Overview

Oyster Cellar, tucked away on 1st Avenue in Seattle, stands out as an inviting oyster bar that masterfully combines fresh, thoughtfully sourced seafood with a cozy, historic atmosphere. The interior, housed in an old building, adds character that complements the tactile pleasure of cracking open a dozen oysters during their well-loved happy hour. This spot is perfect for both casual gatherings and those seeking a refined yet approachable seafood experience.

The menu showcases a dynamic selection with highlights like the Happy Hour Oysters Dozen, a staple that draws locals and visitors alike. Equally compelling are the creative small plates such as the Crab Toast and Albacore Crudo—each crafted with care and showcasing the kitchen’s emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The bread and toast offerings, including Focaccia and Boquerones Pate, provide a rich textural contrast that pairs brilliantly with the briny oysters and vibrant seafood dishes.

Oyster Cellar doesn’t just excel with food; its beverage program offers a well-rounded selection of cocktails and non-alcoholic options. Classic cocktails like the Vodka Martini, Negroni, and Vesper sit alongside lighter choices such as sparkling rosé and seasonal shrubs. The thoughtful inclusion of kombucha and Mexican Coke caters to diverse palates, fostering an inclusive dining environment.

What sets Oyster Cellar apart is the warm, interactive experience at the bar. Patrons are encouraged to engage with the bartenders and chefs, who bring creativity and care to each dish and drink. This fluidity ensures the menu always reflects the best of what’s available, making every visit feel fresh and unique.

Oyster Cellar’s space is intimate and lively, perfect for oyster lovers and seafood enthusiasts who appreciate a genuine, unpretentious environment. While busy nights—especially during game days—can lead to a slight wait, the attentive service and quality fare more than compensate for any delay.

Ultimately, Oyster Cellar is an essential Seattle destination for those drawn to exceptional oysters and innovative seafood offerings served in a spirited, historic setting. Whether you’re unwinding with a dozen oysters at happy hour or exploring the rotating menu, this oyster bar offers a memorable slice of Seattle’s vibrant culinary scene.


Amenities & Services

Popular for
Dinner
Solo dining
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Happy-hour drinks
Small plates
Wine
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy

What Customers Say

E Griffin
Mar 25,2026
5/5
Finally got to check out this spot for happy hour. Extremely reasonable prices on oysters and I loved their fresh daiquiri of the day. The old building adds a very cool atmosphere to a great experience.
Matthew Love
Mar 25,2026
5/5
You've got to stop in, belly up to the bar & chat with the bartender and chef who will be making so many things right there; everything is rotating and fresh depending on what's available. You can be assured that there will be plenty of thoughtful creative offerings year round.
Kristina N
Mar 25,2026
4/5
We came during a game day, so this probably influenced the service we got. There was only two servers/bartenders and one guy doing all the food orders. We got in around 5:30, sat at the bar and pretty much put in our food order. I think around 10mins later, we could put in our drink orders which came out faster than the food. The food, we didn’t get until about an hour or so later. It got busy around the time we came in. Oysters, salmon tartare, and focaccia were good. Skip the tuna salad, the burrata was more like mozzarella by the time we got it. I think if we came back, it would be a less busy time but they were really backed up from a Mariners game and people (like us) going to the Seahawks game.
Cindy Thai
Mar 25,2026
5/5
The atmosphere and food was delicious! Dante, our server, was fantastic and gave great recommendations for oysters. Would highly recommend again
carlos borges
Mar 25,2026
5/5
Made a stop here during happy hour on a recent visit to Seattle. The chef's selection of oysters was fantastic. They served the oysters with a fermented Fresno pepper hot sauce that was one of the best hot sauces I've ever had. I had the halibut ceviche that was served with house made nachos. It was a very generous portion for the price. I had the Boquerones toast which was ok. There was a little too much going on in the plate for my taste. I had the Ceasar which was also a very generous portion. I had everything with a kombucha drink that was fantastic. This is a great oyster bar in a very unassuming space that I'd return to again and again.
Susan Schiferl
Mar 25,2026
5/5
Wonderful happy hour, insanely fresh oysters, and fun flavor combos for all of the dishes. We loved the albacore crudo-- the chili crunch had nutty seeds, and was topped with herbs that were so gently cut they tasted like they were still growing. The cocktails were playful and perfectly balanced! The daiquiris were smooth, and the oyster martini was a fun surprise.
Tim Smith
Mar 25,2026
5/5
Great spot to visit while in Seattle. Awesome atmosphere, great food and good people. Oysters are fresh and shucked right in front of you if you sit at the bar. The cocktails are spot on along with the seafood! Can't go wrong with this spot, happy hour is a great deal. Highly recommended.
Mackers
Mar 25,2026
5/5
Kind of an old school sort of faded windows atmosphere at this happy hour friendly Seattle oyster joint. I came and was served very promptly during happy hour and tried their oysters ($2 per) and albacore in chili oil. Both were so tasty. Oysters were plump, juicy, and brine, and the mignonette added a nice touch. The chili oil and flavor of the fresh albacore were dynamite. Well priced, and the chef was very friendly too. This is the kind of place i would go back to over and over again if I lived in Seattle.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 12:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Thursday 12:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Friday 12:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Saturday 12:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Sunday Closed
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