Ivar's Fish Bar Reviews

We love fish and chips and clam chowder, so this seemed like a winner. We had a great table by the window, in the bar. The service was nonexistent. Our waitress disappeared. Then, to make our experience really a disappointment, the food was ok, but I would not go back. We ate fish and chips everyday on our trip and this was not in the top category.

This Ivar's sits right at the edge of Lake Union, almost under the I-5 bridge. The first feature gives diners beautiful views (lake, lake traffic, houseboats, Seattle skyline, Space Needle, etc.) but the second brings a constant roaring noise to those dining at outside tables. We did that once and now choose to dine only inside, where it is quiet and still possible to enjoy the panorama. We ate lunch here yesterday, giving Ivar's another chance after a few disappointing meals. Alas, we noted no improvement and have no plans to return. I ordered grilled salmon, which came with cornbread pudding and green beans. The salmon was overcooked and all the food, including the pudding, proved to be excessively oily. My husband ordered ling cod and complained about how greasy everything was on his plate. The stale cornbread muffins proved to be the best part of our meals. For those who don't mind the roar of bridge traffic, sitting at an outside table to dine or to have a drink on a warm day can be pleasurable. There is a huge parking lot across the street for Ivar's customers and a dock lakeside where boats can moor.

I was on a mission to walk the perimeter of Lake Union on a recent visit. By the time I was walking past Ivar's, I decided it was time to refuel and the welcoming Alaskan style exterior sucked me in. I just grabbed a quick counter service fish and chips meal, but it really hit the spot and the smell of the wood smoke coming from the main restaurant smelled really good. I hope to get back for a real smoked salmon dinner someday. It was nice to see that they had a location in the airport and I duplicated my meal before my flight and it was equally good! The counter service was a fair value as well.

The halibut fish & chips dinner was the BEST! All I wanted was the fish so the birds got fed! Really noisy & squawkie while you eat & you don't have to clean the tables-ha ha! Just leave the birds a "food tidbit".

We love fish and chips ... First trip to Seattle and expected amazing fish - tried Ivar's after the ferry ride to Bainbridge Island - the fish inside was flaky and good but the batter did not not have any flavor. Saw this fish being served at the ball game and other locations but it sure was not a favorite of ours.

The second best chowder I ate, which is saying a lot as I ate A LOT of chowder (Pike's Place Chowder was just a bit better), and the fish tacos were outstanding. During happy hour I had a cup of chowder, a glass of wine, and the tacos for $16! What a deal!!

Aside from their delicious seafood (curry muscles are great!), Ivar's has the absolute best salmon burger in the northwest! Don't miss this delicious burger.

It was fine. I thought is was a little on the pricey side ($17.50 for fish and chips). It was not a batter that I was used to, it was a breaded style coating. Lots of fries. The clam chowder soap was really good.

Feeling peckish in the afternoon and stopped for a bite. Totally surprised at how delicious and filling the chowder was. We also shared a shrimp cocktail with celery instead of lettuce, what a great substitution! We will definitely go back next time we are in the Seattle area.

Ivars is located on the very touristy pier but they have excellent seafood, fish and chips, and my favourite clams. I had the clams for take out and they were great. Service was quick and lots of seating area in front on the pier to enjoy the food. Highly recommend it.

Booked a table and was seated within a reasonable time. Staff took the order for drinks which arrived 20 minutes later! 40 minutes later they took meal order which came 20 minutes after that. Meal very medicore. Loved the location and view, staff friendly just exceptionally busy.

Extremely salty. Staff rude and personal. Ordered 5 piece and served 4, then made to wait with food on counter for loud and just plain mean man in charge to refund.

We were visiting Seattle area and were walking along the wharf and saw a throng of people ordering from a walk up bar and the food looked amazing so we joined the throng and ordered fried prawns. They were the best I've ever eaten!

I was amazed at how bad the fish and chips were at this place that specializes in seafood. Not only were the fish portions small, but they were overcooked and frankly, pretty tasteless. My son got the clam chowder. Clams? Pretty hard to find in this chowder. Having spent my life in the PNW and fished for a living in Alaska, I feel badly for tourists from out of state if this is their experience with local seafood during their visit here. You could probably do better in Kansas!

Came here while on vacation looking for some good fish and chips. Our friends brought us here as it’s their favorite place for fish and chips. The food was great and we enjoyed dining on the back patio overlooking Lake Union. Am odd thing happened while we were finishing our meal. A fire broke out in the salmon house next door and clouds of smoke came pouring out. . Even though we were outside we had to evacuate since the smoke was wafting our way. It was a very strange experience that cut short what was a nice dinner with our friends.

Always love coming back to Ivars. Best clam chowder ever. Never had a bad meal, just many favorites. In July, our family ate there 4 times & in October, we returned again!

I normally don't write super positive reviews of restaurants, It isn't that fun to do so. However, Iver's seafood is done right in every way. Mr Iver's "keep clam" motto is something to remember when mass ordering from the bar but it is kinda fun and easy to get the hang of it. The menu is small but the food comes really fast even when there is 30 people waiting for the same dish. I would recommend the halibut and chips or the clam chowder on your first visit.... and for pete's sake, eat your fish with tarter sauce like every other cultured local.

It took a long time of waiting for us to be seated, but that is no problem considering it was crowded and se had no reservations. The problema was that once seated, se couldn't order, and after ordering it took longer for the food to get to us. Wich was OK, nothing special about it. Not a experiente i wan't to repeat.

Clams & Chips at $8.49- good, fresh and abundant. Clam Chowder-$3.79 small. White had chunks of clam and potato. Great service and quick fast food.

We know this is a chain of restaurants and we know it is outdated and can be a tourist trap, BUT, we went there for lunch during the week anyway. The staff was attentive and the view was perfect. We ordered the clam chosder, of course, the goat cheese and crabmeat dip with bread and a few glasses of wine. The chowder and dip were the absoulte best! We planned on having salads but were so full of chowder, dip and bread that we could not fit anymore. The chosder was creamy and perfectly balanced with potatoes and clams. The dip was to die for! We will come back again and again. Trying to figure out how to order some for home! The prices werer totally fiar considering it is a waterfront site:)

Fantastic says it all Excellent chowder Excellent fish and chips Excellent seafood We went with a group 8. The service was punctual. The food arrived very quickly and all the dishes looked fantastic. Even the kids cheeseburger.

