Salty's On The Columbia River
Perched above the Columbia River, this seafood spot offers a majestic view with its two-story decks and walls of windows.
(971) 270-2467
3839 NE Marine Dr
(at 33rd Drive)
Portland,
OR
97211
45.6007
-122.6247
Reviews & Ratings for Salty's On The Columbia River
48 reviews
What users are saying:
Showing 1-10 of 48 reviews
Not worth the $$
by pdxcat22
October 08, 2007
I was recently treated to dinner for my birthday but was very disappointed with the quality of the food. I was looking forward to eating here as I have heard how Salty's is one of the 'must try' places in Portland; and, at $30 a plate, I expect a minimum standard of quality. There is a view of the Columbia yes. But not spectatcular. White table clothes and a big wine list yes. The menus were wrinkled and has orange swirls and looked like it was something I would expect to see at Joe's Crab Shack (nothing against Joe's, I just don't think Salty's and Joe's are (supposed to be) targeting the same audience), not at a upscale restaurant. Or maybe Salty's is trying for the 'casual' look? Anyhow, it was not working if they were. On to the food. I order something simple - steamed dungeous crab. The asparagus on the side was delicous and seasoned just right. the crab, on the other hand, was VERY dry and has absolutely no taste. I decided to give the crab a try because it said steamed. Not much you can do to mess that up. I was wrong. Steaming should have kept the meat moist and original favor of the crab. This crab was dry like it was bake. I tried to dip the meat in butter to see if that would help, but tasteless meat was still cardboard like. If it wasn't for the fact that someone else was treating me to dinner and I didn't want them to feel bad, I would have returned the plate (not something I usually do but it was that bad). My girlfreind ordered their halibut special and the meat was dry as well. So, perhaps we just had a bad experience. But at $80+ for dinner, it's not something we would want to chance. Jake's, McCormick, or even McGrath Fish House has better food in my opinion.
- Pros: A view
- Cons: Food quality not worth $15, not to mention $35
Not the best Portland has to offer.
by Aarongl72
February 20, 2009
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.
Best Happy Hour in town!
by verbeach
February 16, 2009
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!
Nice atmosphere by Reign D. at InsiderPages
Contributor
February 10, 2009
We went to Salty's for a birthday dinner for some friends. We have eaten at the Salty's up in Seattle and liked it , we thought the same about this one in Portland. It is nice during the summer to sit and watch the boats go by.
Salty's very proud of their steaks. For $30 per steak dinner go to Black Angus and feed 2
by spudkins
February 01, 2009
Just took my wife to Salty's for her birthday. Salty's may be reknown for their seafood but as for their steaks......save yourself some money and go to Black Angus or some other chain restaurant. I'm dead serious about this. I paid $60 for 2 steak dinners that was sub-par, smothered with bleu cheese. If you want to taste the steak scrape off ALL the cheese in order to savor the flavor of the meat, which was about 3/4" thick. Sorry Salty's, I see that your proud of your meat but as they say "Pride goeth before the fall". If you keep up this up, given the current economic situation, you may be in the corporate bread line like Curcuit City.
spud
Major reservation mixup - good food, but too pricey
by wolf123
December 15, 2008
I made a reservation for my husband and myself for our anniversary. When I called I requested a table by a window. "Sure, no problem", I was told. They even asked if we were celebrating a special occasion. Around noon on the date that we had the reservation for I received a call from Salty's confirming our reservation. I was impressed that they took the time to do this. Unfortunately, between the time of that phone call and when we arrived for dinner, our reservation somehow no longer existed in their system. There was one other reservation for someone with the same last name at the same time but ours wasn't there. They were able to seat us about 10 minutes later at a table way back near the kitchen. When I mentioned that I requested a window seat I was told that there weren't any available at that time. At this point I was steaming mad and we almost walked out. The hostess must have gone to her "superior" because a lady (who I assume was a manager, she never introduced herself) came to our table to explain what must have happened. "What probably happened was that someone probably called in to cancel a reservation and yours accidentally got cancelled instead." When I mentioned that I requested a table by the window I was told that "window tables are first come, first served". Hmm, maybe they should inform their hostesses (or whoever answers the phones to take the reservations) of this fact. In the meantime a table had been cleared by the window and the manager did ask if we'd like to move to it. Sure, that was fine, but the "Christmas Ships" were running on the Columbia that evening and by the time we did get our window table the boats had already passed by. We both ordered the fish and chips and no drinks (just water). I wasn't in the mood to give them any more of our money after the big mixup. Yes, the fish and chips were good, but not worth the $19.95 they charged per plate. I don't think we'll be making a return trip to Salty's anytime soon.
Amazing food by Jared H. at InsiderPages
Contributor
December 13, 2008
Salty's has by far the best seafood around. the fresh crab is great. the prices are high but not if you share you large meal with somone. Also the desert kind of sucks. I recommend everything except the dessert. Go across the river to Beaches after your meal and you have a perfect date.
A Publisher's take on Salty's
by luther19
December 07, 2008
I agree with others that say Salty's takes itself too seriously. The fee for spliting a plate is little much and gives the impression that this type of behavior is frowned upon. For me, personally I would suggest the River Place . The prices are little more accomodating. The ambience supperior to Salty's with tha addition of trees to a gorgeous view of the Coluimbia. The wait service personnel do not as if they are doing a favor to acept your money as they do at Salty's. And they have a piano player in the restaurant proper. --Much more customer friendly. However, If you have a stick up your rectum and want to give the impression of faux class, well Salty's is the place for you..
- Cons: pretentious
Outstanding
by lancebu
November 28, 2008
I thoroughly enjoyd Salty's the two times I went. It was wonderful, the fish was fresh and tasty. and . The service was great with several people checking in to see if you needed anything. The accompaniments of salads, soups and vegetables were all very good too. I think it is a wonderful place for a special occasion because of the view . It is a little more expensive than a place most could frequent but definitely worth it.
Regarding the previous review, the soda nor the iced tea had charges because of the refills and we all had 2 - 4 refills. I am very interested in trying it for lunch and I head their Sunday brunch was great too.
We called ahead because there was a birthday and they had a decoration at the table and a wonderful cake with candle. Special touches like this make a place memorable.
Get a second job to eat here
by cryslucid
October 14, 2008
My husband and I took a couple of friends to Salty's to try it for the first time. It looks like a wannabe upscale TGI Fridays. Not being very hungry we split the $20.00 cod fish and chips. We got two peices of Cod for $20!?! It was good but not $20 good. The waitress was horrible and rude. My husband finally got a refill on his soda when we were done with the meal. Oh then the best part... the check came.... $4.00 to split the 2 pieces of cod we got. Oh and rember the soda refill that finally came? an extra $2.75 for a soda refill!
It is unfortunate because the food was good but everything we went through with the bad service and outrageous prices, we are sure to NEVER go there again. Be warned
- Pros: tasty food
- Cons: VERY EXPESIVE - Bad service
Great Sunday brunch by Maureen C. at InsiderPages
Contributor
August 28, 2008
Love Salty's for special occasions. They know how to fix lobster and all other seafoods. They have fish and poultry too but you come for the fish. Their Sunday brunch is to die for. High priced but worth it.
