Absolute worst meal we had in Alaska. We had the halibut fish & chips and their halibut sandwich--both were mediocre at best. Halibut breading was flavorless and the filets were a tad thin (especially since halibut tends to be on thicker side). Sandwich bun was cold, untoasted and dry. Fries were hot and decent. The most lackluster meal we ate all week. To make things worse, neither employee (there was a male and a female working) was able to help with directions. We explained that we were at the Anchor Inn and were walking over, the female said, "Look for the ice cream shop and we're right there, you'll see us." No context, no landmarks or other objects to note, but needless to say we passed them -- not as easy to see as she made it seem. Then we called and spoke to a man, he said, "Just walk to the end of the turnabout and you'll see us right there." Huh?! Whittier may be small, but we're obviously not from around here and neither of those directions made any sense -- especially for someone who is not local and does not know the area. Needless to say we finally stumbled upon them, with zero help from either of their "directions". We had 30 min to eat and catch our train, which added to the frustration of this experience...to top things off the food was barely mid, lacking in flavor and just plain boring. To the team at Swift Water: Take more pride in your food preparation. [[HIGHLIGHT]]There was only 1 other couple in the place, so it wasn't like you were rushed and cut corners because of being busy (which still would be an excuse).[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Do better. read more

Delicious cup of clam chowder and [[HIGHLIGHT]]warm and friendly interior on a rainy, blustery day[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Nice place to sit and take the chill off, chat with travelers, and have a bite.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Counter service was friendly, halibut portion size was solid, and everything came out hot and freshly cooked. I feel like this restaurant is back on par with the days of the original owners. Had halibut & fries and onion rings. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Cute little cafe with friendly service.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Fresh halibut and cod. Prices pretty high, but it's fresh fish. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Limited seating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Crab was good, not the best I've had, but good. read more

Swift Water Seafood Cafe - Seafood Near Me - Whittier, Alaska

See all

They were completely out of cod (how does a seafood restaurant run out of something as basic as cod?) so we had to get the overpriced halibut. Took 20 minutes to get a fish sandwich that was incredibly mediocre. The sandwich and fries were absolutely flavorless. They put the tiniest bit of tartar sauce possible on the buns and that was the only thing that had any flavor at all. read more

You pay beneath the menu posted on the wall. Staff will call out your name and bring you your food. Very nice and courteous group of folks. We ate the halibut and fries at around $25 per basket to include a soda. Great fresh fish!! I mean this is some seriously good food. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This is not an upscale place by any stretch of the imagination. However, that doesn't matter. I felt like a local.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] To be honest I don't know if Whittier has any locals year round due to the remoteness of the area and the extreme weather. But you will feel like you're part of a secret club. I can't explain it.. just try it! [[HIGHLIGHT]]There is not a lot of room inside or outside so come early or be patient with waiting.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The only gripe that I had was the door. Lol! Thats it! It just about knocked me on my a$$ because it prefers to stay shut as opposed to being open.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

See all

This was the only resturant open in Whittier after the glacier cruise. Food was fine. Nothing great or bad about it. Expensive for what you get. read more

My husband is from England and he says the fish and chips are excellent. I had the shrimp platter and a Caesar salad. The shrimp were so fresh and delicious. If I were to go there again I probably would get Cole slaw instead of the salad. You order from the front counter and then they bring you the food when it's ready. The place was packed and the line was out the door for 20 minutes while we ate. The restaurant has lots of fishing items on the wall and hanging from the ceiling via fishing nets. So they set the seafood ambiance before you even walk in the door. read more

Swift Water Seafood Cafe - Shrimp platter - Seafood Near Me - Whittier, Alaska

The interior has lots of cool this from Alaskas past, and the servers were nice. However the food wasn't that great. The French fries were barely cooked. The fish didn't have much flavor and seemed to be frozen from a package and not hand breaded. It was $18.99 for the basket and that seems to be the going rate in Alaska. read more

Swift Water Seafood Cafe - Fish and Chips - Seafood Near Me - Whittier, Alaska

Stop serving Costco frozen fish and chowder. I've eaten here since I was a kid 30 years ago. About 5 years ago, it started going down hill. I won't be back for a while now. read more

This place rocks and the clam chowda is very succulent. If you are in town, stop by and be ready to have a party in your mouth. Not sure if it is every Sunday but they have 1 lbs of crab $39.99 which is very reasonable and cooked to order and perfectly. This place is so good, that I had to go a second time. I had the halibut and the shrimp as well and they are all very tasty. The staff is very nice and they keep the place clean. The restaurant is a bit small but they have outside seating provided that it is not raining. Add this to your destination list and make sure that you arrive hangry! read more

See all

After a day cruise out of Whittier, my wife and I wanted to try some local seafood. We ended up at Swiftwater Cafe. Fish and chips were excellent . Obviously fresh from the sea. Very friendly people behind the counter. Heard many rave reviews of the chowder from other guests. read more

Swift Water Seafood Cafe - Halibut and Chips, Halibut sandwich - Seafood Near Me - Whittier, Alaska

