Lockspot Cafe Reviews

3.6

527 of 3,215 Restaurants in Seattle


Reviews

Awful

By Maddie Brown |

Visited Ballard Locks for my freshman integration class at the University of Washington. Ate here because it was close to the water where we were and not much else was open at 7pm on a Wednesday. I was VERY disappointed. The Deadliest Catch ate here apparently, so all of the staff acted incredibly pompous. I would've understood this treatment if we were particularly rowdy college kids, but in actuality we were uncomfortable with each other so no one even really spoke, and it was only a group of 4. The waiter made it seem like it was the biggest hassle in the world that he had to split our check, and didn't check on our waters once. It took 20 minutes after we sat down before he even asked us what we wanted to drink, and there were maybe 6 other people in the entire restaurant at the time. Now, I think I'm reasonable, and ALL of this would've been excusable if the food was slightly better than average, which it wasn't. I had chowder, which just in general tasted old and microwaved. The rest of the group got burgers, and no one was thoroughly impressed. Honestly, just avoid this place.

Excellent fish & chips, amazing chowder!!!

By adina85 |

Best chowder we ate in Seattle, fish and chips are amazing!!! Nice place with good service and value, wouldnt miss it!!!

Mediocre food, great location, helpful staff

By HappyTravlrInMO |

I would classifiy this place as "local greasy spoon", which some people love, others avoid. I've eaten breakfast here--not to my taste as the food was actually greasy and tasted like the oil was old. I have also had fish and chips here which were adequate. If you want a quick meal and aren't too fussy you will be fine. It's basically at the Ballard Locks, parking is available. Belly up to the bar for a more satisfying experience. The waitstaff are excellent and check often to be sure you are satisfied.

Went for the nostalgia

By Tim98166 |

I took some out of towners here as they saw it on Deadliest Catch (the TV show). We just had beers, so no comment unfortunately on the food. The place has character, but well worn character. The smells of deep-fat fryer are strong and present, so keep that in mind.

AWFUL

By J C |

Three of us ate here. My small shrimp salad originally came with NO shrimp! Waitress brought a small dish with 12 (I counted) tiny salad shrimp. Can you spell rip-off. Other two in our party ordered fish and chips. Fish overcooked and had SKIN still attached. Worst meal in months. Overpriced, terrible tourist trap!

okay

By mapa |

the fish and chips is good but greasy and the chowder is just okay. there aren't a lot of places right by the locks to eat

Never again

By Nora N |

You go to a fish place a few feet from the water...you have the expectation of fresh or at least well presented seafood. I got a shrimp and fish plate straight out of a pre breaded deep freeze. I've had better seafood at my kids school cafeteria. Yuck.

Best fish and chips

By Mollyinfl |

Our concierge at the Westin recommended the Lock Spot Café and she is correct. The best fish and chips, great craft beer, nice atmosphere, very low key, just what we needed for the end of a long day.

Save your money and time

By Choc18Chip |

Was on a tour that took us to this general location. Since we were only there a brief time, this where we ate. Huge mistake!! The seafood chowder was tasteless and supposedly included salmon. There were maybe salmon specs.

Fish & Chips

By Nina |

Good food, friendly staff, even have trivia on Mondays! The scallops were on the appetizer menu and they were amazing! The clam chowder was good as was the fish and chips. We tried the salmon and halibut, of the two the salmon was much tastier. Overall the place is a perfect stop after a day of sightseeing!

Good Food, Friendly Staff, Walking DIstance to Locks

By lorax |

We all had Clam Chowder and Fish and Chips - according to a few reviews I read elsewhere this would be the best fish and chips in Seattle. I don't feel that it quite lived up to that level but it all was good. The Chowder was good, a bit different with a fairly strong taste of lemon and . . rosemary - maybe, don't quote me on that. The kids got coloring placemats and after your meal, or before, you can walk down to Ballard Locks and Fish ladder - this is the mechanism that connects the lake with puget sound and watching the boats go through is pretty cool.

Very dirty and the service...what service?

By Dane H |

So we were visiting the locks with the kids. We were hungry and looked up reviews here on Trip Advisor. Seemed plausible. We came in and a sign said "seat yourself". We looked atlround and found 4 free tables. All were dirty and some had food left on them. We selected the cleanest of them and wiped them down with some napkins we found ouselves. While we were wiping them down a (the) waitress walked by. I was, apparently, presumptuous in assuming she would find it embarrassing to have one of her customers wiping her table as she did not stop to assist or apologize but kept on about her business. She showed up 5 minutes later and wiped down the table though only the top. The sides of the tables had aging food stuffs on them of some unknown origin. So we are seated and she took our order. Behind me in full view is a big screen playing an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie portraying a stripper and other material I would never let my children watch. The waitresses dress standard was underclass for the place. Black leggings with a summer dress. The dress was insufficient to cover her green bra that was almost completely exposed at the back and did a poor job of holding in the sisters in the front. Something I might expect in a roadside cafe somewhere off rural Hwy 99 or 66. We received our food after some waiting time. The Fried Popcorn Scallops came first. The were okay but were breaded with something I didn't care for. Then we received our orders of Fish and Chips for the adults and kids. The fish was breaded, not battered and appeared to be seasoned with Italian seasoning. The fish inside appeared to be okay and did flake as it should. Fries were okay. They were good about refilling our waters. Total bill was 61 dollars. Based on cleanliness (the carpet on the floor was atrociously dirty. Who puts carpet in a restraunt where greasy food is eaten all day and ground into the carpet?), professionalism and food I give it 2 stars. The low price kept it above a 1 star. There may be other items that are okay but my experience didn't yield a good opinion of the place. I would not return or recommend it to others.

Great food, great service, great atmosphere.

By Shasta T |

Visited the Chittenden Locks with friends and decided to try out the Lockspot for lunch. There were seven of us so we had to wait for some tables to be cleared so we could all sit together. Cute little place when it comes to decor. Food was tasty and our waitress was very pleasant.

Great fish and chips

By bonggamom |

Lockspot Cafe is right outside the Chittenden Locks entrance, you can't miss it. Don't miss their fish and chips; Seattle being a port city, you can be sure the cod they use is fresh and tasty (and it was). They use breadcrumbs rather than the traditional beer batter which makes it different but no less delicious! The restaurant itself is rather dark and noisy, more like a bar, we preferred to sit outside (food probably arrived quicker that way!). Condiments other than ketchup, salt, pepper, and malt vinegar (like mayo or an extra serving of tartar sauce) costs 35 cents extra.

Nice place to eat after late afternoon visit to locks

By Hartee H |

The weather was just right, there were outside tables available to eat so we set ourselves down for dinner. There was the option to eat inside. Instead we choose to eat on the picnic benches outside as the sun was heading to the horizon. Our meals were cooked fresh and the wait for them was not too long. The cooks at the counter were very nice. Prices were fair for the quantity. Everyone enjoyed the experience.

Clam Chowder outstanding, Great service and location.

By Cynthia W |

Not much parking for this small restaurant right at the entrance to Ballard Locks, but you can park in the Ballard Locks pay parking area. This location has outside seating and walk up menu ordering in the summer. This Clam Chowder is to die for and is somewhat pricey. We ate in the restaurant, a small bar with seating. The fish and chips we had was really outstanding and the service was great. The menu was diverse enough for anyone.We enjoyed our lunch here and the rest of the menu was very reasonably priced except for the Clam Chowder, but I am glad I had the soup,again it was very good. We would go here again. Enjoy.

