This review is from 1974. Ha! Just to put it in perspective, that's how good the meal was. Great views and even better seafood. I clearly remember having a shrimp cocktail which was delicious and then ordering Halibut served with a cheese sauce and broccoli with a dinner salad. I have never had such a delicious meal in all my life. It was truly that good. 44 years haven't dimmed the memory of that dinner. That being said, it's no wonder that Ivar's is still going strong with locations all over the Seattle area. I would highly recommend any of their restaurants and the Halibut with cheese sauce is a winning choice. You'll never forget it. read more

The food here is fantastic. I wish there were more Ivar's in the world. Chowder is all you need to know.

We were stuck on Aurora Ave. Feb. 25, because our overnight accommodations had been double booked. It was after 8 pm, and we were hungry. We stopped at the Aurora Ivar's and were treated in a very friendly manner from all of the staff. The owner heard our story and offered ideas for places to stay overnight. Of course, nothing beats the Ivar's traditional cod fish and chips. We felt like we got large portions, and we would definitely come back if we are in the area. read more

I have to stop here when I'm in the area. The service is great. The atmosphere is comfortable, clean and laid back. Feels like a place you can just relax in, enjoy good food at a good price with great service (which always makes the experience for me) I live over 3 hours away so when I have business or personal in the greater Seattle area, I stay at a hotel close to here so I can bring everyone to this Ivar's read more

Super yummy. One piece of halibut and some clam chowder. An excellent and enjoyable snack. read more

Ivar's Seafood Bar - Seafood Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Worst. Service. Everrrrrrrrr. Came in on a Sunday night around 7:30. No lines. No waiting. Girl at the counter didn't even acknowledge us. She was busy filling a door dash order (im assuming). Didn't even look up at us standing at the counter right in front of her. Almost ten minutes later she is ready to take our order. We order two salmon and chips and a few chowders and pay for our order. Ten minutes later the cook in the back (and the manager I guess) let's the girl know they're out of salmon. Fine. I'll take one cod instead. Five minutes later we have to let the girl know she'll owe us some money. That's when she calls the manager (cook) from the back because she's the only one with power. She gives us a cash refund and returns to the back. . About that time a third employee comes in. Mind you, we spent the entire 30 minutes there wondering whose funeral we missed. These three girls were the most gloomy and depressed group we've ever seen. Did one of their favorite employees die? We finally got our food but, as a huge fan of Ivar's, the food was sadly disappointing. If we were local, we'd never go to that particular Ivar's again. read more

Good friday snack no meat meal till 12 MN...neat place for a fast food....fresh foods you can tell it from the taste of the foods...average service...im impressed with the cleanliness of wash room when we get there...smells so awesome and clean....great fish and chips...soda fountain is kinda confusing at first to use....accept all cards and cash ,noise level moderate...free parking...patio sitting... read more

Ivar's Seafood Bar - Seafood Near Me - Seattle, Washington

You can never go wrong when ordering the clam chowder! I always have to have a cup size at the least when I come to Ivar's. I love adding Tabasco for some kick! Aside from the clam chowder, I also ordered the prawns and chips since I don't like fish. They're always warm and fresh. I love their tartar sauce and I also mix in Tabasco to give it some kick. Staff is always really nice and super friendly! The place is always clean. Knocked off a star because I do feel it is somewhat over priced. But I still go back no matter what because their chowder is just so yummy! read more

Ivar's Seafood Bar - Mixed it all before taking a picture. Add Tabasco for a little kick! - Seafood Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Their clam chowder is amazing! It tastes like it has a hint of bacon. We also got the salmon fish sticks and chips. All the food was delicious and wonderful! Service is fast, quick, & friendly. I gave them 5 stars bc food and service was great and I have no complaints. Just want more clam chowder. read more

Ivar's Seafood Bar - Seafood Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This place is HORRIBLE! Who in the world thinks this food is good? After moving here from New England, this fish was worse than frozen fish! The food had no taste to it. The cole slaw was worse and the fries not fully cooked! I will not go there again. It truly sucks! read more

