RIDER

We got here early for a show at the Paramount and they were only serving happy hour until 5pm. They let us have drinks and even took our dinner order early, then as soon as the kitchen opened at 5 it was started and delicious. I had the roasted salmon and my wife had the sea bass. The salmon had a nice crispy top layer and the juiciest inside, like butter melting in your mouth. The flavor of the salmon and the pop of roe in my mouth was wonderful. We also had mushrooms which tasted amazing. Such a great combination, mushrooms and salmon. The smoked rainbow carrots also tasted great, but the smoke had a slight artificial flavor, probably a liquid smoke rather than real wood. They were still amazing, but if you're not a fan of smoky flavor then maybe avoid them. You might get a smokey smell on your fingers too. The price was expensive, but it didn't disappoint. They include a 20% "service charge" that you might think of as a mandatory tip. We still decided to tip our waitress a little extra though. If you go here don't expect a cheap meal, it's not a McDonald's.

The menu has some really great and delicious sounding options. Not your typical “hotel” restaurant. I tried the Rough Rider chowder which was hearty and served piping hot. Entree was the American Wagyu NY strip. I liked the option of choosing from a list of sauces to go with the steak. I went with the natural jus. The steak was tender and delicious and came with smashed potatoes. Nice cocktail list. Service was good. My server was very nice and made me feel welcomed. When the check came I appreciated her pointing out the 20% service charge. Though it’s in the small print on the menu, I missed it and it was good to be made aware of it. Enjoyable experience and would visit again. Edit: RE: To the owner, I wish I could remember my server’s name, my apologies! If it helps, I was sat in the bar area on the bench seat under a tv. She had blue eyes, hair was tied back I think? It was kind of dark but dark sandy color hair? Pretty smile. She would have been working the evening of Monday, July 1st 2024. Hope this helps!

I am staying at the Hotel Theodore, and Rider is amazing! Great food, great cocktails, great bartenders. I ordered the salmon with potatoes, and both were top-notch. They make a great old-fashioned. I also ordered the beignets for dessert, and they were lights out!! DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT ORDERING THE BEIGNETS.

We were truly disappointed. It’s a beautiful place to see but our waiter took long before he even came to ask if we wanted something. Then he asked if we wanted water or sparkling water… we were amazed he asked this as we know water is free so as he gave us the choice we said sparkling water. He did not say it was from a bottle so when we got 2 bottles of expensive sparkling water we KNEW this wasn’t a free offer of water with gas!!! Okay well we ordered bread and a bit see food for 2 people. Price was really high for what we got, tiny oysters and hard shrimp…. The bill was almost $95,-!!! We have travelled the world quite a bit but this was just not worth the money.

Last year I popped by here to have a cocktail before meeting friends around the corner to see a movie, and I've been meaning to go back for dinner ever since. Finally got around to it last week, and I sure am glad I did! Everything we got was astoundingly good; I really can't pick a favorite. But if I had to narrow it down from the smorgasbord that we ordered and consumed, I'd have to go with the Hamachi Crudo, the whole baked trout, and ESPECIALLY the hand-rolled agnolotti, (which we were told is one of Chef Riccardo's personal specialties). The American Wagyu steak was also pretty much perfect, but I have to give the nod to Rider's slightly more exotic offerings. The house special Manhattan that my girlfriend ordered was so tasty that I drank half of hers, and she had to order another. :) Definitely NOT your average "hotel restaurant". The food and drinks are definitely the centerpiece, but the ambiance is also great. Refreshingly understated in a classy way that's romantic without being precious, and elegant without being gaudy. I already can't wait to go back!

Visited for the “Fire and Ice” Chefs table experience. It was a strangely inconsistent experience compared to how it was presented. While they did lose our reservation, they did do their best to create a unique culinary experience. They gifted the table oysters as a conciliatory act which was very kind. However, things still seemed misaligned in terms of value. The menu for the experience boasted a 10oz filet or 20oz Wagyu per person… however they delivered a 6oz steak (not sure the cut) per person. The site advertises “one of our chefs act[ing] as your personal tour guide, serving a personalized four-course menu, offering wine pairing suggestions, and maybe even sharing a few culinary secrets!” This is what appealed to our group about the experience, however I don't think we met a chef at all - or if we did, it was not communicated to our table. They were unprepared to deliver the appetizer portion of the “personalized” menu, and as a consolation we were able to select existing menu items. The food was average downtown-Seattle-fare. It did not meet the expectations for the price point. Maybe give it a try, but hold your expectations loosely… which may have been what I should have done from the start.

