were the brussels sprouts. I love brussels sprouts, and I never thought there was a way to do them that wasn't awesome. That being said, they weren't awesome, but they weren't bad. It was nice of the chef to ask how the meal was, as there is seating at the kitchen (kinda weird, but entertaining). Overall, being as the menu changes frequently, we may try this place again, if we're in the area and don't have another place we're looking to go. Oh, and the beer was expensive. Not a lot offered in that regard either, even though there are so many promising craft breweries in the area!

    (3)

  • Deidre H.

    OMG - to die for. How do I love the Steelhead Diner, let me count the ways: 1. The Smoked Sea Salt on the tables 2. The Crazy Janes Mix Up Salt on the tables 3. Louisiana Hot Sauce 4. Homemade Spicey Vingar with pickled beans 5. The thoughful well appointed regional (WA State & OR) wine list 6. Southern food mixed with pacific cuisine 7. The excellent view from the bar 8. The excellent service What's not to love???

    (5)

  • Daoud G.

    Not kids friendly! Great fresh sea food.

    (4)

  • Esther Y.

    This restaurant was recommended to us by the concierge in our hotel. I would recommend it more for lunch than dinner. The menu is extensive and offers things like chicken and meatloaf, but stick with the seafood. Drink menu was quite extensive, but we were definitely overcharged for beer. The bread basket had an olive bread and some sort of healthy wheat loaf in it too. To start, we shared the fried oysters on top of a cabbage slaw. The oysters were lightly breaded and served with a delicious aioli. We are both normally not a big fan of slaws, but this one was tasty and not heavy at all. He ordered the fish and chips. There were three large pieces of chips on top of a mound of fries. Nothing too spectacular to me. I ordered the whole trout topped with walnuts, fried sage, and brown butter. The meat was flaky and not overcooked. The fish was not accompanied by any sides since it was a giant trout. We were seated all the way in the corner of the restaurant and it took a while for our service. Our server was friendly, but seem preoccupied with other patrons in the main section of the restaurant. Overall, I would recommend this more of a lunch place than a dinner location in Seattle. Definitely make reservations since this is in a prime tourist spot in Pikes Market.

    (3)

  • Randall L.

    I've been to the Steelhead twice, the first time was to check it out since the Evening Magazine claimed they had one of the top 3 sandwiches in Seattle. I have had the other two and decided to see for myself what all the hub bub was about. First impression, that guy from the tv must be on the take or used to sell used cars in a past life. The sausage was tasty but it's Uli's and anyone that's ever had Uli's sausage know's that a no brainer. Everything else was mediocre, and certainly didn't combine to the level of a top 3 sandwich. Second time around I had the poutine and a different sandwich which wasn't as good as the sausage sandwich. The poutine didn't cut the mustard and wasn't worth the extra $$$. Overall, overpriced.

    (3)

  • Mark S.

    Menu choices limited, but food is pretty good. Prices are very high though and service is not even average. Our server couldn't answer simple questions regarding the wines they sell. Mark-up on wines is about 2 1/2 times for what you can buy for. No tablecloths, unskilled labor serving the meals, and high prices. Want an example? 35 bucks for a 6 ounce piece of halibut with no side dish, just a piece of fish on a little bit of grits with some sauce. Locally, fresh halibut costs about 13 bucks or so a pound. We paid 175.00 for two pieces of fish, a cheap bottle of wine (retails for under 20 but restaurant charges almost 50) and some fried oysters. Wow!! Fish was good though, but I'd say the fried oysters were more like cheap bar food. Owner, if you're reading, train your staff and buy some tablecloths.

    (3)

  • Steve U.

    damn that was tasty. yelp, you did well for me this week. first the brooklyn seafood and now the steelhead. i had to put in the miles running earlier in the day; so by dinner i was ready to eat my arm. my companion and i opted to split an order of cheese curd awesomeness. you'll note pretty much every table orders these and with good reason. pace yourself on the chowder, to enjoy it. i was starving and i ended up hoovering mine up. tasty as hell! my cod was crazy buttery and pretty much melted in my mouth. the presentation was solid and really hit the spot. they had a handful of craft brews on tap which received great reviews from all consumers, my elliot brown was delicious. highly recommended.

    (5)

  • Seichan G.

    This is one of the best seafood eatings I've had in a long time. The design is cool and laid back, service was friendly, and the food was AMAZING. Creative, local seasonal ingredients, local washington/oregon wines, nicely seasoned, nough said. Every single dish we ordered were excellent, not just good, but excellent. Appetizers: * Caviar pie to start...how can you go wrong. 5 different caviar, on top of sour cream, and sprinkled with capers, egg, and chives, served with paper thin toast. * Muscle with chorizo - huge serving of fresh, tender muscles, in this rich saffrony broth * CRAB CAKE - jumbo lumb dungenese crab...chunks of dungenese crab leg, lightly pan fried...no fillers. Probably the most impressive crab cake i've had * Heirloom tomato salad, fresh buffala mozzarella ...the heirloom tomato is super sweet, the mozarella was fresh. Entree: * Halibut with sweet corn... light broth, perfect pan seared fish * Miso black cod * NY steak Another table recommended the nicoise salad but we didn't have enough space on our table or in tummy anymore.

    (5)

  • Sam L.

    The food and service here is always fabulous. Some of my favorites include: whole Idaho trout, crab cakes, clam chowder, and a couple different salmon dishes. The pulled pork sandwich was just ok. Everything on the menu looks good, I need to go here more often.

    (5)

  • Rex S.

    one of my favorite places to eat when in Seattle. Lots of local faire seafood. The price is decent for downtown Seattle. Gets crowded so grab your reservations.

    (4)

  • Stephy S.

    Hmm, on the whole, I wasn't all that impressed with the meal I had here and in all fairness, i was fighting a cold or bronchitis or the remaining stages of the Yelp plague, but still, I didn't think the meal warranted cartwheels. I ordered the buttermilk fried chicken sammich since it was a rather chilly night and comfort food sounded good, but what arrived was a mountain of fries and not a whole lotta chicken and waaaaaaaaay too much cole slaw on the sammich. Just way too over-powering and not my cup of tea at all. The clams with the zippy and zesty jalapeno broth was tasty though. I would order that again. As for the rest of the meal, my friends ordered the veggie meatloaf and they seemed to enjoy it and we all shared 2 sides of broccoli (way too much, order 1 for 4 people and you will be fine!) and it was okay. That's the thing, everything just struck me as "okay." The location however is fantastic and the view is nice from what I could tell and the staff was super friendly. So definite points for that.

    (3)

  • Mary K.

    Meh. We came in here because they had some tasty sounding desserts on their menu. We ordered a creme brulee for around $8. I was so disappointed with how tiny the thing was!! I expected a good sized dish, but the little cup it came in was no more than 2-3 inches. The sugar on top was also a little burnt. Probably won't come here again. Prices seem a little inflated due to proximity to Pike's Place. Our waitress was nice and prompt, and they had good bread on the table with a pesto dip.

    (2)

  • Aphid T.

    Great atmosphere, wine, and dessert. My husband and I went here while on vacation. We sat outside on the balcony. Apparently below the balcony is a popular street musician spot - we heard a cello player and guitar/singer during our meal. It was very casual and relaxing. I had the Boomtown Chardonnay (never had this before but it was amazing). Salmon entree was a little overcooked, but overall the dish had a lot of interesting flavors - I ended up really liking it. My husband had the tuna w/pasta - it wasn't really what he expected (the description could use some work). To finish off the meal we had the flourless chocolate cake. I feel like the cake itself deserves it's own paragraph. Delicious chocolate cake, sweet chocolate buttercream and amazing port soaked cherries. Hand down one of the best deserts we've ever had. Make sure you save room - truly this is not to be missed. It is a bit on the expensive side for the food, but the quality of the wine, desert, and atmosphere made it a solid 4 stars. I'm lamenting the fact that we live on the other coast...

    (4)

  • Rex D.

    Located in the Pike's Place Market area, the decor looked modern yet welcoming. We dined outside and had to change tables since the first table was wobbly and right next to the bussing station where flies were buzzing ! But the next table we got had a great view of Post Alley which was picturesque. The cons: The service was SLOW and the pace of the meal was slow and the food was just mediocre and bland. I got the catfish tacos and my boyfriend got the fish and chips and the cocktail called the General Practitioner was nothing spectacular.

    (2)

  • Andrea D.

    This place was recommended by one of the guys at the Pike Place Fish Co. I was in town for the night and looking for good seafood but was disappointed to find nothing on the menu seafood-wise that would appeal. I ended up with a kind of sausage sandwich that was fine. Service was fine too.

    (3)

  • Jordan S.

    Love this food! Unpretentious, home-style cookin with a Seattle foodie touch. The latkes must be had! Also, one of the best spots to get dessert in the city. Save your money at other mediocre restaurants in downtown and head here instead!

    (4)

  • David T.

    My work colleague and I were hunting down a seafood place from our downtown hotel, so we started walking toward Pike Place Market. It started raining during our walk, but we were determined to find a decent place to grab some dinner. Our journey brought us to Steelhead Diner. The menu had a foodie feel to it, so it drew me in from the rain as I knew I had found what I was looking for. There was a sizable crowd here on a Monday night which was another good sign for us. I had the Alaskan Razor Clam Chowder to start...very tasty. I followed this with the Kasu Marinated Canadian Black Cod. I think I've found my new favorite fish -- black cod has a distinct flavor and texture that is complemented well by this preparation. I shared some poutine with my work colleague -- didn't really go with my dish, but still delicious...and pure evil. Whoever thought of adding cheese curds and gravy to french fries obviously has no regard for their arteries. Of course, that didn't stop me from eating them...

    (4)

  • HN G.

    We went here during the winter with friends and had a nice meal. Now we are thinking it was the company not the food. Overall bad experience - waiter was inattentive at best and food was mediocre. Sad when the highlights were fried cheese, watermelon salad (watermelon with lime and a piece of parsley/cilantro), and the yukon gold sides. Then again paying $8 for a side after $29 full / $22 half I cannot understand. Salmon with tzaziki was ok. Ahi "nicoise" meh. But the halibut last night was a big failure - it lacked any seasoning and the fish was mushy. Definitely not the A team - did they move them to Blueacre and leave Steelhead to temporary visitors? Sadly I took my visiting mom there for her last Seattle meal...

    (1)

  • Sherwin T.

    I was a fan of Vivanda, despite it's excruciatingly slow service and too-pricey, not for every day lunch menu. It was one of my top choices for biz lunches and wasn't as obvious a choice for deck dining (like The Pink Door is). I don't know if the restaurant's closing was all that much of a shock, but in its place has emerged Steelhead Diner. At first, Steelhead's concept of gussied-up and contemporized diner food was cool - just like the blown-up square paneled puzzle display that hangs atop the peek-a-boo view of the kitchen goings-on and the plexi divider-display case of colorful fish hooks. As my visit total increases, though, my likability rating of them decreases. For lunch, it's usually a sandwich or salad - entrees, for the most part, are priced on the higher side, but portioned on the lower. I've tried a number of their sandwiches - the burger, fried chicken sandwich and pulled pork - all very good and fulfilling enough (with the fries) to split with a co-worker. My bread-less main course selections are usually reserved to the Steelhead Diner Salad, basically a Cobb. On an adventurous day (where I cardio-ed in the morning), I sampled their Fish and Chips, which was a scrumptious helping of a breaded and fried halibut filet. My growing gripe with Steelhead is their lack of healthy (or even healthy-ish) food choices (most things are fried or doused in caloric coatings), as well as a fairly idle menu...when they introduce new items, it's usually one appetizer here or one side there. For me it's felt like the same-old, same-old for the past 4-5 visits during 2008. (Like, I always know which co-workers are gonna order the Gumbo!) One of the bennies of being a a scant block away is the full bar - maximize your drinking potential within the hour break. Word of warning though, unless you're looking for a sugary, sweet beverage, I'd stick with ordering a standard cocktail that you know and love. In addition to it's proximity to my office, Steelhead is one of the office's primo places for a libatious lunch...especially when the boss is away and it's an atypically sunny afternoon.

    (2)

  • Jessica E.

    This is one of my favorite restaurants. The seafood is amazing, the prices are great, and the atmosphere is fun and relaxed. Steelhead is a must for anyone in Seattle. The crabcakes are absolute heaven. They also have a respectable wine and drink selection,

    (5)

  • Katie W.

    We were perhaps an hour off the plane when we wandered in here. Hungry, excited to have officially started the vacation. The name is what caught my cohort's eye. So, we entered. Chic design, cool booths with fishing flies (this sounds a complete turn-off, yes - but it was cool), totally nice wait staff, full bar, with a full menu to go along. Good style. Pricey, yes, but I thoroughly enjoyed the beet salad that I got. It was tangy and different. I crave different. This delivered. It's served with yucca chips too, freshly made of course with a sweet/spicy flavor. We got the crab cake to share. It's one big one so it's tender, creamy and lovely lovely. I got the wicked witch to drink because it seemed like it wouldn't be a frou-frou sweet drink that I loath, and it wasn't at all. The first sip, I have to say tasted like how perfume would taste if you were unfortunate enough to swallow- but I was down for finishing. It got better. Steelhead Diner, worth the stop.

    (4)

  • Calyn M.

    We went to Steelhead tonight to take my inlaws to a local restaurant that supports Pike Place businesses, after much assurance that Steelhead had changed. To say that our experience was horrible is an understatement. First, we waited 80 minutes to have 2 soups and 2 fish dinners delivered to our table after our salads. Our waiter did not ask us if we would like more bread, or even if we'd like more wine. There was no explanation for the wait, but at one point he came by and said, "it's up in the window!" We then waited another 10 minutes for the food to be delivered. The food, when it arrived, was acceptable, but was it worth the 2 hours we spent there? No. Not by a long shot, considering that half of the order consisted of soup. I previously wrote a tongue-in-cheek review after a bad experience here. Tonight takes the cake; this was one of the worst restaurant experiences I've had in this area. As a local, I will no longer come here, I won't recommend it to others, and I'll actively recommend other businesses in Pike Place instead. The owners have recently branched out to another site (Blueacre Seafood) and I'm not sure if they are stretched thin, but Steelhead has taken a noticeable dive in service and quality since Blueacre opened. It's too bad because this used to a great place. Skip it and go elsewhere instead, unless you like to spend $100+ plus for okay food and horrific service at a place whose kitchen cannot accomodate its size.

    (1)

  • Christopher B.

    Well what can I say.......they had excellent water. The flash fried oysters left little to be desired. Fried chicken was so so.....about the best thing they had was the fish and chips... Oh and the red beans and rice was ok. All in all... Their prices are meant for a 3 star place. I rate 1 just because of the water and beer.

    (1)

  • Paul S.

    According to Yelp, I'm a regular here -- and with good reason. This is pretty much my wife and my default place when we're downtown and don't feel like searching for something new. I've had only one 'bad' experience here, and that was when we sat out on their back patio. It was a bit nerve-racking as pigeons seem to perch directly above the seating area, which makes for some sketchy al fresco dining. However, I'm sure most places downtown/near the Market with outdoor seating have a similar problem. I just make sure to always sit inside now. [shrug] Anyway, food-wise, you can't go wrong. Be warned: some items *are* a bit pricey, but worth it, I think. -The Wagyu Beef Burger is moist & juicy and served on a not-too-bready yet tantalizingly chewy bun. And the fries are SOLID. -The Southern Fried Half Chicken is an excellent Northwest rendition of a classic Southern dish -- which, to me, almost makes it better because I don't feel quite so guilty about eating the whole thing. Plus, the sauteed spinach is some of the most-flavorful I've ever had. Always a good indicator when you can compliment the greens served with the meat & (mashed) potatoes. -My wife thoroughly enjoyed the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich, and, I have to say, the taste I had confirmed her opinion. The tangy coleslaw dressing is fantastic. -The Grilled Whole Trout comes as advertised -- complete with head, tail, and bones. Although I typically avoid ordering fish where I have to pick the meat off the bones (I just can't be arsed), this was too tempting to pass up, with the crispy sage, orange zest, and toasted pecan brown butter sauce. Mmmmmmm. It definitely turned out to be a good choice. And paired with the baked mac & cheese -- gooey, cheesy wonderfulness -- this was dish worthy of being served in my home state of Virginia. I should mention, also, that the alcohol selection is worthy of a visit all on its own. They've got a great wine list with plenty of regional wines -- including several Oregon pinots (my personal favorite) -- a nice-looking cocktail list (sitting at the bar taking in the view of the Market with the Sound in the background while enjoying some of their fine spirits is a great way to spend an afternoon/evening), and a solid lineup of beers. I can't wait to go back because there are so many enticing menu items I haven't tried yet (Caviar Pie, Coffee-Crusted Wagyu Tri Tip, the Poutine!) -- but I will!

    (5)

  • Derek M.

    Was a liitle worried about dining here after the mixed reviews, but I found the food to be good. Razor Clam Chowder was tasty and served nice and hot. Crab cakes had plenty of crab. Others in our party had salmon which was well prepared and fresh. Lastly, our server was great- good sense of humor and attentive.

    (4)

  • Steve M.

    We rented the back room, which had recently been remodeled, for a rehearsal dinner on 3/28/08. It was fabulous. They prepared a salmon that had been caught *that morning* and flown in from Alaska that was out of this world. We asked for some special meals for some unexpected vegetarians and they whipped up some great vegetarian moussaka for them. The staff were fantastic, and everyone there raved about how great the dinner was. Highly recommended.

    (5)

  • Jon C.

    My wife and I not only love great food but to find a place in our hearts you must be CONSISTENT. Hitting a place 3 times we want an identically good experience each time. Steelhead Diner delivers. Awesome food, consistently great service and a great atmosphere. Amazing a place with this much taste is so close to Pike Place (and the raging tourist mobs). We have dinner here at least once a month.

    (4)

  • Michelle H.

    I sat at the bar during dinner. I was really well treated and served. The oysters were - hand to god - best I've ever had. The crab cake was lumpy, whole meat crab and was topped with a delicious, spicy light sauce. Dessert also fine: lavender brulee - though I think there were more decadent offerings on the menu - just couldn't rationalize as I was eating alone...next time. ps. super close to pikes but doesn't feel touristy...water views.

    (4)

  • Andy K.

    Went here with two friends for the "30 for $30" and we tried everything on the menu. Some was ok, some was quite good, and nothing was knock your socks off. Of the starters the best was heirloom beet tartare which was surprising because, well, that sounds like a token vegetarian thing. It's beety and tangy and combines deliciously with the blue cheese. The razor clam chowder isn't bad (the truffle oil adds a lot to it) but the pork carnitas are boring and any porky taste is obliterated by the strong spicing. Of the entrees the Alaskan Sole is the clear winner. It's delicately fishy and if you can get some rhubarb and pine nuts in the same bite you'll suddenly lose your urge to share. The veggie "meatloaf" (more of a veggie strata; there's no resemblance to meatloaf) is actually quite good but it's massive and you get bored with the flavor about a quarter of the way through. Except for the delicious chunks of eggplant it's easy to tire of the tangy, tomato-y, olive-y flavor. The flat iron steak comes in last because, despite being expertly cooked, it's still just steak. Steak never surprises me and it always comes in last. If that's your thing then get it; it's sauced very well. Finally desert! Hands down no contest get the poundcake with poached pear and honey. It's surprisingly light and all three flavors are simultaneously distinct and yet subtle enough to never over power each other. It's a big cake, so share! The coffee panna-cotta is another good choice. I would have preferred something more custardy as this is very light. It's got good flavor though, and the caramel corn-pops type garnish is like delicious gooey caramel corn. In last place was the chocolate moose. Like steak chocolate moose is pretty much what you expect, and like the veggie-loaf it's a LOT of the same flavor. You eat your third and pass it on with no regrets. I like chocolate but not enough to ever power though that thing. Over all Steelhead seems like a great place. The menu is really pretty affordable and the prices are in line with the quality and quantity. The space is warm, just loud enough to cover your conversation, and aglow with an inviting ambiance. Our server was very friendly and had no problem with our sharing everything and needing lot's of extra utensils (and far to long to decide on a wine:).

    (3)

  • David S.

    It did get better, and I recommend anyone coming to visit us to try it out...has become a great place to go - I find it inviting and there is something for everyone here, and it's fun - well worth checking out!

    (4)

  • Alton K.

    Excellent food and great value.

    (5)

  • Wendy B.

    The service was awful! I guess they are used to serving tourists and don't depend on repeat customers. The food was not at all good. Did I come on a bad day?

    (1)

  • W R R.

    The food was great. The service was a little slow and unattentive, otherwise it may have been more stars.

    (3)

  • P L.

    Great food,not cheap,good service,would love to eat there again!!

    (5)

  • Jaime P.

    Great family restaurant with a great menu and staff! I will definitely visit them again while in Seattle.

    (5)

  • Siona C.

    The food was excellent but the service is very slow. Our relatives from England gave thumbs up on the Fish-n- chips so they must be good. I had the gumbo and it was very good. It does get very loud as the night goes on so come early if you like to carry on a conversation with your guests. We will be back to try lunch.

    (4)

  • John E.

    OK, here is the thing: They have poutine. It is way better than the Smith version, and of course better than the vegan Squid and Ink version. They also currently have black truffles (from Oregon) that you can add to any dish for $6. Do the math: a delicacy that is most compatible with lipids, and a dish that is alllllll lipids. Truffled Poutine was amazing, and I am still thanking myself for it. A guy at the next table said, "Those fries smell delicious!" and I was all, "nom nom nom truffles." Staff-wise, the door person was kind of, "Are you going to eat here, or not?" while we squinted at the menu to find out if they had oysters (yes), which was off-putting. Fortunately our server rocked socks and was conversational and fun, not pushy. Local meats, cheeses, and delicacies are a nice touch. Salt smoked with Alderwood is the table salt (have to travel down six floors to the spice shop to get that). Delicious cocktails: They made a mean Julep. Bonus for the people by the street: Grand sunset view from 2.5 tables.

    (5)

  • J J.

    I really wanted to like this place. But the food fell a tad short. I ordered the grilled trout with pecan brown butter sauce. The trout was incredibly fresh, but it was not seasoned AT ALL. Which was okay, I guess, because the fish was amazing. But that brown butter pecan stuff they had poured over the fish did nothing for it. I also had the poutine. The fries could have been a little crisper and had little more gravy and cheese curds. The cheese curds were super delicious, by the way.

    (3)

  • Melissa S.

    Excellent caviar pie, absolutely splendid mussels, and the gravy fries are sinfully delightful! Plus with a wonderful view of the coast and Olympic mountains... It's hard to beat this lunchtime stop.

    (4)

  • josh C.

    The location is amazing which would explain the prices but certainly doesn't excuse the lack of local ingredients. There is plenty from the PNW but almost nothing from the pugent sound area which is surprising considering the market is the back drop. The fish portion of fish and chips is really some of the best anywhere, really buttery and amazing. The "chips" or fries seem almost like an after thought, like they thawed out some frozen fries and put some sea salt on them. For an $18 order of fish and chips I expect a bit more creativity. All in all the concept is great, the decor is wonderful, the service was above average. I really want to like this place but the downfall is lack of local fare and a hefty price tag for what they serve.

    (3)

  • Josh W.

    So after a mediocre experience at the Steelhead Diner several months ago, I ended up back there for dinner last night with a group of friends. I thought that maybe things had improved since they'd had some time to get their act together. Unfortunately, as much as I truly wanted to love it, it wasn't meant to be. I will say that the food we had this time was markedly better. In fact, the lamb and halibut were quite good. The fried cheese curds were pretty tasty and the sauce is now served on the side. The desserts we shared were actually good - chocolate pecan pie and some moist lemon cake. So why only 3 stars? The service. To put it bluntly, it was a trainwreck. I have never seen such a cluster-F of people stumbling around with no idea of what's going on. We were seated in the back room (which I didn't even know existed) and immediately after we were seated, I watched as two servers collided with each other around a corner, breaking glasses and dishes. It was a sign of things to come. One of my friends had to order a drink 3 times from a couple different servers before he got it. We had so many different servers attending to us we didn't know who was actually ours. Now, all that attentiveness could sound like a good thing, but I assure you it only made it more hectic. Not one of the servers knew who ordered what at any point in the evening and one of my friends ended up with her entree while the rest of the table shared appetizers. The server that brought it just said "there was some confusion". She was done eating before the rest of us got our meals. Most days, I am willing to overlook spotty, even crappy service when the food is outstanding. But when the food is just good and the service actually obnoxious and intrusive, it can really detract from your experience. In fact, three stars may be generous. So while there was some good food to be had, I don't think I'd rush back anytime soon. Sorry, Steelhead. You remind me of a movie that could have been good, if only you had the right director.

    (3)

  • J R.

    Great food, diner atmosphere, perfect for lunch, but only if you have the time.

    (4)

  • Adonis M.

    Unbelievable appetizers. The crab cakes, spring rolls, just awesome. The pork was melt in your mouth tender, service by Michael was outstanding. Great atmosphere and food, I highly recommend the Steelhead Diner.

    (5)

  • Blake A.

    Mediocre food, mediocre service. Too bad because the location is great. Go across the street to Campagne!

    (1)

  • Arlene M.

    Nice place within the Pike Market. Offered a kids menu, which is always a plus for us parents.

    (3)

  • Jeff K.

    Awesome clam chowder, I scraped the bowl clean! The salt and pepper they put on the table are specialty seasonings that really enhanced the food. I later found out they get them from a shop down the road in Pike Plaza, and I went to get my own after the meal. I would definitely come back next time I'm in Seattle.

    (4)

  • Jonas B.

    I had heard a lot about this place so I was happy to finally get a chance to try it. I have a bit of a hard time figuring out exactly what their concept is but my final guess is "diner, revisited". It certainly isn't your typical fairly upscale restaurant, the decor and the food is different, but it certainly only plays partial homage to a traditional diner. I had a very nice pork rib chop, while the wifey went for crab cakes (a starter really but she wasn't so hungry and it was plenty). The wine list is local and interesting; we made it easy for ourselves with a basic K Vintners Syrah. The service was efficient, perhaps even more so because they had a line of people waiting, hoping to catch a table. For me the place didn't quite live up to the glorified state to which friends had elevated it, but it was a very nice meal in the cool location that is Pike Place Market and Post Alley. Easy four stars. PS. I just went to their web site and found that I had picked the concept almost right: diner ... evolved.

    (4)

  • Katherine C.

    I went here for restaurant week...it was a 3 course lunch for $15...I went with a date. I found the service to be good but slow. The polenta fries totally rocked my world. I did not see this on the regular menu but it should be!!! It was so good. The fig salad was very tasty also but not as much as the polenta fries. I ordered the risotto with shitake mushroom. It was very savory. My date ordered the shrimp and pasta. It was great too...The wait however between the first and the second course was too long...in fact, it was so long, the waiter brought the dessert out before the main entree came. It could have been for the next table because he returned and served them the exact same desserts. The desserts were a grapefruit sorbet which was tasty but not tart enough for grapefruit. The pecan pie was delightful and rich. A great bargain for $15

    (3)

  • Jean Y.

    Great service. Good location, overlooking Post Alley and Pike Place Market. I've been here at least half a dozen times, for both lunch and dinner, during Dine Around Seattle weeks and on promotion-less days as well. My favorite guilty pleasures are the flash fried cheese curds and the poutine. I've heard a lot of people criticize the poutine at Steelhead, but I've found it comparable to all the poutine I've had in Canada. The complimentary bread served here is delicious. I always end up eating too much bread before my meal and feeling terribly full. The fish entrees, such as the black cod and halibut, have been nicely done although not extremely memorable. I've had good vegetarian dishes here as well, such as a pasta with nettle pesto. I'd recommend Steelhead for a solid meal, especially if you are with out-of-town guests who want to hang out downtown. It's better than most of the touristy restaurants in the vicinity of Pike Place.

    (4)

  • John D.

    The 85yo and I went in search of something different with a seafood twist, and at Steelhead we found it. I started out with the Alaskan Razor Clam Chowder - which was actually quite good, though it felt like what clams there were, were a bit of a garnish. So as a clam chowder? Fail. As a yummy potato-bacon-onion-garlic soup w/ some clams in? Oh, quite nice. A bit thin, but very flavorful - and if it's not a chowder it doesn't *need* creamy thickness to succeed. We both did the halibut (yes, I know that plays havoc with your attempt to survey the entire menu from this revue, but have patience) and it was some of the best halibut either of us had enjoyed in recent memory. Oh, my. Moist, flakey, and tender...with delicately flavored accents that only brought out the yum even further. Moving right along, side dishes. Mom had the broccoli thing and proclaimed it good ...and I had some of the best red beans and rice (with a bit of sacrilegious andouille) I've run into. No complaints (more happy culinary moans). And finally, dessert. We both fell for the chocolate pecan pie (yes, I know - sugary evil incarnate)...mom with the whisky creme and I without. Both of us were simply delighted. Pricewise, the two of us escaped for a little over $160 booze-free with a hearty dinner for two. Service was friendly and professional and happy to educate while they were about it. Overall? A bit pricey but worth it. A good place to visit for special occasions and once or twice a year regardless.

    (4)

  • Brian S.

    First time in Seattle I was recommended to go here for lunch from the four seasons Hotel the service was good the place was clean food was good I would recommend.

    (5)

  • Heidi M.

    I had the greatest experience! I had ordered the Clam Chowder, Crab and Shrimp Tater Tots to share, and a salad. Everything came out fast, the food was delicious, our waiter was awesome! I only wish I could remember his name. They have a nice peek-a-boo view of the water, and the atmosphere was relaxed. I shared the Sea Salt Carmel Pot de Crème - excellent! They used fresh whipped cream on top which made it just that much better. I had also inquired about hosting a smaller party, under 40 people and was told they have a separate room that they could accommodate us. I'll be back!

    (5)

  • Amy E.

    Fabulous Lunch Great spot right close to Pike Place Market and Post Alley Pros: - Great inventive menu - Shrimp and crab tater tots! - salmon cooked perfectly - cocktail and wine menu looked great - sadly we couldn't enjoy since it was a working lunch -attentive and knowledgeable service Cons: - busy - make a reservation

    (4)

  • Cmarie W.

    Really bad service. Came here for lunch over the weekend on a Saturday afternoon expecting a great meal with decent service because the first time I came here in October, that's what I got. Second time around, sadly disappointing. Food took forever, and the parties around us that arrived after we sat down were served first. Waitress didn't acknowledge the problem, either. We were a party of 3 and all got separate dishes, but when the food came they only brought out 2 plates. Waitress forgot to punch in the 3rd item, and didn't even say sorry. We said we didn't want the 3rd dish anymore and to take it off the bill. They brought it in a to-go box. Why would you bring out a dish we didn't want anymore to our table after you took it off the bill? My advice: the food isn't outstanding anyways, and it's definitely not worth the inattentive service.

    (2)

  • Oremo O.

    Its called a Diner but it has Mich more of a restaurant quality feel. Glass surrounds the perimeter of the place giving it plenty of natural light. The place is clean and tables are well spaced out. A full bar and bartenders who know how to make this every bit as much a place to to drink as it is to eat. Your food comes out really which is a good thing for a hungry diner like me. The Gumbo is top notch. Also if you like red meat try the skirt steak. It is as tender as can be.

    (4)

  • Jeff N.

    A year and a half ago, I went into Steelhead DIner and had a great meal. Since then, it has been a steady decline from a five star place down to a lowly two. The latest attempt to visit Steelhead ended with two hungry and disappointed individuals leaving without eating. Reservations were made and we arrived on time, but the staff made no effort to seat us. After nearly ten minutes of waiting, we went elsewhere. Too bad, Steelhead, you used to be my favorite. Now, I won't be back.

    (2)

  • E E.

    It was okay. Maybe my cod dish just didn't have that much flavor, but considering that my meal was $50 I expected to have it knock my socks off. I think my money would have greater value elsewhere.

    (3)

  • Laura O.

    Excellent lunch at bar. Vegetarian chili and gumbo were delicious. Great view of water was a bonus.

    (4)

  • Kay B.

    We had a great dinner with a view of the water and sunset! Enjoyed the clam chowder (some of the best I've had!), crab cake, golden beet salad, fish & chips, and brussel sprouts. Our waiter was exceptional as he overheard us celebrating 2 birthdays that night and brought us a complimentary pumpkin cheesecake with a lit candle as a surprise! We didn't feel rushed at all, even on a Saturday night and they were busy. I'd highly recommend.

    (5)

  • Stephanie A.

    Brought all of my friends food but I never got mine. They did comp my dinner about 45 mins later but it wasn't great. Good location awful service

    (1)

  • Cathy M.

    I've been here a few more times and the food is still really good! I want to try everything and the menu changes. Sitting at the counter is a lot of fun. It's like a chef's table and you can watch all the action. We were there for New Year's Eve and the chef Kevin sent a lot of goodies our way. Love the sustainable fish practices, and the oysters we had were yummy. He knew exactly where they were from and why they taste so sweet.

    (5)

  • Cynthia S.

    This was our first visit to Seattle . We really enjoyed our meal at Steelhead . It was casual and the the food was very good .I got the Cioppino. Excellent!! It was a little noisy for my liking. The service was great, it was clean, which is important to most. Waiter was helpful with wine selection . Would go again.

    (4)

  • Jackie F.

    Great service, delicious lunch! I highly recommend the Alaskan razor clam chowder with truffle oil and apple bacon and the pear salad with vanilla bean vinaigrette, toasted hazelnuts, and crumbled lavender goat cheese. That was one of the best salads I've ever had! This restaurant is definitely a new favorite in the Pike Place Market area. :)

    (4)

  • Tina L.

    I would've never gone here on my own dime as I prefer to avoid eating downtown Seattle except for business meals. We were delivered a basket of promising looking grain breads, and a butter dish in pool of oil and what looked like pesto. I've never had such bland bread and butter. We were so optimistic, but there was so discernible herb taste in the oil or butter whatsoever. I opted to order the 3 courses for $30 since it seemed like a good value. I started with a mini crab cake. It arrived piping hot, garnished with fried parsley. The filling was pasty, and there were a few large flaky pieces of crab. I ate a few bites. For my main, I ordered the salmon, which was served on a bed of what I think was polenta. I'm not even sure what it was b/c the texture was so off. It was very stretchy and starchy, and plain awful. They somehow managed to massacre the chukar cherries into something so inedible, I can't even adequately describe it b/c I couldn't bear to eat a second one. Again, this dish was garnished with fried parsley. The salmon was the most awful, pitiful excuse for "wild salmon" that I have ever come across. You know how a good piece of fish will flake when put a fork to it? This definitely did not happen with my piece of fish. In fact, I really had to use a knife to pick at it. Most of my fish was overcooked, dry, and had a lot of gray fat. I really should've known better since salmon season hasn't even started yet. For my final course, I had the strawberry rhubarb sorbet, which took forever to get delivered to my table. The strawberry flavor dominated the rhubarb, so there was none of that tart taste that you're expecting to chase the strawberry. Since I was the only one who had dessert, I felt badly for my dining companions waiting for me. I asked for the check as soon as my dessert arrived. The server apologized for the late delivery of both my salmon and dessert and took off 50% of my dinner. If I wasn't in front of my work colleagues, I would've spoken up and complained about my abysmal meal, and asked for it to be comped completely. The servers should've been able to tell how dissatisfied I was given how little I had eaten.

    (1)

  • Robert B.

    So I'll keep this short and salty, when we came in we are excited as the Decour looks very nice. After seating we waited a very long time for someone to come over take our order. Once we Finally received our food my wife had the orecchiette pasta which was extremely salty and I had the oyster Po boy that had more shrimp then oysters. On the menu it describes the po boy as an oyster po boy but they gave me a shrimp... The Buss boy filled My wife's sparkling water with regular water, and we saw gentleman walk out because the service took too long. Not a good first impression.

    (1)

  • Hillary N.

    This place is AMAZING! The design of that restaurant is hip and inviting and the food is to die for! I had the Greek Chicken salad and my husband had the eggs cordova with their potatoes, that were a little piece of heaven! Anything with butter and roasted garlic and onions - OMG. The service was incredible and even when one of our appetizers took awhile - they were quick to offer to take it off the bill for us ;) I HIGHLY recommend you check this place out!

    (5)

  • Jenn V.

    Great views and a wonderful server! The clam chowder and bread - amazing! The fish and chips - fair. I would definitely go back for the chowder.

    (3)

  • Samantha B.

    This place definitely lives up to its reputation. Saw this listed as a must eat place on tripadvisor. Located right near Pike Place Market, it is one of the side diners. I missed it the first few times I visited Pike Place Market. Great diner though. I wish we had a diner like this in DC. The service was excellent, the food was excellent and the prices were reasonable I felt like for the food. The portions are also worth the price. I ordered the buttermilk chicken salad with cashews, spinach, and a vinaigrette. I also ordered the backed mac and cheese. I am always weary of baked mac n cheese, but this was not disappointing. It could definitely be a meal on its own, but I was able to eat it as a side. As for the salad, I felt like the chicken was kinda tasteless, it was dipped and fried in buttermilk but not seasoned, so that really did not stand out. The vinaigrette was decent and the cashews added a nice flavor to the entire salad. The only thing I was disappointed about was the lack of variety on the menu. There are a lot of different categories to choose from like sides, sandwiches, salads, but there is nothing really unique to this place menu-wise. I wish I would have gotten desert to go because that looked amazing. The service was great. Can really see why this place has been around. Will definitely go to again.

    (4)

  • Greyson S.

    Steelhead is awesome. Great views of the Market from the window seats, great food, and excellent service. Their poutine is AMAZING because it's made with Beecher's, and my partner has loved everything they've ordered (which is a lot). Going there in the winter when the flood of tourists is at a low point is a good idea. Or make reservations ahead of time. But we always end up going there on a whim when we're down getting groceries at the market and have never had a real problem getting a table for two.

    (5)

  • Karen L.

    Four stars just for the pecan pie (but minus one for the okay food... read on)! Absolutely delicious! Though the crust was a bit too hard (I noticed everyone at my table stabbing at it--including me), the filling is rub-my-tummy-yummy. The pecans tasted toasty, and I don't even know what the mushy stuff underneath it was, but it made for one delicious dessert. The service was good, considering we had a large party (about 15?) and we were seated in the back, in a private room. The waiters were really good with refilling our waters, and brought us a lot of bread in the beginning, so that is a huge plus! (FYI, we ordered from the Restaurant Week menu.) For appetizer, I ordered the corn-safflower bisque, which was tasty and interesting--interesting, because it had a dollop of "paprika creme fraiche" which added a sweetness to the bisque. The heirloom apple salad looked delicious as well, though I didn't get to try it. Maybe next time. For entree, I ordered the elk meatloaf, which tasted VERY interesting... Perhaps it was a bit too "game-y" for me? I typically love good ol' fashioned meatloaf, and I was curious as to how elk tastes. All I can say is that it tastes "interesting" (though not particularly good nor bad). I tasted some of the salmon entree and the salmon was a bit dry. The food is adequate, but the pecan pie is what saves Steelhead Diner from a two star review from me.

    (3)

  • Amanda S.

    Not impressed with Steelhead Diner at all. I went last weekend with my family and I REALLY wanted it to be good...but it wasn't. I ordered the fried chicken sandwich with the poutine and wasn't impressed with either item. I was expecting the fried chicken to be well...fried chicken. Instead it was battered with the same batter that they use for the fish and was totally dried out. The cheese curds on the poutine weren't melted and the gravy was really thin and kind of bland. They are located really close to my job, so I may try it out one more time, but for the price of their items the food should be fantastic, not just okay.

    (2)

  • Robert C.

    We went during the "dine around" promo, it was myself, my wife and my daughter. It was early in the evening and really nasty outside but they were still reasonably slammed. We had the entire dine around menu. The funny thing was, we had a dish with salmon over polenta, garnished with almonds and cherries. It was amazing. My daughter had the same dish a while back @ Blueacre, during a previous dine around and it was horrible. Kudos to the kitchen @ Steelhead. As we were getting settled in, our server Andrew, who was entirely professional and provided the perfect attention level during our meal, brought us an amuse of "Beet Tartare" It was amazing! My daughter claims it to be the best bite she ever had. I wouldn't go quite that far but we did almost end up armwrestling for the last bit. Many times I have found the service or menu during the "dine around" and "restaurant week" promos to be sub-par but Steelhead's kitchen and staff were both superb that evening. Edit 1/5: Went back and had a quick bite with the kid, I had the poutine which was good but not rave worthy. Daughter had the CHIOGGIA BEET TARTARE, which I thought was a bit better as an amuse, in that the proportions were different, she still swooned over it though so it's all good.

    (5)

  • nancy h.

    I absolutely love Steelhead diner. I will sneak in there for lunch after walking through downtown or Pike Place. Their steelhead is a must have and the bartender was fantastic at helping choose a wine pairing. Great views too!

    (5)

  • Megan M.

    Wow, I am not usually a fan of fish but I really enjoyed their Mahi Mahi. We first got into Seattle and were hungry and headed to the market to look for lunch. We happened to get lucky and be here during Dine Around Seattle. You truly can't beat the lunch special. The tots were amazing, Mahi Mahi and steak sandwich were also very good. Good local wine and beer selection. The only complaint I could have is we were too full when dessert came to really enjoy it!

    (5)

  • Thai D.

    Today was my third time eating here, and every time I've been here, the food has been great and the service has been awesome. In my profile pictures, you'll see a picture of me with a big-ass catfish (I was with my cousin, Amy N, who reviewed this plaec a few years ago. Read her review, too!). That was a few years ago, and it was so delicious! It wasn't on the menu today, but what I did have today was top notch. The pasta in paprika cream sauce with shrimp was very tasy, the dungenous crab cake appetizer was amazing (and big!), the clam chowder with bacon and truffle oi was lovely, and the earl grey creme brulee was amazing. It's pricey, but it's good stuff. Now it's back to work with a fully belly and a lunch coma.

    (5)

  • Ed D.

    Excellent Meal. As with many restaurants in Downtown Seattle area, parking is pretty tough. Food was excellent though

    (4)

  • Cathy A.

    This restaurant was recommended by the concierge at the Four Seasons. We absolutely loved it! Casual and bustling atmosphere, good wine, and the most delicious rockfish tacos I've ever tasted. Will definitely return!!

    (5)

  • Cami G.

    Naughty Nellie Steamed Manila Clams = AMAZING. Highly recommended! Baby Field Greens & Citrus Salad = A LOT to be desired. Don't waste $9 on a small plate of greens. Sauteed Idaho Stream Raised Trout Filet = YUM! Very flavorful, fresh, and filling. Coleslaw = BLAH. Accompanied with seven tablespoons of sweet relish on top? What the heck is that? No dessert. Stomach wouldn't expand anymore. Wait staff are incredibly accomodating, friendly, attentive, and know the menu inside and out. They are able to recommend certain dishes and wines based on flavors and your tastes. Stealhead Diner needs to omit the word "Diner" - this is fine dining!

    (4)

  • Carmen T.

    I had dinner here with my friend for the first time back in December. We ended up sitting at the counter because it was also my first time at a restaurant with an open kitchen. It was really cool being able to see all of the people in the kitchen cooking and prepping, and it's relieving to know that nothing...."worrisome" (think about the movie, Waiting...) happened. The food was amazing, and they have lots of good, fresh vegetarian options, a plus for a slightly picky vegetarian like me! The dessert was delicious as well--chocolate pecan pie! I drool just thinking about it haha. One of the best perks--not food related--is that the sous chef (I think his name is Gerald?) is CUTE, so it never hurts to have some nice eye candy while enjoying dinner!

    (5)

  • Rob V.

    Great environment, great service, and great food! One of my favorite places to go when in Seattle. Liked it so much I went on back-to-back nights.

    (5)

  • David H.

    Don't let this James Beard award winner of prior years fool you with the diner tag. There is nothing diner like (including price wise) Food is great for most part. Fresh supple fish. Bread is quality multi-grain with seeds. The oyster slider is the only sub par item. 3x bread to small oyster ratio. Couldn't even see the oyster. Great local micro brew beer. Creme brulee was one of the best ever with a sugar crust and real.vanilla bean smooth creme filling.

    (4)

  • MJ S.

    Not impressed with Steelhead (other than the view of the market). My sister and I went for a late lunch. We started with the crab and shrimp tater tots, which set our hopes high, until the main course came along. I had the pear salad which was topped with a vanilla bean vinaigrette - not a winning combination. The sweetness of the dressing just didn't fit with the rest of the salad. My sis had the beef bourguignon, which was fine but not noteworthy. Since we were enjoying our drinks and the view, we opted to order the lemon cake for dessert. After an exceptionally long wait, the dry cake arrived seeming as though it had perhaps been a frozen leftover, thawed just then on the counter. Thankfully, the not-worth-the-wait cake disappeared from the final bill. Although Steelhead has some redeeming qualities, I just wasn't impressed.

    (2)

  • Don C.

    I brought my family here for a weekend brunch. We were strolling through Pike Place Market and asked one of the food vendors for her brunch recommendations. We were a little surprised that she recommended a couple of places just outside the market; she said that the food was better and a better deal than the spots right in the market itself. So we tried the Steelhead Diner--the first place she recommended. I had pretty low expectations because it didn't look like anything special. Pretty ordinary hip decor. But we were immediately impressed with the attentive service and the incredible basket of bread that the server plopped in front of us when we sat down. The delicious and moist bread was accompanied by a really rich butter and tasty olive oil infused with garlic, parsley, and other herbs. We were completely hooked on the bread that we went through two baskets before we got our regular food. The food was pretty great. I had the Alaskan razor clam chowder, which was just fantastic. My wife had the veggie chili, which was very good. Kid #3 had the grilled cheese off the kids' menu (very good with excellent fries), kid #1 had the fish & chips (also very good), and kid #2 had the gumbo, which was terrific. I also had a side of cole slaw, which was great, although a with a tad too much dressing. This place impressed me with its little details. The table salt was alder wood smoked sea salt. The pepper was a habanero pepper. Each dish had little touches that showed that a lot of thought went into preparing them. The service was really good too. The water service kept our cups filled, the server was really on top of everything, and the manager popped by to check in on us as well. Overall, we had a great meal and we'll come back again if we have a chance.

    (4)

  • Ray L.

    Delicious food and great atmosphere, but questionable consistency and prices. My boyfriend and I picked two of our servers favorite dishes, before even hearing her suggestions. Figured we couldn't go wrong there, so we eageraly awaited his fish and chips and my squiqqled eggs. My squiggled eggs were very good. It was rich, as I was expecting, with sweet crab and a good hollaidaise sauce. Despite my pleasure over the flavors, I was a little disappointed to find that my eggs had both been overcooked. I asked if that was how they were supposed to come, and my server admitted that it wasn't. As for the fish and chips, from what I tasted, the batter seemed too salty. My tastes could have been a little off, since I was recovering from a cold. I probably couldn't pick up the freshness of the fish as well I would if I were well, but my boyfriend seemed to enjoy it, despite agreeing with me on the it being a tad salty. I really like the openness of the restaurant and the nods to the traditional diner -- that said, I wasn't expecting such high prices. If I'm going to spend on brunch, I think I'd rather go to Lola's. But if you're on vaca and staying near the Market, this could be a good spot for you!

    (3)

  • Christopher T.

    This is definitely not your typical diner spot, it has more of a personality to it than just some booths and scratched up tiled floor. The view was really nice overlooking the market and street. They also have an outdoor terrace that overlooks the market and alley way..looked nice. I had the pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw and fries. The sandwich outdid the fries by miles which was disappointing. The sandwich was so delicately and beautifully prepared and the fries were just an after thought..frozen, not fresh or consideration to them. However, the pork sandwich was so good that I am still going to be their fan.

    (4)

  • Carey C.

    Being from south Louisiana and having eaten in seafood restaurants from the high and low from New Orleans to Breaux Bridge, I enjoy trying seafood on the other two US coasts. Steelhead was an excellent choice. Get this: seven of us at noon on a rainy Saturday stumble across this crowded restaurant and are seated with just a few minutes. Then are provided with some of the best service I've had. Actually, so good that later in the day I thought, though the tip we left was good, I would have been happy to leave more. Great clam chowder and the best pecan pie I've had. I asked why so many Louisiana influences on the menu and the manager said the chef was from New Orleans. Some places tend to over play the New Orleans thing. But Steelhead played it just right. Recommend highly! Try the kilt lifter beer.

    (5)

  • Lilani E.

    I can't not order crabcakes and so I had to order them here. These were dense with fresh lump crab meat. I loved this! I ordered the sole which was in a browned butter and sage sauce. The flavor was good but was a bit too saturated in butter. The homemade gnocchi served with the sole was perfectly made with perfect texture. The fish and chips were plentiful with about 6 strips on an entree. The people in my party that ordered the halibut were happy with their choice as well.

    (4)

  • anita l.

    I've eaten here several times now and really enjoy Steelhead. The staff is very attentive, the food delicious, and if you sit by the window, the Market view is great. Last time I went here was in December. I turned up late on a busy lunch and took a seat at the bar. I don't usually like to sit at bars, but this one had comfortable seats, a killer view, and as it turned out, lovely neighbors. I had the fried oyster salad with spinach and bacon, which was delicious, and the Figgy Pudding, which was good, but not great. I should have had the Theo chocolate pecan pie which is reliably fantastic. This has become a new standard for my friends and I.

    (4)

  • Teri F.

    Love the food here. Been many times in the past. Solid seafood options that are fairly inventive and tasty, and they're located in a great location if you've got friends in town. However, they're starting to price themselves as if they are only counting on the tourist dollar. This place would get 5 stars if their prices were better aligned with the environment. Was just here this past weekend, and they've brought back my fave dish, which is the Black Cod (I think the menu changes seasonally somewhat). However, they now want over $36 for it - in an upscale diner environment. I remember when it used to be $27. It's good, but they're starting to price themselves out of locals coming back to eat here on a regular basis. Seattle is FULL of great dining options, and it's hard to come back here much when I can get a great meal elsewhere that's more fairly priced and also has a great vibe.

    (4)

  • Matt S.

    Bland and overpriced food... served up with excellent service. I was actually really excited to try Steelhead, I'd been meaning to go there for a couple years now but never really got around to it until recently. It's not a cheap place and I'd expect better quality food at that price, there are so many better options in Seattle at that price range. They have great wait staff and an amazing location and I guess that should continue bringing in enough tourist business to sustain it for a long time... but I would recommend avoiding this place. I had the caviar pie appetizer, which was okay, I think my expectations were too high from all the other Yelp reviews. For the main course, I had the steak and potatoes because I was craving some protein and it was so bland and tasteless. My girlfriend thought it tasted like it had been rinsed in water prior to cooking, it was pretty flavorless and tasted like water. The potatoes weren't even good... My girlfriend's chowder was a disappointment as well. The people sitting next to us in our party weren't happy with their food either. 0 stars for food, 4 stars for service. Leave this place to the tourists.

    (2)

  • Jessica L.

    I'm all about getting down to Ne-Yo's "Sexy Love", just not while having lunch with my mother. Minor distraction (although it was stuck in my head for the rest of the day), so moving on to the more important... Overall, Steelhead wasn't perfect, but still met the marks. Arrived for the first lunch slot -- the ambiance felt cold from the dim lighting combined with little natural light in this dark open space. But, it soon warmed up as every seat in the diner was quickly filled. We were seated by the windows in the corner, however the table was situated so that both diners were unable to have a decent outside view -- not a great way to start out, but all other tables were already reserved. The food was spot on (besides too many raisins on the salad). And, the three courses we had were evenly spaced without feeling rushed despite the growing line out the door. We ended the meal on a sweet note: Theo Chocolate Pecan Pie and I was satisfied. If I worked closer, I would make this a regular lunch spot.

    (4)

  • Emi G.

    Walked over at 9:15pm from my hotel across the street and the Buttermilk Fried Chicken sandwich with a glass of wine hit the spot! Service was excellent and they weren't even bothered that I came in so late, since they close at 10pm.

    (4)

  • Katherine L.

    I've only had dessert from here and I don't know if the pies are baked there or not, but they are truly to die for. I'm not a crazy dessert person, but the theo chocolate pecan pie was too amazing. I actually said "omg" while I was eating it, this means a lot coming from a person who usually skips out on the sweets after dinner.

    (5)

  • Shep G.

    I love this place, I love the casual atmosphere and the food is GOOD! I have had the Alaskan Black Cod many times here and if you haven't you are missing something amazing...It isn't always on the menu, but that dish is one of the best I've ever had. Service is great, good wines and local brews on tap, what's not to like? Oh, and that caviar pie is one of the best appetizers ever made....This place does so many things right....they should give lessons....

    (5)

  • Teri C.

    How lucky am I to grab lunch at Steelhead Diner during their "3 courses for $15" special? I opted for a late afternoon lunch and took a seat at a table on my own. Starting me off was some bread and butter with olive oil. Talk about getting into the indulgence right away. Appetizer: * Cup of Chicken & Andouille Sausage Gumbo "With Hempler's Andouille Sausage" - It was cold out and this was warm to the soul. It had a dark rue with a sprinkling of white rice and scallions on top. The sausage had a good flavor, and the chicken, green and red peppers all contributed to a hearty meal. I was already getting full off the first course! Entree: * Lemon Crusted Neah Bay Coho Salmon "With Olsen Farms Potatoes & Nettle Pesto" - I don't usually like to order cooked fish, but I figure I'm in Seattle and better order salmon at some point. It was a generous portion of fish, and the potatoes were sitting on a lovely bed of pesto. It was definitely a hearty entree. The lemon crust was great, not overly lemony and the salmon was cooked perfectly. My stomach told me to stop eating since I had dessert coming, but I think I still took a few more bites. * Theo's Chocolate Pecan Pie "With Cocoa Nibs & Bourbon Chantilly Creme" - I'm not one for pecan pie usually, but after visiting Theo's Factory the other day, I was intrigued. The whipped cream was lightly sweetened, the nibs decorated the plate, and the pie was sweet and creamy. The crust was a bit too hard though, as in unbreakable. Once I got a bite of the cream, nibs, and pie all together, it was pretty good. Overall, service was good and food was good. I'm so glad I had a chance to check out the Steelhead Diner on my visit to Seattle. It was such a hearty lunch for such a fabulous price!

    (4)

  • Wendy B.

    The only reason this is getting 2 stars and not 1 is because the manager came up to us to apologize for the mistakes the staff made. On September 19 we went there for an early dinner around 5:00pm. The place was not busy. It took a while for our waitress to appear and take our drink orders. Drink orders in, then she cooly (as in unfriendly) came by and took our dinner order. I ordered pasta with mushrooms and my partner ordered the chicken parm and salad. She brought the salad which was supposed to be a green lettuce and cucumber salad. The cucumbers were cut so teeny and were almost non existent, the salad was drenched in dressing. 45 minutes later we still had no dinner nor a check in by the waitress to refill our drinks. Meanwhile others were arriving and getting food. A different server appeared to want to serve a single man our meals and we flagged the waitress down and asked if that could be our meal. She seemed unconcerned and then grabbed one of the plates the other server was trying to give to the single man and served me the pasta. I mentioned (nicely) we are still waiting for the chicken parm and she said "I know" wandered off and came back a couple minutes later with a plate of chicken parm. No apologies or sense of urgency. Just as we started to eat the meal the manager came by to explain and apologize- the explanation was confusing but the fact that he apologized was good - although he could have offered a break in price. Ok, we got to eating - the food didn't taste fresh. My partner's chicken parm was burned on top, the chicken was dry and my pasta with saffron cream sauce was mediocre. I will never return there.

    (2)

  • Poulina K.

    After my last brief visit I had a feeling these guys would deliver, so I booked a birthday party reservation for 10 people. We got a cozy table with a view that felt very private, due to traffic some of us were running late and even though the restaurant was busy they made no fuss about it and accommodated everyone as they arrived. Service was outstanding, our server Andrew did a wonderful job of being attentive and letting us dine at our own pace. Since this was a celebration we proceeded to try EVERY cocktail concoction on the menu: with the exception of 1 cocktail, all of them were well balanced and delicious. Purple Peril (made with fresh huckleberries) and The New Irresistible definitely stood out on the palate. My dinner samplings included the following: - Raw Hood Canal oysters: buttery and milky, with a crunchy onion vinegar to top off. - Smoked Salmon Carpaccio - Mild and smoky salmon lox with capers and herbs, served with crostini...a great way to start your meal. - Razor Clam Chowder - Not your typical cream chowder flavor, hard to describe the flavor notes, but we very much enjoyed the hints of bacon and truffle oil. - Wagyu Burger...disappeared into my bf's mouth so fast I can only assume it was really good ;-) - Pork Rib Chop, Sole and New York Steak all had great texture and flavor. Steelhead quickly made it's way to my favorites list!

    (5)

  • Dan P.

    Decent food but a little overpriced. Very slow service, ordered fried foods and soup too almost 30 for our food to come out. The crab tater tots were good a few the crab cake was awesome but not $17 awesome. The green beans were a mix of over cooked and under cooked.

    (2)

  • Mimi C.

    If you're looking for a great hangout place or even a date place -- I'd really recommend Steelhead. It's lively, it's cool, it's a bit cozy ... adds up to a great experience. Steelhead is located right off Pike's Place and if you score a window table, you can peer out into the ocean and Pike's Place. =) I love their menu ... has just the right amount of stuff. The best part is that some of their fish comes from Pike's. :) Cooperhead salmon (a special) ... was delicious. Cooked perfectly with a good sear. :) I sampled a little of everything my friends had (sockeye salmon, burger etc) and everything was great! They even have a sampling of starter breads - olive, rosemary, sourdough etc. Service was very good too. =) The kitchen actually got my order wrong (they gave me a more expensive item) ... I told the waiter and he replied..."I wouldn't tell anyone if I were you *wink*" mmm .. delicious fresh cooperhead salmon! hehe Highly recommended! Be sure to make reservations!! Parking's a little tricky but hey... it always is around Pike's. Make reservations on opentable to score an extra few hundred points. ; ) .. If you're up for it, you can always stop by the little stores lining Pike's for post meal snack, not that you'll really want since they give good sized portions! Steelhead is one reason why I love Seattle!!! :)

    (4)

  • Kim R.

    We went there for a Restaurant Week dinner. Here are our tips: Whatever you do... REFUSE to be seated in the "back" room if you are a twosome. This is a cave for large parties (i.e., business groups) only, consisting of no view, claustrophobic atmosphere and two walls of wooden panels that slide open whenever a server needs to grab another table cloth (disrupting your meal), revealing the storage contents within (not a pretty sight). Large groups focusing on each other can handle it, but for a couple looking for a fine dinner out-- FORGET it! The food was just ok. The service was just ok. Entrees took a while to arrive. The atmosphere, well you've already gotten the picture. Our evening did end on the hysterically jocular side when we finally rearranged the table so that one of us wasn't staring into that corner of wooden walls (what were they thinking...insanely bad feng shui) revealing the other two walls. They were backlit with huge portraits of fisher people holding up (of course) steelhead. These portraits were unflattering, harshly bright and the worst one, closest to us, was of an old curmudgeonly-looking elder fisherman apparently crapping (or at least farting with serious intention) in his waders. See... this is the sort of thing that customers do to entertain themselves when stuck at the worst table in the house. We've eaten here before and sat at better tables, but the food/service has never been exquisite. NOT a "must visit" Seattle restaurant.

    (2)

  • Michael E.

    And this is what it's about. So three of us roll into Steelhead Dinner with no reservations on a Thursday, not the smartest, but get a seat at the "tasting bar" (aka the bar) and that's when it began. While a server is pouring our water I inquire if we couldn't order a bottle of wine from her, "We'll I'm the bread and water girl, so no" she replies, but in a really fun way. "We'll do you know the wine girl," I reply. "Mmm" she thinks, and next think I know one of the owners is taking our wine order and energizing about 8 of the staff to get the good stuff into glasses and I'm apologizing to our waitress who now thinks she's already been told on and we've only just met. And all that, and so fun, it was all light cool and what you want. So then we order and the apps come, Chicken Spring Rolls that are so light and a crab cake (and I'm from Maryland) that is rich and un "fillered" and great. And then for our next "situation." The food takes a bit, but were enjoying things and it's no big deal, but no no, out comes a Caviar Pie from the kitchen, on the house, to ease the burden. It's fantastic. Then the food, which we did family style, black cod so buttery, some flank stake that has some seasoning that was cherry this and just so right, and then the big guy, the sole with these chantrelles. Good golly. And as we walk out, and waive to who we've learned is the chef/owner he's apologizing for the wait. Are you kidding me, stop saying sorry and put us down for a table tomorrow night. Thanks Steelhead and you marvelous people running the place!

    (5)

  • Joe L.

    I discovered the restaurant a couple of years ago when I came to Seattle on business when no other similar places were open in the area and it was only 9pm! It was great then and it's still awesome. We were going to have a light dinner after a full day of shopping but ended up stuffing ourselves. We had fried chicken sandwich, fish & chips, broiled oysters and roasted asparagus for dinner. I usually do not touch white chicken meat but the texture & taste of the fried chicken cutlet were just as good as dark meat. We loved the grilled asparagus sauteed with smoked almond and rosemary. I'm a meat eater and I took the last piece off the plate. I was going to end our dinner with coffee but my partner decided that I should share dessert with him. The dark velvet cake with coconut ice cream was a good choice despite my full stomach. We had to go for a drive somewhere to walk off our dinner afterwards. Call ahead if there is something you really like on the menu on their site which is no longer current. I missed their steamed manila clams and deep fried smelts.

    (4)

  • Erica L. O.

    AmAZING! Best date night spot in Seattle. Classic food and drink, The fried chicken spring rolls are a MUST! GO NOW if you haven't.....its a Seattle staple

    (5)

  • Pinky S.

    Their poutine is FANTASTIC!! We are from Canada and you just don't find that stuff here in the states. It was so yummy!! That's all we went there for, but the menu has many things I would have liked to have tried.

    (5)

  • Mark M.

    Good, fresh seafood! Our group had a variety of dishes and no complaints from anyone. The food was fresh and full of lovely flavor. I had the pan roasted whole trout with crispy walnuts. it was cooked perfectly! The place is right on Pine street and a stones throw away from the Pike Place Market, so it can get rather busy. There is very little parking in the area, so plan accordingly with your reservations as you may be walking a bit to get there. My only complaint was the waiter...he was really young and didnt really know the menu. He wasn't much of a help with making our decisions...better staff training might be in order.

    (4)

  • Martyn L.

    One of my favourite categories of restaurant is upscale presentations of 'classic food'. Steelhead Diner is one of the best places I've been in this category for some time. Menu selection was seafood-heavy, but with plenty of non-seafood options. Dishes were classic American fare, often with an interesting twist. There were several things on the menu that I'd want to go back and try next. We started with Chicken Spring Rolls, in which are the chicken lumps are fried but the outside is not. This was a really great concept, very enjoyable and complemented by a great asian dipping sauce. I moved on to Southern Fried Chicken. This was very well prepared, still moist and not greasy. It came with a tasty gravy and I subbed in Coleslaw (excellent) instead of spinach. The one disappointment were the french fries, which were just generic frozen fries. My wife's crab cakes were huge, very crabby and a bit spicy. She was very happy with them as a main course, and two cakes were almost too much. Service was prompt, friendly and efficient. The environment was lively without being noisy and the decor a pleasant mix of diner and modern. Definitely worth a return visit for me.

    (5)

  • Cassandra L.

    I fell in love with this place during our very first visit to Seattle last November. I had ordered a cup of the razor clam chowder and had to battle with my 14th month old to see who would finish it. The kid won. I was visiting again this year and was looking forward to not having to share my soup. It was slightly disappointing. I ordered a bowl instead of a cup. There was a nice drizzle of white truffle oil. That was the only good thing. In the entire bowl, I had 2 pieces of clam. It was more of a potato and celery chowder than anything. And, it was salty as heck. For an appetizer, we ordered the mussels to share. These were really good and fresh. They were sweet, but about half the size than the ones we had the first time. For my entree, I ordered the wild mushroom with sherry cream sauce over ceppo pasta. The dish came with matsutake and chantrelle mushrooms. The matustakes were very fragrant and earthy. But the chantrelles - I was chewing on grit. Very disappointing. My 2 friends each got the Northwestern omelet. I don't know what to call it, but it was definitely not an omelet. It looked like they were making scrambled eggs and then remembered to add the rest of the ingredients for the omelet, so it was literally 4 inches of egg pie, then the cheese, spinach, and mushrooms were underneath the mountain of eggs, not folded in.

    (3)

  • Jessica M.

    I would like to award this place 3 stars for the food and it may have earned a repeat visit if not for the service. The value of the food for the price is closer to a 2 star and the dreadful service will keep me from going back. After placing our order, the waitress came back to tell us they were out of two of our orders. I was told they ran out of my order of Butternut Squash and then miraculously when the order came out I had both the squash and my substitute side dish delivered to the table and then was charged for both! The explanation was that they were making more of it when I ordered and that's why I was told they were out??? A random dish was also brought to our table that no one had ordered and had to be sent back. The main courses were a la carte and the prices pretty steep, $21 for a half portion of salmon and $7 for a side of butternut squash. The food was decent but nothing to write home about. For two people: 3 beers, two entrees and two sides, we spent $80 including tip! We actually went looking for our server twice! Glasses were left empty and we had to get up and follow her to order drinks when she left our table without asking... Drinks took at least 15 minutes each time and our food took over an hour. The entrees were delivered one or two plates at a time by random servers and I was left watching everyone else eat while I waited for my order. I don't think it is unreasonable to expect more from a downtown location and an $80 meal.

    (2)

  • James B.

    Great vibe, hard working and knowledgeable staff, and excellent food. Thick, meaty Alaskan Ling Cod fish and chips, Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon, fried chicken sandwich, and Razor Clam Chowder were our choices. All well executed. In a great location in Pikes Place Market.

    (4)

  • Eric V.

    We stopped here because we were in the area and I had a craving for mac and cheese. After 30 minutes, we asked what happened to our order and it turned out that the kitchen lost the order. Ok, these things happen. To compensate for the long wait, they gave us a dish of complementary crab/shrimp tater tots. They were ok but a little greasy in my opinion. After about 15 minutes more, out came the two items that we ordered - mac and cheese and a crab cake appetizer. The mac and cheese was probably the worst mac and cheese I've ever had. The chef should be ashamed of it as the preparation seemed juvenile. The noodles were drowned in a boat of liquid Kraft yellow cheese. There wasn't anything more to the dish and after finishing 1/4 of the dish, I simply stopped eating it and felt ill. The crab cake had a great deal of oil to it and was pretty bland. There wasn't any finesse or skill in the preparation. I swear I've been to the steelhead diner before and it's never been this bad. I'm put off enough that I'm simply not interested in going back.

    (2)

  • Jay K.

    good price, food is always pretty good i like the squimbled eggs

    (4)

  • Chris B.

    I can only speak to the poutine which I got to go. It wasn't bad, wasn't great. They definitely are thin on the cheese curds, so ultimately it was fries with gravy and a small peppering of cheese, not real poutine.

    (3)

  • Alan W.

    I rarely give a 5 star review and this place would be no exception if I didn't have one of the top 5 entree's I've ever eaten. The copper river salmon, barely cooked, seared to perfection, nestled under arugula and on top of perfectly cooked cannelloni beans, caramelized shittake mushrooms, and a light purée of peas and herbs. Perfect, perfect, perfect. Bravo.

    (5)

  • Halle E.

    Great locale, good food, attentive service. Get the caviar pie for a real treat - unique and delicious. Everything overpriced, portions often small (making it more so) loud and crowded. This was a mixed bag for me, and I too would rather go back to Matt's.

    (3)

  • Earlene C.

    We saw Sanjaya from American Idol here! Nearing the end of our meal, someone from our party noticed him at the next table :) Ok, so back to the restaurant... It was nice of them to take our party of 18, fifteen minutes before the kitchen closed! Service was still up to par and food & cocktails, scrumptious. I had a cocktail called a Black Skunk? It was good! Fresh Pinapple juice, mango rum and midori! The appetizers were gooood! The Crispy Carnitas were sooo yummy! Crispy and tasty with a little bit of kick :) For my entrée I had the trout. I wasn't expecting it to come out un-decapitated, but it was delicious! It might have grossed out some members of my party, but I grew up eating things with their heads still on! So it was all good! Everyone enjoyed their fish and we duly noted the fact that this joint was one of the top two seafood restaurants in the city.

    (3)

  • CJ B.

    We'd like to recommend this place. It's in a great location and the menu is inventive, but we've been there at least four or five times and are ALWAYS disappointed with both the food and the service. Our most recent visit sort of sums up the experience. We arrived after 8 on a Saturday night when the place was half full. We ordered two appetizers, the spring rolls and the cheese curds. The cheese curds were OK (but the oil in which they were fried was old and dirty). The spring rolls looked great but had virtually no taste. We then ordered some salads, a bowl of chili, the latkes, the halibut and the mushroom pasta. In spite of the fact the place was not full it took 45 minutes for the items to arrive -- only one of which required any real cooking. The mushroom pasta tasted like it was made with canned mushroom soup and had so much pepper in it that it was almost inedible. The latkes were not fresh or light, seemed to have been made and frozen weeks before and then fried in the same dirty oil as the cheese curds. The halibut was OK, but not interesting. The salads were very cold and monotonous. The chili was passable. While I would like to suspect that the owner/chef has neglected this place as he works at his new establishment, our experience was similar enough to our other trips to Steelhead to suggest that they just don't do a very good job at anything.

    (1)

  • Anne K.

    No bueno! The place looks nice, BUT!! The food is definitely not up to par. Especially for the price. Even if I had to pay half the price I would have been just as disappointed. Crab Cake: $15 for one burnt looking cake. Taste was okay. (2 stars) Catfish Tacos: fajita type thing, deep fried fish :( Salmon: the server said it was excellent. I say excellently disappointing! Dry, flavorless. So sad. We were really hungry, too!

    (1)

  • Kim C.

    We took my friend there for birthday celebration. This friend and I did our research and this seems like a good place to try out for the special occasion. Few comments: This place is mostly a hit or a miss. Satisfaction would largely depend on your party's palette. We happen to have 4 visitors who prefer more flavorful/ spicy food; the fish and chips and fish tacos didn't work. Pork rib chop survived (or didn't survive, i.e. consumed) with good ratings. Fried cheese curd also turned out to be a bit of a flop in our 11-person group. I guess cheese in general is not a very popular concept; I liked it nonetheless. Fried oysters received much better response from the group. For those who generally enjoyed fish and Pacific NW cuisine at our table find the food 'satisfactory'. The salmon and black cod are moist and tender, not overcooked (like they often can be) which is good; but not as spectacular as others have raved. Yelp reviews are accurate in that service is slow. It took our waiter longer to bring a martini than a few beers. After ordering appetizers, the waiter took a while before reappearing to take our entree orders. They were also not too responsive with regards to my friend's specific request for no goat cheese in her salad; she had returned the goat cheese salad and asked for it to be removed from the bill. We didn't quite hear back what happened (would have been nice if they confirmed that "the salad had been removed from the bill") and given a large group setting we forgot to check individual line items when 2 head of households split the bill. One thing that really worked out is the pecan pie surprise for our birthday girl. It turns out that it is exactly what she would have ordered for dessert. So thank you Steelhead Diner for reading her mind :)

    (2)

  • Kathy A.