I was very impressed with this place! We ordered our food at the counter and sat down by the water, overlooking the lake. You can find delicious fish and chips all over Seattle, and this place is no exception. There are several things that set this place apart though: first, the price. Seattle's not cheap, but this place was very reasonable! The smallest order of fish and chips was $8.99! The second thing is that you can choose what type of fish you'd like. They have the basic cod, and then for an additional price they have salmon and halibut. I ordered the salmon and chips and it was absolutely wonderful! The only downside is that the interstate is right next door, so you can hear cars as they drive across the bridge. With that said, the lakeside seating and view more than make up for it! We will definitely be back!

This is a tradition when I visit Seattle. So I'm always happy to be here. The Cajun fried fish was really good. I thought the portions were smaller than I remembered this time, but that's years of building it up in my head since my last trip! That being said, I fed half my fries to seagulls and still walked away full and satisfied. Clearly it was plenty! I also recommend trying the garlic vinegar as a dipping sauce - tasted much different (better) than I expected!

I loved the fried oysters at Ivars. The crabmeat cocktail was quite generous and delicious as well. We ate at the seafood bar and in the restaurant and enjoyed both experiences. The seafood bar is very casual: you eat outside by the water. We fed whatever was left (french fries) to the seagulls and they were masters at getting their feed. We had very nice service in the restaurant. Our server was very attentive. The portions were generous and fairly priced. If I were to find fault with anything, it would be with the bread. A crusty, chewy bread or OTC crackers are so good with seafood.

What a great meal!! Plus if you sign up for the Ivar's Birthday Club, you receive a "FREE" Entrée or 50% off if dining solo (You have 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after your birthday to enjoy!!). I just love their Grilled Halibut Platter which comes with rice pilaf, cold slaw and corn bread muffin. DELICOUS!!!

I am a lover of seafood and have had it from Rhode Island to Seattle. It was the best I have ever eaten. The service was excellent, the prices reasonable, the food the best. I had dinner there and took home clam chowder for our rental for day two. THE BEST CLAM CHOWDER YOU WILL EVER EAT!

Fish was good. Sanitation is terrible in all outdoor eating areas. Covered area is filled with pigeons defecating all over the place and outside you are surrounded by a swarm of seagulls. Take your pick and bring a jumbo bottle of sanitizer.

I went several times over the past 10 years. It's an institution and worth it. Walk all day long and enjoy yourself without counting calories or cares.

There wasn't anything fabulous about the food... it was good, but it was nice atmosphere on the water.

You will find the best sea food here. We sat near the bar area during the happy hours because the prices were lower for the same dishes. Fresh sea food.

We always have to go to Ivar's whenever we are in Seattle. Had the fried cod and clam chowder and totally enjoyed them both. Also had the cajun shrimp sampler which was very tasty. Ivar's continues to rock!!

Happy hour deals were great. Better prices in lounge than restaurant. Food was delicious! Sat out on deck and view was awesome.

We were visiting Seattle before/after a cruise and it seemed like every time we asked for a recommendation for a good fish/seafood place, we were told Ivar’s. Shuttle driver, locals, hotel concierge, tour operator. We had to go there. It was worth the hype. Walked up with a group of 7 at 5:00 on Saturday, only waited about 20 minutes to be seated. Chowder was available in 3 flavors (one was vegetarian, meaning no bacon). Those having it loved it. I had the Ivar’s Famous Fish & Chips, it was cod. EXCELLENT. Fresh, flaky fish is a delicious batter fried crispy. Served with fresh fries and cole slaw. Also sampled my son’s halibut fish and chips - also super fresh, very very good. Generous portions, good service. We were in a bit of a hurry, had to get to the airport, and our very efficient server David got us in and out quickly once we were seated. Great call on this restaurant.

This is a GREAT place for fast seafood or better yet.....fish and chips...and it is so handy being an outdoor fast food style place. You get the great seafood without having to dress up at all and yet being along the waterway to Lake Washington, you still get the fun of being along a boating feel.

Always loved Ivers clam chowder. We sat in the bar and enjoyed happy hour, which is from 3 pm till close by the way, waiter was fun and drinks were strong.cant ask for much more.

Good service and the concept of no tipping works well. It is, of course built into the check and prices, They tout their Salmon but I was rather disappointed that it was all frozen. I dined their twice as I was in the area doing business. I had their (fresh) fish and chips and while good was a little small. I had the salmon sampler the next time and I am sure would have been quite good if fresh. It was just OK. They are on Lake Union and have a very an extensive outdoor area, however, they are right under the highway and it is NOISY--I doubt if you could even hear anything other than the roar of traffic overhead.

Enjoyed some fresh Caesar salad, white chowder and cod fish and chips. Reasonable price with fries to go and food tasted good.

It's so romantic to sit outside and feed the ducks and watch the boats go by while munching on the awesome seafood. Surprisingly the hot clam juice is scrumptious.

Great, fresh food! Always a treat to come here. Great for a date or a group of friends. Excellent service.

Wonderful atmosphere. The service was great and the food was awesome. The fish and chips were delicious and the price was reasonable. We sat facing the waterfront.

In Seattle, you must stop here. Not to be confused with the Ivar's Acres of Clams located next door. It too is a must stop. The Seafood Bar is a great place to walk up and get Fish & Chips or Clam and Chips. Food is delivered in an easy to transport and eat in basket that you can eat right there on the docks. It may look like your typical Long John Silvers but the fish is night and day difference. Hot just the right amount of batter and incredibly juicy fish. Make sure you stop here for the original. Make sure and save a few leftover french fries to feed to the seagulls.

Ivars is a local place, with a fast food area in the front where you can pick up dinner and take it home, and a full resturant and bar in the back. Food was great, Copper River salmon was out, but the Coho and Sockeye were fresh and very well prepared and delicious. Fresh baked bread and a pretty decent Bloody Mary cocktail topped it off. Since a friend told us about it, we were lucky to sit on the view side and watched the sunset, beautiful view of the harbor.

I ate lunch at Ivars on my way out of town. I was glad they were in the food court at the airport since I missed them on the piers! It was decent fish and chips for a good price. I would eat there again when I'm back in Seattle.

