Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Seattle / Eastern Washington
  4. Seattle
  5. Ballard
Walrus and the Carpenter, Seattle, WA

Walrus and the Carpenter

4.7
4.7
384 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
*We do not take reservations for any party size*
Fishing pub meets restaurant. This bustling neighborhood restaurant specializes in oysters and other seafood dishes. Using nothing but the freshest ingredients, Chef Taylor Thomas creates seasonal food. The Walrus and the Carpenter also serves wine, smart cocktails, beer and cider. It makes an ideal after-hours hangout spot. Enjoy some fried oysters with a cold beer, surrounded by cozy rustic furnishings. If you prefer an alternative to seafood, look no further than the steak tartare, which comes with thinly sliced rye toast and egg yolk. Launched in 2010 to rave reviews, The Walrus and the Carpenter is open daily from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

We hope to see you soon! Until we meet at the table....

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American, Seafood, Oyster Bar

  • Hours of operation

    Daily 4:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (206) 395-9227

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Owned/operated by

    Women

  • Neighborhood

    Ballard

  • Cross street

    Ballard Ave. NW

  • Parking details

    There is paid street parking in front, a paid lot just up the block from us, and back in angle parking behind us on Shilshole Ave.

  • Additional

    Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 384 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Seattle / Eastern Washington

    Contemporary American

  • Seattle

    Hot spot

  • Seattle

    Contemporary American

Sort by

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and drinks were absolutely WONDERFUL and the service was spectacular. Our waitstaff was kind, fun and knowledgeable! Will go back again and again!
  2. EricO

    St. Louis

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best places in Seattle. Service and food is always on point.
  3. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Made reservations for Valentines Day and it was absolutely perfect! Always a great date spot, so intimate yet inviting! Will be again and again and again!
  4. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good seat at the counter next to bushels of beautiful oysters. Well prepared dishes and very good service made it a lovely dinner.
  5. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great and friendly service. Food arrived quickly and well prepared. It was delicious!
  6. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Special occasion only unless You can afford 200 bill
  7. KathyF

    Seattle

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed everything we ate. We'll be back, there are a few things there we still want to try.
  8. AmandaG

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic oysters. Great service from Joe at the bar - although I would have loved to be down on the side where the shucking was happening, it was fun to watch drinks being made as well. Well-sized portions for the price point. Only regret: not getting the bread pudding for dessert!
  9. DarthVintner

    Seattle

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience1
    Great prix fix menu for NYE - loved the whole experience. We roasted under the heat lamps outdoors and could barely hear each other over the low roar of the crowd, but the food was exquisite and we will definitely be coming back after the holidays for the 'normal' experience
  10. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love the Walrus and the Carpenter on all days but they went all out for NYE. Wonderful experience beginning to end.
  11. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    NYE dinner was absolutely amazing. One of the best restaurants I’ve been to in Seattle
  12. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We decided to have a nice dinner out away from our one year old. A rarity for new parents. We love coming here and knew service and the food would be top quality. The pre-fixed menu was so divine. We opted to choose our own adventure for drinks. Every course was nicely portioned, and so delicious. From the orange wine, to the red wine brisket everything was perfection. The service was also stacked and the pro’s were clearly running the show. We felt well taken care of and enjoyed our New Year’s Eve date night. 11/10 would dine again, and again.
  13. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing customer service and food! We ordered the course tasting, food proportions were quite large but not sure many would complain. Noise is a bit loud, but to be expected with the layout.
  14. JohnW

    Seattle

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Great food, got progressively better, pretty small portions but interesting and subtle flavors. Definitely similar (and better) dishes happening at other Seattle restaurants for lower prices per dish. My biggest complaint is overall dining comfort. Why do a lot of good/high end Seattle restaurants want their patrons to sit on hard cold metal chairs and wood benches? Renee Erikson has how many spots in this city? Why all of them have seating like a prison food hall. I'm paying good money, let me be comfortable and relax while I eat your $19 beets. Dining out is such a nice treat, especially during COVID and the service is excellent. Please let me feel welcome to stay be investing in a cushion or better seating overall.
  15. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband had been here before and he was so excited to come back! He was right! Everything about dining here was spectacular. The staff was friendly, accommodating, and informational. The food was perfection. Would recommend to anyone in the Seattle area every time.
  16. TamaraZ

    San Francisco

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect place for foodies. Well-balanced menu, perfectly prepared dishes. Love it!
  17. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    NYE 2021 date with my love.
  18. AlexC

    Seattle

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Had a great NYE experience- awesome food and service. Only downside was the bar seating… it was extremely packed and pretty loud. But still had a great time.
  19. SarahM

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 19, 2021

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    The scallops were delicious as was the duck confit.
  20. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 17, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had the best experience and meal ever! The service was outstanding and the food was even better. We ordered a bunch of different things off the menu; all were amazing. But the stand outs were the tomato salad, oysters, halibut collar and the bread with the butter! Can’t wait to go back.
  21. Debra

