Rider Reviews

Company dinner after a conference, best choice we made! Staff was amazing, Johnathan went above and beyond to make sure our dietary needs were met and took his time to explain the menu when we had questions. The rest of staff was on point! Everyone was so happy and welcoming. Great service and amazing food! Loved the Fish dip!

We went here for an early birthday dinner for 4. Sat first in the bar to have some of the happy hour and immediately were moved to our table in the still empty restaurent only to learn after moving we couldnt get the happy hour pricing we started with...oh well....we're at our table now so let's enjoy the evening. Dinner was great. Octopus. Pork belly. A few drinks. Then we get the bill. We surprisingly learned there was an automatic 20% tip even though a table for four. Usually tip 15-20% but would like the option to decide. Plus lots of "extra" little fees around drinks for pouring and being "up" along with pricier than average drink costs that helped add up to a $640 bill that just seemed excessive for what it was. Unfortunately enough of a turn off that we probably won't be back too soon. Review would be 5 stars if we hadn't been left feeling we had been taken for a ride.

We had a wonderful dinner at Rider's. Service was great, and food was delicious. I started off with an espresso martini, which I enjoyed. We had hamachi tuna and lollo rosa salad. Both were good. I had seabass as my main course, which was exceptional. I am particular as far as seafood, and I was very pleased with the way this was cooked and with the presentation. Skin was crispy; fish was moist and flavorful. My husband ordered chicken, and he also liked it. We plan to return.

Not many places are open on a Sunday evening in downtown Seattle. We saw Rider down the street from the movie theater and it looked so inviting! We had beers and gourmet fries at the bar and stayed for over an hour. We got wonderful service from Kellen the bartender and a fun chat to boot. I’ll be back Rider!

Just great staff and delish food! Above and beyond service from Marissa and her two compatriots! Would highly recommend

We had not been to Rider since before it closed for a long time during the pandemic and they do not seem to have missed a beat. We met out of town friends for dinner because it was close to their hotel. My wife and I shared the Bouillabaisse for 2 and it was delicious. 2 big pieces of fish and lots of clams and mussels. They should have used 2 jumbo shrimp instead of 2 langastinos, which are pretty but are 50% inedible head and claws and a very small edible tail. The broth was the best I have ever had and was great with the toast slice included with the dish. We also shared and enjoyed the endive red oak salad and a mousse and ice cream desert. Service was prompt and professional from Staci D. We could have used some additional bread with our soup but they charge $9 extra for bread ($11.70 with tax and tip), an annoying custom that is ever more common. A mandatory 20% tip added to the bill so we did not leave anything additional. We had a bottle of Chateau San Michelle Chardonnay with the usual 400% markup and the total bill was $195 so don't go here for an economy dinner.

Rider was truly an amazing experience from start to finish. From the moment we arrived, the hospitality was exceptional. A huge thank-you to Cece, the host, who graciously accommodated a last-minute reservation on my birthday. She was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and genuinely pleasant—setting the perfect tone for the evening right away. Our server, Matthew, was absolutely incredible. His recommendations were spot-on, his service was warm and engaging, and he represented the restaurant at an exceptionally high level. He made us feel taken care of without ever feeling rushed, and his knowledge and enthusiasm really elevated the experience. The food was unbelievable—true gourmet dining. The mussels and clams were outstanding, and the short rib entrée was on another level—rich, perfectly prepared, and memorable. What really stood out was the team atmosphere. Every staff member we encountered was friendly and professional, clearly working together as a cohesive and positive team. You can feel that culture the moment you’re there. A special mention to Abi, the manager, who is a wonderful representative of the entire staff. She ensured our experience was truly top-notch and went above and beyond—just like the rest of the team—to make my birthday feel special and memorable. I would highly recommend Rider to anyone. Come not only for the incredible food from Michelin-star talent, but also for the exceptional, high-quality service standard that makes the entire experience truly stand out. We’ll absolutely be back.

Good Happy hour. Try the Rider Burger, carbonara fries, charred carrots & the drink of you choice. Adam, server extraordinaire makes the Rider experience. Website says - "Opening May 2, 2023" Be an insider, they are open NOW.

We dined here several times while staying at favourite boutique hotel. Staff were always welcoming and warm. Favourite dishes were fried cauliflower and grilled shrimp. Dined multiple times to try dishes. Staff always informed us of tip included on bill. Only disappointment is there closed for private party tonight! Good happy hour wine.