We so enjoyed our fish dinners…salmon and halibut. The restaurant is easy to find, pleasantly decorated with great service and delicious food.

Excellent fish and chips - the Cod is great and the salmon chowder is very good. The fries are great and we think they have great tartar sauce too!

This was one of our pre-planned stops while visiting Seattle. We were not sorry at all- fantastic fish and chips! The fried salmon was delicious, as was the cod. Having the seagulls hover for a french fry could be unsettling for some people, but it was part of the charm for us. :)

I prefer Ivar's over Pike's Place Chowder! Not only do they have great chowder, but they have a nice selection of other entrees to go with the chowder. My son and I dined here on a Saturday for lunch while visiting Seattle. We were early so there was no line. But after we ordered there are a long line behind us. Not only was our food ready quickly, but the line to order processed very efficiently. Dining on the patio right next to the waterfront was great. They have both covered (patio) and outdoor seating. Overall, great good at a great price. Did you know Costco has carried (at least in the past) Ivar's Chowder, so you can have this back home, too?

Good foot, good people. Walking down the waterfront in Seattle is definitely a must do when you go to this city. The food here is very fresh and very authentic. I enjoyed watching the seagulls after dinner.

I didn't know that Ivar's had a nice sit down area, usually go to the one in Southcenter. My friend and I got the chowder with bread bowls, wow!!! The server had brought 1 ticket when we needed it to be split, other than that, she was nice. This may be under the wrong Ivar's but this was the one on the waterfront. Definitely would go back again.

The clam chowder is creamy, comforting and full of flavor. Sure, it's a chain and there's over 25 locations in Washington, but there's a reason why it's so popular. Ivar, if I could, I'd shake your hand. Good job, sir!

A great place for friends to meet, take the family or a quiet dinner for two! The food and views are amazing!

The fish and chips were great, the fish especially!! Eating alongside the pier and you get to share your dinner (if you choose) with the seagulls!

Lunchtime service on this quiet Saturday midafternoon was very slow even though there was not much crowd. Mussels in classic white wine sauce was utterly delicious; other entrees (salmon, Caesar salad) very good. Our only complaint had to do with our oyster order: each one in our dozen was filled with grit and shard, and the muscle was still attached to the shell. Really, that shouldn’t happen in a restaurant that’s regarded as such a seafood mecca.

I'm from the northeast. The chowder here is a let down. There are many better options for fish and chips.

Went here for lunch after meeting friends at University of Washington - about 10 minutes away. Generous parking lot located across the street. Had fish and chips plus chowder - ordered from the walk-up window attached to the Salmon House and ate on the back deck on a sunny, clear, warm day - beautiful view of the area. The fish had good texture and was cooked well. The chowder was hearty and tasty. If you are looking for an easy place to get fish and chips, this would serve you well.

I didn’t go into the fancy restaurant part of Ivar’s: I was grubby and footsore and just wanted some good seafood on the waterfront—then the next day I went back for more. Sitting at metal tables in a covered outdoor area with a crowd of hungry tourists wolfing down fish and chips or clam chowder in a bread bowl is as much a part of the Seattle Waterfront experience as the food, which was fresh, tasty, and relatively cheap.

Went to Ivar's with 7 girlfriends to celebrate a graduation. We sat the window with a beautiful view of the lake & the Space Needle. Our waitress was very nice, attentive without being pushy or overbearing. We all arrived at different times and she did a great making everyone feel welcome and cared for. What came next, however, was very disappointing. I ordered a Pomegranate Basil Gimlet which did not contain ANY Pomegranate juice nor basil. It was made of cranberry juice and was basically a mediocre Cosmo. Underwhelming and deceitful. Then, the food came and the disappointments continued. I ordered the fish tacos. When they arrived, it looked like one of the least inspired plate of food I've seen in quite a while. On one side was a bunch of store-bought tortilla chips and a little ramekin of store-bought salsa. On the other side were couple fish tacos -- basically deep fried fish and some shredded cabbage. As I picked up the first one, a bunch of liquid started to drip -- watery, oily. I couldn't bring myself to eat the second one. Dreadful.

This one didn't live up to the hype. I had the Halibut fish & cole slaw. The fish was very overcooked and tough. The cole slaw was good. This was definitely not worth the $15 I paid. I did taste the salmon and it was much better.

Based on reviews and recommendations from friends, I had to check out Ivar's Fish Bar. It didn't disappoint, I ate on the outside patio rather than inside the restaurant and it was delicious - plus, a great location for people-watching!. Just jump in and holler out your order, don't be shy :)

I and three others had the privilege of dining at Ivar's Seafood in Seattle, Washington. The food was delicious. Everyone must try the clam chowder (white). It is to die for. We also tried the salmon, tiger shrimps, the halibut and the seafood combo. We dined there at least three times. Ivar's is a must. The staff there are also very friendly and make you feel most welcome. At the end of your meal they bring you towel wipes and a chocolate. I would definitely recommend Ivar's to everyone.

Great food. Great view. Totally enjoyable experience! Fish and chips and fried clams were excellent.

Been here many, many times and just can't get enough of their chowder. (Costco sells it now by the way). Kids have a blast feeding the seagulls too. Some don't like the birds flying around, if that's the case they have a covered area too, or you can eat inside. You want a real Seattle experience this is a great place to come for lunch, Pier 54.

I really liked this place. It is a really cold atmosphere. We ate outside and it was really nice. I liked watching the float planes and all of the activity on the water. The food was good and the service was awesome!

My husband and I were visiting from the East coast and wanted to have some salmon while visiting the Northwest. This restaurant offered a number of choices, and I especially enjoyed the sampler (3 kinds!). I would definitely want to return on our next visit to Seattle.

Ivars is iconic on seattle waterfront but I think I actually prefer the lake union location for its ambiance. It is somewhat out of the way and not super well known that ivars on lake union is one of the very few places where you can eat waterside without a reservation. Instead of going to the restaurant, hit the counter service out front and take your food to the left end of the waterfront out back. About half the tables out there are not reserved for the sit down restaurant. An incredible option is that there is a free boat dock reserved for those dining at ivars(first come first served) so you can drive your boat and get a bite to go or stay for up to 3 hrs without hassle. As always the clam chowder and fish and chips hit the spot.

