The White Swan Public House Reviews

4.1

308 of 3,215 Restaurants in Seattle


Reviews

Great server

By Max H |

Server was great. Party of 14 and we were nicely accommodated. Is ir a bar or is it a restaurant? OK a bar that serves food. Most dishes the group tried were very good. A couple were so-so average. Then the last two orders for steamed clams got lost. By the time the kitchen finally got them to us, everyone else was finished. The server did comp those two plates.

Good oysters! Cool location.

By caseyyardley |

Fun afternoon stop: we swung in during happy hour and snagged some oysters and drinks. We had the cougar creek, shigoku, nisqually, and ridgeback. They each had delicious flavor and I unique addition to them. Great place to get some waterfront views and foods!

Excellent food in hip and fun setting

By Rose T |

I was starving and super hot and wanted to be by the water and found this wonderful little gem. There was a wait list but I was able to grab a nibble and drink from the window. It was excellent. There are places to stand and sit with your takeout. The hostess was very kind and managing a lot of different things from putting people on the waitlist to making sure the tables were clean to serving people drinks to getting people water. The staff was definitely going above and beyond. Everyone looked very happy. Being in Seattle on a summer day is pretty magical but this place definitely put a cherry on all of it. I’ll definitely be back for a sit down full meal.

Poor food and service

By Jennifer G |

Food was very bland and nothing stood out in flavor. Hoped for a nice meal by the lake shore but instead was entirely disappointed. Made a reservation but they only do reservations for inside.

Great place to eat

By UKTurkeyTrotter |

Easy to find with pay-for parking close by. We didn't have long to wait, unlike nearby places. Glad about that as they were very noisy. We were given a big table at the back where it was quiet and easy to have a conversation. There is also outside seating for the hardy souls. Good, fast, friendly, professional service given the press of people. Our server, Darina, did it just right. 3 x fish & chips, which everyone enjoyed and i had the seared halibut (relatively expensive at $38) which was delicious. Good house red wine and cocktails delivered promptly. Place was clean and comfortable. Would definitely go again.

Oyster happy hour

By leppaenat |

We came for the afternoon oyster special. The oysters were outstanding. The accompaniments were lacking, however. The cocktail/sriracha combo was different, but way too mild. I missed horseradish. There weren't very many drink choices and the tap water you had to get for yourself was pretty stale. The servers and hostess could have been friendlier. Still, the oysters were fresh and delicious.

Mismanaged Fish Sticks

By Mark D |

This place was horribly Mismanaged. Bar tender might have been the worst. More interested in watching TV than getting us beers. Then the fish and chips came. And by fish and chips I really mean fish sticks. Barf. All while we were enjoying our fish sticks the staff (who really couldn’t be bothered) were congregating talking to one another. Overall a horrible experience. I left a $0 tip - assuming they all make $15 / hr Seattle going rate which in my opinion is about $13.00 too high for this staff. Avoid, even for drinks (they may never come if a good football match is on the tele).

New on the block

By Richard B |

Reopened after closing of Irish pub, these young owners are enthusiastic and helpful with menu and happy hour items.

Loved it!

By Al Jacklin-Terr... J |

The White Swan was a great place to top off a day of travel. Wonderful service, food and GREAT Bloody Marys!

A delightful find!

By Kay G |

A delightful find! We were walking along Lake Union and stumbled upon this lovely place and had brunch. Roasted veggie egg skillet with smoke salmon along with amazing sourdough toast was delicious. Great oyster specials and a warm inviting atmosphere.

Great new restaurant on the lake

By PostcardPassenger |

Excellent makeover from A Terrible Beauty Irish Pub-brighter and more modern-and it takes advantage of the huge windows lining Lake Union. We went for lunch-somewhat a limited menu: a few appetizers, a few salads, and a few entrees. Decent cocktail and wine list. I had the seafood chowder ($11): generous portion of chowder filled with a couple types of fish, bacon, and chunks of potato-very good flavor. Attentive and friendly staff. It was a really pleasant experience and we will definitely come back!

