Skates on the Bay

Name: Skates on the Bay
Address: 100 Seawall Drive, Berkeley, CA, United States, 94710
Telephone: (510) 549-1900
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.3

4.3

6961 Reviews

$31 to $50

Seafood

Top Tags:

Skates on the Bay is a beautiful and historic waterfront gathering place for fresh seafood and unmatched views of the San Francisco Bay, offering lunch, brunch and dinner dining year-round. Originally opened in 1984 in the Berkeley Marina, the reimagined Skates on the Bay now boasts a modern and stunning decor, a new Raw Bar, elegant Private Dining Room and innovative local-driven menus.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 26, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 55 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Cuisines
Seafood, Steak, American
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm
Phone number
(510) 549-1900
Website
https://skatesonthebay.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Ryan Karsten
Catering
View our catering menu on our website. Email events@skatesonthebay.com for details.
Private party facilities
Our Private Dining Room offers groups (72 seated and 80 standing) the opportunity to enjoy their special event in a glass-walled private area, without compromising the breathtaking views that Skates on the Bay is known for. For menus and availability call (510) 549-1900 or submit an inquiry.
Private party contact
Jennifer Boland: (510) 549-1900

Location
100 Seawall Drive, Berkeley, CA 94710
Neighborhood
Berkeley
Cross street
University Ave.
Parking details
Public Lot
Public transit
The AC Transit, #9
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