    Our waiter was wonderful and had told us he had just moved up here from San Diego area. We liked that as we were visiting from Southern CA on a cold, blustery day. He was so personable, (cute...lol) and attentive, he made it an amazing experience. I thought the food was amazing. I loved the breads with a slab of pesto butter in a plate of olive oil. Unique, delicious, and nice plating. I had the clam chowder. My 4 daughters split the steak meal and a pasta dish. My husband had a sandwich. Everyone said all was delicious. Truly everything was soooo good! The dessert was something like pecan pie on steroids. The best pecan pie I have ever had! Great experience, great atmosphere, and they hurried for us as we had to catch a plane. I would love to go here again on my next Seattle trip!

    (4)

  • Katy H.

    I'm between and 3 and 4 on this one. The service was impeccable, the drinks were decent, the food was decent... all in all this is a GREAT spot! I've heard lots of great things about Steelhead and finally, FINALLY made the trip down there today for a lovely lunch over a business meeting. The views (if you get seated by the window) are amazing. There are cozy booths, tables, and seats at the bar. This is a great place to take friends or family in a large group. Get this... my friend ordered up a drink with cucumber in it. The waiter came back super apologetic and told us they were fresh out of cucumber but that he'd send someone running down to the market to BUY some! Isn't that nuts? He politely declined and ordered another drink. Talk about great service! My meal was good. I ordered their broiled oysters and the catfish tacos. Nothing to go nuts over but very tasty. If someone invited me to have dinner or lunch here again, I wouldn't hesitate to go!

    (3)

  • Matt R.

    Really great lunch last week. Boss had the fish and chips- simple cod and fries. Came with a nice homemade tartare sauce. Seemed like a good size serving for $15. I opted for the razor clam chowder with truffle oil. It was really good but didn't have a single clam in the bowl. Good truffle flavor- but lots of potatoes and bacon- and ZERO clams. My absolute favorite plate of food was the fried smelt. I love everything about fried tiny fish and these didn't disappoint. Perfectly fresh and not fishy at all. Lightly battered and came with the most awesome curry ketchup. Comes with 6 or 7 good size smelt on the plate- and only $10. I really enjoyed them and would come back for this dish alone. Delicious! They have a good beer selection on tap. I introduced my boss from South Carolina to Manny's- and now he's a fan. In summary- Steelhead Diner is a great lunch spot- and I'm sure great dinner spot too- that highlights some of the really great seafood in the Northwest. I am a fan of this place and will be back. If you go to Steelhead Diner- order the tiny fish!

    (4)

  • Michael J.

    I had a cup of Alaskan razor chowder, baby greens & watermelon salad and Manila clams. All amazing!

    (4)

  • Ashwin R.

    A bit overpriced, yet tasty food. Went there with family and enjoyed the experience. Crap tater tots were awesome. The rest was solid northwest fare, albeit maybe in need of a flavor refresh. Also, they didn't have the cheese curds, which I have loved in the past

    (3)

  • Poeko W.

    Really really had a good time here. After wandering around Pike Place Market my wife and decided to stop here for a late lunch. I ordered the gumbo which was excellent. Almost as good as the gumbo I had in New Orleans. To keep with the theme, I followed up with the shrimp po' boy. It was also very good. The shrimp was of high quality and fried perfectly. Very well constructed. Service was okay but was trying to be high class which was my only real problem with this place: they had pretensions of being something they weren't quite and therefore that was more irritating than if they had been a little more relaxed overall.

    (4)

  • Rich K.

    So I went to Steelhead Diner this evening with a group of friends. Last time I dined there I had a really nice experience, both culinary and service. This time the service was still top notch, but the food was down right abysmal, and I dont say that lightly. I order a cup of the andouille sausage gumbo and the fish and chips. The gumbo was uneatable as it tasted like and looked like brown sludge, with hardly any flavor, so I sent it back. The waiter was pleasant, apologetic and understanding. He encouraged that the dinner would be great. Unfort, it was not. VERY bland fish and chips that were rather soggy, rather than crisp. I def will think twice before eating here again, which is sad since I have had very nice meals here.

    (1)

  • Stacey C.

    Had a great work dinner here. The tator tots are yummy! The Caesar salad was maybe the best I have ever had. Team all enjoyed the food and drinks. Service could have been better but not bad. Great location in a fun city!

    (4)

  • Jonas L.

    Welcome to Seattle's tourist traps where food is bland, expensive, and served with an attitude. To begin with the conclusion - we spent $100 for a dinner of two and got all of the above and then some. Steelhead came recommended. Not just by the random cabbie I asked but by review sites praising its fine foods. Boy were we in for a disappointment. We started with the chicken wraps which were, essentially, small McBites sized, chicken nuggets wrapped with the usual "hey, let's make this taste Asian" variety of shoots and leaves. My partner had the seafood special, I opted for the Wagyu burger and a poutine. My burger (ordered rare) came well done and tasted of grease more than anything else. Does no one grill their patties anymore? The poutine must have sat out for a while which didn't do the already soggy fries much good. So, food was ... not so good. But the knife in the back of this trip was the service. As restaurants are wont to do, there was bread. And as I bit into my first slice I watched the (open) kitchen set down a hotelpan with bread on it onto the ground, then lift it back up and set it directly on top of a layer of bread on a second pan. I am not a clean freak and after decades in the industry those things don't shock me anymore. But, seriously? Set a pan which just sat on the ground I had dragged my feet across on top of edibles? Not a good thing. Service sucked. Our server was extremely quick in grabbing my half-eaten poutine and in walking up to us with her screwtop wine bottle to offer refills, but took her extremely sweet time when it came to paying. I had enough time between asking for the check and getting it to watch another server pick his nose and wipe the resulting output onto his pants. Yay for good eat'n. At $100 for rather small portions of food I'd expect at least some semblance of hospitality and decent dishes. Sadly I got none.

    (2)

  • Akshay N.

    Walked in without a reservation, and was seated almost immediately in seats facing the chefs as they worked. The bread was absolutely superb, as was the pear salad with goat cheese and toasted hazelnuts with a vanilla bean vinaigrette. The mac and cheese was rich and textured. Overall, a great experience, and quite good food.

    (5)

  • C B.

    Came here twice over our weekend visit to Seattle. First was for lunch and our crab cake, salad, and chicken sandwich hit the spot. We stopped at the bar on our way in to Pike's Place and had a few lovely cocktails. We came back another rainy afternoon for HH and enjoyed the onion rings and another salad. Have to offset all the seafood in Seattle with some veggies at some point. Steelhead Diner was a steady afternoon staple for us on our weekend visit.

    (5)

  • Sirio B.

    Steelhead diner was a little bit disappointing due to the hit and miss nature of the food. The location is really nice, situated in a corner to an alley in Pikes place. We went there for lunch with around 3-4 people to give the food a try. Its nice and clean inside, although I nearly felt it was a tad on the sterile in terms of ambiance. The poutine was really good, consisting of fries covered in Beechers curds and plenty of gravy. For entrees we ordered an oyster poboy(for myself), an uli sausage sandwich and a razorhead clam chowder. The fried oyster sandwich tasted off, with the innards of the fried oyster tasting overly gamey and a little too 'wet' for my tastes. The razorhead clam chowder was overwhelmingly rich in both flavor and odor, which ended up with us having to cover the plate with a napkin to cover up the smell. I am aware razorhead chowder is stronger in flavor than most chowders but after sampling my friends it was clear that there was something wrong with this batch. I have no idea what the deal was but the seafood we got that day was just way off. We both couldn't finish our meals because of the off putting flavors we encountered. I don't feel like we got our moneys worth, and we had issues with slow service to boot. Not the best first impression of the place.

    (3)

  • Rose B.

    I stopped in here on a whim and was really impressed. They have a 3 course menu which my boyfriend and I ordered from. We ended up sitting at their bar which gave us an interesting people-watching experience. The food was fantastic. Their sauce for the oysters was the best I've ever had. I usually don't like cocktail sauce but this was excellent. They said it had some spices from Market Spice. Everything else we ordered was delicious. Everything I saw them bring out for other people looked just as yummy and fresh as our food. Some of their food servings looked a little small, but we were having 3 courses so it didn't bother me. They're also on the higher end of this price range. Ordering from their general menu would have resulted in a much higher bill.

    (4)

  • Dave F.

    another excellent Gumbo dinner. This time we saved room for dessert. OMG, the Theo Chocolate pecan pie with Cocoa Nibs & Bourbon Chantilly Crème is downright decadent! unbelievably great! I'll be back!

    (5)

  • May N.

    Came here for dinner with a group on a Friday night. We had reservations and they were totally cool about not waiting for everyone to show up before seating us. Yes, it's a "diner," but the atmosphere was more upscale and the food selections were certainly not your average diner food. Almost every dish contains seafood so vegetarians beware. The desserts all sounded and looked excellent, but I was meeting up with people afterwards so I save my calories. Prices were moderate. The staff were very accommodating with our large group and split up our checks when asked. Nice views of the water from our table as we caught up with each other.

    (3)

  • Eros A.

    Wouldn't I be happy if my neighborhood diner was as good as this one? This is not the typical diner... We came here for lunch on the middle of the afternoon and it was almost empty. I have heard the place is very popular and could get really crowded at lunch; I guess we bit that crow. We were sat on a corner overlooking part of the Pike Place Market and Elliott Bay (couldn't ask for a nicer view). The place looks a bit retro, but nice. It has a sideline open kitchen with some bar tools (great attraction for those who like to look at the Chefs craft their art). Also has an outdoors seating area overlooking an alley and some of the shops. Food wise, I probably had one of the best Salmon in my life. This tasted like no other, and just melted on my mouth. Tried a couple cocktails and those were very good as well. The staff was nice, friendly and attentive. Basically, they have everything a restaurant need to succeed. I definitely recommend this place to anyone!!!

    (4)

  • Jenn B.

    I love this place. The wait staff is friendly and patient, they don't make you feel rushed and the food doesn't disappoint. try the chowder, salmon, watermelon salad, poutine, crab tator tots, coconut shrimp, and the desserts are heavenly. One of my top three Seattle restaurants!

    (5)

  • Philippe D.

    Large food portions. Great salmon

    (4)

  • Meagan D.

    It's a great go-to seafood restaurant; get a table by the window (along with everyone else asking for one), or sit at the bar by the kitchen. It's fun watching the line cooks do their thing! Everything I've had there is good; save room for the Theo Chocolate Pecan Pie. Droolworthy.

    (4)

  • Kevin F.

    My go to business lunch spot. Always great, quick service. Food is always pretty good (even though my medium rare steak usually comes out medium/medium well) and the chowder is fantastic. Quiet enough to get work done and well located with nice views if the weather cooperates.

    (4)

  • Madeleine A.

    I have worked in pike place market for over ten years and this is by far the worst dining experience I have ever had, we ordered the fish and chips which came out wet. Literally as if the fish was rinsed off before being cooked, not a good sign... We went home that night and all three of us had food poisoning and found ourselves throwing up. I know it's not always the establishment's fault however when I called to report the food poisoning, I was treated rudely on the phone. The manager did not care about us or future customers at all. Please if you are in the market, there are many restaurants that are much more worthwhile.

    (1)

  • Angela W.

    I struggle with giving it a three so here we go. Wanted to take some friends out, it was his 50th b-day and we wanted to help him celebrate. The wife suggested Steelhead. We are eastside people and had never heard of it but ok lets try it. First of all I should have been tipped off about the atmosphere by the name "diner". We had reservations and they seated us right away. OH BOY ... I felt like I was at Denny's'! The tables are that old fashioned Formica teal and green speck, with these weird diner chairs and the silver around the edges. The booths were literally old Waffle House booths, at least that is what they reminded me of. The menu's were literally pieces of paper sitting on the table with the place settings on them. Ketchup bottles on the table.. that alone made me go hmmmm The atmosphere for the prices of the food was very odd to me. It didn't fit! The place was COLD literally and figuratively. It was LOUD and you could hear every single clanking of the silverware there was. And it was crowded, not much room to walk, the tables were SO close together. The prices were very EXPENSIVE for this not so hip, trying to be trendy restaurant. THAT SAID: The service was EXCEPTIONAL! They were polite, nice, friendly, engaging, and knew their stuff. From the moment we walked in we were treated GREAT! The food, exceptional as well. I had the pasta and asked them to add chicken, no problem they said, and it was perfect. The others had cod and Mahi Mahi and mussels, ALL exceptional. We brought our own bottle of wine and they cork for 15.00 with no problem. We dressed up a bit for the nite and of course most people there were typical Seattleites, grubby clothes, dirty shoes, messy hair. Weird ... I just don't get the whole Seattle unkempt go to dinner with your PJ's on thing.. but hey that's another story. So would I go here again, probably not. Not because the food wasn't good or the service wasn't good but because the atmosphere and the food didn't match. It felt too weird for me having a 50.00 meal with a 50.00 bottle of wine while sitting in a Waffle House Booth... But hey like I said good food, def. worth trying once.

    (3)

  • Naurry K.

    What's better than fries? Fries with gravy. What's better than fries with gravy? Fries with gravy with cheese curds. They have _real_ poutine!! 'Nuff said.

    (5)

  • SJ L.

    Very nice! I must tell you though, my first response upon picking up the menu is this is NOT a $$ place. My halibut entree was $35+; J's salmon was $40something. (I admit, it was Copper River, available for a limited time - but I ordered it the next night at Ivar's for $10 less..) Don't get me wrong, we had a delightful time - but it was a $$$ delight. Having said that, everything was delicious - good wine list - nice atmosphere near the water - very good service. (I'm surprised the other reviews panned the service - ours was fine). Forgive me if I'm short on details - I am writing this a few weeks later. I would definitely go back. Although I'd have to wait till I'm more flush..

    (3)

  • Sarah M.

    I was so close to giving this place 5 stars...if only the reservation process hadn't sucked so badly. This place started out rocky when I went to make a reservation. I called in when the system was down so the person taking my reservation said they'd write it down and put it on the books. I then called the day before to confirm the reservation and the person that I spoke to said that it wasn't there. I asked her to remake the reservation and then after about 5 minutes of looking, (which in reality felt like an ETERNITY) she said she would remake it. After telling her what day the reservation was for another 5 or 6 times, she realized she made it on the wrong day. She went in and deleted it and started to make a third reservation and accidentally hung up on me. I called back again and someone else answered, thank god. She told me that the reservation had been there all along but now there was second reservation made on the following day as well. WTF? Luckily, we got it sorted and all was good from then on. Fabulous, in fact. Everything about dinner was fantastic. We had a cozy little table in the corner and were happy with it. We ordered a TON of food since we came with a fairly large group - and it was great because we got to sample a bunch of things on the menu. For appetizers, we ordered a few plates of crab cakes and fried chicken spring rolls. I didn't realize that the spring rolls had fried chicken in them until I tried them but ended up loving them! They were wrapped with the clear wrappers (I don't know what they're made out of) so it was definitely an interesting combination. I didn't try the crab cakes but our group seemed to like them. For our entrees, I had the beef medallion which was PERFECT. It came in a red wine sauce and was perfectly cooked - and tender and juicy. Much better than my recent experience at Daniel's Broiler, believe it or not. Some had fish and chips, one had the pasta, a few salads here and there - everyone seemed pretty happy with their choices. I'm pretty sure we just about ordered one of everything off the dessert menu. Didn't love the pecan tort but liked the brownie sundae and apple crisp. The entrees were a little pricier but totally worth it - around $25 on average or so. Not sure how much the dinner came to but I guess I'll find out when I expense it next week. :) P.S. Not sure that I mentioned that this place is at Pike Place Market. Cool location, trendy restaurant, fun atmosphere.

    (4)

  • RONALD W.

    My absolute favorite restaurant in town (saying a lot since probably my favorite dish in the world is choucroute and Campagne across the street has a good rendition). For a while I was going once a week to Steelhead and have had all the dishes on their regular dinner and Sunday brunch menu. (chicken fried steak deserves to be on the regular menu). Everything is incredibly good to the point I am not sure I have a favorite. Almost everything has a local market flair like regional Wagyu beef, Uli's sausages, etc.. I used to complain that all that portions are massive, but they started serving half portions which allows me to get a starter (the caviar pie or fried Beecher's cheese curds are particularly interesting in a nice way). I like eating at the counter where you can often see the owner cooking and might pick up a few cooking tips as well as a complimentary dish. A few times he has comped me both on and off menu items.

    (5)

  • Scott M.

    Excellent! Stopped in for a quick appetizer and tasty draught. Great scene on the patio overlooking Pike's market. Great Dungeness crab cakes. Drink menu is cool and nice wine list!

    (4)

  • Art G.

    We have enjoyed this restaurant every time we come to Seattle over the last 5 years. This time was really good. The staff was attentive and helpful. The fish stew was great as was the salmon. We will look forward to our next time in Seattle.

    (5)

  • Clint D.

    I love this place! I could fill up on the appetizers alone. The caviar pie, the crab cake, and a bucket of mussels, see voo play! The service is always spot on

    (5)

  • John A.

    Eggs Cordova is to die for! The service is great! Ryan at the bar makes you feel at home. And the scenery is great! A must try restaurant.

    (4)

  • Tim S.

    Went with a group of 8. I had the Black Cod and it was to die for. Possibly the best piece of fish I've eaten. Great bread and very friendly and capable wait staff.

    (5)

  • Alex R.

    Classy restaurant. The staff were very friendly, helpful and attentive, even though I was there during lunch which in this touristy part of town is quite busy. Food is definitely a bit pricey, but this isn't your uncle's coffee shop, the Steelhead Diner is a place to take a good friend or an expensive client out for a classy lunch. Everything that everyone ordered was delicious and well presented.

    (5)

  • Manny F.

    My latest discovery in Pike Place. I mean, who goes to eat in Pike Place besides a bunch of tourists. Being an ex-Seattle-ite, i tend to only go to a few known spots around there. This place had a great view of the Puget Sound - fantastic sunset. I happened to be there for Seattle Food week, the pairings and price was just right for the seafood dishes.

    (4)

  • Felipe H.

    the service here is phenomenal!!! the fries were amazing especially with the Habanero pepper salt but, i mut be a redneck because i felt the burger meat was too fancy! for one it was a little over cooked because it was kinda rubbery. i also thought they got too creative with seasoning the burger meat and it had an odd taste... the place is amazing and the service was the best ive recieved here in seattle. plus they have unlimited complimentary tap water which was the icing on the cake

    (4)

  • Russ F.

    On a search in the area with co-worker and found this diner. Upscale, but a nice selection on the menu. Has the Andouille sandwich, which was nicely seasoned with great flavor. Seafood selections looked great coming out of the kitchen.

    (4)

  • Aiko A.

    I really enjoyed the food at the Steelhead Diner. The atmosphere is cool bar meets fly fishing in a very tasteful and successful way. The service was friendly and timely. Overall, a great experience. The fried oysters were HUGE. Crispy on the outside, oystery on the inside. They piled on the fried cheese curds. And the chicken and sausage gumbo had a smokiness to it that was thoroughly savorable. No room for dessert, but mark my words, I will be back.

    (4)

  • Suanne L.

    On a cold, dreary day in Seattle, after many many hours of travel, this little Yelper went to market to look for some noms. Thank you fellow Yelpers - You haven't led me to a bad meal yet. Right across the street from the Pike Place Market and next to Post Alley, Steelhead Diner was a fantastically located restaurant with fresh seafood and reasonable prices. They have a great view and would be good for special occasions or business lunches. I was hungry, but not starving. I also had a budget to stick to. So I opted for two appetizers as dinner and gave into peer pressure to order the caviar pie and a cup of clam chowder. The chowder came first and it was good - rich, flavorful, with a drizzle of truffle oil - EXCEPT there was one clam in the whole bowl. I had chunks of bacon and potato - but where's the seafood? Granted, it was good, and I enjoyed it, but I think that was the truffle oil talking. The caviar pie was pretty and very decadent. The pie is a slice of sour cream and cream cheese topped in a rainbow of five different kinds of caviar and surrounded by a caper and egg salad. It was a lot. I think if I shared it I would have forgiven myself more easily for inundating my system with cream. Delish, and probably the best deal in town if you like caviar, but be prepared to order something lighter later to compensate. Service was fantastic, the ambiance calm and modern, and the food good, but rich. Next time I'm in Seattle I may just try it again - and bring reinforcements to roll me back to the hotel.

    (3)

  • Arleen E.

    Had lunch at Steelhead Diner after a day of walking around Pike Place Market. We started with some Oysters in half shell then had the Pike Kilt Lifter Fish and Chips (scotch ale battered alaskan ling cod) and Crispy Idaho Stream-Raised Catfish Tacos. Enjoyed the Fish and Chips - crispy. The tacos were just okay. Service could use some improvement. Our server didn't take our orders until after about 10 minutes from the time we were sat. Our food came after 20 minutes. The restaurant was busy with the lunch rush, but they could have had more servers.

    (3)

  • Courtney P.

    A nice place to see the crowd of pike place but take a respite from the hub bub. try the poutine and shrimp sandwich, your taste buds will thank you.

    (4)

  • Miko L.

    Great Food, Good prices, Good service. Love the amuses, and the option to get two different portions. Aside from Tom Douglas' pizzas, this was the best meal I had in Seattle during my short stay. Oh, I suggest taking a kitchen counter seat because it becomes a dinner and a show.

    (5)

  • Rachel H.

    We visited Seattle for the first time last weekend, and enjoyed a couple of appetizers at this quaint "diner" in Pike's Market area. We loved it!!! The ambiance was great, service was fabulous and friendly, prices were on par with the portions and quality of food and the items we selected were delicious. We had the mac n cheese which was the best my husband has ever had and probably in my top 3 ever, and the crab cake which was perfection. The bartender gave us a lot of helpful tips for the rest of our stay in the city. We will be back, for sure!!!

    (5)

  • Andrew T.

    I was pretty excited to go here - found it on Yelp, loved what I saw on the online menu (olive crusted halibut? Sign me up), and then had it independently recommended to me by a client. Sold. But it's not all it's made out to be. I sat at the bar, after having been offered a sort of communal counter or the bar - a table for one apparently not on the menu. But that's fine, I understand why restaurants don't like doing that. I was told the bartender would take great care of me, but the service was really quite indifferent. He was more intent on flipping liquor bottles about to impress female wait staff than he was with service his customers...just oddly aloof, and it's not that kind of place. I was disappointed to find that said olive crusted halibut was not on the menu - perhaps it changes frequently? Or the website was wrong? I looked it up on a Thursday before my Monday visit, so that's a pretty dynamic menu if it's the case. Instead, I got the pan seared halibut with chanterelle mushrooms and roasted sweet corn. It was fine - the fish was well cooked but extremely mild, with an almost crispy crust. The mushrooms were flavorful - far more so than anything else in the dish, and while the sweet corn was good, it was not roasted...not even a little bit. The broth was also a little boring - basically, everything tasted like the mushrooms. I wanted to try the cheese curds...because fried cheese is delicious...or the poutine...because fried potatoes with cheese is delicious, but as a single diner, there's no way I could justify getting something like that just for me. Unfortunately, I'm not exactly blown away by Steelhead Diner. To top all of this off, I think it's actually pretty pricey for what it is - my small-ish half serving of fish was $22 which I think is a bit on the high side. Even those fried cheese doodles were $9...whoa. I know it says "Beecher's" but...sorry, Seattle, that just doesn't do it for me $9 worth. Going by Yelp's guidelines, this is solid 3 dollar sign territory - a drink, an entree, and a tip would be way over $30. Heck, my half entree, club soda, and tip was pushing $30. I had this at 3 stars, but I'm re-reading this review, and thinking...would I come back? Maybe maybe maybe...if I could guarantee that olive crusted halibut was on the menu (I love olives) but even then I'd have to be willing to pay a good amount for not a lot of food...so...2 stars it is. Sorry everyone. I have to buck the trend.

    (2)

  • Mitul M.

    This is the second time I have been here. The first was at a job interview in Seattle a year ago, and this time was for a conference. First off, I'm a vegetarian so I cannot tell you anything about meat or seafood, but I can tell you that they make excellent salads, pasta and mac and cheese. They also serve really nice bread with the meal. I will definitely come back the next time I'm in town.

    (4)

  • Ponarett X.

    As I was looking through the restaurants on the Dine Around Seattle list, I came across the picture of the caviar pie. I admit that my main reason to try Steelhead was because of that picture. I decided to go for lunch since I knew I would also order the pie. I started with the salmon rillette and it was smokey and perfecty spreadable. My entree was the brisket poor boy and it was okay. It was flavorful but I wouldn't order it again. For dessert I tried the bananas foster creme brulee. It was creamy and had just enough banana-ness to it. Okay, back to the caviar pie. It was not only beautiful to look at but beautiful to eat. Try it and you'll see exactly what I mean!

    (4)

  • Dee W.

    I've been wanting to come here for years now. Everyone I know that's been here has nothing but good things to say. I made an open table online reservation the morning of our dinner. It was a cinch and we were seated right away. We were put at a table right behind the counter and the open kitchen. It was a good spot for people watching. The place was bustling and had a good vibe. Our server was prompt and recommended a champagne cocktail that I enjoyed. I never got the name of it but it looked like plain ol' bubbly but it had maybe a lavender liqueur added to it. The Beechers cheese curds were where it's at--- you can't mess that up. It had two dipping sauces that accompanied it. The tartar was better. I enjoyed my salmon in sour cherry relish. I only ate half because the portion was pretty generous. My husband took half of his chicken sandwich home, too. He said it was delicious and one of the most flavorful chicken sandwiches he's had to date. We were too full for dessert but will definitely come back and put this on my list of suggestions for locals and visitors alike.

    (4)

  • Capt k.

    I decided to go to my favorite diner by myself after a 12-hour day at the office. Upon arrival, the hostess gave me the option of dine at bar or table. Since the restaurant is not that busy, I decided to ask for a regular table. I was really surprised that the hostess offer the 4 person booth to me. After the menu presentation, I decided to go with the Dine Around Seattle menu and house cured beef bresaola for dinner. The rich and creamy bresaola dressed with light olive oil perks up my taste bud. The second course is the hearty and creamy clam chowder. Chowder ingredients are chunky (even the razor clam) which is a major plus. I had salmon with reserved lemon for my third course. The salmon is cooked to my liking (medium). The crispy preserved lemon and fried basil is added crunch and flavor to the dish. However the nage sauce is a miss for me. The nage looks like it was thickened with the corn starch rather than butter. The pumpkin crème brule has a nice flavor. However, the crème brule is a bit loose and runny. This did not dampen my experience for the night because I have never liked the dessert at Steelhead Diner. Overall, I gave the diner a 4 stars. I like that they tried to accommodate my seating preference for single and they did not make me wait for long between each course (2 to 4 minutes). The service is excellent (Waitress was maybe thinking I am out of town) This is a major plus for me at that day because I was exhausted and just want to finish dinner then go home and crash.

    (4)

  • Mark M.

    I pre planned eating here before going on our Alaska cruise after reading up on Yelp and other sites. I guess my expectations were very high coming in. The food was good, we had two fish dishes in the $38 price range and the spring roll appetizer. The fish was well prepared but a little overpriced for what we received. The price cost it a star.

    (3)

  • Aaron M.

    I was on the fence between a 3 and a 4. The service is great the staff is friendly and attentive. It is pretty swanky though and doesn't really need to be. I feel they want to be a fancy fish place but Seattle already has a lot better versions of them around. They do have a great location. It was the poutine that put it over to a 4. It is not swimming in gravy, nor is it a baron wasteland. The perfect amount of cheese and gravy.

    (4)

  • Jason H.

    I hate to write this review but I have to. As my 8 check-ins can attest I've been here a few times - I have been coming since this restaurant opened actually in the before yelp days. I remember sitting at the counter and watching Kevin Davis cook some amazing food. Over the past few years this restaurant though has slowly slid from 5 - 4 - 3 to the 2 stars it arrived at today. We went for Dine Around Seattle which while I'm not expecting caviar I would expect something that would motivate me to come back. First, the bread was stale and old. I think its fine they provide free bread would also be fine if they didn't but if you're going to then it had better be fresh - that stuff was at least a day old and maybe older. Second, the food is bland. While I enjoyed the tater tots my fried chicken sandwich was just tasteless. The fried chicken was dry, the tomato was clearly out of the nearest hothouse, the coleslaw was totally tasteless (not quite sure even how you can do that), and Kevin's half-sour pickles weren't even a little sour. It was just calling for some kind of zip or flavor which it didn't get. For dessert I had the cranberry orange sorbet which I thought was really good until I discovered it stained my mouth and tongue a really weird orange color leaving me to wonder what was in it? Service, which has been a problem in the past was fine but can't save what is really now just very bland, and quite literal (i.e. unsurprising) food. I noticed they have an "early bird special" - if that isn't the kiss of death to cool I'm not sure what is. Though maybe the folks who frequent early birds are their target audience these days -- with food this bland and unimaginative they probably should be.

    (2)

  • Holly R.

    Don't let the name fool you - this is no greasy diner. They may serve some diner-esque food but it's definitely bumped up a level. On our quest for dinner after Pike Place Market closed, the boyfriend and I stumbled upon Steelhead Diner. We walked right in and got a fantastic corner table with windows on both sides. Lovely. The waiter quickly brought us out a fresh bread basket. To me a brad basket can make or break a place. This bread basket was great. Two kinds of bread and just the right amount. Hint- sprinkle a little of the sea salt found on the table on your bread and butter - yum! So many things on the menu sounded good but we settled on the burger and the fish and chips. The burger was solid. Not OMG good but good. The fish was quite tasty. Three big pieces fried up to crispy goodness. The tartar sauce that came with it was too pickle-y for me taste but the boyfriend spooned it up. The fries that came with both dishes were good too. Huge portions - we both left many fries on the plate. We were too full for dessert but we did go back the next night to try the pound cake. It was a flavorful vanilla served with berries and cream. We ate it up quickly and left with smiles on our faces. The waitstaff was very friendly, they even remembered us from the night before. And my water glass was always full - another thing I love. And a nice little bonus is that you get a postcard with your bill. A great little item to keep. Overall, Steelhead Diner has considered the details (like the postcard) and delivers a very nice dining experience.

    (4)

  • Luca T.

    This place is quite original, it looks like a diner, the decor is typical of a diner, but the food quality is definitely above the diner standard. I tried a couple of things including a whole trout and I was surprised for the flavor and the taste of this food. The atmosphere is nice as well. I definitely recommend this place even because it's not expensive at all. Great experience! Thanks

    (4)

  • Raina D.

    This place is quite nice, good atmosphere. Walked in around 1pm on a Wednesday and the place looked very full, expected a wait, but were seated immediately! Came for Dine around Seattle - 3 course lunch for $15! I had: Polenta fries with chipotle/garlic aioli -- these sounded like they should be amazing, but I was really left wanting more. The garlic didn't come through and seemed to be lacking seasoning. Farro risotto with turnip, baby asparagus, spinach, shitake - This was very well seasoned and tasty, but I wish there was a little more textural variation. Maybe a bigger proportion of soft veg (spinach/turnip) would help balance it out? Of course, this is me being picky ;) Chocolate pecan pie - This was pretty tasty, crust was VERY thick and hard to cut through, but was thankful it was there because as I'm sure you know, pecan pie is really rich and it helped cut that a bit with some buttery savory tastes. Service was good and prompt. I maybe would be back for Happy Hour for the view, but the food didn't wow me this time around.

    (3)

  • lisa N.

    Service so slow we had to leave before our dessert arrived. They comped us one entree in return. Sweet people and good food but coordination problems.

    (3)

  • Rafael B.

    A district manager brought us here. Five of us from work ended our day here. It was close to the hotel and right on Pike where most wanted to go. We were immediately seated. Service was quick. Our server did a good job keeping our drinks coming before happy hour ended. Not a bad place. We arrived at the right time because it got busy. I ordered the fried chicken and I thought it was a little over done. Could have been better if they took it off the fryer two minutes earlier. Otherwise it was quite tasty. For starters we had their oysters and mussels. Both were fresh and delicious. My DM friend ordered the bass and she said it was tasty. I'd go back to take friends here but I'm sure there are better places to go for a really magnificent dinner experience.

    (3)

  • Phillip P.

    Amazingly enough this restaurant doesn't have Steelhead on the menu... That point aside the food and service was top notch. The must have dishes would have to be the caviar pie and crab cake. The caviar pie could be served with a slight reduction of creme fres, but it's easy to work around. The bartender does pour a nice drink.

    (4)

  • Jacquie P.

    The crab cakes....dear god, the crab cakes! "Jumbo lump" are now my favorite words. These were absolutely divine. The diner also offers a vast selection of mocktails which made me one happy pregnant lady. I highly recommend the "nojito" - I didn't even miss the alcohol. For our main course,the fried chicken was recommended to me by my friend, who is a regular. I'm not sure if she thought I was eating for four instead of two, but the plate that was set before me was literally overflowing with chicken. There was enough to feed an army. Good news for me since I got to bring a ton of it home for my husband. And it was very tasty! The sauteed spinach on the side were perfectly wilty and still a little crisp - not watery and limp. For dessert we enjoyed the seasonal pear sorbet. Really enjoyed. And the little dipping cookies it came with was a great touch! All in all, we had a great meal, but I was a little surprised by the prices. I would like to come back, but maybe for a special occasion or when we have friends in town. I was expecting a regular diner but it was definitely much more upscale!

    (4)

  • Chris B.

    To start, my girlfriend and I went here on NYE with a group of about 18 sitting at two different tables. And actually the night went rather smoothly for that many people. Arrived about 5 minutes before reservation and were seated at or around that time. The place has a view to kill for, right above the market and we were right on the window. We ordered drinks and a salad to start, the Brutus salad, Romaine Lettuce with Whole Citrus Vinaigrette & Roasted Pine Nut Gremolata. Really nothing special, but then we ordered our main course. I ordered the special beef tenderloin with blue cheese and greens, pollenta fries and a marsala sauce. The girlfriend order the brussel sprouts with Marcona Almonds, Lemon Zest & Chili Flake and the baked macaroni. The tenderloin was a perfect medium and one of the best cuts I have had. It need a little more blue cheese for me. The pollenta fries were a nice add to the meal. The brussel sprouts were awesome, probably the second best I have ever had and the mac n cheese was amazingly cheese and decadent. It was a little pricey but sometimes it's nice to treat your self and the person you care for deeply and this was one of those nights.

    (4)

  • Kerri C.

    This "diner" apparently has a very creative and talented chef. The menu is surprising and varied. The truffled grilled cheese was delicious, and the po' boy was fried to perfection (not greasy at all). The atmosphere is great, with beautifully painted walls and art. Service was perfect. I highly recommend it!

    (5)

  • Jeff F.

    Ran into Steelhead for lunch yesterday and was impressed. I hadn't been in here since April '08 jefffig.blogspot.com/200… but I do recall enjoying it then. If you find yourself in Pike Place and need some grub, this is a no brainer. I found myself starting out with some oysters (Jamestown, Barron Point and Penn Cove) that were awesome! I tried their mussels which had changed since the last time I had tried them and was somewhat unimpressed. What blew me away was the Brownie Snickers Ice Cream Sundae - absurdly good. Overall, it's a solid 4 star choice.

    (4)

  • Rose V.

    Lunch was great. The clam chowder was so rich,filling and delicious. The diner house salad tasted like a blt salad. The chocolate pecan pie was good as well. Fantastic service, water was always filled and all the staff was friendly. A ill pricey but defintely worth it.

    (4)

  • DeAnne E.

    I came here for lunch during Seattle Restaurant Week with a friend. We had reservations so when we arrived our table was ready. The atmosphere was clean. Some of the items on the menu were unfamiliar so I asked my waitress if she could explain how to pronounce the words and what they were. She and the rest of the wait staff were friendly. The food was excellent. I had to take my entree home in a to go box because there was so much food on my plate. It was a great experience. Excellent customer service.

    (5)

  • Michael R.

    Good food, first-rate presentation. We split the caviar pie, which has stripes of four different kinds of caviar over cream cheese. SHE found out she's not a caviar fan (oh, darn. More for me!) For the entree, we split a whole rainbow trout (served with head and skin attached), which was arranged in a circle on the plate, with a Thai-ish curry sauce. Nicely done. The side dish, ordered (and priced) separately, was a poutine which I thought was good but a little (a lot) rich. The dessert was the banana chocolate chip cake, with a strategic scoop of ice cream. Again, it was bit rich, but very good. SHE had to physically prevent me from licking the plate. It loses a star for being a little too touristy (as most restaurants in the Market will be), but a very good place to have spent my birthday dinner.

    (4)

  • Sin-Yaw W.

    Edit 9/5: I have since come back three times. If Yelp said 4-star is "Yay! I am a fan." Guess I have met that definition. So up from three. I have come to respect their ingredients a lot more. The wine list is also quite good and reasonably priced. There is a room tugged at the corner for large groups. We order every appetizers and opened at least 6 bottles of Pinot Noir. Yes, everyone went home happy, except for my credit card bill. ----------- Old Review Below --------------------- Saturday night at 7:30pm. Open seats at the bar area only. This must be a good restaurant. Or is it just because of its popular Pike Place Market location? Waitress was friendly but not helpful. I ordered Halibut and my friend Trout. It must took 40 minutes for the foods to arrive, all without even the bread or drink refill. Fish was delicious! Halibut was perfectly made with light brothy sauce and hint of ginger. The herbs were aromatic. There wasn't any starch bedding so the dish was not filling. I guess they expect other sides that go with the main course. The trout is covered with pecan and soaked in brown buttery sauce that was heavenly (and probably not healthy enough). It is a whole trout, not butterflied nor skinned. That is a bit intimidating. I guess it depends on what one expects. The main course was good but the package lacks completeness. Drinks, side, starch, or desserts were either lacking or just OK. I might go back, if friends visit me for touristic reasons.

    (4)

  • Emily A.

    they used to have latkes. they don't anymore. minus one star. otherwise, pretty good spot all around. valentine's day weekend, and we forgot to make a reservation. luckily, i was able to yelp a table and when we showed up 20 minutes early, they sat us right away, despite the line out the door! service was higher end than expected, with a back waiter for every server. menu selection was good, except for the aforementioned latkes. extensive wine list, not so extensive cocktail menu. ambiance was nice, and of course i heart the location since it's at my favorite place (pike place)!

    (4)

  • Sylvia W.

    Ima let my pictures do the talking. I had the following: Smoked salmon brandade Grilled salmon atop greens&beans cooked w/ham hock (you really can't go wrong with ham hock imho) Clams in a white wine & lemon/orange peel gremolata (bit too salty) Theo chocolate pecan pie. Poutine w/local cheese curds Whole grain bread arrived steaming hot & helped to mellow out the salty clam jus while also being a fine accompaniment to the brandade. Salmon entree was moist on inside, lovely seared grill marks on outside. All time fave was the local Theo chocolate pecan pie. Washed it down with Jones lemon-lime soda (free refills!).

    (4)

  • Deon C.

    Food: overall, very bad. This is a review of the appetizers only. We couldn't make it past them, to dare try the entrees. Calamari: overcooked, mostly tennacle leg pieces. Fried oyster sandwich (they called it something else on the app menu, forgot the actual name): the trend of overcooked continues, as the oyster was fried so hard it was literally just a ball of fried batter that was burnt. Crab and shrimp tater tots: the best of the bunch, of apps we ordered. However, over-fried trend continues. Service: pretty good. Nice waitress. She must feel horrible serving those dishes to customers, but it's not her fault. Overall, I would never come back. To top it off, we met a former waitress who worked at this place and she agreed with all our statements/reviews and said we made a wise choice not ordering entrees.

    (1)

  • Jeff M.

    Food, ambience, drink variety (including beer selection were very good. Pecan pie with Theo Chocolate was disappointing. Was hoping for the chocolate to be either drizzled on top or melted in with the filling. However, what we got was chocolate chips, and the pecan filling still over done. Crust was too thick and hard. However, the food was good and filling as a diners food usually is. Prices on par for a restaurant next to Pike's Place. Service was excellent and well timed.

    (3)

  • Cat D.

    Delicious place, fresh, innovative, well designed menu. Just a fantastic restaurant at Pike Place. Flourless chocolate cake is delicious, fish and chips divine.

    (4)

  • Cassiopeia B.

    This was the first restaurant I tried on my recent trip to Seattle. I'm glad I got it out of the way first because the others I tried were far better. My group of 10 had a reservation, but we were standing in the cramped foyer with another group of 14 or so for about 10 minutes while they prepared our table. The waiter was very friendly as he explained the food and cocktails, but was pretty scarce over the course of the evening. The appetizers looked great, and it looked like my dining companions enjoyed their meals, but my asparagus salad didn't have much flavour, and wasn't great. The location was very convenient as it was close to our hotel, and the general ambiance was good, but I would not come here again.

    (3)

  • Wally T.

    Let me tell you about their Poutine Fries. OMG. They fry their fries EXTRA CRISPY so that it can withstand the generous amounts of gravy and awesome beecher's cheese curds that they load up on them. DAMN. This plate was more than enough to share between 4 people (unless you're a greedy pig like me and you start slapping hands away). The menu is diverse enough to cater to people of all appetites, and the wine list is good, too. Great place for 2,4,6, or 10 people. Fun vibe!

    (4)

  • Av A.

    We had lunch here on our last day visiting friends in Seattle, and I fell in love. I wasn't expecting the best, but wouldn't you know it -- I believe that it was what I ate that day. From the atmosphere, to the service, and especially down to the food. I love that you can look out to Pike Place Market as well as Puget Sound. I had the salmon w/ watercress salad and within 5mins it was gone haha. We also tried the crab cake and the friend oyster sandwich, which were both really good. I totally recommend this place!!

    (5)

  • Katya L.

    I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place yet. We've been here several times, and today, as we wandered down to the Market from my apartment on the Hill, the boy announced that he wanted to get a salad and some coffee (I was planning on grabbing a few piroshky, but I'm easily swayed). Steelhead was directly in front of us, so we wandered in and grabbed a table. (Did you know they also have a patio out back? It was a bit too chilly to eat outside today, but in the summer it'd be an amazing spot.) The boy got the organic mixed greens salad with mandarin oranges, candied walnuts and bleu cheese. Delicious. We split that and a bowl of their clam chowder with apple smoked bacon and truffle oil - so so so good. So much flavor. Add a complimentary bread basket and free coffee refills, and color the whole experience pretty much perfect. In the past, we've tried the latkes, the black miso cod, the wagyu beef burger and the iceberg wedge salad, and they've all been perfect. The service has always been friendly and attentive and the price is just right for the high caliber of food that they serve. This is upscale comfort food, people, and it doesn't get much better than this. Yum.

    (5)

  • Ana B.

    Is it the fact that I don't look like a career women? Is it the pink headband? Is it the boyfriend in the flannel? What ever it is I am often given shitty service at nice places. This place being one of the wost experiences I've had in that department. My first time to Seattle I wanted to enjoy a nice lunch. I choose Steelhead because they had a beautiful outdoor patio that overlooked Pike Market. As soon as I was seated and had a chance to look over the menu I was hit with regret. The menu is very limited. It's the same for both lunch and dinner which was a bust. I settled on a pulled pork sandwich. The highlight of my meal ended up being the French fries. Like any red blooded American I've eaten a lot of French fries but these were fantastic. My sandwich was eh, It had a few disgusting chucks of fat that left me scared to take additional bites. Both my boyfriend and I had empty drinks that were never filled for the majority of the time we were there. Our waitress pretty much labeled us at younger people who don't tip and neglected us. The fact of the matter is that I am a great tipper but it's a self fulfilling prophecy on there part because I give them a bad tip because they give me horrible service. screw them in there bourgeouis assholes, to bad there menu sucks and there food is meh.

    (1)

  • Molly M.

    I've been here 2 or 3 times now and I have not been let down. This restaurant is unique for may reasons. One being that it has a diner/upscale restaurant feel to it. The menu is of course primarily comprised of seafood, but there is a nice selection of vegetable dishes as well. The food is VERY tasty and the portions are just right. It is a little pricey but not outrageously so. I don't normally eat seafood since I am a vegetarian, but when I come to Seattle I indulge myself and when I do think of this place to go to because of how fresh the the fish is. Lastly, I think its wonderful that a husband and wife own this place and their story is very charming. You can tell a lot of love goes into this place.

    (4)

  • Karl D.

    A friend and I went to the Steelhead Diner after taking in the Picasso exhibit at the Seattle Art Museum. I ordered the Fish and Chips, and they didn't disappoint. Also, the coffee was good and refilled whenever the mug was empty. I would definitely recommend it for anyone looking for a meal in the Pikes Place area!

    (4)

  • Chris N.

    It has been a few months since I was there, but the dishes I had were quite good: Beet salad - lovely Clam chowder - excellent, rich with truffle oil, nice to split on cold day Lingcod fish & chips - also excellent, perfectly cooked, excellent fish texture

    (4)

  • Becky S.

    I am not sure why this place gets so many good reviews. the dish that I had was terrible! it was a special of salmon, fingerling potatoes and veggies. the salmon was over cooked and there were too few taters and veggies on the plate :( I've cooked better salmon at home and it did not cost me $35! my beer was warm, the service was slow and I won't be going back.

    (2)

  • Megan M.

    We came here on the recommendation of my parents while visiting them in Seattle. My husband and I made a reservation through Open Table about 30 minutes prior to arriving, and they had our table all ready. It was past the usual lunch time but still crowded. I am giving four stars because the service could have been better - out waitress didn't check in very often and both the tables on either sides of us complained loudly. We had wine (I loved their local selections), my husband had a large house salad, and I had the fried chicken sandwich. Despite this being called a "diner," the food is pretty refined, but I think we ordered the most diner-esque fair on the menu. I'm from the South and my standard of fried chicken is high - I would order the quiche or another sandwich next time. I'm allergic to fish and my husband wanted a light entree, otherwise we would have gotten the seafood this restaurant is famous for. I got the chocolate pecan pie for dessert and it was the best part of the meal. The other desserts looked great too. I would definitely return to this restaurant and try other things. I love the location and they have a good looking menu. I would just be sure and go when I'm not in a hurry based on the service staff's bad reputation.

    (3)

  • Willamenia B.

    The location is fantastic (try to get a table in the corner looking out over the market) and the menu has some good variety. The kasu marianted black cod is their best dish. I would avoid the diner salad, it's way overdressed and the salad is served with the iceberg lettuce head as the bowl so it's nearly impossible to eat without making a huge mess. I enjoyed the beet tartate, although it can be heavy on the onion sometimes. We've tried a handful of their sandwiches and all are okay. The bread for me is too think and heavy. They give you a ton of fries to go with them but the fries are just average. Do not order wine, all the wines are heavily marked up (more so than normal). A $20 (retail, not wholesale) bottle of Riesling was marked up to $50 on the menu.

    (3)

  • Daren D.

    Strolling through lovely Post Alley, I popped in here to try it out. The wilted greens with garlic and roasted pancetta screamed Try Me, so okay... hmm, not bad! The greens alone may be an effort to digest in decent time, so the garlic, and especially the pancetta, really flavor-boosted this dish... man that roasted pancetta was good. The deck is pretty warm and bright during sunshine; also, it's only stairs access.

    (4)

  • Heather B.

    Steelhead holds a special place in my heart. We had our rehearsal dinner here. They did a fabulous job. They were very attentive, great communication, and the food/service at the rehearsal itself was superb. We couldn't have asked for much better. The space was great for our needs too. Not to mention, right by the market for all my family/friends from out of town. Thanks Steelhead! Besides that, I really enjoy this restaurant. They have a great view to boot. The cocktails are tasty. And I just love their broccoli (sounds funny, but it's true!). When we were trying it out for the rehearsal, we were treated to their caviar special. I typically don't eat caviar, but this dish might have changed me. The colors were beautiful and the cream cheese and bread really complimented the dish. The prices are a bit higher for an everyday place for my hubby and me, but when I want a nice night downtown, this is a great choice!

    (4)

  • Melissa N.

    Went here when they had Dine around Seattle. Location is great next to Pike Place Market. Great traditional American food. Had the sausage bratwurst sandwich, meat was very good and tasty, but the dessert was probably the best part. Pecan pie and their sorbet. Don't miss out on dessert!! Can't wait to try other food from them.

    (4)

  • Kate P.

    We stopped in here while hungry at an odd time because we had forgotten to eat lunch, but didn't want to totally ruin appetites for dinner. I was happily suprised. My Mom had mentioned "diner" and this is not what came to mind. This place is much more swank and hip than your average diner. We got seated at a table next the windows with a super view of Pike's Market and the Sound. Beautiful! They had a great menu (again, not your typical diner food), but we tried to limit ourself to save appetite for dinner late on. We ordered the clam chowder and the veggie chili at our table. Both were absolutely delicious. More than filled up between that and the delicous bread they serve along with it. They also had a good selection of local beers, which we enjoyed. Service was also good - fast and polite! Would love to go back and try something else on the menu, including the desserts! Definitely recommend to the tired and hungry after an afternoon roaming the market.

    (4)

  • K F.

    First off, I will admit I've been here just once - but for these prices, the meal has to be better than average otherwise whats the point? Both orders of the $30 steak were so-so (the ones I cook myself for $12 from BB Ranch taste better), the $18 fish'n chips was likely undercooked? I couldn't tell, it looked alright from the outside but the taste was just off. Someone else at the table had one of the fish entrees which again was just average. I'll add that the kitchen looked busy as always (food was a bit slow, which is fine) so maybe they were rushed? For $50 a head (including a side or two, no alcohol), I can't afford to give it another try...

    (2)

  • Peter L.

    Stopped by for lunch after Matt's in the Market couldn't seat us until 1:45 and totally glad that Matt's was full because Steelhead Diner was definitely solid! There wasn't anything really diner-ish about the place except for some comfort food items on the menu. But the dining room itself was modern and spacious, and they also have a small outdoor section which was a plus on a summer day and really let's you experience the Market. The menu has many selections from appetizers, soups, and salads, to sandwiches to entrees. With a group of four, we had to try quite a few dishes and most were delicious! We started off with some raw oysters. They only had one variety (kumamoto), but they were very fresh and tasted very good, even in July. I've noticed a slip in the quality at some of the other local restaurant with their bivalves but certainly not here. We also tried the mussels in "purgatory" which was served with garlic, chile, chorizo, and orange zest. These were some of the plumpest mussels I have seen and perfectly cooked. The appetizer was $14, but was easily a meal in itself. The crab cake was also solid, with a bonus piece of lump crab meat on the top and served with Louis sauce. We also tried a couple sandwiches including a fried chicken (a little bland) and a pulled pork sandwich (definitely more flavorful). The one thing I really appreciated about Steelhead Diner is the quality of the food and preparation. Food tasted like the ingredients and was not masked by excessive spices or seasonings. The wine/beer list offers some interesting options and is very heavy on local faves. Our selections included a Sauvignon Blanc from Cedergreen and a variety of brews including Deschutes Obsidian Stout, Pike Place Monk Tripel, and MacTarnahan's IPA. We also tried a few desserts including a giant sundae, sorbet (almost as big), and simple berries drizzled with local honey, which was the simplest yet most enjoyable dessert. Overall, I would definitely go back and try a few other items on the menu. With most of the items under $20 and with generous portions and a great location, it's a place I'll definitely return to in the near future.

    (5)

  • Lisa B.

    This review is for brunch. We were seated promptly - did not need a reservation on a Sunday at 1:00. If you're looking for a traditional eggs/bacon/pancake breakfast, go elsewhere, but if you're willing to experiment, and pay a little more, they had some good brunch items. I got the poached eggs on top of salmon hash, and while it was a little salty, the yolks were delightfully runny and I quite enjoyed the dish. Very nice atmosphere, great service. Nothing to complain about, I'll have to try it for dinner.

    (4)

  • Fuego T.

    Went here on a team dinner. Good location right across from Pike's Market. This place is far from a diner. Thy did have their version of "disco fries" fries covered in gravy and cheese curd. They also had tater tots, stuffed with delicious seafood. The steak was really good. Bleu Cheese, spinach, potatoes, onion, the whole shebangabang. Also good local swill on tap. It was a bit more than "diner" prices, but it was also pretty damn good.

    (4)

  • Andrea B.

    We have bought the gift certificates for the past three years, not for our friends, but to keep for ourselves as The Steelhead is our brunch "Go-To" place on the weekends. We're Seattlites who shop at the Market. We don't live in a condo downtown. We actually go out of our way to come here two or three weekends a month to do our grocery shopping. This might seem to be an anomaly, but Pike Place Farmer's Market really is a working farmer's market with some of the best foods you'll find anywhere. Steelhead is our brunch joint, so we need the 20% discount you get when you buy the gift-cards at Christmas time and then keep for yourself. I go there for my three-martini lunch and some of my favorite comfort foods. I couldn't make their crab dishes myself for the price. Their trout must be eaten to be believed, but that's a plate to share with someone. They know their oysters. I've seen the restaurant ebb and flow over time. We still buy the gift certificate for ourselves and we still come back year after year because even if there has been an "off day" there are more "on" days with food and service - and if there's an off, don't hesitate to mention it. These are nice people. They will work with you. They get five stars from me because I continue to go back and because I want to go back. I'm a Seattlite. I have access and I do eat at some mighty fine restaurants. There are many I enjoy, but I'll be perched, once again, on one the diner seats in front of the kitchen watching the jostling work and flames on any given Saturday or Sunday.

    (5)

  • Annaliese D.

    The Atmosphere - very hip, very comfortable upscale diner right next to Pikes Place. You can sit at the many seats at the bar or one of the comfy booths. We ate early (6:30pm) on a Thursday night and were surprised at how packed it was. Great all around atmosphere - good for a date, catching up with a group of friends . It is also kid friendly as it is a restaurant with lots of background chatter noise. The Food - Loved! We took part in their restaurant week special (one app, one entree, and one dessert for $28). First, their complimentary bread was fantastic with two options - a whole grain bread and a focaccia. For starters, I had the broiled oysters which had a very yummy lemon breadcrumb. Others at our table ordered the pear salad which was a tad on the small side but reportedly very good and the butternut squash soup which we expected to be a creamy soup, but was more like a chunky vegetable soup. The soup had really lovely flavors. We had a choice between salmon with mint tzatziki, potato gnocchi with chantrelles, and pork loin with sweet potato puree for our entree. I picked the salmon which was cooked perfectly. I thought the mint was a tad too strong. The gnocchi was out of this world. Seriously, our whole table kept trying to steal bites from the person who ordered the gnocchi. For dessert, we could choose from a pear sorbet, an apple ginger cake, and a flourless chocolate cake. All of us chose the flourless chocolate cake and honestly, it was one of the best we had ever had. It was perfectly creamy and dense without being so rich that you could only enjoy 1-2 bites. It was a perfect way to end the meal. They had an extensive wine menu and the waitress was very knowledgeable which helped us select a great wine.

    (4)

  • Gary L.

    A Slice of Caviar Pie. That's how my dining extravaganza began at Steelhead diner last night. From that beginning, Kevin proceeded to bring course after course of culinary goodness. Carpaccio, Black Cod prepared in the traditional japanese fashion. These are good eats. I've known Kevin since his days at Sazerac, and have always loved the magic he can perform in a kitchen. At Steelhead Diner, he has finally found his true home. It is here that he can go every morning, purchase what is fresh, and prepare a menu based on it. He has a counter, and a very open kitchen, allowing him to watch over the restaurant, and those of us out there to what him and his team at work. If you go to no other restaurant in Seattle, make sure you visit here.

    (5)

  • Tacia C.

    Seriously amazing place. Everyone was super nice. We didn't have a reservation and we had an hour wait to be seated. We came back about 20 min before our time and the waitress took pity on our starving faces and found us a table. Our food was a little bit late and we were checked on multiple times and given free dessert because it took so long. We had the chicken entree, steak entree, buttermilk chicken sandwich, and mac and cheese seriously amazing. Loved the food, atmosphere, and the staff was amazing and helpful.

    (5)

  • Anne N.

    One of the best lunch spots at the market (nice atmosphere, great view, yummy food). Slightly expensive however. We tried the pulled pork sandwich...$12 but definitely worth it. the meat was not too dry and it was not too saucy (could be bad for those who like 'em wet). We also tried the rich boy sandwich which i didn't like as much b/c it was too salty ($13). Not too many dishes to choose from for $15 and under (entree-wise) . There were about 10 dishes ranging from $18-30ish however for fresh seafood and whatnot. A bit out of my range. Dessert menu looked great but we didn't try any. Creme brulee. Pecan pie. Black velvet oh my! (around $9)

    (4)

  • Sonoma Cty Fan N.

    Great service and food. We had the vegetable chili (excellent) and coleslaw (excellent). A great lunch spot.

    (4)

  • Marc A.

    Funny story that makes this place so memorable.... It was Halloween night and my parents were in town to visit from the East coast. The "Lady K" and I had a special Halloween treat planned for them that would make this Halloween one to remember. Knock, knock! It was my parents at the door. Knock, knock again! We couldn't stop giggling as we unlocked the door! The "Lady K" had made a chicken outfit with 15 feather boas for herself and I was dressed up as a giant parrot. We ran around the house squawking as they walked in. On the kitchen table was a cow and farmer John outfit for them to get in to. After we all stopped laughing, we called and cab and went to the Steelhead Diner. Such a fancy place for three animals and a framer to be in. We were the only ones in the place dressed up! What's up Seattle?!?!?!? The waitress cheered and smiled as she took our order. We ate and drank and took in all the stares we could before we left to catch the El Vez show down the street. Enjoy!

    (4)

  • Stef M.

    I tried the latkes for appetizer - yummy applesauce. creamy for some reason!? Definitely not traditional, but yummy! They appear to have fried up a big pancake-like latke (maybe 6" in diameter) and cut it into 4 wedges. There were no little potato-y bits sticking out like you get with regular latkes. Looked weird, tasted great. I got the ribeye, medium rare. The doneness was perfect (which most restaurants consistently screw up) and it was tasty but the cut was a little weird (some gristle) so I was left with some bits that were not chewable. Slightly not-cool, but I got most of it :) It was served with a cranberry sauce on top of some crispy diced potatoes. Nice wine selection. Had a glass of pinot noir rose which is pretty uncommon in my experience. This was very good. The poutine is great - covered in squeaky cheese curds and some gravy. Nice, crispy fries, not soggy or overcooked. The dessert list looked good but I was too stuffed from my steak and latkes! Lots of interesting cocktails and mocktails (cool!) and the space is very cool with lots of hand-tied fly flying flies decorating the place. Some waitress stopped with some other table's salads, which looked really good. Hostess was SUPER friendly, and our waiter was good - not overly attentive or unattentive. I think a mark of great service is sometimes not remembering much about your waiter - they did their job and kept you happy so there's nothing to complain OR rave about. Although I would probably be OK with having something to rave about (Example: That waiter gave me $100! Hooray!) My husband had the bbq pork sandwich and didn't like it. I agree that it can be hit-or-miss here. I had something I didn't really LOVE last time I was here so I haven't been back in quite a while. But I would go back and try different things knowing that I could get something spectacular. Sadly I have to give it 3 stars, not 4 because I know that there's a good chance I might end up with something I don't like very much. They need to work on the consistency! They have small portions of some entrees (not all) which makes me VERY happy. I think most restaurant portions are WAY TOO HUGE, and my steak would have been if I had gotten the large/regular size. Instead of I got the half/smaller portion and it was still too much, but not so much that it seems ridiculous.

    (3)

  • Kelly L.

    Mum and I went there for brunch today... What kind of brunch menu has no option for pancakes, eggs or French toast? I think it's because you can't charge close to $20 for those items... Everything on the menu is expensive for what it is... Not worth it. Mum ordered an orange juice that took over 20 minutes to get... And the bartender wasn't squeezing the oranges... He was just shooting the crap with people at the bar. Our first waitress didn't notice our distress but Shea (spelling?) came by and saved the experience by being super attentive thereafter... Thank God for her! I did love the Vegetarian chili and the desserts were lovely. I will not be back to this restaurant, however... Too pretentious.

    (2)

  • Joe A.

    Had a great late lunch here. There was this $15 3 course menu which was amazing. The tater tots and pecan pie was amazing, friendly staff too!

    (4)

  • Janny W.

    Both the service and the food at this place were mediocre. My sister and I visited last year after being interested in their menu on Dine Around Seattle. We were promptly seated when we entered, however, we were the ONLY table in our area that did not receive any bread (there were about 3-4 others around us). What was that about?! Asians do eat bread, yanno. Starter: Organic Spring Mix Salad = Okay, nothing special, but did not like the cherries. Entree: Blackened Idaho Stream Raised Catfish with Creole Meuniere & Tangy Cabbage Salad = Salt-Fest! Dessert: Chocolate Mousse = Nothing special. They ran out of what we wanted, so we settled with that. I will never come back to this place ever again because of the bread incident and our waiter was nowhere to be found during our meal! We had to flag someone down to refill our waters. Also, when we were finished, we had to wait an eternity for him to come back to us so we could ask for the bill! He was off chatting with other staff and polishing glasses out in front!

    (2)

  • Casey Y.

    Apparently one of the few places that can serve a decent chowder and poutine. Unfortunately their specialty drinks and prices are ridiculous. For tourists who come to blow money, I suggest Seastar because at least everything on their menu tastes good. Kobe beef sliders. Deal with it.

    (3)

  • Anisha G.

    Where do I even start with this review? I came here a month ago with my dad after attempting to find a fairly priced restaurant with good food. Everything started out wonderfully as our waiter and his trainee got our drink orders, main orders, and brought us our bread. The bread was excellent, the butter delicious (albeit a little hard), and waters quickly landed at our table. Here's where the problems started. After waiting about 10-15 minutes, my dad's beer finally arrived at our table. It was slightly cold and poured into a non-chilled, room temperature glass. Disappointing? Yes. Forgivable. Yes. By this time we had already polished off our bread and began playing the waiting game. I had the misfortune of being seated right next to the kitchen. I sat there in agony as I watched everyone else get their orders for a solid 40 minutes. I probably wouldn't have been as frazzled if someone came by and apologized for the wait time and offered even the most bullshit of excuses. But alas, we received no explanation and no food for an unacceptable 40 mins. But Anisha, 40-15 minutes is around 25 mins which is a normal and fair amount of time! Oh no, I'm talking 45+15. So in reality, it took them about 60 minutes to make my buttermilk fried chicken sandwich and my dad's wagyu beef burger a reality. I probably would have given this place a 1 or 2 except the quality of the food here really redeemed itself. When we were finally graced with our meals we immediately began inhaling our respective dishes. The food was absolutely delicious. My dad and I both agreed that it was well worth the wait but still found ourselves frazzled from the waiting experience. All in all, it's a great place with delicious food. It's conveniently located near the Pike Market and easy to locate because of the clearly visible signage. The ambiance is bright and cheerful making it a great place to meet friends for lunch of dinner. If you have time, plan on ordering appetizers, and enjoy your company give this place a go. If you're on a time crunch, I'd suggest walking a couple blocks down to Piroshki Piroshki.

    (3)

  • Val B.

    Great place, love the setting, decor, friendly people and tasty food. My bf and I were craving poutine, so we Googled it and found that Steelhead Diner had it on their menu. Immediately made reservations online (incredibly convenient) and 30 min later we walked in and were immediately seated in a very comfortable booth. Ordered the poutine and brussel sprouts and bf also had the sausage burger. I had poutine before when I was in Montreal and it's one of my fav foods ever when I feel I deserve to pig out. Haven't found a poutine similar as I had in Montreal so I decided to have an open mind about it. Good thing I did! Don't mean it in a negative way because it was still delicious and we both ate every single fry which we happily slathered in gravy and cheese curds. It was just different. The brussel sprouts were a little on the hard side but they still tasted great with the nuts and dressing they were tossed in. My bf liked his sausage burger that came with fries and he loved the peperoncini's it came with. Didn't have room for dessert but the descriptions looked delicious :) I would absolutely recommend this place!

    (4)

  • Karen F.

    This review is for the bartender only and not the restaurant ... I believe his name was Thom ...chipper, fun and cheery on Sunday AM and desperate to please in a rather uncomfortable situation. I would go back to visit but for a drink only.

    (3)

  • Pei K.

    A group of us came here for dinner on New Year's Eve after making an uninformed, last-minute decision since none of us really knew any of the restaurants in the area. The Steelhead Diner far exceeded our expectations and we were all more than just pleasantly surprised at our good fortune to end up here on such a busy night. The place was decorated nicely for the occasion and all the waitstaff were very friendly and accommodating. Their drinks were good and when a drink they did not have on the menu was requested, they gladly made it for us once we told them what was in it. Not only did they make it, but they made it really well! There are plenty of options here for non-seafood lovers like myself. Everyone enjoyed their food (soup, truffle ravioli, the communal mozzarella sticks, etc.) but what really won me over were their potato latkes. I had my eye on a number of things on their menu, but as soon as I saw the latkes, all other thoughts went out of the window and the latkes became my dinner. They were crispy and delicious, with sour cream and the smoothest, creamiest apple sauce I have ever seen. The next day, we were stuck outside in a storm and most nearby places were closed for the holiday, so we ended up back here in search of a small snack and something to warm us up. I'm almost (but not quite) embarrassed to admit that I could not resist the temptation of the potato latkes and had them for a second time. Twice in two days - so good!

    (4)

  • Leah M.

    Have dined at Steelhead several times over the past year or so. Every time I've walked away having had a really solid dinner experience. Great drinks, food and good value for the money. Wait staff is friendly/helpful and don't make you feel out of place if you wander in from a baseball game or from exploring the city. But, at the same time, also a great place to get dressed up and enjoy date night. Will definitely return

    (5)

  • Russel B.

    Went to Steelhead with my fiance for a friends birthday. I was very excited about the food after looking at the menu and overall had a decent experience but there many things that prevented me from giving it a better review. My fiance ordered the manila clams and the salmon. I ordered the Sole and the poutine. The Sole was sauted in a sauce and appeared super oily. The Sole wasn't dry at all because of the sauce but it was just a tiny bit more oily than what I like, JUST BARELY. The fries in the poutine were nice and crisp and the gravy wasn't excruciatingly heavy but the cheese curds while good were cold and I my poutine to be more wet like Skillet's poutine. My fiance's noticed that there was some white stuff on the salmon. I recall hearing on Top Chef that white stuff appears on salmon if it isn't cooked properly. She also said it was somewhat dry. The Manila clams however were superb. The broth was great. I wish I had rice to soak it all up. My only complaint was that there were more serrano peppers than I would have preferred. One of our friends there ordered their gumbo which we tried and I liked, would have liked more rice but that's my preference. Our birthday celebrant ordered the catfish tacos and let us also have a piece which I did enjoy. The catfish was not oily at all was also very crispy. Service was good overall. Nothing notable to say about that. If TL:DR It wasn't great, but it wasn't bad.

    (3)

  • Diane T.

    I've been a normal patron of the Steelhead Diner for quite some time, and this was my first bad experience. Maybe it was just an off night, but with so many great restaurants in Seattle you can't really afford an off night! Anyway, our food took forever, My salmon was extremely overcooked and overpriced. My husband's pork leg po boy..was dry as a bone. The fries were also cold and soggy. There was no view and the booth seemed super crammed with the 4 of us in it.

    (3)

  • Steve S.

    I was hoping for a better experience in customer service and food presentation, but was not fulfilled. The atmosphere is excellent! Nice view of the Sound, great colors and furniture throughout. This is the best feature of the restaurant. The food was blah and uninspired. The service was poor at best. Maybe the most important is that I wasn't comfortable! We had coats and no one offered to take them. I can get that treatment at Denny's where I can purchase heartburn and a Grand Slam for 1/10th the cost. If I've got $50 burning a hole through my pocket and a woman at my side, I wouldn't make the Steelhead Diner my first choice.

    (3)

  • Bri C.

    I was wandering the Pike Place Market area for a good dinner spot and decided on Steelhead after looking at some Yelp reviews. It was a happenin' place, and a fairly large restaurant (I sat at the bar, and didn't know there was a back area as well). The bartender was great, helped me pick a beer. I went with the fish & chips, which was disappointing. I should have picked something else. But the fish needed more flavor. I added lemon juice, but that made the breading soggy. I enjoyed the place, but should have ordered something that was more interesting....

    (3)

  • Nicole S.

    O-M-G... between the fried cheese curds and the caviar pie, I though I had died and gone to food heaven! Everything there is amazingly presented and so delicious! I love how they serve 1L beers, too! You must, must come here for dinner, it will not disappoint!

    (5)

  • Nolan H.

    Here's the sitch. I know that this place has awesome food. I've seen the menu, I've smelled the other dishes, and I know that this place has a pretty sterling reputation. But alas, I did not eat any of those items and I am merely basing my complaint on the item that I ate. What's up with the French Roll on the f'n burger guys!?! I love Wagyu beef. I love the piss out of it, but if I cannot sink my teeth into the entire burger, then something is horribly wrong! A burger is a delicate meat flower. When someone eats it, they should be able to make a clean bite all the way through, to enjoy all of the components. When there is a tough french roll in the way, it makes it very difficult to enjoy the burger in it's entirety. I like french rolls. I like them by their lonesome, and I like themsuper soggy with a french dip. NOT WITH A BURGER. I know I got a cheap item by your restaurant's standards, but I want the same quality as everything else. Don't stray too far from the proven formula! I would have totally given this place a better review if my burger had a different bun! People don't eat burgers on bagels. People don't eat burgers on pretzles. They eat them on buns!!!! Ah, I feel much better now.

    (2)

  • Rrr V.

    I came here exclusively for the "fried chicken" which I thought was going to be outstanding as it is not a conventional entree for a Pike Place Market restaurant. Mediocrity if not disappointing comes to mind. Hostess: n/a (lunch) Waiter: 3.0 Food-taste, presentation: 3.0 Property-style, decor, ambiance, 3.5

    (3)

  • Steve R.

    We really enjoyed our dinner at Steelhead Diner on our trip to Seattle. We walked in on a busy night, and found a couple of places at the counter next to the kitchen. We loved watching the chefs at work, and the head chef was nice to us and discussed his dishes a bit. He also was tough on some his his sous chefs, and we enjoyed seeing that too. For dinner we had a couple of salads and split an order of red beans & rice. I had the house salad which was fantastic, and my wife had a salad with a vanilla vinaigrette dressing that was amazing. The red beans & rice was very good too. Very nice restaurant and business.

    (4)

  • Janine P.

    So this was my first visit to Seattle and of course I wanted to try out a local recommended restaurant! I was suggested to go to this place and right off I was greeted with the friendliest smile! I sat at the bar and the bartender immediately greeted me and took my order. He was very accomodating and attended to everyone at a timely manner. I ordered myself a Rose and an appetizer salmon dish! hmmm hmmm good! I then sat chatting with the workers and had spoken to the Restaurant Manager Nate. Sweeet guy! He took the time out to hear about my adventure and even gave me a list of places to visit during my stay. Great service, food and atmosphere! Highly recommended. Happy Eats!

    (5)

  • Tramale T.