Fantastic seafood

By Kathleen K |

We stopped in for a drink on a sunny afternoon and discovered we had stumbled into happy hour. The oysters were fantastic and the pints (an excellent selection) were only $5. The views of Lake Union were wonderful. The service was friendly, helpful and prompt.

Beware Parking!

By 595dougs |

Our dining experience was pretty good, but the adjacent parking lot is horribly signed. Despite the complete absence of any signage indicating "please pay to park" or "see meter at west end of lot", there was no hesitation by the evil people at Diamond Parking to assess an onerous ticket ($49). The folks at the restaurant were entirely unsympathetic, basically saying "we have no control of this." Not a good experience.

Great Dinner

By Mark K |

We had dinner here one night and it was excellent. I had the charred octopus and really enjoyed it. Nice casual atmosphere.

Killin me Softly with the Chillin' me Softly!

By Elizabeth M |

Drinks and Happy Hour were the name of the game! I was not disappointed! I met a couple coworkers for some oysters on the half shell and some cocktails. Everything was superb. The restaurant is at the end of a strip of businesses and the restaurant's big deck sits directly on South Lake Union. Happy hour was even more exciting with the sea planes landing at sunset. This is also a dog-friendly restaurant and has clean bathrooms/ My drink of choice was the Chillin’ Me Softly - jalapeno-infused pueblo viejo tequila, strega, honey, lime, angostura bitters, peach bitters, chili salt rim

Good food, but beware the sun.

By Zen DJ |

We stopped in here since it was near our hotel and were seated outside since we didn't want to wait for an indoor table. This would not be an issue except that it was quite sunny warm and humid that day and the umbrellas in use were not very effective at that time in the afternoon. The food was very good for the most part but baking in the sun put a bit of a damper on the whole thing. Go on a cooler day, later in the evening, or get seated inside and you'll have a much better meal.

Mediocre food, uninteresting ambiance inside

By susanmccallum |

On a lovely sunny, spring day, we had hoped to eat outside, but all of the tables were in bright sunlight with no umbrellas, and it's take-out only outside. So we opted for an inside table without a view and with an uninteresting interior. I had a Crab Louie salad with lots of good crab meat but accompanying a huge wedge of white lettuce. My friend reported his meal equally uninspiring. Service was nice and very friendly, and unflavored ice tea was available. But I wouldn't go again.

Best food & service

By Simi D |

Our family went to White Swan solely based on the fact they have the poutine of the sea meal. Not only was the food incredible but the service was top notch. Patrick and one other bartender were the only two people working the floor that night but despite being short handed, we never felt neglected. In fact, it was some of the best service we have had in a long time. Great views, too. Can't wait to go back for a nice evening with just my husband!

Great gem on South Lake Union

By Allison K |

Great atmosphere. I was really impressed with the food. Oysters at happy hour. Beautifully shucked, intact with their liquor. Stayed for dinner and I am so glad we did. My favourite dish was the bone marrow Kilpatrick. Wow! Topped with their own smoked oysters and bacon. The combination of flavours blew me away. Summer is going to be fun here! Plenty of outdoor space. Looking forward to my next visit.

Great Tasting Happy Hour Oysters

By JRAJ444 |

Impression: Note-We only ate oysters outside at the happy hour special. Gluten friendly oysters, service was unfriendly and sparse, pleasant outdoor setting with park style wooden benches next to the lake, the full menu nor the wine list were reviewed, cheap eats for oysters during happy hour We came for the afternoon oyster special. The oysters were outstanding. The cocktail/sriracha combo was different, but way too mild. Horseradish would have been welcomed.. They had stale tap water for self service if you did not want beer. The servers and hostess could have been friendlier. The oysters were fresh and delicious

poutine of the sea!

By Madaline C |

This is what i came for and was not disappointed. Great drinks too (had the Rhu- Bader Gin- sberg)! Nice bar staff.

