I recently returned from Seattle, WA.  The trip was short but full of fun and activity.  The locals are nice and very helpful.  (When I visit from out of state that is the first thing I notice).  The food, shopping, and sights were unmatched compared to other downtown areas I have visited within the US thus far.  It is not a stretch to say it is my favorite.  Not all was perfect, however.

After spending a long day chasing every tourist attraction I could find I decided to give my running shoes a rest.  I wanted to experience the 'good life' for one night.  After doing research on google I made reservations for a restaurant with very good reviews.  Lucky for me it was located just a few miles from downtown.  They indicated breathtaking panoramic views with an upscale atmosphere so I was really looking forward to it.

Upon arrival I was suddenly stricken with a feeling of dejavue (sp?).  It looked like a scene from the movie 'As Good As It Gets'.  Jack Nicholson was walking up the steps and Helen Hunt was sitting inside the bar.  If I were a 'betting' person I would place money on it being filmed there.  Perhaps I will watch that movie again to see if I am right.  If not, it is very similar.  I thought that was 'kinda' fun.

Being from out of town I miscalculated the drive.  We were approximately thirty minutes early.  (No traffic, go figure).  It gave us time to tour the restaurant and compare what the reviews had to say.  They were mostly dead on.  There was jazzy live music playing in the lounge/bar.  The setting was perfect for a romantic evening.  It was a large open space with slightly dimmed lighting. I couldn't wait to 'belly up to the bar' and check out the menu.  I ordered a pomegranate martini because it sounded good.  It wasn't.  Call me spoiled but it was nothing compared to what I have had.  I am of the opinion if you are going to charge that much for a drink there should be more effort put into it than adding 'simple' syrup to vodka.  My husband had a gin martini.  He was happy but consider it was probably the second one he has had in his lifetime.

The seating was impressive to say the least.  Large windows are across the back of the restaurant with views of downtown Seattle.  It sits right on the water's edge.  We probably got the best seats in the house.  The lights reflecting off the water and views of the skyline were amazing! 

The experience went down hill from there- I ordered wine.  It was overpriced and awful.  They should have been embarrassed to serve it.  My husband asked, "So what about it do you not like?"  When you take a small sip and the alcohol goes up your nose and makes you squint 'real hard' that is not a good sign.  I asked the waitress to recommend one and described what I was looking for.  She knew nothing about wine but recommended the 'house' wine.  It was even worse.  I wouldn't be complaining if I weren't spending so much...

Apparently the young waitress was overwhelmed by her work load.  The four tables she was serving with a total of nine people was too much for her to handle.  I was a waitress when I was younger so that irritated me.  If we had been at Denny's I would not have given it a second thought.  (No, I didn't work at Denny's).

By the time the appetizers arrived they were room temperature.  You could tell they had been sitting around for a while.  Maybe it wouldn't have been so bad if they hadn't been oysters.  I was disappointed to say the least.  It gets worse.

I wanted to really enjoy the experience so I ordered steak and lobster.  It may have been a little 'over the top' but how many times will I be in Seattle?  Why not enjoy it to the fullest?  Texas is known for having good steaks so I will give them a break on not knowing how to cook one properly.  However, the lobster was nothing to brag about either.  My husband ordered the salmon.  He said it wasn't as good as what I make at home.  "Thanks Dear."

Overall it wasn't a horrible experience.  The atmosphere was good and the company was great.  But for the money I would recommend Ruth's Chris or Chamberlains in Texas.

I am writing this review for two reasons- 1) I want to give a realistic review of this restaurant in google searches.  "No, puking rainbows here."  2) I told them I was going to.

My suggestion is to go there.  Order a beer.  Look out the window and enjoy the band.

The pics are not good quality but you get the idea.

 Salty's

 My new boyfriend Woody.

Pomegranate Martini- What's with the glass?

Gin Martini- Much Better.

What I look like through Tony's eyes after that one Gin Martini!

Panoramic view from the window at our table!