100 San Francisco Bay Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Popular dishes

What 6,961 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.3

4.3 based on recent ratings

4.2Food
4.2Service
4.6Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

East Bay
Romantic
East Bay
Great for scenic views
East Bay
Most Booked

6,961 Reviews

L
Lilshopgrl126
San Francisco
18 reviews
5.0
18 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food4service5ambience4
Perfect place for a special occasion. We celebrated the teen’s bday and everything was perfect. Our waiter was great and attentive.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food was great. Service was very good. Tried the calamari as recommended. It was excellent. Diamond and gold margarita I would recommend as well. It did get noisy but we were never rushed.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Sacramento
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall3food5service2ambience5
Food was great. Service was just ok.
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M
Mykhaml
San Francisco
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on September 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Despite the receptionist having an attitude her it has been masked by Mark , our waiter. Mark is wonderful and the manager is accommodating. Good food. Love the place.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
Family dinner in memory of our mother! Received a special table tucked in a beautiful window seat watching wind surfers and sail boats! The server was very attentive and knowledgeable of the menu she also spent extra care of taking care of my granddaughters! The garlic focaccia bread was delicious and the big surprise was the Kung pow calamari it was fantastic a perfect option if you don’t eat meat! I will visit again soon!!!
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RE
RayE
Sacramento
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A wonderful lunch. The menu was wide, ranging, both in offerings and price. Definitely going back.
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L
Lori
San Francisco
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our waiter. Mark, was excellent. He was very attentive and very personable. We made reservations for skates after going to the Berkeley Playhouse. Dinner was wonderful and we had a great time.
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w
willstarr
San Francisco
136 reviews
vip
3.0
136 reviews
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall3food2service2ambience4
The server was overworked as and always in a rush. The food was mediocre at best and the noise level was way too loud.
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E
Eric
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on September 10, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience3
It was a bit noisy. The waitress appeared to rush the dinner by asking about dessert before we finished our main dish. She also left the bill prior to starting our dessert.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on September 9, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Brando was awesome!!!! He took such good care of us. We had great seats and it was a perfect lunch spot.
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TH
TomH
San Francisco
41 reviews
5.0
41 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our favorite fine dining establishment in all of the Bay Area. Bar none. From the fantastic Bay views from any seat in the house, to the outstanding cuisine served by a fantastic staff (shout out to Antwanette). You can't go wrong. Never have felt pressure to hurry up and go. It does get crowded. So, be sure to use OpenTable for a reservation. The only distraction is that one pays dearly for all of this. Which is why we reserve our patronage for special occasions. But, it's a great value compared to many of the other fine dining establishments in the Bay Area that for us at least, are steak in their reputation with little sizzle in reality.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Coastal Georgia
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 8, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Best ambiance and food combination we have experienced in a long time. Service was amazing- wish we remembered her name but we do know that she was originally from the Chicago area. She was attentive to our every need through every course. The food was amazing- oysters, crab legs, Shrimp and Crab Scampi and a beautiful bottle of the wine that our server recommended- Chateau St. Michelle Dry Riesling. Highly recommend.
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C
Cali4nya
San Francisco
18 reviews
3.0
18 reviews
Dined on September 7, 2023
overall3food2service3ambience4
The food tasted pretty good, although it was rather bland. One person in our party became quite ill that night with severe gastric distress. The service was good.
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DK
DianeK
San Francisco
13 reviews
vip
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on September 5, 2023
overall4food5service2ambience2
The food was excellent but the service was only fair. We had requested a window table to celebrate my daughter’s birthday with a sunset view. We were told on arrival that a window table wasn’t available. We waited about ten minutes to be seated at an internal table and then we were taken to a table that had only two settings and two chairs, we were a party of three, and we were left standing in the middle of the restaurant until they brought a third chair. We ordered three courses and my daughter’s birthday was never acknowledged. I ordered a coffee and asked for cream which wasn’t brought to our table for ten minutes by which time my coffee was almost cold. We ordered two cocktails which weren’t good, the wine and food were all excellent. We would hesitate to return because of the poor service. At the prices charged service should be excellent, reservations should be adhered to and special requests should be at least acknowledged.
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AB
ABCB
San Francisco
12 reviews
vip
3.0
12 reviews
Dined on September 4, 2023
overall3food4service3ambience2
It's a big restaurant, so don't expect an intimate dining experience. The fish dishes and the deserts were great, the salad so-so, and the wines overpriced. The views over the bay are the restaurant's main feature and worth coming for, esp. at sunset. Despite its size, the noise level was moderate, but the constant photo taking by some guests, and almost none because of the views, but of their plates and their table mates, was distracting.
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DM
DaveyMofCrockett
San Francisco
14 reviews
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on September 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We were celebrating, our 50th anniversary. As we have for several of them, over the years. We sat at a window seat, enjoying the awesome view of the Bay, San Fransico, Bay Bridge, Golden Gate, Angel Island, as well all the cities on the Marin Peninsula. Dinner was great, as it has been over all the 30 plus years, we have been going there. Our waiter David made the evening, exceptional! I noticed a lot of out of state license plates in the parking lot, Indicating the word is out, as a place to attend when visiting the Bay Area.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
St. Louis
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
With restaurants that have a view like this, I always anticipate the food being somewhat mid. That was absolutely not our experience! Everything we had was incredible.
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B
Benjie
San Francisco
48 reviews
5.0
48 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful view of the sunset to go with the excellent food. Service by Eva was outstanding.
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d
digsjazzalot
San Francisco
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on August 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service! Really enjoyed watching the sunset over the bay. The server to took care of us very well, the quality food here is always delicious.
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r
richardp
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 28, 2023
overall3food2service3ambience5
The food quality was average The same table seating was very nice. The service was average. Adding in the cost of living charge was unacceptable I think.
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TO
TORKE
Sacramento
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Great place to dine. Beautiful view of the Bay. Good value.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall2food3service1ambience3
Food is hit or miss. Service is consistently terrible. The view is amazing, but seem to always get bad very slow service Everytime we go.
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c
chuck
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Our server was terrific. I ordered hash, which was a mistake. I expected something different from the drippy concoction I wound up with. But overall, Skates was great, as it usually is. We're pretty faithful customers.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall1food2service1ambience2