From a California Girl's Perspective

By Nancy E |

Great location and decent food but could be so much better.... Where is Gordon Ramsey? Food could be fresh and fabulous here at this wonderful location but it looks like the chef takes shortcuts with frozen food and the owner allows it. They don't need to wait for Gordon to get a fresh start. Make this restaurant great again.... please.

Bring a snack. We were a

By RoannV21 |

Bring a snack. We were a group of three. Two of us had the chowder and salad. The other had fish and chips. We sat ourselves, waited about 15 minutes with no acknowledgement from anyone. Waitress finally came by, as we had rummaged up a couple of menus ourselves, we ordered immediately. Finally got our food after an hour. We would have left, but then we’d have to start all over somewhere else and we were hungry. During our wait, no one came by to refill water glasses or see if they could bring us something to nibble on. No apology whatsoever. Great place to watch the game if you aren’t interested in eating. Like I said, if you’re hungry, bring a snack or go elsewhere.

Lockspot is slow on the carry out, good fish and chips

By SeaatleSam19 |

The Lockspot is a decent place to eat fish and chips near the fabulous (free) Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. On a crowded day during the summer, the take out service is slow, and understaffed. Their servers and staff are hustling, and friendly. Try sitting down inside, they seem to prepare their food first, and you can at least get a good salad. Still, if you have the time, it is worth getting the rather good (true cod) fish and chips. No vegetables in sight. Or if you prefer s somewhat healthier, and cheaper option, try the Red Mill for a gourmet burger, located 1/2 block away. The Lockspot does take credit and debit cards, the Red Mill is cash only.

Not so good

By Laurie C |

I've eaten here in the past and the quality has gone down hill. The breaded fish was flavorless. The breading was crunchy but the fish was very slippery, not flakey. I never salt restaurant food but found myself salting the fish and chips. I won't be back.

Great Seafood

By Teri R |

My friend LOVED her fish and chips and I enjoyed most of my seafood fettuccini (the fish was a bit dried up) and the sauce was delicious. I had the traditional Duck Fart shot.

old historical favorite spot near ballard locks

By spokanejan |

We were there with 8 folks late on a Sunday afternoon and found the service to be very friendly, the young servers were personable and fresh. The portions were large and everyone did finish their meal, even the children. I had a bite of my son's fish and chips, they were very large and nicely seasoned. I had a shrimp salad, small one and although lettuce was your typical packaged stuff the shrimp seemed fresh. The cleanliness of the place was another issues, definitely could be spruced up

Nice place by the Locks

By Mazemet |

The food was tasty. We had the fish and chips and the club sandwich. The Fish was not too bready and tasty. It had actual fish in it! The sandwich had a generous portion.

Hot Chowder On A Rainy Day

By travelingrm |

We went to see the locks yesterday and not much was happening....well it is Seattle in January! So after looking at the fish ladder (without the fish) we decided to warm up at this restaurant. The chowder did the trick and we were happy to be in Seattle in January.

Perfect Combo: Locks, Lockspot, and "The Deadliest Catch"!

By Momma Harris |

It's wonderful for the environment and atmosphere, if you enjoy dining at places where the locals hang and a good crowd of regulars gather. It's a neighborhood place that also happens to be in a good location for the bicyclists who cross the locks to get from one side of the lake to the other. Warning: Do Not ride your bike through the locks, you must walk it from Gate to Gate ($75 fine). We planned our day so that we could eat here after we toured the locks. We should have planned it so that we ate first and walked after. Fish & Chips were tasty, the Smoked Salmon Chowder was yummy! Heather our waitress was gracious and friendly and seemed to genuinely care about our experience. Want someone to watch "Deadliest Catch" with? You'll find 'em here!

Average food

By Levon M |

Food was average and the service was a little under average. Slow service & very slow when it came time to get the bill. Almost like we were being ignored. 2 of us had fish & chips which were no where as good as we have had in many other places. The 3rd has a vegetarian dish which she liked. There is a lot of atmosphere in the place but the furnishings need to be updated.

Pass

By Mike E |

The Fish and vinegar were bland, the chips soggy, my wife's hamburger was 3rd rate. I read a couple of other reviews and don't get it. Maybe we were there on a day the cook was on vacation but this place wasn't worth the time much less the money.

Fantastic fish & chips!

By ExplorerLearner |

The wood paneling and dark interior is a little dated for my taste but loved the fish & chips! I think they the fish is breaded instead of batter, it was fantastic whatever it is! The fish was tender and cooked perfectly.

Great fish and chips

By GeorgeI18N |

The fish and chips were the best I have found in the area. Portions large enough for two, very nice fish. There is a take out shack outside, but I was inside at the bar, where they also serve local beers.

Decent fish, frozen fries

By Bill M |

The fish & chips are decent. The breading on the fish is a little too thick for my taste and doesn't add to the flavor of the fish. Fries are precut and frozen. Crisp at first, but get mushy fast. Service was lackadaisical and there were only one or two people besides me in the place.

Fish and Chips

By Robert S |

The say they have World Famous Fish and Chips, so we ordered the Fish and Chips and it was good. We had just visited the Ballard Locks on a light rainy cool day. So, when we walked out and saw the fish and chips sign we had no choice but to drop in for the signature dish and some good hot chocolate. Warmed us right up. Don't expect a gourmet experience, just come in for some good grub.

best fish and chips. Ever

By htwollin |

I'm NOT a fan of fish and chips but when you are in Seattle, sea food is everywhere and you might as well give it a go. These fish and chips are completely different from anything else I've ever had - light crispy (not doughy) coating with herbs, thin slabs of fish. Fish and chips worth the eating and right outside the chittenden Locks.

Okay

By Linda C |

This is right by the Ballard locks. Older restaurant could use an investment in the business. Service was good and the good was average.

Great Food!

By Janice A |

We are here during our visit to the Hiram Locks. It was right next to the facility & had excellent food. Our party had the clam chowder, which was great & their "world famous" Fish & Chips! Those were also amazing! Overall, a great place to eat while visiting the Locks!!

Skip the "Famous Fish & Chips;" Enjoy the Atmosphere and Craft Beers

By MissouriTraveler25 |

This restaurant, located near the entrance to a Seattle landmark, the Hiram Chittenden Locks, is worth a stop if you want to experience the atmosphere of an old-style, “waterfront” type bar/café. With an advertised twelve local microbrewery beers on tap you can get a taste of one of the best features of Seattle pubs. The service is friendly and quick; the wait staff, even when the place is crowded is attentive. The fried fish is forgettable—I wish. An old photo on the wall of the Lockspot from early in the 20th century with a sign reading “World Famous Fish & Chips,” made me wonder about the reason for that fame. The cod (if it really was cod) was less than tasteless; it left the unhappy rubbery aftertaste you get when non-fresh fish has been frozen, partially thawed and refrozen. The batter was seasoned with an unworldly flavor, not unlike old socks. Although the $10.50 platter held two 2x4 inch pieces and a third 3x4 inch piece (the widest fried fish fillet I’ve seen), it would have been better had there been a third of that amount, because that was all I could get down before giving up. The accompanying French fries had to have come directly from a frozen package then fried just enough to warm them up—leaving them limp and edible only when drowned in ketchup. From comments of others in the party, other menu choices were equally forgettable. Tips: Do not park in front of the restaurant because you have to back out into traffic coming around a curve. If you must park here (parking is limited), then go light on those craft beers! For an alternative, drive a bit further along the waterfront in Ballard to the Little Coney Island shack (8003 Seaview Ave NW, Seattle) on Shilshole Bay. You can watch the yachts go in and out and enjoy fish & chips the way it should taste.

