I was reading through the reviews, and I'm a little torqued. Forgive me please, while I vent. (Ahem) THIS IS A DIVE BAR. To the soccer mom dismayed at the rough clientele and working-class atmosphere: why the hell are you taking your kids to bars? Go to Applebee's or Chuck-e-Cheese or whatever and quit stressing your kids. The only one victimizing them is you, princess. THIS IS A DIVE BAR. To the millennial whining about $.35 for extra tartar: food costs money, li'l buckaroo. The people here work, as in actually "labor" (google it) for a living. If they give food away, the doors close and the jobs are gone. I think they should have charged you double. THIS IS A DIVE BAR. To the "this doesn't taste like the fish and chips I had in New York/New Orleans/San Diego/London/wherever": Guess what? Look around. Where are you, hmm? New York? New Orleans? No, you're in Seattle, eating a famous dish in a classic and historic place. If you can't be where you are, please go home and eat the Van De Kamp's fish sticks you're used to, washed down with a Zima or whatever it is disconnected people drink. THIS IS A DIVE BAR. So park your ego, quit being such a prima-donna, leave the squeakers at home, eat the famous fish and chips with a good local beer, rub elbows with folks that perspire somewhere besides a hot yoga class, and appreciate the herbed crust, perfect flake and crispy fries of their world-famous dish. Never tried it with malt vinegar? Take a risk. Dip fries in the tartar, because that's how we do in the 206, and pony up the quarter and dime it takes to get more. Be a whiney cheapskate somewhere else. If you can't feel a little love for a place that's been making folks of all income levels happy for decades, take your man bun and your growly sorority girl "like you know totally" lingo and go have little micro-traumas at your safe little yuppy hipster meat market/brewpub. Leave the real people to their fun. Highly recommended for old-school Seattle lovers, working folks and people who get that THIS IS A DIVE BAR. Not looking for a dive? Don't go here. What, do you go to Taco Bell looking for spaghetti and meatballs? Same thing. Come here for what it is, not what you wish it was, but isn't. read more

Food was nothing special. What really was gross was the worker feeding the crows and when I tried to scare them away she got upset and said they were her family. read more

Exactly what we were looking for. Family-friendly, no frills but solid food. Prices were in line with other sports bar type places in the neighborhood. Our server was very warm, attentive, welcoming and friendly. The dessert selection made my day! We will be back. The perfect place for dropping in when we don't feel like cooking, and want to find something to please everyone in the family. read more

I've been before with ok service. This last time was ridiculous. The bar girl was a parody of the rudest barkeep ever. I couldn't believe her altitude and mannerisms. We asked a few simple questions about the menu and beer on tap. Each answer was more snippy and arrogant than the one before. I would have left, but was starving. I have no idea who she thought she was or where she thought she was working but she should have stayed home with that disorder. Just a dark little bar on the corner...I doubt I'll ever go back in there again. The time before, I spent an easy $100 for bar food and A beer. I can spend my money and be insulted anywhere. read more

Great food and amazing sandwich choices. After you eat, have a nice walk in the locks garden.

Stopped by on a Sunday afternoon, ate outside. Chowder was meh, fried clams REALLY GOOD, fries, not so great. Haven't been inside in almost 20 years, so I cannot comment on that. read more

I went here for lunch because I've been meaning to try this place. I will start off with the positives, they have parking and the option to sit inside or outside. When you walk into the restaurant you definitely get the diner feeling. They have a full bar and a lot of seating. I initially went to order my chicken and fries at the window outside which was priced at $7.99. I decided to sit inside and order the same thing but they charged me a $1 more since I'm not a senior and that item was on the senior menu for the inside dining.. Not a huge deal but I didn't like the inconsistency. I was very disappointed in the chicken and fries (refer to pictures). It was very poor quality and horrible portion size. The chicken strips tasted like the end of the night QFC chicken strips.. The fries didn't have any seasoning, but they were fresh. I will give it another shot and order the fish and chips and clam chowder. But not anytime soon. read more

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Kinda a grimy old timey dive place that's in a good location right next to the locks. Service was pleasant, food was decent but nothing too extraordinary (but fit the location well). I ordered the seared tuna steak and veggies and got what was expected, although the tuna certainly was cooked very well done. Other family members enjoyed their dishes, my parents noted that their fish sandwich and fish and chips were pleasantly crunchy. The fettuccine also looked good, my brother ate it all so it obviously wasn't bad. Overall, if you know what to expect out of a place like this, it's decent food with decent prices. 3.5/5 read more

