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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Downtown Seattle

Cocktails and oysters

A cold drink and a plate of oysters is the only way to start an evening.

Based on 764 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Sushi By Scratch Restaurants: Seattle image 1
Sushi By Scratch Restaurants: Seattle image 2
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Seating occurs directly at a sushi counter with intimate atmosphere and visible preparation of omakase courses. An initial bar area offers welcome drinks and appetizers before moving to the main dining space. The vibe is exclusive and high-end, suited for those seeking a unique dining experience.

A speakeasy vibe starts with ringing a doorbell to enter early for a custom cocktail. A welcome cocktail and small bite arrive before seating, including a sake concoction among the options.

Fresh oysters come as a single, impressive serving. Options include an oyster shooter, one topped with ponzu and scallions, and varieties paired with wagyu and unagi.

People are saying

"It's an intimate dining experience that's well worth the splurge."

"You'll get a welcome cocktail and a small bite before dinner."

"The oysters here are part of an intimate, immersive dining experience."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for dinner, with three different time slots available.

2

The 17-course omakase dinner costs $900 per couple, including add-ons and tip.

3

Arriving less than 30 minutes before your booking is recommended for entry.

02
Zig Zag Cafe image 1
Cocktail bar

Jazz-themed cocktail bar channels 1920's club vibe with red lighting and live jazz music several nights a week. Indoor space feels cozy and chic, while patio seating offers a charming outdoor option. Cocktails stand out for their unique and high-quality selections, attracting a crowd that enjoys conversation and a relaxed atmosphere.

A unique cocktail list offers drinks you won't find elsewhere. Servers provide helpful guidance through the extensive selection. Cocktails come with great ambiance and pair well with fresh oysters.

Oysters come notably fresh with Pacific oysters served alongside a bright Campari granita instead of the usual minionette. Local oysters also stand out, making the oyster selection a delicious highlight.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are creative, well-balanced, and delicious."

"I loved the live jazz trio's fantastic interplay and solos."

"The local oysters here were a hit."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is from 5-6 PM, so arrive on time to enjoy discounts.

2

Reservations are highly recommended as the cafe fills up quickly.

3

Jazz nights occur from Sunday to Tuesday, featuring live performances.

03
Half Shell image 1
Restaurant

Nautical-themed decor blends maritime charm with urban sophistication in a chic, relaxing setting. Spacious outdoor seating offers beautiful waterfront views that complement a casual yet refined vibe. Cocktails like Italian old fashion and fresh oysters enhance the experience in a place suited for unwinding and conversation.

Martinis stand out, especially the dirty martini dip. The seaplane cocktail is strong and flavorful, often enjoyed in generous servings.

$2 oysters during happy hour offer great value and freshness. The oysters come with great accompaniments and taste phenomenally fresh and delicious.

People are saying

"You have to try the $2 oysters during Happy Hour; they're hard to beat."

"I loved the $2 oysters during happy hour."

"I enjoyed the well-made cocktails."

Good to know

1

During happy hour, oysters cost $2 each from 3 pm to 6 pm on Saturdays.

2

Expect a wait even with a reservation, especially during peak hours.

3

The outdoor seating area may have strong seafood smells.

04
Tilikum Place Cafe image 1

Cozy space with high ceilings and views of the Space Needle from every table creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Classy 90s rap music plays softly, adding to the pleasant vibe. Small size and popularity mean reservations are essential to secure a seat.

Cocktails focus on Bourbon, crafted with care and well balanced. The Uptown Manhattan stands out as excellent and super tasty.

Gratin oysters stand out with rich, savory flavors. Roasted and baked oysters also appear alongside dishes like chicken and cod, offering a variety of preparations.

People are saying

"You have to try the Dutch Baby for brunch; it's rare and awesome."

"The cocktails were excellent and perfectly balanced."

"The oysters here sang perfection."

Good to know

1

Reservations are a must, especially for weekend brunch.

2

Expect long wait times if you don't have a reservation.

3

The cafe is small, so seating is limited.