We decided Rider as it was in the Hotel we were staying at. We had concert Tickets and figured it would be better to eat at a restaurant then at the Ball Park. It started with being sat at the worst table in the place by a hostess who cared more about her Phone than doing her job. I suggested another open table as the place was half full and got attitude. After being seated It took 20Min to be waited on and another 15Min to get the initial drink. Food order, (Burger Fries x2) took 40Min to arrive and when it did arrive it was cold. Should have sent it back but we were starting to run out of time. Bathroom is 2 floors up and when you get there you need a code, so down you go to get a code. When bill arrived there was 20% added on for a service charge. This is a place I would have left zero tip.. It would have been better to eat at T-Mobile park . I would have paid less and had better service. Stay away!

Popped in for dinner, randomly from the street. Had a an incredible meal. The service was even better. Just incredible food and service. I was served by Staci. Wonderful. That's it.

Greeted very nicely upon entering. Started out great. The server was very nice and then trailed off in the middle of service. Ordered a $66 filet medium, which they cooked any remaining juices out of, to ensure it was the consistency of beef Jerky with the crust of the burnt items found inside the bottom of an oven. Super burnt, super dry, lacking seasoning. I am very disappointed with the kitchen staff.

Good Place for Brunch. We went for Easter brunch and really enjoyed the food and service. The Bellini was the only shortcoming in the whole experience. We ordered the Parker house rolls which were excellent along with a Caesar salad which also was good. We had the ocean omelette which was full of seafood and cheese and eggs Benedict made with smoked Salmon. Restaurant was casual and laid back. Service was very good.

Went here for a pre-theater brunch this past weekend. We were promptly seated and served. Minor disappointment was that they were out of Bloody Mary mix, which apparently is made in-house and had all been used up the day before (!). Other than that it was a good experience - we all had eggs benedict, which was expertly prepared, and one in our party had the clam chowder, which they said was tasty. The restaurant was surprisingly empty for mid-day on a Sunday, hopefully they're busy at other times, as we will definitely be back. Oh, and before you leave, check out the lobby of the Hotel Theodore (which the restaurant is attached to), it's a really pretty space that I did not know of before dining at Rider.

This was the third chance we gave Rider to redeem itself. This was our hangout prior to 2020 since it is in our neighborhood. Delicious, affordable , a variety of menu options with a hint of regionalism. We were soooo looking forward to their reopen after the pandemic. Gave it a go in mid-2023 and was sorely disappointed. Service with slow and not caring. Food, simple burger, was so bland especially for the price. We gave up for a year to let them regain their footing. No better in 2024. Decided to give them one more chance late 2025. Went for happy hour menu. Wow. Still disappointing lack of variety, flavor. We give up. I think they have also.

Great atmosphere and wonderful service! The staff was friendly and attentive--our waitress even helped me choose a tasty red wine when I couldnt decide--and everything coming from the kitchen was quality and damn delicious! Would definitely recommend.

Rider is awesome! It was my boyfriends birthday and they made an effort to make it extra special. Tony was my server and he was AMAZING. The manager (I think she was the manager) even came over and wished him happy birthday with a glass of champagne and was very kind. My interaction with the hostess was very brief but she was also great. My boyfriend eats Kosher, and Tony and the kitchen staff made sure no butter or dairy was cross- contaminated into his food, which can be an issue when we eat out, but wasn’t at Rider. And the food was AWESOME!

Food was good and the people were friendly, but that’s the best I can say. The service was slow. On top of that not only did they unexpectedly add a mandatory 20% service fee to my bill, but they had the nerve to ask for a tip on the bill as well. Again, food was good, but be warned.

I was initially excited to try this restaurant because the menu looked great. While the service was top tier, the unannounced auto gratuity was completely shocking. Our server would have received a full 20% but a policy of adding it without informing diners is despicable and deceptive. The wood-fired/smoked menu makes the entire place smell like a campfire and it’s hard to get the scent out of your clothes and hair. After spending over $300, we became horribly ill within hours. When we notified the food and beverage manager the next day, he interrogated us, was unapologetic, and showed no concern for our wellbeing. I was sick for more than 12 hours ruining an entire day of our trip. We did not ask for a refund but an offer to comp the seafood dish that made us sick or at least an apology would have been polite and a demonstration of proper service. The burnt aroma of the restaurant wafts through the entire hotel. I was nauseous every time I left the hotel room because the restaurant smell reminded me of the wickedness that food caused to course through my body. Between sickness, surprise charges, and the manager’s lack of concern, I cannot recommend this restaurant.

We decided to leave the cooking behind this year and celebrate Thanksgiving at Rider in Seattle — and honestly? No drama, just dramatic food and drinks! From the moment that bright, apple cider cocktail hit the table, we knew we were in for something special. The buffet was overflowing with all the favorites: glazed ham, turkey with the silkiest sage gravy, crispy Brussels sprouts, green bean casserole, sweet potato with truffle & honey (!!), and the dreamiest delicata squash ravioli. The vibes were cozy, festive, and absolutely delicious. Rider turned Thanksgiving into an experience — warm service, beautiful plates, and flavors that made the whole meal feel extra elevated. Truly the most peaceful, delicious holiday. Seattle may be gloomy, but this feast? Anything but.

