Best clam chowder I've ever had. I took a group of 11 people there today and everyone thought the food was delicious. I'm already craving more chowder. read more

Been wanting to go here for a long time. Finally went on a very warm June evening. Got take-out: ordered fish & chips & a fish sandwich (which also came with fries). The service was fine, we got our order in about 8 minutes. However we did order & paid for extra tartar sauce, & only received a single one. The fish & chips looked delicious, & was nicely crunchy. But unfortunately, it (& the fries) were completely lacking in flavor. The fries didn't even have any salt on them!! And no ketchup was supplied - (we would have bought some if the cashier had asked.) Very disappointing. The sandwich was similarly bland, & had only mayo on it, no tartar. Plus we both got root beers, & they were fountain soda of some unknown origin. Not very good. So all in all, a disappointing venture. Doubt we'll return. read more

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We stopped in for lunch after visiting the locks. We were impressed with the extensive menu. We are from New England, so know our chowder. The clam chowded here is some of the best I've ever had. Nice and thick, loaded with clams. I had the meatloaf melt which was also very tasty, with thick slices of meatloaf. My wife had a senior portion of fish and chips (and shared my chowder) my daughter had full portion of the fish and chips. Both commented how delicious and well prepared they were. The service was excellent and we liked the nice touch of giving us a full pitcher of water for our table. We certainly would look forward to coming back if ever in the area. read more

This restaurant was once a popular place for locals & tourists. It's been under a new ownership for several years. I went specifically today for the clam chowder ($8.50 a bowl) and the cod fish/chips (2 pieces $19.00). Extremely disappointed with the luke warm "waterery" chowder. I was anticipating a nice thick creamy chowder. Nope! The fish/chips were lacking flavor and also lukewarm. An unexpected batter on the fish. Fries were almost cold. Very disappointed. I was there at 12:30 in the afternoon. The staff seem lackluster and no one is assigned to host/seat customers as they arrive at the wait to be seated sign. My food was brought to me by some casually dressed woman from the kitchen. My waitress never appeared again after taking my order. Would not return. read more

The Lockspot Cafe - Luke warm bowl of clam chowder and order of $19.00 fish/chips - American Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Located right next to the Locks in Ballard this cafe has been there for years. Great place to get take out for the Park at the Locks. We ordered the fish and chips to share and the clam chowder. Since there are many fish and chip places to choose from theirs would be rated about an 8 out of 10. Highly recommend for a date at the Locks! read more

The Lockspot Cafe - Sunday Menü. - American Near Me - Seattle, Washington

First time in this restaurant after visiting the Ballard Locks with my elderly mother. We enjoyed the relaxed and friendly vibes, the restaurant having a Senior Menu catering to folks like my mom who was apprehensive on ordering an entree due to the usual large size, the attentive but not overbearing service, and the delicious food. My mom had fish and chips from the senior menu and a cup of salmon chowder while I had the fish sandwich. read more

The Lockspot Cafe - Fish & Chips from the senior menu Fish Sandwich - American Near Me - Seattle, Washington

You know, I've been going to the lock spot for a long time now, and it's just a great place to hang out with friends. It's not fancy, but the food and drinks are good, and the vibe is chill. Some food items I would recommend are the clam chowder and the fish and chips, of course! The employees are also nice and provide good customer service. Overall, I recommend it as a good place to hang out with friends and get some good food. read more

To begin with, great location if spending time at the Ballard locks, or golden gardens park. The long time staple was everything I expected. The building seemed much older and slightly outdated decor, which I wouldn't change! It adds to the dining experience, The menu gave all the expected breakfast choices and some unique options. I had the French toast, which was incredible and cooked exactly how I asked. I also ordered the smoked salmon omelette which might have been one of the best omelettes I've eaten. Place was good enough to bring me back same day for a burger at dinner time. Prices are very reasonable as well, read more