I’ve dined at Rider a few times after shows at the Paramount and every time I’m disappointed. I just keep forgetting until I’m there again, it’s just convenient. The portions are quite small, especially for the price…salmon, lamb, scallops. I do have to say the burger is quite good though! Also bummed don’t use the espresso machine for an espresso tini and still charge $18. It was pure foam 😩 There are tons of other places to eat locally so go explore.

Nice swanky interior of the old Vohn's location, with a musky woodfire smell. Prices are a bit high on lower end entrees trying to be closer to more expensive protein entrees. Who wants to pay $37 for a burger and fries? Over priced chicken Caesar salad had orange age spots on several pieces of lettuce that was noticeable when server put plate down, then found more. Pork chop came sliced which let the moisture evaporate out (odd), smashed potatoes that came with lacked seasoning and came on separate plate which also was odd, paired with a chimmichurri that only tasted of olive oil and weeds as it was not cut up fine enough. Flavorings on pork was good. The rigatoncini was also good thanks to the bolognese but the lamb was minced too much to tell what meat it really was. Service and ambiance was good although the woodfire smell was strong and the 20% added gratuity although stated in the bill, was not pointed out by the server my guess so that they would get double. Not enough pluses here to come back which is too bad cuz the location is perfect for attending a nearby show. Many levels, bathrooms are up several stairs, several.

Visited for happy hour (3:30/4is on a Thursday) while we were staying at the hotel Theodore and loved the vibe of the place. We sat at the bar and the bartenders were incredibly friendly. They have a decent list of HH cocktails for 9$ and my martini was well made. I had some oysters which were 3$/piece and they were the best oysters I've had in a long long time. Oysters came with a rhubarb vinegar which was super unique and delicious as well. We also ordered a side of fries and they were very good as well. If you're planning on dinner here I recommend a reservation, I overheard them prepping for dinner and they had almost 100 reservations on a Thursday.

After seeing a matinee at the Paramount Theater we decided to try a new place nearby for a. Early dinner at 5pm. Our issued began when we ordered our drinks. Took nearly 20 minutes in an almost empty restaurant. They apologized for the slow service. I will say the drinks tasted good. One in our party ordered a refill on a soda. Our server didn't check on us for the next 15 minutes when we flagged down another person to get it for us. 10 minutes later 2 glasses were delivered. (Nearly 25 minutes after the first request). Clearly some sort of disorganization going on. When ordering dinner, I asked for my pork chop to be medium rare as I don't like over cooked meat. The server warned me it wouldn't be safe to eat it medium rare and that they cook a very juicy and tender medium temp pork chop. I told the server to make sure it was on the under side. When delivered it was tough and dry. The server said they would cook another and left. Meanwhile everyone else finished their meal. The Manager came to the table to ask how the meal was and we told her about the pork and that we were still waiting for it and were now ready for the bill. She said she would box it up and get it to us. We got the boxed chop with bill for a full charge. No mention of comps or any offer to make things better (free dessert,etc). To top it off, the restaurant included a 20% service charge on the bill for the "staff and expected an additional tip for the server. For a 4 person $300+ meal I would have expected some consideration for missing my dinner and the exceptionally slow service. Situations like these are easy to address in real time. The fact the manager was involved and did nothing was disappointing. A comped meal for the one that was not delivered until the check would have been a good start. When we got home the pork chop was partially raw inside... and it didn't included the potatoes that were listed on the menu. Needless to say we will not be going back.

I have been to Rider inside Hotel Theodore many, many times. I've been for every meal and enjoyed the restaurant alone, with friends, on date nights, and with family. Each experience consistent in service, ambiance, and quality. Since Chef Riccardo joined the team, the dishes and experiences have been elevated. The wine list rotates and the cocktails range from innovative to classic. It really is great for any occasion. If you're staying at the hotel, shuffling around downtown, or heading to a convention I recommend that you make a stop at Rider. And if you're celebrating something special let the hospitality team know. Chef will usually stop by with a treat to make your experience extra special. Cheers!

I came here with a friend for lunch and was immediately seated. The place was quite empty with only one waitress. Service was pretty good, they come with a huge pepper dispenser if you'd like some pepper. Food wise, ingredients were fresh, it was not bad, but definitely a bit more saucy than I would have liked. Portions felt pretty standard. The salad definitely felt more fancy than the average salad. Prices are definitely way higher than average though, if that is something to consider.

