Skates on the Bay

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1. MM

   MerrillM

   San Francisco

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall3food3service1ambience4

   Got there when they opened at 11:30 for a Sunday Brunch. Seems like everyone got there at the same time. Maybe you should have a staggered reservation list. We were a large group of 9. We had 1 waiter, but he was also working many tables. Service was ridiculously slow. Waiter was not the friendliest, per a bit frazzled by all the diners in the restaurant. Perhaps the restaurant was short-staffed. Food was just ok, a little pricey

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2. r

   rgb123456

   San Francisco

   22 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   22 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   AAA 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111

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3. MT

   MaiT

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Really nice view and nice restaurant set up, the food it's fantastic, the service it's awesome.

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4. SB

   SB2022

   Portland

   10 reviews

   2.0

   10 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall2food5service1ambience3

   Beautiful location got there early before our reservation decided to have a drink & appetizer in bar - nobody got to us for 20 minutes and it was NOT busy. Had a taste of wine and was going to get a bottle but after the taste no waiter disappeared. We decided to see if we could get our dinner reservation earlier and just do that since no service was happening in bar. No problem they said but just a few minutes wait - ok. We waited while we watched the manager/host? (I guess)guy barking orders at bussers and folks about cleaning tables from across the room thinking wow if I worked here I’d be disenchanted with such treatment. I was embarrassed for him! We were seated within 10 minutes which was ok we were early however it took another while to get waiter to ask us what we’d like. Finally (after being the the restaurant for over an hour) we order a app & bottle of wine he came back and said they didn’t have that wine or 5-6 other bottles on menu so we ordered a bottle $30 higher in price. We got appetizer delish rainbow roll &ordered dinner. We poured our own wine as waiter was pretty unorganized he later came back and asked if we ordered the cioppino & lemon chicken we had not & we corrected our order. Got our salad and asked for some water & bread - finished our salad and asked again for bread. Dinner arrived it was also fabulous but no wine pour or water. We were told our waiter was off & another waiter would take over. Before we ordered dessert I asked for a manager & the yelling host told me not him but another woman who came to our table I tried to tell her our issues and she immediately got super defensive & told me I wasn’t getting any discount!! Never asked was going to suggest when the $48 bottle of wine is replaced with $78 bottle and service basically was non existent it would have gone a long way to do something The new water told us she was quitting and it was a tough place to work Very unfortunate as food was fantastic. need new manager!

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5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Francisco

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall5food4service4ambience4

   I love this place mostly for the views. The food is ok but the service is great. I made a reservation for 1pm and when we arrived they said it was for 12pm. I had my confirmation that said 1pm so I don’t understand why they received a reservation for a different time. I blame it on open table app but the staff at Skates were very accommodating.

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6. BJ

   BrittanyJ

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall3food3service4ambience4

   I really do love Skates on the Bay! Great ambiance, perfect view to catch the sunset during dinner. Unfortunately I have not been as satisfied with the food as of late. The lump crab cake tasted great, but texturally it was mushy and a little off putting to have a soft crab cake sitting on polenta. It felt like mush on top of mush in my mouth. Also the creme brulee wasnt as tasty as usual. It seemed as if they were using a vanilla flavoring instead of extract leaving the dessert lacking flavor. Also texturally, the sugar crust was not as crisp as most.

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7. DD

   DellaD

   San Francisco

   2 reviews

   3.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall3food3service4ambience3

   The meal was too salty we ordered the chicken dinner. The drinks were horrible too much juice and no liquor. You couldn’t taste the liquor in the drinks. It was not worth paying $17 for a drink. I ordered the mojito and I could mostly taste pineapple juice. My back was to the window so I didn’t get a view of outside without having to turn completely around.

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8. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Francisco

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall1food2service1ambience3

   Reserved a window table for my mother in laws Birthday dinner. We were told to wait on arrival and that no window tables were available. Once seated we waited 25minutes before walking to the hostess stand to request service. Once the waitress arrived she finally took our drink orders walking away mid order to grab something to write with. Our appetizer never arrived, the table of three had our orders mixed and we served with long gaps in between one entree and the next. We had to flag down a server to request silverware not provided. Soup arrived cold. No offers of desert menu much less acknowledgement of the birthday at the table specified in the reservation. Drink refills had to be requested from whomever we could catch fleeting eye contact with. When the bill arrived we politely requested to speak with a manager for feedback on our experience. We were told they couldn’t locate the manager and when the manager caught up with us on our way out she had food in her mouth and made nothing, but excuse for the lack of service blaming us for not requesting a manager earlier. We used to love and frequent this restaurant for our special occasions, but they have forever lost our patronage with last nights dinning fiasco. I would no longer request this restaurant due to poor management and a lack of staff training.