OK food when you're hungry

By VickiHo |

Adequate but not a place I'd seek out. I might eat there again if I'm in the neighborhood, like at the Locks and too hungry to find another of the many excellent restaurants in Ballard.

fam vaca

By lskendrovich |

Went here after the Ballard Locks. Its right across the street and they had the best food and the prices were great and the staff was very nice.

Lovely spot to sit and enjoy the sunshine!

By Wildwoodatheart |

I'd been wanting to try this place for quite some time. We went on a lovely sunny afternoon, and even though the inside was open for diners we opted to sit outside. (It felt safer.) We ordered at the take-out window. Then we went to the coffee bar window to order some shakes and found a table to sit at. We were the only ones there. Our shakes arrived first, and they were really good. For lunch, I had ordered the clam dip because I was curious about it. It was really good with fresh potato chips. I also had the salmon chowder, which was good but could have used a little salt and pepper at least. It was a little bland. We also tried the fish and chips, which were good. The teriyaki chicken burger got the thumbs up. We really enjoyed our meal, and will be back at some point when we want to walk around the Locks.

Down by the locks, a traditional bar and eatery

By Michael |

Typical solid flavorful bar food in a local neighborhood venue. The fish and chips are well worth eating and they hold their own with all the others in town cooking fish but on the whole it's not a gourmand foodie's paradise. The staff is friendly with regulars.

Great Simple Cafe

By MeridianMan10 |

Had a wonderful basic lunch of chowder ( wonderful) and BLT.. large portion with a great taste that wants me to return.

A family favorite

By Amerikanac i Hrvat |

My sister, her husband, and I have been going here for years. Earlier this week, we met some longtime family friends at the Lockspot for dinner. Good, reliable food, unbeatable location, pleasant outdoor seating. But beware of the prices if you order premium liquor; I could have almost bought a whole bottle for the price of one double Scotch!

World's Best Fish N Chips?

By shell93013 |

It was good, but best? Still contemplating. Service was good, nice variety on menu, affordable. It is within walking distance of the Hiram Chittendem Locks. Great place to stop if you didn't eat a picnic lunch in the garden nearby.

This place is awesome!

By Schoondog2000 |

Restaurant itself is on the older side and it shows but the food was fantastic with large portions. At my table we had a variety of meals including the new for Lockspot Fish tacos which were very tasty according to my daughter. The classic Fish and chips are always a hit and my son enjoyed the Philly cheesesteak. Prawns and chips for me but the reason I try to always go to the Lockspot is the Clam chowder! Their clam chowder is some of the best I have had.

Poor food, great Ms. Pacman table

By mathlawguy |

So, if you want to play Ms. Pacman on a working vintage 1980 table, the Lockspot is great. Otherwise it's pretty unsatisfying. Our salmon & chips featured off salmon and tired chips. The regular fish and chips were little better, a small portion of heavily breaded and uninterestingly seasoned fish combined with the same chips and an unremarkable tartar sauce. Service was OK. Oh, there's also an original Asteroids console. Our kids enjoyed it as a trip back to the time of their aging parents. It was the only thing about the restaurant they liked.

Jose

By scgjbaker |

Underwhelming! Weak fries, fish flavor suspect. Chowder not worth it. Wish we had read reviews before going in and decided to go somewhere else.

Great chowder.

By Scott H |

Great place for chowder or fish and chips. It's kind of a Ballard institution. Been here long time. Very nice place with good service. And right outside the locks so its easy to stop after a visit there.

Very Dirty and...service? What service?

By Dane H |

So we were visiting the locks with the kids. We were hungry and looked up reviews here on Trip Advisor. Seemed plausible. We came in and a sign said "seat yourself". We looked atlround and found 4 free tables. All were dirty and some had food left on them. We selected the cleanest of them and wiped them down with some napkins we found ouselves. While we were wiping them down a (the) waitress walked by. I was, apparently, presumptuous in assuming she would find it embarrassing to have one of her customers wiping her table as she did not stop to assist or apologize but kept on about her business. She showed up 5 minutes later and wiped down the table though only the top. The sides of the tables had aging food stuffs on them of some unknown origin. So we are seated and she took our order. Behind me in full view is a big screen playing an Arnold Schwarzenegger movie portraying a stripper and other material I would never let my children watch. The waitresses dress standard was underclass for the place. Black leggings with a summer dress. The dress was insufficient to cover her green bra that was almost completely exposed at the back and did a poor job of holding in the sisters in the front. Something I might expect in a roadside cafe somewhere off rural Hwy 99 or 66. We received our food after some waiting. Most places that serve fish and chips have a beer batter that is light and crispy. This batter was actually breading as in breadcrumbs with what looked like italian seasoning. The fish inside was somewhat flaky but the batter/breading was terrible. We finished up and left. Total cost wiyh tip was 60 dollars. This bought us the scallops appetizer, 2 fish and chips, 2 fish and chips kids size and 3 lemonades. I would not eat here again because this was advertized as their signature dish.

Great place near the Locks

By kukana m |

Our first time there visiting Seattle and we stopped by for lunch before going to the Locks. Parking was limited but we got lucky and got a spot right away. There were other cars waiting for a spot. The restaurant was rustic and dark inside and we were seated right away. I had the fish tacos and it was tasty. The others had fish and chips which they liked very much. The waitress was friendly, funny and attentive. Looks like you have to get there early for lunch because half way through the meal there was a long line of people out the door waiting to be seated.

Meaty fish!

By Aliencation |

I’ve been to a good amount of places where majority of the fish and chips is just batter. This fish and chips plate was lightly battered and very very meaty. We had 3 plates of fish and chips clam strips which came out to a total of $70. Waiter was extremely nice and environment was relaxed. Will go again!

Not worth the hype

By Serenaloca |

Ok ,but so many other spots worth visiting. Bartender, was extremely unfriendly , food was mediocre.

Rustic cafe next to the Locks

By Sarah R |

What a treat to score a parking spot right out front! We seated ourselves in the rear. They kinda need to move the light fixtures as we kept hitting our heads when wr got up. The food was mostly seafood like fish and chips, chowder, etc. I ordered the senior portion which was very generous. I really enjoyed the tartar sauce. The prices were reasonable and service was friendly.

wonderful fish and chips

By diana l |

Great fish and chips right at the Locks. They have a full bar too. And a walk up window as well as a sit down restaurant inside. Grab some to go and take into the lawn at the Locks and enjoy as the bosts go by. Perfect day!

Disappointing

By 100QA |

Fish and chips were disappointing. Soggy fries and the fish was hard to digest which for me is usually the oil. The interior has character in the throwback sense but was very dark.

Average bar food, funky environment

By travel4fun49 |

Most of the food appears to be deep fried, pub type food. Okay, but would not go there again. Prices were a bit high for that type of food. Not sure how clean the surfaces of the tables were....

Ambiance and good eats

By casualtraveler2011 |

After visiting the locks, we stopped here for lunch. Their clam chowder was so thick and rich, my spoon stood up all by itself. Their Caesar salad was one of the best I have had in a long time; just the basic ingredients. They didn't try to add any extras. We were there during the US Open Golf tournament and the nice waitress wasn't in any hurry to kick us out. The menu said one refill free with a soda purchase but she filled ours up three times with no extra charges. Fun place to feel like a local!