I do NOT recommend the Seattle restaurant Riders. We had a pre-theater bad lunch experience from start to finish. Upon arrival at 11, the greeter didn't seem to like we had no reservation, took quite awhile to seat us. Once we ordered, it took almost 45 minutes to serve 2 of us (1 a simple Benedict & 1 a bowl of chowder). Waiter never stopped to see how we were. Probably just as well since the food wasn't hot, my grilled bread was not even warm & was tough to chew, chowder was too thick. We asked for our split bill. 15 min later he hadn't returned. We finally had to get up to find help. Didn't find him but the manager. (She tried to blame delays on a fire in neighborhood saying it left them short staffed. There was only 1 other party dining until about half hour before we left.)

This restaurant is located right on the ground floor of Hotel Theodore, which makes it super convenient if you’re staying there. We decided to stop by right after checking in since their happy hour was going on, and glad we did! We sat at the bar where Ben, the bartender, took great care of us. He was attentive, full of recommendations, and even shared a few local tips on what to do around town. The restaurant has that open-kitchen concept, which adds a nice lively touch. Their happy hour runs daily from 2 PM – 6 PM, and here’s what we tried: Smoked Salmon Fish Dip with Sourdough Bread – absolutely delicious! Smoky, savory, with just the right amount. Oysters on the Half Shell – fresh and local, can’t go wrong there. Manhattan – my boyfriend’s drink of choice. Paloma – my pick, refreshing and well-made. The atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable. I even managed to get some work done while enjoying my drink. I chatted with a friendly local sitting next to me who gave more nightlife recommendations (Seattle folks are seriously the nicest!). Overall, Rider is a great place to unwind, enjoy good food and drinks, and soak in that welcoming Seattle vibe, especially convenient if you’re a guest at the hotel.

Felt very unwelcome at a restaurant previously attended with my son. Only one table had customers. My body language definitely indicated that the high stools would pose difficulty. So I climbed up and waited patiently while server attended to her daily chores. Eventually I ordered a Caesar salad with salmon. Feedback for chef: plate WAY TOO SMALL to manage eating heaped lettuce leaves etc in any semblance of good manners. Lettuce not sufficiently dry to hold the skimpy amount of dressing that was diluted because of an excess of H2O. Salmon totally delicious and perfectly cooked! Service fee included in bill which indicates maybe experiences at Rider aren’t always appreciated.

Fantastic atmosphere, food, drinks, and service with Ben was absolutely tops - The steak was perfection. We'll definitely come back!

The wait to be seated made me think this was going to an awful experience. Clare our server was amazing and turned our evening around. We all enjoyed the our meals. Three of us enjoyed the clam chowder as a started. It was a large bowl. So large we didn’t finish our main meals.

We arrived at 4:45 there were two of us 9/24 was told by the hostess that the tables were for reservations. Sat us at a tiny table . Then people walked in without reservations and she sat them at a table. We overheard that they didn't have reservations. Food was mediocre at best chicken wasn't cooked all the way through. Advertised as 1/2 chicken. What we got was a leg and breast. Nats flying all around. Not a great experience.

We were staying at the hotel so came here a couple times for Happy Hour. First day we just had drinks, second time decided to try the burger. It was on for 15$ which seems like a good deal but doesn’t include fries so it was really $21. Asked for it med well but came out more well done and the bun was burnt. Disappointing as we love a good burger. We mentioned it to the server when he asked how it was. We did just finish it instead of sending it back but nothing was offered after the fact… like maybe a discount off the bill. We were a couple and both times had the automatic 20% tip on the bill which is ridiculous when not with a larger group.

Good variety of fish, seafood and meat. We ate here on our first night in Seattle as it was local to our hotel. Service was good and good was tasty.

This is a nice restaurant/bar inside Hotel Theodore with a nice modern feel to the place but don’t let this lure you in. We had a couple bottles of nice white wine and some snacks from the late night menu, all of which were great! Unfortunately, however, the service completely took away from the overall experience and seriously needs addressing by management. Two of the servers in particular, Peter and Scotty, made us feel both uncomfortable and unwelcome. They had terrible attitude and made several smart remarks to us over the course of the evening, which was very disappointing for us after just paying a $230 bill. We definitely will not be back at Rider and hope management take this on board for future guests. It is a great shame that servers like Peter and Scotty can take away from an enjoyable first night in Seattle.

We had dinner in Rider after a busy day in Seattle. The menu was creative and delicious! Our waiter, Austin, was attentive and paced our meal so we could enjoy, relax and unwind. What a bonus to have such a good experience and then take the elevator home!