Not bad for a fast food restaurant. People behind the counter were really friendly and nice. When we got there, the cashier was really friendly and patiently waited while we decided on what we wanted to order. I noticed that the woman (I think, the manager) who was working the kitchen came out to clean tables. She really was vigorously cleaning the table tops and felt like she took a lot of pride in how conscientious she was about keeping the restaurant really clean. Sometimes I see workers just give a flimsy swipe and would brush the food items onto the ground but she was really giving a good scrub. She was really nice too because she came over and asked how our food was. She also gave us tips on what to order for our next visit. The food in itself was good too. The panko crusted fish was crunchy on the outside and flaky on the inside. It wasn't over cooked at all. The clam chowder was the best part of it all. It was DELICIOUS. I ordered a cup and it tasted so good. Initially, I was skeptical about their clam chowder because it seems like everyone proclaims that their chowder is the "best." For example, at Pike Place Market, there is a restaurant called Pike Place Chowder. There are long lines of people waiting to get a taste. It was such a disappointing experience where it tasted like canned chowder. Anyways, surprisingly enough their chowder was so good. It was the perfect balance of clams/creaminess/seasoning. I loved it. The only issues I had were 1) the price is a bit high for a fast food joint. For $9, you get a small portioned fish and chips and $3.50 for a cup of soup. It is on the pricier side in comparison to restaurants like KFC. Another issue was that their fries were not that yummy. Jack in the Box fries are even better than their fries recipe. read more

Always drove by this place when I would head over to LA Fitness. Thought I would give it a shot because I had a big craving for fish and chips after a workout. The Ivar's is pretty standard. The interior was meh, pretty much what you would expect at a fast food restaurant. I bought the cod fish and chips along with a side clam chowder and overall, it was pretty mediocre. The only plus I would say is that you can get your own condiments and that the staff is relatively nice. read more

My first time at an Ivar's, I was pleasantly surprised. The chowder is excellent! The fish and fries were your average fast food, along the lines of Skippers, but they did their job well. The gregarious chef and generous, boisterous cashier/waitress were a hoot. It was a clear they had worked together for years and knew several of their regular customers who were happy to fling sarcastic comments at them. Food: 3 Service: 5 Parking: 5 Ambiance: 4 read more

Note: There is a restaurant and a walk-up, fast food option. I would suggest going with the fast food option until you feel the need to go for dinner to soak up some of the view. It is the same food at a lower rate if you decide to go to the outdoors version. I ate at both the Restaurant and the Fast Food spot. Food: I suggest getting the Cajun Fish and Chips (Cod) with the fries. (Ask for the fries well done to give a little extra crunch). The Salmon Chowder is good but a little salty. The Clam Chowder is good as well. Workers: Restaurant: Very helpful and explained the menu options. Fast Food: They want to get you the order as soon as possible. (Not a complaint). Atmosphere: Restaurant: I went during the day but it still was a nice view, I would imagine it being an even better view once the Sun falls. Fast Food: It is right by the water so you get that setting by default. Watch out for the Seagulls if you decide to eat outside near the dock. If you don't like animals around you while eating, eat inside the room they provide. read more

I can't understand this store was a fantastic store.I started eating at Ivars in the 1950's Chowder didn't taste good at all. The fish was over cooked the oil was old. I'm not going back. I'm going to get back to on you reply you really need look at your whole staff don't ask me for time and date do your job also I don't see you come back on refunds ! read more

A classic! Clam chowder in the breadbowl is delicious. The chowder is creamy and the bread is soft and perfect with the soup. It's a big portion. Fish and chips is lovely too. I really like the fries, they're thin (not wedges) and lightly seasoned. Clam strips and fried shrimp were not good; both were dry and not very tasty. I wouldn't get those again. But I really enjoyed the fish and chips and would probably get that again. There's a few kinds of vinegar on the table too as I recall. The employees here were friendly too. read more

Best fast food experience I've ever had. Everything came out crispy and perfectly fried. Staff was super nice too.

