This place is truly a hidden gem (well worth the 30 minute drive). It's one of the only places that feels like it cares about their customers. The quality and portions are fantastic. They've got big shareable platters and seriously high quality food compared to everywhere else that's been slashing quality and raising prices. I heard ownership changed hands for the first time in 30 years as of two weeks ago and truth be told, I'm terrified that there might be changes coming.. read more

This WAS our favorite place. It is now under "New Ownership" so expect the things that you liked are now changed and so much more expensive. We would get the cod tacos are $21.99. This now comes without the chowder. What used to come with is now separate and more expensive. It is $8 for a cup of chowder. The all you can eat fish and chips is 27.99. It is now cod medallions and of course the chowder is not included. The all you can eat chowder is 9.99 extra! We left and didn't stay. Notice that they are pushing cheaper rock fish and I am sure that other things have changed. I don't know why new ownership thinks it is a good idea to raise the prices and give you less It was always overpriced but the food was good. $30 to get the tacos and chowder that we used to get before and almost $40 for the all you can eat. Sorry we just won't be back read more

This is my west coast seafood spot. I wish the Alaskan Amber was 2 degrees cold - I like ice crystals floating in it. The Halibut Fish and Chips with Cole Slaw is my jam. The place is funky and fun. Can't beat this place. read more

Not gonna lie, the fish wasn't that good. Not sure if it's just because we didn't spend enough money, but the salmon was kinda tasteless (even with the salsa and tabasco added) and the prawns were overcooked. Our table was in a location where we could kinda overhear the workers behind the bar and they were making fun of the guests at the tables they were hosting for...it made me feel very unwelcome. The floors were also pretty dirty, covered in food crumbs and such. We definitely wont be coming back read more

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We found this place by accident. We were looking for someplace near the airport to have some good seafood. Wally's fit the bill. Some of the best fish and chips I have had! Clam chowder is also amazing, hearty and very tasty. Strongly recommend. read more

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I stopped in to Wally's after moving away from the area over 15 years ago following a dro[ off at SeaTac airport. I was greeted and seated immediately and after looking at the Happy Hour menu, decided on some fish and chips on the deck outside the bar. It was a lovely day and the deck was comfortable. The fish and chips were good and I will return again one of these days and eat inside the restuarant. I was a little surprised they didn't offer any chowder on their Happy Hour menu but It was hot and chowder didn't sound that good in the hot weather. Overall though, the parking was fine, the ADA access was good and the staff were friendly, plus the food was good. I look forward to my next visit. read more

Wally's Chowder House & Broiler - Happy Hour fish,& chips - Seafood Near Me - Des Moines, Washington

A must stop whenever I Seattle. They have the best clam chowder I've ever had. The cod medallions and fries were delicious. The fish is not greasy at all and the fries were hot and crunchy. The food seems pricey, but the portions are huge and shareable. The servers are all so friendly and truly care about your experience. The decor is a bit dated, but it's funky and eclectic. read more

Wally's Chowder House & Broiler - Cod medallions and chips - Seafood Near Me - Des Moines, Washington

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This was another great lunch at Wally's. We got seated fast and had our owner in quick. We both got the Cod and Chips special and a bowl of 50/50 chowder. The chowder is my all time favorite! The fish was cooked perfectly and breaded to perfection. The tartar sauce has just the right tang. This is such a great value! Great food, great service! read more

Wally's Chowder House & Broiler - Cod special - Seafood Near Me - Des Moines, Washington

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If you love fried seafood, this is the place. My wife and I usually split the Seafood combo. It has two of everything plus lots of fries and a small coleslaw. Our server brought us an extra container of tartar sauce and shrimp sauce for the split. We ordered a cup of coleslaw on the side and it was piled high. We decided we did not need it the next time. Service was excellent. My teenage grandson plowed through 3 baskets of fish on "All You Can Eat Monday". This used to come with all you can eat chowder but that is no separately priced. Both the teens ordered Diet Coke and the server brought a water jug full so she would not have to refill their glasses. This was our 3rd visit to Wally's this year and our 22nd over the last 17. When we lived in Federal Way, we would drive to Des Moines but now that we live in Des Moines, it is hard to resist. As others have said, prices are up substantially over the last few years but I guess that is happening everywhere. The table side credit card machines no longer have an 18% key, only 15, 20. 22. read more

