Dive into fresh oysters, Dungeness crab, and geoduck chowder at Taylor Shellfish, a Seattle staple that serves up seafood with a side of education.
"Taylor Shellfish is a Seattle oyster institution. And while one could theoretically sip sparkling wine and whisper sweet nothings (about oysters) to a date here, one could also drink local beer and watch some sports on TV with a fried prawn po’boy on the side. That’s what we’ll be doing." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley
"A self-proclaimed “shellfish deli,” the Capitol Hill outpost of this PNW bivalve institution is the Hill’s definitive seafood destination. It’s the place to be if you’re looking for oysters, especially on weekdays between 2 and 4 p.m., when they’re $2.50 each during happy hour. This is a great spot to initiate out-of-towners in the ways of Seattle seafood; the Salish Sampler includes a dozen oysters, half a Dungeness crab, rockfish ceviche, a can of smoked oysters, and the crown jewel, an order of geoduck sashimi. On cold days, when slurping bivalves off shells may not be appealing, try the chowder, which is peppery and warm and fishy rather than creamy — isn’t that what you want out of a fish soup?" - Sophie Grossman
"This is the perfect oyster bar to spend time in before a game. At Taylor Shellfish, there’s sports swag on the walls and a kind-of-casual atmosphere perfect for a group dinner before the game. Drink some wine while eating ahi poke with crispy wontons, a cracked Dungeness crab, or fish and chips." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley
"More than a century old and now the country’s largest purveyor of farmed shellfish, Taylor Shellfish Farms and its handful of hip oyster bars (in Pioneer Square, Capitol Hill, and Queen Anne) are an educational experience. Be sure to ask lots of questions about the many Kumamotos, tiny native Olympias, and other types of locally grown oysters available on the half shell. If you want something a little heartier to go with your Bloody Mary, try geoduck chowder or a fried oyster po’ boy." - Eater Staff
"Long known as Seattle’s great oyster emporium, Taylor Shellfish’s Pioneer Square location serves a mighty fine crab on toasted bread at $30 (with fries). There’s a welcome crunch from pickled celeriac and red onion, with a rich tarragon aioli on the side to distribute as you see fit. The roll is sturdy and not overly buttered, letting the Dungeness meat spill out in all its shredded glory. Sidle up to the marble bar on a low-key weekday afternoon for lunch and a mini show as you watch staff bust open those shells with crackling flair." - gabe guarente
