Ivar's Restaurants
1001 Alaskan Way
Seattle, Washington 98104
United States
(206) 587-6500
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GeoPage Score
8.3
What's this?
2 Recommends
Citysearch Rated
A huge ocean-liner of a restaurant with restful views of the bay.
March 28, 2007

The Scene
Tourists and seagulls entertain each other during happy hour, when drinks and full meals are $3. Many think of this Seattle institution as a fast-seafood stand. But beyond the sidewalk counter, bench seating stretches out across the pier for splendid views of the bay. Service is generally friendly and efficient.

The Food
Downtown workers seem to be leaving this bargain to the tourists, but they're missing out on some well-prepared food specials that beat the price of the fish-and-chips outside. Accompanied by a zesty chipotle tartar, the fish taco comes stuffed with lightly fried cod. Salmon seekers can savor a sizable fillet served with Caesar salad. And don't forget the acres of Manila clams, stacked high in a sweet Thai coconut broth. Wash it down with a local microbrew, wine or mixed drink.

(Editorial review provided by Citysearch)
A slight case of bait and switch
June 13, 2010
(4.0 / 5 stars)

My wife and I went to Ivar's fior dinner and were delighted to see a sign on the check in desk saying that wine was half off on Monday and Tuesday. The wine menu also had that footnote on its wine by the glass list, and as it was Monday, we ordered 2 glasses of wine. The meal was delcious but the overall feeling of bliss was spoiled when the check arrived listing the wine at full price. We pointed tthis error out to the server who said that only bottled wine was half price. He then produced a printed paper lising only wine by the bottle. We pointed out to him that we had never seen that paper before and that he should look in the bound wine menu which was on every table and which we had ordered from. He looked and seemed surprised and said he would show it to the manager. After some discussion, they did refund half the cost of the wine, but they refused to admit to a mistake. I asked if all of the people I had seen drinking wine by the glass would be told about this error, they never made a comitment except that things would change tomorrow,

Pros: Delicious food
Cons: If you don't read your bill you could be over charged
(User review provided by Citysearch)
Spud Fish and Chips on Alki
August 19, 2008
(1.0 / 5 stars)

Since Ivor's now ownes Spud's you would think the food would continue to be as good as it was in the past. No so!

(User review provided by Citysearch)
Taste you will never forget.
March 29, 2007
(3.0 / 5 stars)

Never visit the Lakewood WA location of Ivar's. They have been told to only issue a maxium amount of napkins. The workes takes breaks without washing their hands upon returning from outside. I start eating at this location and find it to be so different from the smaller locations. I wish it was someway I could talk to the owner of that location. They are making me where I don't enjoy going to Ivar's like I have enjoyed it in the past.

(User review provided by Citysearch)
Best chowder in Seattle
February 22, 2007
(5.0 / 5 stars)

I advise anyone who has guests to visit this location because a) it's the most authentic one in seattle b) the ivars at malls cannot compare for some reason c) if not this location find an ivars that stands as a restaurant on its own, not in a mall. Great fish and chips, great chowder, even better when you eat both at the same time. You can never go wrong with chowder bread bowls and you can avoid getting the prawns. Stick with fish and chips and chowder!

Pros: Great fish and chips and chowder
Cons: Is a little more pricey because it's on the waterfront
(User review provided by Citysearch)
Hidden Jewel
October 18, 2006
(5.0 / 5 stars)

Great Service, good value for a view and atmosphere like that. I try to go back there every time I visit seattle.

(User review provided by Citysearch)
Freshest seafood in the country!
May 21, 2005
(5.0 / 5 stars)

Ivar's Halibut and Chips is to die for -- fresh, hot and tasty. It is the definitive Seattle dish and experience. Ivar's is the first place I visit every time I'm back in Seattle!

Pros: Fresh fish, Low prices, Seattle ambience
(User review provided by Citysearch)
Ivar's hidden cove -
December 14, 2002
(5.0 / 5 stars)

I started eating fish & chips at Ivar's during the 1940s - Ivar's radio chat said that no husband could have a second bowl of clam chowder without his wifes permission. As much as I have traveled, no place can replace Ivar's for me. It took my wife from Kansas City to find a rare delicious treasure at Ivors on Alaska Way. The "Smoked Salmon Chowder" can make my mouth water as I think of it - in Kansas City, MO. And the Hidden Cove - well it is between the walk up Fish & Chips bar and the sit down dining area. We fly out to Seattle this week, and plan on fish & chips, and smoked salmon chowder - wonderful holiday fare!

Pros: A variety of tastes., Puget Sound smells., Sights/sounds.
Cons: The diving sea gulls., Puget Sound Smells., Parking/Traffic.
(User review provided by Citysearch)
It's a classic
May 12, 2002
(3.5 / 5 stars)

This is the place for fish-n-chips when you've got friends in town and you're doing the tourist thing. I'm sure you can get better fish-n-chips, but this place has that local treasure appeal.

(User review provided by Citysearch)
Parking:

The Bell Street garage (entrance on Wall Street) is the most convenient parking.

Know Before You Go:

If you're looking for grilled items, head inside to the main restaurant, where a larger menu is featured.

RECOMMENDED BY
THE DETAILS
Category:
Restaurant
Cuisine:
Seafood, Fast Food
Features:
Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Waterfront Dining, Private Rooms, Group Dining, Happy Hour, Dine At The Bar
Prices:
$
Payment:
Check, American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Serving 2 neighborhoods:
Central Business District, Downtown
GEOBLOGS
By Michael Verkruyse on 02/20/10 04:21 PM

When you go to downtown Seattle, one of the things you have to check out is the classic restaurant, Ivar's. Founded in 1938, the seafood chain has...

By Michelle Ellsworth on 09/06/09 07:27 PM

As a celebration of the last days of summer, my friend and I decided to venture downtown to take the passenger ferry from Downtown Seattle to West...

By James Sun on 06/30/09 12:02 PM

There's nothing like having lunch outside or sipping on a cold beer on a nice Seattle day.
I really appreciate the Seattle weather these days...