Skates on the Bay is a beautiful and historic waterfront gathering place for fresh seafood and unmatched views of the San Francisco Bay, offering lunch, brunch and dinner dining year-round. Originally opened in 1984 in the Berkeley Marina, the reimagined Skates on the Bay now boasts a modern and stunning decor, a new Raw Bar, elegant Private Dining Room and innovative local-driven menus.
Service quality varied, with many praising attentive and friendly staff, while others reported slow service and issues with reservations.
Food Quality
Food received mixed reviews; while some dishes were praised as excellent, others were criticized for being mediocre or poorly seasoned.
Atmosphere
The restaurant's atmosphere and views of the Bay were consistently highlighted as beautiful and enjoyable, making it a great spot for special occasions.
Value for Money
Some customers felt the prices were high relative to the food quality, while others found the experience worth the cost due to the ambiance and service.
Reservation Experience
Several reviews noted issues with reservations, including long waits and confusion upon arrival, impacting the overall dining experience.
MC
Miriam Cervantes
3 days ago
3.0
I had the wedges salad and clams.. everything was delicious. But I think they need more help some customers left because there was only one waitress handling that side. She was doing her best.
NT
Nicole Thomas
4 days ago
1.0
We came in for a Birthday. Got seated by the window, great view. Nobody ever came to our table. We were ignored for at least 20 minutes. They weren’t busy. We didn’t get water. Tables were cleared around us, other gilds were served. We walked out.
TR
Tam Robinson
5 days ago
5.0
My stepfather's birthday gathering was held at Skates. Though we had a private room we were able to enjoy the view of the bay. The atmosphere, staff, and food make Skates the perfect place for a date or special occasion.
JR
Jose Mora Rodriguez
Nov 12, 2025
3.0
This review is particularly difficult to write because Skates by the Bay has been our dedicated spot for celebrating our anniversary for three consecutive years. We chose this restaurant to celebrate our fifth anniversary, but unfortunately, this most recent visit fell significantly short of the warm, attentive experience we have always cherished here, leading us to look elsewhere next year.
Atmosphere and Seating: We intentionally chose a very early seating (5:15 PM) to avoid crowds, yet we were seated at the most undesirable table—right next to the restroom entrance. People coming in and out every 5 minutes. This was extremely uncomfortable, especially since the main dining room was sparsely filled at the time. Once we got to the table, I almost just walked out but we decided to make the best of it.
Service and Missing Dishes: The service was "meh" to say the least. After ordering the Artichoke and Crab dip, our waiter returned five minutes later to inform us the dish had been dropped and was the last available order. Running out of an appetizer this early on a early night was disappointing.
The Lost Celebration: In our previous three visits, we always received a small, thoughtful gesture or "surprise" dessert acknowledging our anniversary. This year, despite celebrating our fifth year, we received only the check. Our waiter seemed entirely focused on preparing for a large 10-person table that arrived as soon as we left. The feeling of forgotten and being overlooked left us to get dessert somewhere else.
Conclusion: We understand we were not the only table for the night, but again we were there before the rush- Only to add the combination of poor seating, distracted service, and running out of a requested dish resulted in a truly lackluster experience. Given our strong history with Skates by the Bay, this loss of attention to detail and personal touch is especially disheartening.
MD
maria diaz
Nov 9, 2025
5.0
Este restaruante esta en otro nivel. Hay lugares que deberian ser mencionados por su sabor y calidad. Este fue una experiencia inigualable. Me encato el sabor . Esta echo con amor. Gracias regresare pronto This restaurant is on another level. There are places that deserve recognition for their flavor and quality. This was an unparalleled experience. I loved the taste. It's made with love. Thank you, I'll be back soon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skates On The Bay
What are the operating hours of Skates On The Bay?
Skates On The Bay is open daily from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
Does Skates On The Bay accept reservations?
Yes, Skates On The Bay accepts reservations but they are not required.
Is there a brunch service at Skates On The Bay?
Yes, brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM.
What types of cuisine does Skates On The Bay specialize in?
Skates On The Bay specializes in American cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood and steakhouse dishes.
What dining options are available at Skates On The Bay?
Skates On The Bay offers dine-in, in-store pickup, curbside pickup, and delivery services.
What payment methods does Skates On The Bay accept?
They accept American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, Travelers Check, and Visa.
Does Skates On The Bay offer any special hours?
Yes, Happy Hour is Monday through Thursday from 3 PM to 5 PM.
What nearby parks can I visit before or after dining at Skates On The Bay?
You can visit Horseshoe Park or Shorebird Park, both located near Skates On The Bay, offering pleasant green spaces to enjoy.
Are there any nearby piers or marinas close to Skates On The Bay?
Yes, Berkeley Pier and Berkeley Marina are near the restaurant, great for scenic walks or boating activities.
What fishing and boating activities are available near Skates On The Bay?
Nearby options include Sport Fishing at El Dorado Fishing, Sunrise Fish Company, various fishing charters like Longfin Sport Fishing, and boat rentals at Sail FreeDom and Cal Sailing Club.