Skates on the BayOutstandingOur waitress was wonderful Im bad with names but I do know shes been there for 28 years. In plus, we arrived to the restaurant a hour early and the host was able to seat us right then. WONDERFUL! !!6/14/2013 12:00:00 AMvery enjoyableI took our waitress's advice and ordered the Atlantic salmon. It was probably the best salmon I've had in a long time. The service was friendly and attentive. We didn't feel rushed.6/13/2013 12:00:00 AMDon't Skate By SkatesI’ve been here a number of times and have yet to be disappointed. While there’s a good selection of dishes I’ve always enjoyed the fish. Chef’s do and excellent job, perpetration is right on, and service is excellent,….and the view ahhhh!6/13/2013 12:00:00 AMSkates is GreatGreat food, although a bit expensive! We spilled water twice due to the heavy, large menus. It would be great if you fixed that!6/12/2013 12:00:00 AMLunch with a ViewMet a friend for lunch, picked the restaurant for the view and convenient location. Had the Crab sandwich and salad...loved it. Service was very friendly and attentive. Will definately come back.6/11/2013 12:00:00 AMchanges in serviceThe service was uneven; dishes meant to be eaten together came at widely different times. Too noisy for seniors. However, the food and the sunset trump it all!6/10/2013 12:00:00 AMSkates on the Bay Made My BirthdayMy aunt treated me and my family to a birthday dinner at Skates. Although we made last-minute reservations via OpenTable that morning, the staff was still able to accommodate us with a nice table. The ambiance was amazing and we loved watching the sun set as we dined. The food was delicious and even our teen-aged kids found the menu options to be acceptable. I would like to commend the waiters, who were personable, knowledgable and extremely attentive. We will definitely dine at Skates again as it's a great place to celebrate special occassions.6/10/2013 12:00:00 AMConsistentThe place to go to for good food, good service & good view. Been rather consistent so far.6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMvistas and victualsFor a dramatic sunset Skate's can't be beat. In addition to the views, sailboats blowing inches from the windows are startling.
THe clam chowder is one of the best I've tasted. The fresh Copper River Alaskan salmon was delectable, as was the key lime pie.
It's too much to ask, I guess, that in addition to all the pluses, diners could talk without shouting. The noise was deafening.6/5/2013 12:00:00 AMGood food, great viewsFood was very good, fantastic views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. Service left a little to be desired, food was a bit pricey, but well worth it.6/2/2013 12:00:00 AMAnniversary well spentSkates on the bay was an exceptional place for my wife and I to spend our 5th wedding anniversary. Our server, Matt was courteous and made sure we wanted for nothing. The food was excellent, I had the fish and chip (actual potato chips) and my wife had the copperhead salmon, both of which were delicious. We also sampled their sushi which was very good. Overall I would say it was a great experience, the view alone makes the trip worthwhile.6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMWorth the driveCame from the hot Sacramento Valley to enjoy a blissful and cool scenic view from this fabulous restaurant. The sunset view from the window seats cannot be matched as you are literally over the water's edge looking straight out to the Golden Gate, San Francisco, and the beautiful bay. I had the Copper River Salmon, cooked the perfection, and by far the best salmon I have EVER tasted. Well worth the price. My daughter was visiting UC Berkeley for only the day, flying back out in the morning and this was the perfect location to catch up. Easy to find, ample free parking.6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMHad a wonderful graduationHad a wonderful graduation dinner at Skates! Didn't seem like they had much space for large parties (and we were only 6), but everything else made up for it! Even if you can't get a seat by the window, the view is spectacular. We will definitely go back.5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMA Place for Special OccasionsAlways on the top of our list for a wonderful meal, great surroundings and a stellar view.
Creative specials and a well-rounded standard menu. For a special occasion, you couldn't pick a better place on the Bay.5/26/2013 12:00:00 AMPerfect!I went with my boyfriend and we had such an amazing time :) We were sitted by the window and had a beautiful view of the bay. The staff was so friendly! We pushed back our reservation a few times and they were all so accommodating and easy to work with. Amazing night :)5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMDinner by the BayExcellent meal with prompt, but not rushed service. Table service was perfect and food preparations outstanding.5/23/2013 12:00:00 AM45th BirthdayThe food was delicious. We had the crab cake appetizer and Prime Rib dinner. Our server was very accommodating. Eventhough there was just the two of us, I would have appreciated a table with a little more space and away from the water server station and where the drinkware was stored. My husband enjoyed the food and that was the ultimate goal. I wanted him to enjoy his celebration.5/22/2013 12:00:00 AMLunch ReviewGreat view, excellent service, most food was great, a couple of things were good. Wonderful.