Food next to the chittenden locks

By Virginia B |

If you are really hungry after visiting the locks, this is a good place to eat. The day we went, the weather was sunny & warm. The seating outside had no shade so we ate inside. It was pretty dark inside--the restaurant looked like it has been there for awhile. The food was good but not outstanding. We had fish & chips, clam chowder(very good) & fish tacos (average). The portion size was very generous. Service was very good. Bathrooms were very clean.

Salmon chips

By jean_likes_maine |

Ok, I misread the menu. I thought it was salmon and chips! The salmon chips are essentially salmon fish sticks only much better! This was our last meal in Seattle and it was a good choice for a quick afternoon meal. We walked around the locks for a couple of hours and then hit this place on the way to the airport. There is also an outside walkup window which was packed when we arrived. Inside was quieter.

You're breaking my heart!

By Musemeche |

After years of coming to the Lock Spot for their legendary clam strips, I am sad to report that the quality is just not there anymore. The place was quite empty, the service was spotty, but the big disappointment was the quality of the clam strips. They were very overdone,smaller than in the past and virtually flavorless.

Great place for food or drink after visiting the Locks

By DaveELyons |

The Deadliest Catch crews apparently hang out here some, but the drinks and atmosphere stand up on their own. Greta place to get refreshed after visiting the Locks and Salmon Ladder!

Very local, good food, staff stretched thin

By Brad |

The food was very local, very Seattle. Nice that it is right next to the Ballard Locks. The servers were doing their best but were stretched thin. It took a long time to get our food and get out (and we beat the lunch rush).

nice little cafe at the gates of the locks and gardens

By acquirer |

we had the fish tacos, salad and fries they were very fresh and good value they have a dinning room and a coffee shop too

Best chowder and a fun restaurant

By Pat B |

We are originally from Seattle and go to the Lockspot in Ballard every time we visit. It's one of our favorite places for great fish and chips, chowder and atmosphere. Wait staff is very friendly and we never feel we have to hurry with our meal ! We all love it !!!!!!

Classic feel, but could be improved.

By ElGuru71 |

The Lockspot has a classic feel for a seafood restaurant and is generally a fun place to eat or have a beer. The Lockspot's top seller is fish and chips, which I found to be dry and not nearly as good as other locations in the area. This place is not bad in a pinch, but not worth going out of your way.

Oh!!! Fish and Chips were outstanding

By Golf I |

After touring the locks between Lake Union (Fresh Water) and Puget Sound (salt water) nearby, we dropped b;y the Lockspot Cafe for a quick lunch. We both had fish and chips. Very reasonable price. The fish was just the top of the world in taste as was the tartar sauce. I even put this super tartar sauce on my french fries and devoured the little bin of sauce. I have never put tartar sauce on french fries before and these were just outstanding. We ate outside the cafe in a beautiful Seattle sunny day and even got back to our car before the paid parking expired. At the locks we saw major boat traffic using the locks, including one boat in the multimillion dollar range, piloted by a cool lady while a male manned the bumper buoys. We also saw a lot of sockeye salmon using the fish ladder and observed several rascal sea lions ready to pounce on milling fish waiting to enter the fish ladder.

Satisfies diner-style expectations

By Trix716D |

Not fine dining by any stretch, but an affordable stop for families and friends. Greek fries are AOK. Fish and chips does the trick but won't be remembered as the best you've ever had. Friendly service.

Good spot for a beer.

By Swimmy128 |

It was hit out and we needed a bite and a cold beer. My fish sandwich was really good. If you like deadliest catch check out the paddles signed by the cast.

Great fish and chips and close to Locks

By SusanMikeTampa |

We ate lunch here during our visit to the Chittenden Locks. I had the fish and chips which were both delicious and a huge portion (which I couldn’t even finish). There was also a huge screen that I watched the baseball game on.

Great Salmon Chowder!!

By WPEVLE |

Kinda of a hole in the wall, no frills restaurant, but good food. know for Fish and Chips plus Salmon Chowder. All was very good, served hot, service was good, very reasonable price for the area. Highly reccommend going there!!!

Lock "Stop" Cafe

By clp2csp |

I understand that the crew from the "Deadliest Catch" television program eat here on their off-season. It is a small restaurant. Our party of four stopped in for lunch, after visiting the locks. French dip, grilled cheese, Boston clam chowder soup and grilled yellow tuna were ordered. The overall experience was good - but not special.

Really??

By Mark S |

For years I have read good reviews for the Lockspot. Coming away from this experience all I can say is "Really, people??" The food is way overpriced, ($2.50 for a 12 ounce soda, $6.99 for a senior plate (1 piece of fish), $6.99 for a cup of chowder) and has little to no flavor. Worse of all, the man taking the order barely knew English making it difficult to order. Run, don't walk to the nearest Ivar's. For less money, you will get a far better meal!

I was disappointed

By Carol H |

I have been here several times before and don't remember any problems, however this time it was not good. I had the chef's salad because with celiac disease there is not much else I can have. It was not fresh. The boiled egg cut in half had been sitting around for awhile. The yolk was dark and dry. The cheddar strips were dark and dry on one end. The thousand island dressing was not as good as I can get at Safeway. It tasted ok, but no prize. We were a party of five and asked for separate checks. The waiter seemed not very experienced. He added up each person's check and wrote it at the bottom of the bill calling us a, b, c, d and e. Then we wrote our names next to the amount, or "cash" so he could match up the credit cards to the amounts.

Great clam chowder!

By Schoondog2000 |

I try to visit this place every time I'm in town. Decent prices but could be a line getting in on weekends. Worth the wait for the chowder.

A Old Gem

By believer4ever |

We walked by this place while visiting in Ballard. I asked my daughter ( who lives in Ballard) about the place.... she said " It is where old people like you eat". LOL.... my hubby and I went there a few days later. the inside is all wood, there is a bar, and it is quaint. The food was good... we had the fish and chips. The one thing I would complain about is the music... when you have a customer base that is over 60, you do NOT play loud hard rock. Music is VERY important to the atmosphere of a place. we would have stayed for a few more beers but the music drove us out. We even told our server, and she just said " I did not choose it" Yeah.. ok... but DO SOMETHING about it. I most likely will not return because of the music choice.... yes, music choice is THAT important.

Great staff, average fish and chips

By TravelinJabbo |

We stopped here on our way out of visiting the locks. I found the fish and chips pretty average - not a lot of taste. My wife really enjoyed her fried clam strips. The staff were efficient and friendly. Decor is depressing. Personally, I wouldn't go back, but it is an OK place for a quick lunch.

Best Waitress

By Joy J |

We enjoyed this noisy little cafe near the Ballard Locks. The waitress was friendly and attentive without being intrusive. The fish and chips were great. The waitress brought us samples of the beers we were considering so when we ordered our pints we knew what we'd be getting.

Want fish & chips? Keep walkin...

By H. Dixon |

The trolley conductor mentioned this place when we got out at the Locks tour stop. I got the "True Cod" fish and chips for 12.00 and when I got the dinner I opened the container and had to ask the clerk to verify my order. 2 fish "nuggets" and some inedible fries, all of which which took them more than 20 minutes to prepare. The poor family that was actually ahead of us was still waiting when I left. I can't speak for other menu items from this place but the Fish & Chips that they are "World Famous" for was absolutely one of the worst I've ever had.