Finished our trip off with fried seafood! The chowder is a must and very smooth and thick and creamy. One of the best we've had! The fried combo was a great option to try everything and the cod medallions and shrimp were the stars. You can pass on the crab strips and cod lings. Dungeness crab sandwich was hearty and definitely a great portion of crab. Food was great but missing salt. Service was great initially and then we were totally forgotten about and watched our server mingling as we waited for our check to be dropped off and picked back up. Other than that, it is a great option if you are looking for fresh seafood! read more

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Food was good server was very friendly food came out hot but you ask why only one star??? Well the deceitful way they hide that they already charge you a 20% tip onto your bill and fine print on the menu that I didn't see because I was too focused on looking at food options and then the waitress hand you the machine to pay your bill and prompt you for a tip so basically I tipped 40% on our bill because of the deceitfulness of them adding the tip to the bill and asking for another tip is the reason why it got one star and I will never ever ever go back. It's just being dishonest and shady. read more

Went here after searching for a local restaurant. This is a cute little spot and I am glad we visited while we were in town with my family. We got the fish and chips with fresh fish and clam chowder. This place was busy during early dinner but we waited about 10 minutes and got seated. Our server (forgot his name) was not the friendliest but it was okay since I figured we'd order immediately and just eat and go. Thankfully the food made up for the lack of friendliness. The fish and chips were fresh and fries were great. Fish wasn't greasy and came with plenty of sauce on the side. The clam chowder was definitely the star of the show. It was creamy, hot, and had plenty of flavor. read more

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We came in around 2pm on a Saturday and it was quite busy. The place is much bigger inside than it appears on the outside. They have a full bar and outdoor heated seating. They had so many employees working and I could tell it helped with service. Because it was incredibly fast. We had a wonderful experience and the food was delicious. We ordered a bowl of chowder and the combo platter to share. We stuck with the cod because cod is almost as delicious as halibut, especially because it's battered and fried. The service was super duper fast and we were in and out in 1 hour. The fries were top notch! Like some of the best. And the chowder...my oh my...it was thick and creamy. Very very good!! I almost bought a tub of it ($22) to go but I was so full at the end that I couldn't think of food anymore. read more

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This place was super crowded when I came...and it smelled amazing! I wanted to try everything, but picked a few items that were recommended by the bartender. I sat at the bar, being a party of ONE, it was easier and I got hear some good conversation from the bartender and watch some sports on TV. The Clam Chowder was excellent and the best tasting thing I had actually. I enjoyed a few drinks at the bar, they were all right, maybe I didn't choose the best options, but the bartender made up for it. The combo platter was just okay. I knew it was all going to be fried, but I think the taste was lost as everything was pretty much dry. The tartar sauce was sweet, which I liked, but I couldn't finish it all. This was a lively place, not too loud where you couldn't have a conversation. It's larger inside than it looks from outside. Parking was tight, but I found a spot in the back. read more

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Was a little disappointed however likely because I didn't go with a fried food entree. I had the cold shrimp and crab salad. It was good however the dressing lacked flavor and I did expect slightly more seafood at the price point for that salad. read more

Before too much time has transpired, I wanted to give my impressions of Wally's Chowder House. I was here shortly after they opened on a weekday, so there wasn't much customer traffic. I opted for the Daily Special, a Winter Combo of 3 Breaded Cod Medallions, 4 Prawns, 4oz of Clam strips, and fries. The seafood was fried and showed just a slight level of oil on the surface. The Malt Vinegar cut through that perfectly. A very pleasant lunch entree. However, two other items made my visit here memorable. First was the Clam Chowder, which isn't much of a surprise, as their name is Wally's Chowder House. I ordered a cup of New England Clam Chowder, which was a mistake. Why? I loved this so much, I regretted not ordering a larger size. I had ordered other items from the menu, which was the only reason I didn't order more chowder. They offer the Clam Chowder in cup, bowl, and quart sizes, and the next time I'm here, I'm going for the quart size! The other item I was impressed by was one that most people don't think twice about: the Cocktail Sauce. Cocktail Sauce is simple to make: usually ketchup with some horseradish, and perhaps other stuff for flavor, like lemons, Worcestershire sauce, and something spicy. Whatever they put in the cocktail sauce works. In fact, I can easily say that it was the best cocktail sauce I've ever had, and believe me, I've tried lots of cocktail sauces in my seven decades of existence. read more

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I'll keep it simple. The service here was superb, pet friendly in the patio, and the food here is pretty darn good!

