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Walrus and the Carpenter, Seattle, WA

Walrus and the Carpenter

4.7 (398)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
4743 Ballard Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107

Make a reservation

2 people
10:00 PM

About this restaurant

  • Romantic
  • Innovative
  • Good for special occasions
***We do not take reservations during regular service but do offer them for Valentine's Day weekend, February 12th-16th. On all other days, please just stop in and we will seat you as soon as possible***

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....

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Seafood, Oyster Bar
  • Hours of operation
    Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • 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

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What 398 people are saying

Walrus and the Carpenter reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7
4.7 based on all time ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Seattle / Eastern Washington

    Romantic

  • Seattle

    Romantic

  • Seattle

    Good for special occasions

398 Reviews
  1. Ryan VIP

    Las Vegas3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place can’t wait to come back. Must visit both spots

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  2. Lauren VIP

    Seattle / Eastern Washington3 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on February 17, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Very expensive for small portions and service was not attentive. I am always happy to give a gratuity but an automatic 22% gratuity for slow service isn’t acceptable. Oysters were ok/didn’t blow me away. Restaurant also ran out of multiple dishes on the menu which is frustrating when portions are already small.

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  3. Jillian VIP

    Nashville25 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Amazing food. Tight seating space so if you're looking for an intimate setting this isn't for you. Super lively and upbeat atmosphere.

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  4. sally VIP

    Seattle / Eastern Washington27 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was delicious!! Atmosphere was excellent. A win all around.

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  5. Sam

    Chicago / Illinois1 review

    1.0

    Dined on February 16, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 2
    The food was subpar and overpriced. And that’s before you account for the 22% service charge, which goes directly to the restaurant, not the staff. Was a disappointing dinner and would highly recommend spending your money elsewhere.

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  6. Maryam

    Seattle / Eastern Washington1 review

    5.0

    Dined on January 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The prix fixed menu was excellent. Service was amazing

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  7. HalB

    Seattle / Eastern Washington2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 15, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Perfection! Super friendly staff and amazing food!

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  8. JamesL VIP

    Seattle / Eastern Washington43 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 15, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Classical good. The MP oysters were absolutely perfect. Clams, tartare & foie for dessert.

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  9. SheriB VIP

    Alabama9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 14, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Our meal and server were excellent! We ate at the bar. At first eight by the door and it was freezing every time the door opened. They were so nice and let us move to another spot at the bar when one opened up. The food was over the top perfect! Got the seafood tower. It was delicious and a good value. We split the short rib entree and it also was delish!

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  10. PNWFoodCritic

    Jacksonville / Northeast Florida4 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on February 12, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Stick to the raw oysters, the food is below average to average.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Walrus and the Carpenter is rated 4.7 stars by 398 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Seattle / Eastern Washington
  4. Seattle
  5. Ballard

Make a reservation

2 people
10:00 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
    Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • 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
  • 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
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