    This is a great place with a sexy name. What do I mean by a sexy name? Read it, now think about it... you there yet? How about now? No? Okay, maybe I'm the only one that finds it funny. I find a lot of things funny that your normal average American teenager would. I suppose it's my youthful exuberance, my love for life, my deep seeded affection for potty humor. However, I digress and we should probably focus on the food that's being served here. A person quite close to me complains that my Yelp reviews have a lot of unhelpful exposition and stream of consciousness drivel that prevents the review from actually flowing from my fingers. It eventually gets there, but people get bored and leave before ever hearing my actual opinion. I protest. Vehemently. You see, I type these reviews using a particular for of reticular formation. What I am actually attempting to do is to put you in the same frame of reference ... walking a mile in my shoes, if you will... that I was in when I had eaten at said establishment. When my reviews are zany, the food was zany. When they are blunt, the food was blunt. When they seem to go on and on and on without seemingly much of a point... well, then, you probably can guess how I felt about the food. Steelhead is a diner in name only. These are not diner prices, and this is not typical diner food. It is more than a few steps above in consideration and preparation. Still, it's not hitting on all notes. I find the sandwiches larger and cumbersome, yet not in that "good" way. I find the fries extraordinarily average and have been unimpressed by at least one seafood dish. That's not to say this isn't a good enough place to eat. I just don't feel it lives up to the hype. The fried chicken sandwich is probably my favorite thing on the menu, but it still leaves me wishing I were in Oakland so that I could go to Bake Sale Betty's instead. That's not an admonishment by any means, it's just the deity's honest truth. Decent joint, prices are Seattle average, and the food quality is good enough. Go if you're in the area and want to, but don't feel like you have to.

    (3)

  • Niloo S.

    Great restaurant, don't mistake the word diner in the name, my mom and I shared the salmon special, it was delicious, it had cherrys and this polenta on the bottom so yummy. My dad got fish and chips, it was do crunchy and not too oily. We also got the green beans with preserved lemons and Marcona almonds really good. For dessert we got key lime pie cause they ran out of the peach crisp I wanted. Good restaurant lots of options and delicious food.

    (5)

  • Leah K.

    Not a fan of their interior decor or atmosphere but their food is good. I had the Coffee Crusted Wagyu with Farro, delicious sauce and the beef was so tender. The portion was disappointingly small. Not bad but not amazing.

    (3)

  • Farz D.

    I took two different groups of friends to Steelhead after reading favorable reviews both on Yelp and Eater. Both times I was disappointed by the service of the staff and quality of the food (especially for the price). There are better options just steps away. How do you even make tasteless poached eggs with dungeness crab? The market is RIGHT THERE. oh well.

    (2)

  • Linda V.

    This place is alright. It has a cool hip and clean vibe to it, and it's located in the convenient proximity of Pike Place Market. The servers are friendly, and they fill your water pretty quickly. But what I will say it's a little overpriced and overrated. People always think expensive means better and expect the quality of food to be better. I feel like each time I've been there (twice total), it's been good, but nowhere near amazing or worth the price. The first time I went, I read amazing reviews, but I was let down. The second time, I wasn't really wanting to go back, but a close visiting friend wanted to try it out. If it were up to me, I would've picked somewhere else. Fresh but rather bland fish for $15-35 a dish? The cheapest thing on the menu is their sandwiches for $10, but everything else on their dinner menu is at least $14. It'd be fine if it were the most amazing thing I've ever tasted, but ALAS. It is not. Anyway, there are a lot better places to eat in that area, and you don't have to drop $15. If you want to engage in the novelty of the location and cool looking sign, might as well give it a try. But overall, I'd say you can go somewhere else to get better food for less.

    (3)

  • Kyla C.

    Went here for dinner with my girlfriends and I enjoyed it. They gave us a complimentary appetizer of beet carpaccio which was ok but the crab tater tots were much better. I went out on a limb and ordered the fried shrimp po' boy and it was tasty. I thought it might have been smothered in sauce or dressing but it was perfect. The pickles gave it a nice brimey bite and the fries were plentiful. They also gave us a dessert to share: the flourless cake, yum. Rich but delicious! I liked the dinery atmosphere but appreciated the more upscale menu options. Good choice for a casual dinner with friends.

    (4)

  • Andrina R.

    Goods food, nice decorations, need a reservation. This is a good place to check out if it is convenient to do so. But I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here. The service was prompt - probably because they want to turn the table. I ordered paella and my boyfriend ordered veal. My paella was very tasty. I liked the chorizo and chicken more than the shrimp. I'm not sure if paella always has cilantro but it was a nice twist in this dish. My boyfriend cleaned his plate which means he didn't like it at all. Just kidding, it was very good as well. Worth checking out if you have the chance. We called 2 hours ahead of time for a 8pm Saturday evening dinner.

    (4)

  • Amy Z.

    Walked into this place for lunch while randomly walking around in Seattle and boy was I happy I did after I ate my meal. The atmosphere is calm and cool with very friendly wait staff. Food was actually pretty good and came out just as ordered. I would definitely consider eating here again on my next Seattle trip. P.S. There is a full bar :)

    (4)

  • Aaron E.

    So torn between two and three stars..... which is so unfortunate since it's typically a 5 star experience! I came here with some friends for my birthday recently and had a pretty rough experience. There were definitely some good moments, but I left with kind of a bad impression. After being seated with two of my friends (we were the first to arrive) our server asked us what we wanted to drink. My two friends ordered a bottle of sparkling wine and I ordered a cocktail. People began to filter in, people ordered drinks, people ordered a second round of drinks... and yeah... the bottle of wine never came. Turns out they were out of it. My friends were brought comped drinks and ordered a different bottle... but that bottle too never came. They said they had to chill it. It seriously took 1.5-2 hours for a bottle of wine to come. Ridiculous. The order that food came out was pretty ridiculous too. Our server was a big fan of bringing food out whenever she felt like it. People received appetizers after they were served entrees. WTF? Things like chili were being served after entrees. It's not like chili is made to order. The presentation was just a cup of chili on a plate with crackers on the side and I think it's inexcusable that someone can order chili and a mahi entree and still manage to get the mahi first. My entree (steak) also came out way after everyone else's. Like it was really awkward because almost everyone was done eating before I received my steak (even the people who were served appetizers after their entrees). To make it worse my steak was grossly over-cooked. I asked for rare/medium-rare and to say it was well-done would be an understatement. It was without a doubt the most overcooked meat I've ever had. Under different circumstances I might have sent it back but it was just so late and so not worth it. On the bright side the food was quite good. My terribly overcooked steak still had pretty good flavor and everything else I sampled was delicious. The poutine was definitely a stand-out item and I will happily order it in the future. Also, our server did comp a pretty decent amount of what we ordered.... but I kind of felt like it wasn't enough. Also, we seemed to be the table that was doomed to be there forever. When we were first seated there was a large table (about 12 people) eating entrees. That table left, an entire new table of 12 people came, ate, and left, and a third table arrived after that and they were ordering dessert when we left. I kind of felt like it took our table a lot longer to get everything.... I'm definitely willing to come back again, but it definitely won't be with a large party and I would most likely avoid peak times.... like a Saturday night.

    (2)

  • Ben Z.

    I have been to this place more than 5 times and it has not yet failed me. I really like the food and atmosphere there. The server almost began to recognize me and it was really fun to chat with them at least a little bit. The price was not the cheapest but still quite affordable. If you are thinking about a place to bring guests in, this is probably one of the best choices

    (5)

  • Sovannary S.

    Dangit, the fried chicken just isnt what I remembered. A few months ago I had the best fried chicken of my life here, came back a couple days ago... and I'd have to say "eh, on to the next one." Does anyone know any super delicious fried chicken places??

    (3)

  • Rick G.

    Went for lunch on a recommendation. It lived up to the rave. The gumbo was very good.

    (4)

  • Jennifer W.

    I believe I'd seen a review of this place in a magazine so when we got to town and were looking for a lunch venue it was nearby so we tried it out. I liked the ambiance and the staff was really friendly. The basket of bread they brought pre-meal was great too. The menu choices were only semi tempting, so we got an appetizer (crabcake), a salad and my husband got the chowder. The crabcake was good, but small, especially for $15! I realize it wasn't chock full of filler, but $15 for one seemed too steep. We had planned to share a salad, it was like a cobb salad and again it was really small---though artfully presented---but honestly I'm not looking for art when I'm eating a salad, maybe I'm simply not enlightened enough. My husband said the chowder was great, though it was extremely heavy on the onions. My husband ordered a beer, they mixed up the one he ordered with another one, I had an iced tea in the world's skinniest glass so they refilled it like 3 times before the meal even began. Overall the place was "ok" but we won't be rushing back the next time we're in seattle.

    (3)

  • Jessica P.

    Walking through Pike Place public market, the last thing I want to do is ruin the moment by eating or drinking somewhere right on tourist level. There's nothing worse than sipping your beverage with someone's khaki short ass in your face. Steelhead was our last pit stop before heading back on the road to get home. We sat out on the patio, on a remarkably sunny and warm Seattle Tuesday and ordered a snack. I had a bowl of the razor clam chowder, which warmed my belly and was the perfect consistency. I think their menu could be a little more extensive for lunch, but what they did have was very well done and flavorful. I sipped on some syrah, he had the salad and we spent an hour taking in the sites and sounds of Seattle. Steelhead is the type of place that I'd go to again. The bar inside looked beautiful and well stocked and there seems to be quite a bit of room in there. I'd love to venture back one day and enjoy this succulent dinner everyone speaks of...

    (4)

  • Rye N.

    Hungry. Need Food. It's Late. OoOoOOh Bright Light. ooOoOh Still Open. OoOoOh Menu looks good. Must go in EAT!! After making it alive through the Underworld Tour in Pioneer Square at night and polishing off some drinks. Finding a place to fill up our hunger driven stomach was our numero uno priority! We wanted something good since it would be our last night in Seattle and what better way to end the night eating a nice dinner at Steelhead Diner! But really..I saw the bottles of Hanger One displayed at the bar which said..yea..this place should be good! For starters we had the Jumbo Lump Dungeness Crab Cakes : Yummy! Crunchy! The Miss had the half order of Kasu Marinated Black Cod w/ baby bak choy, and shiitake mushrooms. Her dish was very good! The Cod was cooked perfectly. Sweet and tasty! static.px.yelp.com/bphot… I had the half order of Red & Black Wild Alaskian King Salmon w/ roasted butternut squash cavalo nero & hominy polenta. My salmon was good. My fish was also cooked very well. The sauce was a bit strong but it complimented the salmon. The Polenta was yumms. static.px.yelp.com/bphot… The ambience of this place is pretty cool. Modern. Open. But a bit on the dark side static.px.yelp.com/bphot… . l was surprised at 10 o'clock this place was still busy. The service here is pretty good. The waiter was attentive and the wait staff here is friendly. Good Eats!

    (4)

  • Jennifer W.

    My boyfriend and I met some tourist friends here for lunch. They are from Houston, the husband doesn't eat fish (!), and they wanted to eat in the market. We figured Steelhead would cover everyone's needs and it did. My Boyfriend had the fish tacos and I had the gumbo. Both items were good, though, flavorwise, the gumbo was more interesting. The tourist/friend husband was pleased with his fried chicken sandwich and his wife seemed fine with her house salad. The service was nice, attentive, and prompt during a pretty full lunch service. We frequent a number of restaurants in/near the market and find Steelhead to be a solid option. It was a very good fit for our non adventurous visitors.

    (3)

  • Sarah B.

    I visited Steelhead Diner a couple of years ago and then again last week. I don't find myself down at the market often so when I knew I would be down there last Friday night I decided to give it a go again. The good news is the upbeat and vibrant feel to the place hasn't changed. The diner-esque vibe with a touch of upscale in regards to food and ambiance are still intact. I am going to come out and say it - I am not a huge fan of this restaurant. I know, I know it gets such great reviews and people really seem to love it. It is not the restaurant it is me but I just can't put my finger on what it is exactly The food we had was good. I had the salmon over mashed potatoes which was absolutely delicious with a nice size piece of salmon and creamy smooth potatoes. There was a nice slaw like salad on top which provided a nice contrast of flavors. My date had the chowder with truffle oil which was quite good, with nice chunks of ingredients. The truffle oil drizzle notched it up a bit on the chowder scale. He also had the pork sandwich which came accompanied by fries and was a good amount of food. I am not sure what it is but I think diner food, even upscale, high quality, Northwest style diner food like this just isn't my cup of tea. I will say they have a wide selection of menu items so everyone in your group should find something they like. If you are down at the market, especially with a small group then you will probably like it since it has a nice vibe and high quality food. Try it out...I am sure you will love it. J

    (3)

  • kent c.

    One of Seattle easy reached places after visiting Pike St... We ended up at Steelhead Diner because after a search for poutine on Yelp, the search led us to the diner. The staff was nice enough to seat us without reservations which was awesome. (Note, if you get reservation book it for a sunset meal.. I promise you the most amazing view of the suns setting along the horizon of Pike Market) We had the... -GRILLED BRISTOL BAY SOCKEYE SALMON* with Garlic Roasted Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Radicchio Salad & Cured Olive Essence - $24.95 -POUTINE French Fries, Gravy & Melted Beecher's Cheese Curds - $7.95 -ALASKAN RAZOR CLAM CHOWDER with Apple Smoked Bacon & Truffle Oil Drizzle - $9.95 I thought the poutine was pretty good. It definitely will give you the fix for traditional poutine you will get. The Beecher cheese gives it that extra herb squeak, and the gravy is not too thick and hardy.. The sockeye salmon was alright. It was very fresh and soft cooked to the way I liked it, but I was I was feeling the salad. The clam chowder added with truffle oil equals some crack. Anything with a little truffle oil makes it better right? The chowder had some large chucks of clams.. Very satisfying Note: They have a few selections of tap beers and a decent selection of Pacific Northwest craft brew beers... It comes very handy with a good meal.

    (4)

  • Mark G.

    Stellar food. Excellent wine menu (grab that half bottle of Cristom if you can). Friendly waitstaff. If you can sit by the window to view the bay it's an unbeatable location for lunch or dinner.

    (5)

  • Joshua H.

    I love their house salad; throw some grilled chicken on there and it's amazing. Great set-up too... while pulling the iceberg lettuce hat off the top I'm reminded of the monkey'brain'eating scene in Indiana Jones... it's awesome. Great place to hit up, I live right across the alley, so walking the 30 seconds up the hill ain't no thang, always worth it. Heard bad things about working there, but for those who do, thank you :) Steelhead Diner, your a great neighbor & love that salad.

    (5)

  • Jamin F.

    Poor value at happy hour. The bartender was drinking a beer when he was supposed to be serving us. A disappointment compared to our previous visit . The prior visits were quite good at dinner but the last happy hour food was of below average quality. Is this inconsistancy a management problem?

    (2)

  • Lacey M.

    Had a great early dinner here with my mother, aunt and my great aunt. We came after visiting the Picasso exhibit at SAM. We were thirsty and hungry and needed time to have girl talk. I had a half order of the salmon. It had a bed of shaved fennel and blood oranges. Very fresh and light. And I do recommend ordering it medium rare. It was perfect that way. My aunt loved her fried chicken sandwich and my mom loved her French fries and clam chowder! Said it was the best chowder she had ever had. The fish and chips looked delicious but my aunt seemed to be too into the gossip to notice! All in all very tasty. My server, Dani was very helpful and accommodating to my food allergies. She gave us great service without being overbearing. And I swear she refilled my mother's iced tea 50 times!! It was nice to feel so at ease with her. Everyone left having enjoyed their meal and feeling very pleased with our service. Thanks Steelhead and Dani H. for catering to 3 generations of cackling hens on this windy Seattle night.

    (5)

  • J C.

    The ONLY reason this place get's three stars is b/c of its poutine. If and when I find better poutine, I'm out. (I'm sure it's out there, in Canada.) Fuck the shit-talking server I had and the fake crap about them trying to be an upscale diner. Whatever. Oh, and the veggie chili sucks.

    (3)

  • Rob H.

    A lot of my restaurant choices are based on Yelp reviews. In this instance I was not disappointed. Given that it was my last night in Seattle I thought I would treat myself to a nice meal...the Steelhead Diner delivered. I started with the jumbo lump Dungeness crab cake. As an appetizer it was a little pricey at $15+, but given that it was all crab with little to no filler it was worth it. You can't beat fresh ingredients that are bought 100yards away at the market. For my main I had the pan seared Alaskan halibut in sweet corn and chanterelle stew. It was outstanding. I was too full for dessert. The service was great and the atmosphere enjoyable. If I ever return to Seattle I will definitely return.

    (4)

  • Kevin H.

    We made two trips to this new American diner. One for a pre-dinner beer, and the following evening for dinner. The bar table is long and communal and if you face the kitchen you can watch all the action. The place was hopping, chef owner Kevin Davis was at the helm with several disciples manning different stations. It appeared as if things were running like clock work, and what was being churned out looked mighty tasty. I wanted to try a beer, Manny's in particular, and it was a tasty brew, however service was a bit slow after ordering and they sat a tad too long so temperature was a bit warm. Unlike an old friend of mine in Hull, I like my beer American cold. However after watching the kitchen rock and roll, I hit open table later that night for a reservation for the following evening. We had the option to sit in or out, the patio overlooks the alley and would have been fine, however we chose to sit inside. The space is modern diner, fly fishing lures under Lucite, comfy booths and open although a tad loud at times. The food is where that comparison is altered. Our wine choice for the evening was a Mark Ryan white which they were out of, boo hoo, however the front of the house wizard, Terrasa broke the news and had a fine substitute, same vintner, different wine,a Viognier which neither of us had tried, it was a tasty pairing for our selections. We began with fresh local clams in purgatory. Tasty mollusks bathed in a delectable broth with chorizo, garlic, Serrano chile, tomato and orange zest. Served with spoons to drink up this almost hellish liquor, as well as whole grained breads for dunking. A great start. I convinced my companion to delve into the house salad, as she is not a fan of straight blue cheese on anything. We have a convert. Fresh baby iceberg, bacon, avocado, red onion, egg, crumbled blue and Lorenzo dressing was fantastically fresh and stacked, perfectly balanced. One entree we sampled was the Yukon river salmon. Kind of hard to come by as it is the most hearty fatty salmon, working their way up the mighty river. Favored by sushi fans, much of it is bought up and shipped out of the country. This fine piece of fish was grilled and served with just a drizzle of local olive oil and lemon wedge. Oh my. No doubt the finest piece of salmon that I have ever tasted. Cooked to a perfect medium rare, moist and full of that fatty flavor that makes salmon of this quality so sought after. Another entree sampled was the grilled eastern Oregon rabbit, with roasted Farro risotto and sauce Robert. A classic dish, once again grilled to perfection, the meat was moist and tender, risotto was cooked a perfect al dente'(sounds funny to me using this term for diner food!). We noticed that deserts looked wonderful as well as descriptions given, but alas a long walk was in order, so no room at the inn. Table service differed from our bar service the night before. We were well taken care of, by a seasoned team. Dishes timed well, plates cleared and requests were met with a smile and handled expediently. The epitome of taking fresh, local ingredients, treating them simply and serving them in a fun welcoming space.

    (4)

  • Cindy I.

    Good burger and great service. We had a show to go to so wanted a quick meal. The waiter was great, funny but real. To bad the views are hard to see from most seats. The burger was juicy, tasty and they recently changed to a soft roll which was perfect. Desserts looked good but the burger filled me up.

    (4)

  • Jen E.

    Great place! Great food. Reasonably priced. I've been here twice and had good meals both times & awesome service! It usually is pretty busy so make reservations if you can.

    (5)

  • Vanessa S.

    Was very hesitant to try this place based on Yelp. BUT they had something on the menu that I REALLY REALLY wanted. French fries with melted Beecher's curd cheese (HEAVEN) and gravy, poutine. We didn't want to do dinner there, so we had some margarita's and poutine for lunch. The MENU says it's MELTED cheese curds. However, when the delivered it, there was BARELY any cheese and it was shaved over the fries, not melted. I asked for more cheese and for it to be melted. However, what I asked for and what I got were not the same. They were VERY VERY cheap with the cheese. HELLO! That's what makes the dish! I didn't use the gravy as it has beef in in, but my husband enjoyed. My review based on this would be 2 stars. But, as I said earlier, we ordered margaritas. The bartender said he made them really good AND they dont use margarita mix. They use fresh lime juice. Me likes that a lot! Well, he was right about making a good margarita. VERY tasty and delicious. Since we were there after 3, instead of paying $8.50 for the margarita, we paid $4.00!!! So, based on our drinks AND happy hour pricing for said drinks, I am giving this place a 3 star. My recommendation is come here during happy hour and try something small so if it sucks, it wont cost and arm and a leg. Plus, it was not busy at all so maybe that helps too.

    (3)

  • Elinor D.

    For Seattle Restaurant Week, I had a wonderful lunch with my daughter. We choose items from their 3 course lunch menu. For a diner the food, atmosphere and view was wonderful. We will have lunch and dinner here again.

    (5)

  • Veronica C.

    Our whole dining experience went flawless. Our party of 7 was seated with a full view of the kitchen. The staff was extremely nice and accommodating. We started off with their Hood Canal and Deep Bay oysters. I love oysters and these ones were definitely the best I have ever had. They were so fresh and the flavors of the two types were distinctive. We also indulged in a Jumbo Lump Dungeness Crab Cake which was big enough for every one of us to have a bite. The boyfriend and I shared the Southern Fried Half Chicken and a side order of Baked Macaroni. The breading on the chicken itself was so flavorful and the chicken was so juicy. I don't think we have ever had better fried chicken. The baked macaroni was amazing!! The top was crispy yet the middle was so creamy. I liked how it was just the perfect amount of cheese. Everyone else said they really liked what they ordered as well, which is rare. At the end of the meal, we all shared a slice of the Theo Chocolate Pecan Pie and the Double Fudge Ice Cream Sundae. I am not a fan of pecan pie but I figured I might as well try it, and I am really glad I did. It was amazing! It wasn't too sweet and the whipped cream that accompanied it made it perfect. It was heaven. The sundae was really delicious as well. I did not taste the brownie but the ice cream with caramel and chocolate sauce was perfect. This was definitely the best meal the boyfriend and I had in Seattle. With its prime location in Pike's Place, no one should have an excuse to not try this place out.

    (5)

  • Devon B.

    A little pricey but definitely worth it. Drinks were good and the food was awesome - best fried chicken I've ever had.

    (4)

  • T F.

    Outstanding. Every time I visit Seattle I must go here for poutine. The menu is fresh and all local. The quality of the flood is consistently spectacular.

    (5)

  • Jon A.

    The wife and I were wondering around looking for a place to relax and have nice late lunch. We happened by the Steel head diner, We're from back east where diners are a part of the culture so we thought we'd give it a try. We were greeted by a a lovely hostess who was very friendly but not fake- how rare! We decided to sit at the bar and with out asking she recommended seats that would have at the same time a great view and minimal glare,.... Is she super hostess or what??? The bartender greeted us and really made us feel welcome. He was busy but when he was with us you never felt he was pressed. He suggested a great beer and walked us through the menu like a champ. All through are meal he was funny and never overstayed is welcome. PERFECT! I had the catfish with polenta, which was on of the best lunches I have had in recent memory. For dessert we had the Crème Brulee and she had the pecan pie. Both were delicious Loved this place. If you are looking for Canlis go ... well to Canlis. But if you want a good clean place with a nice staff and great eats this is your place. It is certainly is mine

    (5)

  • Taylor L.

    I went here yesterday with my husband and was greatly disappointed. We have an 8 month old, so we are always careful to go to "nicer" establishments at off hours or call ahead. We also make it clear that we are fine being seated in the back, near the kitchen, wherever they want. We went in at about two. Our waitress seemed friendly enough, but after she brought our food she never spoke to us again. A different server brought us our check (no one ever came back to ask if our food was prepared correctly or to our liking) while our first waitress continued to walk around us. It was quite awkward. The food was equally poor. I ordered the tomato and mozzarella salad. I was excited to try some local heirloom tomatoes and looked forward to seeing how it would be presented. This was BY FAR the worst food presentation I have ever seen. It was swimming in a pool of black and green goo, I don't know if it was tomato juice? Only once I got to the bottom of the "salad" did I see the pesto that was listed on the menu. The "hand-pulled" mozzarella looked to be a generous portion, until I cut into it and the entire center was a baby tomato! Talk about misleading. In all I had about a gumball size ball of cheese and an entire large tomato. The cheese was tough and flavorless. I would have enjoyed a stick of string cheese more, it was about the same texture. The most obnoxious part was the salt. For a caprese, I use a lot of salt. But when I finally figured out that the black stuff was not pepper, I realized it was smoked salt. It just seemed overly pretentious and unnecessary. I didn't want all my food to taste like liquid smoke. I got the pulled pork sandwich, which was over-sauced, too spicy, and came with a coleslaw on it which was not listed on the menu. The "baguette" that it came on got soggy very quickly. My husband got the Wagyu burger that was served on the same bread. I don't believe a burger should ever come on a baguette. I had been anticipating ordering a dessert, but after two disappointing courses, I wasn't anxious to try anything more.

    (1)

  • Michelle N.

    I'm quite surprised at the number of positive reviews for Steelhead after our experience there. Four of us went for Dine Around Seattle, and had never been to the restaurant before. Impressions: 1) Service: Slow and understaffed. Particularly for Dine Around Seattle on a Sunday night. One bartender for a completely packed restaurant. 3 of us ordered drinks at the same time (one wine, one beer, one mixed drink), and they were all served separately. Had to cancel an order for a diet coke after waiting 15 minutes. At entree, 3 of the 4 of us received our entrees and the fourth person at the table didn't get theirs until 15 minutes later. They did bring her a cup of gumbo in the meantime, but.... 2) Food: Okay at BEST. With the access Steelhead has to the market and the freshest, most seasonal foods available, I was underwhelmed. Spinach salad with pink peppercorn dressing was OVERLY peppery, and the two elements needed to balance the flavor (citrus and goat cheese) were so sparse there was only enough for 4 bites. Don't go cheap on the ingredients needed for a balanced dish, guys. The entrees were good - flank steak was practically perfect, as was the pork rib chop my friend had. 3) Dessert: I count this as a separate category b/c three out of the four diners are trained pastry chefs. Two ordered the Theo Chocolate Pecan Pie with bourbon whipped cream and cocoa nibs: great flavor on the pie, though I think they just buy this, don't actually make it. over-whipped cream, too many cocoa nibs. Bananas Foster Creme Brulee: Truly the worst part of the entire experience. Tasted like someone emptied a jar of baby food into a ramekin and tried to brulee the top of it. BAD news. Definitely won't be going back, Dine Around Seattle or otherwise.

    (2)

  • K M.

    I thought this place was pretty good. The service was GREAT - I couldn't have been more pleased with our waitress. She was super friendly and quick with the water refills. We ordered the prawns, sole, and poutine. The sole and prawns were okay, but they were smothered in garlic! I was impressed with the poutine, but it was soo heavy I felt like I needed a nap afterward! Make sure you check the menu before heading here - I think the prices are a little steep for what you actually get. Also, make reservations!

    (3)

  • Evan M.

    The sweet lord has answered my prayers... another good option for Southern inspired fixin's. The fried catfish here was amazing. Goat cheese salad is great. Drinks have made me a believer! I wasn't super impressed with the oyster po-boy, but I was reaching beyond my normal tastes for that one. This place is so unassuming, yet delivers almost every time we go. The sidecars here are sweet--made me consider it my goto drink. Oh, did I mention the pound cake melted my brain with it's awesomeness? That's right, I'm writing this review from the hospital recovering from Delicioucampus Overload!

    (5)

  • Katie M.

    I came here with a co-worker for his last night on the project and we were really pleased with the meal. I had the Kasu Black Cod which was melt-in-your-mouth good. Highly recommend it -- as do others! My co-worker got the Mahi Mahi Fish and Chips and said the batter on the fish was the best. The prices on the food was fair -- we both walked out at ~$30 per person (including a beer and coffee). Not too shabby for the delicious meal we had! I was also surprised at how quickly we were seated -- no wait at 7:30pm on Thursday. I may just have to return for another try at some of the other delicious-sounding menu items...

    (5)

  • cheryl y.

    After completing the Seattle Half Marathon and a little shopping we were in desperate need of some food. Good ol' Yelp directed us to Steelhead Diner as it was within our "we are only willing to walk 3 blocks" radius. The food was good but what stood out was their Mac n Cheese! We were told they get their cheese from Beechers which is down the street. Just enough of a brown crust on top and all extra gooey inside. Good stuff I say Good stuff :)

    (4)

  • Eila S.

    This place definitely gets busy! If you want to sit at a table for dinner I would definitely call ahead for a reservation. Sitting at the bar was definitely enjoyable nonetheless. The fish and chips were to die for! So moist and juicy. Their fries were just as delicious! I also really liked that it was located in Pikes because after dinner you get to walk off your overstuffed bellies. =]

    (4)

  • Allison A.

    I love this place! I've been here a few times, both with reservations and as a last-minute walk-in at the bar. Contrary to what some people think, this place isn't pretentious at all! Although, if your idea of casual dining is fast food like IHOP or McDonald's, this might not be the place for you. It is a restaurant so takes a bit of time. Friendly, unassuming service and tasty treats (latkes and pasta cooked perfectly)! Yummy desserts.

    (4)

  • Robert H.

    Kudos to Christin! We came in with a larger group and she did an excellent job - very knowledgable and friendly. The food was delicious and had some unique and unexpected flavors and we particularly enjoyed the steamed clams and poutine. Great food, great staff!

    (5)

  • Breanna H.

    Absolutely everything was delicious. Great fish, gooey mac n cheese. I also liked the desserts. Great service,

    (5)

  • Archana R.

    Fun location and friendly staff. Lots of interesting and good options, vegetarian or otherwise. This place seems to specialize in seafood in particular. Anyway, I ordered their steamed cauliflower w/capers and orange, and corn w/chili and vinegar, and both were delicious. The cauliflower was, as expected, a bit on the bland side, but hot chili sauce was readily available. For those who are interested, they also have quite a few fancy desserts, a full bar and an extensive drink (alcohol) menu, along with non-alcoholic drinks. (By the way, this place may not be a great place to take young children, what with the full bar right in full view upon entering the restaurant). Parking can be sort of painful around this area, and the restaurant was packed when we came. Still, we didn't have much waiting time, and I think everyone in my group enjoyed the experience. I might not go out of my way to eat here, but it was nonetheless a satisfying experience.

    (4)

  • Helena P.

    OK, so what's happening here? Used to be good and now, well, save your cash and get a honbow up the street. Bland, boring, touristy, meh...Not worth it. Staff is friendly but I had to fill up m own water and find my own pepper; at 10 bucks for a bowl of "potato" supposed to be "clam" chowder, I expect more. There are too many interesting choices in the area to return-sad.

    (2)

  • Brad P.

    One of the best Brunch places in Seattle! (Saturday and Sunday only). If you have not tried the SEQUIMBLED EGGS, you have not been here. Poached Eggs with a FULL - handfull of Dungeness Crab. To DIE for! Sooo goooood! Not to mention they have great list of specialty drinks to get your day started right!! This is definitely on the Seattle MUST try list! (Sort of $$$, but worth it).

    (4)

  • Deborah S.

    Twice in one week. Really. It was that good. Summary: Upscale diner food, big portions. Totally kid friendly. Great service. First it was for the Dine Around Seattle special. A $15 three course lunch. I'd ordered the catfish, gumbo and buttermilk poundcake. The gumbo was savory with hearty chunks of sausage and chicken. The catfish came a little over blackened, on a bed of soft creamy grits, punctuated by a vinegary sauce . The vinegar would have overpowered most folks, but I found it utterly delightful . The pound cake came with both vanilla pastry cream and whipped cream, a little over kill if you ask me. We also shared fried cheese curds, good, but frying them removes a little of the cheese curd character. Today I took my daughter and her dad for a treat. I opted for the fried chicken, My partner got the fish and chips and Miss Bit opted for chicken strips and fries. We shared an order of poutine to start off and were delighted to find it true poutine. The cheese was melty but had bits of curd still visible, the gravy was a basic brown gravy, the fries were fresh and crisp. Fantastic. My chicken was juicy and crispy, served with spinach and gravy. My only complaint was that i had a plate full of gravy with no fries or potatoes to soak it up. My partner was delighted when they offered him malt vinegar to go with his fries, Miss Bit liked her chicken and fries, though both sauces offered were much more adult style then kid style. (To hot of a mustard in the honey mustard, and the bbq sauce was too complex for her to appreciate.) We loved it though. I wanted dessert but there was no way it was happening this time. I think some time we'll go get appetizers sides and dessert. There is just so much to explore on this menu!

    (4)

  • Christina P.

    Went there for lunch with a friend. We both ordered sandwiches that were tasteless and dry. The server forgot to mention the $3 charge for subbing in a salad for fries... also wasn't mentioned anywhere on the menu that I could see. $16 was too much for a mediocre sandwich and a boring salad... Don't think I'll be going back there.

    (2)

  • Kiwi B.

    Had lunch here last weekend. And overall was pleased. Only 3 stars because it wasn't an unforgettable meal but good. Started with the fried chicken summer roll. A fairly classic fresh spring roll but with fried chicken inside. The papaya salad on top was quite spicy but yummy. Friend had goat cheese salad and enjoyed it. I had the primavera pasta with mozzarella and fresh peas, tomatoes, and other veggies. All very fresh and well executed. Also, enjoyed my lime ginger non-alchoholic drink and blackberry lemonade friend had. I'd go back next time I'm at Pike Place.

    (3)

  • Amie S.

    This is not your average diner. Yes, there is booth seating and you can pull up a chrome-encircled stool at an eating bar. Yes, you can order mac and cheese or a pulled-pork sandwich with a side of fries. This, however, is the gourmet, upscale, sustainable version of diner fare - which is to say it's fresh, local, and seasonal. Think silver spoon, not greasy spoon. The Steelhead Diner is located in the heart of Pike Place Market, and if you are lucky you can get a table by the window with a view over Post Alley, the Market, and Elliott Bay. Getting seated at a landlocked table isn't too shabby, either. From there you can look around at the many works of art that pay homage to fly fishing (in a chic, urban kind of way, not a bait & tackle kind of way). The walls display large photos of rushing rivers and abstract close ups of salmon roe, for example. There's also a gallery-style display of fishing flies by some of the booths. The overall ambience is low-key and contemporary - probably at least one step up from what I'd usually consider "casual." Being situated inside Pike Place Market means this place is surrounded with an incredible array of local produce, meats, cheeses - you name it - and the Steelhead takes full advantage. On the menu you will find the names of lots of familiar Pike Place faves who contributed to your meal. All of these supremely fresh ingredients are brought together to create an impressive menu that changes every day. Steelhead Diner has a dinner/lunch menu, rather than separate menus for your midday and evening meals. This has its pros and cons. On the one hand, it means you get the same meal with the same portion either time of day. On the other hand, you essentially pay a dinner price (around $15) even at high noon. Kids are welcome here, and the kid's menu offers plenty of familiar favorites for the little ones. For grown-ups, there is a full bar, and an enticing menu of cocktails and mocktails. Since the food selections are ever changing, it's hard to make specific recommendations, other than to say go there and experience the yum. The complimentary bread was served with pesto butter, which was downright amazing and possibly my favorite part of the meal. The house salad is something you have to see to believe - it was basically a whole head of lettuce cut in half and stuffed with avocado, tomato, bacon, and Thousand Island dressing. To me, it looked like a giant lettuce burger. It's always good to have food that can double as a conversation piece. My baked macaroni was a little rich for my taste, but luckily there was a tasty watermelon, lime, and arugula salad to offset the buttery flavor. We couldn't leave without dessert: a blackberry tart topped with sweet, juicy berries and filled with smooth vanilla custard on a light, wafer-thin crust. In the end, Steelhead Diner blew my budget, but did not blow my mind. Overall, if you are at Pike Place Market and looking for a very local, sustainable, Seattle kind of meal, Steelhead Diner gets the job done. It's good food with a worthy ideal behind it. If you have the run of the city, my personal preference is for Tilth, which is higher on the tastiness scale and lower on the spendiness scale.

    (3)

  • Stuart S.

    One of the fish mongers at Pike Market suggested this restaurant to us. For restaurant week my wife had a superb soup and chicken salad with fresh lemonade and an exquisite chocolate pecan pie. I ate off the regular menu and had an exceptionally good lunch as well. I had razor clam chowder with truffle oil and salmon on polenta. Excellent. Will return again.

    (5)

  • David S.

    As others have said, the space and atmosphere are great, and the drink menu goes on for many pages. What I liked about the drinks was the variety of non-alchoholic ones, and I had a minty creation that was quite refreshing. The fall menu had just come out and it was quite creative. I had a beet (no, not beef) tartar with yucca chips and that was quite good. The bean stew had yummy bread crusts in it and a spicy flavor...until five minutes later when all the bread got soggy. I told me that they should be served on the side, but that was my only complaint. I saved room for the chocolate pecan pie, which was a good idea! No pressure to leave, a nice big booth just for the one of me, and a nice view of the harbor.

    (4)

  • Juan M.

    What a fun spot! We had reservations for six and changed to seven, then down to four and ended up with five! They could not have been nicer! The place was full on a Thursday night. Good sign. They had a full bar. Great sign! They had a window into the kitchen, another good sign. We all got settled and looked at the drink menu. Nice listings! Nothing really new or exciting but they had some great standards and a couple purple drinks. Always festive. We started off with the Beecher's fried cheese curds. You know me and cheeses . . . . amazing! its just amazing how people keep coming up with better ways to eat cheese! We had the beet tar tar also. I wasn't sure what to expect and we were pleasantly surprised! I actually craved it a few days later! Dinner was a Ribeye for me, I Loves me a good ribeye! This one didn't disappoint! One cool thing about the diner is they have smaller portions available for almost every main dish and salad! What a great way to eat family style or to share a couple things with friends! The atmosphere was cool chic diner, the prices reflected a downtown spot more than a diner, but it has booths and counter searing, like a diner, but its got a full bar and hip feel. The staff was great and the manager, Arn came by and checked on us! We will definitely be back!

    (4)

  • Joe B.

    Stopped here because we had a couple hours to kill before returning the rental car at SEA and really just wanted to sit outdoors, sip on some drinks, and watch the world go by. We saw no Sanjaya (see other reviews) but JP did sip on some Syrah. I had the reasonably-priced Kilt Lifter. We opted for a little soup and salad too, and she had the clam chowder, I had the salad with walnuts, blueberries, and goat cheese. Note to self: blueberries and goat cheese do an interesting salad make. We watched the Pike Place alley scene from our perch on their patio overlooking said alley and basked in our last hour of vacation before braving the rental return, southwest lines, and AirBart, BART, and cab ride combo. Total time from leaving Vancouver to home in Oakland? 'bout 12 hours.

    (4)

  • L C.

    bacon clam chowder with truffle oil + salmon carpaccio + garlic collard greens = AMAZING. one of the fish monger people at the market recommended this place, and man was he right. what a tasty find!!!!

    (5)

  • Chihiro F.

    Excellent three course lunch for $15. I had the carrot ginger soup, catfish, and chocolate pecan pie. Everything was delicious. Service was nice, quick and friendly. I will go back the if I'm in Seattle again.

    (5)

  • Natalie W.

    I sat at the bar at Steelhead Diner on a busy Saturday, and had a lovely improptu lunch while reading a book. Even on a sunny Saturday, and despite being right next to the market, I was able to grab a bar seat without effort. The menu is on the small side, but it utilizes ingredients that are in season. I ordered an omelet upon the recommendation of the bartender. I was split between breakfast and lunch items when he made the call for me. To my surprise the omelet came with no accomplishment. It was one of the fluffiest and clean tasting omelets I have had though. My seasonal omelet had tangy smooth cheese and asparagus. It was larger in size and I ate half for my brunch. The view from the bar of the ferries and the cascades- not to mention the market hustle and bustle- was great. The space and vibe that Steelhead creates is very nice. I only have issue with the pricing and what I think the restaurant could be if it worked a few things out- basically it didn't meet my expectations... Fyi's~ * Prices are a little on the high side for the food compared to similar approaches * They have a private room- that can be rented out * This would be a good restaurant to showcase Seattle ingredients to a visitor in a fun scene

    (3)

  • Camilla E.

    As a business owner in this neighborhood I am asked daily for recommendations for places to eat. I have always been very willing to give the Steelhead a positive word until now. I went over for a bite at the bar in between the lunch and dinner hour with my husband and had a disastrous experience. The champagne was flat, the food actually bad and the service indifferent at best. The bartender willingly took away my flat champagne and replaced it with an okay chardonnay, but that was the only positive part of the meal. The pork sandwich my husband ordered was cold, poorly made and had virtually no pork in it. My Fish and Chips were doughy and flavorless. And sadly, the chips tasted like Ore-Ida frozen fries. I will not go back and cannot in good conscience send anybody else there.

    (1)

  • Dan A.

    I like this place a lot. I've only come for dinner and usually when I eat dinner I like to take my time and enjoy the company and food. I would agree with some others on here that if you're in a rush or have time constraints, the service may not be when you're looking for. The cocktail menu here is fantastic and has some concotions I've never imagined before! The crabcakes are huge and actually well worth the $15. You can't get another crab cake in town that's packed with that much crab and tastes that good! From the 5 or so times I've been here, I usually get a fish dish. The whole trout is amazing and the kasu marinated black cod is fantastic as well. I've had the rabbit once as well (i think it was a special) and that was done perfectly as well. You can't really go wrong with any of the seafood at this place. Oh, they make some really good red beans and rice as well!

    (4)

  • Alana H.

    Pike Place is an overwhelming place to just go and "grab a bite". My personal gastrometer was kind of going berserk, but fortunately Yelp help me narrow down the choices. We walked in for a pretty early dinner and were seated immediately at a table by the window overlooking the Market sign at the end of Pine St and a great view of the harbor. Our waiter was attentive, but not overly doting (which I prefer). I had a cup of veggie chili and shared the baked mac and cheese with my sister. Both were delicious and hit the spot. The mac n cheese was especially good with the garlic habenero pepper they had (purchased from the spice store across the street in the market). For dessert I split the brownie sundae made with dark chocolate rocky road ice. Even with two it was hard to finish. Even though this place is in a touristy location, I never felt the "get 'em in, get 'em out" vibe that might be expected. We were welcomed to stay as long as we wanted and enjoy the view. Fairly calm clientele, but I can see this place getting fairly busy on the weekends and later on in the evening.

    (4)

  • E F.

    Try the fried chicken spring rolls - absolutely delicious! And if you love gumbo, it's a great place in Seattle to get your fix. Chocolate pecan pie is also a winner, and I don't even like pecan pie!

    (4)

  • John R.

    Excellent food, great service in a fantastic location. I had the chowder as an appetizer (3.5 too much celery for my taste) and the Idaho Trout (4.5 excellent!).

    (4)

  • Retired B.

    Poutin was delicious. We even asked for more gravy and they gave it to us. Fried cheese curds and black cod were excellent. I also tried the clam chower with truffle oil and bacon bits and that was alright. Ambiance is nice. The server went missing for a while but overall, it was a good experience.

    (4)

  • Jane says... x.

    Went for lunch today with a group from our Seattle office and had the Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo. Until today, I've loathed the very idea of okra. I tried okra years ago and...well...ran the other way. However, I've now become a recent convert after eating the gumbo at this place. The okra melded nicely with the flavors and spices of the gumbo, which really resembled more of a jambalaya (which is also quite fine with me), and didn't seem slimy at all. In fact, the gumbo was most satisfying, including the white rice on top. The only thing I would change? More chicken, please. The atmosphere is chic and modern, with an up-to-date twist on the diner vibe including round seats at the counter a'la Mel's Diner. None of my lunchmates wanted to get dessert, but I'm thinking of going back for dinner just so that I can try the rhubarb sorbet.

    (3)

  • Becky J.

    This is an awesome place to pop in and grab a seat at the chef's counter. Try a local brew and ask the wait staff what he or she recommends for the day. The food and service are top-notch. I first tried to grab a bite at the Market Grill, but they'd just turned off the grill for the day. I asked the employees there (who appeared to be in the know) where the next best place was, and in unison they replied, "Steelhead Diner."

    (5)

  • Marnie W.

    The food is good but the service very poor. We could not get the waitress or bartender to make eye contact and take our order for over 20 minutes, and the restaurant was barely 1/8th full. Plus, we had just joined two others at the table who had already ordered. The wait staff served them and walked away from us with not even a glance, no joke (even though we were right there at the table)! We tried flagging dow people to place our order to no avail for that 20 minutes. Quite surprising. The whole of the wait staff were completely disinterested. As a Seattle native this is a poor representation of our city. This was during the dinner hour, 730 PM. Perhaps lunch has better staff. There's plenty of other good food in this city that comes with caring and a smile.

    (2)

  • Rachel S.

    Deep fried Beecher's cheese curds. Need I say more? The interior of the restaurant was too modern for me, and that combined with the blaring music almost made me walk out on our reservation. But my much more reasonable better half convinced me to stay, and I had an enjoyable experience. Cheese curds, enough said.

    (4)

  • Jenn G.

    After reading the reviews below, Steelhead Diner truly seems to be a hit-or-miss experience. If I could give 3.5 stars, I would. Since that's not possible, I'll be kind and round up to 4. Let me start by saying that I dined at Steelhead on a Sunday afternoon at 2:30pm, when the restaurant wasn't jam-packed and service was quite attentive. After a few hours of battling the crowds and the schizophrenic Seattle weather at the Pride Parade, my boyfriend and I wandered toward downtown in search of something to eat. I'd read quite a bit about Steelhead Diner in the press, and we decided to give it a try. Setting: the location is great, above Seattle's Best Coffee in Pike Place Market, across from Campagne. We managed to score a seat by the window, which afforded fabulous views of the Puget Sound, the cruise ships leaving port, and the hordes of people converging on Western at the market. The restaurant's decor captures a sort of Northwestern ambiance I didn't even know existed - orange and sea-foam colored walls with black and white prints of trees and streams, as well as colored photos of things like a bunch of cherries, cows, and farmland. There's a slab of countertop where you can sit with a full-view of the open kitchen (facing away from the windows) which is neat too. Food: the menu is not your typical diner fare (no BLTs, no chocolate milkshakes) but it IS eclectic. After reading other reviews, it seems to me that what you choose to order may be key to your experience at Steelhead - they have everything from potato latkes to caviar. I was trying to be a tad healthier than usual, so I decided on the granola. Not too exciting, right? WRONG. The waitress arrived with a heaping bowl of rhubarb yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit - blackberries, raspberries, cherries and strawberries. This was no measly muesli and it was delicious. My boyfriend was a bit stumped with all the options, and after nearly ordering the fried chicken sandwich, decided to go with the beet tartare and the caviar pie. The beet tartare wasn't anything phenomonal, but the caviar pie was really enjoyable (I tried both). DRINKS: Again, I was trying to cut down on calories, so I ordered a non-alcoholic drink from their rather impressive cocktail list - pineapple juice, ginger ale and a dash of lemon&lime juice. Very refreshing. My boyfriend was a bit disappointed that their list of wines by the glass wasn't larger, and I must note that a lot of the cocktails were on the pricey side. SERVICE: Our waitress was good at checking back on our table quite frequently, but she seemed a bit lacking in social skills. Not a huge deal. The only dish she recommended was the beet tartare, which was our least favorite, but hey - everybody has different taste. It's always a bit of a gamble when you take a recommendation. Overall, I loved the views and the decor, the mix of locals and tourists and the interesting menu. I would definitely go back - albeit not during peak hours, and only with an idea of which dishes are better than others.

    (4)

  • Darek D.

    Fantastic spot with consistent fresh food. Midweek the place was completely full with one seat left at the counter before the Chef's pass line. All the action was right before me. The quality of the food was only surpassed by the quality of the chefs. Jaye was a standout. In control, poised and pretty damn near awesome. The measured pace of my meal (it took a while) was explained by the massive effort of the kitchen. I highly highly recommend.

    (4)

  • Stella C.

    I took some friends out of town there for a northwest meal, and the food was good. We had the halibut, black cod, and trout - and we were happy with all of it. My only disappointment was with the service. I had made a reservation with opentable.com , and the hostess really didn't have a table for us when we got there. We had to wait for 10 minutes and the table did not meet my requests. Then we ordered our meals, and they were out of the sole but acted like it was our fault for ordering it. They also were not great about describing the specials or getting any refills promptly. Maybe it was an off night but I expect servers in this calibur of restaurant to be a little more inviting and gracious.

    (3)

  • Tonia G.

    Steelhead Diner is my favorite Seattle restaurant. The food is consistently excellent every time, which is why my husband and I always take out of town guests there for dinner. It's fun to tell folks we're going to a diner and then see their faces when we walk into the chic yet unpretentious restaurant. We love the mussels in purgatory and crab cake for apps, and for the main course the cod is a winner every time. Seriously, the cod is the best dish in Seattle. We also loved a cocktail called the Spanish Fly, although it was not on the menu last time we were there. Service is usually excellent, although one waiter was aloof and we always hope to not be seated at one of his tables when we go.

    (5)

  • Piao Piao L.

    Gosh, how many reviews of this place? I guess I'm the last person in the city to try it. Touristy spot near the market, about the half the place is bar, the rest, restaurant. So, I'm not much of a seafood eater, but I love my clam chowder, and I'm surrounded by people that love seafood. Hence I end up at a place like this on a Wednesday night. So anyway, got the chowder and beef burger. The beef burger, well ok, you don't order a burger in a seafood restaurant, I know. But this one was just really, really bad. Way too "frilly", if that's a word. Between the mushrooms and variety of greens I felt like I was eating a salad, not a burger. Anyway, can't blame them too much for that, since that's not their thing. The chowder, however, was another case of over-design. The best clam chowder places know how to keep it simple. This place-- the opposite. Between the bacon, spices, herbs, and peppers, I felt like the chef was just dumping ingredients in there to clear out the kitchen. Oh well, the other people in my group seemed to like it, for the most part, but nothing to write home about. Nice location and view if you're on the right side, by the way.

    (2)

  • Albert E.

    I was walking around the touristy area of the Pike Place Public Market and I happen to stumble along this restaurant and I am now a VERY BIG FAN! I started with the crab cakes, my main dish was the succulant cod and of course the dinner wine. The food was like "BUTTAH". I cannot wait to visit Seattle again because this restaurant has prices that are tourist reasonable and food that is OOOH SOOO GOOD!!

    (5)

  • Kevin A.

    Okay, how did they get the their halibut so crispy on the outside and yet do flaky and moist within. It was amazing! I like the communal dining idea in the main dining area, but the time I had dinner there, we were in the more private area since it was for a friends birthday. This separate area of the restaurant also provided us with a really beautiful view of the Puget Sound and Elliot Bay. The menu was large and varied, I had a difficult time choosing what kind of fish to order. Along with the halibut, the table shared several orders of the poutine, which was on par with other poutines I have had in the area. Another interesting dish was the caviar pie, which was several types of colorful caviar layered atop a triangular slice of cream cheese, with capers and served with bread. I was pretty good, I thought the amount of cream cheese somewhat overpowers the flavors of the caviar though. Overall, a really great dining experience. The experience and the food really represent what great pacific northwest dining is all about.

    (5)

  • Jeff F.

    Boy oh boy! What a difference a couple of years makes! We tried Steelhead Diner shortly after it opened and were blown away by the incredible crab cakes. They had virtually no binder - almost all crab. So delicious. The service was uneven (took a long time to be seated, even with reservations) but we figured they just had a few things to work out. Fast forward to last week. It still takes a long time to be seated. Too long. We were about 10 minutes late for our 7:30 reservations and had to cool our heels for 25 more minutes. Did I mention there's really nowhere to sit in the front of the restaurant? Unless you count the two hard, uncomfortable, in-the-way "art" chairs. Not next to each other, which makes it tough if you're a couple. We told the hostess we'd like to order a glass of wine while we waited. "Alec will be happy to help you," she said. Alec? Who's Alec? Why not put the order in for us. That's called service. Then hostess #2 arrived - and this is where it got confusing. Who's on first? Who's getting our table ready? "Can we get a glass of wine while we wait?" I asked? "Sure - just tell Alec what you want." Alec again. "And your table will be ready in ten or 15 minutes. There are a couple of reservations ahead of you." Just what we wanted to hear. What time were their reservations for? 7:00? (It was now 7:45.) So we sat at the bar, waved down Alec (who we now knew better than he knew us), and ordered our wine. No sooner did it arrive than hostess #1 came by to tell us they could seat us immediately - in the banquet room. The banquet room? Uh, no thanks. How long will it be for a table in the main room? "Oh, another 10 minutes or so." Fine. We'll just eat at the bar. Hey Alec - a couple of menus please! Just as Alec - who, by the way, was very cordial and quite friendly - put down our water glasses, hostess #2 swung by to let us know that our table was ready. "In the banquet room?" "No right over there" (pointing to the general hubbub of the main room. At last. It's now 8:05. The waiter, an affable gent named Benjamin, came over to tell us about the specials. As he did so, he reached over and picked up my wife's wine glass - which still had one or two good swallows in it. And to make matters worse, he kept kind of swinging the glass around, sloshing the wine to great visual effect, as he described specials that we already knew we didn't want. We wanted that legendary crab cake. My wife liked it so much the first time, she ordered it as an entree. (It's almost entree-priced, at $15.95). We also ordered the Flash Fried Beecher's Curds, a pub-style deep-fried cheese that sounded better than it was. "A little salty," said my wife. And so they were. After they cleared away the curds, we waited with anticipation for that crab cake. And waited. And waited. A good 15 minutes later, my wife's crab cake arrived. But not my entree. We waited some more. By this time, we were getting a little crabby ourselves. Finally, my entree came - but not the salad my wife had ordered. Eventually, we had our entire order and my wife took that first eagerly awaited bite. She frowned. "Very salty," she said. I tried it - and immediately grabbed my water glass. Salty? How about darn near inedible? Whoa. After that, we basically asked for the rest of the crab cake to go (so I can confirm our first reaction in the controlled environment that is our own home) and left. Did we mention the saltiness to the waiter? No - and I'll tell you why. We had already missed one ferry due to our late seating and I was not about to miss another one. Also, based on the curds, saltiness kind of runs in the family. And even if they brought another crab cake, they could not give us back the time we had spent waiting, first for a table and then, much too long, for our entrees to arrive. However, to Benjamin's credit, he acknowledged that wait was too long (because the "kitchen is really slammed right now" - thanks, but I don't tell you my problems; please don't tell me how busy the kitchen is) by comping the crab cake. So what happened since our first visit? My guess is that Kevin Davis is too busy and too distracted working on the soon-to-open Blueacre to spend much time on Steelhead Diner quality control. Look out Kevin. There's an art to managing multiple restaurants while maintaining the level of quality diners have come to expect. Steelhead Diner has lost us as customers, and I seriously doubt we will ever visit Blueacre, based on our recent experience.

    (2)

  • Lorna D.

    Because of my penchant for eating, I usually know the restaurant that I am going to patronize and the food that I will expect. This time around I didn't even think to ask my friend where we were going to eat... And sometimes this is the best because Steelhead Diner surprised and filled my stomach with the goodness of the Lord: Gumbo and Red Beans and rice!! My belly got a nice rub as a thank you for having such good food. When I first heard the word "diner", I automatically assumed that it would be burgers and breakfast food. Boy was I surprised when I walked in and saw the menu of salivation-inducing comfort food. Yes, they have gourmet burgers, but they also have pasta dishes, salads, sides of mac and cheese, and veges. It is a pretty complete menu that caters to every persons palate. You can be a vegan or a hearty-meat eater and fully enjoy a meal here. Since we had a reservation for 5 (Luckily b/c the place was packed for Saturday night)), there were 5 place settings waiting for us. The food menu for ordering is used as a placemat underneath your appetizer/bread plates and your glass for drinking water. The full wine menu is on the back of the food menu. The cocktail menu is in a booklet. After perusing the cocktail menu which has very innovative alcoholic ($9-$11.00) and non-alcoholic cocktails ($4-$5.00), I chose the Irrestible, a fruity alcoholic drink. It was really strong and tasted like a sweet tart. It definitely gave me a good buzz. Once we place our orders, they bring us a bread basket with a variety of choices from whole grain slices to herb foccacia bread. For spreading, they serve a triangular brick of butter coated/marinated in garlic oil with chooped green garlic leaves. It was all delicious and the bread was soft and moist. I just couldn't stop dipping the bread in the garlic oil. Someone ordered the fried cheese curds as an appetizer. The cheese is made of from Seattle's very own Beecher's cheese and it comes with 2 sauces for dipping (neither was marinara). These cheese poppers were perfect. They weren't oily and weren't so hot theat when you take a bite it burns your mouth. It's just warm enough that the cheese just melts in your mouth. MMMM!!! Some people ordered side salads as well. Though I didn't taste either, they were a sizeable portion and I mean that someone received a whole 1/2 head of lettuce with bacon and other goodies on top. I was almost envious that I didn't order one. Finally our entrees arrive and they are humongous!! I couldn't believe the portions. My red beans and rice ($6.95) was warm and moist with just the right mushiness and spice. The andouille sausage just made it so heavenly and divine. My gumbo ($7.95) was supposed to be a cup, but instead brought me a bowl w/o charging extra. It was so soothing to my stomach with the dark broth, okra, rice, andouille sausage, chicken, onions, garlic, peppers, etc. Since I knew I couldn't finish it I asked them to bring 5 spoons for everyone. No one could stop dipping their spoon in the gumbo. My friend even kept dipping the bread in the broth b/c it was so good. I was also able to taste others' dishes. The alfredo pasta with truffle oil ($14.95) and truffles was pleasing. The pasta was soft and the sauce was not too creamy. The truffles were perfect. The southern fried chicken was succulent and juicy. It was very crispy, but not oily and salty as other fried chickens and not just KFC. And it looked like a wole chicken from my point of view. I think that it was just a half chicken but maybe it was just that plump. The Alaskan Cod ($21.95) was softly flaky and moist. The sauce and garnish complement the fish very well. The cod just melts in your mouth. The vegetarian squash dish ($7.95) was the real surprise. It wasn't too sweet as expected and was very fragrant and flavorful with the ginger and cinnamon. The squash was moist and cooked to perfection. Overall, it was an extraordinary dinner full of laughs and fun. The noise level was fine, but maybe we just talk loud. The lighting is good and I could see everone's faces clearly through my alcoholic buzz. The waiters and waitresses were friendly and attentive, always filling our water glasses and even asking to fill our water glasses. This is on my list of definite returns or "Go To" Places in Seattle.

    (5)

  • Kerrie C.

    Looked at previous reviews and was excited to take my non foodie BF here for a little fancier meal. Thought upscale diner food would do it!! We go there an hour early for our reservation as we were STARVING. They were very accommodating and seated up immediately. We got the crab and shrimp tater tots and crab cake for an app. The tots were nothing fab. The crab cake I found delicious. We ordered entrees and he got fish and chips and I got the salmon on the recommendation of our lack luster waiter. The fish and chips came out inedible. It seemed as the fryer wasn't hot enough and they just left the fish in there until it did get hot enough. It was soaked in grease and was sitting in a puddle on the plate. My salmon was ordered medium but showed up well and was dry. The waiter took the fish and chips and offered to get us something else but we declined. It was taken off our bill. The menu looked great and I'd give it a whirl again but will be hard pressed to get my bf there with me. Hope this was just a freak experience.

    (2)

  • h l.

    This place was absoutely packed on a thursday night but there were some seats at the chefs counter to take without an hour wait so we did. We had a nice view of the chaos in the kitchen, kinda like watching Top Chef in real life, and the waiter was very nice. We ended up getting an appetizer "compliments of the chef" which I thought was so nice, but some fish was skin on it so I passed and let my boyfriend dig in. I ordered the Vegetarian Chili which was so full of fresh ingredients and so full of flavor I could have ordered 2 or 3. My boyfriend got the Wagyu Beef Burger and it looked juicy and delicious. This was a great find, great food, and great service!

    (4)

  • Edward M.

    I've heard pretty good reviews from this place and was a little disappointed. Went here a few months ago and it was pretty much unremarkable. I can't even really remember what I had but I know it was not impressive, maybe a sandwich. Went with a group of 6 and none of the food was special, from salad to soup to entree. A little bit overpriced for lack of quality, especially from a place inside pikes market

    (2)

  • Daniel P.

    Steelhead Grill My friend had been in town recently and went to this place 3x in a couple days. We went here based on this decent recommendation. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable Bread for the table is a nice whole grain wheat and a light cheese & wheat accompanied by a little slab of butter covered by a light basil oil. Interesting, but not exciting to me. Bread was lacking flavor on both accounts for me; soft in texture as well for decent spreading and mouthfeel; wonderish... Lauded caviar pie was interested. A pie shape of sour cream & cream cheese with a hint of onion topped by 4 types of eggs on a plate with two types of crostini looking like the same bread they brought to the table for nibbles and a little chop of onions & pickled capers. It was interesting, though the cream cheese over powered the caviar. I left wishing I had more eggs & less cream. Fried Cheese Curds - hmm...why? They are created well - very light fry accompanied by a honey mustard sauce and something else not memorable. My thought - chewy like rubber, fried like anything, no flavor, blah. Wedge salad was meant to be a fresh, wet, crunch palate cleanser with the fried food we ordered. It came out completely buried in a lake of dressing. It was inedible unfortunately. Komomoto oysters - clean, fresh, briney goodness - market price at $2.50; interesting side of frozen mignonette. Jumbo lump Dungeness crab roll - I missed that it was fried. WTF?! Why fry one of the best flavored, delicate, sweet crabs in the world? I was hoping it was west-coast-style east-coast lobster roll. Roll was way too large - bready. Flavor of the crab was muted by the fry AND the Cheese! More WTF? Waste of good food. BTW - near perfect potato fries accompanying it were best part of the dish. Fried smelt - crispy fried little fishes were overpowered by the mustard sauce. I would have liked either more of a vinegar sauce to cut that the fry or a creamy aioli to mask to the fry...could have been a contender. Wine list has a decent variety of options; wonder who created the program as it has some oddities versus decent regional representations. Overall, I think that the menu was thoughtfully designed for the Pike Place tourist market. Interesting combinations; just not 100% delivered potential.

    (2)

  • Stevanne A.

    ok it was just excellent. Checked what other Yelpers said about 5 places we were considering.Found most agreement for this one. Made reservation. Arrived on time and seat in booth available within a few minutes. Waiters working as a team were just perfect (Zack and Lindsey) We ordered drinks. Food.Excellent Veg Chili, latkes, Trout, broccoli we learned a lot about local beers and wines also. excellent food service and location. cant wait to return again;. wonderful experience.

    (5)

  • Silvia C.

    Took my visiting brother there for Sunday lunch and we had a very enjoyable experience. The menu is terrific, so it was difficult to decide, but we loved our choices (burger for him, vegetable chili for me). I'll be back to try the other things that sounded so good.

    (5)

  • Megan D.

    My husband and I went here the other night for dinner. Menu looked good, my husband ordered the crispy chicken sandwich, I ordered the clams and the seasonal green salad. The salad was awesome, great dressing, greens, cheese, etc. My husband had chicken bones in the first three bites of his sandwich. Other than that, he seemed to like it. I had sand in every bite of my clams. The flavor was good, but having gritty bites was not fun. I would probably pass on this place again. Service was great, food was disappointing.

    (2)

  • Romeo V.

    Went here with a group of friends for a birthday... I knew that the place was small but I was surprised that they had a backroom. The decor was dark but very cool. I ordered the NOLA Fried Oyster sandwich which were accompanied with french fries. I traded half the sandwich with a friend for a NOLA Uli's Sausage sandwich. Both sandwiches are very good. The NOLA refers to the New Orleans, Louisiana Po' Boy style sandwich...dressed in mayonnaise, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles on a french roll. Other peeps ordered the mussels, the fried chicken sandwich, mac and cheese, poutine, fried catfish, etc. The meals looked very appetizing. I tried some of the potine, catfish, and mac/cheese. I would definitely order the mac/cheese in the future. The prices weren't too bad, maybe a little on the expensive side but it's expected since it's next to the Pike Place Market. Our server, Jeff, did an excellent job. He was very good with our refills and with making dinner suggestions. I plan to take my better half here for dinner sometime soon. I'm sure she'll enjoy a meal here. If you've never been here before, start off with ordering a sandwich or order something from the starters/appetizer menu.

    (4)

  • Nelly H.

    Steelhead Diner is our home base for dinner on weekdays. The food, drinks and service are always great and leave us happy and full. The food is always seasonal and fresh, and they always have something special for the season you're in. A little pricey, but well worth it! Instead of trying to decide where to go for dinner when we're tired and hungry and risk a bad experience, we head over to Steelhead where we know we'll get a great meal for a reasonable price.

    (4)

  • Richard C.

    The Sequimbled poached eggs with crab for brunch is delicious.

    (5)

  • Shauna L.

    On a toasty July afternoon while enjoying the Pike Place Market, my sisters and I dined at the Steelhead Diner. We started out with the Dungeness crab and bay shrimp tater tots and they were delicious! The tiger sauce and celery leaf salad garnish truly enhanced the dish. The fish and chips were crisp and flavorful, and yielded 3 nice size pieces. We ended the meal with the flourless chocolate brownie. It is served with gingered chukar cherries and a yummy coconut almond ice cream. I am still craving it! I thoroughly recommend dining at the Steelhead!

    (4)

  • Laur D.

    Wow. Just wow. Thanks to the Ghost pepper vendor, my friends and I went here. Thank God this space wasnt as crowded as the other eateries. Food was delicious. The crab tater tots, the brutus salad, and sequimbled eggs were divine! Our waiter Wade was great. Will come again.

    (5)

  • Joy L.

    Amazing. Absolutely amazing. The clam chowder and the cod are MUST-HAVES! Get those two and you'll be in seafood heaven :)

    (5)

  • Dave T.

    A tad pricey, the clams were underwhelming, but the beer and service were top notch. I feel like there are options with a bit more personality nearby

    (3)

  • Veronica P.

    Great Crab Cake!!! Large chunks of actual Crab!! I also had the Burger, grilled mushroom and red onion with white cheddar..........delish!! My hubby had the fish and chips. He really enjoyed the large portion of fish. Better flavor and texture than most. Overall a 5 star. You get what you pay for. Definitely worth it and will return if visiting again.

    (5)

  • Paul L.

    Great seafood. Crowded and a bit noisy but well worth it. Would definitely go back. I had the Alaskan salmon. It was incredible. The appetizers were delicious. I loved the crab tater tots. Unique spices at the table. Smoked salt. Cartic chili black pepper. Fantastic.

    (4)

  • Gary D.

    We stopped here for brunch at noon on Saturday after all other places locally had stopped serving brunch. Found one of the best brunches I have ever had. East or west. My wife had poached eggs with salmon, I had the the poached with dungeness crab. Both were amazing. AMAZING. Beer menu sounded great but just too early for us. Will be back next time in Seattle.

    (5)

  • Conrad J.

    Overall one of the best dinners I've had in a couple years. Can't say enough about this place. Ate on the back patio which was a relaxing ambiance and I had the juiciest thickest salmon. Waiter was nice and extremely knowledgeable. 10/10

    (5)

  • Travis G.

    Delicious food and fantastic service. Tony was a wonderful server and took great care of us.

    (5)

  • Kathy L.

    Five stars for Steelhead diner. This place has great food but also important is the people that work there. I was visiting from out of town and left my I Phone there and Richard went out of his way to ship it back to me. Which meant going to UPS and getting a box and then going back to mail it. This is a busy diner and he managed to go out of his way to make sure I got my phone back. WOW was I impressed. Thank you so much Richard. I got my phone this am. I will be back when I visit Seattle again Kathy Lamr

    (5)

  • Junior M.

    This place is listed as one of Seattle's top restaurants but it is horrible! Don't even waste your time! Our sever Madeline was very rude and somehow our order got messed up. We waited 30-40 minutes for our appetizers to come out but instead the food came first. I had to ask about the appetizers that we had been patiently waiting for. I would think clam chowder is something already made that just needs to be dished up! She never came back to our table to at least say the food is coming but we never got water refills so I'm not surprised. Go somewhere else, as a first timer here I was deeply disappointed! We ordered the fish and chips...nothing special but the fries were good. Chicken sandwiches...both orders burnt black! Crab tater tots... Came so late we didn't get to eat them...I've had better. Gumbo...bland Clam chowder...this was a disgrace to chowder... Yuck!

    (1)

  • Anastacia W.

    Food here was decent. Not the best, some dishes were better than others. I would avoid the wedge salad and the chowder isn't thick or creamy enough for my liking. The salmon entree however was DELI-CIOUS!! Definitely worth getting...

    (3)

  • Joan F.

    SD hardly needs another glowing review, but this place is great. We sat on the patio for a quiet, slow paced brunch. The service was sublime, and the food exceeded our expectations--next time I'll order the house salad; it had it all--great presentation, house made dressing and crisp bacon. The fries with the sandwiches were hot and crisp, but the fish tacos were the real star of the meal. Perfectly flash fried fish with a zesty, citrusy cole slaw. Nice balance in that dish. The waiter made a minor error and corrected it immediately. His tone and demeanor were just right--friendly and funny while staying unobtrusive. We'll be back!

    (4)

  • Mandy L.

    Best Crab Cake Ever!!! Second time here.... First visit our waiter was a jerk and very rude. (Michael, maybe) can not remember his name but he had blonde highlights. This evening our waiter was much better. Crab cakes second time around.... Still amazing!

    (5)

  • Steve C.

    My family and I ended up here after scouting almost all the Pike Place offerings. We lucked out. This place is great. It's a very nice restaurant and there is a cool vibe in the place. I had a hamburger, but would have also enjoyed the good looking fish & chips; and probably should have gone for the house salad. The house salad is stacked up high and looks gorgeous. I even like the fly fishing pattern on the plates; something I generally don't notice, but it's cool.

    (4)

  • Tori N.

    LUNCH REVIEW ONLY: Atmosphere, Service, & Food: 5 stars! My dining companion and I tried their BLT salad, cuban sandwich with fries, and side of chili. All were surprisingly excellent. We both were impressed with the portion size and agreed it was a good value for the price which is on par with all other local restaurants in the area. Located on Pine, across the street from Cafe Campagne-- this place is a gem. I would recommend this place to anyone that is interested in grabbing a meal during their visit to Pike Place Market.

    (5)

  • Charles P.

    We ended up at Steelhead on a Friday evening after trying a few other places who were already booked. We (group of 4) were seated within 10 minutes, which was great. We chose to sit outside on the back terrace. First off was drinks. I was in the mood for beer, and since I was on vacation, wanted a local beer. The drink menu shows 10 local beers in bottles, 7 in cans and a separate (ask your waiter) draught option. I ended up with a draught selection, which was decent. Since we got there around 5:30ish, we were given the early bird menu option. All 4 of us ordered from here. We ordered- Jumbo Lump Dungeness Crab Cake (with crispy parsley & sauce louis)- This was very good, very meaty. Lots of crab in here, which is not always the case in a lot of restaurants. Perfect amount of sauce, not overwhelming. I would love to eat this again, I just don't know if I would want to dish out the $17 for it each time. Pike Place Cioppino (mediterranean mussels, gulf shrimp, fin fish, torchio pasta, steamed potato, spicy tomato broth & grilled bread). $25 The cioppino was good, I wouldn't say I loved it though. There was a good amount and selection of seafood, they definitely do not cut corners or take shortcuts here. I think the highlight of the dish was the spicy spread on the bread. The waiter explained the ingredients, but they fail me now. That spread was amazing though. Grilled Stuffed Pork Chop A La Saltimboca (w/prosciutto, mozzarella stuffing, roasted garlic, mashed potatoes, wilted chard & marsala sauce). $28 This dish was really really good. I would come back here to eat this again. The pork chop was grilled perfectly. It wasn't overdone so not dry, and the prosciutto and mozzarella inside was pure bliss. There are so many dining options in Seattle, so I can't say for certainty that I will be back here again, but if I am, I am 100% ordering the stuffed pork chop again.