We ate there twice in two days because great seafood was what we were after and we were not disappointed. They have lots of different options but we stuck with fish and chips and some appetizers.You can eat in the restaurant or you can order at their outside window and eat at the picnic tables adjacent to the harbor. The seagulls appreciate your donations. Don't feed them near the tables, instead throw a piece of food into the air and watch them catch it midflight. The kids are really impressed by this! Eating outside is a lot cheaper than inside and the wait is a lot shorter. The line outside looks long but moves quickly.

We decided to eat at Ivar's Seafood Bar because it was down on the Pier and it was our son's first time on the Pier in Seattle. The location is great, you can do a lot of things around it, and the food was good. I am not saying "AWESOME" because I have had food very similar. We had just gotten back from the Oregon Coast and I have to say - we had better chowder down on the coast than the "Famous Ivar's Chowder". So, it was good. I am giving it an average rating - because besides the location nothing was above average about it ... even the chowder.

Tried twice one better than another ,best fish chips sorry no ( try Whitby were Captain cook sailed from ) no seriously been around the globe not the best not the worst depending who serves you might be hot can not order lightly battered bit like big mc Donald’s .quality of fish is good but chips ,service etc no heavy on batter but soggy

Ivar's is, of course, a Seattle tradition. So during our recent stay in the Pacific Northwest, we had lunch at Ivar's on Northlake. What a hoot!! The place has just been expanded with new decorations to capture the Pacific Northwest flavor. And they have accomplished this in spades, down to the Native American kayaks hanging from the ceilings to the totem poles at the entry. The view of metro-Seattle up Lake Union is perfect, as is the boat and sea plane action on the lake. Oh, the food....??? Well, it is Ivar's. The clam chowder was solid and the Crab Louie's were good. This is a fun place and it was great to return here after many years in New England.

For my birthday we having lunch on Saturday. The salmon very fresh. The food very delicious! But the corn bread they not making like good old day.

Stopped in for lunch on a Sunday afternoon while on vacation. The lines were long, which encouraged us, but the service was not so hot. First, the system they used to take orders was confusing and frankly frustrating. We ordered fish & chips, halibut & chips, chicken & chips and finally prawns and chips. The four of us each liked our food. I especially liked the halibut, having eaten fresh halibut we caught in Alaska. The seating area was very cramped and dirty. You could hardly maneuver through the tables and our table was dirty. They were out of bottled water so we drank tap water from very small cups (Dixie cup sized). The location is good as its right on the water. Overall a 4 star for the taste of the food but nothing else is four stars.

Is a must ! Make it an annual happening. All the seafood plus more tradional brunch choices than you can imagine or even sample. Save room for the Bananas foster. YUM

Although the ambience of being on the water, watching the ferries come and go is quite nice, the food here was mediocre. The clam chouder was excellent. However, the fish & chips was not very good, with very small servings. A friend (from the area) had oysters and wasn't able to eat them. It is quite pricey!

If you are in Seattle, in need of a quick bite of fried seafood, anything Ivar's should do the trick. Along with Spuds, though better by far, Ivar's has long been setting the standard for fish and chips, whether cod, halibut or salmon. They're also capable of rocking your chowder world.

You can't go to downtown Seattle without eating Ivar's Fish & Chips, with a bowl of Clam Chowder. Great location with seating on the water. Great food & beautiful scenery! You can't beat that.

Our first trip to Seattle and friends took us to Pike's Market - there were 6 adults and 4 kids ages 3 and younger - where to eat? The line at Ivar's for lunch was not too long, the service was wonderful, and although we did not expected much in the way of great food, we were pleasantly surprised. The clam chowder was good (not the world's best) but the salads, crab cakes and fish were all very good. They are prepared for kids with a good children's menu, crayons and lots of high chairs. Our lunch was about $125 including tip - a good value for all that we ordered.

Always good food at reasonable prices. A stable crew with friendly personalities. We never leave Seattle without stopping once or more on longer stays. I have a disabled daughter who is in love with their jumbo prawns. I am a 4 piece fish and chips person with malt vinegar. This seafood bar is attached to Ivar's Salmon House which is also excellent. We like to eat on the barge in front of the Salmon House in the summer or when it is not raining. Fun experience!

This was exactly the kind of place we were looking to get some cheap, tasty seafood. Clams and cod were great and the fries were so good. Lots of birds around if you’re into feeding them, it’s allowed.

Four of us were in Seattle to board a cruise ship to Alaska, and friends had recommended Ivar's. The friends specifiedthe one on the Lake, almost under the Interstate bridge. We made reservations a month ahead of time but when we arrived around 5:30 there were plenty of tables. The view of the Lake is very relaxing. We didn't eat on patio but in normal summertime evening temperatures in Seattle, it would be a nice venue. Food was excellent, with the salmon cooked just right, and the service was very good. Ivar's at the airport is a skip and Ivar's in the market is almost as good as under the bridge, same prices and slightly more limited menu. All in all, "under the bridge/on the Lake" Ivar's is highly recommended if you're in Seattle.

We often have events that are either catered by or at Ivars and have always had good service. Their wild Alaskan salmon is the best.

Let me preface this with, we live in an area with lots of British expats, so fish and chips here at home are outstanding. At Ivar's, the portions are small, the "chips" are shoestring, limp, and a bit soggy. The prices are high for what you get, but the seagulls just love them ! (Maybe if the fries were better, there would be fewer fat seagulls, or even fewer seagulls ?) That being said, you can get a variety of fish (including salmon) . They have 3 chowders....white, red, and a salmon one. Their white is pretty good, didn't try the others. When we were ordering, several people around us ordered their chowder in a sourdough bowl, and the bowl was later given to the seagulls. Hmmm. Ok, so now we've been, (been there, done that, got the shirt), so no real need to return.

Upon entering was a nice quaint wooden building with an outdoor dining area. The staff were friendly and led us to a table. They provide umbrellas outside so I recommend sitting there. The menu was quite large. The food was very good! I recommend the Alaska Cod with Chips (signature) but the chicken is very good. You can also park your boat and order. Very nice meal and view!

I love all of Ivar's restaurants, even the smaller chain fish and chip ones. I have never had a bad meal over the years at Ivar's.