Perfect Location to end our Day Out

By Charles S |

Having spent the day in Seattle my wife and I returned to our hotel exhausted. We had showers and changed and walked a short distance along lakeside to The White Swan just along the road. We sat at the bar and chatted to the barman while we enjoyed our drinks. We decided to eat, and as we were comfotable, we enjoyed our burgers at the bar with another round of drinks. Very relaxed, friendly staff, a perfect place to end our day out.

A must go for a chilled evening of great food & drink

By JulietLoiselle |

Had such a great evening. The food and service was spot on. We're from the UK so had to try an American Pub. The best Foccacio I've ever had, it actually melted in the mouth. We enjoyed Oysters, Charred Prawns, Chowder and a huge portion of Grilled Asparagus. Followed by a sublime rich & smooth cheesecake. The several glasses of pink bubbles and white wine were a perfect accompaniment throughout Service was super friendly. The pub was very busy and had a great vibe. I'd recommend booking, we were lucky to get a spot.

Amazing food and staff!

By jesselyn27 |

This was an amazing spot with amazing staff. They were able to accommodate our party of ten including two children for a birthday dinner. Our waiter was so nice and accommodating! It really made the whole night. The food was amazing! Thank you for making our night so special!!!👍🏻

Had Dinner but Better for Happy Hour

By Kathleen D |

We stayed in a nearby hotel and wanted a restaurant within walking distance. The White Swan was recommended by our hotel. The restaurant is right on the water and has a inviting atmosphere. Most of the tables are "high tables" making it a tad difficult for older people or those with disabilities to sit. It was busy while we were there and people seemed to be enjoying themselves. The water along with the sunset was beautiful. The menu is very limited. I would say that if you wanted Happy Hour with a few light snacks, this is the place for you. We had the Bar Nuts for an appetizer and Fish and Chips for dinner. The Bar Nuts were very good. They were mixed with curry (generally a mixture of spices) and roasted in bacon grease with chunks of bacon with the nuts. The fish and chips were average - even though it seemed that the restaurant specialized in fish and chips. They seemed to be overcooked (fried) over a huge bed of french fries. They were so crunchy and thin that it was difficult to even know there was fish inside. Service was excellent - although it seemed a little overbearing at times. The server was quite the talker and loved chatting up the restaurant. We were not that impressed. I would return again for the bar nuts and a drink outside on a warm summer night. I would go somewhere else for dinner.

Maybe, Maybe Not

By Bonnie W |

Having read great reviews and seeing it was in walking distance of our hotel, we went there specifically for seafood. The service was quick and friendly, but the menu was a little disappointing and limited. Coming from the Eastern shore we were surprised at the only fish was halibut and found the ratio of fish to dollars quite pricey. The oyster selection was extensive and tasty. The beer selection was good with local crafted beers in the mix. We learned what "poutine" was and found their variation with chowder as the sauce to be good. All in all we did not find the meal to be a good value.

no customer service

By Wander34740403973 |

We're out of town. On Tue Sept 5th I called and asked what time they close. I was told last call is 930pm and closing at 10pm. We showed at 9pm. The hostess told me they already did last call and we would not be seated, there were only 2 tables occupied. Customer service isn't really their thing.

Will definitely come again

By Tom A |

I have been hearing about the White Swan for some time so set out to give it a try. After taking a look at their online menu, knew I wanted to try the fish and chips 1st because they used rockfish rather than the standard cod or halibut. I was not disappointed, they were great, though would have appreciated a bit more fish. Had raw oysters also on happy hour and though small were great and priced right. I saved one of their signature dishes, "Poutine Of the Sea," with littleneck clams, chowder, bacon, and scallions on french fries for a later visit. Service was great. This is a casual come as you are spot. Can't wait for warmer weather, as looks like they will have outdoor seating right at the marina. Suggestion - Parking in the lot next to restaurant can be a bit pricey. Take a look at the lot along Fairview north. Rates are cheaper and after 6 is free.

Fantastic food and drinks (5 star!)