We joined a large group here on Sunday lunchtime but didn't eat. The restaurant was pretty grimey. In fact we swung by their open seating area first of all and people were feeding their fries to seagulls out of their hand - disgusting! So many health codes being violated here...! In the nicer part of the restaurant though, it was still really filthy with no attention to tidying up by the staff. I'm glad we said we wouldn't eat here since I'm not sure how my stomach would have handled it! read more

The foods and customer service were nicer compared to other Ivar's branches. Fish & chips was crispy outside, and salmon in salad was very delicious. Salmon chowder was little bit saltier than the one I are at other branch. If it's sunny and clear day, you can enjoy the view of Mt. Rainier from the shop! That's one of the parts I like this store. :) Again, thank you for great service! read more

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Excellent Service! Our server Jason was kind and very informative. We sat on the patio and witnessed a beautiful sunset ! The food was delicious ! Overall an extraordinary experience ! read more

What is going on? Says open till 9pm yet closed sign up at 8:49. You open till 9 or some time earlier so non customer service oriented staff can go home? read more

2 stars for the clam chowder. Otherwise, would not recommend. Tables and chairs are dirty filled with crumbs....bathroom filty....it seems no one is cleaning it because u can literally see clumps of dust around. Salmon platter forever does not have any taste at all... water pitcher are also refilled read more

Ivar's Seafood Bar - Cup of chowder and grilled salmon platter - Seafood Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Came here with my family on vacation.The customer service was great and the food is great. We tried the Alaskan cod Cajun style and jumbo prawns with fries and chowder. read more

I hate to say it. But I don't like Ivars fish and chips. I want to like them. But they suck. I love fish and chips. I used to like Skippers, in the 60's. H. Salt Esquire had good beer batter chips. If you look. You can still find good fish and chips in Seattle. Just not at Ivars read more

The gentleman "Paul" helping us was over loud and rude. He cut a customer in front of us. Then preceded to take our order in a condescending voice while strangely staring at me. Good thing the food was good. He was so rude ,even my teenager son was appalled at his attitude! read more

Open during coronavirus on the lake, cod is great. Enjoyed the corn bread as well outdoor seating avail near the salmon house read more

Ivar's Seafood Bar - Large prawn, cod, corn muffins - Seafood Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Heard this place was good and close to my daughter's house. I was totally disappointed, it lacked flavor in the fish batter.

Food was great like always! however, the tall older man who was running the register was very rude. I personally work in food/customer service so I understand having a bad day, but treating customer after customer as if it's the last thing you want to do is completely disrespectful and unprofessional. read more

Food was solid, but what I appreciated most was the fantastic customer service we received. All of the staff was friggin so positive and happy to be there. Thank you for proving that customer service still exists. read more

This is such a great place to go when you are craving seafood. I got the salmon dinner and really liked it. It came with rice, coleslaw and corn bread. The corn bread wasn't the softest ever but I did eat it all. Apparently they have a fancier restaurant upstairs. We were wondering if they serve the same food but with fancy silverware. Because at this one everything is plastic. The eating area is cozy. You can't hear the freeway like you can when you are outside. I was thoroughly impressed with their service. The guy, I forgot to ask him his name, was really super attentive and friendly. I'd like to come back to try their fish and chips. read more

Sorry but no. I like the Ivar's Seafood Bar in Edmonds. The service is great and it's clean and well lit and pleasant. It's still fast food but that's okay. The food is identical here, unsurprisingly. It's just the atmosphere and service that makes me say I've experienced better. First of all the location is not the greatest right along a seedy stretch of 99. I'm not against this strip. I live close by and run a lot of errands and go the gym close by. It's just not the nicest area. Once inside I ordered the chicken strips and a bowl of chowder. The lady did not give me my receipt so I didn't see it. The guy behind the counter explained to me the chicken strips would take longer to cook than the fish would because the strips were frozen. Now I am not expecting gourmet strips. I've had them many times and think they're a decent guilty pleasure food. I'm not expecting high end chicken here. But for him to explain to me that they were pre-frozen seemed kind of strange. Like why advertise a low point? When I got my order I saw the guy put a cup of chowder in the bag. I said I ordered a bowl. He showed me the receipt and said "She charged you for a cup". I said "But I ordered a bowl." He said "She already left" even though she was sitting close by in the dining area. Whatever. The interaction just rubbed me the wrong way. No responsibility whatsoever. No move to try and make the small mistake right. Won't be back. I'll just go to the Edmonds location if I want a quick fix or to Ivar's Salmon House in Wallingford. read more

Well, the food was OK. Order through UberEats and requested utensils...apparently that doesn't include a fork or a straw? It's frustrating when staying at a hotel without the normal comforts of being home. Why bother having requests when they are simply ignored. Corn bread with butter should really include "butter" or am I just asking for too much? Oh and don't bother try to call and complain, nobody will answer the phone!! read more

