Salty's On The Columbia River

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3839 Ne Marine Dr, Portland, OR 97211 (at 33rd Drive)
Portland, OR 97211

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(503) 288-4444
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Salty's On The Columbia River - Portland, OR
Salty's On The Columbia River - Portland, OR
Salty's On The Columbia River - Portland, OR
Salty's On The Columbia River - Portland, OR
Salty's On The Columbia River - Portland, OR
Salty's On The Columbia River - Portland, OR
Salty's On The Columbia River - Portland, OR
Salty's On The Columbia River - Portland, OR
Salty's On The Columbia River - Portland, OR
Salty's On The Columbia River - Portland, OR
Salty's On The Columbia River - Portland, OR
Salty's On The Columbia River - Portland, OR
Salty's On The Columbia River - Portland, OR
Salty's On The Columbia River - Portland, OR
Salty's On The Columbia River - Portland, OR
Salty's On The Columbia River - Portland, OR
Salty's On The Columbia River - Portland, OR
Salty's On The Columbia River - Portland, OR
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( 21 )

Best

As always they did it again 100% Plus. Always beyond expectations!! I can not say enough about the -- People -- Service -- Food and Atmosphere!! We will be back at every opportuni...

Worst

The service was not as good as we expected. It was slow and we felt ignored. The food was okay, not great. They still have some work to do to bring this place up to snuff. The...

Not worth the $$ 10/8/2007

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 more

Friendly Service 8/14/2007

After dining at the Seattle location, we decided to try the Salty's in Portland. I prefer the Seattle view of city lights and the bay, but view of the river was busy with fishermen, geese, boaters. The food was good but what really impressed us was the service. Everyone was genuine and welcoming. The smoked salmon was delicious, the cioppino was good but could have had more spice/heat, and the desserts were fun- comfort food sweets with nice presentations. more

Best Sunday brunch 8/1/2007

After our favorite Beaverton Sunday brunch restaurant closed, we heard about Salty's. We have been there twice and loved the food and experience. We received excellent service by the same waiter (name begins w/letter J & he wears glasses). We will definitely be back for the Sunday brunch. Pros: Sunday Brunch Cons: Tables & chairs placed too close together. more

Not So High Class 7/27/2007

I work at a local hotel and although I had not actually eaten at Saltys, I always recommend it to our guests. The other night my boyfriend and I decided to eat there. When we first walked in the hostesses seemed uninviting and snobish. Not being a big fan of seafood, I had the top sirloin with garlic mashed potatoes. This dish came thirty minutes after ordering, poorly displayed and to hot to eat. The ten ounce steak was slapped onto a thin slab of potatoes, and filled with whole green and lima beans. I asked for my steak to be very well done, but the first and last bites were bloody and red. The potatoes were filled with skins, which was odd and horrible texture wise. I had to eat little bites to make the potatoes last my entire steak and half my beans were still hard. After eating, we waited another fifteen minutes for our check before I finally asked someone else for it. Eighty dollars later and I was ready to yell at our waitress, who was rude, unprofessional, a looked sloppy and like she just got out of bed. I will never recommended Salty's on the Columbia River to anyone again, nor will I be eating there. Pros: Nice location, would make a great house Cons: Bad sevice, food and prices more

Bring your out-of-town guests here. 7/2/2007

Salty's brunch is memorable. I've never seen such a wide variety of delicious food in one place. The view is to be enjoyed almost as much as the food. A must for taking visitors. more

Best seafood in Portland with a view! 7/2/2007

We think this place is the best for seafood in Portland or Vancouver (which is just across the river) and on top of that it has a great view of the Columbia. We have a great time every time we go - the servers are friendly and helpful. The seafood dishes are made with finesse and style. You can always find the latest and greatest fresh fish in season - halibut or salmon or mussels and oysters. They have huge appetizers you can share - coconut prawns anyone?with calamari and salmon cakes. Tops. Steaks are prime (which my husband loves). The wine list has tons of Pinot Noir - everything you could want. The desserts are killer great - Key Lime Pie - wow! Have I said enough? The parking is free! They probably handle large groups better than anyone else. Very popular place - so be sure to make a reservation! Pros: Mouth-watering great seafood. Cons: Be sure to make a reservation! more