By Dominic D |

I visited with a large group of friends, and although I'm not a huge seafood fanatic, I absolutely loved every aspect of this meal. I rarely give a 5 star rating, but this was very well deserved! The food is seafood oriented with a few alternative options (Eg. Curry wurst, chicken, vegetarian). We tasted near all items on the menu, and loved each and every one for differing reasons. We did not have the curry wurst, but it did come highly recommended. Our favourites was the fish main (haddock), mushrooms and scallops. The mushrooms and poutine were also outstanding! Cocktails were unique, diverse and flavourful. The bar tender is quite talented, and can mix up a delicious drink that meets anyone's preferences. I didn't have wine, so can only comment on their cocktail menu. Ambiance is intimate and quiet, located along the shores of Lake Union. It's great for any occasion and/or group of individuals, from a casual cocktail to formal dinner date.

White Swan for the Views

By stevehh2525 |

An unhurried late lunch. We sat at a table with view of Lake Union watching the boats and seaplanes land and take off. Simple menu, and the oysters on special were great. Efficient, friendly service. We were in luck in that the place seem to expect reservations, which we didn't have, but we got there on the late side of lunch, so we got seated right away. Lots of boaters seem to frequent the place.

Quaint restaurant with good drinks and average food

By Mia F |

After I read the good reviews of this restaurant, we were excited to try it. I loved the ambience of all the wood, lower ceilings, and vast bar. It felt like a grown-up night out! For a Seattle "public house", their beer list was small and disappointing, but we ordered a couple of pints and some fresh oysters. After enjoying the oysters with some mignonette (didn't want to spoil their briny taste with sriracha cocktail sauce, which I saved for a future dip), we ordered some small plates. The fried maitake mushrooms and pork belly rillons were overly seasoned. The brussel sprouts were syrupy sweet, black, and unrecognizable. After the oysters, the best dish was the poutine o' the sea, which was a surprising yummy twist.

Character on the water

By Dearestcat |

Had dinner and a glass of wine here on a business trip. Very friendly staff and creative food. A bit of an eclectic menu. It was lovely to sit at the bar and watch people. Great location on the water.

Delicious seafood stew

By Elizabeth L |

This is a busy place but we were seated right away. My husband and I ordered the seafood stew cooked in a light and spicy tomato broth. It was a very copious portion loaded with mussels, shrimp, fish, scallops and clams. It was delicious. Be aware that the parking situation by the restaurant is quite confusing. You need to pay for a minimum of 3 hours even if you stay much less time in the restaurant. As “out of towners” it took us a while to figure this out and park our rental car.

Great Food and Service-Best Oysters in Seattle

By wifoodie60022 |

Loved this place and Chef Josh and his staff are the best. Everyone is very friendly, yet so experienced and knowldegeable. Food was perfect with great specials. best place in Seattle for Oysters. Super bar keeps recommend the perfect wine bourbon or cocktail to go with dinner. One of the best casual dining experiences I've ever had.

The Best Fish and Chips

By Ted D |

I've lived in Seattle for 47 years: if you want to sit in a friendly place, and eat fish and chips that will knock your socks off, and even drink a superb beer with them, eat at the White Swan.

Dreadful

By Aendy H |

I would not recommend eating at this pub, three of eating and each of our meals came out at separate times. Mine scampi a very small portion, more like a childrens, the tartare sauce had a layer of skin. Vegetables on the Carvery dried up. Staff badly trained, not idea how to treat customers.. we were given a full refund.

Great Food, Great Service Beautiful Setting

By Napajohnb |

This is a fun place for a drink, a brew or a meal. It is a young, beautiful crowd enjoying indoor and patio seating with views of Lake Union. Had the in-house made bratwurst and the missus declared it the best ever. High praise from a Slovene girl. A great shellfish menu and some selections of comfort food.

$1 oysters and crab Mac & cheese...yes please!!!

By Shelliu |

A great view and awesome seafood, some cooked in a wood fire oven (like the octopus which was very good). The $1 oysters were exceptional - cleaned well and fresh! The crab mac & cheese was the star...creamy and full of crab and the cheese didn’t overpower the dish. The server was great!!! Prices are high for what you get ($26 for 1 piece of Octopus) but the whole experience is worth it.