A bit disappointing

By Craig C |

I was hoping for crab and fresh seafood and only found fried items on the menu. Had fish and chips with cod because the server said that it was the only fish that was fresh. Cool ambience but not a place to enjoy fresh seafood.

Deadliest Catch fan must see!

By Robby M |

I'm a big fan of the show Deadliest Catch so it was a must stop for me. This is were they film some of the "after the catch" episodes with the captains. Food is typical pub food, but good. They have tshirts for sale. Also, right behind it is the marina where several of the ships from the show are docked during the summer. I found a couple of them. If you are a fan, stop.

Not so British

By schamp1959 |

This is quite a decent restaurant...The menu seems t suggest a Brit orientated food but it really wasn´t,, But the food was pretty good... clams were excellent.. we had to send back a drink because it didnt taste right but the sercer was very good and changed it immediately... On the whole not a bad place for a meal...

Fish and chips MEH

By Soozbq |

We were hungry ... It was Seattle ...just visited the Locks ... Thought the Lockspot would be terrific for some HISTORICAL Seattle fish and chips ...not so much ...it was fast ... Breading good ...but for crying out loud if you are going to boast the BEST it had Better be a CONTENDER ...really not much flavor ... Sounds like u should get anything else there

Convenient

By Brodethedog |

Right by the North end main entrance....cozy and decent deep fried fish and clams. While not the best it is handy and a good spot to take a break

Going above and beyond

By CRT |

Its conveniently located right off the exit of the Ballard side of the locks. We had a great experience when our group of 7 was there. Our server, I think his name was Daniel, was very friendly and helpful (Sorry if I got your name wrong). We were a bigger group but he was quick and very professional. Our food was great and the service was quick and excellent. We all had the chowder and we all were very happy with our entrees. The restaurant had a very cozy and welcoming atmosphere. We were very satisfied and happy after our visit but the best part came after. We didn't even realize that my son dropped his wallet somewhere at the restaurant. They found it and the good people that they are, reported it to AAA who called us. We had left the Seattle area by then but they were so kind to mail it to us, everything intact. Everybody, go to Lockspot Cafe, for the food, the people, the experience. Thank you very much Lockspot cafe and the good people working there. Wish we knew the name/s of the people who helped us so much. Take care.

Very good clam chowder

By Dwtilford |

My son brought me to this place situated near the Lake Union locks and the salmon ladder. Nice pub atmosphere with full bar. I ordered the clam chowder along with the fish & chips. My son also had the fish & chips but started instead with the salmon chowder. We both agreed that the chowders were excellent but, in my opinion the fish & chips left a little to be desired. The three pieces of halibut were very small and a bit over fried. The service, however, was prompt and friendly. If you come here it is a short walk to the locks and salmon ladder both of which are very interesting. It's not a bad place but I will likely try a different place to eat in the area when I return to Seattle.

Hot Crisp French Fries—$3.00!

By bhoppins |

It was with a touch of nostalgia that I approached this small store front restaurant located across the street from the Ballard Locks. I ordered fries and they came out hot and crispy for $3! I was hungry and they were so tasty. I noticed two husky guys ordered a big burger and fish; which I took as an endorsement. They agreed they would not share their orders with each other because they were hungry for what they ordered. I peeked inside and noticed a few small tables which complimented the three outside tables.

Great casual spot with fun memorabilia

By Helen F |

Our group of 10 stopped here for lunch after visiting the locks. We are drawn to places out of the hustle and bustle of the big city, and this place hit the spot. We all had lunch menu items: fish & chips, teriyaki salmon, chicken strips for the kids, and all enjoyed their meals. The service was friendly and efficient. We are fans of "Deadliest Catch" and Mike Rowe, so the memorabilia on the walls was a plus for us.

Good fried food but little else

By Ott0 |

The calamari, fish, and clam strips are all very good. But most everything on the menu is fried. Limited beer selection and very limited wine selection.

Our favorite bar in Seattle

By droppinout |

A very warm and friendly atmosphere with excellent service. They have great happy hour specials and great drinks. The kind of place where one could hang out every day and always feel at home - can't recommend it enough! We went in twice during a three day trip.

A random walk in turned into a delight!

By Edie Z |

They call the fish and chips 'world famous'...I thought, of course, that I what I want to have! Best fish I have had in a while - was fast too. Crisp and golden but moist in the inside...And amazingly friendly staff...A definite recommendation! Great place to start journey of discovering Seattle's acclaimed reputation on sea food, and it just overlooks Lake Washington ship canal!

Great Ice Cream

By thellamas |

We stopped for a quick snack after visiting the locks. The ice cream was fantastic, and the staff was really nice. We looked inside for a bit as we are big Deadliest Catch fans and it was nice to see the memoribilia they have from After the Catch being filmed there.

Great seafood

By Texan4life |

Nice quaint little place. Loved the clam chowder and the fish chips. The service is excellent as well.

After Visiting the Chittenden Locks

By Diane S |

Upon arrival we seated ourselves as directed by the sign at the entrance. The majority of diners were paying their bills and leaving. We waited for menus and beverages to arrive as our server was also the bartender (even for water and non-alcoholic types.) As we waited, other guests arrived, sat at 5 different tables, were served the basics and orders taken before we received our beverage requests We waited longer and a woman, who turned out to be the owner, came and took our order. When the food arrived, the clam chowder had begun to separate looking like curdled milk with a slight sour taste. It was sent back and a single piece of fried fish was the replacement. The fried fish, while having a very crisp crust was overcooked and dry on all three dishes served. The restaurant is convenient to the entrance to the Chittenden Lock facility busy during prime lunch time. I would like to think that our experience was unique but it was probably more of the normal operation. The service was poor, the food average.

Walk-Up Coffee Window

By Grace |

On a cool overcast day this is a nice place to grab a piping hot latte before strolling over through the Locks.

Decent lunch in a touristy area.

By tb911 |

We were a party of 9 and we were pleased they could take us easily without notice, but it was 1:00 so after the main lunch rush, which helped I'm sure. We had fish tacos, fish and chips, pork sliders and clam chowder. All was good, service was good and friendly. Not as speedy as we hoped, but then again, we were a big group. Over all a decent lunch.

Wonderful surprise

By Lee M |

My husband and I had toured the locks in Seattle and were looking for lunch nearby. This little restaurant is right by the entrance. We ordered grilled cod sandwiches and they were delicious. I asked for my sandwich to be made on whole wheat bread which was wonderful, and the coleslaw side dish was excellent. We were not expecting a memorable meal but we got one!

just so so

By Craig L |

Just fried bar food. Location is it's saving grace. Near the Chittenden Locks entrance. Wish were not so hungry and went somewhere else.