Eat At Your Own Risk!!! 4/23/2007

My husband and I went for our first Sunday brunch there. To our surprise, there was no menu option--it's only buffet. This was the first big disappointment. It was elbow-to-elbow crowded (which was a surprise considering how dismal the food and service was). They definitely had a large selection: steamed king crab, iced snow crab and shrimp, fruits, breads, pre-made eggs benedict, made-to-order omelets/crepes, etc. I tried some steamed king, which was luke warm, rubbery, almost flavorless; then tried the pre-made egg benedict, which was leathery and also luke warm. I tried the mini-croissants. They were very good. My husband tried a made-to-order omelet, which was inedible, then a made-to-order raspberry crepe, which was just as bad. We ordered bloody marys. When we got them, they were literally undrinkable. They were bright red (as though they'd added food color) and tasted like stale generic watered-down tomato juice. We sent them back and asked for the mimosas that come with the buffet. The mimosa was just as bad: The champagne was so cheap it was acrid and had no bubbles it was so flat; the OJ was so watered down it had no pulp and very little orange color. The waitress acted annoyed to have to deal with us the three times she even bothered (including the time she dropped off the ticket). I had to get up to get my own crab fork after they bussed my used one and didn't replace it. This is seriously the 2nd worst breakfast we've ever tasted in our lives; the first was at a B&B in England, where the food was so horrible that we tried to slip it under the table to their geriatric cocker spaniel, but the dog refused to eat it. This buffet was $30! Are they kidding?! Any brunch place in Portland, you can order a fresh plate from the kitchen for less than that (and it'll be EDIBLE). Two hours later, I had horrible cramps followed by an afternoon of horrible loose stools. By dinnertime I was fine, so I assume that it was the brunch crab that caused it. Cons: Horrible food, bad service, expensive more

Best Sunday Brunch any where in Portland, OR 3/15/2007

The best variety of seafood. There was nothing I tried that didn't have exquisite taste. Don't put it off, dine at Salty's. more

Superb food, friendly and efficient service, great drinks at the bar. 2/22/2007

Had Spanish and Moroccan coffees as good as Huber's and grilled ahi and crab cakes that were simply excellent. The bartender was friendly and helpful with recommendations. Romantic with spectacular views of the river. more

Great View - OK seafood 11/20/2006

I have been to Salty's twice, both when traveling on business and I felt as though I got caught in a business travelers trap. The view is great - but the food is just ok - my standards are high however as I eat at excellent restaurants on a regular basis. I would not make a special trip to Salty's (due the the number of great food elswhere in Portland) but would eat there again if in the immediate area (as there are limited choices). more

Mother's Day Brunch 6/28/2006

We took my mom to Salty's infamous Mother's Day brunch and weren't disappointed. We had a table for 6 and they accomodated us nicely. However, this is the resteraunt's busiest weekend of the year and it was CROWDED!! The tables were pretty compacted together and they limit your dining time to an hour and a half. The food was great but the lines for it (especially the made to order items like crepes and omelets) were LONG! The chocolate fountain is really a nice touch and the pastry selection is great. The crab legs were plentiful and stocked and the mimosas are included with brunch, which made it worth the hefty $25 per person price tag. I would be more inclined to go back to brunch (which is served year round) on a less busy weekend. more

It Was A Date To Remember 5/27/2006

After being apart for 16 years, my high school sweetheart flew in to meet me to see if there were any sparks to be rekindled. At the hotel we picked up a card with a description of Salty's and decided to go for lunch. Upon arriving we thought we were underdressed but felt very comfortable with the atmosphere. We enjoyed the seating out on the deck and the view was amazing. The staff was very courteous and accommodated us to the dinner of our choice while lunch was still being served. The lobster was fantastic! Overall the food was expensive but I felt it was well worth the money. The setting and the company I was with made it the perfect date! Pros: Courteous Staff, Great Food, Fantastic View Cons: Expensive more

Almost a forgotten place for us locals 3/17/2006

I bet almost all the business this restaurant gets is from tourists and business travellers......which is quite unfortunate! This is a great place with a fabulous location. The food is great, the service is amazing. The only complaint I have is that there are no inexpensive alternatives for dinner. If you want an entree - be prepared to pay over $20. You can make do with a salad and chowder or appetizers, but, if you just want a smaller portion forget it. They do have a great kids menu for 5.95 - very reasonable and high quality. The desserts are to die for. Imagine a grand marnier cheesecake with fresh strawberries! Mmmmm. The drinks were top notch - not too salty or sweet. The best time to check this place out is on a Saturday happy hour when the weather is nice so you can sit outside. Pros: Service Cons: Expensive dinners more