    (3)

  • Rob D.

    If you're in Seattle, the real Seattle, down by the waterfront, and you want some down-home cooking, then this is the place. Yes, it's a diner, but don't be fooled: the food is great quality! Whether the huge house salad, local fish, or delights from across the boarder, like poutine, you won't be disappointed. Portions are large, so come hungry. Whether you're looking for some "stick to your ribs" dishes on a cool Winter evening, or a lighter, healthy dish during the summer months, there's plenty of good options to choose from.

    (5)

  • Brooke G.

    Was worried this would be just another tourist spot but the food was amazing And the people who worked there were so nice. I had the best clam chowder I've ever had in my life! The Bloody Mary was delicious, and the crab tator tots were excellent as well. To top it off, the olive oil that came with the bread was so good I wanted to drink it ;). Go here now!!

    (5)

  • Gayle R.

    Not diner food that's for sure! Started with the crab & shrimp tater tots; def a good twist on the tots! Yummy!! Co-worker had the Kasu marinated Oregon black cod with shiitake mushrooms, baby bok choy & carrot ginger salad...great flavors & cod was melt in your mouth! I stuck with the fish and chips; light crispy batter & yummy Alaskan cod & yes to the tarter sauce & vinegar! Also shared the goat cheese & honey cheesecake w/fig & candied sauce; pretty yummy; wasn't very big, but perfect to share after the main course as they aren't shabby on the portions! Be prepared to have a lighter wallet though; our check came out to $100 with the tip (this is for 2) so needless to say; it's a little on the pricey side!

    (5)

  • Grace D.

    I really wanted to like this place, but the triple threat of bad service, subpar food, and an enormous bill left me completely disappointed. My parents and I showed up here late on a Friday night based on a recommendation from a local - in retrospect, he only cited the crab and shrimp tater tots as being great, and they totally were! However, a restaurant cannot survive on one appetizer alone. We started with those, and then the house salad, which was a bit... confusing? It more or less resembled a salad sandwich, with a head of lettuce cut in half and most of the "toppings" stacked between the two halves. The bacon was at least good, super crispy without being burned, and was probably the only saving grace of this entire dish. While the salad's menu description listed "avocado", there was only one measly little piece of (browning) avocado on the entire salad. I think the worst thing was the dressing - we couldn't quite figure out what it was, until my mom made the comment that it tasted like ranch dressing and cocktail sauce mixed together. Gross. So gross. Forks hit the table after that. My fish and chips were okay, nothing to write home about, and certainly not worth the hefty $19 price. Was the fish hoisted out of the ocean two minutes after I ordered? Fried to golden beer battered perfection and served fresh and piping hot? No? Then there is no reason this dish should have been $19. Other dishes ordered included the Black Cod, which my dad cited as "just okay" - he also found a nibble of meat hidden under his fish that he swears was the Pork Rib Chop, so take that however you please. My mom was happy with the seafood in her Cioppino, especially the shrimp, but said that the sauce and pasta were both flavorless. Her favorite thing in her dish was the mysterious red "butter" on top of her grilled toast, which admittedly was amazing, but why is a main dish getting stood up by bread and butter? Yikes. To top it all off, service was laughable. There appeared to be no actual hostess - getting seated took two people and about 10 minutes, and for a mostly empty restaurant, that seems a bit ridiculous. As we were finally being seated, the waitress leading us was stopped by an annoyed looking lady asking to get her check - probably the first red flag of bad service. My water sat empty most of the time - repeatedly the booth in front of us would get water refills and then the waitress would turn around and walk away without glancing at our table. Looking back, it was a bit comedic just how bad this experience was. Take my advice - do not go here. I honestly think it's best to get away from Pike Place by even a few blocks, just to potentially reduce "tourist pricing", but if you have to stay in the market, maybe try another place.

    (2)

  • Janet S.

    Celebrated our 25th anniversary here. Came here upon recommendation from a gal at a nearby wine tasting place. Hubby had fish and chips, I had the clam chowder. Food was fine, nothing out of the ordinary.

    (3)

  • Todd B.

    Short and sweet (on vacation)... Service a 5. Matt the bartender knows his beer (super important to me!). Great local selection on draft. Food got a 4 by all. Fish and chips (more like a 4.5). Burger was good, but a bit under cooked. Fries - a 4. Clam Chowder and chicken sandwich both a 4. Our server Tony - his 1st day - killed it. Easy 5. Off to sight-see. Thanks!

    (4)

  • Olivia S.

    This restaurant is sort of fancy. It's sort of a medium restaurant. We ended up at it because there were really long lines at all the other restaurants and fast-food places. It isn't that noisy and it isn't as busy as the other restaurants and fast-food places in the Pike Place Market. It is a fairly big restaurant. They had complementary bread and a butter basil olive oil blend that was very delicious. Beware, though. It's so good that you might not even be hungry when your main course comes. The food is fancy. The spring rolls on the "savory starters" part don't really look like a typical spring roll. My dining companions liked the spring roll and tater tots. I did not really. The spring roll's chicken is breaded and there are too many seeds. The thing that I kept going back to was the bread. The clam chowder was delicious. It was kind of spicy but not too much. The food isn't that fast, but likely faster than the other restaurants in the area with giant lines going out the door. The restaurant is fairly clean and the booths are comfortable. The staff is friendly. They have recommendations for you.

    (4)

  • Brad A.

    Wow - terrible steamed clams! Nice location but very little seafood and a small menu. Not recommended

    (1)

  • Dionne L.

    Sad that my burger and my friends steak were both over cooked. Service was good and the manger took care of us.

    (3)

  • Tess O.

    This restaurant is one of those places that you miss how good there food is when you leave and your mouth waters when you think of it, and you just smile when you think of your experience there. This restaurant was the best restaurant I've ever been to. It had amazing service and amazing food.

    (5)

  • Lani K.

    A friend and I were visitng Seattle over the weekend and were looking for a place for get a late night dinner on Sunday. Most of the other restaurants in the immediate area were already closed...it was 9:50 pm. We saw that this diner was still open and even though they were officially closing at 10pm, we were graciously welcomed in and immediately seated. Our waitress was friendly and helpful and our food was incredible. We ordered poutine, crab cakes and clam chowder. Everything was great and the clam chowder was the best I have ever had. i definitely plan on going back to this lovely place the next time I visit Seattle. Thank you for giving us such a great experience :)

    (5)

  • Tom S.

    My wife and I walked past Steelhead several times on our return to our hotel on Pine Street. On our last night in Seattle we decided to give a try and as the saying goes we saved the best for last. The beet salad was the best salad I had all week.

    (4)

  • Linh N.

    5 stars for accommodating me after I decided to crash my friend friend's birthday dinner and for all the amazing staff that had to deal with our obnoxious, drunk ass. The dinner here was amazing, expensive but so yummy! I am still thinking about the food here. My friends and I decided to just order a couple dishes and split it among us 4. We ordered a dungeness crab cake, clams, pike place ciopinno, and the coffee crusted ribeye steak. The ciopinno was SO good, there was tons of seafood and the flavoring and seasoning of the soup was perfect. I thoroughly enjoyed this dish and so did my friends. The clams were okay to me, I don't see how you can mess up some clams? Unless you over season them haha. The Dungeness crab cake would have been the highlight of my meal but I had a piece of the steak and it became my #2. The cake was swimming in huge chunks of crab and I love that every time I assume I wasn't going to get any crab pieces, I did! Too bad my other two friends didn't get to try the Dungeness crab cake, they would have loved it. Okay, so last but not least, the coffee crusted ribeye, I honestly went into my first bite thinking it was just going to be some boring ol steak but that quickly changed. The steak was SO tender and so flavorful I swear the steak melted in my mouth! After the first bite I knew I had to have more and I would have quickly fought my friends for it but by the time I got to the steak, I was so full that I could barely fit in the last few bites of steak. We were really loud and we had a fairly large party. I really love how amazing the service was. We kept asking the server to take our picture. My drunk friend was yelling at one of the managers like he was one of our friend and not once did he lose his cool. He was even laughing and talking to us. I really like that. Sorry to any other patron dining there when we were. We were so loud and so rowdy that I could feel a lot of attention being directed at our corner of the restaurant haha. I will definitely be back here for hh or something just because the service and staff were so great.

    (5)

  • Nicole S.

    My best friend is a fan of Steelhead Diner so we went while I was recently visiting from Boston. The dinner we had was awesome. The atmosphere, service, and food are all great. I fell in love with the Dungeness Crab and Shrimp Tater Tots ($9). They are a must get. I really do insist upon it. When the plate of crisp tots that have lumpy cheesy insides is delivered to your table be sure to grab your share or your other table mates will steal them right in front of you. I had their House Salad ($12) that was a pretty generous portion. It was large enough to be a meal. Had I known what Lorenzo dressing was I might have asked to change it to ranch or blue cheese- my bad. We finished off with a slice of chocolate pecan pie ($9) that brought me right back to Thanksgiving 4 months prior. When I visit Seattle again I will have to come back. The tots are waiting for me!

    (4)

  • Jene G.

    Just ok. I don't know why everyone loves this place so much. For the price, we were disappointed in the quality and pace of the meal. It felt rushed from beginning to end. We had the pasta dish and the trout tacos. The fish was not well prepared, there were too many pin bones. The sauces on both dishes were good, but we expected more for a $70 dinner. We were rushed in and out in under an hour. We won't be returning.

    (2)

  • Teaira L.

    Despite being close to the Public Market, I would hardly call the Steelhead Diner a tourist trap. Thank goodness Cafe Campagne, across the ways, was in-between lunch and dinner, only providing small plates. I wanted a full meal, appetizers included. Immediately upon entering, I was feeling the vibe of the place. The expansive windows let in sheets of natural light and its location provided a unseen perspective of Post Alley, the water, and the market. Given the hour, we were seated promptly. The features contributing to the "diner" atmosphere are the tables with rounded steel corners and etched edges, with place-mat menus, glass Heinz ketchup bottles, and low booths. Lining the tops of the booths were fish hooks enclosed in a glass case. Don't come to this place thinking it is a diner diner. It is a mix of old and new, descriptive of Seattle in restaurant form. Complimentary Bread? Yes, sourdough and softened butter with olive oil Appetizer: Golden Mussels Main Dish: Pike Place Cioppino (me) and Fish & Chips (mum) Beverages: Jone's Soda Ginger Ale and Root Beer - Unlimited refills The Golden Mussels were absolutely tender. There were served in the bi-valve shell with a most fragrant, but not overpowering sauce. I avoided the bacon atop the mussels, but I honestly did not feel like I was missing out. My cioppino was as the waiter described, a good variety of everything: some fish fillets, clams, mussels, and a couple of jumbo shrimp all in a tomato-based broth with pasta and toasted bread. I thought that the bread would be stale. You know how what I'm talking about. Other restaurants think: We can serve somewhat stale bread because the customer is going to dunk it in the soup. Well, Steelhead is not like the others. The bread was fresh and I could eat it without being softened by the broth. My mum had the Fish & Chips and to her delight, she exclaimed, "It's real fish!" I sampled their fries; this is how fries should taste, with a fully cooked center and golden exterior with the right amount of sea salt. I could not stop eating their fries. Lastly, I appreciate Steelhead Diner serving Jone's Soda. Support local business!

    (5)

  • Tim K.

    Fucking amazing. Everything from the privileged tater tots to the wine to the salmon - our waitress knocked it out of the park with a recommendation to have it in polenta and I was blown away. It was some pregnant chick with short blonde hair and she was awesome. She even went the extra mile to get us 2 more privileged tots (I think they went to private school or something) because they initially had 6, and we were a group of 4. So we all had 2. Bomb.com - you won't regret. Perfect for a graduation dinner or introducing your girlfriend to your family for the first time.

    (5)

  • Matt E.

    Excellent seafood, drinks and service. This was my favorite restaurant in the Seattle area. I can't wait to go back!

    (4)

  • Anneke D.

    Steelhead serves the best fish and chips I've ever tasted, with creamy tartar sauce and hot pepper-infused vinegar (best accompanied by their root beer on tap). Their Brutus salad (a Caesar with pinenuts) is also delicious. The oysters are a little pricy ($3.50 per inch-long oyster), particularly given the fact that Pike Place is just down the street and fresh oysters are in endless supply...

    (5)

  • Mike V.

    As part of a friend's party, we had lunch at the Steelhead. Now I feel that the name is a bit misleading. A "Diner" is normally a casual place featuring a wide variety of foods. This place should be called "Steelhead" because if you like seafood, this is your spot. If not, you might have a hard time finding something. The menu is somewhat limited in variety but what is apparent is the attention to what is cooked and the presentation. In my party we had everything from the habenero tater tots, clam chowder, fried chicken sandwich and more. Everything looked good and no one had anything negative to say about the food. Best part of the experience was the waiter Patrick. Our party was originally outside on the terrace but it being cold out. without an issue, he moved us inside. During the summer I am sure that is lovely but 50 is too cold for outside dining.

    (2)

  • Julia B.

    I hadn't been here in a few years, and last night for my birthday we came here for dinner. I have to say it has gone downhill. The food was mostly not very good, the service was lacking and the whole restaurant was just run down. The bathrooms were dirty and it was simply a disappointment. The bill was quite large for such a lackluster experience. I will not be back.

    (2)

  • Tom M.

    Steelhead is on the hill leading to the Pike Place Market. It's popular and people like being there. It's obvious. I'm sure that given the location it's largely tourists but that's not necessarily a detraction. It's loud and it's crowded but no matter. It has a nice ambience anyway. It was an enjoyable experience and very nice to be in the area for Christmas. Service was prompt and I didn't really have a problem with it, BUT, the server himself. There was just something I couldn't quite put my finger on but you know how it is. The service can be good but you just don't like the server. There seemed to be an underlying issue going on there that we were just too much bother for him and he'd rather be somewhere else. Nothing personal. There was an extensive wine list and the Pinot Gris paired nicely with my meal. I had the sautéed sole and though it was nicely done it really required the lemon and capers to give it flavor. I found the bed of garlic mashed potatoes to be equally as bland and completely unimaginative. If I order garlic mashed potatoes I expect to taste some garlic. Might be willing to try again next time we're here. It just didn't seem worth the price for what I had. 28 bucks for a fillet of sole? It's not exactly a high end fish but it sure had a high end price tag.

    (3)

  • Rad C.

    I'm really unimpressed with this place. I came in this Friday night at 8:15pm and sat down at the bar. The bartender was right in front of me but didn't acknowledge me for the 20 minutes I sat there. After this I got up and left. I don't know what was up with this guy but he definitely noticed me as I was sitting right in front of him while he served everyone around me but me. I'm a regular looking guy and was wearing a collard shirt. Lame and kind of humiliating.

    (1)

  • Susie C.

    Another recommendation to come here. After our hike we came here for lunch. Got seated around 2pm, still pretty busy! but it must be the area and that it was a Sunday afternoon. Majority of the items on this menu are fried. My husband and I are not big fans of it, but if you like fried food this is the place to go. I wasn't that hungry and I wanted to save my appetite for dinner. I ordered the dungeon crab and shrimp tater tots and jumbo crab cake. The crab cake was expensive for the size we got. My husband ordered their fish tacos. The tater tots were okay - expensive for 6 pieces of tots. The presentation was nice. The crab cake was pretty good. My husband didnt finish half of his fish tacos. It was too fried and drenched into sauce. Overall we didnt enjoy the food - maybe because everything was fried. We should've known better.

    (1)

  • Belu M.

    Yummy! From the complimentary bread to the ambitious dishes they serve. With a lovely view of the Pike Place Market and the water. Good for big groups!

    (5)

  • Josh B.

    My friend's mom was visiting and she wanted to do some browsing and experiencing down by Pikes Place Market. After getting lost in the labyrinth and of course buying some flowers, the topic of food came up as we needed to munch before heading over to the other touristy destinations. Since I don't like to waste a lot of time talking about things instead of doing, I decided we'd go to Steelhead. I had never been before. It was late afternoon and it was busy but there was no wait and we were quickly seated. It was nice to get a decent view out the windows out to the market and water. The waitress was helpful in conversation about certain items on the menu and our order was put in. Although the Yelp site says vegetarians go nuts for this place, I honestly didn't see a lot on the menu that was veg-friendly. Maybe I need to get my glasses changed or something. I ordered the vegetarian chili. My friend got the El Cubano. Her mom got a plate of salmon with a side of collard greens. The chili was loaded with all sorts of autumn vegetables and very flavorful. It was a quite decent bowl of chili if I do say so myself. I ate the whole thing. My friend also enjoyed the El Cubano which is a pulled pork sandwich with melted gouda & salsa verde. Her mom also enjoyed the salmon as she wanted some sort of seafood during her experience in Seattle. The collard greens were a bit bland and not strongly flavored by any means. At $8 for basically a side item, I was expecting my socks to be knocked off. Alas, my socks and shoes stayed on and laced. The mac 'n cheese my friend's daughter got was very very rich and creamy. I was worried on her behalf because most people I don't think eat a large bowl of super creamy mac as a main entrée, and she had to tap out only a quarter of the way through. Although we mainly enjoyed our meal, I think there isn't a lot of selection or quantity of items on the menu. I would have rather taken my friend's tourist mother to some place elsewhere that would have had a better selection of seafood seeing as Seattle, the Puget Sound, and the coast are pretty well known for the seafood. Also, the place is slightly pricy. It's not high-end pricy but for a small lunch we spent around $75. We had a great experience even though the fire alarm in the building suddenly went off and stayed on for a large percentage of our meal. I'd give this place 3.5 stars.

    (3)

  • Kate B.

    The food here is fabulous and the service was very good. I came here with my dad and experienced genuinely tasty food. The crab tater tots were different but delicious and perfectly-cooked. This is a very good and uniquely Seattle type of restaurant. A great place to take visitors not only for the great seafood, but for the view of the market from the main dining area. My seafood cioppino was tasty and a HUGE serving. I had trouble finishing half of it. There was tons of pasta and seafood in the soup and I could barely eat all of the seafood in the soup. The seafood was perfectly cooked and the soup was flavorful and well-seasoned. My only issue is that the restaurant feels somewhat cramped. When you're walking from one area to another, you're going to undoubtedly bump into a number of people (especially if the restaurant is full- which it often is). Because it was so busy when I visited, sometimes we had trouble getting our server's attention. Nothing horrible, just a minor quibble.

    (4)

  • Anna S.

    We solely went here because our bartender at Buon Tavola told us to go here. This was my first visit to Seattle, so I was really hoping that the food would be excellent. While it wasn't excellent, the food was solidly good and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to other friends who visit the Pike Place Market area. We luckily made it in time for the HH, and were able to partake of the reasonably priced cocktails and beer (which are a steal during this time). Also, we had the clam sliders (yummy) and the crab/shrimp tater tots (must try). We ended our snack session with a berry cobbler tart type dessert (options change daily). It was quite a pleasant ending to our meal, especially because it was served a la mode. Would I go back here again on my next Seattle trip? Probably not, but if you're hungry and you see this restaurant, do dive in.

    (3)

  • Simon B.

    I went here twice early April, once for a business lunch and once for a dinner. The place has a good atmosphere and is just above the Pike Street Market. I had the fish and chips the first night as it had decent reviews but being an Englishman I can say that it was disappointing and overpriced. It was merely okay. The next day I had a chicken sandwich and it was fine, better than the fish and I enjoyed it but felt it was too pricey for a lunch. They do have a splendid drinks menu. Not sure I'd go back for anything other than drinks but it does have a nice vibe and was pretty popular.

    (3)

  • Meghann F.

    Really great food, the mussels were HUGE and delicious. I got the trout - it was smiling at me when I got it and I smiled back as I ate it. Very good, the salad with it (thai basil) was really great and so refreshing!!! The food was outstanding and I would highly recommend!

    (5)

  • Z G.

    Arguably the best piece of fish I've ever had. Black cod. Asian-esque theme even the parsnips they paired it with were great. My craft cocktail was perfect as well, complete with fresh plum from Ryan's tree (bartender). My husband had perfectly prepared sole - excellent flavor. We split green beans also incredible. You get what you pay for- not cheap but one of the first restaurants where I actually felt like it was worth the price not just paying for a fancy restaurant. We had a nice view of the bay too:)

    (5)

  • Nikita S.

    I had never been to this place personally to eat, but after the first place my date selected was busy & gushing out what seemed to be hot air, I suggested we check out Steelhead. I know he was in the mood for seafood & since Seattle is my stomping ground, not his.. I had to suggest something quick! Im so glad we landed here. Our server, Patrick was on his A-game! He greeted us with a smile, checked on us just enough, kept the water flowing, & in the beginning was even willing to move our whole table just to get us out direct sun light. My date ordered something along the lines of a seafood pasta. The only reason he said it caught his attention was that it had JUMBO shrimp. Lol .. so when his bowl came & there was only TWO shrimp spotted, welp you can already guess that was NOT ok. My date notified Patrick & I'll say they BOTH handled the situation with grace. Without us knowing, here came someone else with a small bowl of more shrimp. Oh man...for me that was the icing on the cake. Patrick went above & beyond w/0 being asked & that was grand. We shared the shrimp & crab tater tots, which were amazing. I ordered the Kasu marinate halibut. Yum what a treat! So outside of great company, excellent customer service, a beautiful market bouquet.. we also shared laughs & smiles that many patrons were cheering us on due to being on our first date! So if u are walking around Pike Place & want great eats & a wonderful time, sashay on over to Steelhead. Thank u Patrick for assisting in making first date awesome!!

    (5)

  • Chad B.

    This place should star in chef Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares. Bad, nasty food, slow, retarded service, and dirty bathrooms with urine on the floor. Never again.

    (1)

  • Jerry C.

    Super menus, kitchen and presentation of dishes. Only downside is the noise and occasional rudeness of wait staff. However, the kitchen makes up for noise and waitstaff shortcomings. For the knives on the menu, table cloths would be nice...even though it calls itself a "diner". While it's cramped and noisy like a diner, it's prices are very "uptown". Nevertheless, the food is fantastic! My favorite dish is the salmon over polenta and cherries with browned butter sauce with almonds. I've attempted to replicate the dish at home...while I've come close, I'm still not quite up to the perfection of the Steelehead Diner.

    (4)

  • Suz B.

    Diner? Seafood? What? Oh my goodness was this place amazing! The boyfriend and I were in town for a wedding last week and we tried a lot of different restaurants that were O.K. But on our last evening dinner here, someone recommended to the bf to try this place. Now this place has what you call fabulous seafood meals. The crab cakes and salmon were BOMB!

    (5)

  • Joshua B.

    This place came recommended from a local colleague. Fantastic experience! The wine and cocktail lists were plentiful and of high quality. We started with the Alaskan Razor Clam Chowder, which was outstanding. Two of us had the Sauteed Oregon Petrale Sole, which was to die for, and the third had the Olive Crusted Alaskan Halibut. All were spectacular, and our waitress was friendly, helpful, and efficient. Bravo!

    (5)

  • John B.

    So I ate here with a colleague. I had eaten here a couple years ago during a visit to Seattle. I was disappointed that they did not have this fabulous caviar dish with great toast point. It was great during our visit. I got a cup of clam chowder to start and it was ok. Not overpowering with flavor but I could taste the hint of truffle. For my main, I ordered tortellini with lobster mushrooms. It was good but not great. While the lobster mushrooms were great, the pasta tasted almost as if it had been store bought. Service was good and they kept filling up my water. I'm a big water drinker. For a tourist trap, it is a good spot. For a standalone restaurant on it's own it's more meh.

    (3)

  • Jennifer S.

    We visited Steelhead Diner on our Gourmet walking tour of Seattle and I definitely enjoyed the stop. The restaurant is nice and the staff is friendly. Our taste here was clam chowder and a glass of white wine and both were awesome. I love good clam chowder and this was one of the best I'd had in a while. There was a lady in my group allergic to seafood and I kept eyeballing her untouched soup, wishing I had the nerve to ask her if I could have it! But, I maintained decorum and did not. One of the partners of the restaurant chatted with us about the wine we were drinking and it was an overall very nice experience. The menu looks so yummy, I would love to come back here and try some of their other dishes. Steelhead, you are on my "TO VISIT WHILE IN SEATTLE" list!

    (4)

  • Lauren P.

    Today was a VERY nice day in Seattle, so naturally, I couldn't just stay inside. I was having a belated birthday lunch with a friend and intended on going to Lowell's, but decided to give this place a try instead... And I'm glad we did. The diner has a great view of the water and of the market on the inside, and the balcony seating is just a view of Post Alley, but still lovely. Our waitress was very nice and got our drinks going right away and came right back to take our order. I won't lie in saying a lot of the stuff sounded a little too fancy and "out there" for me, so I ordered safe. I got the Painted Hills Grass Fed Beef Burger and it was AMAZING. It was cooked just to my liking and was a very good size. It was topped with large pickle slices (my favorite part of any burger), grilled red onions, sauteed button mushrooms, dijon mustard, mayo, and melted white cheddar. My only complaint was that it was hard to figure out where to start because of the size! The fries that accompanied the burger were just as amazing. The only part of my meal that I didn't like was the ranch... It tasted like the base was yogurt or something sweet. Not a fan. Overall, the service is great, the food is delicious, and the location is wonderful. I will definitely return in the future. I've heard that their weekend brunch menu is amazing!

    (4)

  • Linz B.

    This place was delicious!! Went to Seattle for a business trip and my team and I came to eat here. When we came in, we had five people, and they weren't eager to seat us at a table. But luckily there was room for us at the bar. As soon as we sat down, they gave us a free appetizer, which was awesome!! The waiter was very attentive and patient with my rowdy group, and the food was delicious. I ordered the Pike Place Cioppino, I totally recommend!

    (4)

  • Melissa G.

    I've been here twice and had a pretty different experience each time. The first time I went I was very very impressed. The place was packed and we had to sit at the bar. We ordered and everything that came out, my friend oooohh'd and ahhhh'd over. The chef was so very kind to give us some oysters to try and said they won an award the for the oysters and we had to try it. Oysters on the house=score! Then we saw something really unique and pretty and asked what it was and were told it's caviar pie! Again, the chef insisted that we try it. Wow, this was our lucky day. Caviar pie was excellent! By the way it was my first time trying caviar! I ordered the GRILLED ALASKAN TROLL KING SALMON* with Port Soaked Chukar Cherry, Smoky Almond & Rosemary Brown Butter Sauce- loved the cherries with the almonds...excellent taste combinations Jumbo lump dungeness crab cake-I'm not a huge crab cake fan overall, but it was good. Truffle oil mac and cheese-cant go wrong with this! I was sure to return after my first experience and great customer service for being a busy night. They really care about their customers. We even took a pic with the chef! On our next visit another time I was in Seattle, we were seated upstairs in a private area which I never knew existed and overlooked a courtyard. It was private and a different than the hustle and bustle down in the counter of the kitchen area like last time. Still the same taste of the food that I remembered from the first time I went here.I tried the house salad and it was a nice size salad. I see reviews have been mixed lately and I hope that I still enjoy the food as much as I remember.

    (4)

  • John T.

    We've been to Steelhead every time we've visited Seattle and it never gets boring. I always order a different type of fish, this time the black cod. I liked the spices they put on it but I didn't really like the consistency of the fish itself. Previously I had salmon and tuna there and really liked both of them. The servers are always attentive and helpful and the vegetables and salad are super-fresh.

    (5)

  • Sean G.

    HOLY CATS, was this place great! My wife and I went here while on vacation in July. Super friendly staff, great location and very creative food at an extremely reasonable price point considering the quality. I've paid double for upscale seafood in Chicago and New York City for something half as good. The Kasu Marinated Black Cod literally melts in your mouth - it was that perfect - and my new favorite words are "Dungeness Crab & Bay Shrimp Tater Tots!" Yes, they are as good as they sound! Spot-on martinis (I'm a Chicagoan, and we are sticklers about our gasoline with a twist) and the truly authentic Southern Fried Chicken my wife got was loaded with flavor - while I got loaded on the aforementioned martinis! This place is on my short list, and I will be back!

    (4)

  • Mark S.

    Another great meal at Steelhead. The razor clam soup with truffle oil adds new dimensions to an old favorite with great results. The sandwiches are a nice size and the veg sides -- collards, cauliflower -- are great. It's easy to dismiss Steelhead as touristy due to its location, but the restaurant delivers consistently high quality and innovative northwest cuisine at a decent price point and beautiful views.

    (4)

  • Martha A.

    The food is absolutely amazing and you will not find the taste anywhere else as the dishes are unique. It's a little pricey but well worth it.

    (4)

  • Madeleine E.

    I'd give them 4 1/2 stars if I could for the meal I had. However, my girlfriend's meal was closer to 3 stars. We started with the shrimp and crab tater tots. Who can resist tater tots? Not me! They were great. So much seafood - perfectly balanced. Wish they put more sauce on the plate. Request extra. I ordered the King salmon with creamy polenta and cherries. Fabulous! I was concerned it might be sweet, but it wasn't. Everything was cooked perfectly. I did not leave a drop left on my plate. She ordered the NY Strip. It was fine. Nothing special. There is way better meat in the Midwest. Yum. Yum.

    (4)

  • Brianna B.

    This review is long overdue as I have dined at steelhead again! I enjoyed the flavorful gumbo that I had. And I honestly can not remember what drink Matthew conjured up for me...but it was wonderful! I always have a wonderful experience at this restaurant. I'll be back in two weeks and hopefully I can make my way back to this wonderful gem

    (5)

  • Max S.

    Great Food every time! The atmosphere is wonderful and the servers are great. I always find something I want to eat on the menu. I finally got why their Cesar Salad is called Brutus... Took me a while! Great spot by the market.

    (4)

  • Queen G.

    This is our first time in Seattle, so we HAD to Check out Pikes Place Market. Decided to stop here for lunch because did not appear To be too busy. Service was fantastic. The servers were very friendly, professional, knowledgable, and paid attention to our every need. The ambiance was nice and the noise level was not to quiet or loud. We were seated by the window and had a lovely view of the town. Our food was DELICIOUS. I'm a fry fan and my fries were perfect. They came out piping hot, a little crunchy, and not too heavily salted. I ordered the Margharita chicken sandwich and WOW. Delicious and full of flavor! My husband has a Louisiana background and he says the gumbo he ordered was the BEST gumbo he has ever had and it did not even have seafood. He mentioned the gumbo was not heavy, and full of flavor. And last but not least, as a cheesecake Fan, I ordered their mint cheesecake and I was pleasantly surprised on how delicious that cheesecake was! The chefs in this place can throw DOWN. I can't imagine any food critic having anything to say negative about this place. And oh yes, I also ordered a lemon drop martini and the bartender nailed it! Long story longer, the next time I am in Seattle, I will definitely be visiting this restaurant again. And from reading reviews, I guess in the evenings, it is best to make a reservation and I can see why.

    (4)

  • Irene L.

    Very happy that I stumbled upon this place with my collaborator after a long weekend of working on a project in Seattle. We were exhausted but wanted to walk thru Pike's Place as he had never been. He ordered the steak, I got the greek salad with chicken, and we both tried the chowder. Very impressed! Well done. Perfectly prepared and great value considering the quality and location. Lively scene, great views, comfy booths.

    (4)

  • Teresa M.

    We were visiting Seattle on vacation and checked out the zagat review for steelhead which was great! Well it deserves all 5 stars! Great service, friendly wait staff! And the food was to die for! The salmon special on polenta was melting in my mouth it was so amazing! I would go here all the time if I lived here!

    (5)

  • S R.

    Uh, okay. So, I went to this place twice and each time something shitty happened. The first time my friend and I walked in~ we were seated near the chef's area. One of the chefs complained the ENTIRE TIME about how much he hated his job - which was...SO pleasant. I love hearing the people who cook my food complain in front of my face while I pay them with my hard-earned money. We ordered poutine which was cold as the devil's heart. Honestly, though - the large quantity of alcohol that my friend and I pumped into our systems made the experience less horrible. The second time around we were seated at a table near the window facing the market - which was, I GUESS, a step up. We ordered poutine again in order to give this place another chance and the fries were as hot as satan's armpit. THERE IS NO IN BETWEEN WITH THIS PLACE! hot and cold like Katy Perry's terrible 2008 single. Anyway, it's not Canada so I won't expect great poutine. Also, our waiter ignored us and some weird guy - who wasn't even wearing a waiter uniform but instead an ugly plaid shirt and pumpkin spice colored pants - kept staring at our table while taking a whole 15 minutes to fix one light bulb. 15 MINUTES! How stupid can - you know what? I won't dwell on it. As a Seattle native...this place was pretty disappointing. However, I'll give this place 2 stars due to the strong ass cocktails. HATS OFF TO YOU, BARTENDER!

    (2)

  • F K.

    Food was really good. My friends and I had the Grilled Alaskan Troll King Salmon and Pike Place Cioppino. For dessert we ordered the Spiced Chai Cheesecake which was ok. Service was also good.

    (4)

  • Duane T.

    I can't even believe we were fortunate to have found this incredible restaurant while visiting Seattle last week! Admittedly I am quite a food snob and no way this restaurant shouldn't have a 5 STAR rating! Our serving professional was JOSH and he also was absolutely 5 STARS! He together with the food made it our most favorite dining experience while in Seattle! You can't miss the dungeness crab and bay shrimp tater tots! To DIE FOR! We both selected the grilled Columbia River King Salmon with smokey almonds, port soaked cherries with a rosemary brown butter sauce. My mouth is watering just writing this review. We also had a side of the Poutine (better than any I have ever had in Canada) and the Alaskan Razor clam chowder was the best I have ever had. THEN we indulged in the Theo Pecan Chocolate pie! We dined out on the patio because it was such a beautiful evening. The vibe is energetic and eclectic and sits directly above Pike Place Market. The entire menu is over the top! I had a couple speciality cocktails that had pink grapefruit in them just can't remember the name. Great job Steelhead Diner and cheers to Josh for making it a dinner we won't forget. Can't wait to come back to Seattle to see you again!

    (5)

  • Lisa C.

    Refreshing take on American seafood favorites. The restaurant is a nice reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Pikes Place Market below. We enjoyed our lunch, but I noticed they also have a large full bar. Next time I'm shopping in the area, I'm sure my husband will wonder in here for a drink or two!

    (5)

  • Rosenna T.

    The 3.5 star on here doesn't do steelhead justice. With the price, quality of food, and the friendliness of the waiter and waitresses, this is totally a 4 star restaurant! Came here on a Thursday night for a birthday dinner. We were half an hour early for our reservation but the staff seated us right away. Our waitress was knowledgeable about the menu and was attentive. We had crawfish as our appetizer, the crawfish were fresh and the size of the dish was quite reasonable. It had at least 20 pieces in there. The New York steak was really good. The steak was medium rare, just what we wanted and it was really tender. The forestiere sauce was tasty and not too salty. The cod fish was also one of my favorite dish here. It was cooked perfectly, I get so annoyed if my fish is overcooked, but they did a good job. The fish was silky and soft and it paired perfectly with the sauce that went with it. Our least favorite dish here were the pork chop and the chicken: the pork chop was just okay. The meat was not tender and it was quite chewy. The chicken was really dry and salty, done pretty terribly. Overall a 4 star restaurant, just don't order the chicken!

    (4)

  • Mike N.

    Every couple of years something hits me and I order Ciopino, always at a top restaurant. I should love it, since it has everything I love.. but I'm always disappointed. Tonight's meal changed everything. Ciopino perfect in every way. Light, fresh fresh fresh, perfectly spiced, perfectly prepared. Hard to top the wonderful razor clam chowder & dungeons crab cake all in one meal.

    (5)

  • Dee Dee S.

    This restaurant was right across from our hotel and it was pretty windy so we walked across the street despite the fact they only had 3 1/2 stars and most other restaurants within a few blocks were 4 1/2 or 5 stars. We were not disappointed! Wow! We started with the Poutine, which is French fries with gravy and cheese curds, and it was incredible! We ordered the fish and chips, grass fed burger, and red beans with rice. While the red beans with rice was no where close to those we have in Louisiana, the fish and chips put the same dish in London to shame, and the burger might well be the best I have had! We will be back for dessert, but did not want to keep the awesome staff any later since they close at 10. And now I understand the star rating. We returned this evening and could not get waited on at all. We sat there for 20 minutes, servers passing by right and left. Not a single one stopped so we finally headed for the door. I waited for the hostess and a server to finish their conversation to say we were leaving just to get a go to hell look in response as the hostess went back to chatting. So sad since they actually have great food.

    (1)

  • Bren T.

    Great place for dinner down by pikes! Ordered the fried chicken and it was a lot of food. Server recommended a side of potatoes which I could have done without. The halibut was delicious as well as the fish and chips. Definitely should stop by if you can!

    (5)

  • Angela D.

    Came here for SRW (Seattle Restaurant Week) and dined on the 3 course lunch for $15. What a steal! It came with an app, entree, and dessert. I got the crab tots, porchetta sandwich, and theo chocolate pecan pie. SO SO GOOD and left SO SO FULL! I like how they have Jones soda on tap- MmM! Awesome location and ask for a seat near the bay window to people watch!

    (4)

  • Ms G.

    Disappointing - our first experience was two servers fighting over whose table we were. Then, a series of -three- items on the menu which after three delays were determined to be unavailable. Including no Bloody Marys at Sunday brunch.... Perhaps the proprietors are not paying their suppliers? Drank all the Bloodies? Don't know, don't care. We rolled with that, and then my 'favorite' experience at restaurants, the server forgot our order, and had to return to get it again. I guess pen & paper are also on short supply. I appended those to our repeated order. The food, when it did arrive, was OK, a tad overpriced as you might expect from the location near The Market. All tables have a cheapo brand of hot sauce, with major ceremony they brought a bottle of Tabasco from the kitchen 'wiped off just for me' (she really said that). At least then my bowl of rice with a little gumbo (okra? None here... They cancelled her show!) tasted like something. Overall, a meh-minus grade. Or maybe a blah-plus. Avoid.

    (2)

  • David B.

    One of the fanciest places in Pike Place Market. Even a small appetizer meal cost over $30 for one person, but at least the food was impressive. A crab cake was $17 alone, but it had $17 worth of crab in it, fine and firm. An excellent gumbo, with a roux both dark and agreeably tasty, not bitter, a good achievement. And a good clam chowder with an unusual taste, probably due to the dab of truffle oil. Having ordered this, I found it took about six visits by three different waiters to get it served, but I didn't have to flag them down. They all came to me, and I had to say, it's been rather a long wait for the soup, and they sequentially rushed off to check on it, since I didn't want the soup to arrive simultaneously with the crab cake.

    (4)

  • Mieko T.

    My family and I have been here recently and had a decently good time. However, this time it was the complete opposite. First off we waited about 10-15 minutes to he seated. The man who sat us said something about all the managers being in a meeting and we don't have any hosts right now. Apparently, the managers are the hosts, and when they are gone, they don't have people greeting their customers. We were told to wait, and a lady came out about 10 minutes later. The "Manager" at the front (reservations?) table, was rude. When we arrives we she asked how many and right after responded "4", she looked down from us and just said wait, in a very harsh and nervous tone. It was very abrupt and we were very taken aback. She later came back and said " your table is ready" and showed us to our table without another word. Mind you, there about three tables with people in them when we arrived. Secondly, the food was alright. Took a while to get to me, and there were hard prices in my fish. I brought this up to the waitress and she didn't seem phased. She said sometimes it cooks differently depending on the fish. I've never had fish cooked like that. The waitresses and waiter appeared overwhelmed, and didn't really know what to do with themselves half the time. They were either all standing in the back, or walking from table to table looking flustered. Overall, the drinks were weak and the food was meh. It is definitely not a place I will go to again in the near future, nor go out of my way to encourage friends to go. The managers are complacent and don't seem to know what they are doing most of the time. Very terrible experience.

    (1)

  • Latda V.

    Last day in Seattle and we stumbled across this place because we were starving and didn't want to walk anymore, lol. Actually, we were with the parents, aunties, and uncles and they can't walk as far or as fast as us so we agreed to eat here. It's a cute diner located on one of the hills in Pike's Market Place. We had a party of nine so we were seated upstairs where I think larger parties are seated. We were quickly seated and they poured us water and gave us menus. Then they brought out the yummy bread and butter with pesto olive oil for dipping the bread into. YUMMMMMM. I ordered the crispy gulf shrimp po' boy sandwich that came with a mountain of French fries. My sandwich was good. The bread was crispy and the shrimp had a slight kick with all the spices. The fries were cooked perfectly. I tried my brother in law's clam chowder and it was really good. I also tried the Dungeness crab and bay shrimp tater tots and I couldn't taste crab or shrimp at all. It was good but definitely tasted like your average tater tots. Service was really good. The staff was quick and our food came out pretty fast being we were a large party who walked in without a reservation. I liked this place :)

    (3)

  • Heather J.

    My husband and I ate lunch down in Pike's place last Sunday and really enjoyed the Steelhead Diner. They brought out fresh bread with olive oil/butter and it was delicious! We overheard they only have that bread on Sundays. The service was great. We had the crab and shrimp tater tots, which were clever and delicous topped with spicy horseradish sauce and celery leaves. I had the Alaskan Razor Clam Chowder which had tuffle oil and applewood smoked bacon in it. Definitely recommended!!

    (5)

  • 509chick S.

    This is place was busy on a Sunday afternoon. It's casual. Open kitchen so you can see what they are working on. Service wasn't that great. We had spilled a beer and had to flag someone down cause our waiter was no where to be found. In fact he was missing in action a lot. Food was delivered promptly and tasted delicious. We were a party of four. We ordered the clam chowder with truffle oil, radicchio salad with gorgonzola and apples, four cheese tortelloni, fish and chips, and fried chicken. Everything was delicious. I would totally recommend this restaurant although it is a little pricey.

    (4)

  • Jordan S.

    Just had lunch there with my girlfriend and we were pretty much ignored the entire time. The bartender (ken) was taking the entire time with a distributor rep and never payed attention to the customers at the bar. The tater tots looked nice but tasted like a frozen product. Sad because my last experience was actually pleasant. I will say they have some good beer... :/

    (2)

  • A Z.

    Good location with a nice view on the bay. Good fish selection. All very fresh. They claim to get it right at the market. Friendly staff.

    (4)

  • Steve E.

    Great restaurant an ambiance. No wait sat at the bar. Started with a sazerac, was a little heavy on the absinthe but ok, then two local beers an iPa and red ale. Crab cake was great all crab no filler and fried chicken that was perfectly cooked and tasted great. Overall great spot

    (4)

  • Danielp S.

    "Diner". What does that mean to you? Hash browns dripping in grease? Milkshake in a tall glass with the extras in a steel mixing cup on the side? Pot roast with mashed potatoes? Chicken fried steak? You're not going to get any of that at Steelhead Diner. Maybe you'll feel cheated. Maybe you'll feel relieved. Either way you'll feel poorer, 'cause this place isn't priced like a diner, either. It's good food--better than a diner if you like something more subtle than salt, sugar, and grease. Really, I would praise the food if it were 25% cheaper and if the place weren't overrun with tony clientele who don't care it's too loud, too crowded, and too expensive. Sadly that's not possible. If it were cheaper, it would be even more crowded, so the owner's only doing the responsible thing. Civic duty and all that. What kind of expensive? Well, the fish & chips were $19. Now, for $19 I'd be expecting something kilt-lifting--after all, that's what the menu promised: "Pike Kilt-Lifter Fish & Chips". I don't wear a kilt, mind you; that's not what I'm saying. Actually, I'm not really sure what they're saying, either, but let's put it this way: for $19 I'd be hoping for albacore tuna belly or (de-)poison(ed) puffer fish or something. The fish & chips are good. They really are. But they're just lingcod and just french fries. Two pieces of lingcod, to be exact. Not huge pieces. Just pieces. I don't want to get in an argument about the merits of lingcod or lack thereof, but, while I know the critter is all chic and everything, it really isn't much better tasting than cod, especially all battered up and deep-fried. Yeah, I know it's a completely different fish. Still. Speaking of the batter, it isn't in the way, which is fairly hard to achieve given the delicate flavor of the fish. The oil that the batter accumulated, while not as spare as I would like, at least is fresh and delicate. The fries are fine. No strong character of any sort. A glass of wine starts at $7. Most are $8.50 or more. That kind of expensive. Nice selection, which also doesn't seem much like a diner. No, I'm not pining for a diner. The modestly-sized dinner salad of weeds, marinated asparagus, olives, a bit of goat cheese and some fancy olives was $10. It sounds like a great idea, but honestly it wasn't as flavorful as I would have thought. A little oily and mostly just dominated by one herby flavor. Don't know which. The slab of cheesecake was huge. All hipster-like: goat-cheese and lavender, or something. Good. Huge. And, yeah. $9. Don't come without a reservation. You might make it in. You probably won't. That's what the world's coming to. If you're at the Market anyway and not wanting to go a distance for dinner and there's no line, well, maybe it's worth it. But yeah. Loud. Expensive. Crowded.

    (3)

  • Jane C.

    As a typical single diner when away at work, I often love to try a local's favorite. Usually, I get the crappiest service known but this place was amazing. I was sat at the chef's bar. Treated with the utmost diligence and kindness. And thoroughly enjoyed my experience. Great food complimented by good service. Enjoy your time here with the crab cakes, the tots, nice wine, and delicious dessert. Great place for single diners. And order the halibut. One chef in particular is excited every time someone orders it.

    (5)

  • Becca B.

    I had a friend visiting from out of town, and although I hadn't been to Steelhead Diner, several friends suggested I take her there. I liked the setting, location and the menu had good options for our modified-paleo diet. Unfortunately we had a series of disappointing experiences: had a reservation and was told that our table was seated a few minutes before we arrived, menu items weren't available, inattentive server, disappointing food. Front of house manger treated us *very* well. He bought a round of cocktails while we waited for our table, came out to personally apologize that items weren't available and suggested alternate options. He brought the bill and said he "took care of a few things" for us. Our entire meal was comped, which we were not expecting. Bottom line: The comped meal will bring me back to give it another shot. The menu looks great and I think our experience was atypical. I appreciated the manager's accountability and customer service. Looking forward to the next visit!

    (2)

  • Travis S.

    My wife is making me write this because she cannot believe its current rating given how great an experience we had. Great seafood and selection of whiskey (try the stuff from Washington). Trout was great and so where re mussels. Will go back next time we are in town.

    (5)

  • Michaeleen M.

    This restaurant is awesome. We've been here several times and are always impressed by the service and the excellent quality of the food.

    (5)

  • Yvonne D.

    + good location, easy to find - too bad you don't get to enjoy the view at sunset with the sun blazing into the restaurant (it gets pretty hot too) + caviar pie appetizer, generous portion and surprisingly good + steamed mussel appetizer, meaty mussels wi

    (3)

  • Jaime D.

    this place can be a bit pricey, but the food is amazing Pros: -great food, delicious! -good locations and vibe -friendly staff Cons: our waiter didn't really seem to know much about the dishes at all good experience, the food was so good i would definitely come back

    (4)

  • Stephen Y.

    How many restaurants can you recall falling in love with at first bite? Not many I'm sure... Steelhead is one of them for me... This review is really for my first and only visit here... back in 2008!!! And yes, I remember the food like it was yesterday! The fish melts in your mouth, with a pyramid of flavor. First you have the succulent texture, then the mouthwatering sweetness found in the best seafood, followed by the spices and aromas of the sauce. I swear I can still taste that salmon and that trout even as I write this review! If you're in Seattle and around the Pike Place area, stop by Steelhead! Try to make reservations though... I think our wait was about an hour as a walk-in.

    (5)

  • Wes A.

    My boyfriend, a former Seattlite, brought me here after having mentioned "caviar pie" to me several times throughout our courtship. Curious to see what all the fuss was about, we ordered a slice as soon as we arrived at Steelhead Diner for lunch....and it was totally worth it! Designed to look like a cake, you get to taste different caviar served up with the creamiest of cheeses on some crostini. What could be better? Well, truthfully, the rest of the meal could've been better. Having indulged with the caviar pie, we both opted to order salads for our main course. He ordered the Pacific oyster salad, and I had the golden beet tartare salad. My salad was quite disappointing as it was really just a tower of underseasoned chopped beets. I left most of it uneaten, and when the server cleared our table, she told me that I should have let her know I didn't like it so that she could have subbed it with something else. Since that didn't happen, she kindly comped the salad. That was a nice gesture. All told, if your feet are achy from walking around the lovely Pike Place Market, take a break to duck into Steelhead Diner for a slice of caviar pie!

    (3)

  • Kyle H.

    Steelhead was a nice place for a work dinner of 20-30 people. The chef does great takes on Southern-inspired foods and fish, and being seated in the back private area was nice. Appetizers- Beef Carpaccio w/fig on crostini was excellent, as was the whipped salmon, fried cheese curds had some of us dreaming for our roots in the Midwest. Entrees- The Halibut was excellent, and really the star of the night for freshness and preparation. I was impressed that the chef used pomegranate for the sauce over a pork tenderloin, as I had seen lots in the Pike Market on the same day. The blackened cajun chicken was incredible, and asking what spices were used the server came back with a terse: "it's a rub". And that it was a chef's secret. Probably one of my only complaints was the service, and I'm not sure if that translates to the regular restaurant as well. Since we had a few courses with multiple dishes, there was a lot of the Dump and Run, leaving us guessing what we were being served. Since the chef seems to put a lot of care into the cooking, perhaps service could mirror that. Desserts of pecan pie, apple pie with cinnamon ice cream and a chocolate cube that was a mix between fudge and cake were all excellent. Not a bad way to start my time in Seattle.

    (4)

  • Patrick F.

    Skip the tables and sit at the bar for great views of the water! I can't speak to the food here other than the potstickers (which were awesome), but the beers were fun and all craft, and the views from the bar to the water were an excellent hidden gem in that area!

    (4)

  • Elyssa B.

    I love the Chicken Spring Rolls! You must try them. It is rolled like sushi but with fried chicken instead, and nothing like sushi, it's it's own unique style. I also really enjoy their potato latkes. Speaking of unique..that is just how I describe Steelhead, they have their own style of cooking, a nice twist. If you feel like having a cocktail, they squeeze all the juice fresh. You cannot go wrong, try a classic Go Greyhound. Even sitting at the bar is enjoyable. Happy Hour is nice, if you happen to catch them 3-6 you can enjoy some good eats.. I think you will find that the food is delicious! Definitely worth going outside of the Market, a short jaunt across the street for something new! The Menu is on the window for a quick peek! There is something for everyone on the menu! Try it out!

    (4)

  • Lynnette K.

    Was visiting Seattle for work and used my open table account to get points for eating at Steelhead after reading yelp reviews. They were running a special for Dine Around Seattle. It was $30 for three courses. Got the fresh lemonade to drink as I was tired and didn't feel like alcohol. The drink had a great flavor although the size is a little small for the price. Got asparagus panzinella for my salad, pesto tortillini for the main course and pecan pie for dessert. Wasn't sure what to expect for the salad but it was very good with a tangy dressing. Tortillini was good too although it was swimming in too much oil from the pesto. Pecan pie was excellent. Overall, it was a great meal and worth the money!! Two thumbs up.

    (4)

  • Brian D.

    Stopped in for lunch and a draft beer. One thing I noticed right away, my "pet peeve here" is that the bartender really knows how to short-pour a draft. I saw a lot of tourists that were seemingly happy to get about 11 ounces for the price of 16. I requested a full pour and they obliged. No complaints. I had the Muffaletta sandwich and fries and although not authentic, it was quite good. Service was attentive and timely and I enjoyed my brief break from the Pike Place Market hobo's and panhandler's. I would recommend this place for sure.

    (3)

  • Gale B.

    Went in there yesterday amd got seated right away. Received water and bread and then sat there for about 10 minutes and nothing. The waitress was flirting with soccer players or soccer fans couldn't really tell. A waiter passed us multiple times and didn't acknowledge our presence. Another waiter was being introduced to the socccer guys. My boyfriend and I got up and left. Won't go in there again

    (1)

  • Alden C.

    Somewhere inbetween three and four stars. Steelhead Diner is located near the Pugent Sound and Pike Market. The restaurant has a good view of the sound if you can sit near the windows. If you sit by the windows facing Post Alley the sign for the alley may interfere a little. The windows provide great people watching on the street as well! While I did not notice it Steve was a little out of sorts with our waiter. We were not told about the restaurant's specials for the day and the diner's next to us were told of the specials. He got past it and I did not notice. We both ordered gumbo and had bread with herb butter as a complimentary appetizer. The bread and butter was good and unique to us. The gumbo was ok. I thought it was somewhat bland and could have had more spice in it. There was hot sauce at our table but I still thought more spice could be used. Despite that the gumbo warmed our bodies from the nippy cool air outside. We were both hungry enough for desserts. Steve ordered something chocolate. I wanted the Honey Cake. The Honey Cake got burned in the oven after placing my order for it. A couple people apologized for the longer wait and it really did not bother me. To make up for it they brought out a cheesecake until the Honey Cake was ready again. We were not sure if we could eat so many desserts but we did. The Honey Cake was very good! It was moist and sweet and there were pears on it which made it more than devourable! Despite the hiccup with the waiter earlier it was friendly and attractive service the rest of our time there. I thought our lunch was a little bland but the desserts made up for it and we got two free desserts, the cheesecake and the Honey Cake!

    (3)

  • Andrea S.

    I went here for dinner last night and and was impressed once again by the atmosphere and the quality of food and service. The place was busy so my friend and I just grabbed seats at the bar and ordered a local beer while perusing the menu. I ordered a cup of the chicken and sausage gumbo and the beet tartare. The gumbo was slightly spicy with plenty of chicken, sausage, and veggies, and the beet tartare had a great balance of flavors between the beets, blue cheese, capers, and all of the other ingredients. My friend ordered the razor clam chowder which was delicious and not overly thick (which i dislike) and the Steelhead diner salad which was a whole head of lettuce with tomatoes, avocado, blue cheese, egg, and bacon with the best thousand island dressing I think I've ever tasted. This was my fourth visit to Steelhead diner and I've yet to be disappointed. If you are in Seattle this is definitely a go to place for lunch or dinner.

    (5)

  • Leonard P.

    The Steelhead is a diner like Prince is the hereditary inheritor of a small European kingdom. It's actually a fancified bar & grill built for waterfront tourists and the condo crowd, which isn't a criticism in itself. The food is very good without being quite as good as it ought to be, especially given the prices; the drinks are also pretty spendy, although of good quality. The space is just fine, and it's a terrific location, so nothing to complain about there. My main beef during my visit was the service -- they took their time getting us a table, and over the course of the evening, we seemed to go through three or four waiters in the space of less than an hour. I feel like I may have just showed up on a bad night, because this doesn't seem to be a common complaint and the Steelhead's reputation precedes it pretty mightily, so I'm willing to give it another chance and see if that rating can't get bumped up to four.

    (3)

  • Anondah M.

    Salad and cocktails were very nice. Main and services were not so much for the price range. I was not impressed with the decor, either. Yeah, you call it "diner". It looked like one, but too pricy for "diner".

    (2)

  • Albert M.

    Split plate fee?? $80 for lunch and your going to charge me a fee not stated on the menue is crimal.

    (2)

  • Avitania B.

    Serviceable food, but in an area where the tourist is king, it's better than others in the area. It's one of those places where there's something for everyone, and even the pickiest eater will find something to make him happy. The two times I've been to this restaurant, I've ordered seafood. Both times the fish has been done perfectly -- no dry, overcooked fishy fish here! You can't go wrong with seafood here. Also really enjoyed the roasted broccoli side dish I had on my last visit. It's large, so there was plenty to share with my two fellow diners. The only really avoidable thing here is the poutine. Very light on with the gravy and cheese curds. And the cheese curds are TINY little flecks, sprinkled carelessly on semi-dry fries aching for gravy. SAD FACE. But other than the MASSIVE POUTINE FAIL, it's not bad. Not memorable, but not horrible. You could do worse.

    (3)

  • Chris B.

    Great service, awesome crab tots, my favorite razor clam chowder with truffle oil, bacon, and habenero garlic pepper, biggest fish and chips ever (but maybe not the best) Everytime I come here I'm amazed at the quality of food and the flavors they offer!

    (4)

  • Selena P.

    MMmmm, Mmmm, MMmmmmm, MMMMmmmm... desserts are AMAZING at Steelhead!!! The Theo's Pecan Pie is NOT to be missed!!! Rich and dense, this is something to share with a cup of coffee! The Gala Apple Galette is so tasty! Not mushy and not overly sweet, it's so good! We didn't have a chance to eat the food but what we saw coming out, it looked so amazing! I would definitely share the fried chicken dinner, it's more than enough for two to share! One this I must say is, if you are a single lady, COME HERE!!!! In the hour and a half I was sitting there at the bar, I saw about 25 men walk through the door in groups of two or more. In a quick glance around the room, I saw that men out numbered women 5 to 1. So if you are trolling for men on any night of the week (considering I went there on a Tuesday night) I would suggest coming here!!! Overall, this is a great place. Cool atmosphere and awesome food. Definitely come in and try it out.

    (4)

  • Jesse A.

    Fun dinner place. Great food! Full bar, good service, great location. The crab cakes are delicious and are definitely worth trying.

    (5)

  • Arick R.

    I'm a real big fan of this place. I stumbled upon it while working in Seattle and wanted to try a Seafood Joint in Pike's Place Market. I feel very lucky that this was my first choice because I've been back there another time. I probably had the best piece of Halibut in my life. It was so moist, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. I was very impressed. I've had their razor clam chowder which I found to be average; also there was way too much onion AND scallions which killed the flavor of the clams. Great Shrimp Salad sandwich. Great fried oysters. Their wine list was also quite intriguing as they had nothing but Pacific Northwest wineries; I very much respect that policy because it shows their emphasis on local farms, fisheries, and wineries. Hard to get out of this place with less than a $50 tab per person so I wish their prices were more reasonable. But that is probably the biggest gripe I have. I will definitely be going back to Steelhead Diner.

    (4)

  • Bob K.

    Busy and energetic. Food is great. Not a place for a quiet dinner, but if you want good food, good service and a fun spot this is it.

    (4)

  • Brien M.

    A wine merchant up the street recommended Steelhead so I popped in for a light, late lunch on a Friday in mid-October. The restaurant looked full, which is certainly a good sign, so I sat at the bar. The Alaskan razor clam soup, coleslaw, and bread with butter/oil were delicious, and the bartenders were very attentive but not overly so. Great view, too. My biggest thrill? They pour Chateau Smith cab by the glass. I was told the winemaker frequents the place. My only regret? I live too far away and can't take my wife for dinner!

    (5)

  • Nita M.

    For a fish-decor themed restaurant with a menu full of fish items, Steelhead Diner has (few) surprisingly good vegetarian options. I had: - Pan Roasted Asparagus: Really quite good & I highly recommend this as a side to share with your table. The asparagus are fresh & tender, the fresh rosemary is deliciously aromatic & tastes wonderful with the asparagus, and the fried almonds add a very nice crunch & texture to the vegetables. - House Salad: Best house salad ever, because it's a Cobb Salad. Their other salads with fancier names are in fact far more boring. It's artfully served in a head of lettuce which acts as the bowl. There was a little too much blue cheese for my taste, but overall it was very good & fresh and the Cobb components were in good proportion to each other. - Vegetable Chili: Yum! Really really good, and it's taste is unlike most vegetarian chili soups - more sweet & smokey & some other tastes that I can't place very well. It's topped with a giant ball of melted pepper jack & really delicious cilantro sour cream. - Pound Cake: Eh. Not very good - the cake is dry instead of moist, granular instead of smooth, and just isn't a good pound cake. However the cream & honey drizzle is really delicious. I would definitely return to Steelhead. The downsides are that the place is a little too noisy (I found myself yelling to my friends to be heard) and our service wasn't very good (really hard to reorder drinks).

    (4)

  • Kyle M.

    Great place to grab a meal. Highly recommend the gumbo and the fried chicken. Steelhead is good for groups, but requires some planning in order to ensure they can seat everyone together. Seating at the bar still provides outstanding service, and the drink specials fair and stiff. Highly recommend this establishment for the service and quality in everything they serve.

    (4)

  • Jessica N.

    The crab cake here is a must try. It's $16 for a single crab cake, but it's all crab and pretty large.

    (4)

  • David C.

    I've been to this spot on several occasions and I really enjoy the food. The fish is very fresh. The crab cake... not to be missed.... tasty and packed with crab. The clam chowder here... very good! The last time I was here I had a bit of problem with the service... but the staff did take note of it... took forever to get our food... and they were very apologetic and corrected the problem. I appreciate a business making the effort to show that they care for the customer. This place is very good and I look forward to my next trip for another visit to Seelhead Diner.

    (4)

  • Chip R.

    Not too tourist for the area. Since the weather was beautiful we sat outside on the back patio which was nice. I had the pork chop and it was really tasty. The side was a fingerling potatoes hash mixed with peppers, onions, bacon with so who could ask for more. Definitely worth stopping by if you're in the area.

    (4)

  • Connie W.

    I have been here several times now, I really love this place! Here are some of my favorites: Caviar pie, grilled rock fish, rainbow trout, pork chop, fried cheese curd, and their side pan roasted broccoli! This is a very modern but comfortable place. I even came here for my birthday with a party of 8! Service is great, food portion is big, prices are decent. One of my favorites in the pike place area!

    (4)

  • emily r.

    I worried that this place was going to be a tourist trap with cruddy food whose sole success is based on amazing real estate. I was WRONG. Totally wrong. Except for the amazing real estate part - that I was right on about. The bar is an energetic, lovely place to sit for a couple hours. And there is a small and charming back patio, albeit with no real view. But whatevs! It's still a patio. The chicken and andouille sausage gumbo is reason enough to go. Spicy, and with an amazing, silky, nutty roux. I've got roots in the south, and this gumbo was a happy place for me to go. Went on a Monday night and the place was absolutely hopping. Real estate might have something to do with it, but the overall quality of every course is probably the deciding factor. OH and the wine list is AWESOME and not expensive! Our server was also a great help - he knew his way around the list and pointed us to a great bottle for under $50. Yahoo!

    (4)

  • Sarah C.

    I can't recommend this "diner" highly enough. Absolutely AMAZING seafood (much of it from Seattle's staple Pike Place Market) and excellent service. I usually get the crabcake (which is huge) and chowder and a salad, but I've had much of what is on the menu and have loved everything.

    (4)

  • Marty G.

    AMAZING crab benedict. I dream about it and come here for breakfast everytime I am in Seattle. A must try for anyone who loves crabs and is hesitant to try them for breakfast. This is an amazing and simple dish that rocks your taste-buds!

    (5)

  • Jodi I.

    Went here on a Friday night and I was overall, very unimpressed. I had the gumbo and an oyster sandwich. The food was fine, but nothing special. I'm guessing that I ordered the wrong dishes, but my food was salty and overly greasy. Service also seemed indifferent. I was never asked if I wanted another drink and water wasn't refilled until the end of the meal. We had to flag someone down for a check, and then for a pen. I was really excited to try out this place, but left feeling pretty disappointed.

    (2)

  • Yi L.

    The food was surprisingly good for a diner. While visiting, my bf and I met up with some friends here. He got the caviar pie and sequimbled eggs. I got the salmon as did one of the friends. The other friend got a burger. The food was tasty and flavorful. It was pretty crowded as well. However, the waiter forgot to put our order in until 45 minutes later. But he came over to confess and comped the caviar pie and beers.

    (4)

  • Juliette V.

    We shared the Fiddlehead Pasta (just ok), the Caviar Pie (awesome!) and the Smoked Salmon salad (awesome!). The food is simple and uses ingredients from the local area--love that! Overall great place but rather pricey menu. They had the Copperhead Salmon filet (which is seasonal) and for about 6 ounces of it, they were charging something like $49.95...and they weren't doing anything to it besides searing it on both sides....that price when I can walk down to Pike's Market and get it myself? No thanks!

    (4)

  • Hawker C.

    Ate here a year ago and really enjoyed it. Tried it again for a special occasion w/my family last night and was really disappointed. All the food was ok, to a little worse than OK. Nothing was really special, though the highlight was the watermelon salad -- great watermelon, nice preparation, very flavorful. The clam chowder was like a salty potato stew. Not much clam to be found. The potato lattke was overcooked. The catfish tacos were a big pile of fried catfish, some bland tomatoey vegetable mush and some cool, flavorless, tiny tortillas on the side. Taco truck tacos are better (in fact, Taco del Mar tacos are better...) After indifferently picking at our food, we thought we'd compensate for a "meh" dinner by sharing a big, gooey dessert. We ordered the black velvet cake and it was more "meh." Kind of bland cake, with a chococately parrafin frosting. I was then placed "on trial" by my dinner companions, and had to defend why I had liked this place so much a year ago. I couldn't remember -- this really ended up just being overpriced "diner food" -- sort of a cute idea that now seems tired if the food is not going to measure up. Wonder if they are just too busy to pay attention to the detail any more. We walked away thinking this place is now just coasting on its reputation.

    (2)

  • George S.

    We had a few hours to kill in Seattle and took the new light rail train to the end of the line, drawn to the Steelhead Diner by some delicious aromas wafting down the street. Overall, this is a great restaurant with an innovative menu, yet sadly it continues to suffer from the spotty service mentioned in many other reviews. For the first half of our visit, we received outstanding attention from the manager on duty, who happily offered menu suggestions and took our drink orders, frequently checking to see if we needed anything else. Their happy hour menu (2pm - 6pm daily) is fantastic. Currently they are offering salmon sliders for just $2 each, which is an absolute steal. Three of these will fill you up (and then some) with deliciously grilled salmon, homemade onion slaw, and crunchy/chewy mini-kaiser rolls. It's worth a visit just to have these little gems. We also ordered the poutine ($7.95 / potatoes, cheese curds and gravy -- how can you go wrong?) and the roasted brussles sprouts (delicious and perfectly prepared). Draft beers are $3 on happy hour, and they have some very tasty cocktails for $5. You also get $2 off all bar menu items during happy hour. While the food was delightful, we became increasingly frustrated with the service. In 40 minutes we had four different servers. A draft beer took 25 minutes to arrive, finally being delivered with our check! When our server disappeared, we had to flag down other bus and wait staff to return our check THREE TIMES because of errors that would have added over 25% to our tab. Clearly this place knows its food and drink, and the management knows how to provide good service. If they could share these high points with their servers, Steelhead would be the best spot in Pike Market.

    (4)

  • Erin K.

    An early dinner here on a gorgeous day was a nice respite from the craziness of the market. I inhaled my halibut, which was swimming in sweet corn and saffron sauce- delicious! My friend was in love with the pork shoulder, and we murdered the poutine between the two of us. It's a testament to how good the food was that we were forced to ignore the dessert list- tragedy! A very slight complaint was that the restaurant was really, really warm- to the point of uncomfortability, and it was full of flies. Still won't keep me away!

    (4)

  • Mike Y.

    I try to load up on seafood whenever I'm by either coast. This was one of those times. I wasn't expecting this place to be as classy as it was - probably due to the "diner" in its name. The food was definitely on another level and I really enjoyed the meal. I had the caviar pie as an appetizer. I hadn't really had caviar pie before so I wasn't sure what to expect. Basically it is cream cheese with a colorful assortment of roe served with toast points. On its own I felt that the cream cheese was a bit overpowering and I''m not as big on cream cheese. With the toast points, the flavors blend together well and it is pretty tasty! I also had the half order of grilled Washington Troll King salmon. Being with a bunch of IT people at the time, we had a good laugh about the salmon being a "troll king". The Washington trolled salmon was exactly what I was looking for. Very tasty, very fresh, very local seafood! As a side note, the corn served with the fish was really delicious too! The food was really good, the service was mixed. One of my friends ordered a beer and they got a beer, except that it was a different beer! Luckily she was able to notice and when she brought up the fact, they told her that they were out of what she had wanted. They gave her a free beer. Who does that though? Shouldn't they have said "we're out of that beer" first instead of doing a bait and switch maneuver?? Steelhead Diner, you are lucky that everything else about the dinner went really well, otherwise I would have given you less stars out of principle.

    (4)

  • Angel L.

    Went for Happy Hour at the suggestion of a friend and to be honest it looked a bit up-ity, but once we were inside I was completely comfortable. We had a couple of the $5 mixed drinks and they were very good! I was impressed with the selection of liquor at the bar, lots of local options for wine and spirits, high quality stock. The two of us shared an order of the Poutine (around $7) and an oder of the Black Beans and chips ($5). The Poutine was good, but it was missing "something". I think it could use an herb. Sage? Taragon? Something. The Black Beans were AMAZING. The serving was huge, there was a hint of curry or cinnamon, little chunks of root vegetables, cheese, and house made chips that were to-die-for! Yummers. I paid for two drinks, one not happy hour, and my half of the food for under $20. OH, we sat at the bar and the service was great! I will be back. : ]

    (4)

  • John E.

    Probably the best casual dining spot downtown. I ordered the fried smelt appetizer and Heirloom beet tartare salad. both very good in their own way. The smelt order was large enough for a meal. and it all looked to pretty.... I got the wyugu flat iron steak with a gorgonzola steak butter. done perfectly. My wife's souther fried half chicken with brown gravy was to die for. You sure will not leave this place hungry. The service was top notch and the casual feel was very comfortable.

    (4)

  • Sara D.

    This restuarant is owned by the same chef who owns Blue Acre, which I also enthusuiastically support. I love this place. I've always had a wonderful meal here, or just enjoyed drinks and oysters. One of my favorites in Seattle so far!

    (5)

  • Cat S.

    I have had nothing but positive experiences here. The food is great and the service is impeccable. If you like seafood, do not miss out on eating here. The menu offerings all sound amazing! I've had the fish tacos and the fried chicken sandwich. One thing I noticed was that the chicken itself didn't have much flavor. The breading on the outside is not seasoned, which is what I tend to expect from fried chicken. Even still, the overall quality of the sandwich is good and the service here can't be beat! The dining room also has a great vibe and the location is great too, right by Pike Place Market. I have managed to get seated without reservations both times that I've been here, once on a Saturday night and the other on a Sunday afternoon. However, this is a popular place and if you have a party larger than two, reservations are recommended.

    (4)

  • Sheri S.

    Great place recommended by a local. The food was excellent and the staff was very friendly. We didnt have reservations so they put us at the kitchen counter and chef gave us a complimentary crab and shrimp tater tot plate which was EXCELLENT! Will be going back next time I am in Seattle!

    (4)

  • Leenee B.

    5 stars for the halibut. Wonderful dish, the fish melts in your mouth and the herbs are just right 1 star for the gumbo--it has no seafood in it (clear warning) and tastes like the roux has been burnt. Even andouille sausage could not save this dish (unheard of!). Of course, that could have just been that night, but the waittress didn't seem surprised when I mentioned I didn't like it. So my advice: stick with seafood.

    (3)

  • Hunter O.

    came here for a birthday party dinner.. The place is pretty nice and the staff was great and very nice. I gave them a 3 star cause the food was a little lacking. The flavor is great but I feel the quality of there product could be a bit better. My steak was a little on the overly fatty side and had a lot of grizal(keep in mind I heart steak fat) the wife's scallops where a bit on the small side and maybe had the been in the freezer to long taste. I think with a few up grades on there product this place could be a yelp 5 star pretty easy.