Don't worry, we won't be back

By Margo Jodyne D |

A few days ago, I had the unique experience of being 86'ed from the Lockspot Café, a restaurant my family has patronized for many years. Two septuagenarian grandmothers, we ordered a fish fillet and fries with a cold drink on a very hot day after a stroll around the locks. After we put our order in at the porch window, we were told the only available seating was "alongside the bustling parking lot" (their website words) exposed to the full sun. We asked if we could change our order to go inside the restaurant and we were told no, we couldn't because the employee did not know how to cancel our order. We rounded the corner with our food to sit in the outdoor covered seating area that adjoins the restaurant. There were several empty tables, only one 4-top occupied. Before we could get comfortable, an employee came out, I believe his name was Declan, and started YELLING at us that we could not sit there; that was seating for the restaurant people only. We said that it was too hot for us to sit out front in the exposed sun, and that we would eat quickly. He noticed my dog and said we could not have the dog there, even though it was an outdoor space, and my dog is a service animal, which I had explained. He became very flustered and said we needed to leave immediately. With one fish fillet and some French fries, plus some ice-cold cokes, we informed him we would eat quickly and leave. We were nearly finished when another man came out, trailed by a young girl, and we thought he was going to apologize for the behavior of Declan, who stood alongside. Instead he started shouting at us, louder and spitting with each word. He told us we were no longer welcome at the Lockspot, to never come back again. He was visibly shaking, and his face grew red. We listened, in shock. My friend let them know she was from New York and had never been treated so poorly in her life and was startled by this kind of treatment in Seattle. We let them know we were leaving momentarily; other than that, we said nothing. What was there to say? As world travelers, we are still baffled by the whole episode. It felt like ageism, but really, we weren't sure why we were treated so horribly. We apologized to the people at the 4-top and they responded that the Lockspot staff's actions were extreme, unnecessary, shocking, and abusive. Frankly, the food wasn't that great. The fish fillet had no flavor. I had praised this restaurant to my friend and wanted to share with her one of my favorite places. I've patronized this restaurant for decades. Needless to say, I will cooperate with the Lockspot employees and never return.

Best Fish and Chips

By R B |

We came across the Lockspot when we went to see the Fish Ladder at the locks. Didn't know what to expect from this old looking building in front of the entrance but the sign said they had world famous fish and chips. The sign was right! Usually when you get fish and chips, the fish is in a very thick batter. This fish looked and tasted like it had been dipped in very fine crumbs before frying. Light and delicious. Good chips, too. The best fish and chips I've ever had (including England). Excellent service. Highly recommend the Lockspot.

Rarely full. Good fish...

By Witney W |

Rarely full. Good fish & chips. Classic Seattle bar.

Boycott of Starbucks while in Seattle for independent coffee

By SeatOfMyPntsTravelr |

Delicious latte that was a perfect accompaniment for a visit to the Ballard Locks. Discovering all of the delicious non-Starbucks coffee in Seattle was a fundamental goal for my trip.

Awesome, fresh, seafood!

By babywe |

This is at the entrance to a beautiful park we explored. We ate here, outside, on a whim. It was great, fresh, seafood! I ordered a kids fish and chips, two chowders, and waffle fries. As a family we shared and had a taste of everything. I expected it to be blah ltourist food, but it was tasty and fresh. I especially enjoy the flaky fish and chowder.

Convenient to the Locks and Ballard

By Richard S |

This is my second favorite local eatery in Ballard--nothing fancy but I like the location next to the Locks--as it offers a nice walk before or after your meal. I took my adult grandson there recently and he had no problem finding something--we both favored the fish and chip entrée. The seating is a fine; indoor if you please. Both the food and the prices are mid range but well worth the effort especially if you're looking for food close to the Locks. There are a number of fancier places further down the road along the Sound, adjacent to Shilshole Bay, but for the money, if you're not into "fancy" this is a good choice.

Great fish and chips

By Shona S |

We stopped here for lunch in between the locks and the gardens. Awesome fish and chips and great service. Reasonably priced and would happily recommend.

Breakfast

By Janeofalltrade |

Our waitress was friendly and helpful. The fruit was fresh. Everything was tasty and done just right. We would come again.

Quirky Charm and Average Food

By tom m |

Had lunch here recently and found the notty pine interior, uneven floors, and table arrangement quirky. Based on the waiters recommendation we ordered the chowder and fish chips. Both were average and satisfied our hunger but were not in any way memorable or unique. The fish had a peppery batter that was unusual but not interesting after the first few bites. She tried the calamari which was fresh and tasty. We also tried the house bread pudding with bourbon sause which was tasty and super sweet and home made. Seems like this establishment is more of a local bar offering food than a restaurant offering high quality innovative meals.

Enjoyable

By Scot45🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 |

We went to the lockspot cafe this afternoon. We decided that the four of us would have the Alaskan cod and fries. The fish was bright and white and came in a breaded coated crumb which was nice and crisp and free from grease. All four of us enjoyed the meal which was served quickly by a friendly waitress.

Cute Place, Great Fish n Chips & Yummy Root Beer

By HammersPrincess |

This place is located just outside the entrance to the Chittenden Lock and Ladders. We had the fish n chips and they were delicious! The place itself has a fun, casual atmosphere and the service was excellent! You can dine in or take out. We decided to dine-in and loved it! Prices were also very reasonable.

Great on a blustery November day

By lcoates0514 |

After visiting the nearby locks, we stopped in for a nosh and a bit of liquid refreshment. We all walked away satisfied and happy. The staff was delightfully friendly and the atmosphere definitely was a throwback.

Mixed results

By dmc52 |

The pesto salmon was good but it was served with frozen vegetables. The salmon chowder was very good. The clams were okay but were overpowered by the sauce. Fish tacos okay . The macaroni and cheese was boxed. Service was okay.

Underwhelming

By Hayley B |

"World Famous" fish and chips is a bit of an overstatement. I'll just say they were adequate but I think I'll try somewhere else next time.

Only so so and expensive

By Nicole M |

Maybe I'm just not used to Seattle prices, but when I have to pay $60 for a semi decent family meal...I expect a decent atmosphere and higher quality food. We only chose this place because of a coupon and found out that they discontinued the coupon service THAT day. We felt scammed and I have never been so close to just walking out of a place. The fish was good and the clam chowder was decent, but the fries were gross and my daughters grilled cheese that cost $7 was really bad. The salmon chowder was almost inedible. My side salad was mostly iceberg lettuce from a bag as well. Not worth the drive out of the way or the cost. Thankfully, the waitress did end up giving us the $20 off our ticket that we would have gotten from the coupon, so I do have to acknowledge that she tried to make it right, but our experience was already so bad, I can't give the place a good review.

Blah food

By Anita M |

Cute, rustic place that has obviously been around for a long time. We went for lunch, and the food was not impressive. The fries were not homemade: they were frozen. The fish was fine. Hubbie had fried clams, which were good and tender. Ok if you need a bite and you're close by. Don't make a special trip to go there.

Good food at the Locks

By Carol M |

We enjoyed our lunch after walking through the Locks and the gardens nearby. The food was very good, the service was friendly and fast and the cost was a very good value.

A Seattle tradition

By doginkau |

You're at The Locks and checking out the fish in the ladder when you're stomach starts to growl. Stop scaring the fish and head straight to The Lock Spot for steam clams and fish and chips. Treat your taste buds. Charming wait- staff! Listen to yourstomach!

Very good

By littlewarrior43 |

Nice out of the way restaurant close to the locks very reasonable prices and the food was really good

Convenient, Good, Affordable--a Great Combo

By Richard S |

Located adjacent to the entry to the Ballard Locks, the Lockspot Café is well deserving of the 5 star rating I've assigned to it. I've visited there 3 times in as many weeks, first solo, second along with 14 family members, most visiting from Norway, and finally again this week with my wife. I was not disappointed on any of the 3 occasions. The food was good, the service exceptional, and the location adjacent to the Locks and near the newly opened Nordic Museum and added plus. Parking is free for early arrivers ion one of 10-12 space directly in front of or behind the Café. Otherwise try the spaces available in front of the Ballard Locks--very affordable compared to other popular attractions. There are other fancier eateries in Ballard, but for my money I'd rank this one high on the list.