05
Vinnie's Wine Shop & Cocktail Bar image 1

Small wine bar offers an intimate, cozy setting with natural wines and dog-friendly outdoor seating. Atmosphere stays laid-back and inviting, attracting those who appreciate detailed wine knowledge and a relaxed vibe. Connection to a tiki bar adds a unique touch to the experience.

An intriguing cocktail menu features unique cocktails like the Camp Tawasentha. The selection pairs well with a curated list of natural wines and tasty bites.

Freshness stands out with local oysters that rotate regularly. Happy hour offers great value and oysters come beautifully served.

People are saying

"I loved the wide selection of natural and classy wines."

"The oysters here are a great value, especially during happy hour."

"I considered this my favorite neighborhood spot for cocktails."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features half-price oysters and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

Self-serve appetizers like pickles and sardines are available during happy hour.

3

A 20% gratuity is automatically added to all bills, so check your total.

06
Palace Kitchen image 1
American restaurant

Open kitchen reveals a calm, focused team cooking over a wood-fire grill, filling the space with rich aromas. Atmosphere blends medieval palace coziness with modern style, enhanced by a striking mural and a private dining area. Craft cocktails stand out, complementing a menu known for exceptional burgers and creative dishes.

Craft cocktails stand out with unique and custom mixes. Service supports a smooth experience alongside food and dessert.

Oysters come with delicious sauces and taste fresh. They serve them as an appetizer but note they are very expensive.

People are saying

"The craft cocktails here are amazing and well-crafted."

"The dinner spots here serve outstanding, perfectly cooked meals."

"The oysters here were delicious and amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs from 5pm to 6pm with great deals.

3

The kitchen stays open until midnight for late-night dining.

07
Six Seven Restaurant image 1
Pacific Northwest restaurant (US)

Restaurant offers breathtaking water views and a classic setting with comfortable seating. Outdoor dining includes heated patio space, often accompanied by live music. Cocktails receive attention from skilled bartenders, enhancing a relaxed yet refined atmosphere.

Mark crafts fantastic cocktails with an extensive cocktail list. Bar service is wonderful, and outside seating adds a nice touch for enjoying drinks.

Fresh oysters come with a tasty sauce that complements their flavor. The Olympia oysters on the half shell stand out as a notable choice.

People are saying

"I loved the amazing views of the water and the Olympics."

"I enjoyed several amazing cocktails during my visit."

"The oysters were so fresh, served with shaved ice and tasty salsa."

Good to know

1

Happy hour prices for drinks are a couple of dollars off.

2

The restaurant is often fully booked, so making a reservation is recommended.

3

Valet parking costs $15 for dining.

08
Place Pigalle image 1
Restaurant

Cozy restaurant offers French cuisine with white tablecloths and live jazz music. Elegant, relaxed atmosphere features scenic water views from a tucked-away spot in a historic market area. The vibe is dark and intimate, blending classic charm with fresh seafood and fine wines.

Unique cocktail menu offers delicious drinks like the Champs-Elysees cocktail, which shares flavors similar to the pot de creme dessert. Cocktails pair well with comfort food here.

Warm oysters come with attentive service that includes thoughtful gestures like drinks. The oysters and wine pair well and stand out among other seafood options.

People are saying

"The French food, especially the onion soup, is divine and rich."

"I thought the cocktails were amazing."

"I had the best oysters of my life here."

Good to know

1

An automatic 27% fee is added to all bills instead of tips.

2

A meal for two costs around $90.

3

The restaurant is located on the second or third floor of the market.

09
SHUCKERS OYSTER BAR image 1
Oyster bar restaurant

Old school upmarket oyster house offers a cozy bar and intimate dining with warm lighting and classy decor. Atmosphere feels relaxed yet vibrant, filled with camaraderie and laughter. Known for fresh oysters and a top notch Scotch menu, it blends tradition with a touch of elegance.

Cocktails come properly made and pair well with oysters. Staff help select drinks that match your tastes.

Fresh oysters come in local and not so local selections that stand out for their quality. The oysters provencal and raw oysters pair well with cocktails and wine in a traditional, welcoming setting.