    (3)

  • Mandy C.

    I made the decision to give this place 4 stars because the food just swayed me and swooned me and downright satisfied me. We sadly got seated in their backroom area past the restrooms and that room leaves something to be desired by their interior decorator. As for the food: Poutine is something that sounds really good and yet really kinda bad since it's fries, cheese curds and gravy but believe me, it's all good and there's nothin bad about it. Tasty for shizzle. I also had the Kasu marinated black cod and it was cooked perfectly. It was so flavorful and brought out so much of the fish's natural yumminess that I couldn't get how great each bite was. It was really one of the best fish dishes I may have ever had the pleasure of eating and all the while thinking, 'dang, dang, DANG, this is some mighty fine seafood.' Our service was great and helpful. I would go back at try to snag a better seat but that place was jam packed with bar-goers and tourists in from the cruise ships so perhaps make reservations beforehand. Oh yeah, did I mention they have poutine??! eff yeah.

    (4)

  • Danna W.

    Solid food and service for our visit. Using foods from the local area is a real win. The wait time for food was a bit longer than I like however it was very pleasing upon arrival.

    (3)

  • Craig S.

    I've read the mixed reviews of Steelhead Diner and I don't get the complainers. The waitstaff are superb, and you are greeted warmly and sincerely from the moment you walk in the door. It's a great menu, executed well. You won't go wrong at this casual, but refined place to eat. The caviar pie is decadently good; the black cod a dish not to miss!

    (4)

  • Annins H.

    Looked around town for a nice place for dinner and ended up there. Unfortunate. The food was good, nothing really special, but we really had a bad expirince with the service. Unfriendly, arrogant and not even there 5 times for the 3 courses we had ordered. Yes you can get overserved, but after you get your meal, the server should always check. This did not happend once. The wait was what seemed forever. As dessert arrived (by a busboy) we just got the check. Not asking if we would like coffee or an other drink. To bad for this awesome location.

    (2)

  • Hope R.

    Oh my gosh! this was one of the worst experiences I've had at a restaurant. While walking down the hallway to go to our table, one of the staff abruptly pushed open the kitchen door and almost hit me in the face. He was not even leaving the kitchen... just poking his head out to say hi to the waitress or something. He didn't even apologize. This probably got me off to a bad start. The food took forever to come out. We ordered poutine but it didn't come out with our food. We asked the waitress 2 times and it didn't end up coming out until everyone was almost done with their meal... They did not even apologize for forgetting it. Once we were done with our food, we sat around for at least 20 minutes waiting for our check. They need more waitresses. It seemed like our waitress was totally overwhelmed bc she had a few large parties. I understand it's hard but it's pretty painful to sit around waiting for food, check, etc. It would have been better if the waitress could have given a smile or a quick apology for the delays but she was very sour. I won't go back...

    (1)

  • Christopher H.

    This has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants in downtown. Botoh the halibut (menu) and the salmon (special) were fabulous; creatively composed and rich in flavor. Service is excellent, music isn't overpowering, and the cocktails are well composed. I dined alone at Steelhead twice this weekend, and enjoyed both visits. It compares very well to other well know Seattle spots such as Ivars, Elliott's, and Wild Ginger. If you want excellent food in a comfortable atmosphere (neither overly formal nor casual), give Steelhead a try.

    (5)

  • Tom F.

    Great location and good food. Only negative was the sun made the restaurant a little hot in the afternoon. Gumbo and fish tacos were good. Great service.

    (4)

  • Alaina W.

    Came here for the bar after the semi-planned wine bar wasn't what I was hoping it'd be. The service was good, the drinks were good (lemon drop and double-Disaronno on the rocks), and the atmosphere was good. (Except for the guy to my left that kept accidentally rubbing his butt on me.) Nothing great, though. Perhaps I'd have been more impressed if I had ordered food.

    (3)

  • Ivan Z.

    Well-executed cuisine marred by comically inattentive service.

    (2)

  • Cameron L.

    They food was okay, had the catfish taco which was kind of flavorless? This place is kind of "tourisy" located near pike place market. I wouldn't recommend brining friends and family here there are so many better options in the area.

    (3)

  • Bob W.

    Have been here before and always Love it. This time service was a little slow, and possibly because of the season (October) there was not much seafood on the menu. And really no 'fresh' seafood. Still good, and I highly recommend.

    (3)

  • J K.

    I was unimpressed. With all the other options in that area, I would not recommend it. You won't be disappointed, but you won't be wowed. I guess it's a good place to eat if you're looking for something predictable. I take that back -- the chowder was odd. I liked the odd taste, but my fellow eater did not.

    (2)

  • Sarah W.

    Dusting off my Yelp account for my first review in 3+ years! I was in Seattle for the weekend and Steelhead Diner is terrific. It's fancy'ish comfort food in a casual, diner-like atmosphere that offers a view of the Sound just off Pike Place Market. Me, I sat at the bar for brunch and definitely over-ordered as there were several menu items that I "had" to try: Alaskan razor clam soup with bacon and truffle oil, eggs benedict over dungeness crab and garlic crostinis and, best for last, POUTINE! My thoughts below: - Alaskan razor clam soup: A lighter interpretation of the New England clam chowder. It's still cream-based, a little less rich, but still satisfying. The razor clams are more tender than your usual cherrystone or littleneck clams, and the bacon added good flavor without overpowering the soup. The truffle oil was probably not necessary, but overall, a great soup. - Crab Eggs Benedict: Poached eggs with a light hollandaise sauce. There was a generous amount of crab, very fresh, and I loved the garlic crostinis. - Poutine: Amazing! Being Canadian and having lived in the U.S. for 12 years, I have had a LOT of poutine here that will cure the craving even if it's not great. Steelhead Diner's poutine is excellent and, I think, the best poutine I've had outside Canada. The curds are from Beecher's, light and fluffy, the fries are lightly fried and delicious and not too salty, and the gravy was made with prob a chicken or turkey broth, flavorful but not too salty. The right balance and ratio of curds:fries:gravy. In fact, the poutine was so good that I came back on Monday right before my flight out. Obviously I was stuffed and felt somewhat unhealthy after eating all that, but it was worth it. Service was friendly and quick and I was very happy with my meal. I would definitely come back if I'm ever in the Seattle area.

    (4)

  • Laura M.

    Our first dinner in Seattle, I ordered a mojito and the Rich-Boy Sandwhich. The mojito was nice and minty!! The sanwhich was crunchy and very well dressed! HOWEVER, my favorite discovery thanks to Steelhead is the spicy habanero pepper! The smoked salt is good too, but I couldn't stop peppering my sandwich! I have a new found respect to table condiments! Thanks Steelhead!

    (4)

  • Amanda B.

    This was the absolute best restaurant experience I have ever had. The food was out of this world amazing and the staff were so courteous and friendly. We sat at the bar and chatting with the crew was such a fun experience. I would recommend it to every person I ever met!

    (5)

  • Daniel B.

    Went there for the Bite of Seattle and overall the experience was great. I got the squash soup to start and I think it was pretty bland and tasteless. The entree was the salmon which was outstanding, and for desert a chocolate pecan pie which I am still thinking of, very tasty! Service was excellent. The ambiance was a tad strange though since it's definitely not a diner but you can tell they are trying to be a chic diner, it just translates to looking like a nice restaurant with cheap look tables and a very out of place counter along the kitchen which I didn't see anyone sit at.

    (4)

  • Share W.

    OMG! Even if I'm roaming about a semi-unfamiliar city alone for the day, nothing will get in the way of my dining options. When a girl is hungry, a girl is hungry. I have no qualms about dining alone. With all that said, this is my first solo food endeavor (take out doesn't count). Yeah, a whole lot of experience I'm spewing from. But I'm so glad Steelhead was my de-virginizer for this very occasion. As I stepped into this very modern feel, yet comfy place, I was quickly greeted by a few of the staff. One of the fine dining attendants asked if I would like a table or the bar. I quickly responded: "The seat with the bestest view in the hizzle my bro." He politely, but enthusiastically mentioned: "For rizzle my nizzle gurl. I have the right seatizzle for you." Okay, he didn't say that nor did i say "hizzle". I said house. But the seat for my party of one was available for me to park my tush and daydream away my time before the food gets to me and takes up my full attention. The bartender/dining attendant was super friendly and nice to offer up the best choice of beer from their fine tap selection (bottled brews available too). As much as I heard about all the hype about the wagyu, I felt like chicken. Food came out pretty quick, so it quelled the hunger pains. The buttermilk fried chicken sandwich topped w/tangy slaw and speared w/a pickled pepper was satisfying. I almost felt like I was eating healthy despite the "fried" appeal to the sandwich. It was neither greasy nor heavy filling except for the heap of crispy golden brown fries that accompanied the dish that I couldn't stop shoving into my pie hole. Each chicken chunk was thick and juicy of white meat. So after every few scrumptious bite I took, I took a quick glance over to the lovely, calming landscape/water view. Sigh, this is the life. Too filled and slightly disappointed that I didn't plan ahead to make room for dessert (so that's why I eat w/people...so I can share...dang it). The lady next to me had the black velvet cake. It was topped with almond slivers, coconut shavings and ice cream. Lookin' fine...yum om nom nom. It wasn't a bad experience. Food - good: check. View - awesome: check. Staff - friendly: check. As for eating a la solo, here's my thought: Han Solo is cool, so therefore "Solo" dining is cool (unless I want to try a lot, then uncool). yes, i know...corny and makes no sense...whatever...good food...

    (4)

  • Jenell C.

    I've been here several times. The first time I came I absolutely loved their chowder and have since returned mainly for that which I would give four or maybe even five stars. The bread and butter are purposefully served cold (at least it has been cold the four times I have gone) which is a pain if you dislike cold un-spreadable butter. I've tried their pork sandwich and the crab cakes and both were okay but definitely not worth the prices being charged. The atmosphere and location are great however and I do recommend going just for the chowder.

    (3)

  • Heather H.

    Its true and they prove: You won't find a better waitstaff anywhere in all Seattle! It was a random walk-in, but I asked for seating with a view and promptly placed with a view right in front of the market. Our waitstaff was in constant rotation of refilling our water and being checked upon. The menu is quite savory and expensive with an impressive array of local fish dishes and sides. I was craving some of the roasted brussles sprouts, unfortunately they had run but later the waitstaff came back and managed to scrounge up the last of bunch for me. In all our dinner was tasty and came in great portions. I'm pretty sure the bar staff is amazing at what they do as well too!

    (4)

  • Ninette C.

    Bland is the name of the game at Steelhead Diner. My friend is visiting from out of town and we decided to do a Dine Around Seattle lunch since I had a half day. We chose Steelhead Diner because frankly, there weren't that many choices. My friend liked the view of the street when we entered. We were seated at the bar and ordered: Appetizer: -Pumpkin Bisque with Maple Crème Fraiche & Toasted Pumpkin Seeds -Steamed Manila Clams with Caramelized Fennel, El Mercado's Dried Chiles & Safflower Broth Main course: -Orecchiette Pasta & Autumn Vegetables with Braised Lacinato Kale, Roasted Butternut Squash, Alfredo Sauce & Grated Grana Dessert: -Theo Chocolate Pecan Pie with Bourbon Whipped Cream & Cocoa Nibs -Butterscotch Pot de Crème with White Chocolate Chip Cookie The clams I ordered came in a plate of ...7? 8? Now I know it's Dine Around Seattle, but I've been to many of these things where they served more. The broth was below average. My friend liked her pumpkin bisque but it wasn't sweet nor did it have any of that zing that pumpkin bisque usually has in my humble opinion. It was bland, but she said she liked that. The pasta was also bland. The cream sauce seemed flavor-less and un-alfredo-like. The butternut squash seemed a little too heavy and halfway through, I started picking them out. The desserts were the best part of the meal but my expectations were pretty low at this point. They were both passable. Service was ...bland as well? So-so. The bartender was nice but it was hard to flag people down. I took their pepper grinder and grinded my own pepper. All in all, this place was not TERRIBLE, but I feel like I had too few complimentary things about it to give it 3 stars. It's not so great to passable- about 2.5 stars, but I'm feeling nice so I'll round up. Look: you're downtown and there's just too many good choices to go for a not-great, bland restaurant.

    (3)

  • Andrea D.

    Reviews seemed pretty good.....wanted to try it...after we we're sat down, we had to ask for waitress service after 20 min and no one acknowledged us, crummy service, food wasn't that great and 17.00 for 1 crab cake...really? I was pissed! We won't be back so many other choices for great food in seattle!

    (1)

  • Katie K.

    I came here because it had a wonderful Dine Around Seattle menu. The location (right above Pike Place Market) is perfect because it has a great view and the restaurant uses local ingredients. The atmosphere is very relaxed, but fun at the same time. I came with three friends and we were seated in a booth near the kitchen/bar. We all opted for the 3 for $30 menu and started with the crab cake. It was the perfect size, with a tasty sauce and probably the best thing we tried all night. My date ordered the salmon on the special but, after the appetizers, was told that he would be upgraded to the seafood cioppino because they were out of salmon. He was okay with that (but wasn't given a choice). When the entrees came out it turned out to be a different version of the salmon instead, which didn't have a lot of flavor. All of the entrees were fairly mediocre (I had a tagliatelle pasta) and didn't come out at the same time. For dessert I had a Baileys creme brulee which was rich and very good. All in all, the food was pretty good and deserved about a 4, but the service was about a 2. However, I would go back just for the crab cake! For a casual meal near Pike Place Market, I would recommend trying the Steelhead Diner.

    (3)

  • Jason G.

    Wanted to like this place but ultimately felt that the food was under-flavored and overpriced. Ordered the caviar pie and have to agree that though the presentation was beautiful, there was way too little roe and way too much cream cheese. I liked all the ingredients in the house salad but the dressing was off - too sweet...could have used an herby ranch and been much better. Also had the oyster salad and felt the dressing there was way too sour...couldn't finish. Tried the fish and chips for entree - wouldn't do again - way too greasy and again not much flavor - will stick with Dukes or Ivars. Service was fine other than they didn't check up on us often enough for refills. Glad I had a coupon/gift certificate or would have felt pretty ripped off...

    (2)

  • Cliff M.

    A really nice joint with upscale food, nice ambiance and friendly / helpful staff. I would definitely go back. A friend and I arrived here around 7 PM on Friday night after a few other places we visited were booked solid until 8:30 PM. The hostess was very helpful in informing us that a few different tables already had their checks, so if we wanted to wait a bit they should have something opening up. As it turned out a couple left their spot at the bar about 5 minutes later and we slid right in. Very well handled by the hostess. They had about six local beers on tap and the two we sampled were solid. The bartender was also very helpful in answering a few questions we had about the menu. The clam chowder was tasty, with just a little bit of heat but not overpowering. I had the chicken sandwich for my entree: delish, reasonably moist and the coleslaw topping helped keep it that way. I wouldn't say it blew me away but it was good nonetheless. My friend had the Rich-Boy sandwich and he liked that too.

    (4)

  • Russ L.

    This place was fantastic on all levels. The ambiance was casual fun and inviting for great conversation, the service was very good with just the right amount of time between eating, drinking and asking what else they can do to make your experience better, but the food was outstanding! Highly recommend the crab and shrimp tater tots and the black cod. Took a couple of clients there for dinner and we all agreed we needed to come back again for more.

    (5)

  • Nicole V.

    I visited Seattle for work last month and came here for dinner with a co-worker. I thought the food was really tasty and the view was gorgeous! We ordered the following: Poutine - How can you go wrong with this? Heirloom Tomato Salad - My friend ordered this, but it looked beautiful. Ciappino - This is a BIG portion, so I'd suggest sharing it. There were big chunks of fish and tons of fresh seafood in a very well flavored broth. Peach Crisp - Warm and delicious. The service here was top notch and the food was great. I'd definitely return and would recommend it if you're in the area.

    (4)

  • .Alan Y.

    Our meal in order of awesomeness: 1. Clam chowder - truffle oil and bacon infused heaven in a bowl. This is a don't miss. 2. Alder wood smoked salt - yes, this isn't an actual dish, but the black and smoky table salt was the second best item that I tasted at this restaurant. I was this close to stealing the salt shaker but self restraint kicked in. 3. Habanero salt - don't be fooled into thinking this is just some Mrs Dash's seasoning. This innocuous looking shaker is filled with fire. That's right. Fire. 4. Poutine - crispy french fries, cheese curds and gravy. I wish that I had been hammered before indulging in this dish, but it was still quite tasty. 5. Crab cake - when they said lump crab meat they weren't kidding. It had no less than four dungeness claws in there. Big ones. I wasn't that impressed with the accompanying remoulade. 6. Fish and chips - the battered lingcod was moist and flaky but the batter quickly became mush. I've had better. Had we only ordered the clam chowder it would have been a five star experience.

    (3)

  • Alice F.

    It was good! They have a great variety of liquors and a great variety of foods. What a great location too! Beautiful architecture and nice light. Everyone was pretty friendly, even during a super busy friday evening. I was surprised to not find very many gluten-free options though... I am not gluten free, but my husband is. And so are (what seems like half of the world!). It was disappointing to not have the little letter G next to dishes that a gluten sensitive person could eat. When we asked the waitress for gluten free dishes, she pointed at very few options and said "I think this one is gluten free", and "I'm pretty sure this one is gluten free". I understand it was pretty busy that night, but nowadays, every server should know what is an is not gluten free on their own menu... What we did end up ordering was good! I was simply taken back by the lack of care for allergy sufferers, that all. I'll definitely be back though.... the spring asparagus were great! :)

    (3)

  • Alison V.

    I've had really mixed experiences here. When I come with just a friend or two and snag a spot at the bar, it ends up being pretty good. The food is yummy (I love their burgers) and the bar staff is as attentive as anywhere else. The downfall of this place comes with big groups. I've had awful service and really disappointing times. Food was lacking and cooked inconsistently between the same dishes at one table. They never seem quite staffed enough to handle the groups. If you're coming here with just a person or two, I'd say give it a go, but definitely avoid it with groups.

    (3)

  • Cori W.

    Great option for visiting families with a variety of eaters- in our case we had vegetarians, those craving seafood and an 8 year old with a carb addiction. We found steelhead on yelp looking for vegetarian friendly restaurants; I didn't want to end up with just a side salad at some stuffy seafood place. We had a party of 7 and only had to wait 5 mins for a table despite the bustling happy hour crowd. The bread that accompanies the meal is pretty good with the olive oil, butter and herb mixture that seems to magically disappear. Myself and my veggie partner enjoyed some salads, of which the iceberg without bacon was fabulous and a huge serving with lots of fresh veggies and an entire avocado. He enjoyed the spinach salad along with a side of garlic greens. I also ordered the sauteed asparagus with Meyer lemons and almonds as well and another veggie side. The table enjoyed the clam chowder, fish and chips, kids mac and cheese (with a crispy baked crust) and a local salmon dish. Those who ate fish enjoyed their meals, only complaint was that the soup tasted too much like truffle oil and not enough like clam. They had a ton of local wine and beer options and our waiter was quick to keep our table refilled as we waited a while for our food. Wile I'm glad I didn't have to foot the bill, I would definitely recommend Steelhead to anyone looking for dinner near pike place that satisfies many.

    (4)

  • Kay C.

    Went for Restaurant Week lunch .... wow it underwhelmed. We were there almost 2 hours... service was terrible and slow. Neither waitress that served us seemed happy at all, and it looked busy-ish but not enough to warrant such a long wait. One, it took 25 minutes just to take our order. And then every course was like every half hour at least to get there. I had the fried oysters for the appetizer - the oyster itself was good, but it was way too fried and the crispy parts were overcooked. The pork leg sandwich was good, though I actually expected the meat to be warm. Otherwise it was very tasty, a little greasy. The butterscotch dessert was fine but very rich and a little too much. Really, the worst part was the service. I understand if you're busy but this is unacceptable. Hire more wait staff if you're going to be overwhelmed during RW or seriously don't participate at all ... it'll be a long time now before I might wanna come back thanks to this experience. About an hour and 15 minutes in, they told us things would take longer cos they ran out of smoked salmon for the entree on the RW menu. Really? That's poor planning and poor execution. Don't tell me you didn't know how much smoked salmon you needed, and then blame that on the long wait for food.

    (2)

  • Vanetta A.

    Last night was my first visit. We wanted to find someplace fast and good. I heard of this place from a friend and Yelp. Making reservations was so easy. Our table was near the kitchen which I did not like. Our waiter, Andrew, was a sweetie pie. When we did not like the first glass of wine he switched it out no problem. He also volunteered that we were there early enough (4-6p) for Happy Hour which saved us a bit on our salads. This place is loud and busy but fun. I loved the fancy habanero garlic pepper and the alder smoked salt. The crab cakes were amazing and I also enjoyed the clam chowder. My son thought the burger was one of "the Best". I will be back.

    (4)

  • Tanya J.

    My favorite place in Seattle for stylish comfort food!! I went for a work lunch today after many years and it was great. As soon as I walked in, I remembered what a neat space this restaurant was. We were seated at our table and immediately served a basket of various breads with a basil and olive oil dip. I ordered the ceppo pasta with pan roasted cauliflower for lunch and was in Steelhead Diner heaven. WTF was this and why am I not here eating this every day? Oh, that's right -- arteries. Damn you arteries! The pasta was perfectly cooked with a rich, velvety sherry cream sauce accompanied with roasted cauliflower florets, sauteed spinach, caramelized onions then topped with grated granada and walnut pieces. I've not had a pasta dish with this variety of ingredients but I obviously should because the combination was fabulous! I don't care if I ever try another dish here again because I just discovered the mother of all pasta dishes at this sweet southern-inspired hideaway. Other items at our table included the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich (3 people at our table ordered this), a hot sausage sandwich, and flash fried cauliflower. Everyone absolutely loved their food! Café Campagne is located across the street from Steelhead Diner and I have been having one heck of a love affair with Campagne for awhile now. Do I dare say Steelhead Diner just made my dining decisions in Post Alley a little bit more difficult?

    (5)

  • Stephanie B.

    Delicious! I was waiting at the door for them to open before my flight home. So, I was immediately seated. This place fills up quickly! We sat at the bar, and enjoyed the view of the windswept Puget Sound. The bartender was so friendly - enjoyed talking with him even though we had water and coffee because we were staying hydrated pre-flight. BTW, coffee is delish, but champagne would have been lovely. I ordered the squimbled eggs. H...E...A...V...E..N on a plate. There are few places that can make a decent hollaindaise - my father's kitchen, Glenn's Diner in Chicago and this place are the few in my limited experience. Delicious toast was the basis for an amazing crab hash that was topped with perfectly poached eggs and covered in velvety, not overcooked, real-life hollaindaise. I am so glad that I had this meal. I will never forget the amazing crab hash under that heavenly hollaindaise. Did I say heavenly? Yes I did...

    (5)

  • Jamie M.

    Steelhead diner has been on my "to try" list for a couple of years now and we finally were able to swing in here for dinner. We came a little early and were able to grab one of their tables in the corner, with a lovely view of the water and sunset. We shared an order of their fish and chips and their halibut special. I thought their fish and chips were okay but that halibut was THE best I'd ever had. It had this breading with it that was fantastic - I am determined to recreate it at home. Definitely give this place a try if you're wandering through Pike's Place and want a great meal with a view.

    (4)

  • Mandy C.

    HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Came here for a friends birthday dinner! Steelhead is located on the steeping slopes leading down towards Pike Place Market. SO MIND THE HEELS LADIES! We don't want any broken ankles around here. But upon entering, we were seated in the back section, with a lovely view (especially spectacular when the sun's setting) looking on the puget sound. They served us this delicious whole grain bread with butter and olive oil to start off and soon after, I ended up ordering the S.R.F. WAGYU BEEF BURGER. I always like my meat on the pink side, and I must say, when it came I literally MELTED at how PERFECTLY they cooked the meat. Did I mention not only did it look good? But it tasted EQUALLY as amazing? I gotta give two thumbs up for the fries too. Crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. On top of that, our waitress was ON TOP OF THINGS LIKE NO TOMORROW. Making sure we had our waters filled, if we had any questions or concerns, even kept the cake we brought for my girlfriend in a safe place till it was time for dessert, and was extremely PATIENT. I HIGHLY suggest coming here if you're in for a good sandwich. HIGHLY suggest. But i do warn (which is why I'm only rating it a four star), it is a bit pricey. BEEF BURGER I got was roughly $14 + tax. I gave fair warning! But still, enjoy. :)

    (4)

  • Sue N.

    I've eaten here for a few brunches and dinners. Our 2nd brunch experience was fine, but service was s-l-o-w. I don't expect or appreciate feeling like you will be rushed through Sunday brunch, especially when you're feeling a little woobly from the night before, but it must have taken at least 45 minutes to get our food. I had the veggie pasta, which was certainly delicious and not at all a vegetarian consolation prize, but food loses some luster after you've waited so long for it. Maybe the wait staff was hung over too. Dinner has been better. Service was a lot more professional and attentive. The view of Pike Place Market and the Sound from some of the windows is pretty great. Food has been consistently delicious, and local ingredients are highlighted very well. We took a large group of 10 non-Seattleites and not only did they give us a big table with the best view, but treated our table very well and made a good impression. We'll go back, but probably only for dinner.

    (3)

  • Marty Y.

    Had lunch at the bar. The Dungeness crab cake had too much filler and was a bit mealy. The king salmon over polenta was cooked properly and had good flavor. The service was professional and efficient.

    (3)

  • Cherlyn E.

    I like this place but it would be nice if the wait staff knew their menu better. I asked for gluten free options and it was like I was asking for dirt on my food. I will try you again next time I am in town but do try to educate staff on gluten options and maybe provide more options as well.

    (3)

  • Victoria V.

    Boo. Boo, hiss. Don't do it. You'll be disappointed. PROs: Great spot. Fresh, thoughtful ingredients. CONs: Looks like an upscale Friday's. Cheap tables, and seriously, who puts ketchup on the table (right, I get it, 'diner') when you're serving $30.00 entrees? The whole place is having an identity crisis. Sorta upscale feeling but without the plates or vibe to back it up. Really wants to be a hometown favorite but fails miserably. Food is BLAND BLAND BLAND. There's no heart to the menu on delivery -- stuff is elegantly presented on paper but fails to come through on the table. Do yourself a favor, SD: either go ALL UPSCALE and ditch all the little dinery vibey things that aren't working, or ditch the upscale BS (including the pricey plates) and give people who are expecting a ho-hum diner a pleasant surprise -- but please stop trying to do both.

    (2)

  • Cinnamongirl 6.

    We have eaten here every time we visit Seattle. The food is to die for. It's all very affordable. The waiters are wonderful. We enjoyed lovely wine. I love that that the dress is casual while not shabby. You can walk in after a long day of exploration and not feel underdressed or out of place. Will go back again and again.

    (5)

  • Summy L.

    Great food, great location, great service, opens late. No complaints here. This place is located right next to pikes place. We ordered their fried chicken, mussels, and a cup of their jambalaya. I was surprised to see the huge portion of both the fried chicken and the mussels. The food was nice and hot and the flavor was popping from every bite. Did I mention the portions are pretty big. They definitely didn't skim on the mussels in size and quantity. By the time we were done with our meal, we were utterly stuffed and couldn't stop talking about what a great meal we just devoured. Coming from LA, this place didn't seem too overly priced. If anything, I think it was averaged for the size and portion of the dish. I wouldn't say it's cheap though, but what do you expect when it's right next to Pike's Place. The atmosphere feel likes an upscale trendy diner. They have a full bar with plenty of bottles stocked.

    (5)

  • Scott B.

    This place is solid. Good chef prepared food. We had a party of seven. Everyone enjoyed their food. My only complaint is that the servings are too big. Give me a choice of a half serving for 2/3 the price and I'll do that every time. Less waste. Sustainability.

    (4)

  • Mac M.

    Really outstanding food and I tried a lot of it because I was there with a group of 20 (yes, 20!) people. The servers were so kind to take care of such a huge group. The meal was well-paced despite our big crowd. Foodwise - the mac and cheese was really great. The Brutus Salad was also super tasty, but also super garlicky, so make sure your dining companion has a couple bites as well! My halibut was cooked to perfection - crispy and moist. Looking forward to dining there again!

    (4)

  • Sonia C.

    I had a good time here, but unlike others, did not really enjoy the caviar pie. It was basically a thin layer of 4 different types of "caviar" (like salmon & crab roe) spread onto a wedge of cream cheese. It was a lot of cream cheese to very little caviar. I won't be getting this again the next time I come. However, the clam chowder and the house salad that I ordered were pretty good. The clam chowder had lots of razor clams in it along with bits of bacon and corn. The salad was artfully presented in a lettuce cup, and had plenty of crunchy bacon and blue cheese to make it interesting. My bf ordered the rockfish which was served in a tasty chili broth. He seemed to enjoy it a lot. The only minor incident of the evening came when we ordered dessert. We waited for about 20 minutes and when no dessert appeared, we summoned a waitress (not our own waitress who had disappeared, but another one) and asked her to cancel our dessert and just get us the check. Our waitress came a few minutes later and apologetically told us that the kitchen had lost the ticket and she'd taken the blueberry crisp off the check. I put my credit card down, and when she returned with my receipt, she also presented us with our dessert - on the house. It was a nice gesture. The crisp itself was ok, but I would have preferred it a lot warmer and with a lot more blueberries. The large scoop of lemon ice cream on top went a long way to compensate for any deficiencies though. Prices are pretty high, and our meal set us back about $80 (we didn't even get any drinks). There are some other restaurants that I would like to try in the area before I return to Steelhead, but I think that the food here is dependable even if it's not amazing.

    (4)

  • Allen W.

    My wife and I sat forever waiting to see our waitress, EVERY time we needed her. Food was very overpriced for what we got. Best service of all night was the manager we complained to at the end of the meal.

    (1)

  • Alan S.

    Yummy food and a view! Well... depending where you sit. As a tourist this place is neat for its combination of food and view. It was nice to sit at the bar and see the water and mountains in the distance. Since it was a Saturday and I was going for lunch, I got a brunch menu. Hmm... I wanted lunch... so let the bartender suggest. He recommended a pasta dish with ahi tuna. It was quite good. However, a little over $20 for lunch is more then I like to spend. I figured I'm paying for the view. On a random note... there selections change daily. Which is pretty cool in regards to trying different things but also means don't get your heart set on anything in particular.

    (4)

  • Dawn C.

    OMG so TDF! One of my most expensive meals in a while, but also one of the best I've had in a long, long time. It all started with a spicy jalapeno martini and a selection of local raw oysters. The oysters were incredible! Each one was a different farm and each one was so divers. I can't even describe how wonderful they were - I am without words. I followed that up with a cool glass of local brewed hefeweizen and a medium-rare slice of salmon. The fish was fresh and so well prepared. Then for the grand finale was a giant slice of local goat cheese cheesecake with honey comb and roasted hazelnuts. The honey was a perfect way to cut the rich, earthy goat cheese.

    (5)

  • Doug D.

    Went to Steelhead after using Yelp to find great places to eat while in Seattle. Had a great experience the food was good as well as the service. Had the Halibut and it was fantastic!

    (4)

  • Christy N.

    I'm definitely torn on what to rate this restaurant. If I could choose, I'd say 3.5 for my experience there. My group of 4 went for Seattle Restaurant Week lunch. It was a great value for all that we got, however the service really dragged my rating down. It started off great, with our server being extremely attentive and filling up our waters all the time without request. Towards the middle to end of our meal, though, they stopped coming. It took forever to get water refills and even longer to get silverware for our dessert and waiting for the bill was just plain torture. That aside, I though my appetizer and entree were wonderful. I had this soup that was super flavorful and creamy. Can't remember what it was called and it is not on their menu currently. The odd thing was that the server completely talked it down to the point that I almost didn't order it. Luckily I did not listen to her, b/c I felt it was better than the other appetizers- I had a taste of my tablemates' appetizers, hehe. For the entree, I had the pasta, which was in a creamy red sauce. The pasta was perfectly al dente and the sauce was rich, but not overly creamy. It tasted fresh and flavorful. The portions were pretty large too! Dessert was not the highlight of the meal. I had a sorbet that was overly sour/bitter and looked like it was near melting. This might be because of the slow service towards the end. Although the service was below par for half of our time there, I think I'd still want to give this restaurant another try, since the food was pretty good. I'll probably pass on dessert though.

    (3)

  • C A.

    I'm not a regular here but frequent this place enough to have experienced what's consistently good and where they fail. The food is consistently good. This evening we had nothing but seafood dishes and they were all well-prepared; nice flavors, fresh ingredients. We enjoyed dining out on their patio but their cheap, rickety, unstable tables and chairs takes away from the experience. But what brought it all down, like in my recent visits there, was the service. Our waitress was apathetic and inattentive. No welcome greetings, no check-in how we were liking the food, didn't ask if we needed anything; not rude but just so impersonal. When I made the reservation, I informed them that we were celebrating a birthday hoping, at the very least, a small candle on my wife's dessert. When the dessert came the waitress simply dropped it off with spoons. At least we had spoons! Anyway, this evening was our worst service experience there and that's what prompted me to finally write a review. All the stars are strictly for the quality of food. But quality of food is not enough especially for the prices they charge here. Bottom line, I can't recommend this place, there's much better restaurants around Pike Place Market with great food and better service. Sad to say, I'm not coming back.

    (3)

  • Jaching H.

    Wow! The oysters were fresh and delicious. Copper River Salmon, the special as it is currently in season, was served medium and was a perfect tenderness. (You can get it well done, but I don't recommend it.) I had a cocktail called the Dragonfly something (?) that was so easy to drink I could have easily had 4 or 5! The rhubarb sorbet was a good dessert, but just didn't taste very rhubarby. Great view, delicious food...I would come back again and again!

    (5)

  • DineoutGal A.

    This place was such a delight! I was worried that it would be a "touristy" restaurant considering its location. You know those places...they have a great location, guaranteed flow of patrons but mediocre food and service. Well, this was not the case! I took my parents here and they enjoyed the dinner immensely - that says a lot as my Dad can be the biggest critique of restaurants! We didn't have reservations but we arrived around 6:30 pm Monday and was able to be seated right away. The restaurant filled up completely by 7:30 pm. Our server was knowledgeable, prompt and very nice. The menu is diverse enough for many palates but of course focuses on the fresh seafood from the area. The price point is very fair all mains are well under $30 with most in the $25 range. The portion size is perfect as we didn't even order any starters and we were perfectly satisfied at the end of our meal. Bread basket was mediocre - bread was a little chewy and a bit dry...the only miss of the evening. I had two great white wines - Cedergreen Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Columbia, 2008 ($8) and the Jovino Pinot Gris Oregon, 2009 ($7.50). The session dark ale ($3) was deliciously rich and complex beer. The "Pike Kilt Lifter Fish & Chips" ($17.95) is a Scotch Ale Battered Alaskan Ling Cod with Tartar Sauce & Lemon. This was probably the best fish and chips I've had and I don't even like fish & chips. The batter was light and was not greasy. The fish was perfectly cooked - just done as the fish was still moist inside. Fries were crispy and delicious. This was a real deal and very yummy with generous portions (4 pieces of fish). The Albacore tuna nicoise ($24.95) was crusted with fennel, pepper and salt and seared lightly. The tuna was perfect and had a great flavour. The nicoise salad was lightly dressed and didn't take away from the tuna. This was a great light summery dish that's also filling. The grilled sockeye salmon ($26.95) was perfectly cooked again and served on a bed of cannellini beans. The beans had a great acidity to it that helped balance the salmon. Wonderful meal at a great venue!

    (4)

  • Derek M.

    We've eaten here a few times on trips to Seattle. I really enjoy this place because it has good food with decent variety, fair "in the city" prices, good service, and is convenient to our downtown hotels. I don't think we have had a bad dish. The Poutine was excellent, and the Catfish Tacos were fantastic. They had a mole-esque sauce, beans and the catfish was perfectly cooked with a very light batter.

    (4)

  • Tory M.

    Two words....Cavier Pie...served with capers, crostini and fried parsley...an amazing dish that carried me through as my starter and my main. Also ordered for the table was the amazing crab cake - chock full of large pieces of Dungeness crab and no filler!!! Petrale Sole and the Ahi Tuna was next finished off by the Martin Family Orchards Peach Crisp - all very delicious. We stepped outside just at sunset and saw the picture perfect Pike Place Market neon sign silhouetted against a lighted ferry coasting along on Puget Sound. A lovely late summer evening treat! I highly recommend Steelhead Diner!!

    (4)

  • Kevin L.

    A singularly flawless meal in a gorgeously contemporary, nonchalant space... overlooking the water... on a brilliantly clear Seattle evening... while the sun is setting... with the boy. It pretty much doesn't get any better than this. If the broiled Jorstad Creek Pacific oysters are on the menu, do -not- pass on them. Smoked paprika and caramelized fennel butter make these monstrosities spicy, decadent deliciousness. Just beware that they take forever to arrive (i.e., ours were delivered -after- our entrees). Totally worth the wait, however. As far as dishes go, we weren't disappointed by the Rich-Boy Sandwich, but I was completely blown away by the perfection of the kasu marinated Oregon black cod [ bit.ly/bdPujl] . I mean, just look at it. It's perfect. The meat's almost creamy in its flaky consistency. The light char only serves to add savor to an already (delicately) flavorful hunk of meat. And we only got the half-order. The full would be easily a hefty meal for two people, no doubt. Although it's a little splurgey, Steelhead Diner's worth every penny. Definitely a once-in-awhile treat kinda place for someone like me, I'd head back here again in a heartbeat. Just be sure to score reservations, because it fills up -fast- for dinner. This one's worth sharing with friends and family!

    (5)

  • Melissa K.

    My co-workers raved about this place so we thought we'd try it. It was awful! We waited for 15 minutes just to get water while half a dozen waiters paced back and forth like they had no clue what they were doing or where they were meant to be, and then mingled in front of the kitchen just talking to each other. We had to ask for drink menus, then had to actually ask if we could order drinks because our waiter continued to cut us off and then hurry away, and we were basically ignored aside from him bringing the mediocre lunch. He didn't once ask if our food was okay (it was not), never asked if we wanted anything else, and picked up our card from the table without actually ever showing us the bill. The service was awful. Unfortunately, we have no intention of ever going back.

    (1)

  • Jeremy C.

    I've since returned to Steelhead twice, and continue to get inconsistent service. The first time back was with family, so there were six of us. The waitress was friendly and attentive even though we were seated in the back, and there were much less flies than on a previous visit. Since it was sunny the windows were open, but without screens there can be the occasional fly coming through, but not nearly as bad as our previous visit. I guess that's what you pay for nice weather in Seattle. The second time we returned there were two of us and we sat at the bar to enjoy the view of the water. This is one of the better water views you can get in Pike's Market, and is hard for me to resist. Unfortunately, the hamburger we ordered took almost an hour to arrive despite us asking the bartender for an update. They did make it right by comping the meal, but it makes it tough to give this place more than three stars due to the inconsistent service. The views and the food can be good, but the lack of quality service prevents me from adding another star.

    (2)

  • Chris N.

    I've been here about 5 times or more idk, I love this place. I usually come for the poutine because it's hard to find good poutine in Seattle. I have family in Canada so that's where the legit poutine is at but this place is the closest I can get to good poutine. I also get the rich boy uli sandwich if I'm hungry. I brought couple friends here and they enjoy it too. They use mostly everything from the market. Why not? It's right across the street from pikes place. They also have baked Mac and cheese which is so bomb! They get it from beechers right across the street as well. As well as the cheese curds that go in the poutine is from beechers. Idk if people don't see this place because they distracted from the market. But it can get pretty crowded if you go at the wrong time.

    (4)

  • Karla g.

    I loved the cioppino! The serving was perfect for the price and the meal was delicious. We sat at the bar and the bartender Ken was fun and friendly. He made really good custom drinks for us. The only bad part about the experience is that the hostess asked us to wait for our RESERVED table at the bar but they never showed up to get us. We were happy to stay with Ken.

    (4)

  • John S.

    Came here again last week. The Cioppino was wayyy better! Also the caviar pie was amaaaazing. Can't wait to go back.

    (4)

  • Nourisha W.

    dropped in steelhead diner on a rainy friday for lunch and was pleasantly surprised by the menu. there was a good mix of salads, soups, sandwiches and entrees that made it easy to please everyone. i went for the gulf shrimp po boy and my friend did the pork belly hash. while it took forever for us to get service and eventually our food, i did enjoy my meal. it was a fairly empty place when we sat down for lunch but by the time we left the joint was packed. i guess we beat the crowd. there were a few things on the menu i'd like to try so i will definitely try it again. the location is idea for downtown excursions.

    (4)

  • Gina I.

    My aunt, cousin & I decided our yearly trip to Steelhead was in order. This time I am going to pick out the things that really shouldn't have happened: 1. Potato 'latkes' - more like a square deep fried hashbrowns. Not impressed. My aunt was excited to try them and they ended up being debbie downers. 2. Usually when you order oysters, they arrive before your main gets there. Or so I thought. Nope, not this time! The curry sauce for the oysters was not at all good, and didn't even compliment the taste of the oysters. In fact, plain lemon tastes better on an oyster. Before they had lavender shallot and a tomato sauce which weren't available. 3. My favourite clam chowder had way too much celery in it and oh my gosh did they use dried potato flakes? I sure hope not.... 4. My cousin had fish and chips and while the fish was good (but really, ling cod? why can't we have halibut or something?) there was too much batter on them. Other things to note: My glass of pinot grigio was nice. My aunt's crab cake was good. My clam chowder was good, but the above mentioned made it not as good as when I had it last time. Maybe I always expect too much, or that my second experience would have been the same as the first. I don't think we'll go out of our way anymore to eat here.

    (3)

  • Marianne G.

    Great food . FYI the chowder had an onion taste big time.. It is good but not what I expected . Always a great place and really nice servers.

    (4)

  • Don L.

    Steelhead is a faux-diner. It's food is on another level than diner food, but I guess Steelhead "restaurant" doesn't have as nice of a ring as "diner" does. Maybe Steelhead "bistro"? Anyways, we sat at the counter and saw all the cooks work diligently. What was cool was that though they were obviously busy, some of the cooks would check-in with me to see how my meal was and even offered a sample appetizer. It made me feel like a valued customer. I would give it 5 stars on that. As for the food, well, that's another story. I had their American Wagyu burger. The bun was nice, but the meat was ok. It says that it comes with sauteed onions and mushrooms. I barely had any on my burger. I actually counted the mushrooms. It was 2 and a half little slices. My heart was broken because it actually looked SOOO good. I also tried their gumbo. Let's just say, "Thank GOD for the invention of hot sauce." It's got a great view and everyone is real friendly there. Maybe I should try the seafood next time.

    (3)

  • Rachel P.

    Sadness, they no longer serve the famed cheese curds that I've heard so much about. Other than the lack of cheese curds ... fun atmosphere, great view and good happy hour! Will return!

    (4)

  • Dae Y.

    it's probably more like 3.5 stars for me. went for a networking lunch. they do a nice 3 course lunch for $15. i chose salad, bratwurst, and a creme dessert thing. the mustard on the bratwurst sandwich was really nice - along with the grilled onions. lunch was huge. we also got the poutine. the server almost forgot it though. we had to remind him and it came out pretty quickly after that. the fries that came with the brat sandwich were good too. the dessert thing was okay. the biscotti that comes with it is charred. like burned. it must be on purpose, but it just tasted like stale, burned biscotti. i ate about half of it anyway.

    (4)

  • Valerie C.

    Cold, hungry, and in a strange town [don't ya'll tell me Seattle is NOT strange] my friends I found ourselves at Steelhead Diner. I have nothing bad to say about the place: they sat our party almost immediately, dealt with the staggered arrivals of said party, and were attentive to most of our needs. (Did I mention that we were a party of nine?) I ordered a pork sandwich and fries for lunch. It was pretty good, but due to the lack of description on the menu I found myself with a pork and COLESLAW sandwich...and I HATE coleslaw. The lunch redeemed itself with the amazing french fries. Then again, if you fried that coleslaw I'm pretty sure I would have enjoyed that too.

    (3)

  • April M.

    Good food. Good atmosphere. Great location. The staff was friendly as well.

    (4)

  • Porch G.

    The bay shrimp salad sandwich was excellent I had the poutine which was good too. My first time trying poutine Fries with gravy and cheese curds I imagine this is a more highbrow version of poutine Even the bread and butter they gave me was great I washed it all down with a draft called 'kilt lifter" which was an excellent Scottish-Style Ale. Benjamin my waiter gave excellent service . I'm coming back for sure !! Thanks Narumi O for recommending this place to me !!

    (4)

  • Narumi O.

    This is my second time visiting the Steelhead Diner. My first visit, my friend and I sat at bar section. The bartender gave us great suggestions on food and drinks.The service was great. The only negative thing was it seemed like it took forever to get food on our table, but the fish was superb and I had no complain after all. My second visit, the service was not as good as the first time. Our waitress kept forgetting utensils, bread and drink,,,,. The food was JUST OK. We ordered steak but it was really chewy. I don't mind spending $$$ on dinner, but I think it's a little too expensive for what it is. I might had a bad night, but I can say the service and food are not consistent.

    (3)

  • Edna C.

    Good food but prices are pretty pricey. For lunch my friend and I shared an appetizer, I had a salad and my friend had a bowl of soup with a couple drinks. $56! Yikes! Because this place is a block from Pike market.

    (4)

  • Laura P.

    If only I worked closer to Steelhead Diner, I'd sit at their counter more often and dine well. What I love about their menu is how simple their menu is. Yeah, they have the requisite formula of "source + ingredient" or "adjective + ingredient" in the vein of Wilted Marshland Orchards kale or Wapato eggplant capponato or pan-roasted yellow corn, but that is about as descriptive as they get. I'm always amazed how delicious the apps or entrees are. I never fail to order the potato latkes because I'm a sucker for their house made apple sauce that goes on the side. It is somewhere between apple sauce and sour cream with brown sugar. The only drawback is you must eat it right away. If you let it sit for a while as you gab with your table, it gets a bit heavy. We love, love, love their cheese curds. The last time we were in and ordered them they came over-fried. Several pieces were reduced to mere shells of breading with no cheese. After much debate, our table voted to trouble the wait staff for another order. They weren't put out at all and were very professional about it. So many great apps and entrees there that we tend to be too full for dessert. A pity as the sweet menu looks just as stellar as the savory does.

    (4)

  • Irene W.

    Poutine and margs. Nuff said. I try to come here every time I'm in Seattle and have a great time every time. Delicious food, fantastic wine list, great ambiance.

    (5)

  • Cori S.

    came here with my dad, who was from out of town, and shocked that a place didn't have normal coke/pepsi products. they serve Jones soda. very seattle, of course. waiter didn't seem used to having someone messing with him but was engaging and nice. food was ok. had the spring rolls appetizer and the chicken/cole slaw sandwich, and a brownie sundae dessert. nothing really stood out to me as amazing, and was a bit fancier than i was expecting. would probably be a good happy hour place.

    (3)

  • Peter D.

    Should rechristen itself as the White Trash Diner. Its been a pretty good while since I was in this place but I felt I needed to write about it since it leaves me with a lingering bad taste. I ate here about 6 months ago is my guess but I did not yet know about yelp. But here is what I do recall: Atmosphere and layout: It scores good points on layout and light. There is a bar when you first enter that has some seats but really appears standing room only. I think it works though. Its layout ends up creating a noisy room however and I can imagine this would be annoying during peak periods due to acoustics and reverb. Overall I do like this aspect. Service: There were no faults here. Our server was prompt and courteous and knew the menu. Our drinks and orders were promptly handled. Here this person did well. Food: This is where the story unravels. I just dont know what to say other than I think someone needs to go back to cooking school. I can almost hear Chef Ramsey scream "Get back in line Donkey!". I ordered a pork sandwich and it showed up in some mayo mix looking like a tuna sandwich. Talk about killing the moment. For starters I dont really like mayo, and to make essentially a chicken salad sandwhich out of pork is a crime. This was just gross, messy and not worth the money. This is where the White Trash comment comes into play. Who the hell would do this? Disgusting. My GF ordered the fish and chips after being assured they were fantastic. Has anyone else noticed the latest trend about "True Cod" as if other cod are imposters? Just call it f#$#$ cod already bitches! Its all fish. It was greasy and just not very good and for the money quite expensive. Again the greasy fried food is a hallmark trait of White Trash. We also ordered an oyster appetizer which was 5.00 for 2 large oysters. They were good but not worth that. I recommend you pass. In summation my expectations of this place were totally deflated and I though the food just sucked ass. Where is the chef in this restaurant? I see just another line cook. Maybe it would be worth a second visit, but when both our dishes were awful, why come back and spend more money to walk away unhappy again and honestly feeling greasy. No thanks. I would rather just get a hot link at the hot dog cart. It cheaper, tastes better and has no nasty ass mayo. I think if you just want to pop in and have a beer sure, and if you claimed to be a bar that serves food then great. I guess the fact that they used the word "Diner" in the name implies that they had low expectations from the start.

    (1)

  • Kathleen H.

    To my delight, this comfort-food style upscale diner has a half portion option for many of the entrees. And I tried two starters that I have never seen on a menu before: caviar pie and fried smelt. The service was great, and we went on a Friday night. You have to go here with the right expectations: portions will be somewhat large, it's not diet food, and the prices will reflect the location. The menu includes many local ingredients, always a plus! Overall, it's a fun, casual atmosphere with a wide variety of food to please many, and you will definitely not leave hungry.

    (4)

  • Carole F.

    I have been three times and I'm completely hooked on the Kasu Black Cod. The half portion is more than enough, especially if you've had an appetizer or a salad. Speaking of appetizers, the crab cake is most definitely worth the visit. Fortunately, I dine with friends who don't mind sharing a taste of their entrees with me, so I've had a sample of the fish & chips and the chicken as well. Both are tasty and perfect for fried food fans. Going against my dietary restrictions I also sampled the Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae... it was worth the violation. Oooey gooey chocolaty goodness and a surprising toffee like crunch. Just when you think you've found Heaven, an angel gives you a seat in the VIP lounge in the form of a fudgy brownie compliment. Yes, do patronize Steelhead Diner, do bring your appetite and do wear your stretchy pants.

    (4)

  • Brenda J.

    Recommended by the concierge at The Renaissance, who said this is his favorite place to go whenever he gets the chance. I had the trout--sensational! My husband had the Rich Boy and that was delicious as well. My husband really liked the gumbo soup--I thought it was a bit rich with a bbq style sauce. I had the bean and mustard green soup--also wonderful. Going during Seattle's Restaurant Week makes this place a deal. Otherside, it is still moderately priced, The quality of the food is definitely worth the price you pay

    (5)

  • Kara M.

    The salmon special that someone else mentioned was actually very bland and would never order again. The halibut was tasty so try that instead. Also, we were surprised that their bottles/glass wines have no price break for buying the bottle. Never saw that before ever. For the money, we were disappointed.

    (3)

  • d o.

    The service....terrible...my friend place a res on saturday for this place...the host asked..."when did you make the res" Does it really frikin matter? There was a larger party that came in after us. They were seated promptly enough. We waited at the bar. And we Waited some more and waited some more. No confirmation no acknowledgment of "your table will be ready shortly" nothing not a darn thing. Now I not normally the one to say stuff but come on. I know its a frikin packed house but a little courtesy would have been nice. It could be the color my skin but who knows. As for the food....Gumbo was excellent i give that 5 stars. but i'm not going to change my rating up. A restaurant has to be a full package...There is no excuse for poor up front service. Now the bartender, he took care of us. I notice some of the other servers did not look too happy. Hmmm bad day, pms, or a bad host who doesn't know how to frikin manage guests.... and know when to say...."sorry we don't accept any more reservations"... Enough of the rant on the host. As for the fish...my friend liked the salmon. I'm not sure if he was dead hungry or it was that good. I had the cod....It was ok I think the fish was a little too masked in flavor....For the price tooo. I think it was too pricey. I probably would have been happy with just gumbo instead of fish and gumbo

    (1)

  • D S.

    Was in Seattle vacationing and a lady at the Glass Museum in Tacoma recommended this diner. Needless to say, I should have followed my first mind and left before ordering. Hated it! The menu is lacking variety, they dont sell coke products, and they are way over priced! Fish/chips $17.95, way to high for mostly bread and little fish. Wont be back!

    (1)

  • Mimi L.

    This place gives the Old Pike Place Market a breath of fresh air...Not that I don't enjoy the old establishments such as Chez Shea, Maximillian or Campagne...but the young, fresh, and local vibe of Steelhead Diner is really something new and exciting for Pike Place Market. All the food were advertised as local and very fresh. We ordered from both the happy hour menu and the regular menu. HH hour food here is definitely not in the same ranking as the regular menu so I would recommend that you just skip it. We had the poutine (fries with gravy and the clams from the HH hour menu and both were just mediocre...in fact the clams were salty and had too much bitter lemon zest. From the regular menu, I ordered: smoked salmon dip, grilled salmon and the Theo chocolate pecan pie. Smoked salmon dip- hands down, one of the best dips I have ever had. Perfect mixture of smoked salmon, cheese and seasonings. Grilled salmon was a very good size and grilled to a crisp on the outside and flaky on the inside. It sat on top of a bed of fresh beans and sage butter. I'm going to have to learn how to make sage butter one of these days...mmmmh so good. Theo chocolate pecan pie: it was a slice of heaven. I'm not a big fan of pies but this one was so gooood. You could tell that the fruit filling was freshly made because it has that natural fruit sweetness...and the Chantilly cream on top was smooth and silky. I would give this restaurant a 5 stars except for the HH hour menu.

    (4)

  • Matthew G.

    Great fish & chips! I often try fish & chips when I go to a new place to see if they're good and usually they aren't. The fish & chips at Steelhead Diner were great, super crispy & pretty light. Big portions too, I couldn't finish. My friend had the catfish tacos. He'd never had catfish before, but now he's a catfish fan. Service was friendly and fast when we needed them to be b/c we were short on parking time.

    (4)

  • C. W.

    Really enjoyed this place on our visit to Seattle! We got the crab cake appetizer, great!, and the poutine appetizer (meh). After reading other reviews here and on other sites, I wish I had also gotten the cavier pie. Oh well, I will be back! My husband and one of my friends ended up with the Wagyu burgers, the other friend had the fried chicken sandwich and I had the grilled sockeye. Everyone enjoyed everything on their plate. The prices were not too bad, but this is the first time I have been to the area so I don't know how it compares to other nice places.

    (5)

  • Nikki K.

    This has been one of my favorite places I have visited in Seattle. We sat at the bar. It was a busy Thursday night. The sky's were blue and the sun was setting so there was an extra punch to the crowd. Service was quick and the food was OUTSTANDING! Crab and Shrimp Tater Tots? Yep. Then I had the amazing Pork Chops. My friend had the Cauliflower Pasta dish which was also amazing. Then for dessert we split the sweet they are most known for, the chocolate pecan pie. Amazing. All amazing! Can't wait to have friends/fam in town so I can go back. Again. And again. And again....

    (5)

  • Kim S.

    Oh, was it good! I went with my boyfriend on a sleepy Tuesday evening in Seattle. Everything was dead around the market, with the exception this place, which was alive and hopping. I had been hearing of this place since pretty much our first date. He's very passionate about food, and is very animated when it comes to describing the food that he likes. He told me that I must try the Wagyu Beef Burger (with his hands waving this way and that) because it was the BEST burger he's ever had. Then he recommended the Marinated Oregon Black Cod. You should have seen his face and arms when he was explaining this dish. It was quite the performance! We also ordered the Poutine and Organic Baby Mixed Green Salad. I was in heaven trying all of the dishes, hoping my stomach wouldn't get too full so I could enjoy everything as much as possible. The burger was amazing. It's the second burger I've had that's served on a baguette, instead of the traditional bloated American bun. The meat was so tender and juicy, and it was served with just the right amount of sautéed onions and melted cheese. My hands were covered in oil, but I didn't care. I had bigger things to worry about - such as trying the Black Cod, floating beautifully atop a sea of shitake mushrooms, baby bok choy, carrots and ginger. Too many places over-cook their fish, even in Seattle, and I found this dish to be a perfect melody of flavor and texture. The salad was simple and delicious, and I felt indulgent trying Poutine for the first time. Mmm, fries, gravy and cheese curds. Speaking of indulgence, we finished our meal of contrasting dishes with a piece of Theo Chocolate Pecan Pie. It was to die for, and the perfect ending to such a delicious meal. I'll definitely be going back again soon.

    (4)

  • Tien T.

    When we first arrived, our server noticed we had show tickets so she said she would try to hurry our orders so that we would make it on time. I thought that was awesome that she was so accomodating, but I was soon to be disappointed. MENU Virginica Oysters on a half shell w/bay leaf granita $2.50ea. Grilled Idaho Rainbow Trout w/roasted pecans, orange zest & sage butter sauce. $23 Rich-Boy Sandwhiches with Uli's Sausages serverd "NOLA" style (dressed w/mayo, pickles, lettuce & tomato) $12 The oysters were good, but would have been nice if they didn't take 35 min to get. I had asked the server if the trout was breaded in anyway, since I wanted a light fish dish...her answer was no...well...when the dish came out, my fish was breaded, but since almost an hour had passed & my stomach was grumbling I ate it so I could head off to the show before we were late. The sandwhiches were ok, nothing spectacular. I would have rather gone to Paseo's, but then again nothing really can compare to a Paseo pulled pork sandwhich! The service was slow and the food was overpriced considering it was just mediocre.

    (2)

  • Captain U.

    Yummy food. Good service. Gravlax salad was very fresh. Squimbled eggs with crab were very tasty and different from the norm. Price for a sundae was different on my bill then the menu, which is annoying.

    (4)

  • LISA M.

    LOVED this restaurant! The food was awesome, the service superb. I must say, this restaurant served up one of the BEST meals I've ever had. The salmon was delicious and OMG--the crab cake has definitely earned the award for being named the best in Seattle. I can't wait to return. YUM!!!

    (5)

  • Remington M.

    I've dined here a few times, It's one of those hit or miss places. The atmosphere is great, brightly lit dining room, friendly people. The last time we went in I had random waitresses walking up to me, my main one was all over the place even though it wasn't that busy, I got served my entree by the hostess. A waitress i never saw delivered my friends food and the waitress who i first saw when i was seated (We seated ourselves) was the one who handed me my check after we flagged down another waitress to get it. She went to make sure that the other server we flagged down would not take the tip that she clearly wasn't going to get. The food was great, it's a pretty small kitchen I liked the show the cooks put on. Having so many heads banging out all that good food in a sardine can is admirable but overall the service was sporadic and that gets annoying. I think they knew the waitress sucked because all of the other waitresses knew our order and picked up the failed one's slack. But overall i give it a 2 41/2 for the food and -5 fir the shitty server.

    (2)

  • Ben W.

    Good, friendly service and they didn't seem to mind that we ordered nothing but sides and appetizers even during the busy dinner-time hours. The views out towards Pike Place Market through large plate glass windows make it all the more appealing. The veggie chile, baked mac n' cheese, and coleslaw were all delicious. However, Willie's Salad, with the vanilla vinaigrette was possible the finest collection of greens I've ever had. The vanilla concept threw me off at first but it turned out to be delectable. Well done in that regard.

    (4)

  • Corrine C.

    I'm wavering between a 3 and 4... 4 stars for the food and 2.5 for the service and comfort level. We came for brunch with friends on Sunday. We order the clams in purgatory and poutine to get us started. I ordered the sequimbled eggs - 2 poached eggs on top of a ton of crab and 2 slices of bread. It was delicious. I could only finish half since we'd been nibbling on our starters. I have to say I was really impressed with how much crab I got. Others at the table order the omelette with oysters, the salmon hash, and clam chowder. My hubby thought his hash was a little on the saltier side but everyone else was really happy with the food. I was not too happy with the size of our table. I made reservations for a party of 5 the day before. We were placed at a booth for 4 with a seat in the aisle. With our appetizers, breadbasket, butter dish, coffee cups, water glasses... the table was overcrowded. When our entrees arrived, they didn't take anything away so we were scrambling for space trying to consolidate dishes, stack up bread plates, and looking for someone to take something away. And it was tough to get a refill on my coffee. Food is terrific, service was just ok.

    (4)

  • Starkey S.

    Stomach hurts. Don't go here. Had the clam chowder.

    (1)

  • Stefanie S.

    WOW!! I miss this place already.. : ( I was visiting Seattle with my husband and decided to stop at this diner for a bite. I am so glad we did. The service was pleasant and the food was delicious! We started with the potato latkes ( they were out of fired cheese curds.) and they were incredible! I never thought I could get excited over potato latkes but these were special. They were crispy without being oily and just the perfect amount of seasoning. Best of all, they were served among a side of sour cream and chives and the most delicious apple sauce I have ever encountered. I could eat that sauce on it own...and in fact, I did once the latkes ran out! Our main dishes were equally pleasing: seared halibut with flash fried greens and pasta with peas and morel mushrooms. My only complaint is that they don't have a restaurant in Miami!!!

    (5)

  • Ken L.

    This place is located right on Pine St right in the Pike Place market area and parking was difficult as usual. I was really glad to have made a stop here for dinner. Appetizer was the crab cake, which was awesome as the lump crab meat was aplenty with a semi crunchy layer drizzled with some flavorful sauce. As a side item, I had the red beans and rice, which was not bad. The main dish, the Kuzu Black Cod.. I was very impressed on the presentation when it came out as it looked like those you would see on the Chef shows. The cod tasted as good as it looked as it reminded me of an excellent Asian restaurant I ate at some time ago (steamed fish). The sauce was cooked in some ginger and had bok choy and some small cuts of potato. The potatoes didn't really fit that well with the dish as the bok choy was all that is needed here. The fish meat was moist and delicious and must be eaten! I recommend this cod All The Wayyyy!!! Great place and the prices are within reason but still on the higher end for entrees. Definitely will be back.

    (4)

  • Z A.

    This diner is packed because of its proximity to Pike Place and downtown Seattle. If it was anywhere else, they'd be forced to step up the service and quality of food to stay afloat. My girlfriend and I went there extremely hungry and both left somewhat hungry because we couldn't stomach the food. And we both LOVE eating. I got a fish sandwich and fries - driest fish I've probably ever eaten, hard bun, soggy fries, oh yeah! My gf had a salad with watermelon vinaigrette. She couldn't stand it, so gave it to me, because my meal was pretty sub-par and I was hungry. I took one bite and had to swallow it with a mouthful of beer. On top of that, unfriendly hostess, server, and busser. Just very rushed acting, and when I asked the server how her day was she started complaining about it. Very awkward. 2 stars instead of 1 because the bread they bring out before the meal is good (should have eaten more of that), and a pretty good beer selection. Definitely recommend looking around elsewhere if you're in the neighborhood...

    (2)

  • Tracey N.

    Jet-lagged and hungry (to the point where I couldn't make any kind of decisions), I saw the sign that said "time to eat." So I did! I didn't want anything too heavy, so I went with the razor clam chowder. Being a New Englander, I didn't know what to expect, and I was happily surprised. The broth was white but not too creamy, and jammed with potatoes, corn, and other veggies; the clams were tender and luscious. When/if I'm in Seattle again, I'd definitely go back. I got to watch the sunset here, and the bar has an amazing view.

    (4)

  • Zach B.

    I have been to Steelhead a couple times now, and each time, I am impressed by some things and underwhelmed by others. On the one hand, I like the mix of the modern industrial design with a playful (but somehow sophisticated) fly-fishing aesthetic, and I like the fact that I have been able to get a table immediately at each visit and have had good service experiences. The menu is also impressive, and the commitment to local ingredients is nice to see. On the other hand, I do think that some of their menu items are overpriced, and I think that they have some serious issues with the flavor profiles and seasoning of some of their dishes. Tonight, my dining companion and I showed up at around 8pm without a reservation, and after initially deciding we would leave after we were given a wait time, we were chased down by one of the owners of the restaurant who had found us a table. We were thrilled to be able to be seated immediately, and the owner was incredibly nice and talked to us about the restaurant and strongly recommended both the gumbo and the chowder. We followed this recommendation and each started with soup. Both were beautifully presented, and I really enjoyed the gumbo which was wonderfully rich and spicey. Though we started with well balanced and flavorful soups, our entrees left both of us slightly underwhelmed with their blandness. I had the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, and my dining partner had the catfish tacos. It should be said that both came out incredibly hot and were cooked well, but both of us commented on a lack of seasoning (specifically salt and heat). My chicken sandwich would have been improved with either a more properly seasoned chicken or some sort of sauce on the sandwich to add flavor. I was also somewhat disappointed by the plating of my sandwich. Chicken was falling off, and there didn't seem to be much logic behind where the sandwich was cut. I was also disappointed by the very generic fries that were scattered around the plate. Though I think the fries were supposed to be playful, they just looked awkward. Despite these issues, there were highlights. I had a very good manhattan, our dinners were followed by a nice cup of coffee, and the entire meal was accompanied by attentive and sweet service. These highlights balance many of the shortcomings I have outlined, and it is important for me to be clear that the food is not bad by any means. Rather, it could be better, and that is what prevents me from making the move from 3 stars to 4. Yes, I am a fan of Steelhead....but not enough to say "Yay!"

    (3)

  • I-Wei F.

    My friend and I were shopping in the downtown area and decided we'd have lunch at Steelhead Diner during Seattle Restaurant Week. It was insanely busy and we were happy to be seated at the counter. For $15, the portions were huge! I had the fried kumamoto oysters, grilled catfish with kale & black eyed peas, and a pineapple upside down cake. All were delicious. However, I really have to say something about the service or the lack thereof. Considering we were sitting at the counter, the food was coming out literally a foot away from me, yet our server completely forgot about us. We had a hard time flagging him down as he was no where to be found most of the time. Maybe the servers are all phoning it in during restaurant week when they don't impose an automatic gratuity, but wow, this was really bad.

    (3)

  • kirstin p.

    My husband and I rarely go to a restaurant two days in a row, however when we stumbled across steelhead diner and glanced at its sumptuous offerings we knew right away we would not be able to try everything we wanted to in just one meal! Our first experience was after a long day walking around Seattle and the 'world famous' fishmarket. We were hungry and tired and when they told us the only seats available were at the chef's counter we happily obliged. And lucky we did as chef Kevin Davis was indeed behind the counter and he narrated us through every carefully prepared dish, where the ingredients came from, and the inspiration behind it. He is a lovely and charismatic person. We started with the Chicken & Andouille Sausage Gumbo (with Uli's Andouille) and An Honest Bowl of Chili - both fantastic choices although I preferred the gumbo. The portions were so healthy that I barely had room for my main - the Kasu Marinated Black Cod - which was grilled so perfectly it melted on my tongue! My husband's Cider Glazed Kurobota Pork Loin looked great too although I don't eat red meat. Our second evening the chef offered us an appetizer sampler with a selection of Flash Fried Beechers Cheese Curds, A Slice of Caviar Pie and the Jumbo Lump Dungeness Crabcake. The Caviar Pie was the best appetizer I have ever had, hands down. Layers of garnish with a very generous layer of caviar, the perfect salty, creamy balance - absolutely scrumptious. With a wonderful selection of 'New World' wines and fabulous desserts, many inspired by the Chef's experience 'down South' (Chocolate Pecan Pie, Black Velvet Cake, Pear Crumble), I promise you that you will leave this restaurant satisfied.

    (4)

  • Renee G.

    I should have known that any restaurant that considers poutine a vegetable would win a permanent place in my heart. I wandered into Steelhead Diner, starving, early one Saturday afternoon. It had been recommended to me by a number of people in the Talk section when I posted looking for restaurant suggestions, and while I initially was like, "Diner? Eh," I was walking around in the Pike Place Market and there it was, beckoning me. I decided to give it a try. I sat down at the counter just outside the kitchen and was immediately served a massive plate of bread and a slab of butter drizzled with some sort of herb oil and sprinkled with sea salt. It was extremely difficult not to eat it all, not because the bread was unusually delicious (though it was good) but because the butter/herb oil/sea salt combination was so fabulous I'd have eaten it with a spoon were that not a completely inappropriate thing to do. I ordered the Poor Boy, which was full of hot, juicy, crispy oysters, and immediately demolished it. One of the cooks - Mark - made me a little amuse bouche of the beet tartare and even though, a traitor to my Polish roots as I am, I don't generally much care for beets, with the creamy cheese and the crisp yucca chips, it was rather good. I was so pleased with my meal overall that I joked with the cooks as I was getting up to leave that I'd be back in a few hours for dinner. Fast forward to the next day. I found myself once again in the market area, with that neon sign glowing enticingly. Though I normally don't like to dine at the same restaurants day in and day out, I had recently read Garlic and Sapphires and decided that if Ruth Reichl would eat at the same place three or four times before reviewing it, then so indeed could I. I approached to counter to a chorus of "We missed you at dinner!" and was presented with a couple of oysters on the half shell with the frozen mignonette. And oh. My. God. I feel terrible for all those people in the universe who are grossed out by raw mollusks, because good Lord, they are delicious, but oh well - more for me. And the mignonette - just yum. I am by no means exaggerating when I say I could have eaten dozens and dozens of those things. This time I ordered the Rich Boy and substituted poutine for the fries (!!!). The sandwich was very good, although it didn't quite compare to to Poor Boy, but the poutine was addictively good - I am simultaneously ashamed and proud to say that I *almost* managed to eat the entire plate. I was also given one of the flash fried cheese curds with the hot sweet mustard vinaigrette, and let me tell you, artisanal cheese and spicy mustard (which I have a serious predilection for as it is) is an inspired combination. You'd think that, only being in Seattle for four days, two visits to Steelhead would be enough. Not so. My last day, I concocted an elaborate excuse to get out of going to a nearby Indian restaurant with my Indian coworkers who had no interest in eating anything but Indian food (as I recall, it leaned heavily upon me claiming that I disliked eating the same cuisine multiple days in a row - oh, how I lie) and returned for one last visit. I sat again at the counter by the kitchen, and proceeded to be so talkative and distracting that I do believe I got a couple of the cooks yelled at. Guys, I'm sorry. They made me up a caviar pie to start, which I gluttonously polished off, and then I had a half portion of the Kasu marinated black cod with baby bok choy and shiitakes. The flavors complemented one another perfectly - very umami - and it was truly lick the plate good. I mean, I didn't, but I would have liked to. Somehow, I also managed to find room for the chocolate pecan pie with bourbon cream. The thing I often find with restaurant desserts is that they are never as good as you fantasize about them being as you wait for them to be delivered to your table. Well, this was. Better maybe. You seriously could have rolled me out of there. The main thing that impressed me here was not just the food - phenomenal though it was - but the camaraderie of everyone working and how genuinely friendly they all were. On my last visit, I was chattering away, and the lady beside me turned to me and said, "You must work here!" I, of course, started to laugh and told her that I was just visiting from Boston but that everyone had been so amicable and the food so good that I couldn't stop coming back. Even the chef remembered me from day to day and made conversation. And in a true exhibit of going above and beyond, one cook, Dante, wrapped me up a slice of his homemade banana bread to take on the plane home (it was, as expected, delicious). Of course, I can't speak to the dining room experience here. But my experience could not have been better, and if any of the staff there happen upon this review, I'd like to say thanks for helping make my short stay in Seattle a pleasure. You were all wonderful. :-)

    (5)

  • SuJ'n C.

