Emmett Watson's Oyster Bar
Nestled near a cloistered Pike Place Market courtyard, this small place has been a popular haunt for more than two decades. Its salmon soup recipe has been reprinted in magazines and newspapers all over the world. As if that weren't enough to guarantee being overrun by tourists, the prestigious James Beard Foundation in New York, arbiter of America's gastronomy, in 1998 conferred a special "regional distinction" award on the place.It seems odd today, but when Emmett Watson created this
(206) 462-3300
1916 Pike Pl Ste 16
Seattle,
WA
98101
47.609764
-122.342351
Neighborhoods: Pike Place Market, Downtown
Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:30am-7pm
Fri, Sat 11:30am-8pm
Sun 11:30am-6pm
Price:
$
Last updated 7.01.09
What People Are Saying About Emmett Watson's Oyster Bar
The Owner
Emmett Watson's Oyster Bar
Owner
One cannot think of Seattle without thinking of seafood. If you are in the mood for fresh oysters, mussels, clams or fresh salmon, prawns, fish and chips or chowder, then you must visit Emmett Watson's Oyster Bar in Pike Place Market.
Across the street from sweeping Puget Sound views, through the double doors north of the original Starbucks at the north end of the Market, Emmett's can be a tough find, but it's worth the hunt. Truly an original, Emmett's has character-blue and white picnic tablecloths; the menu itself written on brown paper bags and local college paraphernalia covering the walls.
Celebrating over 30 years in Pike Place Market, Emmett Watson's Oyster Bar offers incredibly reasonable prices. Prices on the oysters are so reasonable that it's always happy hour Emmett's.
For great seafood and a unique Seattle experience, see you at Emmett Watson's Oyster Bar!
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
When Emmett Watson created this spot it was the city's first oyster bar. Though first situated in a wee spot well off the Market's main drag, the oyster bar put Washington's oysters on the map and kick-started what is now one of the world's largest oyster industries. Even though its quarters are larger now, it's still a little dusty, a little shabby and a nice place to sip a brew.
The Food
When he has time, owner Thurm Bryant produces some of the city's best fish-and-chips. Often, however, he and his wife, Cathy, and their staff race to keep up with demand. He's been largely running the place since he was a teenager, so he knows his oysters and can be counted on to give honest opinions about what's good and what's not. The aioli-thickened salmon soup, created by Watson's friend and award-winning cookbook author Tina Bell Torrance, never fails.
User Reviews
trucktruck
August 10, 2008
The broiled oysters are great and the location hidden back in the market has a cool Seattle vibe. However we have stopped going there because the service is so bad. They automatically assume everyone is a tourist, as they never have a consistent seating structure or staff that knows what they are doing. For regulars this is a pain because you never know what you are going to get, yet if you try to seat yourself they get upset (even when they aren't busy and nobody is up front to help you). The service is also slow and disinterested, and can take quite a bit of time to receive another drink or the check. If you order broiled oysters they always annoyingly remind you that it will take time, yet from hearing them talk it's because the kitchen staff hates to make them and doesn't like schucking the oysters. Overall this place would have great potential if it just improved its service and standards.
read full reviewAnonymous
April 29, 2008
Emmet Watson the person was a true curmudgeon, but his namesake restaurant, on the other hand, is a great place to catch lunch in the Pike Place Market. It has the best cioppino hands down. And of course you get lovely crusty sourdough to go along with it.
read full reviewmisstinytee
July 08, 2007
My boyfriend and I went down to Pike Place today and were searching for someplace to eat. When we saw the menu printed on a brown paper lunch bag posted on the window we thought it was charming so we gave it a try. We were warmly greeted by the staff and headed outside to the outdoor dinning area. There were 3 empty tables so we sat at the only one that was clean. It took the waitress a while to give us our menus and when we realized the tree above our table had a bird in it we decided to move to a different table. When we moved to a table that seated 4, the waitress snapped at us and said "people are waiting for that table- you can't sit there, theres only two of you!" So we moved back to the table with the bird and the bird pooped on our table!!!!!!! To make matters worse we had already put in our order for two beers that took 15 minutes to get - meanwhile we had full view of the entrance to the restaurant and no other party had sat down for the entire time we had waited for our drinks to the time we finished our drinks. We were so upset that we didn't even try the food. I will never go back - which is too bad because the food smelled great and the had a chowder that sounded great!
read full reviewThe Details on Emmett Watson's Oyster Bar
Know Before You Go:
No credit cards are accepted; the market does have several onsite ATMs.
Category:
Payment Methods:
Check, Cash, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Outdoor Dining, People Watching, Lunch Spot, Cheap Eats
Cuisine:
Message from Emmett Watson's Oyster Bar
- 31 Years in Pike Place Market
- Fresh Oysters & Seafood
- Incredibly Reasonable Prices
One cannot think of Seattle without thinking of seafood. If you are in the mood for fresh oysters, mussels, clams or fresh salmon, prawns, fish and chips or chowder, then you must visit Emmett Watson's Oyster Bar in Pike Place Market.
Across the street from sweeping Puget Sound views, through the double doors north of the original Starbucks at the north end of the Market, Emmett's can be a tough find, but it's worth the hunt. Truly an original, Emmett's has character-blue and white picnic tablecloths; the menu itself written on brown paper bags and local college paraphernalia covering the walls.
Celebrating over 30 years in Pike Place Market, Emmett Watson's Oyster Bar offers incredibly reasonable prices. Prices on the oysters are so reasonable that it's always happy hour Emmett's.
For great seafood and a unique Seattle experience, see you at Emmett Watson's Oyster Bar!
