SALT Fish House

935 I St., Arcata, California 95521

Hours

Open Tuesday - Sunday

Happy Hour 3:30 - 5 p.m.

Dinner 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Closed Monday

About

SALT Fish House was the brainchild of a group of foodies who wanted to do something to celebrate the abundance of the Pacific and the fishing heritage of the region. Since they opened, they've become a real favorite with both locals and visitors looking for a dining experience that is contemporary but still very much in tune with the traditions of the area.

SALT is all about using the very best local seafood and combining that with some great flavors, house-made sauces, and some inventive sides. The kitchen is a California take on classic fish house food; everything is made from scratch, and ingredient quality is paramount. It's a place where you can have oysters on the half shell, a proper cioppino, and a perfectly seared tuna all in one go.

Vibe

SALT Fish House has good curb appeal, with a clean, modern exterior and lots of windows that let in light. Inside, it's a bright and open dining room with a nautical feel (rope details, reclaimed wood, open kitchen). The seating combines booths, high tops, and a large bar, ideal for watching the action or just having a drink.

It's a relaxed but lively atmosphere with the sound of lots of conversation and clinking glasses as groups come together to either celebrate or just chill after a day on the coast. Reviews praise the friendly service and the excellent blend of upmarket style with a relaxed Humboldt County feel. It doesn't matter what you're wearing; whether you're in your best clothes for a date or straight off the beach, it's a very welcoming place.

SALT Fish House: Menu & Drinks

Start with the signature clam chowder (rich, creamy, just the right amount of smoky bacon and fresh herbs), the fish and chips (locally caught rockfish, crispy and flaky) with house tartar sauce and hand-cut fries, and the seared ahi poke bowl (full of fresh vegetables, sticky rice and a zesty soya-ginger dressing) for something a bit different.

One standout not to miss is the Dungeness Crab Roll—a West Coast twist on the classic lobster roll. Served on a toasted brioche bun, it’s piled high with sweet, fresh-picked local crab, lightly dressed with lemon and herbs, and finished with crisp lettuce. Paired with a side of house-made chips or fries, it’s a crave-worthy dish that perfectly captures the flavors of the Redwood Coast.

Raw bar fans will love the rotating selection of oysters and chilled seafood; comfort-food fans can choose buttermilk fried chicken or mushroom risotto. The cocktail list is strong, with coastal classics and seasonal specials, and the wine and beer are all local.

Dining at SALT Fish House celebrates the best of the Redwood Coast, whether you're sharing a large platter with your family or dining solo.

Local Tips

  • Reservations are encouraged.
  • Ask about the oyster of the day and the raw bar specials.
  • Happy Hour is Monday through Friday from 3:00-5:00 p.m.
  • Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

Location

935 I St., Arcata, California 95521

Frequently Asked Questions

By air: The closest airport to McKinleyville, Eureka, and Arcata is the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport (ACV). Also known as the Eureka/Arcata airport, ACV is located in McKinleyville and serviced by United and Avelo airlines, providing direct connections to/from several hubs.

The closest major international airports to the Redwood Coast are located in San Francisco, Oakland, and Sacramento at about 5½ driving distance each.

By car: As a key drive-to destination, traveling along California or Oregon’s west coast provides spectacular scenery for the journey. Linking to Coastal Highway 101 from San Francisco and Sacramento is about a 5-hour drive to Eureka. For those driving southbound on Highway 101 from Oregon, it is about a 2-hour drive to Trinidad just north of Eureka.


Both the Redwoods National and State Park and Humboldt Redwoods State Park are open throughout the year, closing only for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Winter Hours also frequently include closures mid-week, while parks are open daily from late spring through fall. Each season offers its own feel for the Redwoods, though some like to plan around the rainier season from late October through April.

McKinleyville is a coastal community on Highway 101 situated between the redwoods and the ocean, making it an ideal base camp for adventure on California’s North Coast. The Redwood National and State Parks are located about half an hour north of McKinleyville, with the southern gateway to the parks found in the town of Orick on Highway 101.

More questions

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