Bread and Butter best I have ever had. Seafood Louie was good, not great. Rockfish Outstanding. Salmon really good. Lobster Bisque outstanding. Salad excellent. Bloody Mary was unique and good, not great. Lavender cosmo outstanding, Passion Mojito outstanding. Great sauces.5/22/2013 12:00:00 AMAwesome first time!I went here with two of my friends just cause we felt like going to a nice place, and we knew this place wouldn't disappoint us. And indeed, after an early dinner meal and some drinks, we left feeling happy. There is no doubt that this is an upscale restaurant, prices are steeper than the usual restaurants on the Berkeley campus. But for special occasions or you just feel like eating quality food, this is a place to go! Ordered their fish and chips mahi mahi, and my friends ordered the halibut and the salmon. All of which are good. The servings are not the biggest, but it should fill you up. The crab and artichoke dip is just simply amazing. The service staff, especially our server, is really nice here as well. Make a reservation too!5/21/2013 12:00:00 AMBay ViewA really nice view of the Bay and excellent service and food. Often a good view compromises the food, not true here. All of menu choices were great and a great experience. I have dined here many times when traveling to the area and take clients often. It does not disappoint.5/21/2013 12:00:00 AMAnnviersary dinnerCouldn't be happier with the service and quality we experienced at Skates! The price was well worth the wonderful time we had!5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMSunday BrunchThe restaurant was highly recommended to me by my daughter when I described a water view location in the Berkeley/Oakland area. I discovered a great place to meet a friend for brunch. The restaurant is really busy for Sunday brunch which suited our agenda to have a beautiful setting to share a chat for a couple of hours over a good meal. We enjoyed ourselves very much and the food was wonderful. Service is friendly and good. If you like hovering service, this may not be the place for you. However, if you want attentive service that checks to see if all is well and if you need another drink, etc., it should be perfect. I requested a window table and that request was honored. I will definitely go back . The views are outstanding.5/19/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat viewAlthough I called and emailed requesting a window table, twice by phone and once by email, as requested in the website, we did not get a direct window table.
However, the view is so spectacular, that it didn't matter. We still saw the view, which was a delight for my NY relatives who were visiting.
We particularly wanted steak and it was delicious, as were the scallops and the squid appetizer. Service was excellent.
I was really happy as were my guests.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat grad night dinnerWe started with Pacific oysters which were fresh and delicious. I followed with prime rib, and my daughter had the seared scallops. Both were accompanied with potatoes and veggie--sweetpea potatoes for her, garlic mashed for me. The prime rib was perfectly cooked, but room temperature upon service. And although salt encrusted, it was surprisingly not as flavorful as I had hoped. The seared scallops (three) were expertly cooked. Paired well with the suggested Davis Bynum chardonnay. The passionfruit mojito was a nice accompaniment as well. Apart from the food, the service was fairly good. We waited long periods without seeing the waitress, but it was just as well that she was busy so we could relax and enjoy the evening. Gorgeous view.5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMSunset DinnerOur out of town guests were so delighted! The view was perfect and the food was delicious! Pear Bread Pudding for dessert was fabulous! It's a new menu since the last time we were here, much better!5/13/2013 12:00:00 AMMother's Day BrunchThe food was very good, however I would have liked more entree options5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food with a spectacular viewCrab Artichoke dip is a must try dish. Seafood dishes are all excellent, well cooked with just the right amount of sauces and sides. The view anywhere in the restaurant is spectacular, even when it's foggy. Nothing to see after dark, but the food is worth it anyway. Make a reservation as this place can have quite the wait during peak meal times.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMBeautiful Day/Beautiful ViewLucky us to have an early dinner Mother's Day with a window seat and clear view of the Golden Gate in the sunset!
Our server was very nice and accommodating. The young lady who seated us was so kind as to get us an window seat.
We have have 4 or 5 nice experiences at Skates, though a little picey by the time you are out the door, well worth it for an occasion.
The food? Very good bisque, main dish was fish with very tasty onions on the plate. My wife had a filet, excellent and cooked just right.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food and fabulous serviceI had not been to Skates in years and apparently I had really missed it. My daughter and I were there for Mother's Day and I enjoyed everything about it. We went dutch, had a bar drink and fresh crab Benedict (which neither of us could finish!) for a very reasonable price and the best part was the server! She was a young, African-American woman who was just talkative enough, very cheery and very accommodating. Could not have asked for more. I wish I could remember her name because she was great --- deserves a raise! Funny and smiling all the time.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMLoved it! It was my firstLoved it! It was my first time there and the food was really good!5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMA terrific Mother's Day giftThe service was very good - greeted promptly, a friendly and happy waitress to our cocktail order taken within a couple of minutes, dinner order taken when the drinks arrived a few minutes later. The clam chowder was thick and delicious but not very many clam pieces. The steak was cooked perfectly rare which is unusual except at the top steak-houses. Major points for the chef - you made a woman very happy on Mother's Day!!! Overall it was well worth the cost of $100 in food, $40 in drinks and the $35 tip was well deserved for ending a very special day on a great note!!5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMSkates is a Winner AgainThe combination of delicious food, great service and a wonderful window seat made for the perfect dining experience. The occasion was for Mother's Day and I'm so glad Skates was our choice. It was a great way to start off my Mother's Day celebration. Our server was Scott and he never wrote down a thing yet our order was perfect even with all of our customized entrees! We will DEFINITELY be back.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMOpenTable on Mother's DayMy first time using OpenTable to make the reservation. I also called them to request a window seating. When we arrived they didn't have my reservation; they still gave us the window seating . The food was OK. I got the seafood Joe which was recommended by our attendant. Good.