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Looking for some comfort food that would break the budget, Hubby and I decided to swing by the Lockspot one evening. We hadn't been in for years and not since the new owners took over. It reminded me of why this place has endured for decades and become a Ballard icon. The new owners, whom were among the very first to provide box Mel's and food to feed restaurant workers for free during the COVID pandemic, haven't changed the place a bit. You instantly feel comfortable. Service is warm, friendly and welcoming. It's the kind of place where one feels like they can turn to the fellow diners at the next table and start a conversation. The food was great. Hubby had the fish platter, with a breading that was light but added just the right touch of flavor and didn't overwhelm the fish. I had the chicken friend steak with sausage gravy--a cardiac special for sure which is probably not going to be featured on the cover of Food & Wine, but was tender, delicious and satisfying. We grabbed a couple of slices of the freshly made carrot cake to go. The bar area was full of people who were relaxed and it looks like a great place to chill and have a beer or a cocktail. Suffice it to say, we'll be back. read more

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To start, this place is vibey and dark and if you're visiting the locks nearby, it's perfect. The ginger beer drinks are well-made and well-priced. The staff are super nice and attentive. The fish and chips were fantastic, seasoned perfectly, the homemade tartar sauce was standard, and the fries were tasty. However, you don't get a whole lot for the price. I was disappointed in my portion size compared to my wife, who got the fried prawn basket. The prawns were near-tasteless and hardly salted at all, however the cocktail sauce accompanying them was delicious and her portion of fries was much greater than mine. Varying quality and portion sizes for a big price, but the fries and drinks are good. I'd come here again at our next visit to the locks, but I wouldn't get the prawns. read more

The Lockspot Cafe - Fish & Chips - American Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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This spot is right in front of the Ballard Locks, so it's great for a little snack/lunch. My wife and I ordered the fish sandwich with onion rings and the "famous" fish and chips. Everything was good but just good. It lacked flavor really. Everything came out perfectly fried and fresh, service was quick and kind. It just wasn't anything special to rave about it. Overall a great location and maybe some other options are better but for me it was pretty average, but happy to support a black owned and woman owned business! read more

The Lockspot Cafe - Fish Sandwich with onion rings - American Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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World class spot. Ownership is the classiest people you could ever imagine. Food is great. And this is my kind of place. Will come here as long as Ryan and Allison own this establishment. read more

When I looked at the restaurant, I assumed that it was a fish and chips only place. However the large menu listed fish and chips but lots of other excellent choices. The restaurant is over 100 years old and is now owned for the last 8 years by a young couple who had years of experience with food trucks before purchasing the cafe. My wife ordered an omelette. I had a salmon sandwich and clam chowder. The omelette, salmon sandwich and chowder were all great and large portions . The staff offered fast and friendly service. As a sidenote, the Lockspot is apparently a favorite of one of the captains featured on the TV show "The Deadliest Catch ". The restaurant is casual family friendly with indoor and outdoor seating . Inside lots of old wood paneling fishing and Seattle memorabilia. It would be a great place to go after you visit the famous locks which are a short walk from the restaurant or for dinner / lunch with friends . FIVE Stars read more

The food is absolutely delicious the customer service is up to par ........... this place was clean than server was dope

Great locally owned spot! Amazing owners! Friendly ~ come check them out today! Let em know Pc sent you! Food was off the chain! 10/10 Ambiance was warm & welcoming! read more

Bad food, bad service. Nothing really more to say. An extremely disappointing dining experience. Stay away!

One of my favorite neighborhood cafes, can't believe I haven't written a review. Been living in Ballard for awhile and always enjoyed visiting Lockspot. Staff is always friendly and helpful. I love that Ryan and Alison took over when the previous owner decided to retire. It was so great to have people who were already part of the Ballard Business scene take over this long standing neighborhood spot. Definitely your old school diner with some comfort foods and seafood go to. I used to always go with the clams and chips they were plump unlike other places in town. But since they took over I have new favorites. I usually alternate between the blackened fish tacos or the "Our Favorite Salad" I'll often add chicken or salmon. Alison is a wonderful baker so they also brought some awesome desserts to when they took over. I've shared the skillet cookie and bread pudding with a friend on visits but what you shouldn't miss is the offerings in the pastry case like the hummingbird cake. read more

The one member they had for staff was very condescending and rude. To be "blacked owned" the waiter seemed very off putting to black people. Told us the kitchen closed at 11pm and we couldn't order, but we arrived at 10:50pm. Instead of telling us that our group was too big to order(there was 6 of us) or maybe even saying a portion of the menu wasnt available, he instead said he was not here to argue with us when we were clearly confused and simply asking questions. Immediately used their restroom and left. A ran down looking shack for a building. Based on the food quality reviews I am now reading, I would suggest not going here. read more

