Skates on the Bay Restaurant, Berkeley

We just relocatred from Dallas to the Bay Area and decided to have a nice meal for our first 'official' meal as California residents. The view is spectacular and I found that the wait staff was attentive, but a bit slow. The Lobster Bisque was very good, as was the prime rib, However, the 'Silky Potatoes' that were served as a side were anything BUT silky. They were dry, hard and flavorless. They weere presented in an unappetizing lump on a stark white plate and they were either made from instant potatoes or were left over from the dinner service from the night before. They were just plain AWFUL. Will NEVER get the potatoes again. Will probably go back and give it another chance before making my final opinion of the place.

I was recently invited to Skates for their brunch/lunch and couldn't be dragged back to this mediocre excuse of a restaurant. Admittedly, the parking was ample (and free!) and our server was attentive, but the tired decor mateched the even more tired food. My Mother's fish and chips clearly had been pre-cooked off-site, frozen and then revived before serving. Awful. My overpriced salmon sandwich was $16 and any flavor the fish may or may not have possessed was masked by some sort of cajun spice and a greasy mayonnaise. The tomato slices had no flavor and the fries were only so-so and pre-loaded with salt. The servers clearly have been told to be stingy on the wine pours, and the wines by the glass were mediocre and expensive. When I think of the many genuinely wonderful restaurants in the Berkeley/Oakland area it makes me cringe that so much of our host's money and so many calories were wasted on this downmarket experience. If the prices were moderate it would be a great place to take people with noisey kids and/or those who haven't got a clue about food and who might value a view over culinary skill. However, the high prices and terrible food make this a non-starter. Stay away!

Had a wonderful Dinner with friends and my Brother from Maine. Good time was had by all. Nice Dark View, but could see the city lights. Nice warm fire going. Enjoyed the Lobster and Mac n Cheese............... Big platters, Nice presentaion, Good service.

I like to go Skates for lunch it is reasonably priced and with the great view makes it a good value, I love the Flat bread. The Salads are terrific plenty of free parking.

My boyfriend and I go to Skates on the Bay several times a year. The restaurant is wonderful, large and open, and it goes without saying that the view is spectacular. You feel like you are dining right on the water, and that is all you see out the windows. The food is great, and the menu is very extensive, with many meat and seafood options. Delicious. Desserts are wonderful, and the cocktails are to die for, their lemon drop and lavender cosmo being a couple of my favorites. The prices are also good. This is a wonderful place to go to for a romantic dinner.

Dine here regularly for the view. Today the hostess was very unwelcoming and refused our request to order coffee in the bar (even after we had lunch there!!) The waitress had too many tables so didn't refill our drinks, didn't ask if we wanted dessert and brought us the wrong bill. There appeared to be only one assistant waiter and there were several large parties. The menu is on the pricey side and quality of food is medium. I'll return again but will hope for a more friendly welcome and better service!