This place is so cute and feels like it belongs on the beach. I had the blackened fish tacos which were good but not "blackened" at all. The chowder I had with it was very good as well. The service was friendly and the place was very clean. I also enjoyed the music selection. They have lunch specials during the week but overall this place is priced fairly for the quality of the food. read more

Best meal I've had in soo long! We went here years ago and have been dreaming about coming back ever since! We drove from the Seattle area and will be doing that once a month from now on. The prawns were huge and meaty and absolutely loved the fries! The tartar sauce was delicious too, so we ended up purchasing a pint before we left. The Dungeness crab salad was delicious! I wish there was more salad itself as the portion was a bit small but the quantity and quality of actual crab leg meat more than made up for it! Loved their blue cheese dressing too. I ended up ordering a Diet Coke as their water tasted funny but that was the only downside. Great service and fun/local atmosphere. Reminded me of being on vacation somewhere. We enjoyed ourselves so much that we will be coming back monthly! Worth the money and the drive. read more

Wally's Chowder House & Broiler - 8 piece Prawn Platter. And added a green salad on the side. - Seafood Near Me - Des Moines, Washington

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A lively spot frequented by locals. You should come here instead of Anthony's. (I haven't really lived in Puget Sound in a while now, so I don't really consider myself a local anymore) Anywaayyys, service is super friendly, almost too friendly for my introverted taste lolll. But even if it were, the servers seem quite genuine and Jammie is a bad*** that memorizes almost all her orders. The vibes at the bar are immaculate. I don't usually just hang out at a bar, but if I did have to choose a bar, I'd easily pick this over any of the sports bars or others down the street. Got a pineapple hurricane. I could feel a bit of a buzz going into the bottom half, so I'm happy with it. Clam chowder bread bowl was pretty good. Nice and firm bread. The flavor of the chowder was generically good. We had a special fish and chips that was 3 piece cod and 3 piece halibut. Now, they made it sound like this was an incredible deal. At 6 pieces of fish, this was a good deal. However, I did note that the fish were on the smaller end. So if it had been only 3, it would've been a rip-off rather than simply average in my opinion. The fish itself was good, but just good. I did like that there wasn't too much breading. However, I did find the texture to be slightly too hard in some spots. At least, it was not evenly the ideal texture. A fairly generous amount of tartar sauce. On the other hand, the fries were phenomenal, which is weird because I don't really consider myself a fries guy. For fish and chips, my most common complaint has been that I like the fish, but not the chips. This is the only place I can remember at the moment that I liked the fries more than the fish. The light crispiness is on point. There is also some light seasoning that I found suited my taste perfectly. I had a hard time deciding between four and five stars. Maybe I'm slightly less forgiving today, but I'd warrant this is probably still the best seafood spot along this local waterfront. read more

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Service is still great! My friend was shocked by the price of the soda (basically now $5). Great blackberry pie- worth the price!!!! read more

Wally's Chowder House & Broiler - Chowder Clam Chowder - Bowl ($12.99) & Clam Chowder - Cup ($7.99) - Seafood Near Me - Des Moines, Washington

