Sea Level Oyster Bar — Restaurant in Salem

I’m a local gk every year for the fourth. Spent around almost 300 bucks for my food and tab. They had a paper that said time limit of a hour and a half for TABLES on a sheet of paper under the menu..not the bar. They were kicking people out over a time limit at the bar and tables . The Bar was not near full . Food took almost an hour to come out which counts towards your time . I guess they just hate money. They are pretty rude about it too, instead of stating their time limit as soon as you sit down, because I would have definitely went somewhere else to begin with. Instead they hide it under the menu then show you it when they decide they want to. Pick and choose how long they want to allow a party to stay then pick a random time to enforce it . Ran into multiple people I see all the time that also go every year for the fourth there that they picked a random time and stoped serving them in the middle of their meal or drinks, instead of stating it when they sat down. Maybe also write the bar and show it as soon as they sit down on the paper you’re going to show in peoples faces in the middle of them eating. .Me and my family are going to another restaurant for this tradition and will be letting my friends know as well to avoid. That’s ridiculous . Finz is owned by the same people not sure if they had the same stupid rule for paying customers with rude workers . I would understand if it was packed but they were only cutting their profit and local customers which they don’t seem to care about . Can barely see the fireworks from their rooftop anyways because of their plastic roof Ontop. Went there more for the environment and workers . Close to the warf fireworks .But doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. There are multiple other restaurants with a better environment by the derby where you can still...

While visiting Salem, we stopped by Sea Level Oyster Bar for dinner and ended up really enjoying the evening. The location is great — right near the water with a laid-back atmosphere and plenty of seating both inside and out. If you’re lucky enough to grab a spot outside, the view alone is worth it.

We started off with the Sangria Fishbowls, which are big, fun, and perfect for a vacation mood. They were a little on the watery side at first, but after two of them, they definitely got the job done — refreshing, fruity, and great for sharing or sipping slowly (my girlfriend did neither and kept them all for herself).

For dinner, my girlfriend ordered the fish tacos, which were fresh, well-seasoned, and full of flavor. They came with a great slaw and sauce combo that tied everything together. I had the baked cod, which was cooked just right — flaky, not overdone, and served with simple but tasty sides. I also tried one of their bright blue tropical cocktails — sweet, a bit strong, and perfect with seafood. I wish I remembered the name, but it added to the fun of the meal.

The highlight of the night, though, might have been dessert. We ordered the fried Oreos, and wow — they were incredible. Warm, gooey, and served with just the right amount of gooey chocolate sauce and powdered sugar, they were the perfect end to the meal and something I’d go back for alone.

Service was friendly and relaxed, and even though the drinks could’ve been a bit stronger, the food, dessert, and overall experience more than made up for it. Definitely a great place to unwind after a day in Salem....

Had a really disappointing trip here.  The waitstaff was very nice and personable. Unfortunately the food really fell short for me and my husband. The clams I ordered were well shucked, fresh, and were served with a generous helping of cocktail sauce. They are probably the only reason I could give 2 stars. The dining room was full, but the wait staff didn't seem particularly hurried or rushed (it's nice to see a properly staffed room). That said, I can only assume their kitchen needed some more people since it took well over 30 minutes for our food to arrive. The waiter apologized for the wait, and told us he had asked the kitchen about our food. He was very kind. Yet, when my mussels with the provencal sauce finally showed up the mussels at the top of the plate were shriveled and very dry like they had been sitting in the heat for a long while. I was also served 3 unopened mussels which I can’t imagine at a seafood joint. The sauce had a raw wine flavor and didn't taste cooked through. The burger my husband had ordered medium-rare showed up fully well-done with a side of cold fries. There was a side of coleslaw that was pretty mild and just overall not a very bright tasting dish. It was not a satisfying meal and it may be a long while before I give it...