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9. AF

   AprilF

   San Francisco

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall3food2service5ambience5

   Lobster was overcooked and chewy. Steak over cooked. Drinks were watered down. Appetizers were excellent Reported to management and they replaced steak but did not discount the Lobster. Our server Martha was amazing

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10. F

    Festus

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Have been here a few times before and it is always good. Our waiter (wish I could remember his name) was outstanding on a very busy night. The guy at the entrance was so kind and was so excited to find us great table. My two business friends were very impressed. Good for business. We got seated right away with our reservation and watched the sun set over San Francisco and the Golden Gate bridge. And the food was excellent. We started with the Calamari (unique spin), beef tips and fried shrimp. All great! I got the grilled Salmon which was perfect. My companions were thrilled with their dishes as well. I will keep going back.

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11. n

    nickname

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food4service3ambience5

    foods come slow. rice is average. very nice view of sea

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12. PA

    PATF

    Atlanta

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall1food3service1ambience1

    Our table was placed in front of a window where the shade was broken so my CFO, CEO and VP of HR visiting from out of town were basically blinded by the sun in their eyes nearly through the entire meal. Service was slow and not very attentive. They did not have my first white wine selection in spite of the fact they they only had about 8 white wines on the menu.

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13. EC

    EdwardC

    Sacramento

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent service , great food.

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14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New Orleans

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 7, 2022

    overall3food2service5ambience5

    Family reunion

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15. MB

    MarkB

    San Francisco

    22 reviews

    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on August 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Love this place!

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16. RB

    RobertB

    Phoenix

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Excellent food and service. Location is just beautiful. Highly recommend.

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17. BL

    BethL

    Sacramento

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We celebrated my birthday with a window table. The food was delicious and the service was warm and well timed. Our first visit and we couldn’t have been happier.

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18. S

    Satisfied

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    We ordered grilled halibut and prime rib. The halibut was very good, moist, but the portion was on the small side, given the price. The prime rib was quite fatty and didn't have the unique taste that prime rib should have, although that might have been my fault as I ordered it as medium rather than medium rare. We had reservations for 7 pm and got a small round side table near the bar, which was a bit strange, but at least it had a view of the Bay Bridge and SF skyline. There was a wedding party there and it seemed that they had reserved the party room near the bar as we heard loud bass for a while while eating. Was a little distracting so we're glad it stopped after a while. All in all, the dinner was pleasant enough and the food pretty good, but for the cost, we'll try somewhere else next time. Btw, about 30 years ago, I remember eating the best swordfish steak I have ever had at Skates. Wish they would bring that back on the menu!

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19. N

    Nellie

    San Francisco

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 6, 2022

    overall3food2service2ambience4

    Service was very slow...had to wave down the waitress for drink order and was served one plate of bread for a group of 9 ppl. Food value vs. price was not a good. I asked for cheesy grits with my salmon dish instead of potatoes...and I was given a tablespoon size portion.

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20. KB

    KathleenB

    San Francisco

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2022

    overall4food3service4ambience4

    I was disappointed in the limited menu options.

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21. C

    Charles

    Tahoe

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 2, 2022

    overall1food2service1ambience1

    The service was not ok. We felt ignored and we will not be going back

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22. KL

    KevinL

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our waitress Ciara was very accommodating and provided outstanding service. She was there when we needed something and absent when we were talking among ourselves. We already decided we’re coming back and will ask for her section if she is working.

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23. MM

    MargaretM

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 1, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    We were seated at a window table in the bar area. Service was EXCELLENT! Food was ok, not the best but not the worst either. Pre-dinner Margarita was scrumptious. We both ordered fish—very good, grilled to perfection; the dish included some grilled vegetables—fair, and rice—good.

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24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Overall had a terrific dining experience and also a great place to walk after dinner!

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25. RH

    RenH

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 31, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    Food is good, but it is little pricey. I am ok with it because it has a pretty good environment. I would come back next time.

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26. W

    Wanda

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 31, 2022

    overall2food1service2ambience4

    I ordered crab Benedict, the egg over cooked, returned it and it came back with no muffins and watery. Still got charged. The worst I’ve ever had, I’ve been a restaurant Mgr and have never had such worst Benedict before. So disappointed because I invited and bragged about this place.

