Seemor
Taylor Shellfish Oyster BarA-Worth Trying
410 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104
· Seafood restaurant, Oyster bar restaurant, Raw food restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (1590 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout
Destination-worthy oyster bar for pristine PNW shellfish and geoduck with lively game-day energy; great happy hour, but expect a service charge and occasional waits.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar delivers exceptional oyster and geoduck quality paired with outstanding server expertise that elevates the raw bar experience. Consistency shows occasional lapses—shell fragments, item outages during peak times, and service dips during game rushes—preventing grade A territory. A solid neighborhood destination for serious shellfish lovers seeking ingredient-focused dining with knowledgeable guidance.
Restaurant Summary
In historic Pioneer Square, this spot hums with lively pre-game energy and the briny perfume of a true raw bar. Servers guide guests through flights like a tasting, with one diner sharing, "our server mapped the oysters from mild to bold and it changed the whole experience." The room is simple and clean, the vibe relaxed, and the focus squarely on sparkling-fresh shellfish. The cooking leans elevated traditional—think pristine half-shells, geoduck sashimi with citrusy accents, and a chowder that tastes of the sea more than cream. Innovation level feels contemporary but not showy: a confident raw bar with selective modern touches. This suits seafood lovers who value ingredient purity over theatrics, especially those chasing Dungeness crab or a dialed-in oyster flight. Families can do well here if kids like fish and chips and fries; the menu is otherwise raw-shellfish-forward. There is no kids menu, but simple items like the baguette and fish plates help. On busy event nights it can be crowded and noisy, so early off-peak visits are the safer bet for a kid-friendly experience.
At a Glance
- Top-tier oysters and geoduck with knowledgeable guidance
- Happy hour delivers strong value on oysters and small plates
- Great pre-game location with energetic vibe
- 18-20% service charge added; totals can surprise first-timers
- Peak-time waits and occasional item outages near closing or on game days
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- geoduck_specialty
- in-house_oyster_farm_sourcing
- happy_hour_oyster_deals
What People Love
- Feeling of a guided tasting with staff who know their oysters
- Kumamoto and Shigoku oysters for pure briny sweetness
- Distinctive geoduck sashimi and crudo
- Chowder that tastes of the sea instead of heavy cream
- Happy hour pricing that encourages exploration
Points of Concern
- Service charge (around 18-20%) is added, increasing final bill for some diners
- Near closing and event rushes can mean slower service or menu sellouts
- Taylor Shellfish Dinner portions perceived as small by some guests
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$48-$66 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Build a tasting: start with Totten Inlet or Shigoku, progress to Kumamoto and Taylor Grand Cru.
- Pair chowder ($13) with a half-dozen oysters for balance.
- If sharing, combine a Shucker's Dozen ($32) with geoduck sashimi ($19) for contrast.
Perfect For
- Pre-game oyster flights before a Mariners or Seahawks game
- Seafood lovers chasing pristine PNW shellfish
- Solo bar seating with guided tastings
- Casual date night centered on raw bar classics
Location Insights
Area: Historic brick-and-stone district with galleries, bars, and game-day crowds; caters to both locals and visitors seeking classic Seattle experiences.
Safety: Generally busy and well-trafficked on event days; typical urban awareness recommended in evenings.
Nearby: Steps from Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park; near art galleries and transit hubs, making it a popular pre-game stop.
SoDoSoDo (South of Downtown) is an industrial-turned-creative neighborhood characterized by warehouses, breweries, and a growing number of trendy restaurants and bars. The dining scene is eclectic, with a focus on craft beer, innovative cuisine, and casual dining, attracting a diverse crowd including locals and tourists. The area is lively, especially during events at nearby Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park.
South Lake Union EdgeThe micro-area near Occidental Ave S in SoDo blends industrial roots with new development, offering a mix of historic venues and modern eateries. It is accessible and popular for its proximity to both downtown and the stadium district, fostering a casual yet vibrant dining atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–20:00
Tuesday12:00–20:00
Wednesday12:00–20:00
Thursday12:00–20:00
Friday12:00–21:00
Saturday12:00–21:00
Sunday12:00–20:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout
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