People are saying

"These oysters were so succulent and delicious."

"The salads here are fresh and the staff is incredibly friendly."

"The cocktails here are served by the most attentive and engaging staff."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to ensure a table, especially during peak hours.

2

Happy hour features $2 oysters and skinny fries, making it a popular time to visit.

3

Street parking is limited, but nearby garages are available for convenience.

10
RIDER image 1
Pacific Northwest restaurant (US)

Dark, intimate space with wood-smoke aroma and an open kitchen creates a warm, lively vibe. Stylish decor blends subway tiles and metal accents with dark walls and wood for an upscale yet welcoming feel. Background music includes explicit lyrics, adding to the edgy atmosphere.

Skillful and creative cocktails stand out here, including a house special Manhattan. Bartenders deliver exceptional service, and the wine list features options like pet nat by the glass.

Fresh, local oysters come on the half shell served on a metal container of ice. They pair well with other dishes like wood-grilled steak and salmon.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are creative and perfectly balanced."

"The seafood at these dinner spots is incredible, especially the oysters."

"The oysters here are super fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour items are available only until 5pm on Sundays.

2

A 20% service charge is automatically added to all bills.

3

The restaurant does not serve regular menu items during happy hour.

11
Pennyroyal image 1

Dark wood and velvet seating create a cozy, upscale lounge with blue lighting that sets a distinct, quiet vibe. Complex, craft cocktails and a strong sherry list attract those seeking old-world charm in a relaxed setting. The atmosphere suits pre-show drinks or a casual evening with comfortable, classy decor.

Craft cocktails here are complex and creative, featuring seasonal punches and house-inspired drinks. Bartenders show solid knowledge, making gin cocktails especially memorable.

Happy hour features PNW Oysters served with a mignonette that complements them well. Oysters come on the half shell and pair nicely with truffle parmesan fries.

People are saying

"The bar staff's cocktail suggestions were spot-on and creative."

"The oysters and truffle fries were amazing."

"The cocktails were creative and mind-blowing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm daily.

2

A 5% surcharge is added to all bills, not including gratuity.

3

The bar is conveniently located across from the Moore Theater.

12
La Loba image 1
Restaurant

Space combines lush indoor plants and wood decor for an upscale, cozy vibe. Live Spanish guitar trio adds warm, inviting energy that transports guests. Creative, well-balanced cocktails complement the stylish, thoughtfully designed setting.

Cocktails here are unique and well balanced, with creative names like "Will You Berry Me?" and "Monte Python & the Holy Grail." Service is sharp, and some drinks come with theatrical presentations like a smoking treasure chest.

Oysters come with a Kimchi Granita topping that offers a unique flavor experience. Some oysters are kimchi seasoned, which adds sourness and intensifies the fishy taste without balancing acidity or sweetness.

People are saying

"The Tasting Menu service was so kind and attentive, making our special night perfect."

"The food's presentation and novelty were mind-blowing."

"The staff here is so welcoming and attentive, making every visit special."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Tuesday-Saturday from 3-5 PM, featuring paella.

2

Reservations are strongly suggested to avoid long wait times.

3

Valet parking costs $18, but be cautious of potential overtime fees.

13
Maximilien Restaurant image 1
French restaurant

Outdoor patio offers classic seaside views with a romantic Parisian vibe enhanced by live music reminiscent of St Germaine. The space feels intimate and lively, often filled with conversation and close seating. Cocktails and French dishes complement the genuine charm tucked into a bustling market setting.

Cocktails come with a sunset view that adds to the experience. This spot suits those looking for a drink before dinner.

Oysters come served on the half shell with champagne ice, adding a unique touch. Sharing a dozen highlights the freshness and pairs well with other dishes like escargots and the duck special.

People are saying

"The views of the harbor and sound were amazing."

"I loved the cocktails here; they were incredible."

"The oysters here have a spectacular view of the waterfront."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required and a credit card is needed to secure them.

2

A $30 cancellation fee applies if you cancel your reservation.

3

The restaurant charges a 5% service fee on all bills.

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