My kids both got the salmon on mint-leaves salad. They both didn't like the dish. My wife got the prime rib, which was the best dish we had on that day. The prime rib was thick and really cooked to her order. My wife also got the mimosa pipe apple drink (recommended by our attendant), which she liked. The view was good . We didn't see the GGB because of the fog. The parking was not easy. Needed to wait for someone to leave. Our attendant was really good and attentive.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMTravelled a long distanceThe ambience of this restaurant was GREAT, I have wanted to bring my girl there for years. Food was better than last time, which I'll in turn call it delicious with a great portion.
I would recommend this restaurant to anyone wishing to share a special moment with great friends or a loved one.
***Don't forget a jacket, so as o enjoy a great walk on the wharf after dinner!***5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMFabulous viewI love Skates because of its nice view, good food and nice service, the only complain that I have is that it's impossible to get a window table!
I have been there many times, and every time requested a window table by calling them way in advance, but never got the chance to get what I asked for...
But overall it's a very nice restaurant specially if you stay there to watch the sunset :)5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat view and seafoodStopped in after watching the San Francisco Ballet. We live in Sacramento and it a great, relaxing stop. They have a well balance menu, but I love the seafood. I has a bowl of clam chowder and a couple dozen local muscles. That was a good meal, not to heavy to drive home on. Even my foodie daughter like Skates.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMmy favoriteI live in San Francisco and I always suggest Skates when making an East Bay date. It never fails.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMFood great - but loudSince I was seeing an old friend and we had a lot of catching up to do, having to wait 45 min. to order was slightly annoying. It was a Friday nite and we did get a window seat, watched a fabulous sunset. We had the fried oysters appetizer - delicious! The Romain salad was adequate. Had we impressed upon the waiter that we needed to get our order in we probably would have. It was a lovely evening and I'll return.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat viewGreat place to have lunch; food is well-prepared and served. Lunch portions are about right for those who are not heavy eaters. Apple crisp dessert was delicious.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways GreatNot only is the staff very nice and the food exceptional but the view is world class.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMFavorite restaurant by the BayGreat restaurant, a favorite for at least 18 years. You can dress up or dress casually. Seating is also available in the bar area, so you can watch a game on TV there if so desired. Prices do seem to be creeping up ($15+ crab and artichoke dip? Didn't order it for the first time the other day). The cherry pork chop was delicious though, as was the bread pudding dessert!4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat view and oysters!I came here on a reservation hoping to find a good seat saved for me and my girlfriend. It was our 1 1/2 year and we wanted a window seat and we pretty much got one of the best seats in the house, would come back for their oysters!4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMMy recollection of SkatesMy recollection of Skates from many years ago was one of a noisy, crowded restaurant serving mediocre food in a very nice view. It is much changed now from memory. It was a great Sunday brunch spot for us to meet and visit for a couple of hours with out-of-town friends on their way to Napa. Food was very nice prepared and served, and ambiance very relaxed and conversationally pleasant. Very good wait service.4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was exquisite andThe food was exquisite and full of flavor, as someone who is very particular about my food, i must say everything taste well. I can say That the prime rib could have had a little more work on presentation. It was quite unappealing and when it was first delivered to me my initial Reaction was "that's NOT what I had in mind" after all, we do it with our eyes as well. And when you are paying that much you expect a bit more effort on presentation. Server was informative but not attentive. We had to look around for quite awhile before she finally came to check on us to find that we needed a few things. I certainly reccomend the filet mignon. So beautifully plated.Over all, very very nice place, beautiful view, and Tastes great4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMMet friends visiting fromMet friends visiting from Florida to get a different perspective of our glorius Bay. Easy to get too, with plenty of parking. Servers were friendly and responsive. Food was very tasty with some interesting combinations - both fish and meat. Of course it could all be, location, location, location at sunset!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMWe love the food, serviceWe love the food, service and especially the view!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMA very special placeSkates is a fabulous find! My friend wanted to go there for her birthday lunch with our group of 4. From the moment we walked in the door, I knew this was a special place. The service is attentive and friendly without being overbearing; the menu listed both the name of the chef and sous chef which shows pride in their food (and rightfully so!) and the view is amazing!! Overall it was a delightful experience.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMTerrific happy hour - reallyTerrific happy hour - really good prices and selection on both food and drinks. Also a great place to take visitors to the Bay Area.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMViews, ViewsThe Sushi was bad, food is always mediocre. My friend had prime rib, it was ok. Yet, this is a favorite place to dine and I keep going back only for the VIEWS. Love the water and the walk on the Pier afterwards.4/19/2013 12:00:00 AMAs a repeat customer I amAs a repeat customer I am always happy with the food, and the attitude of the people is great.4/17/2013 12:00:00 AM