Not a favorite

By skippie_8 |

Limited menu. Space meant to look like it has been around forever but to my group just seemed run down. Ordered chowders and some chicken appetizers. Chowder was okay. Razor clams definitely over cooked and rubbery but flavor was decent. Chicken appetizer was burnt. Waitstaff said it was supposed to look like that. It tasted like charcoal and was inedible. Very pricey drinks. We had heard this was a great spot. Wasn’t our experience.

Great Ambiance, Great Food

By Katarina W |

My husband took me here for Valentine's Day and it was fantastic. The restaurant is right on the water with a great view of the Space Needle. We got the Brussel Sprouts and Poutine. I'll definitely be back for the brussel sprouts. Great service as well.

Bad experience

By Pat S |

Exceptionally rude staff. Horrible choices on menu. Wonderful boat trip on Lake Union ruined by bad experience.

Nice spot particularly if the weather is warm

By max |

Nice spot Would have come back but no free wifi So I ended up for 3 days at the duke Good service and good quality food Funky place with nice outdoor seating

Good, not great

By jtfman |

There has been a great deal of hype about this place so we went to check it out. The location is almost perfect - it's right on Lake Union, although a bit hard to find from the street. The service was excellent and food came out promptly. But it's the food that underwhelmed. The menu items just seemed too complicated, as if the chef was trying too hard to be creative and just kept adding extra ingredients. The fried brussel sprouts, apparently one of their featured items, were nearly burnt to a crisp. The raw bar items were fresh, though, so perhaps this is a place to come for drinks and oysters but not stay for dinner.

Great place!!!

By C. Landa V. |

This is a great place to watch the sunset or the boats roar by. Always filled with a nice crowd. Love the ambiance. Fun and cozy!!! The food is really good!!! They have a nice choise and their chef is great. Great bar!!! Full of nice options!!! It’s a very nice place to hang out with your friends!!!

It's All Good

By Sungron |

Why have a bowl of grits, greens, and pork belly topped with an egg in a place that has a plethora of great seafood dishes? Because it's totally delicious that's why. They also do nice fish and chips and a unique poutine with seafood and chowder that is superb. The atmosphere is nice and staff are top notch.

Excellent Oysters, Food & Views

By Uxbridgeite |

Stopped by just at the tail end of Happy Hour after a day of biking and sailing in Lake Union. The service was great and fast. The food was excellent. We had a dozen of the tastiest oysters ever; we regretted not ordering more. They offer a Happy Hour discount on oysters and have a daily oyster menu where you choose the type and quantity. Try them all if you have the chance. There are plenty of beer and drink options. We sat inside but all the windows and doors were open to the patio. The view from the patio is great but the wait was too long for us. Inside was just as good. Worth the trip.

Happy Hour

By Corihi |

We only stopped at White Swan for Happy Hour so cannot comment on the food except for the bar nuts. We wanted something light to munch on since we had dinner reservations elsewhere. We settled on the bar nuts despite the description (curry and bacon fat). We like nuts and curry, but not together. It’s not something we would order again. We wish they had a larger menu selection - both for happy hour and dinner. The drink prices (wine) seemed a bit high for happy hour, but the place was hopping.

Good food and beautiful view

By WGJ49 |

Good food and beautiful view of the lake. I was here with a group of 14 on business. Serving that large a group can be a challenge but the White Swan staff pulled it off very well. The staff were attentive and accommodating. The food was excellent. I had scallops and they were perfectly cooked and complimented with braised carrots. I would definitely return.

Lunch

By NurseAround |

Patio was nice for lunch and a drink. Pretty typical fried seafood type place. However, our salad was damn good. Staff was nice, parking easy, view is nice. Not a culinary must visit but not bad either.

Seafood lovers hangout

By SashaStorm |

Our first visit to this cosy gem was great all around! Friendly service, delicious food and a relaxing ambience. My husband loved the fried oysters that are served with a spicy sauce. My fish & chips had a tasty cornmeal coating. Be sure to ask for some vinegar for that authentic English pub taste!

Great Location, Food Hit or Miss

By srt1404 |

The casual local vibe, water and Space Needle views are perfect for chilling out and having a few beers. The food though is inconsistent. Nice job on the octopus, spicy and so tender that you can cut it with a fork. Yummy with an ice cold brew. The pork belly was good, skip the brisket unless you order it just for the bean s that it rests on. The beans were cooked just right with just a touch of crunch still on it but, the brisket was dry and tasteless. Ate the beans, complained about the brisket and didn't finish it. At $17, it was a total waste of money. The deep fried maitake mushrooms is another "do not order" dish. Service was just ok. Maybe that's part of the casual vibe??? Overall, would not recommend the place.

Terrible food and slow service

By Ryan L |

The service was unbelievably slow. The food was terrible. We will never be back. Don't get suckered into the 4 star avg review as all of the food was bad and the service took 2 hours for 2 people to eat dinner. The clams in chorizo is a bust and the ceviche had no flavor and I have never not finished a burger in my life but it just happened. If I could give 0 zero stars I would but we at least got a good laugh out of this experience.

Nice place for "pub grub"

By Mary S |

We ordered Manhattan cocktails and off the small plate menu. We were too late for their happy hour (3 to 5) but we ordered from the small plates menu. The seafood chowder was good-lots of bacon and potatoes and the price was right ($10). My husband liked his Kalbi (Korean) ribs with pineapple salsa-my taste of his told me that the jalapeños in the salsa were pretty spicy. I tried the "flan" but it was a kind of dense bread pudding with a little caramelized sugar sauce-pretty strange. It's a nice waterfront location with friendly service, though. I wish I had read the specials menu-it featured garlic oysters and smelled really good!

Best seafood

By getondowntheroad |

We were sent here by our hotel, we were looking for dinner, but got even more. We were lucky to sit at the table in front of the Chef and watch him and his team. Watching their creativity and skill was wonderful as was their kindness to us as they treated us like old friends. Suggestions from the staff lead to a fabulous meal and evening. They have the best oysters and a great bourbon selection. Knowledgeable staff, creative chef made a memorable night. Try the crab, brisket, or scallops, all is done well.

Simply amazing

By KaliMT |

The White Swan is awesome. Great energy, atmosphere, food and views. Everyone we encountered was happy and very personable. The brussel sprout caesar and seafood poutine were delicious. I highly recommend visiting!

Food was Average

By Sandra C |

Came on a Friday night with friends and family and even with a reservation, we were shoved into a section with a table too small for my party. It was outside, but away from the views (unless you consider the parking lot a view). I had the beet salad with goat cheese. Beets were soggy and there was no cheese found. Service was fine, but I would not return. Paid too much for an average at best meal.

A Great Spot No One Tell A Tourist About

By Foghorn8508 |

The wife and I had the salmon dip with chips (Wow!), the crab hushpuppies (Should have ordered two orders they were that good), and split seafood stew (more than enough for 2). Small but good wine list. Saw a lot of burgers and other menu items leaving the kitchen as well. Service was top notch. We would be going back next time we are in town.

Trying new food at a great location

By davecampy |

Sailing up to the White Swan is the best way to relax after a day of sightseeing. Outdoor dockside seating is comfortable and well-serviced. The staff are knowledgeable and have excellent recommendations. Two items I never would have thought to order were the Poutine of the Sea (who wants fries?) and Mac-N-Cheese with crab (I'm not a kid!). Without the recommendation I would have skipped these dishes entirely and I'm very glad I didn't. The food was excellent and something new that I had never experienced (each in their own way). The bar selection was good and we had an excellent dinner even though they were getting crowded.

Sister recommended/

By Deborah E |

We sat at the bar for a drink and then decided to have dinner. Very good! I would recommend the clams.

PARKING LOT SCAM - DIAMOND PARKING - BEWARE!!!