[[HIGHLIGHT]]A little run down overall and its very small inside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The clam chowder was average and nothing special. Food was less than spectacular and overly priced. [[HIGHLIGHT]]No bathroom.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Swift Water Seafood Cafe - Seafood Near Me - Whittier, Alaska

See all

This was my second time eating here at this restaurant. I will return for sure. The service was great and friendly to help us select from the menu. The clam chowder was the BEST my mom had ever had. (Her words) I had the calamari & shrimp basket. Both were excellent and the portions were plenty to share with. [[HIGHLIGHT]]While I waited for my lunch there is plenty of history to look at on the walls.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place is comfortable with seating inside & on the patio.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

See all

Stopped in for a bowl of chowder for lunch. Enjoyed the tasty chowder on the patio with a nice view of the marina. Kitschy, rustic casual seaside fish shack. Counter service. read more

Swift Water Seafood Cafe - Patio facing marina - Seafood Near Me - Whittier, Alaska

See all

Food was excellent! Service was excellent! So kind and friendly! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Loved the casual ambiance and sat in the area overlooking the water[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Yummy food and fresh hot fish! If you're waiting for your cruise ship to depart, go here! read more

Swift Water Seafood Cafe - Seafood Near Me - Whittier, Alaska

See all

After a wonderful cruise checking out glaciers and whales we stopped in to try out Swiftwater Seafood Cafe and were very pleased. We enjoyed their homemade clam chowder with a side of onion rings and they were both excellent. Very friendly staff who provided great service and the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a meal while looking over the marina. Cool people!! read more

Swift Water Seafood Cafe - Homemade Clam Chowder with Alaskan Amber - Seafood Near Me - Whittier, Alaska

It is what it is...small establishment in a small community. Had the fish & chips (cod)...was decent. 4 pieces fried up with shoe string fries. Only 225 residents and all living in one building here. Appears to be and old military installation. read more

Swift Water Seafood Cafe - Seafood Near Me - Whittier, Alaska

See all

I've been in Whittier less than two days, but have visited the Swiftwater four times! Not because the food was spectacular, but it was .... not, because the beer was priced right, but it was ... but, because of those three individuals behind me in the picture!! It's refreshing to go into a place and it feels like home in two days! The numbers I saw go through that little business, and the speed and efficiency I saw three people handle that crazy amount of business was truly impressive. Whoever is managing it deserves praise, and if it's not an owner ... they are seriously blessed to have an employee handle their business for them like it's being managed. In the words of Arnold ... I'll be back ... love this place! read more

Swift Water Seafood Cafe - The heart and soul of Swiftwaters! - Seafood Near Me - Whittier, Alaska

I should have checked the reviews prior to choosing this place. It had neat decor and the staff was extremely kind but the Halibut was below average. For $23 I was expecting some real fresh halibut, not what I got that seemed to be frozen out of a box. I enjoyed the clam chowder and being in Whittier. read more

See all

Great halibut and fish, it's worth the wait. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This place is small and always busy but that obviously means great food !![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Super cute place. The staff are super nice. They were very busy, but did a great job rolling the food out. The clam chowder was REALLY good. The seating is limited inside, but there are three large tables on the covered deck, outside, as well as a small bar facing the docks. Then there is three picnic tables that aren't covered. I had the Half and Half with Fries (1/2 shrimp, 1/2 halibut), and it was flavorful, but a tad bit overcooked. I would definitely been satisfied with the clam chowder alone, it was super good. I had the cup, but I'd do the bowl next time. :) read more

See all

Hmm...I may be generous with 3 stars... So the clam chowder and fries are worth 3.5 stars - if in the area will come back for these! They were out of crab cakes so we had a cheeseburger (I know I know... My partner doesn't do seafood though...) And a calamari sandwich. The burger looked suspiciously light colored with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion. The calamari sandwich came on a burger bun with lettuce, tomato, onion and it was a thick cut calamari that's fried - which is awesome but the crispy layer quickly went soggy and the tartar-like sauce just didn't jive for me sadly...so those are more like 2 stars We didn't try the fish though... read more

Went here with my family over the summer after our 26 glacier cruise, it was AMAZING. Best seafood we had during our entire trip to Alaska. Awesome patio seating outside with incredible views. Service was great, they were very friendly and we got our food in a relatively short time. They had awesome merch for sale and I bought a sweatshirt for the memories! Will certainly go back when I am in Alaska next. read more

Swift Water Seafood Cafe - a mountain range in the background - Seafood Near Me - Whittier, Alaska

Since the town of Whittier is very small, If I were you, visiting in the middle of summer, expect this little restaurant to be very busy. We got lucky and stumbled upon a table for two in the corner. We split a clam chowder and a beer. Service was very quick, and staff were all very friendly. The chower came piping hot! Just as I like it. the consistency wasn't too thick which was great, and you get a great medley of veggies to clams. I really enjoy Alaskan beer, I think the breweries do a fine job in this state. I would compare it to the breweries in San Diego. They are very diverse, full of flavor, and never taste watered down. The restaurant smelled very delightful, you must be a seafood lover though. If you're a picky eater, well good luck. read more