Stayed at the Hotel (Theodore), this week and of course had to check this place out. Went a couple times during our stay and wow, how is this place not packed every night? Maybe the best bartender in Seattle, Ben, I believe, someone correct me here on the name, if I'm wrong, as we had a lot of fun if you know what I mean. Knows his stuff up and down and can this guy multitask. Chatted us up when a good time and was quick on refills, hence the too much fun, lol. And even showed us pics of his cutie pie pup (we're dog lovers). This place isn't cheap though, so be prepared, but, normal downtown hotel Seattle prices, and built in gratuity. Which I'm totally cool with, and they deserve every penny. But, they do have some sweet happy hour deals, like a martini for $9. Generous on the pours. No stingy drinks here. Had some of the best oysters we've ever had, and we've had many ($3 each on HH). Plump, not too briny and buttery and an unexpected torched or grilled lemon. I think these were Tubby's). And, maybe one of the best burgers I've had in years, tasted like cooked over wood and juicy. The bun was also a stunner, held up so well and pillow soft ($20 I believe and when they say cooked to order, they mean it, perfect cook). Cool inside and the smell of the wood fired food was intoxicating, like being at an upscale BBQ, with none of the lingering odor, if that tracks. I will totally come here again, this is now our go-to Seattle spot.

Came here for drinks with a colleague after work! Bar staff is super friendly. Had their spicy margarita -- it's made in-house and it was good and the MOST spiciest margarita I've ever had! Does a good throat burn but I wasn't bothered by it, I actually really liked it -- it reminded me of real ginger tea My colleague had the Seattle drink, citrusy taste. Dinner menu, food menu is expensive and maybe that's bc the restaurant is in the hotel aka Hotel Theodore. I must say, their restroom is very clean and they have a niceeee hotel Theodore paper towels haha. 20% gratuity is already included with the bill, fyi.

The aesthetic of this place is great, dimly lit ambiance of the bar area nice date night spot. Wasn't super crowded when we got there, but had a reservation so seated right away. Our server was very attentive and offered up suggestions. There was a food runner whom we asked a question about the appetizer when he dropped it off because he described the dish, but very fast and then when asked again he kind of just rushed thru and waked off without us not really knowing still, other than that though the service was good. The food was good and worth a visit if you're in downtown Seattle!

We had not been to Rider since before it closed for a long time during the pandemic and they do not seem to have missed a beat. We met out of town friends for dinner because it was close to their hotel. My wife and I shared the Bouillabaisse for 2 and it was delicious. 2 big pieces of fish and lots of clams and mussels. They should have used 2 jumbo shrimp instead of 2 langastinos, which are pretty but are 50% inedible head and claws and a very small edible tail. The broth was the best I have ever had and was great with the toast slice included with the dish. We also shared and enjoyed the endive red oak salad and a mousse and ice cream desert. Service was prompt and professional from Staci D. We could have used some additional bread with our soup but they charge $9 extra for bread ($11.70 with tax and tip), an annoying custom that is ever more common. A mandatory 20% tip added to the bill so we did not leave anything additional. We had a bottle of Chateau San Michelle Chardonnay with the usual 400% markup and the total bill was $195 so don't go here for an economy dinner.

I am staying at the Hotel Theodore, and Rider is amazing! Great food, great cocktails, great bartenders. I ordered the salmon with potatoes, and both were top-notch. They make a great old-fashioned. I also ordered the beignets for dessert, and they were lights out!! DO NOT LEAVE WITHOUT ORDERING THE BEIGNETS.

We love this restaurant. Also has a legit happy hour! All pics are happy hour items. Great deal! We ordered the burger medium rare. It came out medium - well. Was still delicious.

Tried Brunch menu next day and was incredibly happy we did!!! We definitely ordered too much food, but after last nights dinner really wanted to try more. The Caesar was good, the salmon was THE best part. Juicy and very crispy skin. Both our Eggs Benedict's were delicious. Toe curl worthy for myself. The potatoes were crispy yet tender inside. Different way to prepare and enjoyed them. The Chowder!!!! Star of the brunch. Wow! Flavors were balanced, full of clams, just enough potato. Did not have to add any S & P at all. When we dine and Chowder is on the menu we will try it. This is in our top two we have ever tried. Cost for brunch was on higher side. Over all worth it.

we loved our stay in settle...a highlight was a shared meal of salmon and rainbow carrots at Rider on Oine St. Saved room for outstanding chocolate mousse...left quite satisfied...great ambiance and staff was very friendly... rlw

Came back in Seattle for few days while i was was here for work meetings.And Rider delivered again !!! great and high quality food and service! Kudos to the chef !