    A close friend made reservations here for a group of five. I had never gone here before, and was pleasantly delighted with the food. Everyone in our party LOVED their meals. The chantrelle alfredo - YUM. Fried curds - YUM. Red beans and rice - YUM. Gumbo - YUM. Roasted squash - YUM. Southern fried chicken - YUM. I hear that all the ingredients are purchased fresh every day at Pike Place Market. We all left with our tongues and tummies satisfied. I particularly liked the menu because it offered options in both the moderate and pricier range. I enjoyed my squash "side dish" for $8 (I had to take half home because the portion was so big). Entrees ran in the mid-teens to the high twenties. However, the service was... both overbearing and slow on a Saturday evening. It was packed and loud. When our server was at the table, she repeatedly suggested $10 cocktails. And when she wasn't at our table, well... she just wasn't around. We started dinner at 8 p.m. and didn't leave until 10 p.m. - and only because we kept flagging her down asking for our tab.

    (4)

  • Kenan F.

    A pleasant stroll through Pike Place Market lead us to this diner on a steep hill. Who doesn't love a place with beer on tap called Scottish "kilt lifter"? We had a late lunch and would be having an early dinner so I just had the clam chowder and Totten Inlet oysters with my beer. My colleagues had the jumbo lump dungeness crabcake with a Hefeweizen and the oyster "po boy" sandwich with a glass of white wine. They also ordered oysters. Is Seattle the only place that serves raw oysters with frozen mignonette? It sure is delicious.

    (4)

  • Lani H.

    Great creativity and flavour. Sitting at the counter really brings you in to the action. The green bean dish and black cod were fab. Wines by the glass could use a little help. Overall loved it and will be back soon.

    (4)

  • Keith M.

    Hands down the best crab cakes I've ever had anywhere in the world!

    (5)

  • Caroline S.

    Went for brunch...this is not a greasy spoon type of diner. It's more like a hip, diner-inspired restaurant. The food at brunch was amazing. Eggs Benedict had huge lumps of dungeness crab resting on an herby, crusty Italian bread, and topped with a perfectly poached egg. I asked for the hollandaise on the side, and was cheerfully accommodated. Coffee and fresh squeezed OJ were excellent too. We also enjoyed people watching, as the restaurant overlooks the area around Pike's Place market.

    (4)

  • Saurabh C.

    What a disappointment! All the great reviews, just a bunch of hype. How is it possible to screw up Fish n Chips? Crab cake was good but definitely overpriced. One cake for $15.95. Creme Brulee and Black Velvet Dessert sucks. If you have the sweet tooth, better luck at Cheesecake Factory. The saving grace is the vegetable chili. I would not waste money at this place.

    (1)

  • Jennifer C.

    A friend and I went in looking for breakfast/brunch at around noon and she pulled up yelp on her phone. We read the words "diner" and "amazing" and were in. We were greeted by "Do you have a reservation?" and when we said no the hostess turned away muttering "oh no, not another one." Let me pause here. Since when does diner = oh no you don't have a reservation? Huh? We were seated, and reviewed the menu looking for the greasy, post-drinking diner menu we'd been looking forward to since the words "awesome diner" appeared on her phone. Yes, their brunch menu had eggs, but there wasn't much else there in terms of breakfast. We settled on a Washington beef hash that was indeed great, just not what we were looking for. I'll pause again and make this point: If you were called "Steelhead Cafe" I would have given you 4 stars because this place is more of a cafe than anything else. There is a wine rack near the door, service is slow and they let your coffee run dry, and like every other place we went (aside from Lowell's) there seems to be no place that sells breakfast after 11 in Seattle. To me, a diner should: - Serve up a great breakfast menu until 2. - Have servers and cooks who work faster than you can eat/drink - For god's sake, don't ask me if I have a reservation.

    (2)

  • Walter E.

    I went here for the first time for lunch yesterday and will try again but with different foods. The clam chowder was tasty, but had a few too many onions for my liking. The collard greens were excellent. The fries were both tasty and crispy, but the gravy that was used for the poutine was not so good. We split a fried chicken sandwich which was great! The waiter was definitely a bit snooty which was reflected in the tip I left.

    (3)

  • Julie S.

    What a nice find! A coworker recommended this place for dinner. We ended up going for dessert and drinks. The chocolate cake with coconut ice cream was amazing!! We were seated at the tasting bar where you could watch the food being prepared. The chef kept handed us samples of some spring rolls and a few other appetizers. We had already eaten dinner but the tastes I had were very good. It has nice ambiance and the rest of the menu looked good. I'll be bringing family here when they are in town.

    (4)

  • Joel G.

    At half the price I would have given it another star. My po-boy would have been pretty good at $6, the fried cheese curds would have been really tasty at $5, and the somewhat ordinary pasta would have been not bad if it were $7. Instead they were $12 and $10 and $14, and I ended up scratching my head at just what exactly I was paying for. Nothing was so fantastic to make me want to go back and deal with Pike Place Market traffic and crowds and pay too-high prices again. So I probably won't.

    (3)

  • E. M.

    Good. Not great. Super server (didn't catch her name, though). Rich food, decent portions. Three big pluses - location, location, location. Take your parents if they're visiting from out of town. Unless you can get a reservation at Etta's or Dahlia Lounge or Wild Ginger...or you get the point. I expect good things in the future, nonetheless.

    (3)

  • Kim R.

    Best restaurant experience. My sis and I sat at the counter for dinner and everyone should do this once and talk with the chefs. Food was excellent from beginning to end. We were hungry after a day of sightseeing and the bread was divine. We each had a cup of chowder, yum and then split mussels and a crab cake. Both were superb. Ended our meal with pecan pie and butterscotch pot a creme. The pie was to die for. Our meal was so good that we returned the next day to try other things on the menu and were treated to an order of the caviar pie! The food here is a mix of southern and northwest and really should not be missed. We stayed on the appetizer menu and were not sorry. We did have a repeat of the pecan pie the second day! While service was a bit slow the first night, it actually gave us the time to get to know the chef! Can't wait to return to Seattle for another visit!

    (5)

  • Jennifer N.

    Being the only place in the states I've ever even been able to find Poutine, I had to try it. It was awful!! Horrible, awful, & bad. I haven't eaten meat in 2 years, but I took a vacation from vegetarianism to get some Poutine!! Oh yes, it's that good. Or at least it is in Canada. Here, it's lucky to be called mediocre. There are 3 ingredients in Poutine: Fries, Gravy, Cheese Curds. You'd think it would be a straightforward process of assembly instead of a recipe, therefore impossible to screw up. However, Steelhead manages to do just that. Even though Steelhead is super close to Beecher's (where the cheese curds come from) they use the wrong size. Poutine should have large, squeaky, semi-melty curds, but these were almost the size of powdered parmesan you put on your pizza. The gravy is supposed to be a semi-sweet brown gravy, but they use PORK gravy at the Steelhead. EW!!! & I still can't figure out why, since i couldn't find anything on the menu that would lead to the making of pork gravy. & they served it on the side. It's supposed to be layered on top in order to help melt the curds. Steelhead's fries are so crispy it's as if they're battered. Think Burger King. They should be able to slightly absorb some gravy, enabling you to eat your bowl of poutine with a fork, not being forced to use your fingers or cut them with a knife first. If I did a review strictly based on the poutine, they'd get no stars. Not even one for effort, it was that bad. Here's where the 2 stars come in: Other people's food looked delicious. Mainly, everyone was eating sandwiches as it was lunch time. There was a pasta dish on the menu that sounded lovely, but frankly, after the bad poutine, I was done with food for the rest of the day. Our waiter BJ was great. The service was impeccable & he was friendly & funny. When I said the poutine wasn't very good, he immediately asked if I was from Canada. Apparently they get more than a few complaints from people who've had the real stuff. We may go back, if we do, we'll sit in BJ's section & order anything except the poutine. The lunch menu prices were more than reasonable, I don't know why everyone thinks it's so pricey. My husband & I had the poutine w/ extra & I mean EXTRA gravy & cheese curds (they didn't charge us extra) & 2 bevvy's & paid $15 including tip. I'm pretty sure that's the cheapest restaurant lunch we've ever had. Steelhead, do yourselves a favour, take Poutine off the menu, you have it listed in the wrong section anyway. French fries are a starch, not a vegetable/legume.

    (2)

  • Ian F.

    Great food -- had quite the spread for lunch. Solid spot.

    (4)

  • Sea T.

    Not sure how we scored a reservation at 6:30 on Friday evening, but I wasn't going to argue! The place was (as usual) slammed but the kitchen and our server were on top of their game. This was my fourth visit, and nothing diminished the previous good impressions. The roasted beet salad is, in a word, perfect. A little acid from the small addition of cheese, a little bitterness from the frisee on top - a whole lot of salad and a whole lot of happy! This was first time I had cow instead of fish. It was fine, but nothing compared to the black cod kasu, or the Alaskan halibut, or the trout. Fish is why one should go here. They know what they are doing with it! I skipped dessert. My companions were happy with their various chocolate things. Wine list is adequate, nothing special. Atmosphere is typical Seattle happy foodies - a little noisy and a little unnecessary but better than the alternative (those places with funeral home ambiance). This was the first time I ate inside, and it's definitely quieter out on the deck. Price is typical for Seattle ($100 per head, inclusive). I'll be back again soon.

    (4)

  • dan r.

    Nice place with great service.The food was also quite good! Try the fried chicken spring rolls, reeaaallly tasty! Also, try the Scottish ale battered fish and chips or the tri tip. my wife and i ordered these dishes when we were there and i was quite impressed with both. Overall i rather like this joint. Its nice but not stuffy. There is also a great view of the market.

    (4)

  • Amy S.

    Not sure how this place is so highly rated (location maybe). Yes the fish may be fresh but the seasoning is off. I got the black cod. It was okay. The fish was cooked perfectly, the seasoning almost too bitter. My friend got the sole. Quantity was very generous. Taste of the fish was bland the seasoning nothing to write about. The asparagus app was delicious. The clam chowder solid. Crab cake app waaaaay too orange inslde. Don't bother.

    (2)

  • David B.

    I ate the Halibut here and it was awesome. Close to Pike's Place (huge tourist area) so there's a lot to do in the area. Sweet!

    (4)

  • Chris T.

    If you ever in the mood where you don't know what you want, and just looking to sit down somewhere with a wide range of good quality dishes, this is a safe bet.

    (4)

  • Michele L.

    I ventured upon this joint when out bustling about downtown with my family and trying to find a nice place by the water to have a quick lunch. Upon entering the place, I wasn't sure what to expect. After promptly being seated and perusing the menu, I was excited to see greens, fried catfish, and gumbo on the same menu. I was excited when the waiter served some fresh bread and olive oil butter...nummy for the tummy...i love hot, fresh bread from the oven. I tried the Buttermilk Fried Chicken sammich-which was a delectable treat. The only complaint I had was the over-salted fries. But after tasting the apple cider coleslaw, I quickly forgave them. The portions were just right, not too much and not too little. The greens were good and tangy...cooked just right... Although the place was a bit pricey, but i must remember I was near the Market so it was too be expected...I did have a nice meal and had an enjoyable lunch with my parents.

    (4)

  • Chris B.

    This evening began with the best of intentions...just got some good news at work and wanted to take my partner out for a nice, out of the ordinary dinner. Looked on Open Table and it appeared that Steelhead had a lot of availability, so made a same-day reservation for 730 pm. Arrived on-time, seated in the back room (where others were also being seated) fairly quickly. A female server brought the drink menu/wine list and told us that another server would be taking our order but that they would be working out table as a team. That was the last time we saw her until we were finally leaving at 930 pm. The high point of the evening was that our water glass was kept full by the server assigned that task. The food was good, but the overall experience was flawed. The service was slow, and I felt alternately ignored and rushed...must take real effort to send that kind of mixed signal. After waiting for our entrees for over an hour, the steak and the halibut arrived, but without the side (and without a steak knife for the steak). At least 10 minutes after the main dishes arrive, a side-order of Yukon potatoes arrived. Kinda late.... We really wanted to like Steelhead, choosing to drive downtown after work from West Seattle for a nice dinner. Please, get your servers oriented around what good service looks like, and get your kitchen on point to send dishes out with appropriate timing. I HATE to spend over $100 on a decent meal accompanied by mediocre service.

    (2)

  • Dennis S.

    I was taken here on business dinner, which seems to be what this place is best for. It has a decent atmosphere and a nice view, but not amazing for the price. Some items are better than other. The dinner salad was great, my entree was just alright. Goof quality, just a little over priced. Will definitely eat there again though.

    (3)

  • Z M.

    This time yelp let me down. This place is nothing special. My salmon seemed to be frozen and they forgot to put the pees on the side. Nobody else's food was special either. My salmon at the hotel monaco was much better. The service was great. The clam and the oysters were fantastic though.

    (3)

  • Joel F.

    We were seated quickly by a friendly hostess. The hostess was also the last person we talked to in the restaurant. Bread and water were delivered quickly, but our server was nowhere to be found. We could not even catch the eye of one of the many servers buzzing around the other tables. Rather than have to get up and ask for service, we chose to leave after waiting for 15 minutes and went over to Cafe Campagne where we had a great meal.

    (1)

  • Maeve C.

    So, I was looking for a a cool datespot within walking distance of my office, and came across this in my searches. I was excited enough by the critical acclaim, that I didn't notice until after making reservations their so-so yelp reviews. By the time I made it in for dinner, I was a little suspicious I'd made a bad choice. But I was actully quite happy with the place. It's very cool inside, clean and trendy, but still very comfortable. Halk way through dinner my boyfriend and I noted that, despite being right there in the market, with the flyfishing motif and oversized images of evergreens, and a whole lot of local NW ingredients, it didn't feel like a Seattle restaurant - and I mean that in a good way. So, the atmostphere was fun - intimate enough for a date, good for larger groups too. And, although I was a little nervous about the vegetarian entree - a "meatloaf" made of summer squashes, breading, and parmesan and goat cheese with a delightful red sauce and olives dotted throughout, and somewhat strangely a salad piled ontop? It was actually one of the best vegetarian entrees I've had in a long time. I'm not even a huge fan of eggplant, but there really wasn't that much of it - and I gave most of it to my bf. He ordered the rabbit, and seemed reasonably happy, but noted it was a touch undercooked, and that's just not something you want to do with rabbit. We also ordered the pan roasted broccoli, which was good, but not amazing (very similar in texture to the blasted broccoli at Black Bottle) and a bottle of wine (the only bottle our waiter recommended?) which was nice, but seemed to loose it's complexity as soon as we started eating. Overall, it's a fun place, with good food - I think it can, and will improve with time. One small thing they should fix - when you visit the website, it directs you to call for reservations. When you call, even during business hours, you get a recording that tells you to use open table or call back . . . maybe it's time to put an opentable link on your website!

    (4)

  • Brent S.

    I've been here twice and it's been solid both times. Good menu selection, good service, good food. There's a decent subtlety and variety to the flavors and the execution is consistently excellent. Highly recommended, especially for the location and reasonable pricing.

    (4)

  • L H.

    i had a great time here for lunch with friends. my buttermilk chicken sandwich was very crispy - the way i like it! Prices could be a little less steep but i guess that's why i stuck with a sandwich and not a fish dish. It's got cute decor but b/c of the tall ceiling, conversations echoed and made it a bit noisy - but not a huge distraction. all in all, a great stop along pike place market - tourist worthy. i would definitely come again a few more times.

    (4)

  • Lindsay P.

    Hands down, best crab cakes ever. A great, laid back place that won't disappoint! Great conversation at the chef's counter if you can take the heat (and the scrumptious food that will tempt you to order everything else on the menu)!! If you're looking for a local restaurant steps from Pike Place, with great owners, a fun vibe and fantastic food, head to Steelhead. And have a crab cake, please!

    (5)

  • Anthony D.

    This place is truly unique. It's menu has some classic dishes, but also throws in some twists where need be. You can get a piece of fish with an elaborate sauce or you can order your basic mac and cheese (which, yelp tip coming, is easily enough to fill you up). Purists beware, this is not the place to go if you're looking for simplicity. If you want a piece of fish caught two hours ago with a minimalist preparation, i would head elsewhere. Thankfully I'm not that type of person. Since I cooked tonight, my date and I went strictly for drinks and dessert. We both had red wine by the glass--i had the cherry hill pinot which was good, but slightly expensive ($11) and my date had the eliseo silva syrah ($8). To tell you the truth i don't remember what she thought of it! She must have been neutral. For dessert, I had the creme brulee and my date had the chocolate pecan pie with a side of snickers ice cream. The creme brulee was solid, if not slightly thick, and the pecan pie was fantastic. Chocolate is an excellent enhancement to the pecans and the side of snickers ice cream was a nice over-the-top indulgence. The service was near perfection. We walked in and once the bartender realized we were standing there too long he came over and seated us. I noticed an available table and asked to be seated there and was promptly accommodated. The location was off the bar and very casual, and right next to the kitchen (side note: there is a counter to sit at with ~8-10 seats with a view into the kitchen...an awesome feature). The bartender waited on us the entire night, wasn't pushy, and had a good handle on the desserts as well as the drink list. Also, a few other random employees came over for some small talk which wasn't at all invasive. In fact, all the employees seem to have an excellent feel for the place. I'm not sure how to explain that--i guess what i mean is that no one seems out of place and the service has a good flow to it. Overall one of my favorite places around downtown. I've been probably 4 or 5 times now and the most memorable dishes have been the pulled pork sandwich, the fish and chips, and the crab cake. I went for happy hour once and they did have some decent beer specials and some moderately good apps. However, if you want to get the full effect you need to do a full dinner. Try the counter for an interesting experience.

    (5)

  • TaDao V.

    It was blistering cold that day and yet my meal at the Steelhead was still well worth it. I really liked the menu. The diner serves upscale southern-style food made with local-ish ingredients. It's a weird combination, but everything on the menu looked really appetizing. I had the gumbo and the chicken-fried steak. The gumbo was delicious and the chicken-fried steak was tasty and HUGE. My friends had a salad and a fried chicken sandwich which looked awesome. The food is a little bit more pricey but the restaurant is pretty nice and the servers were very good. So remember what you're paying for. I'd definitely go back again.

    (3)

  • Magdalene T.

    We took 6 friends from out of town here for brunch last Sunday. Though it wasn't cheap, we all thought the food was 4 to 5 stars worthy and everyone enjoyed their meal. Our server was friendly, patient and sincere. The atmosphere was lively and the location was perfect since our next destination was Pike's place market. They take reservations and we were seated promptly. I would go back again especially if my next stop was Pike's market.

    (4)

  • Sean C.

    I went here for Happy Hour on a Friday at 4. Was able to get a spot at the bar. They had any of their glass pour wines for $5 and some rather tasty ones at that. Food specials and some other drink and beer specials. All in all it was a nice time. Attentive bartender and nice view, even on a rainy evening. I thought this was a great Seattle restaurant. Can't go full 5 stars til I have a full dinner there.

    (4)

  • Elizabeth Y.

    I was with Scott S. for dinner with a group of friends. I concur with all he mentioned in his review, so will not repeat here. I'll only comment on my own entrees: Crabcake appetizer - DELICIOUS, with huge chunks of Dungeness crab clawmeat. I would ask for the sauce on the side next time (too much mayo). Halibut half portion was more of a meager quarter portion. It looked like the cut of fish that your friendly fishmonger from the market would never dare attempt to sell you. Yet here it was, on my plate, way overcooked and pathetic. I should've returned it. Passed on dessert.

    (2)

  • Jasmine L.

    Normally, I don't think Steelhead lets underage kids come in, but the servers were awesome and recognized those who are in dire need of food. That said, their virgin drinks were spectacular. So much better than crap served in other restaurants that are actually just club soda masquerading as drinks. I recommend both the nojito and the cosnopolitan. Their fish and lamb are tender and very very well-seasoned. I'm not sure what pasta I got (something with pulled mozzarella), but though it had potential, it was very bland and the noodles were overcooked. Their salmon salad was so good, topped with crudites. Very fast service, nice atmosphere, and so different from the other places that dot Pike Place.

    (4)

  • Kathy J.

    Haven't been in a while, but this was one of my dearly missed Foodie Mom's favorite places in the last year of her life. I love fried chicken, so much I rarely order it anywhere. The bartender told me Steelhead's fried chicken was his favorite item on the menu; we went into full on fried chicken slap down; this guy knew his fried chicken around town, from Marco Polo, the late Homestead to Hi-Life and points in between. Fabulous fried chicken, but sadly without mashed potatoes ($4.95 for a side-fried chicken has to have mashed potatoes on the side-my only issue with Marco Polo). The gumbo and caviar pie are rightfully famous, but the fried chicken should be right up there. Oddly enough the fried chicken sandwich is nothing special, but it maybe it is me, not having grown up on Chik-Fil-A.

    (4)

  • Chris B.

    I liked it. Sat at the bar during the lunch hour and had a nice chat with Ken, one of the bartenders. I decided to be trendy and order what every other schmuck who reads Esquire probably does - the Rich Boy. And I'm glad I did. Nice mix of flavors, good bread, the cherry peppers on top were a nice touch. Nice by-the-glass wine list and good views rounded things off. Would definitely recommend over any of the touristy spots in the Pike Place Market area.

    (4)

  • Jenny T.

    i found this place while visiting seattle. the food was great, our server was funny, the whole place had a nice, laid-back style.

    (5)

  • anita c.

    Despite a promising menu packed with foodstuffs from local purveyors, the half-empty Steelhead took nearly 45 minutes to deliver disappointment on white plates. The fish portion of our fish and chips was pretty good, but the chips absolutely sucked. The whole plate cost $16, and they didn't even put bourbon in it or anything. A plate of Eggs Ellenburg -- a prefab chicken-fried steak topped with (broken!) fried eggs and a terrible sausage gravy -- was stunningly bad.

    (2)

  • Chad B.

    Located overlooking the Pike Place Market, this casual dining restaurant/bar would be best described to be know for their Pacific Northwest seafood and salmon dishes (ie, Steelhead). The three in my party, including myself, ordered differently prepared servings of salmon, all of which were moist, delicious and tasty. Their cuisine is a combination of the greater Pacific Northwest region such as Alaskan salmon/King crab, Canadian poutine (french fries drizzled with brown gravy and sprinkled with cheese), and Washington clam chowder, to name a few. Definitely a great place for late-night drinks and dining as we stayed until closing after 10PM on a weekday. The night I dined there, I had the 3 for $30 special which included your choices from a wide selection of appetizers, main course and dessert. One that I've never had before was their specially made pink rose ice cream which uses extractions and juices from boiled rose petals to make their ice cream. Very interesting! This place also serves as a good venue for happy hour, lounging/socializing, dining romantically/casually, and also as a great place to eat when you're visiting Seattle's famous Pike Place Market. Will definitely take out-of-town visitors there again.

    (4)

  • S B.

    Great appetizers, good selection of seafood!

    (4)

  • C. B.

    Good food (close to 4 stars) but awful service. The first time I went, our party of 4 waited almost 30 minutes to get someone to come by to take our order, despite our repeated attempts to flag the servers. It took yet another long time to get our drinks...then our first appetizer...so on and so forth. Needless to say, it was not a pleasant experience. We did however enjoy the food well enough (at the hot dishes stayed hot) so I decided to give them another chance with another set of friends. Food was good again but the service was still not great. So as much as I like the food, I just don't have the patience for their service. Which is a shame.

    (2)

  • judy n.

    after all the great reviews, i guess i had pretty high expectations but this place would've disappointed regardless of preconceived ideas. the service was absurdly bad. we arrived @ 11:45am on a friday, figuring to beat the lunch rush. we didn't get out of there until after 1pm WITHOUT actually getting to eat our freaking lunch! that's right, we finally told them to just box up our entrees because the majority of our party actually had to get back to work. to underscore how ridiculous this is, we all ordered sandwiches! how is it possible to take an HOUR to make four freaking sandwiches?! not only did the manager (who was busy serving other people food) not come to our table to apologize, the best they could do was comp our appetizers (we only ordered 2). & granted, i didn't get to eat my sandwich until i got home so it was, of course, soggy but even so, what was inside wasn't anything special. i've never felt so bitter about a dining experience or realized how much hype can play a role in a restaurant's reputation.

    (2)

  • Mike W.

    My daughter, son-in-law, l4-year-old, and 10 month old granddaughters and myself. Had lunch here on the day after Christmas. It was crowded, but the staff was amazing and efficent. We were seated and attended to as though there were only a few people in the place. I had the catfish on a bed of polenta and it was marvelous. We chose the all inclusive (except alcohol) lunch specials for $15, and they were all excellent. I was amazed again by the staff's ability to keep up and give us extra tea, coffee, etc. while we were waiting for our foods. My son-in-law had a mixed drink and pronounced it to excellent. Will be back for sure.

    (4)

  • Paul L.

    I was in Seattle on business and wanted to find something casual. I went to Steelhead because of location. I didn't know what to make of the place. It seemed trendy, but the crowd was confusing. I was the only person there under 35, with the exception of 2 young kids with their parents. I expected more 25-35s. Oh well. The food was great. I ordered the Alaskan salmon and was pleased. the food was rich, which made up for the smallish portion. I would probably go here again, but not until fully experiencing the Seattle culinary scene...

    (3)

  • Yana K.

    I came here after perusing the SAM, which has free admission every first Thursday of the month. The weather was beautiful, so I was really looking forward to eating on the patio. Unfortunately for me, it was closed for a private party. Bummer. I sat at a table close to the window to get a peak at the water and such. I highly recommend the caviar pie, which had a perfect blend of creaminess, salt, and five different caviors. The bread was delicious, they get it from a German bakery in the north end. The staff was very attentive and made me feel welcome and appreciated. I will be coming back, simply for the caviar pie and the beautiful deck view.

    (4)

  • Tim W.

    these guys were so good to us. held our 7pm friday night res. for 20 minutes while the rest of the fam showed up. our server was great. accommodated all our high maintenance requests. the food was excellent. we had the caviar pie, off the boat salmon, fish and chips, chowder and an assortment of different drinks. the plates were licked! rather expensive if you take the salmon off the boat...but when in season!!!

    (4)

  • Maus Y.

    This place is way better than what I expected from a diner. It's actually not a diner looking at the menu options. The service was very friendly and attentive. They squeeze their own juices- the grapefruit was a bit tart for me. So, I had the gumbo to start and it was almost a meal itself. The dungeness crab roll with fries was as good as I have heard. I notcied others just ordering the dessert (hint-hint). Check it out when you are down at Pike's market.

    (4)

  • scott s.

    Was there three evenings ago with a bunch of friends....7 people in our party, including an infant. First, I'd like to comment on the wine list- great. Lots of interesting local choices at the expected resale price point. Was pleased to see a Porteus petit syrah and two McCrea syrahs on the list. We started with cocktails- all solid, no problems. The wait staff was attentive, but seemed a little scatter brained. Maybe too busy, maybe too much going on. Got the impression that our waitperson was not totally with the program. His effusive praise for some dishes which turned out to disappointing further degraded the service quality. Appetizers: I had the toten Island mussels- terrific. I inhaled them. Wonderful flavors, some green lime leaves included, they were prepared in a Thai style, which was interesting. My wife has the Beecher's fried cheese curds- which were basically cheese sticks ala TGI Fridays. A disappointing presentation of a product made just steps away from Steelhead Diner. Entrees: I had the Wagyu burger, which rocked. Great flavors, nice presentation. I was disappointed with the very basic fries- did not look fresh cut, were made from mere potatoes. A $12 burger ought to be served with fries derived from something other than Russet potatoes...sweet potatoes maybe? My wife had a very strange shrimp summer pasta salad, which she sent back. She hated it. It was a strange concotion of shrimp (nice ones), pasta, apple shavings and veggies. Disharmonious flavors. I can't remember the last time we have sent a dish back...we were credited the dish, but had to remind the waitstaff to take it off the bill. Bummer. Friends had the cod-described as dry. fish and chips-also dry, and boring. the crab cakes got good reviews. Pulled pork sandwhich was average. I like the Steelhead Diner concept, the space was nice, and the idea of using local Market derived foods for recipes is a great one. We plan to return for a visit in 6 months. hopefully the kitchen will get it together by then. for now...just an average review.

    (2)

  • Erika S.

    Had another great dinner at the Steelhead, our party of four ordered half portions of the entrees (choose the steak and the pork - two each!) as well as a started. The beet starter only got passing marks as it wasn't decleared beet-y enough but all the other salads were fantastic. The bread was a bit lacking but the desserts were amazing. We got the Velvet Cake and the seasonal poundcake with berries. Their desserts definitely serve two. And this is from someone who loves dessert. Had a great wine suggested by the sommelier.

    (4)

  • Marta L.

    I waivered on the five stars, mostly because I don't like to give five stars unless there's something exceptional going on. But at Steelhead Diner, there is. I've been twice, and I can say without reservation that (1) they serve the best crab cake I've eaten in Seatte; (2) they make crazy tasty green beans (I'm writing about green beans in a review - they are THAT GOOD); (3) the Black Velvet Cake knocked my socks off; and (4) I can get this amazing food at joint that happily accepts that I sometimes need to dine with my kiddos. It is pricey. It is in the middle of tourist-town. But its worth it. Enjoy!

    (5)

  • Denise C.

    Good food, helpful waiter, fun location right near the Market!

    (4)

  • Diana H.

    Went for lunch on a Wednesday. Food is okay. Husband had pulled pork sandwich....which was a bit bland...luckily they have hot sauce on the table. My fish n chips were average - and very, very expensive. I'll try it again for dinner perhaps and get something a bit more interesting next time. Service was great, so from what I've read in previous reviews, it could be hit or miss. People around us were taking advantage of Dine Out Seattle deals...$15 for three courses and they don't skimp on the quantity!

    (3)

  • L T.

    I've been here on two separate occasions, both of which were decent experiences. The main dishes are average. Some of the ideas seem complex but the follow-through is less than stellar, with one exception. If you eat here, get the deep fried catfish. It 's beautiful and delicious. I had that the first time. The second time I tried the fish and chips and they were bland and boring. The fries were okay, but we tried the melted cheese curd to go along with it and it was not good. My dining companion had mahi mahi which she reported was quite good, but the fruit salsa/salad they put on top tasted pretty rank - but they discounted the bill to make up for it. The appetizers they serve are the best part of the menu. The caviar pie is amazing and I'd go back just for that. For dessert I asked for a scoop of ice cream which was delicious and satisfying. Service was great. Overall, my suggestion is to come in for a drink and an appetizer.

    (3)

  • mandy m.

    disclaimer: review may be tainted due to strong drinks and a warm sunny day we headed here for lunch one day when we just needed to get out of the office. my oworker had already been here, but it was new to me. walking in, the atmosphere is bright and welcoming- very modern but not in that cold im too cool for food kind of way. again, the sun streamin in the windows helped. we got a seat in the back by the windows and started off with cocktails. the irresistible was VERY fragrant smelling like perfume. i ordered something along the lines of something or other skunk butt- a fruity tropical souning drink with midori and rum. i was actually really surprised that it was sweet, but in a mature way. i cant describe it any other way. we ordered the latkes as an appetizer and they were really good. im used to the traditional version, but these were battered fried chicken style... mmmmmmmm. for my meal i ordered the roast pork sandwich. i should also explain that i have never willingly ordered pork at a restaurant. i grew up with homemade porkchops and vowed to never eat it again. but the other white meat could do no wrong here. large sandwich- enough for dinner- and delicious. we were too full for dessert- and too drunk- but everything on the menu sounded good, and thats rare for me... i HIGHLY recommend this place. but not for lunch just so i can get a table.

    (5)

  • Kaari D.

    This is one of the best restaurants in Seattle. If you're looking for an unpretentious upscale dining experience with really delicious food, this place is for you. The caviar pie starter really changed my opinion of caviar. I have never enjoyed it previously, but I found the presentation irresistible. The flavors were delicate and easy for this novice to enjoy. My main was the Kasu marinated black cod which was similar and dare I say, better, than the Black Cod Kasuzuke found at Shiro's.

    (5)

  • johanna s.

    I was in Seattle just this past weekend. I made it a point to eat here because I wanted to try poutine and I knew they had it. It was delicious! The fries were crispy, the gravy was beefy and the cheese curd added a delicous flavor to the combination. For my first poutine experience, I was very pleased. I'm not sure if that was authentic poutine, but it was damn tasty. My table also ordered: caviar pie (wow! delicious!! try it!! perfect blend of salty/creamy), kilt lifter fish and chips (fish was hot and the breading was light and perfectly browned, good tartar sauce), baked mac & cheese (nothing special, but delicous) and some potato things that I cannot recall the name of, but my mom and aunt thought were not the best they'd had, but were very tasty. We all enjoyed the fact that the food came out piping hot and the ingredients were very fresh. I loved the modern decor of the restaurant and the service was excellent. Next time I'm in Seattle, I will be going back for the caviar pie and the poutine. Dig it.

    (5)

  • Lisa W.

    We wanted to play "tourist" for a Sunday afternoon and went straight to Pike Place Market. It was right around lunch time, so our first mission was finding a place open for lunch on Sunday...I've always been a fan of the Alibi Room, the Pink Door, Chez Shea and Il Bistro but I know they are more "evening" establishments. Steelhead Diner is quite prominent in the area, and they were open for brunch/lunch. The hostess asked us if we had a reservation ("nope") so we were given the option of the bar or the outdoor patio (wow...busy place!). It was actually very pleasant patio weather so we opted for that. We were given water and a basket of hearty, fiber friendly bread with a butter and olive oil accompaniment. I ordered the organic mixed greens salad with roasted walnuts and cherries (it also comes with goat cheese but I asked for no cheese). He ordered the fried chicken sandwich which comes with a generous helping of french fries. We both fully enjoyed our lunches and the service was on-point, especially for being as busy as they were.

    (4)

  • Pookie B.

    Excellent restaurant! My boyfriend and I were visiting from Vancouver, BC and thought to go to a nice diner that served a range of good quality American food. We were very impressed with the reviews on yelp so we thought to swing by Steelhead Diner to give it a go. We had brunch there. Thought the food was excellent - the quality was definitely there, flavour came through, well-seasoned - no complaints. The service was exceptional - had a dedicated waitress that kept pouring freshly brewed coffee which was pretty tasty for a drip. She was very friendly and pleasant at all times. Also, we noticed that for a Sunday morning, the restaurant was full of waiters and waitresses who appeared perky and happy. Now although we waited a while for our meal to come, it was worth the wait. I had the grilled pork chop with the polenta corn grits on the bottom. And even though, it's such a simple dish, it was done well. The fact that my mouth is salivating when I think about it says that this restaurant left a lasting impression. I was very full and satisfied in the end. We would certainly return here. In fact, my partner and I are already looking forward to our next trip to Seattle.

    (5)

  • Ann M.

    yummy eats and great cocktails

    (4)

  • steven g.

    my favorite restaurant in Seattle! THe combination of the wait staff,chef, and sous chef, made for a perfect meal! My husband and I went back twice during a four day stay in Seattle recently! Rock on at Steelhead Diner!

    (5)

  • sheila g.

    We took out of town guests to dine here between Christmas and New Year, the food was good to excellent, but our server was fabulous. He made our evening. Just a small footnote the "latkes" were not like my mother used to make but I enjoyed them anyway!! Now I have to pay for my sins and get back on my trusty and somewhat dusty treadmill.

    (4)

  • Rico G.

    The caviar pie is awesome. The menu is very eclectic, ranging from pretty good (Caviar pie, as mentioned above) to the just damn weird (poutine, the only thing that can actually be called Canadian food, ever). It's good for a fancy-ish meal every now and then.

    (4)

  • will g.

    Crab cake awesome. Chicken sandwich great. Hamburger great. Caviar pie great. Salads good. Poutine terrible--should be taken off the menu. Nice people. Too expensive to eat there very often.

    (3)

  • scott h.

    Wow .. Finally found a place open after 10PM that servers a decent dessert! The steelhead is right in the place where you'd see it every day but wouldn't think of going in because it's right in the middle of everything, but when you do go it you are suprised at how good everything is .. from the hand tied fishing lines to the select of scotch, this place is worth the time.

    (4)

  • Michael C.

    I went here with a friend for the Dine Around Seattle promotion and was very pleased with my meal. I've been here a couple of times in the past, and had decent meals, but nothing to write home about. This time, I was more impressed. The service was fine, although the server didn't give us the Dine Around Seattle menus until we requested them, which was kind of annoying. But once the food came, we were happy. I had the fried oysters as an appetizer. I've never had oysters before, but had heard that Steelhead did oysters well, so I decided to try them out. They were delicious, and it was a nice, generous portion of juicy, crispy oysters with a tasty dipping sauce. The pork shoulder was also delicious. It was incredibly tender and moist, and the accompaniments were flavorful. It was a tiny bit fatty in places, but I assume that this cut of meat is fairly rich. I ordered the famous chocolate pecan pie for dessert. While it was good, I was so full at this point, that the pie felt over the top. I have to admit I'm not a huge pecan pie fan, and this one seemed pretty typical in that it was excessively sweet and heavy. The chocolate nibs cut the sweetness a bit, but not enough. On the whole, a great dining experience!

    (4)

  • Aaron F.

    I stumbled in here on a rainy day with my visiting family. We had been eating at great restaurants all week, and were looking for something in-between upscale and casual. What better than an upscale diner? The food was excellent. I *highly* recommend the prosciutto cured halibut salad for the seafood lover; it is essentially a well-seasoned halibut sashimi, very unique. We shared a fish & chips which was one of the best I've tasted. The oysters were top of the line, as was the wine list, all local (Oregon and Washington). Our waiter was exceptional as well; he made a great wine recommendation (best Shiraz I've ever had, wish I could remember the label) as well as the black velvet cake for desert (covered in coconut to create a wonderful texture). Overall, I recommend this as a great place to go when you want something closer to casual, or if you have a tough crowd who wants a variety of food ranging from seafood to salad to meat. There is a lot of bar-style seating, so this would be a great place to eat when traveling for business as well. Enjoy!

    (4)

  • Mary M.

    Somehow missed this place in our many forays into downtown Seattle. Just didn't catch our eye from the street. Then we were looking for a place to have an early meal before a show at The Moore and read the nice reviews online. All 4 of us were delighted with the restaurant, staff and food. From the moment we arrived we felt very welcome. We decided to throw cholesterol issues to the wind and start out with the poutine. I had never had the dish and had thought that gravy on fries might make them soggy and gross, but that was far from the case. The fries were hot, crispy and delicious and I would have been content to eat those and have a beer and call it dinner. But we couldn't resist trying several more dishes. Like others have mentioned the addition of vanilla in the salad dressing was a delightful surprise. Husband enjoyed the gumbo, though he thought it could have been spicier. When he was done with it he noticed the Crystal hot sauce on the table which would have done the trick. For main courses we had the black cod, halibut, mushroom pasta and fried chicken. We all really, really enjoyed our meals. We'll be proud to take out-of-town guest here and are anxious to return ourselves.

    (5)

  • Jennifer A.

    Not a big fan. Location's nice but food was rather overpriced and not all that. The fish and chips were very oily. I mean, very oily. The vegetarian meatloaf was a little bit of eggplant with some tomato chunks and a lot of breadcrumbs and with no side dishes for $15. Drinks were nice. Decor was fun. I don't plan on going there again. Not enough there to really bring me back.

    (2)

  • Alex p.

    I have two words...Caviar Pie. I'm still having culinary dreams about this one!!!

    (5)

  • Virginia C.

    good service, good food, fun recipes, very nice room for larger parties, great access to the park place market.

    (4)

  • Karen T.

    When visiting the Pike's Peak Market, please do yourself a favor and eat at the Stealhead Diner. The ambiance of the bar:restaurant is upscale speakeasy with innovative, friendly mixologists willing to crest a drink based on the flavors that you enjoy most. The clam chowder was the very best I have ever enjoyed! Creamy but not heavy. Chunks of bacon and tender potatoes and a great deal of fresh clams - the kicker?! It's the truffle oil on top. It is out of this world! Followed by the Olive Crusted Alaskan Halibut was incredibly fresh! Sweet tapenade that was the perfect balance to the tender flaky Halibut. Lastly, Southern Pecan Pie...it was outstanding! I could've sworn that was made in Louisiana, flown to Washington that same day - but no, only a centuries old recipe by the Louisiana born and bred owner from his mama. The food. The drink. The ambiance. Thank you to Matthew our bartender extraordinaire and server. Your suggestions were ON POINT!!!

    (5)

  • Jennica S.

    This is the first (of many) reviews I will do on restaurants in Seattle. Primarily because, well, this is the first place that my boyfriend and I ate at. Pike Place Market was the first place we visited, and we wanted to be typical tourists and eat here. We didn't want something too heavy because of dinner reservations a few hours later, but nothing was that appealing (in that moment), so we decided to eat here. At first, I was kind of hesitant because of limited food options and a higher price point than I wanted, but we walked around the market to find food for 45 minutes and decided to settle. The location is pretty, which is why the food is a little pricey, I'm sure. It's a nicely modeled restaurant with a view of Pike Place and the water. The food is just okay, though. I think the Grass Fed Burger was better than the Margarita Sandwich. The chicken in the sandwich seemed a little dry, or undercooked, with not much taste. My favorite part of the meal were the fries and the Jones cola--pretty classic. Our server was lagging a little, as well. I felt like we had to ask him for obvious things, such as: refills and a bag for our leftovers. I didn't want to walk around holding two boxes of food.

    (3)

  • Nicole D.

    Excellent! We really enjoy the fried chicken the only thing I'd change is it definitely needs to be served with mashed potatoes!

    (5)

  • Rose G.

    We stopped for lunch, drawn in by the corn vichyssoise on the menu. It was awesome! We enjoyed some fantastic appetizers and refreshing drinks, and service was fantastic. I highly recommend lunch on the patio. View is not great, but the atmosphere is.

    (5)

  • Renee D.

    Blue Acre's more affordable sibling restaurant is fan-amaze-balls-tastic. Start with the crab and shrimp tater tots. Just do it. They are like nothing you have every put in your mouth. The black cod and cioppino stew were so good that my husband and I kept switching plates insisting that the other person not eat all of whatever was not immediately in front of us. We finished with the flourless chocolate cake with coconut-almond ice cream. Whoa. We will be sad to leave Seattle. This city knows how to eat!

    (5)

  • Mike K.

    The place looks so cool from the outside. I really wanted this place to be great. Just steps from pike place market, it had the location that drew me in. Looking for a seafood meal I was ready for a great dinner. When looking at the menu, I thought it was a little bit overpriced but hey its downtown Seattle. I ordered the oyster po-boy. Said it was dressed all the way NOLA style. It was $14 with fries. Unfortunately it had about two oysters on it and was cut in half. Each half was about 2" in length. My wife asked me when glancing at my plate, "is that it?" "Yup!" VERY DISAPPOINTED. This place has potential to be fabulous. Unfortunately I can't recommend you spend a dime in here. It's just not worth it. I will admit our server was very attentive and pleasant.

    (1)

  • John A.

    First let me say that there was a hair in the fried fish in the fish and chips. And it was a long hair. I get that mistakes are made, but really. Nokia the fish and chips was pretty bland. However it became free. Plus a free bowl of gumbo which was pretty good. Also has the salmon which was just ok. I think they could have done better.

    (3)

  • Sabrina S.

    Food was ok. Service is awful. We had to wait hours for food. They served appetizer and entrée at the same time!!

    (2)

  • Kate H.

    Delicious brunch! We started with the Dungeness Crab & Bay Shrimp Tater Tots ($9 for 6). I could done without the celery leaf salad on top, but the tots were full of flavor. Good app to split. Try the Alaskan Razer Clam Chowder ($8/cup) for nice hunks of potato and good clams. The broth was thinner than I'd guessed it would be, but the flavor is right-on. I indulged with the Sequimbled Eggs -- poached eggs with jumbo lump Dungeness crab meat and hollandaise sauce ($18). This is not a dish you'll make for yourself at home. The eggs were cooked perfectly and the yolk was delicious with the buttery hollandaise. Recommend! My dining companions had the King Salmon ($19) and a special fish dish. Everyone loved it. Steelhead is a casual, easy-going diner with awesome views, great service and amazing food. Don't miss it.

    (4)

  • Andrea J.

    This was the perfect spot for our first meal in Seattle, and an escape from the madness that was Pike Place Market! We ate in the relaxing outdoor patio and it was awesome...as was our bottle of Rose, crab cakes, fish tacos, and mac and cheese. All were superb and reasonably priced!

    (5)

  • Michael W.

    I started with a local pale ale and the tater tots recommended by the bartender. They came dressed in a parsley and pickled pepper salad and if I ever ate a tater tot that was delicate, this would be the one. They're not tater tots, nor are they hush puppies. They are decadent. Then I ordered the sole. Wow. Anything short of delicious would be an injustice. A curious fried parsley atop the sole which lays on a bed of garlic mash with capers and lemon garnish. The fish was cooked terrifically and the mash was very smooth. I prefer my mash a bit thicker with bits of hard potato within, but that might be my nor'eastern palette. The sole had a light crust and was seasoned very nicely; nothing that hid the light taste of the fish itself. Highly recommend, too bad I'm in Seattle for only a few hours. It would be a pleasure to hang out for a few days.

    (5)

  • Craig J.

    We returned this week and had an excellent lunch. Had the Petrale Sole and we split a salad. The food couldn't have been any better and the service was great. We didn't have any drinks, just water and the ticket came to over 60.00! Have to say that was pretty pricey for lunch!

    (4)

  • Carrie C.

    The field greens, watermelon and goat cheese salad was delicious. So was the sole and pecan pie. Excellent find!!

    (5)

  • andrew r.

    Hostess was texting, another worker saw us and sat us. Our original waiter asked if we needed more time then never came back. Another waiter came to replace. The original waiter went to help a larger party of people. First thing told "Out of Trout and pork chops". After ordering I heard "we are out of that bottle" Syrah goedhart family cellars $71 bottle. Tried to sell me on another bottle "not on the menu" and $135, I've been around long enough to know you match the price of the bottle you didn't have and offer a taste, none of which happened. So... Disappointing I ended up ordering a glass of purple star, I didn't get it poured it just came in the glass so not even sure if I was given that or a cheaper wine. Not a very trustworthy place. Very humid atmosphere.

    (2)

  • I B.

    Let me preface that I have traveled all around US and the world and had eaten some very exquisite gourmet food, so I am quite a food snob. We LOVED our brunch!!! We were initially turned away from another restaurant (unfriendly staff) so we ended up at Steelhead diner which in my opinion is an exceptional restaurant with a super friendly and accommodating waitstaff. Best of all is that this restaurant has tons of windows with natural light coming in which added to a very enjoyable dining experience.

    (5)

  • MQ F.

    I like it. The dish I ordered is very special and tasty. Putting bread into soup makes it taste great, although I was not used to put bread into soup. Lots of fresh tomato in the soup. The bread and butter is so delicious, and we were offered another serve when we waited for our food. The service is good.

    (5)

  • Chelsea J.

    I attended Steelhead Diner for a dinner event in the back room and had a wonderful time. We had two servers taking care of our large table and they did an excellent job. We started with the Brutus salad which was excellent. The main course was served family style- steak, Bristol Bay salmon with port soaked chukar cherries, pasta with broccoli, and Theo chocolate pecan pie. The salmon was wonderful. The cherries added a nice sweetness. The steak was a bit overcooked and tough but maybe it was just the end piece that I got. I wouldn't order steak at a seafood place typically and this was served family style so it's possible the quality was a bit less than if you ordered entrees off the menu. The pasta was okay. I would stick with the fish here. Again, the salmon was just right. The chocolate pecan pie was delightful and as rich as it sounds. The crust however was so tough we struggled to cut it even using a serrated knife. You should not have to put your back into cutting a pie crust. But the filling and chocolate bits were very tasty. I can't wait to come back and try more menu items. There are so many good dining choices in the market and I'm happy to add another option to my rotation. I didn't know this before my visit but they have a garage and they validate parking!

    (4)

  • Dennis M.

    We have been avoiding this 'tourist' place for some time now. Tonight we decided to give it a try. We will avoid no more! Service was exceptional and the food was even better. We both had seafood tonight. Me the trout, she the stew. Both dishes were fabulous. Rich deep flavor perfectly cooked.

    (4)

  • Karen C.

    This food here isn't fantastic, but the service is good, and it's a functional stop for a sit-down meal if you're in the area. I'd say stick to the classic simple dishes on the menu - the burger looked good and the eggs benedict were good as well. I ordered the clams cooked with orange peel and ham hock. It sounded interesting, so I took a chance. The clams came laden with a heavy pile of sautéed veggies and huge hunks of ham, dripping with grease. The flavours weren't bad, but I couldn't taste the clams through all of that. One of my favourite things when having a bowl of clams or mussels is dipping my bread into the broth/sauce, but there was no broth or sauce in this... it was literally just a pool of grease at the bottom of the bowl. So I don't recommend the clams - but as the name suggests, diner food is their game. The location is convenient, though, and with big windows providing great people watching over Pike Place. It's large and airy inside, and you can usually get a table without much of a wait. It's not a big family spot at dinnertime, but when we were there for Sunday brunch, there were families with kids, and they seemed accommodating to that.

    (3)

  • Wendy T.

    We dine here during lunch for restaurant week, and I had a pleasant time. We arrive at 11:30 and definitely got in before the lunchtime rush since 15 minutes later the place was practically full. The atmosphere was great, the food was good (nothing too fancy to scream and let down your hair about) and being right in the middle of Pike's Place Market definitely has it's charms. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Would definitely recommending going for lunch, after a days of shopping but too keen on the going there for dinner since the menu wasn't anything special for the prices they're advertising.

    (4)

  • R B.

    What I had: Fish and chips Shrimp and something tots Baked macaroni What I think: Great location, some views, design & decor, ambience. Not crowded, but wide variety of clientele. Accommodated need for 45 min lunch, attentive wait staff. Great taste. Bread with flax etc might have been the tastiest ever,.salty and peppery, butter with herb infused olive oil.

    (5)

  • Shari A.

    Ate here several times while we were out in Seattle and would definitely eat here again. Food is really fresh. Service was great! We had a great view. The menu changes daily based in what is fresh and available. Clam chowder was really good. We also had the smoked salmon hash and crab cakes which were great as well. Can be a little noisy but otherwise really great reasonable place to eat near Pike Place Market!

    (5)

  • Joyce V.

    Although I made a reservation, we ended up walking faster than expected & got to the restaurant early. They didn't have any tables available inside but the patio was available. We kind of felt like outcasts on the patio overlooking the alley. We decided to make the best of it. We started with the Brutus Salad, their version a Caesar Salad with pine nuts.- Delicious! My husband & I both ordered the Pike "Kilt Lifter" Fish & Chips- Scotch Ale Battered Alaskan Ling Cod w/ Tartar Sauce & Lemon. The fish was really fresh & crispy & the fries were good. The service was terrific.

    (3)

  • Dave S.

    Stopped in here after the manditory dinner overlooking the water down at the market. I overheard a guy at the market referring someone up here yesterday. Today I checked it out for myself. Any place that has the guts to have an open kitchen gets an extra star in my book. One that has seats so I can virtually sit in th e cooks laps is just plain ballsy. I had maxed out the company card over the past few days so I took it easy and got the Tater tots made from dungeness crab and shrimp and the oyster po boy. Both came impressively plated at the perfect temperature. I'd highly recommended this place. Next time I'm getting the Mussels appetizer and the Halibut entree for sure. Thanks Chef Anthony!!

    (5)

  • Karen G.

    The king salmon was good but if I had to recommend anything I would recommend the clam chowder. It was easily the best I have ever had.

    (4)

  • Stacy K.

    I was pretty impressed with this place, unexpectedly. First, they supply each table with their own salt and pepper blends (not your typical salt and pepper shakers) which taste amazing on the bread they bring. We couldn't stop eating it and went through 3-4 baskets of bread before they (likely had to lie) and told us they were out of bread ha! All of the food was fresh and well made and everyone in our group loved their meals. Definitely try it at least once!

    (4)

  • Sam G.

    What a fabulous find! Just popped in for a glass of vino with the family and we ended up staying for a few hours. We started with Kusshi oysters on the half shell -- delicate amd sweet. Delicious! We moved on to the golden beet salad which was a bright and fresh, beet buttery compliment to the oysters. For dinner, we ordered the pork chop, cioppino, and blackened cod. The pork chop - thick and juicy! The glaze they put over it was savvory and lightly smokey. The first bite made my tastebuds verrrrrrry happy! The blackened cod - buttery perfection! This is a must try. Cod is butterfish... Natural oils makes this white meaty fish delicious... Then add broth and steamed veggies, beautiful marriage of land and sea. Cioppino -- perfecto!!!

    (5)

  • Jim W.

    Great location, food, and drink. Everyone was pleased with the experience and the service. A little on the expensive side but we expected that due to the location. A solid find when you're at the market.

    (4)

  • Shrina S.

    My friend and I came here for dinner on a rainy Tuesday night after checking out Pike Place Market. We ordered some wine to start off and they brought it out along with some bread and butter doused in pesto. I ordered the only vegetarian thing on the menu: the tortellini with broccoli, mushrooms, and spinach. The waitress mentioned that they keep that tortellini on the menu for vegetarians, so I thought that was nice of them to do. My friend ordered the clam chowder and a crab cake, which we learned was 98% crab (as opposed to being very bread crumb heavy). The tortellini was good, but definitely not great. The sauce was nice, as were the veggies in my pasta, but this didn't feel like something super gourmet and expensive. Would I come back? Since I'm vegetarian, probably not.

    (3)

  • Sivon L.

    I have to give this restaurant 1 star (would be 0 if that was possible). I was there recently during a visit to Seattle and I placed an order for clam chowder. I waited about 10 minutes and the waitress comes back to tell me they're out of the clam chowder. I couldn't believe it, it was barely 2 p.m. and I just couldn't imagine that a restaurant would "run out" of something like that. I was urged to order something else, I really felt rushed but finally I settled for the fish tacos. While waiting for my food, another 30 minutes or so as I watched my boyfriend finish his meal, a group comes in to the resturant and sits in front of us. They're served right away and guess what they're eating??? CLAM CHOWDER!!!! The very same clam chowder that they claimed to be out of! I was floored. I was so pissed off I was nearly brought to tears. I don't want to pull the race card here but I can't think of any reason why this would happen. The same waitress that told me they were out of the soup stood in front of me and served it to other people. My food finally arrives and it was not good at all. The fish flavorless and I had to add a considerable amount of salt to make it even remotely paletable. We finally get the bill and they did comp the fish tacos but by then it was too late. I am done! I will never come back to this place again and I will discourage everyone I know from coming here.

    (1)

  • Lee A.

    Good food, very filling. I would recommend going for dinner and with a car. I had lunch and it was so filling that it was hard to walk around after. I wanted a nap and to sleep off the full stomach. I got the Washington King Salmon with polenta. It was great but it should be shared especially considering you get bread before the meal. I would go back.

    (4)

  • K. D.

    Amazing! We ordered 4 random dishes and shared - spring vegetable chili, roasted cauliflower, strawberry green salad and chicken spring rolls, along with local craft beers. Everything tasted unbelievable. It's the first time I've ever been unable to stop eating cauliflower. Being so close to Pike Place Market, I was afraid it might be too touristy and ordinary but not at all. It was packed at 2pm on a weekday. I would definitely come here again if I come back to Seattle.

    (5)

  • Peter B.

    I walked by Steelhead Diner as I was touring the Pike's Market area. It looked modern and clean with a location over looking the north end of the market. I booked a reservation on Open table and brought my wife back that evening. It was a hot Thursday night, and we arrived early. We were prepared to sit at the bar, but they seated us in the corner window seat and took our orders. The restaurant was nearly full. The menu is printed on the paper place mat with the wine list on the reverse side. We settled on a citrus summer beer while we looked over the menu. Our waitress was very nice, attentive and knowledgable. We were cooling off after walking to the restaurant, and really wanted to go slow on the meal, but that was not to be the case. We decided to each have two of the savory starters. My wife chose the Prosciutto and Apricot appetizer and the crab cakes. I picked the Manila clams and the tomato/pesto/mozzarella plate. Across the board the prices were high. Funny, I watched a review on the local PBS station right after the dinner, and the table of reviewers had similar comments. The older gentleman next to us did not take more than a bite of his $40 herb crusted halibut. We were disappointed with our meal. The prosciutto appetizer was the best, but I don't think the walnuts added anything to the taste. The crab cake was beautiful with plenty of chunk crab, but it was overcooked and dry. The heirloom tomatoes were tine cherry tomatoes, cut in half, with a handball size mound of mozarella in the middle of the plate, and an interesting, and way to generous amount of pesto paste covering the plate. The presentation was clunky. The flavors were ok, but I really wanted to see slices of tomato. Finally, the manilla clams were surprisingly bad. They were advertised as cooked with a chorizo sofrito and ham. The clams were nicely cooked and fresh. There was a lovely amount of onions and tomatoes though I am not sure why there were rings of lemon peel in the mix. There were small uninteresting chunks of ham that could have been store bought. The worst part of the dish was the broth. Half of the broth was orange chorizo grease, without any of the flavor of chorizo. Dipping bread into the broth is the best part of manila clams. In this case, my bread went unused. Based on the associated TV reviews I would think that our experience is not unique: Inconsistent, overpriced food.

    (3)

  • Jaime R.

    This is where we chose to eat our last meal in Seattle, before heading back to Iowa. I was looking for Mac and cheese and my husband wanted fish and chips. Steelhead gave us both and fried chicken! The Mac and cheese was to die for!!!! I could have eaten a whole vat. The fried chicken was some of the best I have ever had, juicy, crunchy, and tons of flavor. My husband said the fish and chips were perfect! We both enjoyed a couple local brews with dinner and that topped it off. We really liked the upscale diner atmosphere and our waitress rocked! I will defiantly stop back if I make it back to Seattle.

    (5)

  • Scott B.

    Late lunch after visiting the zoo. Seated right away and started with a cold pilsner. Quantity was perfect for two: Fish & Chips Steamed Manila clams Both dishes were incredible!!!

    (5)

  • Leigh W.

    I had bookmarked this place after reading about it in Sunset Magazine. Great location right next to Pike Place Market. I wasn't starving but really wanted to give this place a try, so I had a glass of wine and the Dungeness crab cake for my dinner. First, the service was great - I was eating alone, but they let me choose anywhere to sit rather than sticking me in a solo table. The Willamette Valley Pino Gris was very good and the crab cake was delicious! A great reminder of why I don't eat seafood back home in Chicago! There were at least 3 whole crab claws inside of this cake - it was almost all crab, I'm not sure what else was holding it together. The sauce was great, but not overdone. My bill was just under $30, which may seem a little pricey, especially if you're expecting diner prices, but it was well worth it. (Besides, my company was footing the bill!) I will definitely be back to sample more menu items on my next visit to Seattle!

    (4)

  • Doug K.

    For me, all of my out of town guests get a trip to the Steelhead Diner. The combination of local PNW ingredients/sourcing, creativity and great execution of their dishes is why I give them 5 stars. I can always count on steaks being done correctly, fish not being overcooked, vegetables presented crisp, fresh and not slathered with too much butter or turned into a pile of mush the list goes on and on. Lots of 4 star ratings out there but when the consistency of food and service is at a high level I give the 5th star. Count-on-able is norm for the Steelhead Diner!

    (5)

  • C J.

    We stopped in and had an enjoyable lunch while on vacation. My hubby and I shared a bowl of razor clam chowder and an order of fish and chips. The portions are generous and the food delicious. We sat out on the patio on a beautiful day! We will return the next time we are in Seattle and recommend this place.

    (4)

  • Sasan A.

    Just visiting from Los Angeles and decided to get an early start to the day. Was immediately greeted and welcomed. Came to the bar and was introduced to the bartender, Angela. She gave great recommendations on drinks and makes a mean whiskey sour with egg white. Not sure why people rated so low, but if I ever come back to Seattle I'll definitely come back to Steelhead Diner. Thank you Angela!

    (5)

  • Dennis D.

    Omg, get their spring rolls. They have chicken, but are "I need new pants" good. Ill add more to this when I recover..

    (4)

  • Ashly H.

    My quest for 52 Happy Hour's in 2015 has begun! #1 of 52. Came here on New Year's Day and it was Happy Hour! (Bonus!) This place is always busy! Not too bad despite being located in tourist-central. I got the mussels, only $12 during HH! Served with chorizo, they were amazing. Sandwiches my bro and hubby got were not bad. No review of drink specials, as we were hungover. Atmosphere is interesting. Bar is cool place to hang out but restaurant side is trying to be a diner. We got the HH specials even though we were at a table. Definitely better places in the area, but also some worse ones. I recommend to stop by if you're hungry, but don't bother to wait for a table.

    (3)

  • Hannah L.

    Steelhead was my first Seattle restaurant crush; can any culinary romance begin in a more perfect way than above the lights of the Public Market sign all swirled round with the bustle of tourists and the brisk just-salty Sound breezes? This love's lasted longer than many others of all sorts and tastes, and now it's outlasting even my time in Seattle. How appropriate that a place full of beautifully intricately tied lures would find so many ways to reel me in again and again....Without exception, every single entree I've ever ordered has wowed, and some - like the king salmon on my most recent visit - are ones you just don't forget, entries on that short list of meals you can summon up in your mind and almost, almost taste. Steelhead's kitchen is at its best when playing on the edges of flavors, using one to enhance and echo another until you almost can't take another bite. The sweet freshness of the salmon with a bite of cherry over a wisp of polenta with hints of creaminess and lightly wisped melted butter trails glistening on the plate.... That's all before you make your way to the dessert menu for the holy-God-gasp-inducing loveliness that's the pecan pie. At the same time Steelhead's a diner, albeit a local, seasonal, sustainable one. So if you just want a bowl of (bacon-studded) razor clam chowder drizzled with truffle oil, a thick juicy burger, a side of silky seasonal greens, or terribly decadent poutine (my favorite in town!), you're set. (Though none of these are 'just' anything, evidencing all the same care and craft you see and taste in pricier dishes.) And all the while you'll be attended to with expert care from your waitstaff, who can be quite generous with the birthday slices of the aforementioned pie: swoon. When I want those I love to fall in love with this city, this is where we go. It's a first love in the city that's my first love; when I know it's on the evening's agenda, I still get excited. When I leave, I'm always glowing. So many lovely nights brimming with wine and laughter, enthusiastic sharing of bites and tastes, the meeting of delighted eyes when you just can't believe that it is - that it can be - this good. Or that I could be this lucky with a full glass of wine, a ready fork, and boisterous glee at the feast.

    (5)

  • L. D.

    Is it right to downgrade a restaurant for its clientele? Let me start by saying I've dined at Steelhead Diner five or six times over the past several years. What took me there initially was a very fine write- up in the LA Times. My first visit would have been rated just over four stars but has trended down ever since. My wife and I dined there this past Friday evening with high expectations. I knew I was in for a disappointing experience when we were seated next to a couple with their two preschool aged children. The kids had sugary drinks and were yelling and jumping up and down on their seats. Come on, this is supposed to be a destination dining experience and I felt like I was in KinderCare. I spoke with the waiter and we were reseated in a booth next to the kitchen. The meals were excellent with wife having Grilled King Salmon and me their signature dish, Kasu Marinated Oregon Black Cod - both delicious. Which takes me back to clientele and setting. I think Steelhead Diner tries to be a little bit of everything to everyone which sometimes doesn't work in a business. Overall three stars. Please do try the Black Cod!

    (3)

  • Patricia S.

    We stopped in intending to just have drinks and appetizers but ended up staying for dinner. Our server was helpful and accurate in guiding us. We shared the tuna entree after very pleasing appetizers of crab & shrimp tots and the arugula &watermelon salad. I will be looking for the lavender goat cheese to use at home! The tuna was seared to perfection and perfectly medium rare. The apricot crisp is a good choice for dessert.

    (5)

  • Shea R.

    A really big letdown, for sure. We first ordered our appetizers, and the salad that I ordered never came, and when we brought it up to our waiter, he thought I wanted it for an entree, despite the fact that we hadn't ordered our meals yet. Then, I got my salad, which had strawberries and goat cheese. The strawberries were absolute mush, similar to a strawberry syrup you would put on ice cream. The salad was also greatly overdressed, making it soggy. I ordered the pork chop for my entree, and my waiter asked if I wanted it medium well, or well done, which I found odd. I said I wanted it medium, because I didn't want it dry. When it arrived, it was BONE dry, and extremely hard to eat. The "garlic" mashed potatoes were not seasoned whatsoever, and had nothing remotely reminiscent of a garlic flavor. I was highly disappointed in the meal, overall, and I didn't have anything during my dinner that was even slightly enjoyable. Would not recommend.

    (2)

  • Ben A.

    The service speed here is best described as glacial. If you want to waste an entire afternoon waiting for a simple meal, this is your place... On the bright side at least I'll save money on the tip!

    (2)

  • Mark K.

    Beyond perfect in every way. Great food and service. Perfect location. Have been many times and will come back many times again.

    (5)

  • Sam S.

    This was a very find for us actually recommended by the Inn@the Market. The wedge salad,Clam Chowder & Gumbo were great. Desert Strawberry rhubarb tart! Dinner was fabulous.

    (5)

  • Kat L.

    I came here for lunch during Seattle Restaurant Week. I tried ordering items that weren't on their normal menu. The Mushroom Bisque was just okay. It could've used more flavor -- luckily they had some smoked sea salt & habanero garlic pepper to spice up the bisque. 2nd course I went with the king salmon (medium rare) with a potato leek vichyssoise. I am sad to say I also felt a need to use the salt and pepper on this dish as well. I also think I should of got the fish rare. I went with the pear crisp for dessert, which I think was their apple crisp but with pears. It was delicious, but would of been better warmed up. Other members of my party ordered dishes that you can find on their other menu -- and made me want to go back! The tater tots with crab and shrimp looked to die for -- and according to everyone who ordered them, they were. I had a bite of someone's cranberry cider sorbet. Delicious. I am not a sweet person, but I could devour that! The service was friendly and fast enough considering how busy they were. Even though I wasn't completely satisfied with the flavors of my dishes -- I definitely want to be back to try some of their standard items.

    (3)

  • Kevin F.

    I'm truly in love with this place. It has a great vibe and open, Gary atmosphere. At the same time it seems kind of hip and intimate to which is kind of unusual. I had a wonderful sandwich here for lunch and the service was just fantastic.

    (5)

  • Stephanie B.

    I wanted to like this place more because my server was so nice, but I had to get up twice to ask someone for refills and things for our table. I don't know where she kept disappearing to. And when I asked for my food in a to go box only my sandwich was boxed and not my fries, I would have appreciated all of my food to go, not part of it. Overall, the food is great but maybe I just had bad service. I would still recommend this place even though I didn't have the best experience.

    (3)

  • Ms. K.

    I came from Arizona in search for as much fresh seafood I could eat during my visit. Steelhead Diner had my - Flash Fried Maryland Softshell Crab Po'Boy sandwich awaiting me to chose on the menu. The crab was huge and sweet and oh so good. In lue of eating this huge fried entree, our server let me swop the Brutus salad for the french fries that come with the sandwich. There were 3 of us for dinner at 5:30, food ordered other than my crab sandwich and Brutis salad was the - Alaskan Razor Clam Chowder with Applewood Smoke Bacon and Truffle Oil Drizzle, - Kasu Marinated Oregon Black Cod: With shiitake mushrooms, baby bok choy and green papaya salad, - Sauteed Oregon Petrale sole a la Meunier with Roasted Garlic Mash Potato & Lemon-Caper Meunier Sauce. All dishes were cooked with perfection. Service was great, atmosphere was bright and airy. We got our window seat! We loved it!

    (4)

  • Corinne M.

    I've been here a few times now and the food and service is fabulous! It's always fresh from the market - which is awesome. I had clam chowder this time and it was delicious. I'd recommend it. The views over the water are superb as well. It was also a huge plus to be able to make a reservation online.

    (4)

  • Shannon B.

    This place isn't a "diner," so let's just get that out of the way. However, if you can get past that, this place is amazing. Bloody marys weren't that great (I think it was just tomato juice and vodka), but everything else was stupendous. Also, it was a GORGEOUS day, so we sat on the small back patio and got to listen to an amazing street performer. Dude was awesome. It would have been really unpleasant if he was awful, but thankfully that wasn't the case. Shared a bowl of the gumbo. Delicious, but nothing extraordinary. BF had the catfish tacos, which is simply a HUGE HEAP of taco insides with some tortillas on the side. He raved about the black bean salsa on the bottom. I had the steak & eggs and trust me, this is not your normal steak & eggs. HUGE portion of steak (cooked perfectly for me, which almost never happens) topped with a bacon/mushroom hash and two perfectly poached egges. It's all served on two pieces of bread (which I simply put on my side plate and didn't eat) and topped with a red wine reduction sauce. You've never had steak & eggs like this. Really awesome and worth it. I also thought the place was relatively well priced for being so close to the touristy spots of Seattle.

    (4)

  • Debra D.

    Simply fantastic. We sat at the bar and had an expertly made cocktail, then dinner with solid recommendation from out R bar tender. The fish and chips is amazing... The macaroni (and cheese ) was killer!!! We will be back.

    (5)

  • Larisa M.

    Not very accommodating on food issues. In response to me telling him I had wheat/dairy sensitivities they offered to strip down the $40 salmon dinner to just the fish & cook it in olive oil for me. When I asked if they could just create some side with no wheat/dairy to compensate they said they were too busy (it was 5:15pm on a Saturday). I then selected the hamburger with no bun or cheese & was served a hamburger with bun and cheese. When I sent it back they just scraped the cheese off the meat patty and re-served it to me. I refused to eat it and asked for a salad with no cheese & vinegar dressing on the side. I was served a salad with a dressing that had dairy in it on the salad. I gave up and had to eat somewhere else. The server was very kind about it and while the manager came and apologized I completely lost faith in the chef's ability to be concerned about my food sensitivities.

    (1)

  • Alberto L.

    Everything we ate was absolutely great! Classic Omelette, rockfish tacos... But the best was the Lettuce and Watermelon salad was the best. Are outside on the terrace.

    (5)

  • Annemarie V.

    Great food, view, service. Had the clam chowder loaded with fish and stuff, the poutine to not forget Canada and a cole slaw with two friends. Only problem was we were cry thirsty afterwards so it was very salty. Loved it.

    (5)

  • Zoe B.

    This is one of my favourite places to eat in Seattle! We had the Dungeness crab and bay shrimp tater tots to share which were AMAZING! I had the Alaskan razor clam chowder which was creamy and delicious and my mum had the chicken and andouille sausage gumbo which I heard was also fabulous! I would definitely recommend this place to anyone.

    (5)

  • David O.

    We had our last lunch in Seattle at Steelhead Diner. We actually tried to get some Chowder at Pike Place Chowder in the alley down the street, but the line was huge and we figured our 4-year old wouldn't handle the wait so well. Instead, we decided to grab lunch at Steelhead Diner. Both my wife and I started with a cup of Clam Chowder. She then tried the crab cake while I went with the Texas Style Chili Fries. The clam chowder was very good, albeit there was way too many potatoes. My favorite Chowder this trip (we didn't have it that much, but still...) was at Elliott's Oyster House. The chowder there was 5 stars. The chowder here at Steelhead was only 3.5 stars. The reason that Steelhead Diner gets 4 stars, though, is because my wife's crab cake was the best she's ever had, both one the West and East Coast. She was simply blown away by how fresh, rich, and generous the portion of crab in the cake was. I had a couple of bites and thought it was really good, though I frankly am not a crab cake die-heard. All in all, very nice sit down meal and service was good, worthy of 4 stars.