Old Seattle charm

By Marion I |

If you have not checked out the locks in Seattle, you should. After that, pop into the Lockspot for a local craft beer. Goes great with a plate of housemate chips and the clam dip.

Great Place to Stop on a Mid-Day Bike Ride

By Denver7889 |

We stopped for lunch on our bike ride to discovery park. We sat outside and enjoying the day. We were greeted immediately and ordered drinks which came very quickly. The hamburger I ordered was well prepared with lots of lettuce and tomato and pickles. The onion rings were really good as well. My companion had the shredded pork sliders. There three sliders with slaw on the side. They good and the bbq sauce was really delicious. Service was friendly and prompt. This will be a regular stop for us on our bike rides.

Great place for a meal/drink after visiting the Locks!

By SAPhotogal |

This is a great place for a quick, enjoyable meal. The seafood salad was outstanding, as was the chowder. Lots of spirit here - the Halloween decor was priceless! Nice pleasant atmosphere with a good menu.

High in Local Culture

By Annette B |

One can experience what boaters from the nearby locks experience when they stop for a meal. We had the fish and chips & they weren't great, but we've lived in England for 12 years, so know what the original fish and chips are supposed to be. Nevertheless, we enjoyed soaking up the local culture after visiting the Locks. Service excellent.

You Always Lock In On A Great Meal!

By phillipc836 |

What trip to Seattle is complete without a visit to the locks and watch them lift shift from sea level up several feet to the Lake Union fishing fleets? Not only can you see a true wonder of modern engineering you can go blow and watch Salmon swimming through the Salmon Ladder. If you find yourself getting hungry, stop by the lock spot for lunch. Their clam chowder is world class and the service is extremely personalized. This place was one of my favorite everyday spots when I lived in Ballard and it was even better when we were that last June. Fish and Chips and generous portions of clam chowder is never a bad thing. There was plenty of parking and lots of seating options.

Good local restaurant

By Johanna G |

Heard about this spot via the Seattle Times. Had the fish and chips - good but not great. Very kid friendly and the server was attentive. Played great music and watched sports. Wanted to try the bread pudding - next time! Super casual and very laid back.

Like it!

By tppro |

We just live a few blocks away so this is one of our go-to spots. Maybe because we are there often we always get good service and nice and hot food (thanks kitchen!).

A place near the Ballard Locks for wonderful fast food and ‘una lección de Español’ [a Spanish Lesson]!

By Dave O |

Several days each week, our beautiful Golden Retriever Riley [aka, the dashing Juan Carlos!] and I visit the Ballard Locks, which is arguably the finest tourist attraction in Seattle and one of the most wonderful places in the known universe, in my humble opinion! When we arrive, I often stop at the Lockspot Café—located near the front entrance of the Locks—for a bite to eat. One of my Hispanic buddies—Ronaldo, Wicho, or Luis—is usually working at the counter to take my order. On my first visit last summer, I decided to practice “mi Español” [my Spanish] to place my order. Because I had last studied Spanish eons ago while I was a student at the University of Kansas [Rock-Chalk-Jayhawk-KU!], my speaking and listening skills were rather rusty. [SIDEBAR: My best friend Terry and I took a trip to Cancún ages ago. Getting a flat tire fixed for our rental car in an area south of Cancún, where nobody spoke a word of English, and communicating with a doctor who knew very little English—after Terry developed a severe case of food poisoning lasting days, by eating tainted guacamole—which I had warned him against!—is a whole-nother-story!] During my visits to the Locks last summer, I always ordered the same thing at the Lockspot Café: “papas fritas grandes” [large French fries] for only 3 bucks. These were served piping “caliente y delicioso” [hot and delicious]! To accompany the “papas fritas,” I would make up a batch of “fry sauce” from equal parts mayonnaise and ketchup. [NOTE: I first learned of “fry sauce” during a camping trip to Idaho a few months ago. Apparently EVERYONE in Idaho knows of it because of their world-famous potatoes, I presume. It can actually be purchased pre-made by the bottle. However, very few people I have talked to in Seattle have ever heard of “fry sauce”!] Wednesday evenings, I would take my “papas fritas” to the lawn of the lovely grounds within the Locks, where I would enjoy a concert by Strum, “Seattle's Totally Relaxed Ukulele Musicians.” The dashing Juan Carlos always LOVED to roll around in the grass during those concerts! He also LOVED all of the attention he received from the other concert-goers! Anyhooo, during my most recent visit last Saturday, I decided to add “una hamburguesa con queso cheddar” [a hamburger with cheddar cheese] and “una botella de jugo de manzana” [a bottle of apple juice] to my “papas fritas pequeñas” [small French fries]. My pal Wicho patiently listened to me as I placed my order, and he very politely corrected my pronunciation and grammar. Jared, who works alongside Wicho, and who I believe speaks little, if any Español, made my “hamburguesa.” Now let me be honest: that was one of the BEST hamburgers I have ever eaten!! Wow; I am still thinking about it days later!! How else can I describe it but juicy and mouth-watering?? Jared did an outstanding job!! The only thing missing was an ice-cold PBR! ¡Muchas gracias, mis amigos Ronaldo, Wicho, Luis, Jared, y todos las otras personas, para la comida excelente y para la lección de Español! !Hasta pronto! [Thank you very much, my friends Ronaldo, Wicho, Luis, Jared, and everyone else, for the excellent food and for the Spanish lessons! See you soon!] [NOTE: Last Saturday, I noticed that a homeless woman was seated in a lawn chair near the entrance to the Locks with her small dog. She was holding a cardboard sign asking for money. As I approached her, I asked: “Could you please do me a favor?” She looked at me inquisitively and answered, “Sure.” I then asked: “I have an extra bottle of apple juice that I can’t use; would you mind taking it off my hands?” I will NEVER forget how her face lit up as she answered, very appreciatively, “Yes”! I learned that her name is Suzette, and her little dog’s name is Lulu. The smile on her face was absolutely priceless. And the lesson I learned that day, my friends, is that even homeless people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. And a $3 bottle of apple juice is a small to pay to make someone happy.] This review is dedicated to my dear friend Tami.

Fish & chips of all kinds

By Stempleman |

Great lunch spot for families....old school fish & chip shop. We had Cod, Salmon & Halibut as well as prawns - all were great, but Cod was in our opinion the best fish. A little pricey, but not too bad....4 pieces of Halibut & chips was 20.

Dark and Dingy Tourist Trap

By AreWeHavingFunYet |

Location, location, location. If this dark, drab little place wasn't right by the locks, it would not entice customers like it does. Their sign proclaims "World Famous Fish and Chips" or something like that. So we tried the fish and chips -- nothing to write home about. The fries were not fresh and the seasoning on the fish nothing spectacular. The inside is dark, dusty, and crowded. The small bar section was even worse. The view was of the open smoking shed. Awful. Our server was overwhelmed after waiting on a table for 8. Service was poor. Don't be fooled by the sign and the location. There is another fish and chips restaurant within walking distance. Maybe try that one instead.