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First time trying this place even though we have lived in Ballard for 8 years. Just moved up the hill on Sunset hill and figured we needed to finally try it out. I had the chicken fried steak and it was great. We also tried the cinnamon roll and it was one of the best ones I have had. Only negative was the food came out a little slow, but nothing horrible. I will definitely be going back to try lunch and maybe dinner. read more

Food and service were fine.....Filthiest rug I have ever seen in an eating establishment !!! If they have something that filthy out in the open, I wonder what it's like out of sight ??????????? read more

Friend and I finally had a chance to check this spot out. The place itself is super cute.. although I paid $12 for chicken strips and fries ( only to find out I had two small pieces of chicken and the fries tasted like they were frozen. My roommate got a $9 burger with no cheese, to find out she just got a slab of beef and a ton of onions on it. As far as the food goes, not really the best quality read more

If I could give this zero stars I would. The service was awful. No one came to take our order for almost 30 minutes and didn't check in on us until we were all "finished". I couldn't even eat my food. I ordered the surf and turf. My "steak" was a thin sheet of fat and grease, my vegetables were ice cold and tasted like water, my mashed potatoes had a thick hard layer on the bottom and everything was cold. Everyone at my table could tell that all of our food had been sitting out for quite some time before it was brought out. One of the people in my party ordered a coffee and the cup had lipstick marks on both sides of the mug clearly indicating that it was not washed. The other person that ordered coffee in my group had a hair sticking out of his coffee. This was disgusting with everything. The staff didn't care and neglected to give us any kind of attention, the ambiance was awful, everything was dirty and greasy, the food was cold, tasteless and you couldn't even eat it. We took one bite and it made our stomachs hurt. Please do not come here. This was ridiculous. They should be shut down read more

Nothing spectacular about their fish and chips. I spent $20+ for their combo platter and the cashier wanted to charge 35 cents for an extra tarter sauce (the other guy said there was tax added to that so it was 38 cents). What's the food cost to make that small container of sauce? 2 cents and possibly 5 cents for the container? The order came with one fish which was greasy. The calamari was full of batter. The fries were decent. For a joint to be so close to the sea and the price point they want to charge, I expect fresher fish and better customer service. There are better options in the area to eat at. read more

The Lockspot Cafe - American Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Forty minutes and they had not even started the food. Did several orders before. Do not go here unless desperate. IT was not even busy. Only when I went up to ask did they realize they needed to make it. read more

My Family moved to Ballard and live in the marina next to the Lockspot cafe, we Love it!! I had been to the Lockspot a few times over the last 20 years, and while its a Seattle institution, the food and service was never 100%. But something has changed in the last year, and that change is new ownership. Along with breathing new life into an iconic restaurant and bar, they also brought a new passion for service and food. Everything on the menu is amazing! Of course the fish and chips are to die for, the burger is flame broiled and super yummy, the chicken fried steak is tender and served with the perfect amount of potatoes, gravy and the veg isn't an after thought. But last week I tried the French Dip, OMG its perfect!! The bread is amazingly soft yet doesn't fall apart, the meat is seasoned to perfection and the onions are grilled to the perfect texture, when you dip it into the au jus, its like eating the best bowl of French onion soup you have ever had, its crazy good! And the new owners are always working the floor along with some of the old school crew, you can feel they are excited about the new passion and its evident in the service, particularly JR, he is super friendly, accommodating, and always treats us like old friends, which is why we go back every week. Thank you Lockspot, JR and everyone that has worked so hard to save this Seattle landmark, you have really made your mark. Jeff, Meggan, Jones and Madi read more

Definitely a good lunch spot with casual food including fish and chips and fish tacos. Option to eat inside or outdoors. Family friendly and helpful staff. read more