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I was invited to join a friend for lunch at Wally's. If you mention seafood, you have my full attention. This is a community oriented place and is family run for the most part. The decor is old style with wooden chairs and tables. The most notable thing is the owner/manager circulates the restaurant praising the staff in an odd way. This is a bit off putting, but easy to ignore. I had the shrimp cocktail, broiled halibut, and Caesar salad. The shrimp cocktail is a collection of tiny shrimp that are over cooked and the water not salted when cooked. I expected about 3-4 large shrimp. The cocktail sauce was good, but could use a bit of a kick with more horseradish. To me, the key to broiled or grilled seafood is the combination of spices/seasonings used that enhance the experience. The halibut was devoid of all seasoning, but did come with a lemon wedge. This type of fish is expensive and deserves better attention to detail. It was throughly cook , moist, but flavorless. This is a fish that I absolutely love and prepare at home. The Caesar salad was okay. It has the right lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and a very thick dressing. It too came with a lemon wedge. This also happens to be my favorite salad-ever. I must note that this place is not cheap, and for that amount, it's not too much to ask for a dash of salt, pepper, cayenne, garlic, whatever you can find in the kitchen to bring out the flavor and experience of the halibut. I would urge the chef/cook to explore seasoning for fish and remember that halibut is big, delicate, and needs seasoning. Also, cucumbers have no place near a Caesar salad, but fresh grilled or even fried anchovies would be delightful. read more

Wally's Chowder House & Broiler - Shrimp cocktail - Seafood Near Me - Des Moines, Washington

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Food was spectacular. Service was better. Best fried fish plate I've ever had. Dungeness Crab was awesome, as was chowder, and Peach Crisp. Hope to be back soon. read more

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I think I've found something better than the fish n chips... blackened halibut tacos... amazing! Always great service, fast and friendly! read more

Wally's Chowder House & Broiler - Blackened Halibut Fish Tacos - Seafood Near Me - Des Moines, Washington

Don't even think twice go to this place if you've not been there before, I'm in town working near the airport honestly this is my third time but my second and third time were last night and tonight. Cutest little place very cozy inside it's decorated beautifully with Christmas lights I have a feeling they do that year-round least with some of the lights. But it's all about the food yes get the clam chowder it is amazing outstanding I've always gotten the white I noticed when I ate in last night lots of folks around me ordered the red but the white clam chowder is hands down some of the best I've ever had last night I had the rockfish as it was on special they had it available three ways all you can eat, fish and chips or I got the tacos and it came either fried grilled or blackened my great waitress recommended the blackened and it was very flavorful and a perfect amount of spice in the blackened format. Wait stuff fantastic as well as the front counter folks for to go pick ups can't wait to be back in town again to have another meal here read more

Wally's Chowder House & Broiler - Quick shot of the cozy restaurant - Seafood Near Me - Des Moines, Washington

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If there's one place you can visit during a long layover at SeaTac and can't get to downtown Seattle, I would choose Wally's Chowder House every time. I was told the famous clam chowder is legendary, I now know why. It really is along with the fish and chips. You cannot go wrong with either one--I had both. The decor will keep the conversation going and your eyes wandering with every bite. read more

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I was going to give this recommended place four stars because both the NY steak and the Maine lobster tail were a bit on the tough side. Steak was cooked medium to medium rare. But the service and home made blackberry pie made up for main entrees. Plus, the martini was a generous pour and coffee was especially good, served with a small pitcher of cream. Simone was very attentive, offering refills, checking on my enjoyment and needs regularly. The ambiance was lively as the Mariners sailed past Toronto. Fun coastal decor. read more

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I didn't expect this stunning crab leg salad... amazing! So much gorgeous, fresh crab leg meat. My friend had rock fish and chips. Very fresh ingredients here. We shared a decadent warm chocolate brownie topped with whipped cream, ice cream and warm fudge sauce. My only complaint? The fudge sauce was in one spot, which we figured at toward the end of eating it. Would have been better spread or drizzled about. The servers were great! Very efficient and pleasant. read more

Wally's Chowder House & Broiler - Seafood Near Me - Des Moines, Washington

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Marcella and I just ate here for lunch. Had the best beer battered Rockfish and Rockfish tacos. The chowder is thick and full of clams. Impeccable service from Tanner who really made our lunch special. Make sure you ask for Tanner! read more

Wally's Chowder House & Broiler - India Pale Ale - Seafood Near Me - Des Moines, Washington

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I had been going here for several years and really liked the food. Yesterday I had lunch there. It was awful. I had chowder which was gluey. I had a crab louie salad which had no flavor whatsoever. I chalked it up as a one off til, after I'd been home a while, got sick as a dog. I'm still recuperating today. read more