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 17, 2021

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Dinner was delicious and all of our servers were excellent. Would absolutely return.
  22. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place is a gem in every aspect. Outstanding quality with simple ingredients- timeless in every way.
  23. ThomasF

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 15, 2021

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    Two out of three of us like oysters and the 3rd person doesn’t like raw food and can’t eat dairy so he felt the entree offerings were limited-he got the halibut collar which was ok but not much meat to it. We then ordered the fried oysters which were good. The raw oysters were very good for the two of us.
  24. RebeccaP

    Tampa

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great oysters! A wonderful waitress offered strong recommendations.
  25. YigalE

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is my favorite restaurant in the Seattle area. Never miss a visit when I'm in town, and they never disappoint.
  26. Isiw

    Chicago

    34 reviews

    4.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on July 14, 2021

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    Well ... as noted many places, they oysters were excellent. Fresh, sweet, briny ... each as described. Some of the dishes were notable: the scallops crudo stood out, although the rockfish crudo might be more accurately described as a rockfish ceviche. Sadly, what stood out even more was an oppressive feeling of money-makng. To start with, it's expensive. $4 per oyster, $6 for one rather measly plate of bread. $6 for sparkling water, too frequently and energetically poured. These dishes are small. They may be announced as "designed for sharing" but if you're two people you'll be ordering 4 dishes at least, which will set you back $80 + tip before you've begun. Those scallops crudo are three delightful mouthfuls for $18. The grilled sardines were an especial disappointment. There were sardines, and they may have been grilled, but it was hard to tell because they were drowned in half walnuts (we had to hunt for the sardine pieces) and a nice shallot/oil/parsley dressing. Service was brisk and mostly interested in clearing, pouring, and taking orders. It felt more like being in a well-oiled processing operation than a hospitable restaurant. On the plus side, plenty of energy in the room, a lovely space, and a great-looking bar.
  27. julieg

    Seattle

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 14, 2021

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Someone forgot one of our plates and we waited a while for it. Food was really good though.
  28. DavidA

    Indiana

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on July 13, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service and atmosphere. Loved the food. Would definitely recommend and go back again.
  29. bretg

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 13, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service. The freshest and most innovative food in Seattle. Very cool vibe
  30. DiannaC

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 12, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Fantastic food, great staff, and the dishes were very unique with great presentation. The noise level was a little high for me, but my eighteen year old daughters loved it and were caught up in the playlist. Really fun.
  31. LisaF

    Seattle

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 11, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I love W&C for its innovative, fresh take on raw everything. I can get high quality oysters many places, but it's their scallop crudo and steak tartare that brings me back again and again. Their seasonal melon was excellent - fruit was perfectly ripe, and nuoc cham enhanced but did not overwhelm. Their wine list is well priced and pairs very well with the food. My only criticism is that the music level is so loud you have to shout to hear your dinner companions, even in the outdoor dining space. I am also sorry to hear they will be dispensing with reservations later this month, as I will not travel 45 minutes across town to wait in line and possibly never get seated. Hope they reconsider this policy.
  32. OpenTable Diner

    Phoenix

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 11, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect birthday oyster spot. Bathroom labyrinth is a bit creepy.
  33. KristiL

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 11, 2021

    overall4food5service5ambience2
    The food and service at Walrus and the Carpenter is excellent. They know their food and the atmosphere is exuberant. It just wasn’t the right call for a romantic birthday dinner, as we could hardly hear each other and the next table was inches away. But for a fun start to a special evening or a night out with friends, it’s perfect.
  34. 11111

    Seattle

    7 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 10, 2021

    overall3food4service4ambience2
    The oysters were excellent!! Service was great. Only negatives - This place is small....very small. We were seated so close to people next to us. This was out of our comfort zone due to Covid. The restrictions are lifted so the restaurant is compliant but I would consider this factor if you like some space. On the higher priced side also but everything we ordered was delicious!
  35. fatboy

    Anchorage

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 10, 2021

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    Very good with all current restrictions in place. Look forward to coming back under "normal" circumstances.
  36. xyzee

    Washington DC

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Great place and great food. Can’t get better oysters.
  37. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 9, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic experience. The oysters and others dishes were outstanding. The bread delicious. We thought we were in Paris ! An air of France ! Service was great! We loved the place!
  38. AmandaM

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 8, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Came to celebrate my boyfriends new job and had a wonderful time. Food was very good.
  39. ErinS

    Seattle

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 8, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible oysters as always. I can always count on this restaurant group to expose me to new oysters I haven't previously had that are the freshest. Simple, but thoughtful menu.
  40. Fernando

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 8, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Superb food with great ambiance. Oystets and modern seafood.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Walrus and the Carpenter using the Order Online button.

Walrus and the Carpenter is rated 4.7 stars by 384 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Google Map for Walrus and the Carpenter

4743 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Ballard Ave. NW

  • Neighborhood

    Ballard

  • Hours of operation

    Daily 4:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American, Seafood, Oyster Bar

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Parking details

    There is paid street parking in front, a paid lot just up the block from us, and back in angle parking behind us on Shilshole Ave.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Owned/operated by

    Women

  • Additional

    Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo