Skates on the Bay

Review summary

1. C

   Charlie Sue

   Sacramento

   10 reviews

   5.0

   10 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   A meal at Skates on the Bay is a fabulous dining experience! This beautiful restaurant dishes up perfectly executed food that is super fresh and of the highest quality. Service is friendly and attentive, servers really know the menu and wine list and make great suggestions to create a perfect meal. The garlic bread is extra special and the desserts are delish! Wonderful for a special occasion <3
   

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2. B

   B

   San Francisco

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Skates on the Bay in Berkeley provided a delightful lunch experience today as I caught up with a dear friend. We started with the artichoke and crab dip, which was rich and creamy, featuring generous chunks of fresh crab. It was served warm with toasted baguette slices, making it perfect for sharing while we chatted. For my main course, I enjoyed the salmon sandwich, which was a true highlight. The salmon was flaky and moist, topped with creamy avocado and served on a toasted brioche bun. The presentation was impeccable, making it almost too pretty to eat! The service was attentive yet unobtrusive, with our server offering excellent recommendations. The restaurant's waterfront location provided stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, creating an inviting atmosphere for our leisurely lunch. Overall, my experience at Skates on the Bay was exceptional, combining fresh seafood, beautiful presentation, and attentive service—an ideal spot for enjoying great food with friends!
   

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3. G

   Gina

   San Francisco

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   Really cold inside restaurant once seated. Kung Pao Calamari is good and different. Cioppino is expensive and does not have bread with it - nothing spectacular. Crab legs not cracked - u have to do it yourself. Service is so so, service does not even say thank you nor welcome. Front desk is good. Chateau Montelena cab is good, makes u feel warm. Bread pudding the best!
   

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4. b

   barbara

   San Francisco

   54 reviews

   5.0

   54 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Dinner was great as usual. Server Nichole did a great job despite the room being full. Skates has been our place to go to for anniversaries and birthdays for 20 years now. Tonight the view was fantastic
   

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5. M

   Monique

   Sacramento

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 3

   A mixed bag. It’s a nice menu, with something for everyone. The basic quality of the food was okay, but they failed in the delivery. The view of course is wonderful, which I guess is what one is paying for. But at close to $200 for two (3 cocktails, 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, tax and standard tip), there should not be so many negatives. The negatives: (1) Upon arrival (5 PM Sunday), the women’s room was a mess (overflowing trash can, a stall with paper & water all over, a stall with barely any toilet paper). I told them, and it seemed that they sent someone, but it was not much better when I left. (2) The chairs are so worn out that the table was at chest height for the three short-ish women in our group (they did provide cushions when we commented). (3) Nobody cleared the appetizer dishes, so when dinner arrived the server had trouble finding room, and we had ask her to take the appetizer dishes away. (4) The grilled trio was lukewarm, and its mashed potatoes were a cold, solid lump. (The waiter did stop by quickly after the server delivered the food to check on things, and he did bring me fresh, hot potatoes.) (5) The swordfish was also just barely warm. Happily there were positives: (1) The rainbow roll was delicious and nicely presented. (2) The clam chowder was thick with tasty goodies. (3) The table was large enough to not be crowded with drinks, sides, and dinner for four people. (4) They did not rush us, which was nice as the whole purpose of the evening was a good visit for four friends who don’t often have an opportunity to get together.
   

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6. D

   Debora

   San Francisco

   5 reviews

   2.0

   5 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 2

   While Skates has been a favorite for decades, I found this last visit below par. The service was just bad. We had to ask, usually more than once, for everything. Napkin, (we asked for a napkin because there wasn't one at one of the place settings and the woman rudely asked if we wanted paper towels) utensils, salt and pepper, and the wine we ordered with our meal. The waiter would leave before we finished talking. It was so freezing cold, I had to wear my coat while eating. And for my birthday dinner they sat us at the worst table with the bathroom sign behind me and people coming and going all through the meal. We had a reservation, we were on time, they knew the occasion, they should have done better.
   

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7. J

   Jason

   San Francisco

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great service both at dining table and at bar lounge. Food was very good. Ambiance/view also great
   

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8. M

   Maria

   San Francisco

   16 reviews

   5.0

   16 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This place came highly recommended by my friend who has been coming here for along time and it did not disappoint! Our waiter Joel was very friendly and attentive throughout our dining experience which made our dining experience perfect! I’ve been wanting to eat Cioppino for a while now but it’s too much hassle cooking at home, that’s why my friend recommended this place. It was delicious, flavorful and cooked just like how I do it at home so it’s worth it! I now have a new favorite place to go to without driving all the way to SF!
   

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9. S

   Susana

   San Francisco

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Food is excellent, and the service perfect. Then you also have the spectacular views.
   

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10. D

    Debbie

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Today was a special day celebrated with 3 generations. We had a table by the fireplace and Thomas the bartender waited on us. The service was exceptional. We were not hurried and enjoyed many courses of food and drinks. Give yourself the gift of outstanding food and service by stopping by Skates
    

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