    (4)

  • Kent W.

    I have been here a few times. It has been consistent. 1, FOOD. Amazing!. I had fish and chips. my friend had a mix of appetizers. We split and shared, Dungeness crab and and shrimp tater tots. OMG they were off the chart good and chicken spring rolls. They were good I am just not a fan of spring rolls. 2. SERVICE. From the minute we walked in the door we we felt at home. Service was terrific. Shout out to Tanner. They know how to move food and people through this place with grace. 3. AMBIANCE. View of the Puget Sound...do I need to say more? My only issue came to seating. Lots of tables and chairs seated near each other made it kind of noisy. But I am being picky. Good eat here now. Stop reading this and go. GO!

    (5)

  • Kathy W.

    Every time I'm in Seattle I try to get here for lunch or dinner. Steelhead Diner is right up the street from Pike Place Market and, if you're lucky, you can nab a window seat and watch the people strolling to and from the market. The menu changes frequently (you'll find it on your placemat). On my most recent visit, I had the Alaskan Razor Clam Chowder with Apple Smoked Bacon and a truffle oil drizzle. It was creamy with lots of clams -- and bacon -- for that nice salty/smoky/fishy flavor. I added on their "Brutus" salad which is, really, a caesar salad with the addition of a roasted pine nut gremolata. Plenty of fresh brewed ice tea and the locally baked multigrain bread, served with butter and pesto, rounded out the meal. The total was $21.90 at lunch (plus tip). In past visits, I've also enjoyed the beef burger, cooked rare and fully-loaded with mushrooms and white cheddar. The poutine, made with cheese curds from Beecher's across the street, is creamy and delicious. The "Idaho stream-raised" Catfish Tacos is a large pile of delicious fried catfish served with black beans, cabbage salad, and tortillas so you can build your own tacos. They used to have an amazing salmon/avocado/caviar "pie" as a starter but it was gone from the menu on my last visit. I hope it will return. I know I will! Parking is...wherever you're parking for Pike Place.

    (4)

  • Guy D.

    Cod chips was not at all to the standards in Seattle, had costa several places, this was the worst. Good ambience, good bar but... The chicken margarita sandwich meat was hard also! Certainly disappointing Not to the standard thought it would be

    (1)

  • Adam J.

    Wow! Really fantastic food! I enjoyed eating here and would gladly do it again. The atmosphere provides for a nice downtown meal but isn't too crowded. The head chef was also very nice. I ate some of their Poutine which was very good. For my main dish I had their fish and chips. The fries were delicious and the fish was so tasty. I highly recommend trying this place out it's really good.

    (4)

  • Jenny K.

    I went here twice in one week, for lunch & dinner during Seattle Restaurant Week. Both dining experiences were stupendous! My favorite part of each 3-course meal: DESSERT! A phenomenal chocolate pecan pie with bourbon whipped cream. NOM. I've tried the shrimp & polenta, crab tots, steak and salmon. Everything was delicious, but the steak and crab tots were definitely outstanding. I can't wait to go back!

    (4)

  • Susan C.

    Like so many other restaurants in Seattle. Steelhead Diner is in a nice location with an expansive view of Pike Place and the waterfront, has good service and decent enough food - but end up just as a *meh*. Here's the thing - when a restaurant feels it can charge $42.95 for a Grilled WA Lamb T Bone Chop, you should be served up nothing less than an oral orgasm, but after tasting some of their other fare, I don't think the prices are justified. Steelhead has a HH (it's not mentioned on their website). A bunch of meh stuff at not-so-cheap prices. We opted for the onion rings and Steamed Clams. Although the clams were different, the flavors didn't seem to go well together and we had lots of leftovers. The onion rings were deep fried in a nice crisp batter and were good. For the main I had a burger (a good enough burger with a TON of fries) and my friends shared this plate of fried chicken. I mean - literally - a heap of fried chicken - good value for the money. But both were just fine, nothing outstanding enough for me to return. Might be a good place to take out-of-towners, or for a drink, but otherwise just OK.

    (3)

  • Amy C.

    Amazing menu and delicious food. Too many good items to choose from so I also took a photo of the menu as it will definitely inspire my cooking at home too. The food was really delicious. My poutine was not as good as I have had in Vancouver but there was a great selection of wines, my other food was delicious and the service was excellent. The small touches of smoked salt and other complementing herbs and condiments was also greatly appreciated. The setting and the view of the market below just added to a thoroughly enjoyable dining experience.

    (4)

  • Grace M.

    checked out this place while cruising around pike place market. i was looking to watch the basketball game & eat a good burger. that is exactly what i got. they were quite busy but i was able to sit at the bar without waiting. ordered the grass fed burger and subbed the asparagus side dish for the fries. the burger was yummy and juicy and cheesy! the asparagus dish had cashews, preserved lemon & red chilies and was basically amazing. not kidding. i must figure out how to make it myself. also ordered some cocktail which was decent. not $13 worth in my opinion though. price for the food was only around $18 or so, for a grass fed burger and $3 up charge to sub the aspargus. overall absolutely recommend :)

    (4)

  • Ã’'Cuinn S.

    Sometimes when an owner takes an active hand in the restaurant they own it can spell certain doom as many a Kitchen Nightmares episode demonstrate. However, in this case it has been done with skill. At every turn, you encounter quality. The menu is filled with fresh and local ingredients that create tasty PNW twists on diner classics. I have yet to meet a member of the wait staff that wasn't friendly, informed, and seemed to genuinely enjoy their job. And pleasantly, this place remains a hidden brunch gem. My partner and I always look forward to a visit, and sometimes when we're lucky, the view. The only thing keeping this great Seattle restaurant from five stars is their lack of gluten-free options. If that isn't a problem for you, then this place should easily be a regular stop for fabulous fare.

    (4)

  • C B.

    The hostess took a while to even show up to begin with. We had to wait for quite some time to be seated (happens). We were hungry and decided to just sit at the diner stools area in front of the kitchen since they were first available. It was WAY too hot to be sitting there. The heat pouring out of the kitchen was pretty bad. My dinner companions agreed, but there was little we could do. The stools were awkward to sit on as well and hurt my back (I'm only 6'1"). I'll keep this short, so I'll get straight to the point. My friend and I both got food poisoning from this place after ordering the fish and chips. They seemed pretty good going down, but the next day was literally (as in literal) the worst food poisoning experience of my life. I had all the flu symptoms: vomiting (out of both ends), shivering, chills, nausea, and fatigue. This lasted TWO DAYS! I will never ever eat at this place again. I never even got food poisoning like this on any of my many trips to Mexico!

    (1)

  • C G.

    Great atmosphere, good drinks, and food was also delicious. Cute little upscale diner near Pike Place Market.

    (4)

  • Efi S.

    One of my second favorite places to visit when in Seattle. I only come here for their King Salmon, and they never disappoint! Nice view too if you're lucky to get one of their window tables, or sit at the bar.

    (5)

  • Jethro C.

    Extremely disappointing. It's in the touristy epicenter, and evidently takes full advantage of that by charging a lot for extremely pedestrian quality food. The salmon was dry, overcooked (and very unevenly cooked), flavorless, and underseasoned. The polenta was equally tasteless, and poorly prepared (underdone, as it usually is in cheaper restaurants, where proper polenta is too difficult to manage). This place (food vaguely passable, if you're hungry, and pleasant service) would be a strong 2 stars if it were a third of its price. But, for pretending you're upscale, charging top prices to foolish tourists, but cooking salmon that tastes like it was frozen from Wal-Mart (and mediocre everything else), you just get 1 star.

    (1)

  • Carmen V.

    Very chic restaurant located on one of the hills close to the super famous Pike market. Loved everything I had and how being a woman eating alone in a filled by couples restaurants, the server made me feel super comfortable and not a loner:) Actually I enjoyed my time checking all those lovers on their tables sharing their stories while having my wonderfully crafted Alaskan razon clam chowder followed by the Jumbo lump dungenes crab cake. Light dinner but perfect to feel satisfied and tried the flavors of the Northwest. I did not make reservation but they accommodated me very quickly, which is a plus as I know this type of place gets super crowded on a Friday night. Quaint place, very darling. I will go back.

    (5)

  • Kristina G.

    Soooooo good! Amazing service we sat outside, beautiful violinist playing from street level. We had the clam chowder, you've never had it this good! Steamed clams and margarita chicken sandwich. Just perfect!

    (5)

  • John J.

    Maybe ... Maybe I caught it on a night when it was too busy. Maybe I ordered the wrong items. Maybe I had the wrong server. I'm from out of town. When walking near the Pier area I came to Steelhead Diner. It passed the "parking lot" test. In this case, no parking lot, but there were loft of folks in the restaurant, and there appeared to be a slight wait. That tells you the place must be decent. I got seated right away. But no one came for about 8-10 minutes. I ordered a beer, beet salad, and chicken sandwich. The salad came within about 2 minutes. But no beer. No water. No waiter. 5 minutes later I flagged him down. He was apologetic, but sorry, too late. The beet salad was very good. The chicken sandwich? Well, there was so much bread, cole slaw, etc. that I really didn't know if I was eating fried chicken or fried Cod. So, the sandwich was so-so. I had the brownie for desert, it took 10 minutes to get it, but it was excellent. The reviews for the place look good. Maybe I caught it on the wrong night. Maybe.

    (3)

  • Dena R.

    LOVED this place. Right on the corner of an alley near the famous market with tons of windows and a great bar. Staff was fantastic and I had amazing fancy Tator Tots!!

    (5)

  • Kevin L.

    The clam chowder was the best part for sure. The bowl was not enough for my liking, but I guess it could have been smaller. My girlfriend got the cioppino and it was just average. Seemed undercooked actually. I got the fish and chips, and well, it was just fish and chips. Nothing special here. My waiter made this restaurant. He was so friendly and even recommended a restaurant for us to go to next on our trip. Overall, 3.5 stars. Moving on.

    (3)

  • Pat S.

    Great view of the water and nice atmosphere but the food was not very good! Lacking a variety of food selections and flavor.

    (2)

  • Benita K.

    My friend and I came for Seattle's Restaurant Week. The dungeness crab and bay shrimp tater tots were scrumptious. The wild king salmon was good, though I ordered a medium rare and should have gone with a rare...they seem to run a little on the cooked side. The polenta and port-soaked cherries were delicious sides. My friend ordered the slow-roasted fennel spiced porcetta sandwich, and boy was that meat tender! Also, portions were very generous as we were both stuffed by the time we finished our appetizers and entrees. Finally, dessert. Their apple apple tart was tasty but not anything to write home about. Their Theo chocolate pecan pie, though...I don't know what they spiked it with but it was amazing (well, I do...bourbon chantilly creme)!!!! Service was very friendly, very kind, attentive, helpful, and made the dining experience that much better. I'm not sure I have the bank account to frequent steelhead, especially not during restaurant week, but if you have the greens and the palette, come check this place out for a great meal!

    (4)

  • Kunal S.

    Saw other reviews complain about slow service but we walked in on a Saturday afternoon and were seated quickly and ordered and got our food and drinks within about 15 minutes. Had the fish and chips, which was perfectly fine but the Dungeness crab and bay shrimp tater tots starter as well as their Alaskan razor clam chowder were where it's at! Both were delicious and worth the trip. Recommended for sure.

    (5)

  • Valerie S.

    The mussels were delicious! Our service was fantastic. Would definitely go back the next time we are in Seattle!

    (5)

  • Lynn C.

    If it weren't for our lovely waitress Katie, I don't think this place deserves a 2 stars at all. Came here for lunch during Restaurant Week only because my boyfriend has been here years ago, and he remembered it being pretty good. It turned out the quality of the food was a big letdown. I had the spring vegetable soup for my entree, and it was way too salty. Katie offered to ask the kitchen to remake the soup, and it turned out all the salt was from the pesto. She packed up what was left for me to take home and got me the fried chicken sandwich instead since I was asking her about it before. It wasn't anything great as the chicken was a bit too dry. The desert and appetizer were both very blah. Definitely not something I want to use my daily calorie quota on. The next day, I added a bunch of water and heated up my leftover soup, and it turned out to be decent. Regardless, I don't think I'll be going back.

    (2)

  • Sheena T.

    I got the brunch menu and got the steak with eggs and it was super good and did I mention the crab cakes were amazing? The only concern i had was that the door in the back kept swinging open so the cold wind kept bothering my group of friends and also me too....... but other than that the food is spot on delicious!! and right next to Pike's Market too

    (4)

  • Bill D.

    The Steelhead diner is excellent. I had the clam chowder and the oyster po'boy. Both were delicious! My girlfriend got the Cod and the Shrimp and Crab Tater Tots. The tater tots were incredible! I never thought of putting shrimp and crab into tater tot form, definitely worth it. Steelhead diner was strongly recommended by the front desk staff at the hotel where I stayed, and I also strongly recommend it.

    (5)

  • Patience S.

    I was told that Steelhead was *the* Seattle dining experience and I believe that is true. The place is down on Pike St. Market, and was packed. The food is good, locally produced where they can, not pretentious, not zOMG, but tasty and well-made for what appeared to be reasonable prices for the location. My companions had the dinner special, which was soup and chicken piccata, all agreed that it was very good, I just had the soup - a thick garlic chowder, almost - as I was fighting off a cold. The soup was very tasty and definitely hit the spot. I don't know that I'd run back, but if I found myself there again, I would be glad to try a more substantial meal.

    (3)

  • Barbara S.

    Located a stone's throw away from Pike Place, we popped in here for a quick lunch. Seattle was experiencing a heat wave so everyone wanted to sit on the patio - us included, so we were happy to wait the 20 minutes. Our order, one bowl of clam chowder and grilled chicken Greek salad took an extraordinary long time to arrive. But the chowder was very good and it's hard to mess up a Greek salad so we were happy in the end.

    (3)

  • Jennifer W.

    Everything was great. The chowder, the cocktails, the wine. It is touristy, but for good reason given location. The sunset during our meal was spectacular. Definitely a great way to experience Seattle for this Chicagoan. I would go back.

    (4)

  • Lyndsey L.

    I hosted a dinner for a large party from my workplace (19 people). Steelhead Diner could not have been a better venue for the event. Our numbers kept fluctuating; they were endlessly flexible. The majority of our party was seated in the front windows, which afforded a beautiful view of Elliott Bay and the Pike Place Market.The space was a little cramped for a party this size, but the staff worked so hard to make us comfortable that it didn't leave a negative impression. The food was memorable. We started with the tater tots, which were good. The fish tacos were wonderful, crispy and very spicy! My colleague visiting from France commented that he really enjoyed the halibut. High praise indeed! Having visited once before, I recommended the chocolate pecan pie, and it did not disappoint. The wait staff was highly attentive and helpful, offering to split the check if needed and accommodating us easily when people moved tables to converse with different colleagues. Steelhead diner was an excellent place to bring colleagues visiting from out of town. Many members of my party made a point to tell me (even the next day) how much they enjoyed our evening there.

    (5)

  • Joseph Y.

    Came here to eat lunch in a group of 6 on a visit to Seattle as a recommendation from another friend in the area. We ordered the crab and shrimp taters, Alaska king salmon medium rare per chef recommendation, el Cubano sandwich, angry oyster, the herb crusted Alaskan halibut, fish and chips, and poutine. The food was good. The crab and shrimp taters were better than expectation as I didn't expect taters to taste so good, but the combination of the tiger sauce and chunks of crab and shrimp in the taters was awesome. Personally had the salmon and the el Cubano sandwich (shared half of each with my friend, of course) and the salmon was nicely done and melted in the mouth though it lacked a bit of flavor in my opinion. The Cubano sandwich was pretty flavorful. Really liked it. It came with fries but they just okay. I tried a bit of the other items my friends ordered and the halibut was good I liked the salmon better, the fish and chips was better than expectation of fish and chips, and the angry oyster with the special sauce and nicely deep fried finish was a must try. The poutine was so so for me. Some of my other friends enjoyed it given they like cheese. For those who don't know what a poutine is, it is fries with gravy and cheese curd. Like I said it just didn't taste good for me. The food was better than expectations and the expectations were high given the recommendation from a friend. The quantity was also good, larger than I expected (I was pretty full afterwards). Given the quality of the food, the prices were reasonable and even though it is called a diner the ambience was of a nice restaurant where you would bring people from the office more than a diner (at least in my classification of what a diner should be like). The service was pretty good though you never can tell what it will be like when things get busy but when we came it was pretty empty so I expect service to be good. The location is great next to Pikes Place but there is no decent view from the restaurant. It is just a view of the street and Public Market sign. The ambience is of a nice place to have an office lunch. Not sure I would bring my wife here for a romantic meal. Given all this I give a recommend rating on Steelhead Diner.

    (4)

  • Lauren C.

    Amazing cocktails, amazing appetizers, and amazing entrees. The atmosphere is fantastic. The servers knowledgable. Spent a day at Pike place market, finished here for dinner. I can't imagine visiting Seattle and not stoping here again.

    (5)

  • Tara J.

    Five of us met here for dinner on a Friday night, and were pleased with really good, attentive service by a personable server along with food that made me wish I was a sailor! The portions were large, but luckily this girl can pack in the food (which is what I did!). The Steelhead Diner house salad isn't your grandfather's house salad. It's packed with lots of goodies and makes for a really nice meal! Hubby had the catfish tacos, and I was bummed that I only got one bite of those because they were scrumptious. A friend ordered a side of the mac n cheese and all I can say is, "Holy Macaroni, Batman!" That may actually be my favorite menu item. Bland it was NOT. So good, with an assortment of cheeses melted to the perfect consistency. Ok, I'm craving some of that now. The ambiance of the place was perfect for us, close to Pike Place, and our table was a window spot, perfect for watching some of the crazies in this part of town. Don't take that literally, if you're a tourist. If you're a local, you know what I mean. I'd gladly go here again, and probably belly up to the bar first for a couple of beers before dinner next time. Good place!

    (4)

  • Randy W.

    Went here on date night with my wife. Location is great, ambiance was casual with an upscale feel. We had reservations and were seated immediately. We couldn't decide on wines so our waitress brought us samples and gave them to us in blind taste test format. No being swayed by names or prices, just choose the one you like the best. What a fun way to order wine! I started with the Crab & shrimp tater tots, my wife did the wedge salad. The tater tots were meh. Not a lot of flavor and the horseradish sauce was over powering. The wedge looked nice, hard to mess up a wedge salad. I wish I had gotten the chowder or crab cake. For the main dishes my wife ordered the mussels from the starter menu. Not only did she love them, she sopped up the spicy broth as well. I ordered the Halibut on asparagus salad. The halibut was great. The asparagus salad was missing the asparagus and was mostly some sort of white bean. Since I don't like white beans and there was no mention of them on the ingredients list, I asked for some asparagus on the side. What came was simply grilled with no salt, pepper, butter, etc. Really a bit bland. The wait staff was great, the location is fun, but the food is a bit hit and miss without much real excitement. I thought about 4 stars but my excitement level for returning is just "A-OK" not "Yay, I'm a fan!"

    (3)

  • George S.

    Had a nice dinner at the Steelhead Diner on Saturday. This is a great place to go to near Pike Market and have great seafood. I had a Black Cod that was very fresh and it was done with a lite sauce that was very tasty. The service was excellent and overall it was a great experience. The one thing that I would caution is that if you are looking for a quite place this is not it. Other than that I would go again.

    (4)

  • Ellie M.

    Yes! Prices are high but its for high quality food. They respected my food restrictions and made me special dishes that are similar to what s in the menu ....good service and great view !

    (5)

  • Julie S.

    This is exactly what I'm looking for when I come to the Market: Causal enough that I don't feel underdressed, big enough that I'm not rubbing elbows or something else with the other patrons. Big windows keep my people watching in full effect, with good enough service that I feel I've been pampered. The menu has an assortment of different items, enough for diners with really varied tastes to all find what they want. Among us we shared: the gumbo, the fried chicken sandwich, the fish and chips, and the Brutus salad, and we each loved what we ordered and what we stole from each other's plates. The gumbo had tender bits of roasted chicken and lots of okra (my fave) and sausage - spicy but not overly so. The Brutus salad was like a Caesar (get it?) but with a delicious pine nut gremolata and citrus vinaigrette - so good! But the standout was the fish and chips: Perfectly flaky on the inside, crispy on the out, with a layer of air in between (how do they do that?). The chips were also excellent, though I did not love the tartar sauce. I didn't have room to try the fried chicken but the word around the booth was that it was bomb. Clean ladies' room gets extra points in the Market. Not one but two killer IPAs on tap: I had the No Lie and it was superb with my fish and chips. In short, no lie, this place is tops.

    (4)

  • Anthony B.

    My parents brought my brother and I here for Sunday brunch after they had a great experience during restaurant week. It's a large place just up the block from the market. I was actually really vibing the soda-jerkesq vibe with the mint green and the retro booths. I also got to sit in a booth next to a bunch of lures which were very beautiful intricate pieces of art. Our server was kind, attentive and bothered us just enough to make sure we never wanted for anything. I started off the meal with a cocktail, the name of which escapes me. But it had sage liquor. And I am a total sage slave. It was delicious and refreshing! I would highly suggest it as a brunch cocktail. I then ordered the special with was a white fish po' boy. You never like to complain about a sandwich with so much protein that the bread can't contain it. Unless this is the case because the bread is tiny. The sandwich ratios were all off and it made for a dry messy disproportionate sandwich. Their alderwood smoked salt made up for the lack of flavor on the fish. But that could be just because I am just so used to oyster po' boys, so of course fish is going to seem bland. The true saving grace was the lemon curd cake. Oh man I don't have a huge sweet tooth but this thing had me coming in for seconds and thirds. Creamy, tart, with cake that was dry enough to support the cake while being moist enough to enjoy. All in all it is a place that caters to tourists and serves decent food at a serious mark up.

    (3)

  • Leslie K.

    This place was absolutely amazing...especially our waiter Matthew!! We went with a group of friends for the first time and shared our meals. The black cod and crab cakes are definitely a recommendation. My fish and chips friend said it was in his top ten and the clam chowder with the bacon was very tasty. Oh and lobster and crab tater tots...yummmmm.

    (5)

  • Chelsea S.

    I have been to Steelhead Diner twice now and have conflicting reviews of their food. I can't speak more highly of the service and atmosphere of the restaurant...one of the best in the market. The food I had the first time I came was outstanding. I was actually there for a workshop and they catered our lunch family-style in their main dining area. They served us an amazing salad with watermelon and feta, a pasta in a creamy sauce with cauliflower, salmon, and chicken masala with mashed potatoes. They then also brought us their Theo's chocolate pecan pie. Amazing, all of it! The last time I went was during Restaurant Week. I selected off of their select menu and tried their crab and shrimp tator tots, arctic char with cauliflower puree, and again the chocolate pecan pie. I thought the tator tots were good and unique and I thought the fish was nicely presented and cooked well. However, I thought they both lacked some flavor and could have used a bit more of something. The pie was again rich and delicious. All in all I think the Diner is a great lunch spot in the Market if you are looking for a nicer sit-down lunch vs. a takeaway. You won't ever be disappointed, you just might not always be blown away.

    (3)

  • Fei W.

    Pleasantly surprised by this place. If you're a caviar fan, try the caviar pie. It's caviar on a slice of cream cheese with capers, onions, and eggs accompanying. I would've preferred creme fraiche, but there I go being a #diva again. Crab cake had suitably large chunks of crab. I got the chowder and my friends got sandwiches with fries. The seafood tasted fresh, though besides the caviar pie I wouldn't say anything was super inventive or mind-blowing. For sure an A-OK spot by Pike's market.

    (3)

  • Soumit S.

    Very below average food quality and overpriced The el cubano sandwitch was below average The burger was so-so The poutine was just pure shit Never going back

    (1)

  • Julia W.

    I came here strictly due to a friend's connection to the place. The food wasn't bad and the service wasn't either (although we did sit at the bar) vs. having a waiter. The drinks were great although the food (even with HH) was a bit on the spendy side as well as being 'fancy'. I tried the cheese plate as well as the clams. The cheese plate was literally like 3 slices of cheese and some crackers. It was a bit on the disappointing side but I guess they're trying to be more like 'tapas' than anything else. Wasn't bad but wasn't totally a to die for place.

    (3)

  • Diane S.

    My husband and I used to frequent this diner almost every weekend, esp. for their Pecan pie after our meal, but we noticed that the portion is getting smaller and smaller. It isn't worth the money anymore, it's way too small. Quality has gone down a bit.

    (2)

  • Eric R.

    We stopped in to the Steelhead Diner on our first night of 3 in Seattle last weekend. The service was great and the location was fantastic. I am not a huge fan of seafood and don't eat most things that have ever had a face, so the menu was not exactly tailored to me, but I did try and enjoy the fish n' chips. They are better at Steelhead than their British fish n' chips counterparts. The appetizers and veggie dishes we split among the table were the real highlight, however. The asparagus, mac and cheese, and other sides we tried were all totally awesome. Not a cheap place, but sometimes you do get what you pay for. This is one of those places.

    (4)

  • Ashley A.

    I regularly visit Pike's place for brunch on the weekends and was very disappointed in my recent restaurant selection at Steelhead Diner. I am a bit of a clam chowder fanatic and was disappointed when the cup of chowder I ordered didn't actually have any clams in it, just tons of potatoes. Granted, I may have just received a poorly rationed cup for what was in the pot behind the scenes, but for an $8 serving I think the kitchen staff should pay a little attention to the portions rationed out. I also ordered a salad that I did not particularly care for while my boyfriend ordered the catfish tacos, which were very good. The staff was very friendly and our waitress was knowledgeable about the menu and even offered suggestions on top items. The ambiance was nice as well. Although our waitress was very friendly, she didn't ask about the food when she picked up my plates and both my soup and salad were almost untouched (probably a good indication that I didn't care for the food), which was a bit disappointing. Overall, you're paying for location at this diner and not for quality of food.

    (3)

  • Tiffany S.

    We had a bit of a rollercoaster ride when we chose Steelhead for one of our Dine Around Seattle dinners. First of all, we couldn't get our Car2Go to end the trip so we were slightly late for our reservation. According to my watch, we were 7 minutes late. I think my iPhone might have said we were 9 minutes late. Upon arriving, we were told that they had a 10 minute grace period so they'd given our table away. Hunh. That didn't make me happy but the offer of free drinks and a crabcake if we sat at the counter did cheer me up slightly so we did that. Nice save, Steelhead. Dinner itself was good. The crabcake was definitely one of the better ones, but the crab and shrimp tater tots were a disappointment after the delicious crabcake. My Green-Butted Skunk cocktail was definitely the highlight of the evening with the husband's pork chop following close behind. What made the evening was the fun couple we ended up being seated next to. They were visiting from out of town, and we had a great time with them (while our entrees seem to take forever to arrive). We shared all sorts of Seattle info including other restaurants that should be on the their "must try" list. They even offered to buy us an after-dinner cordial but we needed to be getting home. The night turned out to be good fun, and I would definitely head back to try more of the menu. But next time I'd be sure to be prompt.

    (3)

  • Sydney W.

    This was one of the most memorable dining experiences I've had in a long time. My teammates and I had lunch here on Monday per the recommendation of one of the employees at the Pike Place Fish Market. The view is great, and the food is even better. We were on our way to the airport and wanted one last delicious meal, and we definitely received that. The first thing (and the most stand out thing in my mind) was the salt and pepper on the table. Instead of the usual stuff, it was an Alderwood Smoked Sea Salt and Habenero Pepper (can't remember exact description). We discovered these bottles of joy are excellent when you sprinkle them over the bread provided. Mind blowing good. We split the salad with vanilla bean vinaigrette and lavender goat cheese, the mussels, the crab cake, and a bottle of wine. A perfect light lunch! Definitely give Steelhead Diner a try next time you are in the area. It was delicious, the service was impeccable, and I can't wait to get back up to Seattle for another fresh seafood bender. :)

    (5)

  • Betsey S.

    A few years ago, I loved Steelhead Diner. Loved the fun things on the menu and the food was excellent. But after visiting last weekend, it felt a bit... stale. They didn't have that much seafood on the menu, and the menu itself was limited. There was nothing offered that felt new or experimental, and I had the thought that the menu was meant to cater to tourists or the cruise ship crowd. It made me so sad! We had a reservation for five, and were seated at a booth for four with a chair stuck on the end, out in the way of servers and other diners without much room to pass. The pros were: great Manhattan (and they have Four Roses), good price point for food, and the wine list is the perfect size with bottles priced accessibly. I hope Steelhead changes up its menu soon to get back to the fun, ocean-oriented choices they used to embrace!

    (2)

  • Jocelyn F.

    Stopped in for a quick bite. Ordered the baby beet salad with frisée, toasted walnuts, blue cheese & blue cheese dressing. $10... I know we are in a super touristy location, but the salad was pathetically tiny, a small handful of overdressed greens, 3 small chunks of beets and no toasted walnuts to be found. Very disappointing. :( My husband had uli sausage sandwich for $2 more, it was about 6 times the size of my salad and it was delicious!

    (3)

  • Brenda A.

    The drink that is like an old fashioned (but made w/ corn whiskey) is amazing! My fish tacos were decent, but my date's sandwich was left more to be desired. We had the crab cakes for an appetizer and they were OUT OF THIS WORLD! Also, service was excellent. Overall, a great experience. Also, it has a really pretty layout, and the bar is nice.

    (4)

  • Jim L.

    I came here just for the clam chowder and was not disappointed. Best I've ever had. The burger was also good and the service was great. It is a bit crowded and pricey, but I attribute that to the proximity to Pikes Market. I was hoping to try the ribeye with blue cheese, but it is no longer on the menu. I recommend it more for a nice lunch than for a dinner.

    (4)

  • Armando A.

    Pike place chopping (some kinda seafood stew) was really good. I ordered some extra rice as side dish

    (4)

  • Traci M.

    Really cool location in the midst of crazy market area. We enjoyed veggie chilli, fish taco served like I've never before seen, fresh bread with butter drizzled in olive oil with fresh parsley. We ate at the counter which was a great way to see the workings of a tightly run kitchen. The bar is nice and looked like a great spot for late day drinks.

    (4)

  • Brian G.

    Love this place. Great food, drink, and such a cool location at Pike Place. I don't know if it is a regular menu item but I have enjoyed catfish here many times.

    (4)

  • Karen D.

    It is with some sadness that I must downgrade my rating on Steelhead Diner to 3 stars. As I mentioned in my earlier review, I have been there several times for lunch, and thought it was very good. I also just generally love the concept. But I had just an "ok" experience there for dinner last night, when my spouse and I stopped by prior to attending a show nearby. The negatives outweighed the positives, and I won't be back, except possibly for lunch. The positives: It was busy when we arrived, and we didn't have a reservation, but they seated us right away. Our server was mostly excellent, very attentive, helpful-but-not-intrusive, etc. Also, our water glasses were filled promptly, etc. The poutine is to die for...I'm not much of a gravy person but loved it there. (Although I think that 7.95 is a bit high of a price for french fries with gravy and a few cheese curds, good as it was) My burger was excellent (I've had the burger there before, and knew it was going to be a good, dependable choice) The negatives: The glass that held my spouse's drink was chipped. When she pointed this out to the server, the server immediately apologized, took the drink away and soon delivered another one, but I thought they should have comped the drink. I would have. (I will definitely say, however, that the pours were a good, generous size for the price) Our entrees took a full 30-40 minutes to arrive. I couldn't figure out why, because we just had ordered a burger and a po boy and some vegetables. About 20 minutes into our wait, I saw our server hanging around the expediting area and looking nervous, and she soon came over to tell us that it wouldn't take much longer, but again, the place was half emptied-out by that point, and we needed to get to our show, and it kind of ruined the experience for us because we had to rush by the time the entree's finally arrived. The po boy was very small. It was advertised as being New Orleans style but was more like a mini-version of a po boy. They should be ashamed of themselves for charging $12.95 for such a poor excuse for what should be a filling sandwich. We each subbed brussels sprouts for the fries that came with our sandwiches, because we were getting poutine and didn't want that many fries. It costs $3.00 each to sub a vegetable or salad for fries, which I think is ridiculous, but went ahead and got the brussels sprouts anyway. It was 2 HUGE orders of brussels sprouts, way more than we could eat. They should not charge people for subbing and just cut the order in half. Also they needed more acid, the butter sauce was too rich. I think Steelhead needs to make a few tweaks to their pricing and service policies, and then they could really be the great upscale diner experience that a lot of us are looking for.

    (3)

  • M B.

    I was traveling on business and we stopped in without reservations or expectations. What a meal! Everything, I mean EVERYTHING, was great. From appetizer to dessert it was all tasty and fresh. Absolutely everything came out as it should at a top-notch restaurant. The dinner I had there was not only the best I've had in Seattle, it was probably the best I've had in the past 10 years. I've had good food in many different places but the Steelhead nailed every course! Now I have to come back and bring friends (not just co-workers)!

    (5)

  • Alyn W.

    Excellent food, great service, solid drinks. Didn't have a reservation and didn't have to wait at all on a Friday. Try the crab cakes and a black cod.

    (4)

  • Ted L.

    So here's the deal -- I've been here twice and both times the food has been excellent. This past weekend, however, I met a friend for lunch and experienced poor service. We did not have reservations, just walked in, and were ignored by the hostess for about 10 minutes. Once we were seated our server took what we felt was a long time getting to us. We had to ask for service. And once we got it, it was pretty apathetic service. Not rude, just inattentive. It's a shame because this could be a really great restaurant. Not sure I'll return.

    (3)

  • Rheanna S.

    Went here for Dine Around Seattle last fall (I know, this review is a bit late). I loved it. I had the crab and shrimp tater tots, New York steak, and pumpkin cheesecake. All of it was delicious and I was surprised at the amount of food I got, especially since it was Dine Around Seattle. I had to take half of my dessert home and finish it later. The cheesecake was one of the tastiest desserts I've had and I'd like to come back for it when it's on the menu again. The service was good. Apparently there was a problem in the kitchen and our server came over to let us know the food might take longer than usual to come out. It wasn't that long of a wait and I appreciated that he let us know about it. I plan on returning at some point.

    (5)

  • Karen S.

    I thought this would be a tourist trap but the food is amazing and stellar service. Obviously known for their seafood - you won't be disappointed.

    (5)

  • David V.

    Went for restaurant week, for lunch, group of 3, service average, food average as well. Maybe a quality lunch for $18 + tax & tip not possible. Salad and dessert very good but entree was mussels and they were not fresh and prep was fair at best. Final bill about $27 pp with tax & tip and beverage, no alcohol. Not very busy when we arrived, waitress always in a rush but nothing else to do. Unfortunately not a first or second choice when in market again.

    (3)

  • M M.

    We ate here after returning from a whale watching tour. It was busy, but our server was excellent. We had the cioppino and King salmon entrees. Both were amazing. The mussels were the best we have ever had. Wish we were local and could return regularly!

    (5)

  • Stan L.

    i came here for lunch recently due to the dine around seattle special.. unfortunately they didn't have a couple things on their special menu but they did have alternatives.. unfortunately.. the meal i had was not even worth 15 bucks.. i had a salad that was overdressed with blue cheese dressing.. my chicken sandwich was unseasoned and the fries were unsalted.. the fried chicken was otherwise bland.. and my sorbet was icy.. too bad about the food.. the view of the market is pretty sweet though

    (2)

  • Branden W.

    Once we got seated our service was great. However when we walked in the host was a little pretentious. The place was packed. If you show up without reservations be prepared to sit at the bar. The bar is decent size and wasn't cramped at all. Our waitress was quick to get our orders and food was brought just as fast. We were there for brunch. The steak and eggs. Steak was delicious and able to be cut with a butter knife. The baked macaroni and cheese is delicious but be careful it's served really hot. The gumbo is delicious but not worth the $8 for the serving size.

    (4)

  • Ann W.

    What a shame. I would have given Steelhead Diner 5 stars if the service was better. Our waiter was very impolite, seemed like he was in a rush to get us out, and gave us an underwhelming experience at an otherwise fantastic spot. The food was wonderful - my husband and I ordered crispy oysters, steak, pasta with truffle sauce, and chocolate pecan pie. Everything was cooked to perfection. The oysters, though deep-fried, had a light, crispy coating. The steak was perfectly medium rare and served with a lovely barley/squash mix. The pasta was rich and flavorful with pan-fried cauliflower tossed in the midst of it all. The chocolate pecan pie was delicious -- I loved the different textures of the soft filling with the crust and cruncy pecans. I have no complaints in the food department. However, as I mentioned, our server ruined the experience for us. He lacked manners, i.e., taking my husband's cup before he was finished drinking what was in it, snatching up the bill without asking first while it was in my personal space (under my arm), not offering a box for my leftovers, answering with "YUP" whenever we said "thank you," and I was pretty thirsty toward the end of my meal since my water glass wasn't refilled even once. If I was dining at a place like Applebee's, I wouldn't make a fuss about this at all. But I expected much better service at a place like Steelhead, especially having heard and read rave reviews. Will not return.

    (3)

  • Luanne C.

    Wonderful service.. Quality of food very good. Great experience

    (5)

  • Elaina Rose L.

    I had dinner at the Steelhead Diner on June 13, 2015, with my family. Three of them had eaten there two years ago and had an excellent experience. Not this time; everyone agreed that their meal was "disappointing." In my case, it was a terrible. I ordered a mixed salad with strawberries and hazelnuts. The strawberries were mushy and I kept picking out rotting spinach, which I left on the plate. I ordered the $40 salmon entree cooked medium. When it came, I was virtually raw inside, so I sent it back for another try. By the time the replacement entree arrived, everyone at the table had finished their meal. The salmon was tasteless but I ate it, leaving the unappealing vegetables over. No one ordered dessert because we wanted to get out of there as soon as we could. I don't know why the food was prepared so badly, or what has happened to their kitchen in the past two years. I only know that for the prices listed on the menu, better quality food should have been served. The next time we visit Seattle, you can bet we will never go to this restaurant again.

    (1)

  • Christian W.

    What a fantastic and delicious restaurant! Underrated to say the least. I had the salmon cooked medium rare and it was perfect. I could have lived without the red cabbage but it was perfectly done and very tasty. My wife had a mushroom risotto and loved it. We tried some autumn squash soup, fantastic. Seattle has some amazing restaurants and a really extensive food scene and this place definitely ranks into the top of the list. Go here. Get the salmon. Pair it with the kilt lifter beer.

    (5)

  • Jeremy P.

    On a cold, rainy day, and my first ever in Seattle, I asked the concierge at the hotel if he had any lunch recommendations. This is what he suggested - if I had read Yelp first, I probably would've skipped it. Turns out, it wasn't that bad. First of all, they offered bottles of Crater Lake Root Beer to drink, which is really a respectable brew (I consider myself to be a bit of a root beer connoisseur). It's always a treat when you're expecting boring HFCS-sweetened fountain carbs, and you find that they have something good to drink. I went with the peppercorn-crusted pork chop, which is served with mashed potatoes and sauteed shard. I know, a very traditional meal - but sometimes that's what you want when it's cold and rainy, right? The chop was tender and juicy: not overcooked at all. The potatoes were nothing special, but the shard was tasty. They also had poutine on the menu, which I almost ordered. Kinda regretting not giving their poutine a try. Service was average, and prices were reasonable, considering it's a restaurant in downtown Seattle with table service. It's really a respectable place, considering how touristy the neighborhood is.

    (4)

  • Philip T.

    Steelhead Diner has a great location right next to Pike Place Market. A group of 7 of us came here during the second week of SRW. We came for dinner, however the table we reserved was still full when we arrived. This resulted in a wait of 20-30 minutes, but we were all hungry and in a good mood so none of us were upset. The upside to this wait was the customer service at Steelhead. We were given free dungeness crab and bay shrimp tater tots. These were excellent. Each tot was generously filled with crab and shrimp and fried to golden perfection. The tots came with a salad and something they call "Tiger Sauce", which I think was some combination of aoli and horseradish. Our group ended up getting a mix between the mushroom bisque and the shrimp & polenta for appetizers. I had the bisque. It came with a drizzle of truffle oil on top. The bisque was fragrant and earthy, but I did wish there were more apparent pieces of mushroom in it. I also question the use of truffle oil, since there are a lot of 'truffle oils' containing no real truffles. These things made me want the shrimp appetizer when I saw it. Each plate had 4 pieces of shrimp on a bed of white corn polenta. There were bay leaves and chili's garnishing this dish. It looked excellent! 6 out of 7 of us had the steak dinner. What a steal! The steak was cooked to perfection, just as I ordered it (medium rare!). It sat on a bed of decent mashed potatoes, and a green veggie that was an afterthought. The surrounding peppery fruit sauce was delicious though! Our vegetarian friend had the tortellini which I believe had squash. I loved my steak! For dessert we had a mixture of items. Many of us, including me had the pecan pie which came with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream. Others had the pumpkin cheesecake, and one of us had the coffee cake. I thoroughly enjoyed the pecan pie. It was sweet just as it should have been and didn't skimp on the pecans. The whipped cream added a nice richness without adding extra sugar. I also had a bite of the coffee cake, which came with butter pecan ice cream on top. I thought it was good, but I liked my pie more. Between the pie and the cheesecake (which I also had the pleasure of trying), I like the cheesecake more. It had a great pumpkin flavor to it and tasted just like pumpkin pie! Steelhead is a wonderful place at a great location! Very happy with our choice to go there for SRW. I will have to go back sometime for their normal menu!

    (4)

  • Joe O.

    This place gets 4 stars for food, 4 for ambiance (we were seated in the back room with a bit of a view) but 2 for service. I'm not sure if she was having a bad day or what but as a person who has served before, I was pretty appalled at her attitude throughout the entire meal. Everything started OK, we ordered our drinks, bread came fast, as did the apps. But the good ended there as she spilled a bunch of wine all over my menu as well as the table - no biggie, except she had me clean it up and never offered me a new napkin. To boot, she barely apologized and was somewhat rude throughout the meal. Either way, as the apps came fast we thought we were in for a quick meal, something the entire table was very happy about. We couldn't have been more incorrect - the main dishes took forever to arrive, I noticed at least two tables that sat after us receive their main dishes and even pay before we received anything. My guess is that she forgot to put our entrees in after serving us our apps. Again, our waitress was barely apologetic, patience wearing very thin as we were dining with 3 young children. Now the food was great - everyone agreed. From the kids mac & cheese, to the brussel sprouts, the pastas, my omelet, even the fish and chips (they were massive and a bit heavy on the breading), everything was delicious. Too bad the terrible service outweighed anything we ate. Might be back but probably not, too many choices downtown.

    (3)

  • Dianne M.

    Absolutely hands down...the best damn jumbo lump dungeness crab cake EVER! I also enjoyed an excellent beet and arugula salad. If I lived in Seattle, I'd dine here often. Delicious food, friendly and prompt service.

    (5)

  • Amanda L.

    I dined solo so I sat at the bar. The bartender was very nice and the service was quick. I started with the clam chowder which was really good (and that's coming from a New Englander). I wish I'd ordered more of that. For the main course I got the fish and chips. It wasn't bad, the batter was nice and crispy and it was two big thick pieces of well cooked fish, it just had no flavor. The batter and the fish need salt or something to give it some flavor. I had to put a bunch of tartar sauce on it, which I don't like to do, to give it any flavor. The tartar sauce was good, buuuttt it's just tartar sauce. I would probably come again, but I would order something else. The desserts look really good, I wish I had room, I should have just had chowder and dessert! Next time!

    (3)

  • H H.

    Excellent clam chowder: Alaskan Razor Clam and apple smoked bacon with truffle oil drizzle. I usually do not like clam chowder but this mild and extremely tasty. I would come back for the chowder by itself. Definitely worth it.

    (5)

  • Robert M.

    Great meal. Location is perfect to explore the Pike Street Market. I had the halibut and my wife had the pork chop and we could not decide who made the better choice. We found this place while attending a conference in Seattle. So glad we did.

    (4)

  • Lizzie J.

    We had the crab and shrimp tater totts, would go back just for them. They're right up from Pike Place Market, with great atmosphere and lots to see. Menu looked good, also tried their fish and chips, they were just right, not greasy and nice and crispy. Great place for seafood.

    (5)

  • Joel R.

    Waiter was really awesome, great service. Fish and Chips was mediocre, and had too much batter that was over cooked. Steak and poached eggs was pretty great, sauce was very good and the eggs were perfect. Steak was of ok quality, might have turned out better if cooked medium well.

    (4)

  • Zena A.

    We were super super hungry and desperate and ended up here. Server was really friendly. We sat down quickly. But food was just ok. If you're gluten and dairy-free it's a hard place to eat. I had a salad that was 1/2 an iceberg lettuce -- who eats iceberg any more? Strange...with hard boiled egg bit, chopped onion and tomato, and grilled chicken. And some kind of 1000 island dressing (called something else -- but it was basically 1000 Island). Husband ordered red beans and rice, cole slaw and french friends, boy ordered burger and fries. Fries were definitely of the frozen kind. Everything felt just a bit too salty and sweet--compensating for what? Not impressed.

    (3)

  • N.S. M.

    Monday 2/16/15 at 130 was perfect. 9 of us in our group and we were seated immediately surprised me because the place was full. We had fresh bread with butter and a tasty green olive oil and 2 orders of spring rolls to start. We all ate different things, Poutine (great) Chowder (one of the best ever) Fish n Chips (like they should be) red rice and beans (not bad but not stellar) the Grass fed Burger with coleslaw (burger cooked perfect med rare as requested*) (coleslaw needs some zip). Overall great location, server and service was excellent, great selection of different foods and will we return on next visit to Seattle.

    (5)

  • Sherri D.

    We decided to try this place from yelp reviews and I have to say you will not be disappointed. We relied on Katie our server to recommend some dishes to share and it was above and beyond our expectations. Great food and a happy environment made for a wonderful experience.

    (5)

  • Tricia D.

    Best meal I've had in Seattle! My husband and I came here for lunch. We were given a windowside table with an awesome view of the bay and the mountains. We ordered the catfish tacos and the fried chicken sandwich. The catfish tacos were amazing with a tangy cabbage slaw complimenting the spicy beans and tender catfish. The chicken sandwich was moist and tender on a delicious roll, but the catfish tacos were amazing--a must order. Our waiter, Jeremy, in addition to giving us great food recommendations also gave us information on three jazz clubs in the area. Great food, great views, great service.

    (4)

  • Jessie F.

    The steelhead diner is located about a half of block outside outside the Pike place maket. The atmosphere is casual and trendy. We came here for dinner on a Friday evening. I was in the mode for seafood, so I ordered the seafood cioppino. The hubby decided to have a grilled chicken salad. Both dishes were very tasty. The grilled bread that came with the the cioppino was wonderful and the seafood stew itself was amazing as well. The jumbo shrimps in the stew were really meaty and tasty! The stew was well seasoned with the amount of heat for me. The grilled chicken was very nice as well. I also had a non - alcoholic margarita. It was nice but on the small side. We had a great experience and will be back when we're in town again.

    (4)

  • Damien I.

    A little pricey and small portions the meals are a hit or miss. We ordered oysters and they were the smallest oysters I've ever seen. The clam chowder shop was so delicious. The salmon was mouth watering. Just filled with so much fabulous flavor. But then our gumbo came and it had to go back. They need to remove gumbo from the name of it. It tasted like a chicken tomato soup the so called roux was horrible.

    (3)

  • Anna A.

    My boss was taking us out for lunch for my co workers work anniversary, we made a reservation but had to cancel because my co worker ended up staying home sick. We cancelled our original reservation and moved it to the same time the next day instead with no issues. We got there at noon and it pretty full but were seated right away. We ordered pretty quickly and our waitress was sweet enough to bring over a complimentary starter while we waited (La Quercia Prosciutto with Gala Apples) and it was to die for! The bread and butter they served were also really good. We barely finished with our starter and our sandwiches were already coming out. I had the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich and it was amazing. Crispy yet juicy chicken and with a tangy pickle and sweet-ish coleslaw. It was delicious. All of our sandwiches came out with the plates literally spilling over with fries, which were warm soft and yummy. I ordered dessert, the chocolate pecan pie and it was also delicious. I don't really have too much more to say because we loved everything. Plus we received fantastic customer service, really wish I remembered our waitress's name to give her kudos but I was too busy stuffing my face. Can't wait to come back!

    (5)

  • John R.

    The restaurant had very good service, including the kitchen. The server was very polite and competent, she took our orders and served dinner very quickly. Unfortunately the pasta dishes we received were just okay. In my opinion the dishes were a little bland. I've cooked much better stuff at home. After we finished the bland dinner we were supprised to get a dessert dish that was exellent!

    (3)

  • Zanne R.

    I hadn't been here in a long time and my recent visit reminded me why: sloooooow service asking with mediocre and overpriced food.

    (2)

  • Jack S.

    This place is great!!!!! I've been here 3 times and I've loved every time I've been here. Great fresh seafood with great staff and great location in pike place market. I highly recommend this place to anyone, especially seafood lovers!!!

    (5)

  • Diane D.

    Food and service were good. Our group of five was seated promptly and we were not rushed. Very pleasant atmosphere.

    (4)

  • Rebecca F.

    Ever since moving to the PNW about a year ago and finding out that poutine is on many menus in the area I knew I had to go and finally have this thing my Canadian friends kept bragging about... and I finally did at Steelhead Diner! I have no idea how the other food is because I completely ignored the other members in my dining party as I tasted and enjoyed my yummy treat. I couldn't eat the whole portion (and it's priced like a side dish, so SCORE!), so I did share some of my dish with others and they seemed to really like it too going in for more and more fries and gravy. My only thought was the fries were a bit too salty for my taste preference, but it was perfect for my husband who prefers more salt than me. I did notice the friendly and attentive service while we were there (having a reservation got us seated immediately even on a Saturday night!)... and the fishing lure decor (fishing flies?). The bar seems to contribute to the a-little-bit-noisy atmosphere, but it seemed more like a nice buzz than annoying noise really.

    (4)

  • Andrew R.

    Went here last year during a labor day weekend visit to Seattle. Not only was the food good, but the service was always top notch. No complaints here. I'll certainly be stopping by next time I'm in the area. I had my very first serving of Poutine here as well, which two of my Canadian friends shared with me. I consider them to be experts on the dish and we all enjoyed it thoroughly.

    (5)

  • Cheryl R.

    Had dinner here during Restaurant Week -- 3 courses for $28. My friend and I each ordered different courses and shared. Our server was fantastic. The food, drinks and ambiance were as well. A great Seattle staple for an excellent meal and views of Pike Place Market and the Sound. Highly recommend.

    (4)

  • Bill R.

    Delicious food. The petrale with olive oil and capers is great. The clam chowder was also very tasty.

    (4)

  • Erik A.

    Razor Clam Chowder, Crab tater tots...who doesn't like that?! I have been here twice in the last month and they are always good. Service and food both. I organized an event in their private room for 30 people one time, and the staff did a wonderful job creating our menu and serving us. Definitely try their razor clam chowder and fresh fish selections.

    (4)

  • Elizabeth L.

    Third strike, Steelhead's officially done. 60 minutes to receive our entrees on a Sun. morning. Our table of 5 had 2...no wait, make that 4 servers - b/c our original server apparently couldn't be bothered. Had to continuously ask for coffee, water, dishes were never cleared. Meanwhile staff of 8 or so just lingering around...no big deal. Would avoid at all costs - head to Art Lounge, Matt's in the Market, Maximilien, Cafe Campagne - ice freezes faster in Arizona than the service here.

    (1)

  • Amanda J.

    The shrimp po boy was excellent! The beef brisket sandwich was also amazing! The fries are delicious and hand battered. We sat out on the patio, listening to music, and enjoying the beautiful weather. The service was fantastic too! Great place!

    (5)

  • Mark M.

    First meal I had in Seattle. Ordered the oyster po boy, an it was the single best oyster po boy I've ever had--hands down. Substituted the red beans and rice for the fries, and while they weren't the best I'd ever had, they were still very good. I'd definitely go back again.

    (4)

  • Dana R.

    This place has consistency issues. I've eaten dinner here twice and the food was just so-so (and the ambiance was loud enough that is was difficult to have a conversation with others at the table). However, three out of four lunches, recently, have been very good. Each of the first three times, I ordered the coconut prawns and the garlic broccoli (eaten separately). The prawns were not greasy or overcooked and the broccoli was cooked al dente. The fourth lunch visit was downright poor -- they badly overcooked the coconut prawns and the fish and chips were greasy and heavy and the fries were nondescript. Even my husband's pulled pork sandwich was not well executed ... it lacked depth of flavor and came on a bun which a crust much too hard for the style of sandwich (in our opinion). The lunch service at the tables has always been good. We sat at the bar last time for lunch and found the bartender to be professional but not real friendly or engaging. I'll be back, but will be a bit wary and won't order the fish and chips or the pulled pork sandwich.

    (3)

  • Patrick L.

    I avoided this place for a longtime because it's known as a tourist trap, despite good reviews in Seattle Mag & Seattle Met. I finally found myself there for HH on one of the last hot & sunny days this past Summer. My buddies and I lucked out and managed to snag a table on the outside deck without any wait during an obviously busy rush. Everything we had was good but my favorite was the unexpectedly tasty crab & shrimp tots and the bread! I'll have to return for a full meal with some proper entrees sometime.

    (4)

  • Tony S.

    Have to come to experience the food even if you don't make a reservation for the view!!!!

    (5)

  • Dallas K.

    We had a fabulous lunch here on our last day in Seattle! Service was top-notch and efficient. We asked for patio seating and we had a table within 5 minutes. Manager was very friendly and staff has been educated on their menu. I thoroughly enjoyed my baked mac & cheese!! It was everything I was hoping for and craving. I also ordered the jumbo prawn cake which was delicious and not over breaded. 4oz of dungeness crab meat here! I wasn't a fan of the sauce, however, it was a well done sauce.... just not a flavor I enjoy. I'd have prefered a white sauce, even ranch dressing or something. My partner ordered seafood chowder (very yummy), chicken spring rolls, and a prawn tostada which had amazing flavor and lots of veggies! I devoured quite a bit of this on top of my own meal. Nom nom nom. I highly recommend this place and will probably return next time I'm in Seattle!

    (5)

  • Laura M.

    DH and I were at Pike Place Market today doing the tourist-thing and had planned to have lunch here. We were seated promptly. The atmosphere and service were high quality and the food was excellent. DH had a bowl of the Alaskan Razor Clam Chowder and I had the Sequimbled Eggs, which is two poached eggs with crabmeat and hollandaise sauce served over bread. The flavors of the egg dish were nearly perfect. I also had a glass of sparkling rose and thought it a good value and accompaniment to the meal. They brought us some tasty bread with herb oil and butter to go with our food, too. Nice views of Puget Sound and the ferry traffic, as well.

    (4)

  • Kristina K.

    Located in Pike Place Market, Steelhead Diner offers a scrumptious menu with a great view. My friend and I decided to sit upstairs in the upperdeck since it was a beautiful day out in Seattle. I am always a sucker for Eggs Benedict when it comes to brunch items. Actually, it's all I ever order if I go out for brunch. There's just something about a fresh, poached egg and the gush of yolk that rushes out of it when poked that gets me excited. Mmm... I'll stop salivating now. My friend and I both ordered the Eggs Cordova, since our server recommended that it was one of the top brunch dishes. She said we wouldn't be disappointed. We weren't. Eggs Cordova is comprised of 2 poached eggs over a bed of soft and delicate salmon, apple bacon hash potatoes, and whole grain mustard nage. The flavors were great. It was a fairly simple dish but I think the simplest dishes taste the best. It's a very filling item though, as I could barely finish half of my entree. I think the apple bacon hash was the most filling part of the dish. They definitely don't skimp on this dish. I'd share it if you weren't that particularly hungry.

    (4)

  • Robin G.

    This place is AWESOME! We visited Seattle to go on a cruise and are here the day before our departure. We just happened into the restaurant after visiting Pikes Market and wanting to find somewhere to sit and rest while we ate that would be away from the crowds. We shared a chicken sandwich that came with fries so we would have room for dessert, fresh in season peach cobbler! The service was as great as the food! It was such a wonderful experience on all counts that we came back after the cruise! If i am lucky enough to return to Seattle, my hope would be to get to eat here again!

    (5)

  • Neil M.

    Upscale twist on diner classics. Good service and great food. We ate oysters, crab and shrimp tater tots, copper river salmon and chocolate pecan pie. All the food was delicious. All the seafood was fresh. The service was friendly and prompt. This was our second time the Steelhead Diner and we will be coming back for more.

    (4)

  • Melanie K.

    Worth a stop when visiting Pike's Place in Seattle! The PoBoy sandwich, RichBoy sandwich, and Red Beans and Rice are all excellent. Dress is casual

    (4)

  • Lucy T.

    I really wanted to like it, but the only good thing was the portions were large and the food was acceptable. Can't really criticize anything in particular, the whole experience was just lacking in soul.

    (2)

  • Kevin H.

    I ordered the CEPPO PASTA & SHAVED WASHINGTON BLACK TRUFFLES For a plate of pasta, it sure did take a long time to prepare. The truffles were extremely mild as they didn't have any pungency or flavor, so I imagine that Washington Black Truffles are either the most mild of all the black truffles or the ones that were placed on my pasta were depleted of their flavor, but I can't see what the point of using truffle flakes is if there isn't any pungency at all. It was a poorly executed dish. I also had oysters. They were tiny, weren't completely shucked and had all sorts of shell chippings in them, so I kept having to remove oyster shell slivers from my mouth.

    (1)

  • Leo M.

    Delightful 'diner' delivers on seafood and drinks We ate at the Steelhead Diner twice in our three day stay in Seattle. In fact, I changed my birthday dinner reservations to here from a 'nicer' restaurant....we liked it that much. Centrally located (at least to a tourist) with a pleasant 'west coast casual' atmosphere the Steelhead served some of the best seafood I've had in a while. They have a long list of tasty salads, offer a good selection of wines and beers, and have a fairly talented mixologist. I do offer three suggestions. First and most important, talk to your server about the fish. Copper River salmon were running during our visit - ordered and served rare it was wonderful. Second, the caviar pie was a delightful twist on an old favorite - a rainbow of roe atop a 'creamcake' base. And third, bring some kids - the fish and chips is amazing (yes, I stole a bite of each).

    (5)

  • Nina N.

    1. buttermilk fried chicken sandwich....check 2. raspberry hanger vodka on the rock....check 3. beautiful view of pike place market....check 4. watching all the tourist come in and out of the restaurant asking to use the bathroom...check 5. seeing the bum pee in front of the restaurant while dining here ...double check!!! The food was decent for touristy type food, and the drink was strong but the view was of the bum peeing while the sun was setting was magnificent.

    (4)

  • Elaine C.

    Never again! The house salad did not look anything like the photos on this site. It was absolutely the ugliest salad I have ever eaten, and there were only a few bits of blue cheese, hardly any thinly sliced avocado, and about five tiny bits of tomato. From the description on the menu I thought the mussels would be in a white wine sauce - they were in a base of tin tomato sauce. The lemon layered cake is a small portion which sits on powdered icing sugar mixed with lemon juice - that is not an appropriate sauce. We asked for decaf coffee. I feel that I was given regular coffee because my heart is still palpitating after drinking lots of water and it is now almost 3:00am. This restaurants cuts corners for their convenience - as in give people wedges for salads - this way they do not have to take the time to wash and dry the lettuce. Instead of preparing a nice fruit puree for the cake - they simply wet some icing sugar with lemon juice. When my husband and I like a restaurant we will go back frequently, and we will give excellent reviews on-line and to our friends. I will never set my foot in this restaurant again.

    (1)

  • Shari d.

    On the recommendation of a coworker a guest and I stepped into the Steelhead diner for dinner on Saturday. We arrived slightly early but were seated promptly. The atmosphere was lively and inviting...the restaurant was the perfect setting for a weekend diner. We ordered the crab cake to share as an appetizer, I ordered the Sole and my dining companion ordered the pork chop. The crab cake was beautifully done, lumps of perfectly seasoned crab mixed lightly together atop a spicy mayo sauce. The sole was tender and moist, perhaps too much oil/butter but it was tasty. The pork was succulent served with a rhubarb gastrique and a delicious bread pudding. All in all it was a very good meal. However I couldn't go above 3 stars because...well I found it to be a little over priced for what we got. The crab cake, while delicious...ws $15.95. And when I say cake I mean cake...there was only 1. The sole was cooked perfectly...but not really worth $27. And the Pork...the same goes for the pork. I would come back to try some of the other menu items but I wouldn't really make it a point to stop back. Perfectly A-OK but not quite Yay! I'm a fan!

    (3)

  • Angela P.

    Yum. Try the American Waygu beef burger and thank me after! I just went here with my husband and we each had great food. I was a little put off when we came in and the hostess informed us that we could sit down for dinner but had to be out for a reservation in an hour in a half. (No big deal really, but I felt rushed). The service was ok. My waitress did forget to bring my wine and at one point she came to the table and said in a slight pirate accent "still pluggin' away at that burger?" My hubby had the halibut and it was delicious. All in all this place was a good place to eat on a Sunday night.

    (4)

  • Brook C.

    Wow, this was one of my better dinner experiences in Seattle. We went on a Saturday night, without a reservation and got seated in about 30 minutes. It was packed and a bit noisy, but the food was out of this world. We got the Jumbo Dungeness Crab Cake with Crispy Parsley & Sauce Louis to start, it was great! Mark got a Flash Fried Pacific Oyster Po-Boy and I got Pulled Pork with Tangy Cole Slaw Dressing. We got a Watermelon Salad for dessert that was infused with chili powder and lime. Sounds weird, tasted amazing.

    (5)

  • JP W.

    Casual, great service, food was good enough - better if you aren't paying. I second what was said about the pesto butter concoction - bland and weird.

    (3)

  • Lynn B.

    Good food, good service. More restaurant than diner. Reasonable prices. Would not hesitate to return. Located 1/2 block from Pike Market.

    (4)

  • King C.

    I love Steelhead Diner. My friend from NYC proclaimed that it's the best seafood he's had in a long time. I came here a few weeks ago during the Seattle Restaurant Week promotion. I started off with the oysters and vichyssoise. For the entree, I had the wild salmon and for dessert I had the creme brulee with gingersnap cookie. We had an amazing corner table that overlooked the Pike Place market. It's definitely one of my favorite Seattle restaurants. It's got a great combination of excellent food and laid back ambiance.

    (4)

  • Erin R.

    2 out of 2 doppelgangers agree- beatiful tasty drinks (my doppelganger will say, "blood orange vodka anyone?? and her doppelganger will say "Hot Pink Laser?? YES please!!") and delicious food. This review can't go with out mentioning the poutine... the sweet & salty, deliciously moist poutine... get your mind out of the gutter!! Poutine is fries covered in brown gravy topped with cheese curds... but not just ANY cheese curds, BEECHER'S CHEESE CURDS... right?!?!

    (4)

  • Claire K.

    My hsuband and I had dinner here for a date night while in Seattle on vacation. I went to opentable.com and put in the time we wanted then did a bunch of cross-referencing on the restaurants that came up. I was impressed with the chef's biography (and have eaten at other restaurants were he was the executive chef) and decided on this one. We had the cheese curds for an appetizer, and they were fantastic. The sweet spicy mustard sauce was my favorite (and I actually ate some of it with a spoon once we were done with the curds, it was that good). I had the halibut as my entree, my husband had the pork collar. Both were phenominal. The halibut was cooked perfectly, the pork collar melted in your mouth. We also shared a side of red beans and rice. My husband is from New Orleans and pretty well-versed in the dish, and we both agreed this was one of the best versions we'd ever had.

    (5)

  • Ken S.

    Absolutely delicious food! We've eaten so many different dishes here and every time it's amazing. (Well, we haven't tried many deserts because we're stuck on the world's greatest pecan pie!) Go here. You'll love it. Tip: we like to sit at the Chef counter and watch the activity of the kitchen

    (5)

  • Darlene K.

    Went there Friday night with friends. It's right in the Market. Service was fine. But I was disappointed in my meal. Shared a few things amongst my hubby and I. He got the trout and a side of the potatoes and a cup of gumbo. I tried the fried chicken sandwich thingie. We also had the crispy spring rolls to since the group wanted an appetizer. Everything was ok. The sandwich was a bit bland and the gumbo didn't have enough kick. I'm from the South too so my expectations on gumbo are pretty high- so I wasn't trying to be harsh. Maybe I'll try something else next time.

    (3)

  • Sean T.

    Not that this place needs another review, but I had to reiterate just how good the gumbo is at Steelhead. I have wandered past Steelhead countless times while in the Market looking for brunch/lunch/dinner, but for various reasons had never elected to eat here. I finally had the opportunity on Friday when a friend had his rehearsal dinner here. The meal started with the fried Beecher's cheese curds and the fried chicken spring rolls - both of which were fantastic. The soup and salad course included a cup of gumbo. Now, I spent a good deal of my childhood in SE Texas and SW Louisiana. My mother's family is straight-up coon ass from New Iberia and Hammond, LA. I mastered the art of making gumbo from various relatives including some who don't speak what most would identify as "English." I know just how dark I can get a roux without burning it (a delicately and time-critical sense). I have tasted many variations of "gumbo" , most of which are simply vegetable soup with "Cajun" seasoning. So trust me when I tell you that the gumbo here is among the richest, most flavourful, and most authentic you'll find anywhere. The only improvement I can imagine is substituting the chicken with fresh wild duck, but alas, we're a few months too late for duck season. In addition to the gumbo, the Kasu marinated black cod really stood out as well. Of the three entrees offered (family style) this dish garnered the most attention from the guests. Perfectly cooked and teeming with flavor, it is not to be missed. As the other 155 reviews assert, the desserts, staff, and views were also top notch, so I won't bore you with redundancy. I will strongly urge you to go try the gumbo now though, because I'm going to eat it all soon.

    (5)

  • Perry H.

    We sat outside on the little patio and soaked up the great weather. The food was great; quite possibly the best clam chowder that I've ever had (and I've had my share). The fish and chips were great and a very large portion. The cod was very good along with the sensational collard greens. We also sampled the oysters which tasted as though they were just plucked from the waters minutes before. Definitely make a reservation and don't miss this gem. I highly recommend this to anyone visiting Seattle. It's good for groups, good for a date, good for business - just an all around great restaurant from top to bottom. Local cuisine with a Southern flair...love it!

    (5)

  • Maud E.

    YUM! YUM! YUM! Whoever came up with the chicken spring roll situation was a genius. And sitting at the counter watching the line do their kitchen dance with hot flames and sharp knives is like stepping into your TV tuned to the Food Network. Everything I've ever eaten here is d'lish!!! The food is great and the atmosphere / view is, too. Go. Now. Eat.

    (4)

  • Evan T.

    Maybe my favorite Seattle restaurant. The food, location, and vibe are all superb. Pork belly as an appetizer? Yes please. And chocolate nib pecan pie. Seconds?

    (5)

  • Carly L.

    You ever get really excited for a meal? Or trying a new restaurant? Well, I do. I totally dork out. I research menus, wine lists, and of course, check yelp before I go. That it what I did for Steelhead. Reservations were made for several of us lovely ladies a few days in advance for Easter brunch. Coincidentally, a couple of my customers at the winery raved about it the day before Easter... I was excited. Our server Keri, was as patient as could be. We took our time trying to decide what to order, everything looked sooo good. There were some cheese curds to start. Basically, fried cheese. Yum. Came with a delicious mustard sauce and a tarter sauce, both which paired well with cheese. Also, yummy bread and oil and butter as well. Great way to start. Everyone except for me ordered the crab eggs Benedict (which has a funny name like the "sequimble" or something like that) and I think I may get it next time. There were huge chunks of lump crab meat. Delicious. I ordered the bubble and squeak which was potatoes topped with brisket, cabbage, and two perfectly poached eggs. Something to note: the shaker that looks like pepper is actually salt. Cici discovered that after the fact. Now lets move on to the.... SWEET NOTHINGS (whisper it, it sounds sexy) aka dessert. I was told upon my arrival I was to order the lemon cake. (apparently Heather, Kat and Cici had planned dessert before my arrival). Well, I am GLAD I did. Lemon cake, with a lemon sauce, and marscapone cream on top. Yum. Very lemony, not too heavy, and tasty. Heather got the pecan pie with chantilly cream and cocoa nibs. I tried it, and it wasn't too sweet, which often can be the demise of pecan pie. Kat and Cici tried the quadruple Chocolate layer cake that had toasted coconut and coconut ice cream. Now that is some serious yummyness. We all left very full and satisfied, and I wistfully hoped someone would continue to whisper "sweet nothings" in my ear.

    (4)

  • Jacky A.

    WOW, busy busy! This place is very busy, went here in a weekday and sat at the chef table. It is more a place for happy hour than sit down and enjoy a glass of wine style of restaurant. There is a nice view from this restaurant but only some tables have the access of looking through the window. Chefs are very busy the whole time when we sat at the chef table, we over see the whole back of house movement. They will sometime do some chessy tings to make you smile. Advantage of sitting at the chef table is that they might give you some new food to try, such as Gumbo, their famous soup. We tried their crab cakes as appetizer, come in 1 piece and it taste good. Albercore Tuna is my entree, it is just all right but the dessert is great. Desserts are very localize, we had the raspberry lemonade sorbet. It is awesome. Don't expect really really great service like they will stand there and chat with you, it is a very busy place and people just talk to each other. Server did a good job in menu tour and guide us through the end, it is great service, but I think it can even be better ;]

    (4)

  • Me H.

    I've read many reviews on this place and have seen it recommended to hundreds of people so of course I HAD to check it out. I decided on a lunch time visit. Based on different things I've read I went with the roasted pork sandwich, my lunch buddy went with the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich and when both arrived we shared even though my name's not Sharen its Mitzie. Anyways the sandwiches are served with French fries but no ranch, can you believe it a place that does not have ranch dressing, minus one star there. I went for the pork sandwich first, it was good but nothing that made me go "OMG this is fabulous I must recommend this to all my friends!!!" The chicken on the other hand was awful, maybe it was the cole slaw dressing or maybe it was the chicken itself but I did not like it one bit and neither did my lunch buddy, yucky. The fries on the other hand were delish even without the ranch. Our server was very nice and provided excellent service to us. The location is great though I am a bit bitter I use to love Vivanda because they had my favorite wine, A. Rafanelli Zinfandel, on their wine list and now it's gone along with my favorite wine and replaced with this place that does not carry my favorite wine.

    (3)

  • Chris B.

