SF Foodie going to Seattle - Etta's for Seafood?

[cookiedsf]

Hi

I've been reading the boards and tour books but am confused on where to go for good but reasonable seafood. Any suggestions? Have a tentative reservation at Etta's.

[boerewors]

I'm not a huge fan of Etta's. I'd recommend Ray's or Anthony's. Flying Fish used to be good, but I haven't been in years. Some people swear by Oceanaire. You may look into Palisades in Magnolia Park.

[zoogrrrl]

The last suggestions--Jack's, Pike Place Chowder--are casual and great for lunch or mid-afternoon. If you want a nice salmon dinner ... I had great salmon at Steelhead Diner, tho' it was pricey. Our recent visitors from the Midwest had their best salmon at Dahlia Lounge. I've also had good salmon at Ristorante Zoe. Wherever you have it, it will likely cost you.

[mr.nelso]

Get Seared Scallop chowder at Pike Place Chowder, then walk down Post Alley to Pike Place and get some Dungeness Crab cocktail at Jack's Fish Spot, maybe some oysters and Cioppino

[Beach Chick]

I found all there chowder to be out of this world good..I can see why it has won all the awards it has..been tempted to have it flown in for me in San Diego.
They didn't have seared scallop chowder when I was there..that sounds exquisite!
Spot on mr.nelso on the crab cocktail at Jack's with some oysters and Cioppino too.

[Beach Chick]

Etta's is ok but it won't knock your socks off..not a fan of Tom Douglas.
Love having chowder at Pike Place Chowder in the alley across from Pike Place..

[Earl of Sandwich]

How about Flying Fish?

There's also a Sea Star in Seattle now.

I don't dig Etta's.

[howard 1st]

like any tom douglas operation, etta's is terrific except when it's not - you run about an 80% chance of getting a superb meal. i much prefer ray's boathouse (97% downstairs/85% upstairs discounting the ambiance) at not much more cost. if in the mood for utter simplicity and quality, go to oceanaire.

[terrier]

I've had some decent meals at Etta's but it's never really excited me much. When is your trip and what kind of seafood are you looking for?

Halibut is in season right now; Alaskan salmon won't start up in earnest for another month. You can still get good oysters outside the 'R' months here, and the local mussels are great too.

Depending on what strikes your fancy, folks might have more specific recommendations. (For example, if crab is your thing it's hard to do better than salt & pepper crab at Malay Satay Hut - ask to see the crab first when you order.)

[cookiedsf]

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, I'm not a big fan of Halibut - prefer Salmon, Trout and Mahi Mahi. Since I live in SF = we have crab readily available here. Any recommendations involving King Crab Legs or NW seafood? Also saw Anthonys (which seems very tourisy) and Flying Fish menus but nothing stuck me as great.

[akq]

Best king crab legs are at the Waterfront Seafood Grill. My favorite. YUM. They do other seafood quite well, also (and their rib steak is awesome). It is expensive, but you're paying for quality, view and service, imo.

I've never been too impressed with Ettas. Anthony's can be hit or miss. I used to like the Bell Street Diner, but haven't been recently. Had dinner at Anthonys Shilshole last night (Sunday night is all you can eat Dungeness crab) - was disappointing.

[GreenYoshi]

I warned you...

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/611171

[akq]

Yeah. Shilshole is in my 'hood, so we go every once in a while. I know it's not perfect crab, but last night's was definitely the worst I've ever had there. Oh well.