We went there on a recommendation from our hotel desk clerk. The sit-down restaurant is more expensive and had a longer wait than the outdoor bar. We had the 5 pieces offish and chips. It was reasonable and super fresh & yummy. Fast food speed and great atmosphere. Also, the seagulls were fun to play with and they were used to being fed.

Large portions and delicious food! The white clam chowder was rich and flavorful and had bacon in it! The fish was cod, lightly breaded and not greasy. I ordered a four piece fish N chips for 2 kids to share and that was more than enough for them both. I had the 3 piece and it was almost too much to finish. The calamari and chips was also very good. Would definitely eat here again!

While shopping, we stopped to eat at this Ivar's. The Clam Chowder was perfectly made; we also had shrimp cocktails, under $3 for a LARGE cocktail, and a crab cocktail, about $5.25. Don't miss this place for a casual, inexpensive, absolutely tops in seafood, place to eat.

Been going to this fish bar for fifty years or more. Sadly both the Salmon and the cornmeal muffin were very overcooked. Flavor was good. Cole slaw flavor best, but too juicy. The 'wild rice' was well under 5% wild rice, and not very tasty.

We had clam chowder in two other locations while in Seattle and this by far was the best ever. When we came home we found out that you can order it but its very expensive for me on the east coast. So so good

we were looking for fried oysters and we found them in Lynnwood at a Seafood Bar called Ivar's..the clam chowder was amazing..and the manager checked on us several times to see how we liked the food...we told him wish he would put one in Albuquerque V. Taylor

What a terrific waterfront view, great happy hour selections, super staff and clam chowder to die for! Sitting under a bridge and constant boat traffic views along with the patio ambiance...what can I say? Thanks, Lisa1

I haven't been on the waterfront in Seattle for fourteen years, despite living only thirty-five miles away. I used to come here as a kid, going to Mariners games. Ivar's was good then and it is good now. I think that the fries have improved, actually! If you are visiting Seattle, this place is a must if you like fish and chips. Or clams. Or scallops. Or oysters. Or chicken. Clam chowder is an icon of the PNW!

When you're craving for some fish and chips and clam chowder, you HAVE to go to Ivar's! If you don't feel like doing the whole restaurant thing, the seafood bar is great! Quick, easy, and same type of food. They have a sit down area and an outdoor seating so that's pretty cool too. The staff is amazing! BEST EVER!!!

Take out at Ivars is good. Seating on the lakeside too. Just the noise from the i5 to accompany you as you feast on cod and chips. The salmon, surprisingly, was dry so still to the clam chouder and the fried fish and you will be good to go

This is a local fast food chain that serves fish. While most everything is fried, they did have grilled salmon which was very good. They also had chowder on the menu. A very popular spot with the locals as the place was full.

The fish and chips here is great. Ate by water edge and watched all the boys on lake. Chowder wasn't so great that day, a little thin and tasteless.

We tried to get it for lunch around 1:30 on a Monday afternoon. Wait was 30 minutes for the restaurant, but plenty of tables in the bar with the same view! No waiting! Well, except for the waitress. She seemed to keep confusing our table with the one next to us. Brought us wine we didn't order. Later an ice tea we didn't order. Took a while for her to get our lunch order....then a long time till the food came....and the longest wait was for her to return with my American Express Card. The food was very good. Halibut fish and chips had plenty of thick fries and 3 well battered pieces of fish. Very tasty! My wife had the broiled halibut with a second vegetable substituted for the mashed potatoes (no problem!). Others in our party had salmon, both nicely prepared. Everyone was impressed that the waitress asked how my wife wanted her halibut cooked-medium or well. Does anyone ever order well done halibut? All the fish was moist and delicious. The chefs at Ivar's certainly know their craft. We would go back again....in fact, we did have to go back. My wife left her camera. Asked our waitress if she had seen it. She hadn't and was sorry. Fortunately, we asked at the front desk, and the busboy had brought it there. If we go back to eat there again, we will definitely seek out another waitress. i am interested in trying their version of Oysters Rockefeller and the oyster po' boy sandwich. Four of us ate for $85.

Even though it's fried it tasted great not greasy. I had the haddock with a cup of clam chowder GREAT!

We went to Ivar's because it is a Seattle institution. In my opinion it is overrated. The fish was fine, but the fries were limp and greasy, the coleslaw was bland, and the chowder was salty. Will I go back? Nope. There are other places that are much better.

Visited Seattle for a pre-cruise stop. My husband and I stopped by Ivar's Seafood Bar, and wow, the Chowder is to-die-for. My husband doesn't like chowder, and he thought this was great. We also had the fish and chips, but it wasn't as tasty and the other dish. The atmosphere is fun, but if you are afraid of birds, don't go. People really feed the birds. I have a fear of birds, but this day, I over came my fears.

After along day we wanted Quick seafood. The chowder was good and there was plenty of seating. Place could use a bit of cleaning. Condiments on tables were dirty and in poor condition. Chowder was delicious

Our first time in Seattle and a friend suggested this place. So glad we visited. The service was awesome, atmosphere was very nice and the food was incredible! A little pricey but worth treating yourself while on vacation!

We got our order pretty quick, I ordered the cod fish and chips. It was flaky, crispy and melted in my mouth. It didn't have the fishy taste. We sat outside and fed the seagulls our left over fries. We were grateful for the good food, quick service and clean area to sit. The sun had set but we felt safe as couples, some cute sailors and a couple of Seattles finest were also eating there.

if you at all like seafood this is a must try local restaurant when you are in the PNW. A great simple local fresh seafood restaurant which will not disappoint

My Ivar's experience was at Safeco field watching a ball game. The BEST! Fish & Chips I have ever had in my life.

Best clam chowder ever. I want more. I'll never get enough!!!! Make sure to go during happy hour. It's fun to watch people feed the birds too.

We had a full day in Seattle and needed a quick bite to eat before we boarded the Ferry. Ivar's didn't disappoint. Since it was a Seafood bar, the service was quick. We had a large bowl of chowder that fed four of us. The fush an chips were good as was the calamari, and cheap too!