Great service, friendly staff. Good food and large portions. I was concerned when the place sold, but the new owner has kept the place great. I am sorry, I don't know our servers name, but she was wonderful. I also got to meet the new owner, David. Seems like a great guy, and I am glad he his maintaining Wally's as the great eatlng place we have been going to for the last 30 years. read more

Took my niece here for lunch since she was visiting from out of state. Located down the road from the water, it has nice views out the window and the restaurant looks like a classic beach style seafood joint. My niece loves crab legs but this is not the place for that. The crab options were cakes, and crab cocktail appetizers and a sandwich of some sort. She ended up ordering the crab cakes and they were good. I wouldn't say the best but I'm also not overly impressed by crab cakes in general, neither was she. She opted out of the sides and got a small cup of chowder which we enjoyed. I ordered Halibut fish and chips which I did enjoy the crisp, lighter breading and moist fish but it rly lacked flavor. I also had to ask for a lemon wedge to squeeze on it. Other than that, we ordered two Arnold Palmer (lemonade mixed with iced tea). Service was friendly and the right amount of attentive. What surprised me most was the cost $118 for this meal described plus a 20% tip. The meal wasn't bad but definitely not worth that price. Not sure I would go back, as I wasn't wowed by anything, it was just good. read more

Wally's Chowder House & Broiler - Dungeness crab cakes and halibut fish n chips - Seafood Near Me - Des Moines, Washington

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Went for clam chowder which did not disappoint. The seared scallops were spot on as were the salmon tacos and the cocktails were super fun and good. read more

Wally's has been a beloved seafood establishment in the Southend for many years. It's a neighborhood gem for fantastic seafood, from the best fish and chips in Seattle, IMHO, to delicious seafood pasta, and their award-winning clam chowder! The portions are ginormous with consistently fresh quality. The bar area is perfect to meet up with friends and catch up or watch a game and on nice days, the charming little outdoor patio area is an ideal place to relax and dine. Highly recommend!! read more

Service was friendly and fast. Restaurant had a fish fry family type atmosphere. We tried the local Cod and rockfish. Both were good, but the star of the show was the clam chowder. I think it's the best I've had, I'd go back just for the chowder! read more

Went on the 12th after a long flight from California I was hungry and tired. My friend suggested we go for dinner, as i seen the place I recalled being their years ago. I enjoyed the chowder and fish and chips plus coconut shrimp. The waitress was at her excelente above and beyond thank you team read more

This place has a great atmosphere, good location just a couple blocks near the water and really good service. Unfortunately the food was just okay. I ordered the blackened prawn tacos. The seasoning was good, portions generous but shrimp were overcooked. My husband ordered the broiled halibut and it was just okay. read more

Wally's Chowder House & Broiler - Seafood Near Me - Des Moines, Washington

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I thought anthonys was best for sea food. Nope wallys is the only place to go for seafood. Clams are amazing chowder best in state no best in united states. So glad live less than 5 miles from this fantastic sea food restaurent read more

Absolutely delicious! We had the seafood combo, a bowl of chowder and chicken Alfredo. I would return! read more

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I like Wally's Chowder House and Broiler. It has a compact and local feel to it. I came for the chowder and a beer. I sat at the bar which is great for solo dining and looking at my watch, I wish I'd been here 15 minutes later for their happy hour that begins at 3PM even on Saturdays and all day Sundays! Wow, I'll plan my next visit to coincide with those times. Anyway, I am happy to have finally tried this place I keep reading about. I had a bowl of white chowder and a pint of Old Des Moines Lager. The chowder is pretty darned good and it passed my spoon test (resting my spoon on top of the chowder and see if it sinks)! Nice and thick, just how chowder should be. Very creamy and not overwhelmed with potatoes like a lot of white chowders are. My favorite is still homemade chowder from a recipe from Charlestown St Cafe (was in West Seattle, now sadly closed). But as far as restaurant chowder, this one is right up there with the best. Good friendly service at the bar, a good amount of seating available and several TV's with sports on it. There is also an outdoor covered deck which must be very nice in warmer weather. Now I need to try the Wally's Drive In location in Yelm for the burgers! Great job Wally! read more

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