Salty's exceeded my expectations. 11/19/2005

When I first heard of this place, I pictured a seedy waterfront tavern. To my surprise Salty's has a cozy, almost upscale feel and a great view of the Columbia river. Every dish we tried from the Poached Pear, Rouge Blue & Candied Walnut Salad to the Dungenous Crab Stuffed Salmon to the Almond Crusted Snapper with Carmelized Shallot Mashed Potatoes were quite good. The live jazz trio added a great ambiance and the wine list was extensive and reasonably priced. Great after dinner drink selection and valet parking available. The service was perfectly fine. I was pleasantly surprised. Pros: View, Wine List, Fresh Seafood more

Nice view, but overpriced 9/14/2005

Went here in August 2005 with some family members. From the looks of the place, you wouldn't think it was ""fine"" dining. But when the cheapest entree is $19, you quickly see that. I ordered a $16 ""small plate"" of salmon. Quite delicious, but just not very much food for the price. The decor is very 1970s, but there is a nice view of the Columbia. I would rather go to McMeniman's and have their pub food on the river as opposed to Salty's seafood (tasty, but too expensive). $3 for a bottle of beer is too much. Service was OK. more

Crab without the hassle 8/22/2005

We visited from Michigan, having read the other reviews. We were seated promptly after moving our reservation about an hour later than originally planned. The crab and artichoke dip had so much crab (without the hassle)! The calamari appetizer was tender and delicious. Salmon stuffed with Dungeness crab was another ""no hassle"" treat. The halibut cheeks were yummy, too. Our son (age 11) devoured the fish and chips. Great view of the river (even an after our original reservation) and superb wine list. A great choice all around. Pros: view, fresh seafood, wine more

Great date with husband and kids! 8/5/2005

We were blown away with the service ,food quality and attention to detail. I wanted a romantic date spot and my sitter backed out at the last minute. I called and made the correct RSV. My kids and I dressed up and took daddy on a date he really needed. We fell in love with eachother and our kids all over again. We got to choose from 3 tables to make sure we were comfortable and could hear the fab jazz. THe best part is the other guest (wearing jeans or cocktail dresses-go Oregonians) enjoyed my kids too! Pros: kid friendly, great seating, great hostess more

Happy Hour or Brunch always a winner 2/18/2005

Moving here recently from Seattle we were delighted to find a Saltys here. We hoped it would meet the expectations created by the Alki Beach Seattle location. WE WERE NOT DISAPPOINTED. The blackened Caesar Salad special during happy hour is phenomenal! Don't miss the chowder with a splash of sherry on top. The Sunday brunch is a favorite of all friends that come into town to visit, complete with the chocolate waterfall and oysters... The waitstaff is awesome and the ambiance is great. It is actually a great place to take kids as well~ Don't miss the Brunch it is worth every penny Pros: view, parking, food more

Great Ambience 12/27/2004

Have tried many of the top buffets in the area. This one is very good, especially if you like seafood. The food quality is quite good. If you are not as much of a seafood fan, you might not like it as well. Service was a bit spotty, but acceptable. Strawberry waffles were to die for! Pros: View, food more

Not going back... 8/4/2004

We usually will give a place a second chance, but not this time. The only good thing about the evening was the view and being with great friends. The service was fair and the food was just OK. For the prices they charge, we'll stick to Jake's and forego the view. I guess it would be a good place to go for just drinks.... Pros: view Cons: , prices, service more
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Menu for Salty's On The Columbia River


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Perched above the Columbia River, this seafood spot offers a majestic view with its two-story decks and walls of windows.

Owner Message
  • Voted Best Portland Seafood Restaurant on Citysearch.com, Salty's on the Columbia River is truly in a class by itself. We bend over backwards to please you with award-winning fresh Northwest seafood and friendly service. Anchored on the river with sweeping views of the mighty Columbia and majestic Mt. Hood, every seat at Salty's offers a view with two-story decks and walls of windows. Enjoy live Dungeness crab and Maine lobster to world-famous Alaskan salmon and halibut in season, oysters and clams from Northwest beaches or USDA prime aged charbroiled steaks, pasta, chicken or salads and sandwiches. Our award-winning Sunday Brunch is like none you've seen elsewhere. It's no wonder we win best Portland brunch on Citysearch. Sip on cocktails and listen to live jazz with Mel Brown in our Happy Hour Bar locals love. We open our decks in season to make al fresco dining fun in the sun.

Editorial
  • In Short
    Tourists and locals alike come in droves; even with reservations, you may have a 20-minute wait on a weeknight. The decor has a decidedly Northwestern flavor, from fishing lures...

  • 5/18/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Mon-Fri 5pm-10pm Sat 4:30pm-10pm Sun 5pm-10pm
  • Payments: American Express, Discover, Master Card, Visa
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