I love me an old school divey spot and Lockspot Cafe is a fun place right next door to the Ballard Locks. I hadn't been here before but can appreciate there is a "eat-in" restaurant & bar in addition to an order window for food/coffee/beer. Inside is dark and divey...love it. Staff are generally friendly. I'll definitely return to try some other menu items and perhaps a drink at the bar...where I failed was getting a to-go order as I don't live terribly far away. My order of fish and chips, a beer, water...$30 Ooooff. The fish itself was decent; I really enjoyed the panko breading and homemade tarter. One piece was great and one was chewy however. I also don't think the meal warrants the $17 price tag, even though I understand prices are high in general right now. Fries were soggy by time I got home after my 10 minute walk. Sad. read more

The Lockspot Cafe - American Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Food I ordered the salmon chowder on a wintry cold day in Seattle. This was amazing and I definitely was expecting chunks of salmon but barely got any pieces of it which was disappointing (hence the two stars, this for $16 was a tad bit high). I was craving more salmon meat than cream but nevertheless it was delicious! Service Attentive and friendly! Ambiance TV, bar, well-lit with windows I'd come here again to try their other dishes! Fast service! read more

The Lockspot Cafe - Salmon chowder bowl with Caesar salad combo - American Near Me - Seattle, Washington

The fish and chips are amazing! So crispy and flavorful! Get the cod it's out of this world. We came in for the chowder and it didn't disappoint. She had the salmon chowder and I had the clam. Both were so rich and tasty we just had to share! Unreal! Will be back next time in Seattle. read more

Came here on a not so crowded rainy day and was able to sit right away. The look of Lockspot is part diner, part bar with an overall "near the sea" aesthetic. The server was alright, I'm not sure if it was a bit short staffed on this visit but he seemed to have been doing a lot of tables was a bit hard to reach at times, not being able to check in more. I got the Chicken fried steak and a pancake on the side. The Chicken fried steak was excellent easily the best part of the meal. The potatoes and eggs were good, but the chicken was so tender, and the gravy was great. The side pancake not so much. It tasted kind of 'doughy'. as mentioned above with our server seeming to be a bit busy It took a little bit to get some extra syrup to help it along. Overall, this Lockspot visit was ok and would give it another try maybe not with haste though. read more

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What went well!? ... Everything! Parking, Cooks, Fish went really well! Ambiance, location... weather was good, Price was spot on, tables next to RR tracks v cool, read more

We were seated immediately . Don't expect that when it's busy though. Got chowder, a fried chicken sandwich and a fish sandwich. All of the food was delicious . The staff were friendly and we felt we cared for. read more

Been going here off and on for several years. Tonight they were under staffed, 20 min, water, and for drink order, we knew what we wanted to order. took another 10 minutes to get the drink. The wine was the wrong one, finally got the food and was luke warm w/o asked for dressing and well you get the idea, like these guys, it was a Saturday night but with the new pricing etc. could use some help. Had the french dip and the fries were, I am thinking frozen kind and were barely warm when served. I have had a beer and a BLT here and was excellent so maybe just an off night. read more

The food is ok. 3 out of 5. Average fried fish and the French fries are thicker cut not great. Clam chowder was good. They make it no bacon which is nice for people who are not pork eaters. Drinks cheaper side. Service staff are nice and friendly. The ambience is old and aged. Probably the thing I thought of the most is the years of dirt ground into the carpet. Looked like someone came In with an oil spill into the carpet and never bothered to clean it. I really was turned off by the flooring alone. Just rip it up already and invest a little into some new flooring. Long epic story here good place to stop in and eat. Food isn't terrible but not great read more