How I heard of this place: Anyone who has ever been to the Ballard Locks has heard of this Café. It was a buy one get one free entrée coupon, however, that caught our attention and drove us in. Type of cuisine: "Multi-cuisine" serving "breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee and drinks". Mostly seafood, many fried options, with a weekend brunch for kicks. Ambiance: A bit of a dive, the walk-up order counter and patio seating are most obvious and probably more well-known, especially on sunny days (warm or cold!). I don't think I even realized there was an indoor seating area, dimly lit and more pub-like, until we walked right by without stopping, then reconsidering. Our entry was a bit confusing, a sign asking us to Please Seat Yourself, though tables were still waiting to be bussed, wiped, cleaned, and no employee anywhere to be seen. The space looks as if it has not seen an upgrade since it opened, with fun marine decor, and wood-paneled walls. Diners kept to themselves, many watching the game, even from outside of the cubicle-style bar seating area. Several patrons remained at the bar, as dark during the day, presumably as it would be in the throws of the evening. The bright, red doors indicating the facilities fell on either side of a Pac-Man arcade table, fun and nostalgic, similar to other memorabilia throughout. We took our seats at the wooden tables with awkward booth seats, finally found someone to help us bus the table, and perused the menu. What I ordered: At the servers suggestion, brunch only being served on weekends, I opted for the Huevos Rancheros ($13.49): "Best in the city!" served with cheddar potatoes O'Brien, black beans, a sausage patty placed over a folded flour tortilla and topped with two eggs over easy and a semi-spicy sauce. For my husband, the Chicken Fried Steak & Eggs ($13.99) - surprise, surprise - smothered in house-made country gravy and two eggs scrambled, a buttered and toasted English muffin and a side of bacon. What I loved: The buttery English muffin was a hit for all three of us! The abundance of cheddar cheese on my potatoes a huge bonus, and the perfectly prepared over-easy eggs. Why I loved it: Simple and hearty food. A space that doesn't pretend to be anything it's not, maintaining the uniqueness that makes Seattle great despite the gentrification taking place at its doorstep. Cost: Average to high ($8.99 - $16.99 per brunch entrée) read more

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The food wasn't that great. Everything was burnt. Like well well WELL done. The service sucked. The guy never checked up on us unless he was called. But he was fast to grab the check. Threw the check at us. All bad. First and last time I go there. Maybe have the guy behind the bar stop racial profiling. That would be a start. read more

The Lockspot Café grows on you, sort of like fuzzy moss on a tree. Or probably more accurately, a creeper vine. Nevertheless, it's a basic bar/restaurant that has been blessed by fortune to be situated next to the Ballard Locks. I suspect if it were located on Aurora Avenue, there would be a completely different ambience to the place. As it is, it's a decent place to grab a beer or a meal in this part of Ballard. The food is fairly standard pub grub fare with the emphasis on its' fish and chips. I'd call them rather average actually; certainly not bad, but not a destination. Although there have been comments about surly waitresses, I really haven't had that experience here. They've been quick and pleasant when I've been here so I don't have any glorious horror stories to tell. The atmosphere is pretty nice and the place seems sort of compartmentalized: there's a section of booths near the door and some wood latticework that separates the bar from the door (with seating near the bar with more dampened light, like what you'd expect from a more divey-feel). There are a few nice touches including the fact that they run a caravan to Husky stadium before games (uh, I think the shuttle was $10). That doesn't seem like a bad idea: hit the Lockspot before the game to get your "fighting" spirit on then take the shuttle to the game. Hmmm...... Now I calculate the number of stars that I give for a review based on a complex formula that takes years, if not decades, to conclude. And basically, for the Lockspot Café I'm torn between 3 stars (for food quality) or 4 stars (for ambience and atmosphere). Now I'm opposed to the idea of waffling and giving 3.5 stars for a business (and thus condemning myself to endlessly wander the Dantean shores of Acheron), but during my last visit I learned from the waitress that they don't serve Coke or Pepsi here.....only RC cola. I applaud the contrarian spirit, whether intentional or not. 4 stars it is. read more

The Lockspot Cafe - American Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I ordered the seafood platter with fried shrimp, mussels, claims, and cod. The fish was probably the best out of the variety because it was very moist and flaky. The fried shrimp was good but the smaller shrimps had too much batter for my taste. This place is good for a quick snack but can get heavy very quickly. I would recommend sitting inside for table service on hot days. read more