By Curiosity46040789915 |

I love this place - but the Diamond Parking needs to be held accountable. I bought my parking from the sign at 4:33 pm - got the email receipt from HONK. At that exact moment, Diamond Parking took a picture of my license plate (I did not see this happening) and affixed it to my window, stating I did not pay for parking with a hefty fine (4:33 PM per the pic taken). This is a SCAM and White Swan should be doing something to protect their customers. The signage is unclear and if you walk up to pay for parking - it will most likely be for the wrong company (one side of the aisle is to pay Diamond the other side is to pay HONK, I think?). I am certain they were just watching me walk away and go pay at the other sign so they can put the bill on my window.

Great Little Place on the Water

By Denver7889 |

Nothing like eating outdoors on a sunny warm afternoon. The service was outstanding and most of the food was really good. We ordered oysters which were fresh and tasty. The fish and chips were done to perfection. The salmon club was a great idea but the execution was not so good. The fish was cooked to extinction . The beer and drinks were great and so is the location.

Great food, fun atmosphere

By HeyJT |

Great experience, Wednesday at 6:30 immediate seating indoors or out. Oysters were fresh and delish with a good menu explanation of each. Seafood stew really good with a nice bite to the broth. Enough for two. Tried the crab hush puppies on a rec from trip advisor. Yummy (and huge) also with some heat, but not so crabby. Limited but very good wines by the glass. Casual dress with some coming in from bay activities, kayaking, fishing.

Try this place

By harkendude |

This place has great food, service, and integrity. Would go back next time in Seattle. Great location friendly service. Owner full class

Brisk pictureque

By JL |

Usually this place would be filled with yacht enthusiasts summering busily with oyster platters and wine or champagne bottles chilled in cargo or white shorts, but the view in winter is quite placid. The interior has a tavern feel, however polished, with the open kitchen and taps. The seafood stew on a brisk weekend with garlic bread can be a challenge to finish.

Small and cozy

By loveDCA |

The White Swan is a cozy restaurant along Lake Union. It feels like a nice Belgian restaurant but the food doesn’t seem to fit any type of culture and the menu is pretty inventive. We started with the smoked oyster pate and shared a plate of octopus. All were delicious and they have a nice selection of local beer.

A new favorite!

By Åsne H |

I absolutely love this place! The atmosphere was great and the food was even better. I ordered Poutine O’ the Sea and it is probably one of the best dishes I have ever tasted. Next time I’m in the Seattle area I will definitely come again. The parking was a little on the expensive but other than that it was an awesome experience. It also has a very nice view where you can see the space needle in the distance, it has a very “Seattle” kind of vibe to it.

Awesome Oysters

By 606evah |

Very casual atmosphere with water views. I've never had the courage to eat raw oysters but thought I should try them where they are fresh. Loved them! I'm a fan! The fish and chips were really good! The "chips" were sprinkled with dill-really good with fish.

Nice location on Lake Union

By Rosie L |

The oysters were great but expensive. Of the shared dishes we tried the Brussels Sprouts and Fried Maitake Mushrooms were our favorites. I liked the steamed clams and my husband liked his entree Braised Brisket.

Fantastic food and service, cool location near the marinas.

By Sam C |

Been wanting to try this place out since going to the 100# Clam over the summer, we were really excited about a new dining option within walking distance of our place in Eastlake. My sister and I took my fiance there for her birthday and it was excellent. They have a nice selection of great cocktails, good beers and wines. The food really impressed us too. We shared about 3-4 dishes, and it was all fantastic, we couldn't decide what was our favorite. Our service was great too, very knowledgeable welcoming and professional. Will definitely be going back, and telling our friends about it too.

Best of Seattle

By MercerIslandTEP |

Some of the best views in Seattle. Great food, really diverse cocktails, and awesome service. Hard to beat on a sunny evening.

Wonderful staff

By Poissonoeuf |

Had a great visit, made even better by the friendly and accommodating staff. Food was terrific, I definitely recommend the clam chowder.

Good food and beautiful views

By Chetede |

You should try happy hour, we had oysters and nuts with bacon. The latter was delicious, but the portion is real big, so can fill you up well. It is usually quite busy outside when the weather is nice. It is definitely worth trying some of their good beers.

