This Hidden Oregon Seafood Buffet Is So Fresh It’s Practically On The Dock

If you love seafood and stunning waterfront views, Portland has a secret spot that might just become your new favorite place to eat. Salty’s on the Columbia River serves up an incredible seafood buffet that tastes like it was caught just hours ago.

With the river right outside the windows and plates piled high with fresh catches, this restaurant gives you an experience that feels more like dining at a seaside dock than in the middle of the city.

1. Waterfront Location with Stunning River Views

Salty’s sits right along the Columbia River, giving diners one of the most beautiful views in Portland. Large windows stretch across the dining room, so every table gets a peek at the water. You can watch boats glide by while you enjoy your meal, which makes the whole experience feel special and relaxing.

The location isn’t just pretty to look at. Being so close to the water means the restaurant can get incredibly fresh seafood delivered quickly. Many items on the buffet come straight from Pacific Northwest waters, and that short trip from boat to plate makes a huge difference in taste.

Families love this spot because kids get excited watching the river activity while adults appreciate the peaceful atmosphere. The restaurant’s position along the Columbia gives it a unique character that typical city restaurants just can’t match. Whether you visit for lunch or dinner, the view adds something memorable to your meal that you’ll talk about long after you leave.

2. All-You-Can-Eat Fresh Seafood Spread

The buffet at Salty’s is what dreams are made of if you’re a seafood lover. Rows of fresh catches are displayed on ice, looking almost like an ocean market came indoors. You can fill your plate as many times as you want, trying different items until you find your absolute favorites.

What makes this buffet stand out is the quality and variety. Instead of just a few basic options, you’ll find multiple types of fish, shellfish, and seafood preparations. Everything tastes incredibly fresh because the restaurant focuses on getting the best catches from local waters and preparing them simply to let the natural flavors shine through.

First-time visitors often feel a bit overwhelmed by all the choices, but that’s part of the fun. You can sample small portions of everything before deciding what deserves a bigger helping. The all-you-can-eat format means you never have to choose between different dishes or worry about leaving hungry, making it perfect for adventurous eaters and families alike.

3. Famous Dungeness Crab Legs

Dungeness crab is a Pacific Northwest treasure, and Salty’s serves it in generous portions that let you crack into this local favorite. The crab legs come already cooked and chilled, sitting on beds of ice to keep them perfectly fresh. Their sweet, delicate meat pulls out easily, making them simple enough for even young diners to enjoy.

Many people visit Salty’s specifically for these crab legs because they’re that good. The restaurant goes through huge quantities every day, which means what you’re eating was recently caught and hasn’t been sitting around. You can taste the difference compared to frozen crab from other places.

Cracking crab can be messy but fun, and the restaurant provides all the tools you need. Butter dishes and lemon wedges sit nearby for dipping, though many people prefer eating the crab plain to enjoy its natural sweetness. If you’ve never tried Dungeness crab before, this buffet gives you the perfect opportunity to understand why locals consider it special.

4. Freshly Shucked Oysters on Ice

Raw oysters might seem intimidating if you’ve never tried them, but Salty’s makes them approachable and delicious. These shellfish sit opened and ready to eat on mountains of crushed ice, looking exactly like what you’d find at a coastal seafood market. Each oyster tastes clean and briny, like taking a little sip of the ocean.

The restaurant typically offers oysters from Pacific Northwest waters, which have their own special flavor profile. They’re plump and fresh, shucked shortly before service to maintain quality. Accompaniments like lemon wedges and cocktail sauce sit nearby if you want to add flavor, but many oyster fans eat them plain.

Even if you’re not sure about raw oysters, the buffet format means you can try just one without committing to a whole order. Many people who thought they didn’t like oysters change their minds after tasting truly fresh ones. The key is freshness, and being this close to where oysters are harvested means you’re getting them at their absolute best.

5. Pacific Northwest Salmon Preparations

Salmon is king in the Pacific Northwest, and Salty’s treats it with the respect it deserves. You’ll typically find multiple salmon preparations at the buffet, from simple grilled fillets to more elaborate baked versions with seasonings. Each style lets you experience this famous fish in different ways.

Oregon and Washington waters produce some of the world’s finest salmon, and restaurants like Salty’s have access to incredibly fresh catches. The fish has a rich, buttery texture and deep flavor that makes it completely different from salmon you might buy at a regular grocery store. When it’s this fresh and properly cooked, even people who claim they don’t like fish often become fans.

The buffet usually includes both hot and cold salmon options. Hot preparations might feature herbs and light seasonings, while cold smoked salmon appears on the appetizer section. This variety means you can compare different cooking methods and decide which way you prefer this iconic Pacific fish prepared for your next meal at home.

6. Peel-and-Eat Shrimp Station

Shrimp lovers rejoice because Salty’s keeps huge piles of peel-and-eat shrimp available throughout the meal. These plump shellfish come already cooked and chilled, requiring just a quick peel before you can enjoy their sweet, tender meat. They’re sized generously, so you’re not struggling with tiny pieces that barely have any meat.

The shrimp station usually includes cocktail sauce and lemon for those who want to add extra flavor. However, when shrimp are this fresh, they taste amazing on their own. Kids especially love these because they’re fun to peel and easy to eat, making them a great introduction to seafood for young diners who might be picky.

What sets these shrimp apart is their texture and flavor. Fresh shrimp have a firm snap when you bite into them, completely different from the mushy texture of shrimp that have been frozen too long. You can easily eat a whole plate without feeling guilty because shrimp are lean protein that happens to taste fantastic when prepared simply and served cold.

7. Made-to-Order Seafood Stations

Beyond the cold seafood displays, Salty’s offers stations where chefs prepare items fresh while you wait. This means you can get certain dishes cooked exactly how you like them, adding a restaurant-quality touch to the buffet experience. Watching the chefs work also adds entertainment value, especially for kids who love seeing food being prepared.

These stations might feature items like grilled fish, seafood pasta, or other hot preparations that taste best when served immediately. Having food made to order ensures everything is hot and fresh rather than sitting under heat lamps. You can often request slight modifications, making the meal feel more personalized than a typical buffet.

The combination of buffet variety and made-to-order freshness gives you the best of both worlds. You can load up on cold items like crab and oysters, then visit the hot station for something freshly grilled. This setup means everyone in your group can get exactly what they want, cooked exactly how they prefer it, without anyone having to compromise or share dishes.

8. Non-Seafood Options for Picky Eaters

Not everyone in your travel group might be a seafood fan, and Salty’s understands that perfectly. The buffet includes plenty of non-seafood choices so picky eaters, kids, or anyone who prefers other proteins can still enjoy the meal. You’ll find options like chicken, beef, salads, vegetables, and various side dishes that round out the selection.

This variety makes Salty’s a smart choice for families or groups with different tastes. Instead of arguing about where to eat because some people want seafood and others don’t, everyone can find something they’ll enjoy here. The non-seafood items are prepared with the same care as the ocean catches, so quality remains high across the entire buffet.

Side dishes and accompaniments also help balance out a seafood-heavy meal. Fresh salads, roasted vegetables, potatoes, and breads give you lighter options between plates of rich crab and salmon. Having these choices means you can pace yourself better and try more items without feeling too full, making the buffet experience more enjoyable and comfortable for your entire dining party.