Clam chowder is the bomb. Very good. Fish and chips and hot and fresh. Firmest cod I've ever had. Shrimp plate cooked just right. Fried food is easy to overcook. Not here. Fried to perfection. Service was faster than expected based on reviews. Could have been because we saw the cruise ship floating away:-) Outdoor dining was comfortable and clean. Pleasant vibe here Thanks for a great meal. I don't eat fried food often so it was a great treat. Lots of fries left over so breakfast tacos in the morning! Yummy!! Oh, Pinot Grigio was yummy too:-) read more

Excellent chowder. Decent halibut fish and chips. Wonderful desserts. Fast service. Friendly folks. Recommend.

Everything is expensive. Well understood! But it doesn't have to be low quality. Place has a sign that says "locally sourced halibut". Sure it didnt taste like it and really overpriced for bad fried fish. Good luck but i will pass. Head to restaurant at Inn @Whittier... my advice. read more

The BEST clam chowder in town!!! Hands down the most satisfying meal at the end of our long wet and cold day. I had seafood chowder the day before from a different restaurant in anchorage and it was definitely not as tasty as the one from Swift Water. This restaurant was recommended to us by our tour guide and we're so glad that he did! The food was exactly what we needed. The restaurant looks very cute aesthetically. They have cool decorations, eye catching merchandise and a cozy vibe. The view is wonderful... really can't beat it. Eating at Swift Water is beyond just consuming a meal but an experience! My friends and I even got shirts from there! read more

Swift Water Seafood Cafe - Swift Water shirts! They make great Alaskan souvenirs! - Seafood Near Me - Whittier, Alaska

See all

The quality of the products is not there. The fish tasted frozen, like it had been thawed and/or microwaved - Walmart or Costco fish? The hamburger was not tasty either, unfortunately worse than a fast food burger. Was really looking forward to it since it was recommended on YouTube and reviews but the quality must have gone down since then. read more

Great workers. But overpriced fish from Costcos. Fries were cold and really hard. 6 of us paid almost $250. read more

Swift Water Seafood Cafe - That was $25.99 Halibut and fries. Tasted terrible! - Seafood Near Me - Whittier, Alaska

So heartbreaking that the new owners didn't keep the old recipes and instead tastes like cheap generic store bought food. Cost $89 for food that probably cost $20 . The old owners had great food. They don't even have tartar sauce for the halibut :( read more

Swift Water Seafood Cafe - Halibut and chips??? Where's the halibut ? - Seafood Near Me - Whittier, Alaska

See all

Wonderful service and excellent food! Such a great experience!! Would come back any time and highly recommend. Great for kiddos too! YUM!

The coleslaw tasted like straight mayo mixed with cabbage, not good. The clam chowder was ok but it tasted like it was canned prior to serving. It was really over priced for what we had. $63 for 3 meals and clam chowder. The service was great, they were nice and friendly. read more

Really cute place right next to the harbor. Interior is fun and cozy and has outside seating overlooking the water. The food wasn't crazy expensive but also wasn't great either. $16ish for fish and chips and $13ish for burgers and fries. We got fish and chips. Fish was good but the fries were just cheap potatoes. Not well made and tasted old. They do give you a lot of fries though. We didn't leave hungry. If you're looking for something easy and semi-affordable for the area then stop by. I'd essentially call it fried food that got the job done on a cold and rainy day. The employee was super friendly and they have good drink options for beer. Items on the menu basically include fish and chips, shrimp, clam chowder, and burgers. read more

See all

What a disappointing experience Years ago the halibut w fries was a serious portion of FRESH HALIBUT -- but now there were two micro slivers of something from the piscine family that may well have been halibut -- still starved after this order of halibut I compounded my error with an order of shrimp -- 4/5ths batter to 1/5 th shrimp--I remember several years ago the shrimp were excellent as was the halibut --- but today -- forget it -- one star is generous --zero is more accurate read more

Fast and friendly service, delicious halibut and cod fish n chips, delicious clam chowder. There's nothing more you need to know. Eat here.

***WARNING! NOT CLOSED, NEW OWNERS*** If you want good fish and chips go next door to the China Sea. For those that don't know the Varly's sold the Swiftwater and the Ice Cream shop a few doors down. It was purchased by the same people that own the Whittier Inn. I don't think it's been a good transition. My family has been coming to Whittier during the commercial fishing season for the last 11 years and this has been our favorite place to eat. We gave it two chances this year and we were disappointed both times. Breading on the fish is different, tarter sauce tastes like the cheapest store bought possible, and they changed the fries to some type of breading on them. I always thought the prices were a little steep for a cafe style place but they raised them. $35 for a chicken strip sandwich and an order of cod fish and chips is a little much. read more

The staff were cheerful and accommodating and much appreciated. The halibut tasted like panko crusted fish from Costco and cost over $100 for 3 baskets and one order of onion rings. We wish we'd have gone to the Chinese place next door. read more