    It's springtime, and I've been missing the market, so heading back for adventures there recently. Tis the season. Somehow I missed Steelhead diner all this time. I don't know how. It's a little bit hidden, I suppose, kind of in a half-block. But there is a patio in the back area, too, so I don't know how it happened. This place is cool. And it has good food. And service. But I guess I could be a LITTLE more specific. How about a compare/contrast example? I had Sunday brunch at Bacco, and it was ok, but unremarkable. It was cramped, the crab benedict they feature on the menu had shredded crab (not lump), the service was ok but preoccupied by everyone, and the smoothie was good, but again, just ok. Then I tried Steelhead on another Sunday. They feature a crab benedict that had tons of mixed lump and shredded crabmeat, but it was way fresher. You know how you can just tell that kind of thing. The Hollandaise was delicious, and loaded on two toasted pieces of bread. The eggs were perfectly poached, a miracle! They ran all over the dish in a gooey mess, nice and easy, exactly like I like it on Sunday morn. The waiter was super friendly, and interesting with knowledge of all kinds of subjects, and you can tell he really takes pride in his work. He made a mimosa with grapefruit, and remembered that that drink is great with a splansh of Cointreau, and he was right. Excellent. On another occasion I tried their caviar pie -- a gorgeous dish with colorful rows of caviar atop a creamy cheese base, surrounded by freshly diced red onion, capers, and bits of egg, aside pieces of melba toast. It's really beautiful, and delicious, too. Apparently the chef designed this dish, so it is also unique -- well done. Very rich and decadent, but at $15 for all that caviar, what a deal. Also, the chairs are lined up along the bar at an angle, making it easy to cozy up -- a small detail but that they even thought of that says a lot. The inside is spacious and classy, and there's also a patio out back. Also, they feature foods you can buy within a few block in the market -- like Uli's sausage, and Beechers cheese. Can't get much better than all that. There's so much more on the interesting menu I want to check out, too, and now that I've been broken in, I'll be sure to be back. PROS: Interesting, unique dishes that are generous in portions, and cooked great. Cool interior and comfortable space. Fresh, local food! Reasonably priced for what you get. CONS: I haven't found any yet. Nice place!

    (5)

  • Katie A.

    Good diner food with great service! I think there must have been about 15 servers or so here at lunchtime yesterday when we were in... and this was a good thing b/c the place was hoppin'! We were seated, brought menus and water almost immediately... and all with a smile. We started with the fried chicken spring rolls, which were a nice change of pace from a usual spring roll. They were quite good. I went with the Brutus Salad- a rendition of a Caesar with tasty homemade croutons and a citrus vinaigrette. It was tangy and fresh. My guy had the Rich Boy with Uli's sausage. He thought it was decent, but not amazing. Though we had some fantastic service here, the food was just good, but not spectacular. With that said, we didn't have the seafood, which is probably what really shines at the Steelhead. I definitely want to come back here for dinner sometime. It's got an unpretentious feel to it and everyone we with interacted here was sweet as pie. PS- the bread n' butter & olive oil they start you with is fab!

    (3)

  • Michelle Z.

    My sister, visiting from out of town suggested we go somewhere in Seattle with a "view." Having a temporary brain freeze and memory-lapse all I could recollect was Pike Place Market. Upon arrival we narrowed down our locales to Steelhead Diner, which fit our criteria thanks to a lovely corner view - check! My mom, sister, and I were only mildly hungry so we decided to indulge in some heavy hor d'ourves. We attempted to order calamari but the waiter shook his head sadly. Seriously, what kind of seafood restaurant doesn't have calamari?? Off the starter menu we ordered the flash fried Beecher's cheese curds, chicken spring rolls, and the crabcake. All were plentiful portions, the cheese curds were served with tangy tartar and spicy mustard, the crabcake was decent, but the chicken spring rolls were easily my favorite of the 3. We split a bottle of Pinot Grigio and enjoy the sunset through the corner view. After a second hunger rush, we ordered the cobb salad which arrived in a lettuce bowl (think bread bowl but instead of bread it was lettuce w/salad + dressing inside) While I wish we'd been order the appetizers at happy hour prices, this place did serve good food, though it's priced are on the high side. Each appetizer was between $10-$14, and the soup I contemplated ordering was $15. While I'm not a big spender, I'm a bit curious about the $23 macadamia nut-encrusted mahi mahi, I might just have to venture a return trip simply to try it. I couldn't see this restaurant becoming a personal favorite or a regular haunt, it's catered more toward the destination you bring out-of-town friends and relatives. A little slice of Pike Place - with a view.

    (4)

  • Erwin C.

    Great service - our ticket was placed behind a very large group and the waitress was very apologetic and wanted to comp a dessert. In the end we were too full so she said she adjusted the total, but I don't think she did, but doesn't really matter. It was nice of her to think about it. Food is not the most amazing in the world, but it's very tasty and very consistent. Had Sequimbled Eggs which has crab meat. I must have gotten at least a half a crab or a whole crab's worth of meat. Very generous and very tasty. I have been many times and it's always good

    (4)

  • Johnny W.

    After another Dine Around Seattle round several weeks ago with my friends, I'd have to agree with what I've heard about Steelhead serving glorified diner food being true. This isn't a particularly bad thing, because I usually hate diner food, and Steelhead's cuisine wasn't all that bad. I didn't get to sample as much this time around as I did at Andaluca though, with most of us ordering the same dishes, but I got to try the fried oysters, bacon salad, lemon crusted salmon, lemon cake, and sorbet. Again, like the other DAS locations I've been to, the two types of bread served at the beginning of the meal were excellent, a black sesame and one other I wasn't able to identify The oysters were probably the highlight of the meal, falling under what I'd consider hedonistic comfort food: perfectly fried oysters over a layer of fluffy mashed potatoes. The salad was also pretty good, though it took a few bites before I decided that I actually liked the peculiar taste of the bacon dressing. The salmon, unfortunately, was below expectations. While moist and tender, it lacked a lot of the nuances of flavor I was expecting (like lemon, which I didn't even get hints of), and was mostly just salty. I'd go so far as to say the simple salt, pepper and tarragon salmon I made the night before was better. Both the lemon cake and sorbet were pretty average: tasty, but didn't really stand out much. I was mostly bummed that they'd run out of the Theo pecan pie. Waitstaff and service were good and friendly, and the general visual ambiance of Steelhead isn't bad. However, the place gets pretty stuffy when it's crowded (and it didn't clear up until after 10pm the night we were there). Portions were quite generous: my friend was actually full after the oysters, and the salmon was probably the largest fillet I've had at a restaurant thus far. And while I'd generally say that a place like this has pretty good quantity-for-price value, the quality of the main dishes left a bit to be desired.

    (3)

  • Robert -.

    Read my El Gaucho review in conjunction with this one. After Steelhead, I've lowered my El Gaucho review to 2 stars. I would give this place 4 stars, but it's one of my companion's favorite spots, so it gets an extra star for making her happy. I pulled my meal from the 3 for $30 menu- 1) Salad, 2) Salmon, & 3) Chocolate Mousse. We also got a starter of some fried cheese things with two sauces- very good! Now, as opposed to El Groucho: 1) My salad came out with pre-made dressing on it- didn't miss the table side egg cracking spectacle nor the salad tossing (not that I'm a fan of watching (or participating) in a good salad tossing- wakka wakka!). It was fresh & good. 2) Salmon blew up in my mouth. Buttery with creamy mashed potatoes on the side and some kinda sauce...ka-kow! This was noticeably different than El Groucho who just plopped some meat with sauce on a plate and called it a meal. 3) Chocolate Mousse in a cup split between us- yum. They served us wine & pour our water with equal ferocity as El Groucho and the service, while a bit slower, wasn't noticeably different. And no fruit bowl either which I didn't miss because that just really comes off as cheap trick, El Groucho! We both left feeling full for the evening- done & done. My companion says that all this stuff is from sustainable and comes from localmarketslikePikePlacesomethingorotherblahblahb­lah. I'm a guy, which means I'm part mongoloid- taste good, me happy.

    (5)

  • Brionne V.

    My parents tried to go to this restaurant for Mother's Day weekend. Saturday afternoon they arrived and were taken inside and when they headed toward a booth near the front the waitress escorted them into the interior where it was extremely busy and gave them a table. My mother stated that a person set water at their table and another person set bread down and walked away without speaking to them. After waiting almost 20 minutes noone else came to their table or spoke to them so they got up and walked out without ordering. Even on a busy weekend they should have at least gotten a "How are you today?" right?

    (1)

  • Ling B.

    This place is overrated. Heard from some people that Steelhead was awesome so went and checked it out. First off, we waited for 20+ minutes to be seated despite reservations. And I get hungry fast. Then comes the food. My friend accidentally ordered a $45+ salmon special because he misheard the price. The sticker shock was his fault, but $45 for salmon that looked pretty plain vanilla? Salmon is not hard to prepare and for $45 I expect an awesome 16 oz. NY Strip, Wagyu / Kobe of lesser cuts, or if it's seafood it better be some exotic preparation. As for my meal it was decent. The caviar pie was good, but not exceptional and my cod was nothing that blew me out of my mind. The place was also noisy. Overall, Steelhead wasn't horrible, but when 4.5 stars goes out to the likes of Canlis and Crush, this place can't be getting a 4 star average.

    (3)

  • Bruce K.

    The owner/chef was the executive chef at Seastar. While I didn't like their service, his food was SUPERB. He started the Steelhead Diner near Pike Place Market. The BEST seafood int he world...don't miss the caviar pie. This place is casual and you can get burgers, some of the best Fried Chicken I have ever had and the staff is friendly and great. If you are out to show someone the best of Seattle, don't miss this place. Dress is casual.

    (5)

  • Heather F.

    From start to finish, this was one fine brunch experience! The service was excellent, never once did I have to go too long without my water or coffee cup getting refilled and our server, Keri, was great. The food was fresh and delicious. I had the Squimbled Eggs, essentially Eggs Benedict made with dungeness crab, an ample yet not overwhelming amount of lovely chunks of crab. I will definitely be back for dinner service based on how great brunch was.

    (4)

  • Andrew H.

    The food here was very very good. It would get 5 stars from me if it were a little less expensive. Their admittedly phenomenal crabcake costs $16. A comparatively small cup of gumbo costs $8. I will definitely go back.

    (4)

  • Michael V.

    It's a fancy diner. The food is really good and the atmosphere is fun but a little noisey. It was a busy place, with a reservation no problem walk-ins at 7pm on a Saturday were being quoted 2 hours so plan ahead. Probably better for a 2 couples who want to go out and have a fun night out in a casual atmosphere, a good selection of drinks and a good meal.

    (4)

  • Jim T.

    We came looking a place with 4-5 stars. This diner is upscale. Very stylish decor. The servers are dressed in black and white. The theme is "fly fishing." I started out with a cranberry cocktail and the crab cakes. The drink wasn't too good. The crab cakes were divine. I ordered the trout and the green-red salad. My wife had the fish and chips. The trout was well-prepared, the skin singed and the filet soft and buttery. The fingerling potatoes were mealy, and the collard greens sauce was weird. The red and green salad was also unsatisfying. It wasn't crisp, and it was kind of wilted and floppy. Overall the meal was just okay. I was disappointed. The service was great. The dishes needed some punch. They served a basket of bread, with dinner rolls and cheese bread, but the unsalted butter drenched is some bland oil with grated parsley was also strange. I took the vinegar and Louisianna hot sauce to spice it up a bit. The pear sorbet was excellent. With the highs and lows of the dining experience I give it three stars.

    (3)

  • Bob S.

    My spouse had eaten here and raved about the food. We were in the area and took me out to dinner. We had reservations but there was still a bit of a wait. The food once we were seated was excellent. The desserts were sublime. Great place to eat.

    (4)

  • Adrian L.

    I am a simple man with simple pleasures. And Steelhead Diner, I'd have to say you found one of my G-spots and tapped it. OH YEAH you tapped it hard. It doesn't matter that your halibut was still tender with a nice crispy breading, ot that your home cured bresaola melted in my mouth. One thing that you gave me surpassed all of than 10, nay 100 fold. And it was beautiful, it almost brings me to tears. Steelhead, your poutine has made me a happy man. It satisfied all my dreams about what a poutine could be. Lovely, crispy fries. Salty, silky gravy. And fresh cheese curd made across the street by the curdling experts at Beecher's. In my mind nothing else matters about that night, so recent, but so long ago. I am at a loss for words, I just want more Nothing else matters but poutine, poutione, poutine.....

    (5)

  • Jason A.

    I have this conflicted memory of the name of the place - it invokes fish, like perhaps northwest fare, but in truth, this is a southern-inspired american restaurant with some serious soul! First, I'll say that the fried chicken and the gumbo are as good as I've had in New Orleans, if not better. This makes sense, as the chef is supposedly from New Orleans, so at least there's some credibility here. There are a number of reviews already, so I'll keep it short. I find this place authentic, delicious, and with a great atmosphere among pike place market mediocrity. Prices are not pleasant, but they're not unreasonable either. I strongly recommend this place, especially for a long lunch. Come check it out!

    (5)

  • Juliet S.

    As always, they do not disappoint. Great local fare. The wine list is great, the food is consistently good, and the staff are very friendly. Also, very creative cocktail and mocktail options.

    (4)

  • Joey H.

    Clam chowder was good , salmon was ok, fried chicken was good , fish and chips were good, prices are high in my opinion, but a cool atmosphere and location.

    (2)

  • Don S.

    I've been there twice more and still excellent, but not quite the same experience as the initial visit. It was spendier and more crowded when I went there with friends for dinner. (duh) Brace yourself for the inevitable onslaught of seriously aggressive panhandlers from your exoensive parking to the restaurant. This is a quirky little plus at SH....their salt and pepper is unusual in the best sense of the word, Alder smoked sea salt and habanero pepper with flaked garlic. They are both intense, but fantastic. You can purchase them both down three or four flights of stairs or online at World-wide Spice Merchants. WORTH IT but expensive.

    (4)

  • Tom L.

    My girlfriend were walking around the area before meeting our friends and we saw the Steelhead Diner. We were searching for a place to eat and decided to give this place a shot after looking at their menu. Being a Friday night apparently all the tables were already reserved. The hostess said that we could wait for a table or have a seat at the counter. Since you're reading this then I you already knew that we took the seat at the counter. Turns out the counter turned out to be a great place to sit, especially near the kitchen. It was really cool to see the kitchen staff do their thing. Anyways the restaurant had this kind of modern yet functional look to it. Nothing over the top snobby in the way of decor. Just modern. There is a full bar at the entrance to the restaurant. There was counter space in front of the kitchen and inbetween the ktichen and bar. The restaurant is big, but it was full. I also noticed that Anthony, one of the chefs there knew alot of people coming into the restaurant. Apparently there are alot of regulars, which is a great thing. It also happened to be Anhtony's birthday. The server, Benjamin A., was awesome!!! He was very friendly and helpful with our choices. He gaves us some great recommendations for food. In fact Ben saw some of the indecision on our faces and gave us a plate of the caviar pie. When I first saw it on the menu I wasn't quite sure what to expect so we didn't even think abut ordering it. Well it happened to be our favorite part of dinner that night. It was beautifully plated. The caviar pie is trangular slice of spread with a layers of different caviar starting from the center of the pie to the edge. The different layers of caviar gave a really nice color gradient to the food. On the side were some crackers to spread the cheese and caviar on. It was delicious and I can't emphasize the need to try this if you end up at the Steelhead Diner. In addition to the caviar pie we had the Kasu marinated black cod, the Crab Cakes, and a side plate of cole slaw. The black cod was really good. Of course being cod it had those natural oils that give it a great natural taste. The Kasu just added to that flavor. The cod was placed on a bed of bak choy, mushrooms, and some diced fruit. The cod was moist and tender. Absolutely delicious. It's definitely worth the trip to try this place out. And having the staff recognize the regulars to the restaurant doesn't hurt. :)

    (5)

  • Phil C.

    We went early and had the early bird special. My Fiancee had the Gumbo for an appetizer and I had the Razor Clam Chowder. Both were delicious. The entrees were Flat Iron Steak. Both cooked perfectly with a delicious Demi glacé. The desert was the highlight of the meal. Chocolate Pecan Pie. The downside would have to be the service. The servers congregated around the kitchen window, there was no expeditor to ensure food was coming up in a timely manner. The kitchen seemed very lax with little sense of urgency to push orders through. The servers kept disappearing to the back to eat. However the servers were extremely friendly.

    (4)

  • Courtney L.

    This by far is one of the best restaurants that I've ever eaten in....period. The only other time I've experienced food this good is when I was in Paris. If you visit this establishment please try the spring rolls and catfish. The hush puppies are excellent too. The food was good but also light so I didn't feel overstuffed after dinner despite plowing through four plates. Great staff, great view. I'll come back often.

    (5)

  • Eliza J.

    The best eggs Benedict ever!! (except they call it something else) Yes, it was $18 but there was so much crab I was sharing with other people at my table! It was the perfect size of bread (sourdough) and poached eggs with not too much sauce and so much lovely dungeness crab I could just scream! It was so so good!!! I want to go back now after talking about it. This is not your normal breakfast/brunch place--my brohter was craving toast with jam and there was no such thing, but it is totally worth it!!

    (5)

  • Chris P.

    Surprised to see complaints about the service because every time I've been here (about 5 times) everyone I've dealt with has been super nice and attentive. My latest visit was last Saturday before a show at The Showbox. I had the catfish tacos (which were excellent) and my friend seemed quite pleased with the Oyster Po Boy. The water was constantly filled up, the server was very friendly (I suppose she could have been a bit more attentive, but it was pretty busy and it was hardly a super long wait for her), and the food and drink selection were more than adequate. Steelhead is definitely one of my favorite pre-show places to go around that area.

    (4)

  • Kim D.

    As Craig David so famously asked, "Tell me, what's your flavor?" I don't think this was mine. I was kind of bored to be honest. But then again, what did I come in expecting? It is your usual diner with an upscale slant. A wolf in sheep's clothing. Trailer trash in some horrible Juicy Couture get-up with Coach accessories. You can smell that stuff a mile way. Sometimes, they have the ability to prove you wrong. Nothing on the menu looked appetizing... the ingredients seemed inspiring (such as the Chicken and Sausage Gumbo and the Smothered Steak) but nothing stood out to me as something I wanted to eat. I have had little great experiences with people being uppity with fare that is meant to be cheap and delicious (I am a dirt food connoisseur - mind you), but I tried the macaroni and cheese. It was good. We shared it as an appetizer and then I played like a 6-year-old and ordered it as a meal. Their drink list was hard to decipher, even for an alcoholic--but the vodka and fresh lemonade I scored well. I don't know if I'd come back, unless if someone convinced me.

    (3)

  • Monica L.

    I first saw the sign for this place while huffing and puffing up the street from the market and appreciated the well-designed usage of the D in steelhead as the the D in diner. Dorkalicious... I returned later in the evening for dinner and continued to be impressed by the interior design, and, of course, the food. The word "diner" is something of a misnomer, since this place is quite pricey and lacks the sticky film of grease so omnipresent in other establishments by that name. Instead, the restaurant is encased by large glass windows, which gives the sense that the place is perched precariously along Post Alley. The booths are nice and roomy, and I liked that the menus double as placemats, in case you decide to order more. The wine list is extensive and our server was very helpful in the selection. We decided on the Shooting Star (from Steele) Blaufrankisch , a medium-dry red with dark fruit and earthiness from Yakima Valley grapes. I opted for the pork chop and my dining companion, vegetarian for Lent, went with the half-portion (~5 oz) of the black cod. Chop was a generous portion of juicy, not-too-fatty meat, and the cod was flavorful and flaky. We also ordered the mustard greens, which were a little too vinegary, but we omitted the bacon, so it probably is better without any changes. The bill came to a little under $100, including wine, so it was quite affordable for the quality of food. I'd return if I lived in the area, but maybe with more people, as it is not the most romantical of places.

    (4)

  • Karin W.

    We haven't been in Seattle in YEARS, and upon walking down to Pike Street from Belltown, we came across this restaurants. We were willing to eat at the bar, and ended up having a delightful time, thanks to the charming bartender. But, also food related, good time. We only want to share a light lunch, so enjoyed the shrimp sandwich (tarragon mayonaise.....OMG), along side a mixed green salad with fresh cherries and toasted hazelnuts. This meal made the long train trip from Portland well worth it!

    (5)

  • Nancy M.

    My husband and I had our dinner "date" here last night. It had been a few years since we had been to Steelhead Diner, so we thought we would give it a try while we were in town. We arrived early for dinner [4:30, our reservations were for 5pm] and were told that we would have to wait a few minutes for a table to be cleaned [it was not busy at all], we waited at the bar for at least 20 min. before we finally asked the hostess if the table was ready yet, she apologized and took us right to our table. The service was very slow, and we noticed that several people, that were seated after us, received their food before we did. Once our food finally came, it was good. My husband had the catfish tacos, which he said were pretty tasty. I had the salmon, which was very good. The server was friendly and the view was great. Overall, we would probably not be in a hurry to return as there are so many good restaurants in downtown Seattle that have their customer service down much better.

    (2)

  • Dani I.

    Always loved this place but kind of thought it was somewhat of a tourist trap because of it's location and views. Took my bro here for HH and I have to say I was much impressed. The HH menu was amazing .. oyster sliders, clams, catfish fillet, & POUNTINE! With BEECHERS cheese. I have not had Pountine in .. well, EVER. I think I saw this on a menu at the airport in St. Louis and I thought it was a joke. But it's true, people actually put gravy and cheese on french fries. It sounds like a heart attack but the Steelhead Pountine is much more light (believe it or not) and actually a perfect HH dish to share. The drinks are also incredible! Try the Bourbon Iced Tea. We all know this place has great (maybe a little overpriced for what it is) food so you must try their HH to lessen that dent in your wallet.

    (4)

  • Norma M.

    After my Sister raved about the salmon, and halibut she had for dinner a few weeks ago, we decided to try it for lunch after seeing The Hunger Games (Grade C+) Great location, except for parking problem, but we all know you can't find parking at the market, so you have to expect that.......gorgeous restaurant, food, not so good. I ordered the halibut fish and chips, which were huge, the reason being, an overabundance of beer batter. Greasy beer batter at that. I mean, real greasy, and mushy fish. So, if you like mushy fish, with alot of greasy beer batter, this would be for you. French fries tasted like the frozen variety. Very average, as was the tartar sauce. My sister ordered the Buttermilk fried chicken sandwhich, hello? does that not sound good? Well, we both thought so, but we were wrong. Served on a hoagie roll, which provided way too much bread, with overabundance of just average coleslaw. You could barely taste any of the chicken. The ratios were way off, which as we all know, are crucial for a good sandwhich. A very disappointing lunch all and all, with a great view.

    (2)

  • Rachel H.

    Our dinner draged on for hours! It was very SLOW to get anything here, althought the waiter was friendly. The problem is in the kitchen, way over dressed salad, come on really, how hard is it to make a good salad?!The rest of our meal was awful, & over cooked I won't be coming back. And I wanted to like this place ....

    (1)

  • Wonnie K.

    Granted, I was extremely hungry when I came here, but I LOVED this place. It was a surprisingly nice "diner" with really tasty food. I ordered the Rich Boy sandwich (sausage sandwich) and my friends ordered a salad (don't know what it's called but it had cheese and candied walnuts on mixed greens) and the blue plate special (catfish on cheesy grits). Everything was really good, and it had a good combination of spiciness and heartiness. Given how hungry I was I should have killed my entire meal, but I the portions were large enough to where I had to pack half of my sandwich to go. Sadly, I gave my leftovers to a bum when he asked, and I've been regretting it ever since...

    (5)

  • Jon E.

    We came back once again two weekends ago, and were promptly greeted with a complimentary slice of the caviar slice appetizer. It was beautiful: 4 different kinds of caviar, from yellow gradiating to black, thickly laid on top of seasoned cream cheese, on a bed of capers, other accompaniments and bread crustinis. Delicious! I had a "Rich Boy" sandwich for dinner (which unfortunately is NOT spicy), and my girlfriend had a vegetarian stew. Though their beer selection was running low by 9pm, I managed to have a local Scotch ale (not Kilt Lifter, I forget by who) and a blonde to match my meal quite nicely. My girlfriend chose from their nice and often affordable wine list. In all, we got out of there for about $70 including 3 drinks and tip... awesome!

    (5)

  • Kat F.

    My roommate and I just had to take advantage of the Dine Around Seattle specials at at least one restaurant before the end of the month so we decided on a Sunday lunch at Steelhead Diner since neither of us had been there before. I liked the place immediately. 12:00 noon sharp and the place is packed and I want to try everything that I can see on everybody's plate! There are fancy couples eating brunch and drinking pellegrino, there are guys in flannel drinking pints at the bar and the music, while at a tasteful volume, is Outkast circa 2003. From the 3 courses for $15 menu, I had the salad (organic baby greens, blood orange slices, walnuts and goat cheese) a vegetable chili and the chocolate mousse. The salad was delish, if a tad heavy on the dressing. It had plenty of bite to it so a little went a long way. The chili was also good, but it was mostly beans with only the odd potato to offset them. It had sour cream, pico de gallo and pepper jack cheese on top though so I can't complain! The chocolate mousse...holy crap. I don't have much of a sweet tooth so I was a little doubtful about my ability to get through a dish of it but I want another one, right now! I think that this place would be a lot of fun to come to to start off the night with drinks and maybe an appetizer before going out with friends.

    (4)

  • Alex L.

    We love the Steelhead Diner. I work in the fly fishing industry so the ambiance and decor appeal to me. Love the fly themed cocktail list. I think the Diner has the best oysters in Pike Place! You won't be disappointed here! Try the salmon carpaccio too!

    (5)

  • R W.

    My husband and I grabbed an afternoon snack here after being recommended it by some locals. What a treat! The food was excellent and the crab cake was the best I've ever had. It also has a wonderful view of the water and a great wine list. A definite must!

    (4)

  • ava c.

    The crab cakes and catfish entrees are exceptionally good. The broccoli side dish (with deep fried capers!) that was delicious but a little greasy, mac and cheese was unimpressive, and a dessert espresso creme brulee that would be a good idea except that they put too much sugar on top, which requires more heat to caramelize the sugar, and as a result the upper layer of the custard is warm while the rest is cold, and some of the sugar wasn't melted...

    (4)

  • Stephanie H.

    Tonight I had dinner with a group of friends at the Steelhead Diner. It was recommended to me by several people at my hotel and I decided to try it out as I was looking for some fresh Seattle fish. We called ahead and they were able to accommodate our group. We soon found ourselves sitting on the patio in a bit of a cramped space. For dinner I had the beet tartar salad, the cod and I had a bite of the black velvet cake. The beet salad was delicious! The pairing of the beets and the gorgonzola was awesome. The cod with the ginger maridade was awesome too. The fish was perfectly cooked, and tasted like butter. The cake was just okay, the coconut is overpowering and I could have done with out it... I should have had the pecan pie. Overall, the food was good, and I enjoyed the experience. The service was a little slow and the server forgot a few things but we had a good time tonight.

    (4)

  • Salvina B.

    so i've eaten here a number of times thus far- its always been consistently great food. i normally go for the dishes that are more budget friendly, but my last visit i finally ordered one of the more expensive dishes. my boyfriends mom is in town, hence the splurge. we ordered the broiled oysters and the crab cake to start (we're big on sharing). i didn't think i'd like they oysters, but they were really great, very flavorful and just cooked through. the crab cake was just divine- it was all crab, no filler, in a nice spicy mayo. and there were nice big pieces of claw meat on top... we all ordered seafood- halibut, copper salmon, and fish tacos- all fresh, light, beautifully presented and really really good. service here is attentive, friendly, and not intrusive. definitely one of my fave finds here in seattle so far.

    (4)

  • marci h.

    Quite possibly the best meal I have had in the past year! And this is coming from someone who eats out 90% of each year. We had the crabcakes (HUGE lumps of delectable crab), the oysters (a bit too big for my liking, but i'm sure the variety changes every day) and for entrees...the cod (different preparation, but the delicious factor is up there with Nobu's cod), the fried chicken (YUM!) and the corn on the cob as a side. For dessert, we had the black velvet cake which is prepared as a standalone mini cake with toasted coconut & served with coconut ice cream. Delish! We also ordered the rasberry sorbet - 2 huge scoops. On top of every bite of food being amazing, I think our dinner was made even more delightful by our server. Jessi was just the right mixture of being helpful, knowledgeable (she steered us towards her favorites), warm and welcoming and yet, gave us our privacy. The only downside was that the hostess was a bit too cool for school....not hip, but a bit icy and "i'm too good for you" vibe. But everything else about this restaurant was absolutely fabulous. We're definitely coming back the next time we visit Seattle! myh

    (5)

  • Kelsey S.

    This is one of our favorite restaurants down town, we have probably eaten here 10 times and we always come back for more. The wait staff is pleasant and attentive. You must get the latkas!

    (4)

  • Tom C.

    Early dinner, sat too close to window for view (hot that day). Had coconut shrimp and clam chowder for light meal. Good taste for both items. Service was great and attentive. Looks like nice bar area too.

    (3)

  • Amy K.

    Went here on our first night in Seattle, recommended by locals. Ambience - it's a diner! But the food was good and the service was very good. Oysters were fresh and tasty; ordered 2 kinds, & which was which was pointed out by our server. The dish I ordered was tasty, but not at all what I'd expected based on its menu description, so ask questions!

    (4)

  • Kristin M.

    In truth, this place deserves three-and-a-half stars. But...I liked the food very much, and the dessert was transformative. Best restaurant dessert I've had in Seattle since I moved here. So I'm rounding up. It is the Market, which is touristy with a capital "T." But oddly we found street parking pretty easily on a Saturday and we were seated right away. Note: Bring a sweater. This place is a friggin' icebox. My teeth were chattering at one point. My friend ordered the crab cake and totally loved it. Steve and I opted for the mixed green salad, and that was uninspired. Someone reached into a bag of lettuce from Trader Joe's or whatever and put about a teaspoon of dressing on it, with some half-hearted flicks of feta. Not good. I realize it's just a salad, but jeez. Put some heart into it, people. My entree, the halibut, was great. HOWEVER: It came about 15 minutes after everyone else's food. Oops. Some random server (not ours) came over, haltingly apologized and asked if I'd like a salad. To which I replied, pleasantly, "I've had a salad. But I'll take a glass of wine." This flustered her. She scurried off and talked to a few people. Five minutes later they sent over a lovely glass of Viognier, which complemented the eventual halibut nicely. I did get a bite or two of my husband's pork loin. Wow. I'm not a big pork eater, but it was very tender. And everyone else at the table was pleased with their dish, too. Let's talk about the dessert. I'm not high-fallutin' when it comes to sweets. I'll take a slice of beautifully made layer cake over some creatively complicated lavender flan any day. And my sundae, which was chunks of brownie with Snickers ice cream and hot fudge so gooey I almost cried...well, I almost cried. I split it with my husband...but in truth, I could have killed a whole one. And they're BIG. If you like chocolate desserts, you owe it to yourself to try that one.

    (4)

  • Staci L.

    Definitely go there for the food. We ordered 2 of the pre-fix lunch specials (a catfish and a pasta) and they were both excellent. The only thing I will ding them for is that there were 3 desserts to choose from on the menu. Of which we liked 1/3 and unfortunately they ran out of the option we chose very early during the lunch time. We asked to substitute for another dessert on the menu and we were willing to pay more. The waitress avoided the issue for a while. We had to follow-up with her, she had to check with the manager and she came back to tell us they were not flexible with this kind of request. Kind of ruined a good thing.

    (3)

  • Amy K.

    Steelhead Diner you missed the mark on so many levels. I was giving you a second chance, not sure if there will be a third. JP and I had a 7:30 reservation but when we arrived right on time were told it would be a few minutes. There were a couple of parties with reservations also forced to wait while walk-ins were quickly told they could sit at the bar or the tasting bar. Strike 1. The point of making a reservation is to be assured of having a table, apparently we would have had quicker service as a walk-in. We should have been offered the option of grabbing a seat if we wanted. When we finally did get seated after waiting about 10+ minutes we were lead to a 2 top right next to a dangling pile of coats and purses. Um, really? I am not usually picky about our tables, but this was awkward since the pile of coats and purses was hanging right over part of our table. JP asked our server about moving and they actually moved the table to a big open space between two other tables. Problem solved but the table should have been set there in the first place, strike 2. Service was fine. We started with some drinks and the fried cheese curds (love the tangy mustard dipping sauce). JP ordered a cup of the chowder which came doused with a fair amount of truffle oil, but tasted pretty salty overall. For his entree he ordered the buttermilk chicken sandwich. The chicken was cooked to perfection but according to him the roll it was served on wasn't doing the sandwich any favors. I went with the 1/2 order of the olive crusted halibut and the red beans and rice. Honestly, have to say that the red beans and rice were the best thing we ordered. Kind of sad when you go to a seafood restaurant. My halibut was just okay. Everything on Steelhead's menu seems salt heavy between breading, fried, sauces, etc... I so want to like this place....I loved it's predecessor and it's in a great location in the market and even has outdoor seating for a nice summer night in Seattle, but not sure if I can overcome the execution of the food. There are so many amazing restaurants in Seattle and sadly, this isn't one of them.

    (3)

  • Urban L.

    I went here for the 1st time a few weeks ago. The vegetarian meatloaf was very good, although not what I expected. From the name, I thought it would be a mock-meat and come with comfort food sides (mashed potatoes, veggies). Instead, it was layered eggplant. My guest had the red beans & rice and the fried chicken. Seemed very happy with those choices. I'm giving 3 stars because the prices are high (almost $20 for fried chicken) and the meals don't include the extras that they should at that price range.

    (3)

  • John T.

    We were there the lat week of June for a convention. This place was recommended by a local. The service was very attentive with very friendly staff and a manager that seemed very interested in our experience. The fried chicken and gravy...couple of non seafood lovers...was excellent and the spring rolls as an appie were very tasty...nice local beers on tap...would definitely go back...it was vastly better than Morton's...an over rated over priced choice we dined in the night before...

    (4)

  • Jennifer C.

    Came here solely for the fried Beecher's cheese curds (appetizer) by recommendation of a friend. It was good, but a little too much fried goodness for my palate. it's definitely something to share with at least 4 people or you will probably feel all greasy like I did after eating it. Service was excellent and the restaurant is nice. The whole menu looked good enough to come back for a meal.

    (4)

  • Rick J.

    In September of this year for a close friend's birthday dinner we were looking for something that would satisfy his "southern soul food" pallet in a fun Seattle downtown location. After reading a few reviews and then perusing the online menu, I expected odd and pretentious incarnations of traditional dishes but, we took the leap anyway. I am so happy we did! We started with a couple of appetizers: Jumbo Lump Dungeness Crab Cake and Fried Beecher's Cheese Curds. The crab was exquisite to say the least. Large lumps, not over-breaded and very fresh. The cheese curds were fun and the sauces were perfectly paired. We wanted to order more but decided to save room for what was to come. For dinner two of us wanted fried chicken because uh, how can you not like fried chicken? The birthday boy chose the Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich and I went in for the Southern Fried Draper Valley Farms Half Chicken dinner. Our wives had the Kasu Marinated Oregon Black Cod and the American Wagyu Beef Burger. Let's start with the chicken. Both dishes were out of this world! Even better than Grandma could make at home. Crispy skin without the heavy grease that you normally get with restaurant fried chicken. Mine came on a bed of spinach and the sandwich came with fries. I instantly became envious of the fries so, I threw caution to the wind and ordered up a side of fries :-). The gravy on the chicken dinner was brown which I prefer over "white chicken gravy" and dipping the fries was like heaven. I think at some point, I was so absorbed in the experience that I said "this food is MEDICINAL!". This is the first place where I have been able to eat a full chicken dinner without feeling like I just ate a "full" chicken dinner. I attribute this to the skillful chefs and the quality of the ingredients. I was satisfied but, ready for dessert! The sandwich was just right! He ate every bite and we had to hold him back from licking the plate :-)! The burger was described as the BEST burger she had ever eaten. Wagyu beef is, from what the waitperson told us, Kobe beef which is always a cut above your standard beef. My wife had the fish and she is telling me even today (a month later) that it was the BEST cut/quality and flavorful fish she has ever eaten and the broth was heavenly (again hats off to the kitchen). Now for dessert. We each had our own. Theo Chocolate Pecan Pie, Earl Grey Tea Creme Brulee and two of us had the Red Haven Peach & Blueberry Crumble. All wonderful, with the exception of the creme brulee which was...interesting. Don't let the flowery descriptions on the menu fool you. Many restaurants hide mediocre food behind nice descriptions. At the Steelhead Diner, they say what they mean and do what they say. The atmosphere was light and airy, full but not crowded and overall warm and welcoming. Overall, this was a 5 star experience for all of us. We walked away saying things like "Dang, this is in my top 10 for sure!" and we eat out a lot! Next time you are looking for wholesome food downtown Seattle without the pretense and at a moderate price, reserve a table at the Steelhead Diner! Oh, and get the chicken! For another take on the same meal, our friend blogged about it here (with pictures!): dinnerandamovieblog.blog…

    (5)

  • Lori M.

    great place. I love their buttermilk pound cake with basil sauce and strawberries. It's a little loud, but pretty tasty. And I like that you can make reservations on open table.

    (4)

  • Jen A.

    I love this place. I've gotten to know the chef and owners and they have always been very welcoming to me. I find the food to be delightful. The seafood has always been fresh and perfectly paired with flavors. But, I usually get sides and appetizers (oysters, pan fried broccoli, poutine). Poutine! Yum.

    (5)

  • William B.

    I just recently had family in town for Christmas, we decided to eat at a few places downtown. This place was okay at best. The pork leg sandwich was dry and flavorless, the gumbo had way to much file' powder which made this smokey spicy dish a bit to sweet. I would say that the wagyu beef burger was very good as well as the fries, but how can you mess those things up. The atmosphere was nice , and the waitress was not attentive at all. I probably will never return to eat there. I will save my money for other deserving establishments.

    (3)

  • Sarah H.

    I was dating this idiot boy who called me up to ask me to meet him for dinner. I thought that sounded nice so I met him here at the Steelhead Diner. When I got there, I find him there with a co-worker and all these work papers. Turns out they'd been sitting there having a work meeting and drinking for hours and he's totally drunk. Luckily, the co-worker left and we ordered some good food. The salmon was tasty, and I remember loving the asparagus. I'm still pissed at the dude though. Talk about lazy.

    (4)

  • Danielle L.

    I went here recently and while I was skeptical about what I could find to eat at a diner, the food was diverse and fabulous! This place was packed for a reason-- it's been receiving a lot of press. I think it lived up to the hype, but if you're looking for a casual diner experience, this is not the place. We ordered salad, risotto, fish, crabcakes, meatloaf, and some creme brulee. My favorite: Frank's vegetarian meatloaf. Completely original!

    (5)

  • Stephanie M.

    great place and excellent food, even for a touristy area of seattle. the cioppino was excellent, as was the dessert sundae. really friendly service.

    (5)

  • Steve G.

    Quite good, actually. My wife and I had the roasted trout, mustard greens and pancetta, a cup of chowder, a few oysters, and the rhubarb crumble. All were excellent. Bartender was really nice. I'm a fan of this place, a great spot in the Market.

    (4)

  • Eloise M.

    Steelhead Diner! Cool! Awesome! It's actually a pretty cool place. As of today, I've been here twice. This is definitely a good place to go. Definitely not on my list of "Best Restaurants Ever" but still a good place to go if you'd just like to have a good meal. The food is pretty good, and that atmosphere is hip and fun. The wait staff is good and helpful, and overall I had a very pleasant dining experience. Thanks, Steelhead!

    (4)

  • jeffrey T.

    We tried the Steelhead diner after several freinds had reccomended it. I really liked the decor in the place- it had that great feeling of mixing a diner with a modern art museum. The picture cubes over the kitchen brought back warm feelings of fly fishing with my dad in Bear creek. However- I didnt come here to soak in the atmosphere- I came here to eat- and eat we did. After ordering a couple of their signature cocktails it was on to the food. Both of us thought our cocktails were a bit on the boozy side, but i like my drinks strong- so i didnt mind. We decided to go with the 3 for 30 menu again - and while I was a bit dissapointed with the portion size for my entree, the food was overall pretty decent. Neither of us really had any interest in fried cheese curds or poutine so the 3 for 30 was fine for us. I am not quite sure why people would rave about food that generally is meant for denny's :) We both started with the chicken spring rolls- which were a nice portion of tender fried chicken in rice wraps, generiously garnished with ginger and carrots and lots of cilantro. We both thought it was very good- not 4 star good but a very filling appetizer that was a bit notched up from a thai restaurant. For our entree's she had the pork tenderloin and I went with the salmon. The pork was absolutely off the hook amazingly good- probably the best either of us have had in a restaurant. My salmon, although ordered rare was served medium and was a bit dry. The sauce was underwhelming, and the cherries were not fresh but rather dried, which i didnt think really complimented the fish. The nuts added an interesting complexity to the dish but it sorta reminded me of having trail mix with my salmon. Not a bad combination, just odd. On to dessert- I ordered the chocolate pecan pie, she had the lavender strawberry shortcake dish. The pecan pie was really damn good. easily the best pecan pie i have ever had. If I could find a place where I could buy a whole one I would in a heartbeat. Her dish- wasnt that bad, but wasnt exceptional either. When we left her dessert was half finished. Total with Tip and two drinks came to about 100.00 for the both of us. So It wasnt that awesome- but it wasnt bad either. Ill be back and try their brunch at some point, im sure. We both loved the fact that everything on the menu was local- wish more places would do this.

    (3)

  • Alias M.

    Good not memorable. We were told that this is one of the better restaurants in the downtown area. Sadly the tri tip Wagyu steak was overcooked and not so enjoyable, but the Dungeness Crab Cake won me over. Excellent wine list, especially if you are familiar with Washington/Oregon wines (although other wines are represented). A few people raved about brunch here - wish we had time to try it.

    (3)

  • Alice R.

    Not exactly a "diner" experience. It's more upscale and modern with pricing to reflect the upgrades. Steelhead Diner is in a great space overlooking Pike Place Market. It was a little crazy finding parking due to the centennial celebration, but after one go around, we found rockstar street parking right in the front. I had read some reviews, but came here for dinner to celebrate a friend's birthday. Food in general was good. The menu looked appetizing and I was looking forward to trying this place. I was a little disappointed though. I don't know what it was but everything tasted a little salty to me. I had the Manila Clam Chowder which was really very good and flavorful, but just a tad too salty. The Dry-Aged New York Strip, or what I lovingly referred to last night as "big plate-o-beef" literally was a round stack of beef and also salty? It could also have been me and what was going on with my tastebuds. I tried to shove my plate towards others, "try this, is it salty to you?" I also had a signature cocktail which I was suprised to see it had cost $12.50. Wow! I wish I had known that, I wouldn't have ordered it and I don't remember it being anything too spectacular. Wine selection was good with lots of PNW showings. We had the Thurston Wolfe Zin. Otherwise, the service was good and they did put with everyone splitting up the bill with multiple credit cards.

    (3)

  • Odion B.

    Had the chowder (good!!) & the olive crusted salmon (ok). Nice ambience & the wait staff was nice. Loved the little handmade "fish tackles as art" displays

    (3)

  • Kevin L.

    Good service and good food. I had the pulled pork sandwich-- I would've preferred a bun over the bread used, but the pork had great flavor. The fries were perfectly crispy. Also tried the poutine-- my first experience with it. I have to say I don't get it, but it wasn't bad.

    (4)

  • jamie d.

    Loved this place. Walked by and checked out the menu after a not so exciting lunch somewhere else in the market. Wished we had eaten there that day!!! Anyway, went back the next night for dinner my last night in town. I was on a fun date and wanted to go somewhere not to fancy or romantic. The menu is amazing. So many choices All wines are from the northwest which is very cool. Our waiter was very nice. Forget his name but he'd been there 3 yrs. He was very knowledgeable and picked out a great bottle of wine for us. i trusted his choices all the way and let him surprise me with an entree. He chose the wagu beef tri tip with arugula salad. Very good. Also had oysters as an appetizer. Ordered the potato pancakes as a side. they were pretty good. not the best. my date had the halibut and he liked it very much. Overall the service was excellent and i felt like our waiter did a wonderful job of reading the table and not interrupting us as we were talking a LOT and never felt rushed. Can't wait to go back . Awesome cute place with great ambience

    (4)

  • Steve P.

    I have always loved the food at the Steelhead Diner, particularly the caviar pie, gumbo, beet tartare and black cod, but its the EXTRAS that urge me to enthusiastically refer many people to this gem in the Market. The menu is simply FUN to peruse, full of surprising twists and word play. The food is always consistent, and the staff knowledgeable. I remember first reading about the Steelhead in a Nancy Leson column when it opened where she alluded to Kevin Davis as the friendliest chef in town. Yes, you can sit 4 ft. away from him at the kitchen counter and watch and chit chat with him. Quite fun! (I finally saw the Anthony Bourdain show from awhile back where Kevin was cooking geoduck three ways on a portable stove out on some remote beach for Bourdain; can't wait to talk to Kevin about that!) I refer tour guests to the Steelhead often. I know they will find something different and intriguing on the menu. It definitely is not your usual diner, and it represents Seattle cuisine well! My one gripe (I'd put my rating at 4.6 actually) is that it is a very busy place and too often I see favoritism by the bartenders, especially toward the young and beautiful. I worry about my guests who, like me, are older and ... ah ... weathered.

    (5)

  • Amy K.

    Again, another fine suggestion by yelp. Before we left Seattle, my husband really wanted some good fish n' chips. Steelhead was best recommendation. The service was great and the warm. Read phenomenal, with the best being the multi-grain one, but of course both were delicious. My crab cake was outstanding, with the middle loaded to bear with lump crab. The clam chowder was exceptional. Creamy and with a bit of a kick. (hint...not boringly bland!). The sauce for the crab cakes and the truffle oil in the soup we're both nice touches! For my husband, the fish was fantastic. You could actually taste the kiltlifter beer in it. The only weakness of the entire meal was the fries that came instead of "chips". The fries were average burger fries and compared to everything else, seemed less than their best work. One other minor critique. The menu layout made it hard to see quickly what you wanted. Like I almost missed that they had the fish and chips. Other than that, a great meal for a reasonable price.

    (4)

  • Katherine K.

    Hubby and I stopped in this place for a much-needed brunch respite from the crowds at the Pike Place Market Cheese Fest. I was a little taken aback when the hostess asked if we had reservations (for brunch?!), but nonetheless we were seated promptly in a cozy booth. The brunch menu is delightful and I had a hard time deciding what to order. Should I do homemade granola and rhubarb yogurt and save room for dessert? Go all out with the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich? I eventually settled on Eggs Cordova - two perfectly poached eggs perched atop a hash of smoked salmon, morels, potatoes, peas, peppers, and a yummy, flavorful creamy sauce. The texture and flavor combinations were right on, and I thought the portion size was generous (I ate all but a few bites). Husband had the Eggs Ellensburg - two fried eggs atop a huge chicken fried steak and covered in sausage gravy. The dish was good - perhaps a bit bland, but what do you expect from chicken fried steak? Alas, we were both too stuffed to try dessert, but the menu looked almost too tempting. I'll be back for the pecan pie or brownie sundae. I agree with the other reviewers that "diner" is a misnomer here due to the prices, but as long as you keep that in mind going in, you won't be disappointed. This place is more on the level of brunch at Etta's, but with superior food.

    (5)

  • Tim O.

    If they dropped the word "diner" from their name, they'd be doing us all a favor. They could easily just be named "Steelhead" and not have to put up the "diner" schtick. I don't like to pay $25 for an entree at a "diner". Food was really good - fresh, seasonal. The Alder smoked salmon rillette is sort of like salmon pate, if you will. Delicious. Organic lettuce salad was solid. The black cod was one of the best pieces of fish I've ever had. Cooked perfectly, excellent seasonings and presentation. I'm craving it now. Wait staff leaves a little to be desired. 1/2 star off for service & 1/2 star off for the whole "diner" b.s.

    (4)

  • Otis D.

    I had a good lunch here a while back. But Friday night I had a couple of unpleasant experiences. First off, I guess they've settled into tourist only mode. The hostess asked me where I was from. Then the table was going to be ready in 10 minutes so we went to the bar. I was looking at the taps and the bartender asked, "Have you had any Northwest beers?" (Uhhh, yeah, enough to drown a small child just in the last couple months, and your taps are pretty unimpressive.) At the table, the server brought white glasses with our syrah and I guess were hoping we hadn't noticed becuase after one of us had done the taste, surely she noticed it was red once it hit the glass, started to pour the full glasses until I stopped her. The food? Very good. The Lump crab cake is stellar. Worth coming in for that alone. The black cod entree was also very good. I had the early spring Columbia river Salmon. Here's where I had another problem, the flavor and the toasted almond butter sauce were excellent. But the serving size ($21) was about half a deck of cards and the fish was overcooked. I've read that Salmon prices have gone crazy this year but I wasn't prepared for a piece that small at that price. I'm prepared to write them off as a touristy spot that I won't avoid, but won't go out of my way to get to either.

    (3)

  • Edie S.

    Ah... A sunny, summer Monday night at the Pike Place Market. Expected a slower pace but forgot the tourist trade and locals after work... Only spot available at slightly past six here was at the counter watching the chefs frantically keeping pace with the dinner rush. Would choose that seat again: Got a free, tasty appetizer from the salad chef. We shared the house salad with lavender goat cheese tossed with vanilla vinaigrette. Yum! They offer smaller portions of the fresh fish. Ours each had a unique flair and fabulous flavors served in a bowl.

    (4)

  • JB L.

    I say belly up to the kitchen bar and get a little bit of a show with amazing food. Went with two friends and we all shared (some better than others... Eva) and it was a great feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. We all got a po boy in one form or another and it was GOOD! Check it out!!

    (5)

  • Oliver K.

    Steelhead is my new favorite spot in Seattle. Like many other posts indicate, the caviar pie is simply a must have. It is both pretty to look at and good eats. It sure impressed the ladies that I brought there. I order one everytime I go there, and I have been there four times already. If you go there for brunch, also try its Pain Perdou.

    (5)

  • Amy N.

    I've been in Seattle for almost a year now and I've tried almost all the proclaimed "top restaurants" in Seattle. But, honestly, Steelhead Diner, in my opinion, is hands-down, THE BEST place I've been to. Everything from the ambiance, the wait-staff, drinks, and most importantly, the FOOD, all combine perfectly to satisfy my taste. To start off, the ambiance is very hip and upbeat and catered to the young, working crowd. Situated right in the middle of Pike's Place Market, it is the ideal location. The wait-staff is EXCELLENT. They're friendly, attentive, and pretty much know every dish on the menu as well as the back of their hand. The only problem is, their descriptions of every dish makes you just want to order the whole menu =) On top of that, I was very impressed when our group arrived and since they couldn't seat us at exactly at 8 for our reservation, they offered a round of drinks on the house for each one of us. Now THAT is quality service! Now here comes the best part, the FOOD. AMAZING. The menu offers a wide variety of choices ranging from fish, to gourmet sandwiches, steak, RABBIT, and raw oysters. I've been here twice. The first time, I ordered the steak sandwich, which was very delicious. Usually with steak sandwiches, I become wary about the quality of the steak they put in the sandwich but this steak sandwich did not fail me. The steak was juicy and tender, marinated in all the right ways. The 2nd time I went, I started off with the raw oysters, which I also recommend. They were fresh and I would have to say, comparable to the oysters at Elliot's Oyster House. For my main entree, I ordered the kasu marinated black cod. If you were to order any one dish here, I would definitely pick the black cod. The cod was fresh, the texture was right, and it was marinated just perfectly. The Shitake mushrooms and the Bok Choy also topped off the meal very nicely. Another plus is the wide selection of beers, cocktails, and wines all from the pacific northwest. I had two glasses of the Kung Fu Girl Riesling. The name intrigued me, I tried it, and now it's one of my favorite wines. I plan on returning here many more times until I've tried everything on their menu. I think that says a lot =)

    (5)

  • Janie S.

    Had dinner there last night...I had the catfish tacos and my hubby had the tri-tip. Both were delicious! The flourless chocolate cake was to die for. We giggled, because they certainly made sure to keep your water glass full, but, seriously, the service was great and the food was yummy. Very reasonably priced for the view (we were right by the window). We'll be back.

    (5)

  • Georgina L.

    This place was situated nicely in Pike's Place which posed as a very convenient option for those who were exploring the area. I had the Blue Plate Special which consisted of pasta with sun dried tomatoes and the Manhattan clam chowder. The other members of my party had the fish and chips and Po' Boy sandwich. Overall, the meal was good but not too memorable but at least the Hot Chocolate I ordered was quite good with a hint of almond and home made chocolate.

    (3)

  • Michelle B.

    After reading the menu online I walked into the Steelhead Diner with visions of fried cheese curds, and crab cakes, and caramel creme brulee dancing in my head... We were shown to a table by the window that overlooked the market, and would provide a fantastic view on a sunny day. They have the modern upscale diner vibe down pat, but the atmosphere would benefit if they would turn up both the heat and the music a tad. We started out with Fried Beecher's Cheese Curds. I'm not exactly sure what I was expecting but they pretty much tasted like cheese sticks, not that there's anything wrong with that, but I suppose I was looking for something a little more. The hot mustard that they were set atop was not my favorite sauce and couldn't be scraped off. We gave up with less than half of them gone. While waiting for our entree the host came over to rave about their crab cakes, which I said did indeed sound good, at which point our waiter came over to ask if we wanted to order some. Uhhh...no I had already ordered the crab cake sandwich. They told me they were the same crab cakes just with different sauces. I asked if I could try a bit of the other crab cake sauce on the side. I was told "No, you'll just have to come back for that then." The crab cake sandwich was served on an average piece of french bread and covered in cheddar cheese and bacon. I tried to salvage the poor little crab cake out from the sandwich, but no matter what I tried it wasn't that good. The pork sandwich however was flavorful and tasty. Both were served with average diner fries accompanied by alder smoked salt. Not bad. Ready for dessert redemption after the other mediocre dishes we excitedly ordered our caramel creme brulee. Again, nothing good, nothing bad. Overall my experience at Steelhead Diner was solidly average. I like what the chef/owners are trying to do - use local ingredients, serve quality food in a nice comfortable environment, etc. Since they are new I will probably give them another shot in a few months to see if their vision is working in execution and not just concept.

    (3)

  • Dawn A.

    A co-worker has been recommending Steelhead Diner for a while now, and we've finally gotten around to trying it (thanks to a 1.5 hour brunch wait at our favorite spot, Cafe Campagne).... and we're glad we did! Brunch was amazing (Eggs Jeremy omlette is the only way to go!). The atmosphere was laid back and the service was friendly. But the food, mmm... so delicious! They even have some gourmet salt and pepper on the table that was just to die for when we added it to our menu items. There are great views if you reserve one of the tables by the window or sit on the patio.

    (4)

  • Frank F.

    Very comfortable upscale diner right next to Pikes Place. Good drinks from the bar. Food was very good and the waiter was great and very knowledgeable. Kitchen service was SLOW.

    (4)

  • Kerry A.

    Best crab cakes I've ever had. Love the cheese curds entrees are well proportioned and delicious. Nice view from some tables.

    (5)

  • Claire B.

    Our second visit to Steelhead Diner was not as enjoyable as the first. Perhaps it was the number of cocktails we had consumed the first time around that made me want to go back.. The food is quite creative, fresh, local--love all of that. But it wasn't to die for. (Sidenote: I recommend Nimbus in Bellingham for the TDF experience.) And it was expensive. Luckily my friend thought he still owed me a bday dinner so he paid the tab. Our appetizer was beet tartare. We love beets! We don't love salty salty beets! The hint of horseradish was right on, and the anise-lavender goat cheese contrasted nicely. But it was way too salty. I love Terra Chips, which is served with, so that was a nice surprise. My meal consisted of a salad and pasta with cheese and truffle oil (a side dish). It was ok. Needed a little something extra to make it truly delicious (wouldn't you think the truffle oil would do that?). In fact, it was a little heavy on the truffle oil, if you can believe that. My hub had the vegetarian meatloaf, which he enjoyed, but not as much as his previous meal here. He's not into stacks of veggies and wasn't quite expecting the dish to be what it was. Perhaps a better description on the menu is in order? Friend D. had the special, which was halibut. "Good," he said, "but could they have added a little salad or side dish?" Indeed, a slab o'fish on a plate does not a meal make . Atmosphere-wise, we had no complaints. It's cozy, well-lit, but not over. I was not cold, as many reviewers have been--and I'm ALWAYS cold, so maybe they have remedied that problem. But the music was lame. Service was quite nice, and our server didn't bat an eye when I mispronounced her name, thanking her at the end of our meal. She checked in often and cleaned up a tiny spill of water like it was necessary, which it wasn't. After all, isn't this a "diner?" Umm. . .nah.

    (3)

  • Stefan W.

    Wife and I went there last night - overall very impressed. My starter was the Breasola with Peaches - delicious. My wife has the Beet Tar tare which was really good as well. For dinner, I had the small (4oz) lamb with ratatouille and heirloom tomatoes - delicious. My wife had butter infused halibut which was to die for as well. Desert was cherry pie with cinnamon ice cream - i loved it. I like to see the chef working at his own restaurant - and he was there last night. Ambiance was great, service was good (not spectacular - a little chatty with other tables which made some slowness in some cases, but nothing to vociferously complain about). We'll definitely be back - one of the better meals we've had in a few months.

    (5)

  • My-Hanh N.

    Great location, very crowded when we got there and the staff was very friendly. The menu wasn't too complicated so it didn't take me too long to chose what i wanted to eat. I was torn between the fried chicken or the salmon. I asked the server and she told me that the salmon was a little sweet and so I went with the friend chicken because I hate sweets! Yup! ya heard me! i hate sweets: chocolate, cake, donuts etc.. WE do exist! haha It came out nice and hot. 4 pieces with some spinach on top which was lovely. After i took a few bites i realized that there was something missing like: potatoes or RICE! so.. i just took my last 2 pieces home to eat with rice. I have high expectations for friend chicken because the best friend chicken is from quiclk pack corna stoe! not ezzells. Sorry steelhead but your $20 fried chicken did not beat quick packs 7 spicy wings for: $4 fidy!

    (2)

  • Adam S.

    Hhmm. I will start with the most positive thing about the evening there. My fish was cooked perfectly. I mean perfectly. I ordered the full serving of the olive crusted halibut. Now to the parts of the evening that were not perfect. The Service. Our service was terrible. Our server was very rude and extremelly upset that we were sitting in his section. The tall guy with a goatee stood in the back room and pretty much refused to re-fill waters, take new drink orders, etc. but now to the worst part of the evening. We get through dinner, and although we will never retrun because of the service, our food quality was fantastic. We ordered decafe coffee. My wife is super sensitive to caffine and it makes her sick. Well thanks to our terrible server, he served us caffinated coffee. Nothing like getting sick and throwing up all night after spending 100's of dollars on dinner. what a jerk. There are too many other places in this city that deserve more attention and steelhead is not one of them.

    (1)

  • Tula L.

    First of all: if you're coming here, come here to splurge. Order wine (the list is extensive) and/or cocktails, they're proud of their selection and enjoy a few courses of food, share around your table of friends (this wouldn't be my pick for a date restaurant). If you're lucky the chef will pay your table a visit, if he doesn't and you're inspired to do so just make a stop by the window on your way out and thank him for the yummy food. Second of all: on a weekend (especially) make a reservation and be prepared to be patient. Now, the food: For an appetizer order the crab cake (it's famous) and/or fried chicken spring rolls. The organic greens are yummy with goat cheese and dried cherries and the "brutus" salad is crisp and lemony. If you go with the Steelhead diner house salad, order it as your entree (with the creamy dressing, avocado, cheese and bacon it's bound to fill you right up) The chef's take on chowder is interesting (whole shell mussels) and the gumbo is always a good bet. If you're into fish, try the salmon or halibut for your entree. Otherwise the pork, lamb and steak dishes are good options. The half chicken is most definitely the biggest hunk of meat on the menu, smothered in butter and spices it's quite tasty. For dessert...go with your heart (they're all good) but the pecan pie, and chocolate velvet cake are something special.

    (4)

  • NANCY H.

    Great food, sleek ambiance, attentive service, but...? Overall, it was a nice experience at the Steelhead diner. It was great to eat fresh local cuisine. The salmon and the pork was well cooked, well presented. They also had other things on the menu we wanted to try like cheese curds and even Canadian poutine. They also had a variety of desserts. The pecan pie was sticky and gooey . But with the quality and flavor of the food, you wish you had more. Unfortunately, the portions are small. I guess this is no Claim Jumper. I would have to say prices are reasonable for the quality, but still...I'd like to go home with a doggy bag please. As for the ambiance, well, don't count on a quiet lunch or dinner. This place gets loud and with all the people packed in at the bar, you find yourself yelling accross the table at times. This definitely is a lively place, but it's not at all romantic. Good For: bar, collection of tackles

    (3)

  • Adam T.

    We had lunch here on a Saturday... Shocking that our group of 11 got seated so quickly considering how much buzz there's been about Steelhead... Overall, the food was good and the menu interesting- but you know what I hate? I hate being asked if I want fries or salad only to find out when the bill comes that I've been dinged $2.99 because I chose the salad. We counted three different times when our server aggressively up-sold us on items without being forthcoming about added costs. Consequently, we felt a little duped and a little nickel and dimed. To this, I say a soft "buyer beware." In general I agree that this is a great location and a good place to bring out-of-towners on that drizzly day that you're exploring Pike Place Market.

    (3)

  • Jim B.

    Brunch at Steelhead will make you a happy camper. French 75 - amazing morning cocktail. The chicken fried steak is delightful, they call is Eggs Ellensburg, but it's got a lot more southern influence than you're going to find in Eastern Washington. The Eggs Walla walla are also amazing. They don't over do or under do anything. Also, they make their own mayonnaise - and it is also delightful. If they're going to make something like mayonnaise taste really great - you can imagine what everything else is like.

    (4)

  • Fzarond K.

    much much better than walking in the rain.

    (3)

  • Scott S.

    Kevin Davis and his wife Teresa have taken over the old Vivanda space in the Market. Really old-timers will remember the space as Forum menswear. Kevin and his team have opened up the restaurant to the market and now you can see the sky and the market activity. Diner is a bit of misnomer: this is not your father's and grandfather's diner. It's a bit more upscale than that but you'll definitely notice the diner aesthetic to the trim on the tables and the table top to the booths. The colors are bright, appropriate, and, well, just plain happy. I am sure that I'll spend plenty of hours eating and drinking there happily. One of the best features is the counter right in front of the kitchen. You get a window seat into the kitchen. Sitting at the bar you can look past the bartender and people watch those at the market, always a delightful way to pass time. Tourists are sometimes so interesting and even funny. The food is eclectic. Everything from red beans and rice to salads to an interpretation on fish and chips made with beer brewed at the Market. In fact Market fresh fare is part of the restaurants schtick: from the beer to the cheese. The Black Cod on today's menu was expertly done. The crab cakes are reportedly good enough to die for. The Walla Walla chicken is huge and tasty. The aforementioned fish and chips are delish.

    (5)

  • Jeff R.

    I was in town and yelped this place. It lived up to the expectations. I had some great oysters and tuna. Service was great. It was a little expensive but what do you expect in pike place.

    (4)

  • Mohammad G.

    given that i walked in with a SF giants hat and the chef had a dodgers hat on. this experience was very very good. our server was great, she thought we had ordered enough food and didnt push us into ordering more even though we would have. i had the crab benedict which was SO good. very delicate but with great texture from the muffin. the coffee was excellent as well and the wait staff very very nice.

    (5)

  • Ryan A.

    My wife and I went here for breakfast/brunch recently. Overall, we both really liked the location and the atmosphere. The staff overall was very friendly and service was quick. We both ordered a breakfast entree and a latte. Strangely, my latte turned out very watery compared to my wife's, which was excellent. I mentioned it to our waitress, and she mentioned it was odd since she made them from the same batch. She promptly took it back and made a new one which was quite good. My wife had the bananas foster french toast (they called it something else, but it was definitely french toast). It was very sweet and rich, but decandently good. I ordered the morel mushroom omelette. Overall, it was quite good, although I felt it was missing something. The plate arrived with basically a cheese omelette with morels on top. There was no garnish or anything to add a bit of color to the dish, so visually it was not the most appealing. The taste was excellent however, and the heap of morels was quite generous given their price. With a bit of color, and maybe a side of fruit or similar, the dish would have been much better. Overall, not bad for a new place that is probably still working out some kinks. We will definitely go back. Update (1/4/08): We have been back several times, and everything has been very good. The kobe beef burger is quite good as a lunch option and the Eggs Cordova are simply amazing for brunch. The latter is highly recommended, but only served on Sunday (as we recently found out while trying to order them Saturday morning). Upgrading to a 5 based on quality/price.

    (5)

  • Caitlin R.

    I've been here for both lunch and dinner. A few years back my boyfriend took me here for dinner on my birthday. Lots of drinks were had, and delicious food was ate! I definitely recommend the fried chicken - so delicious! You could probably split it with someone else, though, as they serve an entire chicken. The cocktails were creative, delicious, and pretty strong - you definitely get what you pay for! For dessert I had something delicious... but I don't remember what. It's all good! Went there for dinner again with the boyf and my aunt and uncle last fall. Again, had the fried chicken and delicious drinks, but my aunt and I shared the flash-fried cheese curds. They are made across the street at Beecher's and are DELICIOUS. They are also really addictive. After dinner we had some delicious lemon pound cake for dessert as well as cognac. Yum! When I went there for lunch a few weeks back I had the cheese curds again, as well as the fried chicken sandwich - so amazing! All in all, go. GO NOW!

    (5)

  • Rochelle S.

    If you're flying solo or with a friend, I highly recommend sitting at the bar to take the best advantage of the stellar Sound views and action happening behind the bar. My friend and I started with the Lump Crab Cake which was the perfect accompaniment to the ginger cocktail the bartender recommended. For dinner I had the half order of halibut which was perfect for my 5'4" self and my dinner buddy had the pork sandwich. I know the diner is famous for it's "Rich-Boy" but that will have to wait for a later date. If you're planning to visit with more than two people, I would recommend a reservation. If you're popping around the market and just want to visit a flavorful, but richly priced establishment, then this is the place for you. Try to catch it at sunset and if you manage to snag a seat at the bar, prepare to be schooled in cocktails one could scarcely dream of.

    (4)

  • Laura P.

    With its attractive location alongside the hustle and bustle of Pike Place market and Elliott Bay views,the Steelhead Diner is almost guaranteed to pull in the crowds. We decided to stop in for lunch on a Saturday after being lured by the deep fried cheese curds appetizer. There was a short line to get in, but we were seated within five minutes at a cozy banquette. The place was getting full as it was in full brunch time swing. Paper menus doubled as place mats and we had a good five minutes or so before being greeted by our obviously busy server. We gave our drink orders and it was another ten minutes before our lemonades arrived. Our drinks were deposited and our server said he'd be right back to take our order (he had other drinks on his tray). I loved my lemonade, a bit more tart than sweet, just like me. Another five minutes go by and our order is finally taken. The food came out in good time, approx. 15-20 mins. later delivered by the host/food runner that had seated us. I ordered an organic baby green salad along with the cheese curd app. as my meal. My husband ordered the Ribolleta, a spring vegetable and white bean stew. I took one look at my friend cheese curds and knew I was up for disappointment. They looked and tasted more like mozzarella sticks than the chewy, snap-in-your-mouth fried cheese curds I grew up eating at fairs. I hate to say it, but even A&W does them better. I could do without the PacNW requisite tartar sauce, but the the mustard dip was great, both sweet and tangy with just enough hot spice at the end. My salad was nice, the white balsamic vinaigrette a bit heavy, but otherwise tasty. My husband's Ribolleta was adequate and filling, but lacked a certain depth of flavor, perhaps needing a bit more "earthiness" to round it out. We were 3/4 through our meal before our server had time to stop by and check back with us. All through the meal he and the other wait staff were rushing around trying to keep up with the crowds. I could see we were not the only tables with slow service. As a fellow food service worker, I recognized an extra food runner or two could have made a huge difference with the service. Overall, the food was good, but for the price, we left feeling underwhelmed for a place that has such a strong pedigree. In hopes we visited on an "off" day, we will return to the Steelhead to give it another try sometime in the near future.

    (2)

  • Haley B.

    Fun, lively atmosphere, but horrible service and bland food. At one point our server disappeared for a good 10 minutes and we had to flag someone down to get more drinks. Definitely won't be back.

    (2)

  • Jen C.

    This place is great! Friendly service and fantastic fish. Very fresh and good variety. The night we went we had our choic of catfish, tuna, salmon, sea bass, halibut, rainbow trout - just to name what I can remember. All the dishes we tried were outstanding. The Quad chocolate cake is a must.

    (5)

  • Lacey H.

    Steelhead Diner was an unexpected surprise! As a Seattle native the Market isn't my first choice for areas to eat in Seattle. Parking can be challenging, lots of tourists and wait times for seating can be long. But I had the opportunity to show an out-of-towner around Seattle on a Tuesday night, and hearing great things about Steelhead Diner, I thought, why not?! I am so glad I ended up there! On a Tuesday night at 8:00 the place was pretty full, but we still were able to snag a table in record time. The waiter was beyond helpful with the menu and made some great recommendations. I ended up ordering the black cod and it was delicious! Presentation was great and the flavor was divine. I highly recommend it when it's on the menu! Dessert was just as good too. The waiter recommended the fig & goat cheese tart (of which none of those combos sounded overly appealing), but since he'd given us such good advice about the fish I went for it anyways. Another phenomenal recommendation! Overall, I had a great experience! Decor is kinda swanky and modern, but with a completely casual feel to it. Makes you feel comfortable right away!

    (4)

  • Steve F.

    Let's see--I had the chicken/andouille gumbo and a fried oyster roll (aka po'boy) and it was pretty damn good. I was with a huge group and everyone seemed to enjoy their food. Other's got the salmon and the black cod. It seemed like a very southern-inspired menu, but with local flair. All was delicious. I would definitely go back. P.S.---I'm a southerner by birth and the gumbo wasnt bad and better than other's I've had outside the Gulf Coast.

    (4)

  • Amanda Z.

    Had a fantastic birthday dinner here this past Friday night after consulting with the concierge at the Westin. We got there way before our reservation thinking we would just wait at the bar, but they accommodated us right away with an awesome corner table. The concierge had the staff bring us out a complimentary fried catfish appetizer for trusting her recommendation, which was really nice of her, and started our evening of overeating off right! We got the fried chicken spring rolls and the organic spring mix salad to start and both were yummy. The spring rolls had a great dipping sauce and the fried chicken added a nice crunch to the dish. The salad was full of dried cherries, goat cheese and walnuts and was also a big hit. Since I was already getting pretty full from just the appetizers, I ordered the vegetarian chili and it wasn't just beans, (as most vegetarian chilis tend to be) but was full of delicious vegetables and was really filling. Since it was my birthday dinner, my friend insisted we get dessert even though we were both pretty stuffed already from dinner. We ordered the brownie sundae which was topped with the most amazing Snickers ice cream. For two people that were already full, we managed to devour probably half of the sundae! It's a definite recommend! Thanks to our wonderful concierge, I now have another restaurant to add to my list of places to return to on my next visit!!

    (4)

  • Jason G.

    I was in Seattle for work, had dinner here it was awesome. I had clams on a garlic sauce, razor clam soup and some oysters on the half shell... so good... the pricing was fine with me and the atmosphere is solid. I meet Kevin the owner earlier in the day at one of his other restaurants and he is a great guy who runs a damn good resturant....

    (5)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :11:00 am - 10

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : Yes
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Dinner
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Full Bar
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

Steelhead Diner

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