i took my husband on a anniversary dinner at skates, made reservation for 6pm on a Sat night. the hostess sat us at the bar area even though i made reservation prior. We sat down at 6:10pm, ordered. drinks and some appetizers then ordered dinner food at 6:20pm. the drinks came pretty fast then my husband ordered his second drink when his 1st drink was half full. it took about 30 minutes till his 2nd drinks came and the hostess kept blaming the bartender for being slow. the appetizer took about 45 mins to show up and the waitress blamed the kitchen being slammed even though the tables next to us were all got their food. i asked the waitress like 4 times about our food and she kept saying the kitchen is slammed but didn’t really go to the kitchen to check on the food. at 7:45pm our food finally came but i lost my appetites along time ago as the tables next to us were left and the tables were cleared out. Paid 165 and feeling annoyed our anniversary dinner was completed ruined! i don’t think we will come back to Skate anymore! very very disappointed since we come eat on a regular bases. Don’t come to skates if you have any important events because you will be disappointed
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FD
FooDFun
San Francisco
27 reviews
vip
3.0
27 reviews
Dined on August 25, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience5
We were seated next to a large group of people who were celebrating, so we had a hard time hearing each other. Our waiter, Antonio, did his best to see that we enjoyed our meal nevertheless. He was great! Hubs ordered the beef sirloin which was cooked to perfection. Our friend ordered the mahi mahi and was equally impressed. I had the prime rib end cut, and was somewhat disappointed because I expected the touted rub to be more forward, which it was not. But maybe that’s what I get for ordering beef at a seafood restaurant! Overall, our visit was good and we’ll be back again for sure!
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MW
MsWanda
San Francisco
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on August 24, 2023
overall5food5service1ambience5
Our waitress was not friendly. We felt feeling rushed through the entire dining experience. She took our food order never asked if we wanted beverages. Our food came We had our food had to ask for bread. She brought the bill before asking if we wanted dessert. Her service was not a pleasant experience
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JI
JohnInSF
San Francisco
20 reviews
vip
5.0
20 reviews
Dined on August 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Been a while since I visited Skates and the fish was out of this world.
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LW
LindaW
San Francisco
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Skates always does an excellent job at providing the right dinning experience!
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RC
RickC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Food is great but even if it weren’t I would still come here for the view! Service is good but I could do without the server wearing rubber gloves—really creepy and like getting served at a cafeteria; not good.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Sacramento
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall2food1service1ambience1
Our experience was horrible. My husband‘s steak was dry. He asked for medium well my sister never got her Caesar salad and they did not refill her drinks. You have to ask multiple times for sprite. The waitress was overwhelmed with too many tables I believe because we got neglected and our bill was $268. It was not worth it at all. We should’ve gone somewhere else.
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DH
DeborahH
San Francisco
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
When we arrive for our reservation, they redirected us to a table at the bar. A bartender ended up taking our order and serving. The service was not greatly attentive. The food was delicious and everyone was doing what they could. Their situation was not ideal, so our hours was not either.
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RH
RobertH
San Francisco
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall3food3service3ambience1
Quality of service and food has been on a decline for a few years now. Portions are getting smaller and the food itself is becoming more and more basic. Poor value overall which is a great shame as Skates used to be a very elegant experience.
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R
Rgf49er
San Francisco
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Phenomenal experience that I was able to share with an old business partner. Great view, and the food was excellent. Service was superior and we had a great seat in order to see the sunset and the beautiful bay with sailboats. You could not tell that it was a windy evening on the water, which is not unusual. we were able to enjoy an excellent meal from beginning to end. Wine was spectacular and the seafood was lovely with only incident was the bus hit spilling sauces and water on me when he clear the table but the waitress handled it well and so did I. We moved tables and enjoyed our dessert. So much food and I brought home two desserts.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Second time visiting Skates. Can’t beat the views of the Bay! The food and service were outstanding.
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N
Nabb
Detroit
11 reviews
3.0
11 reviews
Dined on August 18, 2023
overall3food3service2ambience5
Location and restaurant are beautiful. Service and food was lacking. Service was slow, waitress was running around. My cocktail sat at the bar for 10 minutes and I had to ask about it before she brought it. One person’s food was cold and had to be remade. Two people got their food and I was sitting with no food for 10 minutes.
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KJ
KatyJ
San Francisco
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 16, 2023
overall3food2service1ambience4
Skates embarrassed me a little with an out-of-town friend who generously treated us to dinner. Apps and cocktails were pretty strong, but our waiter fired our entrees too fast and they came out before we were done with the first course. It was chaotic mess of plates and rushed. They should bring wipes or hot towels with the crab legs, so you don't have to go through the entire meal with a fishy napkin. They shouldn't take an 8 PM reservation if they're going to shut down the restaurant before your eyes. My friend didn't enjoy his shrimp. Our steak and chowder were decent, but not great, and how you manage to ruin an ice cream based dessert is beyond me, but they did. It was a joke. I want to love this place with its magnificent location and dining room, but filthy upholstered chairs, cleanser smell emanating into the bar from the bathrooms, low food quality, and amateur service gets in the way.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 15, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience4
Horrible service. Halibut overcooked and flavorless
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SF
SteakFoodie
San Francisco
110 reviews
vip
4.0
110 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
The venue is dated some areas covered with plastic tarp but the views are amazing. Checking in was seamless and service was good but expect a slight wait especially on busy weekends with great weather. The food was good. I wouldn’t get the prime rib hash again tho. The meat didn’t seem fresh. Everything else was fantastic. The salmon poke bowl could feed two people as well as the lemon ricotta pancakes. Great brunch experience overlooking the Bay.
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DA
DougA
San Francisco
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Consistent, Delicious and Fantastic Ambience! Love dining at Skates!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on August 13, 2023
overall1food3service2ambience1
I thought that a reservation would mean a guaranteed seat saved for you. turns out we only received ‘the only table available’
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Sealed or wrapped utensils used
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Skates on the Bay using the Order Online button. Skates on the Bay also offers delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Skates on the Bay also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (510) 549-1900.

Skates on the Bay is rated 4.3 stars by 6961 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Sep 26, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 55 times today

Order delivery or takeout

100 Seawall Drive, Berkeley, CA 94710

Additional information

Cross street
University Ave.
Neighborhood
Berkeley
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:30 am–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:30 am–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Seafood, Steak, American
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Public Lot
Public transit
The AC Transit, #9
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Ryan Karsten
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
https://skatesonthebay.com/
Phone number
(510) 549-1900
Catering
View our catering menu on our website. Email events@skatesonthebay.com for details.
Private party facilities
Our Private Dining Room offers groups (72 seated and 80 standing) the opportunity to enjoy their special event in a glass-walled private area, without compromising the breathtaking views that Skates on the Bay is known for. For menus and availability call (510) 549-1900 or submit an inquiry.
Private party contact
Jennifer Boland: (510) 549-1900

Featured in

100 San Francisco Bay Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Skates on the Bay

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Additional information

Featured in

100 San Francisco Bay Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Popular dishes

Kung Pao Calamari

Seafood Linguini

Seafood Bucatini

Menu

What 6,961 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

Does Skates on the Bay offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Skates on the Bay restaurant rated?

Is Skates on the Bay currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

100 San Francisco Bay Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day