The Lockspot Cafe - Thick piece of fish - American Near Me - Seattle, Washington

What a disappointment!!!!! The cod is fresh but the cooks turn it into the worst fish and chips around. I cannot believe anyone would vote this the best if Seattle. I have had way better in Seattle and better within Ballard. The food was bland and tasteless. Sorry i take that back, the lemonade was good. The fish breading made me think the fish was from the frozen section of the supermarket that you bake in the oven. The only reason I can believe they prepare the fish there was I saw the fresh cod sitting on the counter. But maybe that was just for show. The chips were tasteless potatoes. I mean they tasted of nothing! The Tatar sauce I assume came from the store because of the cheap taste. Lastly, I tried the clam chowder. I counted 10 pieces of finely chop clam. For a bowl of soup there couldn't have been more the 2 whole pieces of clam finely chopped. I think Campbell's Chucky Soup has to be making a better soup than the Lock Spot chowder. But maybe it was from Campbell's, it tasted like it was out if a can. For the people who enjoy the Lock Spot, I can only assume you don't get out much or the only fish and chips you have ever end came for the cheapest the frozen food section has to offer. read more

Visited here after a great tour of the Ballard Locks. We ate outside. Fried fish and chip basket was fresh and hot. I had the senior portion, which was 1 piece of fish. Other options on the plentiful menu included chowder, etc. Service was good. Restroom was immaculately clean and I appreciated this. There is also a walk- up window on the side closest to the Ballard Park entrance with outdoor seating and also covered outdoor porch. Similar menu, fewer options than the restaurant side. read more

Fantastic halibut & chips. I don't know if it gets any better than Lockspot for F&C. Good salmon chowder. Fantastic blackened salmon chef salad, too. A full array of great, typical bar food otherwise. It might seem light a small thing, but the fries are always perfectly cooked. Anyone who's ever suffered through a plate of soggy, limp fries knows how important this is. A great place for lunch, now smoke-free! UPDATE ** TERRIBLE NEWS ** No more halibut & chips. They're doing salmon & chips in the same beer batter as the halibut, but as good as the salmon is you're gonna' miss that flaky white halibut... read more

This is a funny little place. Qwerky would better describe it. At almost 100 years old, you feel the creaking floor as you walk to find a table, pretty cool! We came here for the fish and chips and a Bloody Mary. Fish and chips were extra, extra drippy with grease but that is how fish and chips roll. I wouldn't say they were great but they weren't horrible either. I did like that the breading was light. The Bloody Mary is not worth the money. In a mini water glass our Marys were delivered to the table with two mini olives. I don't know what I was expecting but it wasn't that. That's ok, now we know. This was absolutely a premixed bloody. Service was very slow and forgetful. We had to ask for drinks several times, water cups sat empty and it would have been a little acceptable if it had been busy. There were two tables in the whole place that had people. Server was kind though and separated our checks with a smile on her face. This place could be such an amazing stop! Killer bloodies, a step up game in the fish and chip department, better service. I see this place being a hot spot 50 years ago. read more

The hamburger that I ordered was the best I have had in a long time. The service was great. But it's the same place as it always has been. Going back read more

Visiting my daughter and son-in-law for the weekend - my hubs says he would love to have fish and chips. Granted we're from San Diego so we get some fresh fish on the regular, but he wanted to compare his fave to their fave. They recommended the Lockspot. It's definitely one of those dive places - which I usually love! The ambiance is like old skool 70's/80's kind of vibe -doesn't look like there has been any reno at least since that time! Waitress was very polite and attentive. The clams appetizer with white wine sauce was pretty darn good. But the fish and chips were just okay - on the greasy side. Portions were fairly good sized. Overall, the apps definitely beat out the entrees at this place! read more

Divey but with a decent happy hour. Best fish and chips? Debatable, certainly not the worst I've had. If your looking for a fried snack or meal and a strong drink in a hometown-y bar, you've found your place. read more

The Lockspot Cafe - So thirsty. - American Near Me - Seattle, Washington

The place is very dive bar feel. The food is over priced. I ordered "The best in the city" huevos rancheros. The meal seemed to cheap for the price tag. The potatoes were defiantly more like French fries than roasted potatoes and the black beans weren't heated evenly and came to me cold. I'd say if you don't like a can of beer with your breakfast do yourself a favor and check out Portage Bay next door. The only reason I ate at the Lockspot was because there was a 45 minute wait at Portage Bay and no one was in the Lockspot. Which should have been a warning sign for me. read more