I rarely leave negative reviews, but my recent experience at Rider was incredibly frustrating. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted in a rude and dismissive manner. The host greeted us in an irritated tone and said it would be 20-25 minutes . That was fine so we waited. Then he came back and asked what we were there for, dinner or drinks. We said both and he seated us. Once seated, things didn't improve. We sat for an uncomfortably long time and no one came to our table. The guy that sat us kept looking at us and whispering to the server. I guess they weren't happy we decided to wait. We watched as servers passed by without so much as a glance, while other tables were promptly attended to. It felt as though we were being completely overlooked, which made us feel unwelcome and unimportant. As the situation continued, we couldn't shake the feeling that we were being profiled. The staff's behavior seemed different toward us than to other customers around us, and it left us feeling uncomfortable and disrespected. It's disheartening to be treated this way when all you're looking for is a pleasant dining experience. We ended up leaving before even getting a chance to order, and needless to say, we will not be returning. It's a shame, because the restaurant itself had good reviews and seemed like it could have been a great place to dine. Unfortunately, the poor service and lack of respect left a sour taste before we even had a chance to try the food.

I was pleasantly surprised with the menu items Rider was offering. A great blend of traditional dishes, with some very yummy seafood options. We ordered the brussel sprouts, they were perfectly tender with crispy edges and balsamic glaze. However, on the other end, the shoestring fries are bad, those have got to go. Two of us ordered the burger (delicious by the way), and but the fries that came with it, even the carbonara fries that we ordered, were dry, crunchy, and sad. The pasta on the other hand was savory, and yummy. Just a lot of highs and lows, which left us as diners confused. It's a beautiful restaurant, with a cool modern vibe, in the heart of downtown. Great for cocktails and small bites, but I wouldn't get a main here.

Staff is rude. We were asked what we were there for... what else would we be there for... the same as everyone else in the establishment. TF. We were seated after a bit and no one came to greet us so we left. Disrespectful and unprofessional.

Had pretty high expectations for this place and it did not disappoint! Beautiful modern restaurant. Our waitress was very helpful with helping us decide on what to order as it was our first time. The food came out quickly. Ahi Tuna Tartare was very refreshing, but the rigatoncini was definitely the star of the show! It is on the pricier side, but the quality and experience is worth a try.

Last year I popped by here to have a cocktail before meeting friends around the corner to see a movie, and I've been meaning to go back for dinner ever since. Finally got around to it last week, and I sure am glad I did! Everything we got was astoundingly good; I really can't pick a favorite. But if I had to narrow it down from the smorgasbord that we ordered and consumed, I'd have to go with the Hamachi Crudo, the whole baked trout, and ESPECIALLY the hand-rolled agnolotti, (which we were told is one of Chef Riccardo's personal specialties). The American Wagyu steak was also pretty much perfect, but I have to give the nod to Rider's slightly more exotic offerings. The house special Manhattan that my girlfriend ordered was so tasty that I drank half of hers, and she had to order another. :) Definitely NOT your average "hotel restaurant". The food and drinks are definitely the centerpiece, but the ambiance is also great. Refreshingly understated in a classy way that's romantic without being precious, and elegant without being gaudy. I already can't wait to go back!

Good post show dinner and drinks. Easy walk from the Paramount. Service was attentive but not hovering. Prices are a bit high, but it's a downtown hotel. 20% service fee added to bill, even for small parties

We recently attended an event at Rider with a curated menu paired with wines from Famiglia Casadei wineries. The entire event was exceptional and we loved every single dish and wine we had. The staff were professional, courteous and very knowledgeable. If you ever have a chance to attend one of these, I highly recommend getting a seat. My only complaint was that the smoky smell from the wood-fired oven in the kitchen will definitely get into your clothes--so don't wear anything you can't wash or air out for a good while, lest you want to smell like you've been sat by a campfire for hours. Otherwise, we had a wonderful time and enjoyed our meal thoroughly. The food and wines were truly exceptional!

Updating my review to a 1 star. As you can see below, the manager responded to my review inviting me to come back and try the food. I emailed him 2 weeks ago and still haven't heard back. Classic example of just trying to save face online.

