Boat Bar

Renee Erickson made her name serving Seattle's seafood, and takes a new spin on the same at this cool, marble-topped ode to Parisian fish and shellfish bistros. The menu offers seafood both raw and cooked, as well as meaty continental classics like steak tartare and a burger (and steaks borrowed from Bateau next door). Seafoam-green seats pop with color from the white walls in front of the long L-shape bar and tables that surround it.

Boat Bar oozes understated chicness, with sea-foam green chairs, chevron tile floors, and crisp white countertops accented with gold fixtures. It feels like the hippest oyster bar under the sea, but like it also it went to grad school in Paris on its way to Capitol Hill. Renee Erickson opened Seattle's quintessential modern oyster bar with Walrus and the Carpenter, and here, Seattle's star chef found a way to improve even on that.

We have to admit, an aerial shot of oysters at Bar Melusine above the seafoam green and white tiled floor looks pretty damn aesthetically pleasing. But it’s not worth it to order an entire ice tray full of expensive oysters only for some likes on Instagram. The non-oyster food here is excellent, which we’d expect from the sister restaurant to Walrus And The Carpenter and Bateau.

Any list of Seattle’s best restaurants might include one of a half dozen of the spots from Renee Erickson and her Sea Creatures group, each with European elegance, Pacific Northwest core, and a lively coolness. But Boat Bar, the seafoam and white ode to the French coast and its fruits de mer, marries the chilled oyster bar vibes of Erickson’s breakout star Walrus and the Carpenter to the hip, beefy Bateau right next door. Fresh-shucked shellfish, seafood platters, and clam dip share the menu with artful salads, steak tartare, and a burger.

It’s just that she owns a lot of the best oyster restaurants in Seattle given her dedication to the shellfish. Boat Bar used to be called Bar Melusine, but they rebranded during the pandemic and positioned it more as the bar of their connecting steakhouse, Bateau (which has one of Seattle’s best burgers, by the way). You’ll find a more limited menu than what was available at Bar Melusine, but luckily oysters on the half shell are still a focus.

Boat Bar is a vibrant spot known for its relaxed, nautical-themed atmosphere and a diverse menu that emphasizes fresh and flavorful ingredients. The bar offers a range of options, including creative cocktails, craft beers, and a selection of small plates and entrees that cater to various tastes. The focus is on providing a casual yet engaging environment where guests can enjoy a laid-back dining and drinking experience.

Boat Bar opened in 2020 and has graced the Seattle restaurant scene with tasty meals and well-rounded interiors. The restaurant is decorated with gleeful greens and white accents, creating a refreshing space with a bright ambiance. The food is French-inspired, with a menu that changes daily to fit with seasonal changes.

They have plenty of oysters to choose from, seafood crudo, as well as craft cocktails and bright white wines. They also have happy hour every day from 5-6 PM. Boat Bar was formerly Bar Melusine and is next to Bateau, the French steakhouse.

Even if the food and drinks weren’t delicious (which they are) the bright and vibrant interior would make us happy all on its own.