07/30/09

bad idea

by gastroguy

Recently the weather was very hot and my folks called me at work to see if I wanted to meet for dinner.My choice of rest. I thought some place on the river would be nice. Salty's came to mind. BAD IDEA. I love to eat good food and I don't mind paying alot for a little as long as it tastes as unique as the price. Aside from the stiffling heat inside, I almost choked when I oppened the menu. "damn proud of their food" comes to mind. We decide to have an appetizer then try someplace else for dinner. Again, BAD IDEA! I mean come on, fourteen dollars and change for six shrimp on ice. Maybe if the atmosphere were better I wouldn't complain but the seating was back to back and full. Good for them, bad for us. The service was blazee' at best so we were ok with going someplace else. the sad part was when the seperate checks arived. Neither came with a break down of what was ordered, just the total due. The menu price was $14 and change for the shrimp coctail but my bill was for $17 and change and did not show that a tip had been included yet. Payed the bill but will not return and wont recomend to anyone else. Go to Beaches or enjoy the A/C at Portland City Grill. Way better service and atmosphere at comparable prices

• Pros: free valet
• Cons: stuffed shirt atmosphere. menu price differ from bill

02/20/09

Not the best Portland has to offer.

by Aarongl72

I went to Salty's tonight. Never been before. Wife had the the Salmon with stuffed crab. She was not to enthuised. I had the Lobster. Fantastic!

We were starving when we arrived. No bread for us. After we were served my wife noticed that all the other patrons were served bread. Not to be nitpicky here but when you spend 300.00 bucks on dinner and wine for two. I want my bread. With reservations for over a week we were sitted in one of the worst spots. Next to the fireplace closest to the staircase on a slow night. Listen. If your dead, give us a better table. I'm not a rich guy so when I go out to take my wife out for something special I want it to be nice. Very disappointed with Salty's staff. The waiter asked my wife if she wanted a drink at the beginning and she was still trying to figure out what she wanted. I wanted a drink right then but waiter walked away.

Overall I think my food was good. My wife thought it was okay and after spending 300 bucks I feel like a shmuck for not taking her somewhere where the service was a bit better. I would not want to go here when it was busy.

I will not go there for the money ever again. Back to Ruths Chris where we the get the service, the steak and the seafood right.

Take my review with a grian of salt. If my wife would have been happy I would have been happy. Little ticked that I spent so much for subpar service. I know it happens from time to time. But it never should at places and prices like these.

• Pros: Can't mess up a Lobster.
• Cons: Service not all there.

02/16/09

Best Happy Hour in town!

by verbeach

A friend and I go to Salty's regularly on weekends for Happy Hour and the Mel Brown Trio. The seafood chowder and calamari are outstanding! The drinks are excellent as well, strong but not too strong. The waitstaff is always friendly and attentive, without hovering. Last time the bartender even made me a custom drink when I couldn't decide between two on the menu. The view from the bar upstairs is unbeatable and the patio is great during warm weather. The Mel Brown Trio is always excellent, and really adds to the relaxed, friendly atmosphere at Salty's. It is one of my favorite places in town to relax with a drink, listen to music and catch up with friends.

• Pros: awesome happy hour
• Cons: a little pricey- go during happy hour!