Awesome food.. took my boyfriend for his birthday.. ambiance and the staff were really nice..

Rider is a beautiful restaurant and the kitchen and FOH staff is amazing. Taylor was our server for a large party and she handled us very well. She was fast, efficient and kind. The parm fries and oysters were so delicious! Thank you Taylor !

Taylor was our server for a very large party and took great care of us. She was so attentive and helpful. Thank you so much Taylor!! Great food and drinks.

Review is only for drinks and staff: We came around 8:45pm ish on a Wednesday night. There were about 13 of us that wanted to come in just for drinks. Although the hostess was somewhat friendly, the server that sat us wasn't at first. He was rude and let us know that it could only be one check and that we had to all order at the same time (to make it easier on the bartender - we get it). It was more the fact that he seemed annoyed we took the two round booths by the entrance for drinks although most of us made 3 rounds of drinks. I only had non-alcoholic beverages though since I'm pregnant. I got the Peace of Mind and Farmer's Market. The Peace of Mind was too sweet but the Farmer's Market was pretty savory. Surprise to see that they also had a non-alcoholic IPA. They also had a regular sour (which I don't see too often in most places). We ended up not getting any food since we had just come from dinner at another place. We had someone on our team who was very friendly and apologetic to the server and that made him ease up and relax. He was actually super friendly after that. Midway, we switched servers and she was awesome and super attentive. All in all, we stayed for like 2 hours and a half and everything was fine after that. The place has a cool ambiance to it and it's on the first floor of The Theodore Hotel in Downtown Seattle.

I made a reservation for standard seating, not the bar, but they sat us in the lounge because they didn't have enough staff! The lounge was way too noisy. We also noticed that their food safety rating was only Okay, which is risky at a seafood place. Bummed out to not try the bouillabaisse for two, but we definitely won't return.

It was aight, felt over priced for quality of food. The bar area is definitely the scene.

The steak was ok, the rolls and the side potatoes were sub par. The service was bad, the 2 steak knives that they brought me did not even cut the meat well. They must have understood that I was not satisfied and was not going to leave them a good tip therefore they charged me (1 person, I was alone) %20 tip. I understand this is added for usually parties of 6 or more, but I have never seen %20 tip added to the single person's check.

We came for drinks and snacks around Happy Hour. We didn't have a reservation, but they were able to seat us. For appetizers, I had the Parker House Rolls and Parmigiano & Black Truffle Fries with the Daiquiri cocktail. Everything tasted good, and we loved the ambiance of the place!

Customer Service was spectacular. Our waitress was so sweet. I give it 3.5 because the food was mediocre. The scallops were delish but the rice doesn't pair well. Steaks weren't cooked as requested and the fries tasted like they used old cooking oil. It had an aftertaste. Desserts were good but not mind blowing.

Pretty atmosphere. Good drinks. Friendly bartender. Experience was ruined by employees chatting non stop about friend drama at the end of the bar. I finally had to ask them point blank to stop because the sideways glances weren't working.

Maybe I was hungry and a bit light headed from a day of travel, but I really enjoyed the burger and fries. The burger tasted very fresh; grass fed on a farm somewhere in the vicinity of Seattle, maybe? The vegetables also, quite fresh as if picked that morning. It was after 9 and so the Late Night Bites menu.

Did not read any reviews before stumbling in here after eccc day. Just sat at bar not restaurant. With that being said,this was an excellent experience. Marissa took care of us and she was fantastic. She was prompt friendly and made great cocktails . We also had calamari for appetizer was good but a little pricey had pasta special beef ragu with black truffle was delicious and we had the trout which looked moist and delicious. If I had a knock no real signature dessert item. Once again Marissa was fantastic.

I was visiting Seattle for the weekend & wanted not too expensive not far from my downtown hotel. Rider hit all the right notes! Happy hour on Saturday, insanely fresh n briny oysters (had to get a dozen!) and local produce. I got a gem lettuce salad and the roasted carrots. Fabulous apple flan dessert with tiny meringues on top. The staff was as nice as they could possibly be too. Definiyktely will return when I'm in town!