I've been dropping by this branch of Ivar's for over 10 years and I've always loved their simple and reasonable menu, plus you can't beat their location on Lake Union on the U Dub side. This time was special as it was the first time I was actually able to sit on the wharf and it was sunny and not freezing. It's always great to be facing downtown Seattle, with or without a view of Mt Rainier. As usual, I had a hard time choosing which to get - salmon and fries, oyster and fries or clam strips and fries. They're all pretty good and of course, one of the best items on their menu is their clam chowder in a breadbasket. They added new sides like calamari and shrimp which was a nice option to have. I ended up with the clam strips and fries with a side of calamari while my wife and daughter had the clam chowder and chicken strips. We had an awesome late lunch, having driven down from Vancouver and it looks like we'll continue to visit everytime we're in Seattle.

Meet up with our friend Captain Dick, we had the blackened fish tacos, seafood medley, burger, cooper salmon and fish and chips. The food was great and our waitress was awesome. Cannot wait to go again once we are back in Seattle. - from CO, WI and Denmark.

Ivars has always been one of my favorite seafood restaurants and the convenience of the seafood bar is a great way to enjoy the Seattle waterfront. You can depend on the food being delicious and satisfying.

The place is really worth the drive. The building is iconic and they have giant canoos hanging from the ceiling, one in excess of 50ft. Excellent sea food overal and a fair selection of wine.

We were looking for a place to eat before taking the ferry. We each got fish and chips. The fish was extremely fresh with just enough batter. Everyone loved it. It as also reasonably priced and you get plenty of food. It is located right on the waterfront and great for a quick bite.

We went here for lunch on a recommendation. The fish and chips were excellent....chips were not soggy at all! It would be useful to have some vinegar handy to sprinkle over the meal.....but hey, you can't have everything!

Nice ambience and views were spectacular. Issues I had with my server: 1. Belittled me for only having water to drink. 2. Took my order but forgot it and came back and asked again. Place the order for the Salmon combo instead of the NW combo. 3. He tried to make up for it but I felt he should be in NYC with his rush rush approach rather than in Seattle. I felt fish needed some more flavoring.

This chowder is creamy, chunky, flavorful and served hot! r - and the best I've had in a take-out bar! In fact, we madea point of stopping at another Ivar's on the way back from the Boeing Plant to have another serving - and it was every bit as good.

Had some time before my flight so I found this little place at the Seatac airport. Had great crab cocktail, and the clam chowder was tasty. Much better than you would expect from a restaurant at the airport. Will go back next time.

Service was excellent. Staff was very knowledgeable of their menu and food. Their oyster stew was excellent. Our friends had oysters in the shell that they raved about. The food and service were so good, we came back the next day for a repeat. You won't be disappointed.

Every time I'm in Seattle one of my first stops is at Ivar's, preferably here at the Seafood Bar. Everything is always made fresh to order, and the biggest problem I have is deciding what to eat. The fish & chips really can't be beat, and the clams, scallops, shrimp, and clam chowder are also out of this world. If you really want to experience the "Taste of Seattle", be sure to stop by Ivar's for a wonderful meal.

We met family here for dinner on a beautiful summer evening. We snagged a table on the back deck with views of Lake Union. We walked out front and ordered at the take out window. Service was quick, and we carried our food to the back. I enjoyed my clam strips and chips. I can't really say they were anything special, but my food sure tasted good as I watched the tugboats pushing the barges in the lake. The price was right too!

One on my favorite places to eat. Great sea food and it is down on the water front. On a sunny day, the view can't be beat. You can see the Olympic Mountains and watch the ferry boats go back and forth.

My husband and I stopped for happy hour on our way to supper and ended up enjoying our drinks and food so much we didn't move on. My husband had the oyster shooters and said they were the best. He also had the salmon plate. I had the muscles in curry sauce and it was super great!! Don't forget to ask for some bread to sop up the curry sauce! (No wonder we got filled up, huh?) Very very good!!

Good fried fish options. You can sit overlooking the water. Reasonably priced for Seattle. The combo special is a good value because it includes a drink and chowder. This can all be taken to go as well.

Eight family members joined my wife and I at your establishment because we were there twenty years ago and wanted to relive the moment. Only to find the wait staff forgot orders and wrong orders were delivered then charges were made for orders we actually wanted. The cost was over $500 plus the waiter gave himself a $60 tip. I was so embarrassed. No one finished their food as it was over cooked and cold when delivered. I don’t know what happened to this once great dinning place? But I want the management team to be aware of it so that changes can be made to bring it back to what it was twenty plus years ago.

I would say that the food is above average. The Copper Salmon was there so we tried that and it didn’t disappoint. I wanted to eat fish and chips as well but I think that the waiter made a mistake and just got me a piece of breaded fish. It was just OK. The chowders were really good though - we tried 2. Really good food at a higher end price point.

After dining at the restaurant several times I wanted to give the seafood bar a try. Wow! Deep fried salmon & fries. I recommend the garlic vinegar for the salmon which is great for dipping. I added a packet of Tabasco to the ketchup for an added kick, but needed more than one ketchup. The salmon wasn’t dry at all and the counter guy was very nice too. Loved it.

I remember coming here with my parents as a teen, Had the opportunity to visit with my pre-teens and they loved it just as much as i did and do. The food was great. feeding the birds was a ball. The outdoor air is as refreshing as the atnosphere. I would drive another 11 hours just for a bowl of their clam chowder any day !.

Enjoyed fish, chips and wonderful white clam chowder. They have the best tarter sauce, too. I've never been disappointed at any Ivar's location. Friends from Eastern Washington come just for the food there.

It was a very good experience. One can’t expect such quality food from the place which looks like a fast food establishment. We had clam chowder, scallops and jumbo prawns. Chowder was absolutely delicious. Scallops and prawns were cooked just right. Soft and succulent, not robbery. Plus you can have your meal sitting outside and enjoying the sunny weather and fresh sea breeze (if you are as lucky as we were).

No frills, just light, delicious, fish and chips. The batter is tremendous, and you get a true blue collar meal from Ivar's!

Visited this restaurant after watching a YouTube video on local Seattle restaurants. The food did not disappoint. Ended up having a bowl of clam chowder at the airport Ivar’s before leaving beautiful Seattle.

Absolutely delicious clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl and fish & chips!! Reasonable prices and outside seating made this the perfect lunch spot for us!

Ivar's hands down has the best clam chowder. You can also order it to go. I was craving crab legs from the last visit but found them to be not as good this time. Don't get me wrong, they were by far better than any chain like Joe's Crab Shack but it must have been the wrong time of year because the shells were not crunchy. The meat was still good but it also seemed like the portions were smaller.