Delicious cioppino, great service, relaxed atmosphere

By sdamyhill |

Highly recommend! This is not a five star ambiance, super expensive restaurant - this is a relaxed bar, delicious sea food, gorgeous location place. The service was so great - I was dining solo and reading a book and I never felt ignored or line I had to wait for anything. The waitress recommended the cioppino and she was spot on - it was delicious! I also had a few oysters and they were very fresh, very tasty. The bartender assisted with service, the other waitress ran some of the drinks - just a very well-oiled machine. I will be back!

Average Seafood for Above Average Prices

By Ron C |

I liked the casual seafood tapas format but it was a bit pricey for the quality and portions. The clams were not as fresh as I'd expect given this is a seafood place. The scallops were pretty good but was $30 for 3 large ones with trimmings. Brussel sprouts were very tasty at first bite but was overwhelmingly sweet and salty halfway through. Oysters looked good from the other tables but were $4-5 a pop so we passed. Overall great service and good atmosphere, but the seafood was only average.

Romantic venue on the water

By Lisa B |

This had been suggested that be of the locals. The bartenders were attentive and knowledgable about making a variety of drinks- the were very good too. The menu is limited but the prawns were excellent.

Salmon and other stuff

By PaoloCamp |

Very good cuisine in an informal but cozy place. Quite good the white wine from Washington, savoured salmon and other fish.

Quaint and fun

By Jim W |

This place has a great menu and great food. The oysters are fresh, the salads yummy, and the other menu food outstanding. I can only imagine how packed it's going to be when the good weather hits as it has an excellent location right in Lake Union. 4 out of 5 stars only because they now only feature a couple varieties of oysters at happy hour ($1-1.50 each) instead of all 6-7 varieties like they did when they first opened.

Awesome service, great food, cool location

By ifreakinluvlife |

Hi we visited the White Swan Public house and loved everything about it. I had the Brussels as a meal and it was so good. The drinks were delicious, four of us went and we all had something different. The atmosphere is fun and relaxed, the service was very friendly and accommodating. Beautiful bathroom too, has cool decor. We will return for sure.

Good waterside pub in South Lake Union!

By Mary S |

This spot is located conveniently near 2 hotels and a hospital, so it was easy to walk there after a day of driving. I enjoyed the smoked salmon salad (made with young tender oxalis-miners' lettuce). I tried the crab hush puppies which weren't bad, but definitely different from the Southern version. My husband tried the seafood chowder which was very spicy. He liked it, but be warned! The wine and cocktails were great and the service was good!

Great service

By Ben W |

First time ever going here and the food was great and the service was fantastic. I will be going back again.

Oysters and Drinks!

By Michael C |

This was our spot in our recent trip to get some great cocktails and fresh oysters after hitting the town all day. Excellent bar staff and fresh oysters daily will have you coming back here many times!

Reminds me of Duke's down the lake...

By Krisinseattle |

Had a lunch here, option of inside or out. Think once the weather becomes warm and sunny there won't be any decision there! Looks to be same menu in both locations. Attentive wait staff, same blue checked paper that accompanies the Duke's meals, lovely Fish BLT ($15) with varying fish inside. Seafood chowder had big chunks of salmon, which was a pleasant surprise. Not too sure about Arugula salad, lots of stems and wilted leaves, although apples were tasty! Will return to sit outside instead of on hard wooden benches! You do have to pay for parking in the lot and we saw lots of tickets on cars for going over their time!

Lake view, good food

By GoeieWitte |

We walked up, since no reservations are accepted in the Summer season. Wait time was about 30 minutes. You get texted when a table is ready. This time can be easily spent observing the summer activity in an don the adjacent Union lake. We choose for outdoor seating. This was in the sun. Fortunately, the west side has sun screens that can be lowered. Service was friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. Bare wooden tables, no cloth or paper covering. After a recent kitchen accident the cooking is slower, yet we did not had to wait long for service. Enjoy the limited view on the adjacent lake and marina. The food was served appetizing, at the right temperature. Eat the oysters!

Excellent food and service

By Donna F |

Yummy fresh oysters, craft cocktails, and dinner. Our waiter was very knowledgeable about the menu and had excellent recommendations.