I went with a friend on a Sunday afternoon. The waitperson did not greet us, except to tell us that there was no food, only happy hour food. That was fine with us. She didn't come back to us for approximately 20 minutes when we asked for another menu, as we were only given one. She was annoyed and came back with a menu that had no happy hour menu. Still we waited for her to take our order. My friend eventually went to the bar herself to order us drinks. The bartender was wonderful and brought them over in a timely manner. She finally came to us to take our order and was clearly unnerved that we had ordered our own drinks. She told us in a scolding manner that she was our server for the evening. At that time she took our order and again told us that the only food they had was happy hour. We knew that. She already told us. It was as if she didn't want us there. My friend and I looked at each other confused. Did she want us to leave? The food was delivered to our table by someone from the back. She was nowhere in sight. Not once did we see her. She didn't check on us. Zero. Nothing. Eventually we saw her and flagged her down for plates. Once again, she was put out. After some time she asked us for the first time if we needed anything else. Next thing we know, we had a new server for the evening, which we were thankful for. I will say that the food was good and we enjoyed the ambiance very much. The other staff that we could see around us seemed to be what one would expect. I gave this one star because the service was so poor that it ruined the whole evening and experience of a nice afternoon out that no matter how good the food could be it was not a good experience. After I told our new waitperson how bad our server had been someone came over to talk with us and was kind enough to comp what we had ordered. I am grateful for that. Unfortunately, I won't be going back.

Great experience wonderful food. Oysters were off the charts, salmon dip is a must try and the tuna tartar was delicious. I would come again. Shout out to Pete. Great waiter great service and knowledgeable about all items on the menu.

RIDER IS BACK! We're just scratching the surface on the new menu but loved what we had: the hamachi crudo had bright subtle flavors. The hangar steak with frites was perfectly cooked and no fry was left behind! The striped sea bass was also perfect and served over a delicious sauce and light fennel salad. We shared the chocolate filled beignets for desert and both left satisfied for the evening but keen to come back soon. Prices are completely in line with a nice night out. Staff was attentive and Chef Ricardo checked in to make sure everything was perfect. Finally, I'm so glad to see (and smell) the wood burning fire back and roaring in the kitchen to compliment the ambiance.

Good burger. Good scallops. Pumpkin puree was good. Whiskey drink was too sour. Nice ambience.

Fantastically poor all around. 45 minutes to get the first drink. Two hours to get entres. Food was overcooked and cold. Server had an attitude and made excuses about being "overbooked." I suggest not taking reservations if you're not staffed to handle.

If I could leave a zero star review I would. Worst restaurant experience anywhere on the planet. Took a table of 16 clients to this restaurant and worst experience I have ever had. Manager threatened us with calling the police with a trespass notice because we complained about waiting for our food for 2 hours. Stay away from this place. Would love to discuss this with the owner but feel certain they will never reach out.

Worst service I've had in a decade. Honestly the waitress did not deserve the auto included gratuity. Red flag also the place had a sign in the window saying their food safety was just "okay" not good or excellent. The ambiance was nice and it was fancy and you expected good food but only one of our meals was actually good. One of the appetizers was inedible - terrible bland carrots. Our rare $60 filet was ordered rare and came medium! The server took my order wrong and brought the food out wrong. We did not dare complain because she was so rude and neglectful from the start. Our food took nearly 2 hours to arrive. We were almost late to our show. The drinks were delicious though. I would avoid this place.

This is one of my favorite spots for dinner before the shows at Paramount. It is a big place so it is easier to find a table but still reservations are recommended for Friday and Saturday evenings. Mussels are my favorite from the menu and i think they can have more variety. Also i think they need more wine selections but still I love the atmosphere of this place and it's spacious. Service is little slow so heads up if you are planning a quick dinner. But for my case, I like to enjoy my dinner with a bottle of wine here.

Just so-so. Won't be coming back, but not bad about trying a new restaurant. Convenient to the theatre. Wouldn't recommend to family or friends.

Super friendly, cool but unpretentious, with great bartenders who make killer drinks and are super nice and attentive. Great drinks and food menu and really fun ambiance. This bar is a great reason to stay at the Theodore, or to visit from anywhere else. Very friendly and fun crowd also and the bartenders really set the tone.