My husband and I had the cod fish and chips. The fish was very fresh. My daughter had the chicken fingers with fries and that also tasted great. My recommendation is that the seating room and restrooms need better cleaning given the amount of traffic. The food is so good that the seafood bar is always packed! Would visit again.

We were told to visit Ivar's by a Seattle resident. We visited the Northlake location and enjoyed a window seat to watch the boats come and go. The chowder was recommended, but it was not as good as I thought it would be. The meal overall was good, but very expensive. I guess we paid for the view. I gave this restaurant a Very Good because overall, it is a nice restaurant.

This is one of those places that if you have been in Seattle very long, you have eaten here at least once. The Seafood Bar is located outside the main Ivar's restaurant on the water just north of Lake Union and is a popular destination for boaters on a sunny day. The Fish & Chips are OK but the star is the Salmon dinner. No where near as good as you get in the main restaurant but still tasty and about a third the price. Good food that's fast or fast food that's good.

A listing for Ivar's Seafood Bar in Wallingford, I looked at the menu for the main restaurant Ivar's Salmon House, and compared the fish & chips in both with the bar beating their price by almost $5, I chose the Bar. We ordered both the white (4.5 stars) and the red (1.5 stars) clam chowder, no comparison, we didn't finish half of the red due to it's flavor (canned soup?). They gave us a sample of their salmon chowder, WOW, it was great and we will order it next time. We ordered the salmon (4 pieces) & chips, a 4.5 star experience as the fries pulled it down being so mediocre, and the halibut (3 pieces) & chips also pulled down to 4.7 stars. Next time we will bypass the chips and get the salmon grilled with wild rice! Oh, and they gave us unlimited free unsweetened tea which was delicious. Staff at the counter were extra friendly and helpful. We ate inside so as not to hear the constant roar of the traffic above on the highway.

Ivar's was suggested by the front desk of our hotel and they made reservations for us. It was an excellent recommendation as everything we had was excellent. Clam chowder was superb and the fish in their fish and chips was very tasty and melted in your mouth. The next time we're in Seattle we will certainly make a return visit to Ivar's

In the summer this is one of my favorite destination to get something to eat. I really especially like it when it is a hot day. We go here, order our food from the outside window. Then take the short walk to the lake and sit in the outdoor seating area along the shore. Watch the boats go by. It is just very lovely. Great view of the city too. The food is always good, Service is great and it is fast service. When people come to visit I like taking them here because they all love it so much! It is close to Gasworks Park and Ballard Locks. Two other great places to get a walk in after eating.

This was my first time in Seattle. We chose to dine at Ivar's during our last night of our stay. We were seated immediately on a Sunday night. No Reservations !!! They gave good service and great food. We will visit again. Wish we had one in Charleston SC.

If you want a good meal in a great location on the Lake, then this is the restaurant for you. Good food, good service and a great view! Ivar's has all this and more. Lot's of easy parking and servers who treat you like they care that you are there! They have a great happy hour too! Look at the specials menu and if you like salmon, go for it. I have never had a bad salmon meal there and I have been there many times. Keep clam!

It is rated one of the best for it's clam chowder as well as the variety of fish from Calamari to fried clams as well as a multitude of other fish.

my title sums it. The "tomato" based clam chowder is Chef Boy R Dee. King crab was dried out and small. We requested a replacement and were delighted with our crab.

Had lunch at Ivar’s Seafood Bar which we found by accident, it is right on the water. The unfortunate thing it is located right under I-5. The noise level is unbelievable from the traffic above. We were there Saturday afternoon and the weather was quite warm so it was busy on the water. Every time a boat went by you got a gulp of fumes with your fish and chips. There is indoor and outdoor seating right by the stand away from the view . We chose the area by the water. About fish and chips (other things and chips on the menu), we opted to get ours from the stand at the front of the restaurant. You can get a 3, 4 or 5 piece dinner. We opted for the 4 piece which was enough and shared as we were not that hungry. The chips were really good, they were real potatoes. The fish they used was cod which was nice and flaky. The fish is deep fried but left the fish a bit card-boardy tasting, even with salt and vinegar to bring out the taste. I like my fish battered but gave it a try anyway. We also had a look in the Salmon House restaurant (same building) which is situated on the water and perused the menu. I would give this place another try but this time sit inside and stay away from the fumes. They have a happy hour every day at the bar.

I ate at the Ivar's Seafood bar Restaurant a few weeks ago. I sat outside on the deck, overlooking the water., Union Bay,. The server was very friendly and attentive. I got the Wild Sockeye salmon. It was one of the best that I have had. Perfectly cooked and very flavorful. My daughter will be attending University of Washington in the fall. When I go to visit her, I will take her to Ivar's for a great meal.

Loved dinner at the Salmon House with my wife and I, but another night we took our family back there to the fish bar for fish and chips and a casual outdoor dining experience. What a mistake (especially compared to other fish and chips places we visited) The fish and chips were very small pieces of cod and rather dry, the fried halibut were flat pieces of fish all dried out, and the red chowder was salty, few bits of clams and ...unenjoyable (i did have the white chowder at the Salmon house and it was amazing) They also messed up part of the order giving us 3 pieces of dried out halibut instead of 4 pieces of cod (we had waited too long and everyone else was eating to bother exchanging) On top of all that the price was very expensive...compared to other fish and chips places we visited in Seattle which were cheaper and had much bigger, juicier, pieces of fish and tons of fries. The salmon house on the other hand was terrific. See my other review on that. So pass on the fish bar.

This used to be one of our favorite takeout options for the past 20 plus years. The quality has declined to the point that is is no longer worth the money.The salmon dinners were over cooked and dry. The quantity of the portions is half what is used to be. No tartar sauce was provided and we were charged for a bag we didn't even want. We had a similar experience with the salmon the last time we were there but thought we would give them one more chance. It is sad but we won't be back.