Ambience. B Service. A Food. A Price. A It's been over 10 years since I've frequented this 100 year old spot, I see ownership has changed hands and up scaled their menu. I'm willing to try! Found at entrance to Ballard Locks next to train tracks and lots of paid parking and street parking. They have a few spots in their own lot. You can walk up to a window or they have indoor seating? I ate outside as it was a beautiful sunny June day. Steps to walk up to window. Girl was very friendly Ordered the kid/ senior portion. One fish and chips $10! Perfect size and portion for a small eater and just wanting to get a taste of fish and chips. I think the 2 piece is around $17? Anyway, also ordered bloody spicy Mary. Loved the spicy thick tomato flavor of the drink! Price on outside sign said $9. But in bill was charged $10. They need to update the correct pricing. The fish came out nice and hot and fries were crispy. Loved the homemade tarter and cocktail! Unique condiments flavors. I'm a fan! read more

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Lockspot is a no-frills gem that nails the basics. I had the famous fish and chips--crispy, golden, and satisfying--and paired them with a few cold beers. It's not trying to be fancy, but it delivers where it counts. If you're in the area and craving some solid comfort food, this spot's worth a visit. read more

Visited for brunch recently, after not patronizing the Lockspot since Clinton was President. I'll be visiting more in the near future. Great selections from breakfast and lunch menus. Solid breakfast burrito. Nice service. read more

They make you feel at home with in minutes of walking in I knew I had found my place!

Needed some lunch so we popped in and was seated right away. Got a sandwich and fries with water, and the waiter was very kind and swift. The interior was clean and perfect for a quick bite to eat. There is an area outside if you want something more takeaway. read more

The last time I visited the Lockspot was back in 2020, sat at the bar and chatted with long-time owner Pam around the time when she had decided to retire and put the Lockspot up for sale. Her single biggest concern was finding a new (local) owner who would continue the legacy of this nearly one hundred-year old eatery. Stopped by last week and I'm happy to report that the fish and chips are still among the best in town (Yes, I'm well aware how competitive the market for fish and chips is in Seattle.) The Lockspot was an occasional haunt when I lived in Ballard and as much as I appreciate the new owners carrying on the legacy of this place, I would love to see it updated someday--It's a cool place, but it needs a loving makeover. read more

Came on a busy afternoon, sat outside under the covered area. Self serve water, waitress was still very attentive and engaging. Best fish & chips I've ever had, I'd come back just for that. read more

The Lockspot Cafe - Self serve water station - American Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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Yummy fried seafood. Can be a lot, so definitely depends on your mood for it! Doesn't have that much seating. read more

The Lockspot Cafe - American Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Stopped in for breakfast. I've been here many times and enjoyed it every time. Saw an interesting menu item Moons Over the Narrows and I had to ask is this in reference to the Tacoma Narrows? Being from Tacoma myself many years ago, I kind of enjoyed the reference and turns out yes indeed it is. The food was delicious. read more

On the way home we decided to grab some chowder (Clam & Salmon) to go and boy are we pleased. Getting to experience each other made with some of the freshest seafood has been amazing! Definitely worth a visit. read more

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The clam chowder was decent, didn't get a single bite in a bowl that had a real piece of clam just very small shreds of clam. And got the seafood sampler mix plate, was pleased with. And the fries have a nice hint of garlic. read more

Went here on our first day in Seattle. We were staying in Ballard neighborhood and it was close by. Service was wonderful and attentive and I had a burger, clam chowder, and Bloody Mary. All were delicious. We were there at around 2 so it was us and just a few other people. Loved the space because it had a cozy, wood bar quality to it. read more

On our first visit to Seattle 10 years ago we were encouraged to go to Ivar's for fish and chips. It was just ok to us-big tourist thing though. We love visiting the Chittenden locks and one day we ventured into The Lockspot Cafe and ordered their fish and chips!! Amazing!! So much tastier than Ivar's. Love the funky ambiance and honestly have never had better fish and chips. We come to Seattle yearly and always visit the Lockspot a minimum of 2x per week. They have a Senior special that has 1 piece of fish with fries for $10. A deal that can't be beat. My husband had a cup of chowder last night and said it was the best he'd ever had. I did also order the Red Velvet cake and was a little disappointed in it. A little too dry for me but it could have just been that one day. Fish and chips 4ever!!! read more

We went last Friday with a small group. I had the seafood sampler and a cup of clam chowder. The chowder was good and the fish in the sampler basket was good. The fries and clam strips were cold and rubbery. Service was pretty good. read more