Deadliest Secret in town :)

By Baker0911 |

If your a fan of the Deadliest catch than you'll love this place, because when they are not out in the Pacific they are here eating. The food is fantastic! Might I recommend the Cod fish and chips for it is FRESH caught daily.

Awesome lunch and service!

By wkndtraveler07 |

I stopped in for a bite after touring the Ballard Locks and had the best Tuna sandwich of my life--the Rosemary Foccacia bread was perfect. I also had a cup of chowder and it was amazing! The service was excellent too!

Went here on a coupon, was not disappointed

By bwanderer |

I used to work in Ballard years ago, and while familiar with Lockspot and their friendly owner, then called "Lockspot Tavern," I had never been there. When I saw a coupon for this place recently, I thought, I had always thought about it, try it. While this was now a-ways from where I lived, I was able to go there by bus, with a Metro bus stop conveniently nearby on a frequent bus line. While the place looks dated outside, spurring some hesitancy, I took my time in figuring out where their preferred entrance was (there appears to be an order window for walk ups). Inside, it was dark, in part due to the time of year, but also due to the windows being on the north side. Ahead of time, I had read reviews about their signature fish and other menu items, with pros and cons by diners for each. They're known for the fish, I thought, but I was tempted by the "super" clam strips, though some diners felt they weren't so. On the menu, I noticed there being senior options, and I was tugged at ordering both items from the senior menu (one or both was there). I ended up punting, asking my server about the salmon teriyaki. She recommended it, I ordered it, and it was, while not large portions, delicious!!! Still having some money to spend on my coupon, I asked about dessert: the server suggested their bread pudding. It was okay, but I've had far better, most notably at Stonehedge Gardens (Hood River, Oregon). I'd go for the caramel custard or strawberry shortcake, my other possibilities, if there's a next time. The restaurant is dark inside, so grab a window seat if you need some light, particularly if you plan to check your phone!

Not trendy, not view, but just a great breakfast. And best of all, no lines. Delicious thick bacon, hashbrowns and eggs...

By Wanderer76479 |

Not trendy, not view, but just a great breakfast. And best of all, no lines. Delicious thick bacon, hashbrowns and eggs cooked exactly the way I requested. And the blueberry pancakes will blow you away!!

Visiting Seattle

By Nina R |

Being Norwegians, we wanted to go to the seaside. We spent a nice hour in the park next to the diner. Then enjoyed very nice fish & chips.

Good Food

By Travel_Texans |

Had the opportunity to try the Lock Spot on a rainy Sunday for lunch. There were 4 adults and 1 child in our party. We all had different types of burgers and they were wonderful. In addition, we chose to get the seasoned waffle fries instead of the usual french fries and they were soooooo good. The service was great - friendly waitress who kept checking on our needs and reasonable prices.

GOOD food, service and drinks.

By Journey711899 |

GOOD food, service and drinks. Try it you will like it. This is one of two go to places that we go to for lunch and dinner.

Lunch at the Lockspot

By Stivareno |

Local bar and tavern with a lot of history and a lot of character. Outside is a sign that says best Fish and Chips. I went for the Salmon and Chips thinking that I'm so close to Fisherman Terminal this should be fresh and good. The serving was large, plenty to eat, but the salmon looked so pre-fabricated that it may have come from a Gordons frozen fish box. The fish was whiter than it was pink and the fries were soggy. 2 large pieces of hand dipped fresh Salmon would have justified the $20. I think anything else on the menu would have been great. I've had a burger there before and it was decent. The waitress was phenomenal. I will go again but not the salmon and chips!

Decent food convenient to the Ballard Locks

By Janet S |

The clerk at the Locks' visitor center recommended the Lockspot to us. She had lunch there every day. The atmosphere is nothing to brag about but the food was good. We were able to get a senior portion of fish and chips that was just the right amount and just the right price. There were lots of other options on the menu but we appreciated that smaller portions were available to seniors as well as children.

Great salmon and chips

By Robin B |

Awesome place in Ballard for fish and chips, the best I’ve had in a long time. We stopped in here for lunch after visiting the Hiram Chittenden Locks. The location is convenient, just a short walk, maybe 5 minutes, from the locks. Laid back atmosphere, decent service. They have a nice selection of local beer on tap. I recommend the salmon and chips. They have a small, outdoor eating area for those that have their dogs in tow.

We loved this place the minute we walked in.

By simivalley1699 |

What a cozy spot to have lunch - great service, great food and great ambience! They were kind enough to bring our shared lunch on two plates. We had a burger and our young friend had the fish and chips. Both meals were delicious. Parking was close to the entrance to the locks. We'll definitely come back next time we're in this neck of the woods and have another meal.

Good location for quick meal

By Mazemet |

We had the fish and chips and the club sandwich. They see both good. It is a convenient location by the locks. Service was ok. If you need to catch some food while out and about, you could do worse.

Love This Place!

By Marcia S |

This is the place for local ambience of a fishing village and the best codfish and chips I. seattle! Really--Inhave seriously tried almost everywhere famous, and this takes the prize. It is a bar setting but family friendly. The waffle fries are wonderful, and so is a side of coleslaw. Beer is cold, and the service is friendly.

A Ballard Institution, For A Reason

By BallardBeaver |

I've been coming here for decades and rarely been disappointed. Fish and chips are consistently good. I especially like the popcorn scallops. A pleasant, unpretentious place. Service can be a bit slow, but is generally friendly and efficient.

Tasty Salmon

By Hjonman |

Dark wood walls and tables gives the place a rustic atmosphere. Like most seafood restaurants, this one had its share of life preservers and other sea related stuff on the walls. However, this place also had a giant rack of Moosehorns with old champagne corks on the tips. Also, I felt transported Back to 80's a bit... The music... The old Galaga and Packman video games in the bar section. It was cozy and inviting. Our waiter was nice. That perfect combination of helpful yet not over present that I appreciate. The salmon teriaki was good.

Worst fish and chips ever. Inedible.

By Jennifer R |

Having read a few Trip Advisor reviews, we decided to give it a try while we were at Ballard Locks. The service was fine, and I didn't notice the cleanliness issue that others have mentioned, but the fish and chips were just horrible. The fish had clearly been frozen a long, long time ago and was tasteless and watery. I usually prefer breaded fish to battered but this was the exception. It was sludgy. The chips were also clearly from a bag and were probably some kind of potato composite. I couldn't eat any of it. My husband had the same but he shovelled some down anyway out of pure hunger. My son had the pancakes and bacon. The pancakes looked uninspired and stodgy but he's not picky. The bacon, however, was so overcooked he couldn't eat it (and he loves bacon.) I tried too but it was charcoal. Worst meal of our trip. We actually wondered if they had just changed management or cook (?)

Good food and cute atmosphere but VERY slow

By Emily P |

We came on a Saturday at noon. We didn't get our food until 12:45 (we split a ham and cheese omelet and a homemade ice cream sandwich). The food was ok (ice cream sandwich was pretty good) but our ticket was $17.25 for those two things. I would not recommend this place... especially if you're in a hurry. We paid for an hour of parking for a sub par meal.

Great spot for a cold beer and chowder

By Mitch k |

Cool local flavor of a spot to stop by when in Ballard or visiting the locks and botanical gardens. Very close location to the gardens.

Good spot for lunch after viewing the Ballard locks

By Oldzion |

We had lunch there after visiting the Ballard looks. Good hamburger and fish & chips. Liked the senior menue. Service was just right for the time of day. Would recommend to anyone who visits the Ballard locks.