Hi Everyone,

Some last minute input please. Arriving in Seattle tomorrow (Saturday)around 4pm. Have a hotel downtown. Would like to find a low to mid-priced restaurant in walking distance with a water view. I have read about Cutter's--do you need a reservation for Sat. night? Silly question, perhaps! Any restaurants with a view that will NOT require reservations? We are pretty open on type of cuisine but would prefer something more unique to Seattle.

Also, Salty's on Alki Beach says on their website they will provide transport from our hotel--does anyone recommend that?

Thanks for your help.

If Salty's will arrange transport, it would be a good choice. Not the best food in the world, but wonderful view of the city back across Elliott Bay (thus sunset and Olympic Mts. silhouettes to your back.)

Otherwise I'd recommend the Bell Street Diner (at the Pier 66 cruise terminal downtown) over Cutter's, or Elliott's Oyster House on Pier 56 (near the foot of the Pike St. Hillclimb) for good views and better food than Cutter's. Or if you want cheaper yet on the central waterfront, the Crab Pot, Salmon Cooker or Ivar's take-away are reliable and fun, and you can sit outdoors and enjoy the view. Don't expect great cuisine, but they sell so much fish it's almost always pretty fresh.

Also with a view at the Market are the Pink Door (outside deck - Italian) or Place Pigalle (French-ish) but a reservation may be needed at PP.

Hmm, I don't think of Salty's as low to mid price (most seafood entrees are high 20s and up).

I'd go with Bell Street Diner--good seafood and a view but not as expensive. If you don't want to call for a reservation, it's probably not a bad idea to at least have your hotel concierge call for you when you get into town. They have beepers so you can go walk around the waterfront if you have to wait in any event.

I like Cutters a lot! They have a fantastic view and a large menu. It's a big restaurant, with loads of NW choices and decent service (not sure about reservations).

I also like Anthony's for the same reasons, they have both casual and more formal rooms.

Or, if the weather's clear, you could simply stroll along the Waterfront and see what appeals to you?

I've heard good things about Bell Street Diner but haven't been.

I don't consider Salty's low to mid priced either.

Thanks to all of you for your informed feedback. Your suggestions are very helpful and exactly what I was hoping for!!

You don't need to go to West Seattle (Salty's) to have great seafood in Seattle.

You've got some good suggestions to which I would add Shucker's--located in the Olympic Fairmont Hotel. It has a cozy atmosphere and entrees on the "fresh board" last week were in the $23 range.

Enjooy.

I agree that Salty's is not "low to mid range" (plus, except for the fantastic view, I don't think the food is all that good) and while the food is good at Cutters, I'm not so sure that qualifies in that price range either. My problem with Cutters is the noise, but if that doesn't bother you, it might be a good choice. Don't know about reservations, but you might try on line.

Cutters, and most of the other places mentioned, can be booked on line at www.opentable.com

Thanks again to all. We will skip Cutter's and Salty's and try some of your suggestions!