We came here for the crunchy, crispy, not so great on your waistline food. We ended up having a decent meal and show. Sit outdoors, enjoy your meal on the side of the restaurant, and get entertained by the squawking seagulls who are more than willing to get up close and personal and snag a fry from your outstretched hand. They pretty much stay put and don’t intrude on your dining, but toss a fry and they go out of their way to snag it before their “gullfriends” get a chance. The braver few from our group approached the gulls and fed them while they were perched on the fence. I ordered the shrimp platter and was not disappointed. My husband got the scallop platter and it was equally as tasty. He even ventured out and had some clam chowder. We are a picky crew when it comes to chowder because we are from New England. It was excellent. We were here in the summer and it was super-duper crowded. There were 8 of us and we just split ourselves up between the three lines that had formed that day. Ordered at the counter and grabbed our food to sit in the sunshine right next to the water at a line of tables that hug the side of the building. There was also a covered area with tables available for seating.

Were on our way to BC and stopped here for lunch. Great chowder with loads of clams and very little potato. Great staff and very clean. Appeared to have a lot of locals enjoying lunch.

The food was great! The setting was gorgeous, right off the water, the restaurant was awesome! loved it! would definitely go back.

We arrived for happy hour and I enjoyed a few of the small bites. For under $30 I had 6 oyster shots, blackened salmon ceasar salad and cod fish tacos....oh and two glasses of wine. The food was good and the price was right. Nice views of the water from a comfortable inside table.

I suppose hoping that ANY airport food might be excellent is asking too much. Average food, average service so- average review. Save your money and just walk on by.

We went to Ivar's by a recommendation from a friend. He told me, knowing how much I love Clam Chowder, that they have the best. Boy was he right. The best I've had. It's right on the water so the location is great. If you want to you can feed Seagulls on the deck. They will fly over and take the fries right out of your hand. My son loved this. We went a second time and I had fish and chip which were very good. Over all Ivar's is a nice waterfront Seafood restaurant worth the time and money.

Ivar's fish and chips are great, especially the standard cod-based portions. No need to take in the expensive Salmon House sit-down experience for a round of fish and chips. My family likes to just get our fish to go at the Fish Bar outside the Salmon House and then walk through to the docks and get basically the same view of the downtown across Lake Union, as you do from the Salmon House, but for $10 per person instead of $25 per person. On a clear, sunny day in Seattle, this is a fantastic option for an enjoyable, inexpensive lunch. Also take in the kayakers and the traffic going from Lake Union and heading toward the Montlake Cut near the University of Washington.

Stopped by for fish and chips with new geocaching friends. Ordered at the window then chose a table at the floating dock, and enjoyed watching the boats go by and the sunset. Excellent food and excellent atmosphere.

A Seattle Classic. Ivars seafood bar. Fish & Chips with White Chowder. Shared a 5 Piece with my wife. Excellent quality. Chowder is the Ivars Classic. If you’re on the Waterfront in Seattle and don’t have time for the sitdown option then hit the Fish bar. You won’t be disappointed!

Ever since my kids took me to this Ivar's the first time, it's a must visit whenever we're in Seattle. It's fast, convenient and has outstanding food. The chowder is just the best. Add to that, the entertaining seagulls screeching for food and it makes for a terrific and fun meal. The fish was good and fried clams were so good we got another order before we left.

I greatly oppose fried food, but if you are in Seattle, down on the pier, stop at Ivar's and make an exception! The seafood is fresh and melts in your mouth. The deep-fried halibut is the ultimate treat. If you are deeply committed to staying away from the fried fish, then they also have salmon which is totally yummy. The fish and chips are a tradition of my families whenever we find ourselves in the pacific northwest. I only feel guilty for a brief period and then I forget it after I take that first bite, yum!

It's nice to know that a Seattle staple is a consistent source of food. No matter the location, you'll enjoy good solid seafood. My favorite is anything cajun and I'm never disappointed.

Food is good here. Had fish and chips. The cod portions tell you the sad state of affairs for that species. My slaw was good. Sampled clams which I would recommend. If you like sour dough, order some chowder. The red chowder had the color of pork and beans. Review is for Bellevue location on 156th. Setup is like a fast food restaurant. The food and the setting make for an enjoyable experience.

The clam chowder was creamy and flavorful but lacking enough clams. the fish was fresh Cod and fried perfectly if a bit of a skimpy portion. Fries were average. There is nothing special about this place to bring me back

Had lunch at the seafood bar today... Pros -food was tasty ( had scallops and chips) -location right on the pier is great Cons -ordering method is very confusing -seating area (everyone is feeding the seagulls, so noisy and kinda gross) I'd go back.

I am prefacing this review by stating that I do not eat seafood. I visited this restaurant in December with some seafood loving family. The menu is limited for non-seafood eaters like me, however it is not impossible to find something. I ate the chicken tenders. They were just ok. Nothing to write home about. I can’t complain, I found something to eat. The place was reasonably clean and full of charm.

One of my favorite dishes is fish and chips. I really enjoy Ivar's version. The fish is lightly breaded, and crispy. There are regular and cajun versions. Depending on what I feel, it's typically cajun as it was this day. The spice is enough to provide flavor without overpowering the fish being eaten. The fries are also crisp and hot...I love hot fries. Sides of different vinegars are available. This day, I picked up the five piece for two of us. If you want something as a lighter meal than the three piece and the higher cost of two three pieces, the five piece split between two is a real bargain plus you can have a mix of regular and cajun.

I've been going to Ivers for 48years and can say I never had a moment where I though that was not what I expected ! This is my go to for special meals , good thing it's only a two hour drive , iam lucky enough to have the same waitress for 36 years amazing it's what makes Ivers special ! The food is fantastic my problem is the fish and Chips , back in the day they where called fish and chips a plenty and they still are big serving for sure ,so I have trouble trying new items , on the occasion I have tried something else it's always been fantastic , shrimp cocktail is to die for oysters again very good , clam chowder my wife craves ! Don't be scared off from some reviews talking about the ambience it is great out side keep clam and feed a seagull lol not just for kids ! Indoors is great for a more relaxed dinner ! Give it a try and in thirty years from now you also can look forward to dropping in to see a old friend and enjoying the best fish and chips ever !!!

Food was okay but not great for price. Great view and great service. Would opt for somewhere in Pikes Market next time.

This little walk-up location is adjacent to Ivar's Salmon House on Northlake way in North Lake Union. Their consistently good Fish & Chips have me hooked. If you are seriously hungry then I recommend the 5 piece fish and chips.