Went to tour the Ballard locks and found this place on the corner so decided to stop in and check it out. It took forever to get our order, the food was not great at all. Bathrooms absolutely disgusting. Don't plan on returning to this place. read more

The Lockspot Cafe - Front of restaurant - American Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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First meal since the ownership change. Fairly similar menu...the meatloaf melt and steamed clams exceeded expectations. But the real treat was the server, Amelia! She was fast and efficient but took time to banter with us. A very pleasant young woman. The Hummingbird cake is to die for and feeds at least two. Prices were reasonable. read more

I'm Seattle through and through but had never been to The Lockspot until recently. I was a north Ballard gal as a kid and therefore never went with my parents, as I was older I always had kids with me and prefer to check out dives before taking them, and then in recent years have avoid it as it became a tourist destination. Finding ourselves in Ballard and in need of a happy hour somewhere I suggested to the wife we stop in here. Upon entry I did a silent prayer that they not make me regret it - as it is truely and old "hole in the wall". They did not disappoint. Friendly service! Good food! We got the spinach and artichoke dip and fish and chips on the happy hour menu. Both were delicious - even though the artichoke dip came with fried pita bread (which I doubted) it was amazing. As I ate it I literally said "who would do this...it's delicious". Not fresh, not a chip, definitely a new thing for me. The fish and chips while not gourmet by any means were good - better than good - delicious. The fries were delicious as well - which is hard to come by at most places as they overlook the "chips" part. I'm sad I waited so long to go here, though now that Totem House is taken over by Red Mill, I will be back more often! read more

My brother and I tried this place on Saturday and it was nice to be able to walk in. Surprisingly the place was almost empty. We were greeted almost immediately and our server was really nice. I really enjoyed my food; I had the turkey melt with bacon and the fries were great. Unfortunately my brother didn't like his food at all. He ordered chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes and said that the mashed potatoes were cold in the middle. He wouldn't let the server know and said that he wished he had gotten the fish and chips that were recommended. So our experience was pretty uneven. I would go back, even though I live in Lynnwood and it would be quite a drive. I would like to try some other things on their menu. But like I said, despite the issue with the food, the service was great. We were surprised at the bill because we were not told that soda refills weren't free. The server asked if we wanted a refill and we said yes, but it was definitely reflected on the bill. read more

Great takeout diner food. We got the fried clam strip basket with fries and a club sandwich. The fried clams were fantastic with really tasty tartar sauce that seemed homemade, and the club sandwich was solid if not spectacular. We also got a Caesar salad which was tasty. Like the tartar sauce the ranch for the club and the Caesar dressing were excellent as well. Cool spot, definitely good for after activities on the trail or in the water. read more

Pass on the salmon chowder. Fish was decent, but bland and didn't taste fresh. The place smells of cigarettes - they said it "must be coming from outside..." read more

The Lockspot Cafe - Fish with salmon chowder - American Near Me - Seattle, Washington

New owners and the best chowder ive ever had, really i rarely teview, but taking the effort. And my fish taco was most excellent!

The service was polite and efficient and with great decorum. The atmosphere was relaxed and cordial. The food was well prepared and tasteful. I highly recommend this restaurant. read more

I've had mostly amazing experiences here. I've had maybe two meals that didn't go well. One being, my order was lost. I placed an order over the phone and when I waited the 20 minutes, showed up and was told they didn't have an order for that name. We had to wait, not too long though, but it was annoying that our order somehow disappeared? A second time, my burger really didn't taste good, like it was a leftover. But every other experience has been top tier. These two experiences will not keep me from eating here. The food is delicious. read more

Friendly service, good vibe, and solid food. Love the senior (55+) options. Had the fish taco. Large portion of fish with a spicy slaw. Delicious. read more

Always friendly, old-Seattle, very solid choice!! Brunch on the weekends is an under-appreciated alternative to the ridiculous lines & impossible-to-hear acoustics of Portage Bay around the corner. But I don't want word to get out so I'll still be able to get a seat... read more

Killer breakfasts, and CHEAP for the amount and quality of food you get. The owner, Arnie, is a great guy - tell him Kristy from Boulder sent you! Speaking only about breakfasts - don't miss their pancakes or the salmon omelette. I hear their "nudge" is really good too. read more