We had reservations at 5:45 PM and showed up on time. After waiting for several minutes, one staff member passing by us told us someone would be with us soon. After several more minutes, the hostess came out, very stressed out, avoided eye contact, grabbed some menus and walked off. Clearly she was helping someone else but a simple acknowledgment would have been nice. Many more minutes, and a line forming behind us, she showed up again, avoiding eye contact. Finally she looked at my wife and said she will be right back. After waiting about 15 minutes total and at least three groups behind us, she showed back up, still very stressed, and took us to our table. No apology for the wait. Our server took our order, answered some questions and everything seemed fine after that. Except...he never came back to check on us. My drink ran dry; my wife's Diet Pepsi ran dry, we had eaten our salad, the table sat with empty glasses and dirty dishes. Someone finally picked up the table but we then waited another 15 minutes or more for our entrees. No waiter. I finally flagged him down to order a second drink and our entree finally arrived. No apology for the wait. The food was amazing! Can't say enough about ihow good the Oak Salad was or the grilled salmon. But...no waiter. I was done with my entree when he finally brought my second drink. I didn't want it because we were ready to leave, but he never came by to know that. By this time, we were out of water, too. He never asked how our food was. Never acknowledged the delay in service. I flagged him down to ask for the check. Many, many more minutes later he came over with the check. I gave him my debit card right away because at this point we were ready to leave. He took my card, told me there would be a 20% gratuity added to my check, and walked off. When he returned, I asked if I had to pay 20% and he said he could take it off if I felt he didn't deserve it. I told him that he never checked on us, brought my second drink after I was done with my meal when I ordered it before my entree had arrived, my wife never got her drink refilled, etc. without saying a word, he took the check back and removed the gratuity. I added 10% which is the lowest tip I have left in years. I only wished I could see that all of that tip went to the kitchen. This was just lousy service from the start. Too bad for such a great chef and kitchen.

Had a reservation on New Year's Eve...we were finally seated 45 minutes after our reservation started. Tried to get a drink at the bar while we waited, ordered wine and though we tipped 100%, the bartender seemed mad at us for existing (bar was half empty). Food was great and we loved the NYE menu. Most of the staff was very nice and the restaurant overall was beautiful and I would probably go back, though not on a holiday. Just took a while to get food. Cocktails were great and thankfully did not take as long as the food, Happy 2024!!!

Rider is a modern American restaurant in the downtown Seattle core opposite the Pacific Place mall. Its location is great for pre-theatre dinner at the Paramount or 5th Avenue, and near to lots of easy parking at the giant Pacific Place garage. Rider was opened in this space a couple of years before the pandemic, but then closed for a long time and only reopened recently. It is inside a hotel but operates more like an independent restaurant. The reopened restaurant appears to be a complete reboot - aside from the interior, the menu, service and staff seem to be completely new. The complete reboot was important to me as we had a terrible service experience here in 2018 such that I refused to return. But with the new opening and menu, my wife persuaded me to reset my previous ban. So here we are, trying Rider again. The space is attractive and large, with an upper section adjacent to a bar and a large lower dining room with an exhibition kitchen. On the night we were there, the temperature was terrible - very very cold on an October night that was chilly but not extreme. We complained to our server who sympathised ("I have no idea why it is so cold in here" but didn't offer to take any action or seem like she had the ability to get someone else to fix it. This temperature issue alone would be enough to make me think carefully before booking again in winter. The menu is modern American food, but with a pretty limited selection. There are plenty of good appetizer options, but only a few Entrees - 6 regular entrees plus one giant 44oz Porterhouse that would need several people to share it. Perhaps because of this, three of the six people at our table had one of the two specials. There just isn't quite enough choice here - I only had one entree choice that I really wanted to try. For some reason, the menu on the internet omits all the food prices. The food was not cheap but not super expensive - about $350 for six people to eat some appetizers and six entrees, including a required 20% service charge - I am pleased to see restaurants just including this. Service was prompt, friendly and helpful (except for temperature, see above), and I was otherwise happy with the environment. Because of the location near the theatre, it is likely we will consider returning here. However, given the issues with menu selection and temperature, it won't be top of my list especially in colder seasons. Consider this a weak recommendation.

Very good service, oysters and crudo were acceptable and mocktail was good. Overpriced but not surprised eating at a restaurant attached to a hotel.

The food was fantastic! Hangar steak and frittes for me, salmon for my dinner mates. We started off with mussels and clams that were served in a red sauce. They were tender and had great flavor. My steak was cooked to a perfect medium rare and had wonderful flavor. We also shared the crispy brussels sprouts that also had a great flavor to them. My only complaint was that the booth we were sitting in was way too narrow and the table did not move. I'm used to tight booths but this was beyond anything I've ever sat at. There was probably 18" or less between the table and the back of the booth. Otherwise the ambiance was great and the service was on point.