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27. GL

    GabrielleL

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 31, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience3

    Entrees were delicious! Very generous portions. Champagne was great. Service was a little lagging for drinks.

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28. EA

    EALC

    Exclusive

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Fantastic food in a wonderful restaurant. Each plate looks as wonderful as it tasted. Of course, the views of the bay cannot be beat. Staff is attentive and considerate. Current restrictions means the tables are further apart than in the past, allowing easy access throughout the restaurant and also reducing the overall noise due to few people in the space.

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29. LJ

    LadyJ

    Central Coast

    13 reviews

    3.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2022

    overall3food3service1ambience4

    I literally had to help our server do her job. The only thing she offered was water. Plus she was incredibly slow. She spent most of the night saying “I’m sorry” as I constantly had to ask for things she should have been offering. As a regular I know what to expect. Today my Godmother and I were there in honor of my Godfather and her late husband. We lost him last year to Cancer. Skates was his favorite restaurant and today is his birthday. Our family has hosted many events at Skates including celebrating his birthday and other family members. Today did my represent the Skates we’re accustomed to. Over the years, we’ve been there more times than we can keep track of. The food was only okay (some overcooked) and the service sub par. Quite the disappointed and definitely not the norm.

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30. K

    Kell

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience4

    Service was sloppy. Food and view were great.

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31. AA

    AllieA

    San Francisco

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 30, 2022

    overall3food4service1ambience4

    Food was delicious. Service was not up to par at all. Soup was delivered without any spoons. Bread was delivered after all the soup was eaten. Had many “accidental” drinks and food delivered to our table.

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32. TE

    TresaE

    San Francisco

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    The website was misleading about the experience. It shows a "white table cloth" kind of place, but the reality is several notches below. The food and service were good (although we had to request 3 different wines before they were able to provide one that was in stock). We received our entrees and dessert quickly. Portions and presentation were fine. Prices were about right in relation to other restaurants in these inflationary times.

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33. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 30, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience4

    It is a nice location rt on the water... beautiful actually.... We just waited awhile after being seated till someone realized nobody was helping us. Our server was great actually, when she took over our table. Our food was just "OK", we definitely had better for half the price. We can afford a great meal in a classy place ,but it was just lacking that class to me. We had very noisy people talking over us that were seated all around us after I booked our reservation on a window view overlooking the water. Overall I'd still give it a 3 ★ Probably won't be coming back though... 🙄

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34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 29, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    Our experience was pretty grand. Our server Leo was amazing he was very attentive and accommodating us in every form in fashion. I had the Alaskan halibut and my friend had the filet mignon. We both enjoyed the Alaskan halibut especially me because I was able to share with my child instead of ordering from the kids meal which was not instantly available in the beginning for the menus but once acquired everything was fine. The ambiance was incredible! we both love the clashing waves and the gorgeous sunset views by the waterfront window areas. Our lemon drops were lovely and sweet and I definitely will return back either for another special occasion or maybe even a date. Thank you skates

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35. H

    pH123

    San Francisco

    44 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience5

    Go there for the view, but enjoy excellent seafood and service.

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36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    My wife birthday.

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37. MV

    MisterVC

    San Francisco

    11 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on July 26, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience5

    Spectacular views. Nice surroundings. Food is not the primary reason to go here.

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38. e

    erikb

    Tahoe

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I went here on a Monday night with my girlfriend around 8pm and even though they were short staffed, the food came out relatively fast. The view from our table was amazing for watching the sunset and the food was fantastic. When we left my girlfriend said to me "finally we found a good sea food spot where they know how to cook". I will definitely be coming back.

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39. JK

    JoeK

    San Francisco

    1 review

    vip
    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 25, 2022

    overall3food1service3ambience4

    The food was shockingly bad, especially given the prices. The manager was very nice and apologized but not sure I’ll ever go back.

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40. EH

    EbonyH

    San Francisco

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 25, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience2

    We were not offered bread and butter we had to ask for it. Other guest who came after us received their appetizers and meal before us. We waited almost a hour for our items. We asked for well done Wagu and it was not well done. The drinks were awesome and we had some laughs but other than that, it wasnt worth the almost $300 spent. Also when you walk into the resteraunt the bathrooms smell . Or atleast there is a smell that is not good. The waiter wasnt as attentive as he should have been to expect a $56 tip. We have around $40 but though he had a great personality he was not nearly as attentive as one would expect for a resteraunt like that. I expected much better and would have been dissapointed if the drinks wernt so good.

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