Over a year after moving to WA, we finally, a little warily, tried Ivars. Hesitation due to many of the areas we've lived in had "You HAVE to try it - it's a local legend!" restaurants or foods that, well, no, actually, we really could have lived quite happily, possibly even more happily, never trying. (A certain "Worlds Largest Drive-In" back in my home state glaringly leaps to mind.) So, anyway, Ivars. Warm and friendly greeting without the usual forced "my pay is docked if I don't grin manically at you" or the "I hate this job, my life, and you by extension" or the most common and yet still always somewhat depressant "oh, sigh, a customer, I guess I have to do my job" attitudes; surprising and, well, honestly, quite nice. Fast food calamari? As a lover of fried squidlings, had to try, then went with the standard fish & chips, he had the prawns, and, after hearing about it for the past year, I took a chance and tried the white chowder. Just a few short minutes after sitting down, they brought us piping hot food. Every 5 years or so, I try clam chowder, and every 5 years or so I'm reminded why it's been 5 years. But, hold on, wait, this white chowder is actually, dare I say it, good! Thick, rich, creamy, flavors complimenting each other without over powering, and it's from a fast food place? Definitely sampling chowders elsewhere in the area now, and if this is typical of NW white chowder, y'all may have a new convert. Calamari, fish, and prawns were good, not over cooked, next time we'll try the cajun style as the breading was rather bland. Fish looked a little small at first, but then I realized it wasn't covered in a 2 inch thick layer of greasy dough and were actually solid and chunky. Sides were unremarkable, but edible and filling (although I didn't finish mine.) As fast food fish, though, not bad, not bad at all. Definitely better than the national drive through chain's triple thick beer batter grease soaked "fish." However, the service was unbelievable for a fast food place. All of the staff were engaging, friendly, helpful without hovering, and seemed to actually enjoy their job. Very, very refreshing. They not only checked on us and the other tables to see if we needed or wanted anything, but one even came around carrying a basket of wet-wipes. Yes, a fast food place, with that kind of service. 4 stars for the chowder, for being head and shoulders above the other fast food fish competition, and for offering calamari. Solid 3.5 stars for the regular menu items being A-Ok, good and worth repeat visits. However, this particular location (Aurora and 135th St) gets 5 stars for the exceptional service. read more

So when i need a quick place to grab some seafood for takeout....i come here..its close to home. the halibut is good..moist.... the salmon caesar salad is pretty damn good...prices are abit high...and the neighborhood lacks.... but its down the road from heads or tails...so its ok in my book read more

Why bother reviewing this Ivars? Because one day, instead of going to the KFC next door on the way back from volleyball I went here. The food was good, the service amazing. I figured it was a fluke. SEVERAL trips back have yielded the same results. Service well above and beyond a "fast food" restaurant. And, the fish and chips is very nice. read more

If you are a fish and chips lover this is your spot. Most of the Ivars delight but this particular spot produces some of the most consistently well cooked Fish and fries in the franchise. I get about a 90% hit rate with 100% satisfaction. Well worth going out of the way for. read more

This is the my go to place if you want reasonable prices and a great happy hour. The scenery is beautiful. You have to choice to sit either inside or when it's not raining outside. You have the view of water and are able to dock your boat to grab a bit. The servers are exceptional dressed with a friendly attitude. If you ever go here try there calamari and burger. It's very filling. Ivars never disappoints! read more

Ivar's Seafood Bar - Seafood Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Made a quick stop here while waiting for the Argosy harbor cruise. We had the 3 piece fish and chips. Wish the portions were a bit bigger, but it was still pretty tasty for a quick snack :) read more

First this place has the best customer service of any fast food place I have ever been to. It is not just one employee but everytime I go its the same. You order at the counter and then they bring food and make sure you have the sauces you want and your drinks are filled. They check on yuo after you try your food to make sure you are satisfied. The food itself I find to be tasty. Its fish and chips not health food. I do like their chowder as well..though Im more partial to the white than the red. If you are on Aurora and need a quick bite stop here over Taco hell...its tasty and you feel good after! read more

I must comment on the wonderful service provided by Max! Ordered the basic fish and chips, definitely hit the spot. I enjoyed my experience here! read more

Ivar's Seafood Bar - Fish 'n chips - Seafood Near Me - Seattle, Washington