Ivar's Pier 54 Fish Bar
1001 Alaskan Way
Pier 54
(between Madison St & Spring St)
Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 587-6500
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m.
Sun 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. - Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: No
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Lunch
- Alcohol: None
32 Reviews for Ivar's Pier 54 Fish Bar
Ivar Haglund was a legend in Seattle. That's great. Ivar's makes damn good fish & chips. Their clam chowder rules all the clam chowders. Clam Nectar is one of the most disgusting items ever concieved in the minds of depraved fishermen. IF YOU LIKE CLAM NECTAR, YOU ARE PROBABLY F*D UP IN THE HEAD. Seagulls are aggressive down here. They want your food. It's like "The Birds."
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
Ate here a couple of times while I in Seattle last year. Yes, the seagulls do want your food if you eat outside. I recommend eating in the bar during happy hour.
What could be better. We had 6 oyster shooters for like $4. Plus all sorts of other small plates: chowder, tiger prawns, salmon cakes. And we washed it down with a couple of beers. YUM, YUM, YUM.
A ton of food and beers for like $30.
All I know is, if I were a seagull, I would fucking LIVE and MOOCH off the people that don't get tired of feeding seagulls at this Ivar's fish bar.
Unfortunatley, I am one of those people that never gets tired of chucking buckets of fries at the Seagulls only to see the seagull catch it, or drop the fry and have 289038 other seagulls flock to the water immediately, desperately trying to retrieve the dropped fry. It's pretty amusing, I SWEAR. And I get a serious kick out of it.
Head straight for the tables along the pier, becasue I'm telling you, there is nothing better than a 70-degree sunny Seattle day than feeding the seagulls and watching the ferries go by while shoveling your face with delicious food. It just doesn't get any better.
I love the fish and chips, chowder, kolslaw, pretty much everything on their menu. It's Seattle, and it's Ivars, so it has to be amazing right? RIGHT.
Bottom line? Ivar's = Love. So take it for what it is!
And don't forget to spend like two dollars on extra fries to feed the Seagulls! It's just good karma.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
Chowder? Gloopy and tasteless
Fish? Soggy and tasteless
Fries? Fair tasting and soggy
Atmosphere? Superb!
Ivar's really should get their act together. The chowder DOES taste like wallpaper paste with rubber bands floating in it. (in fact, it's so thick and 'non-soupy' that it makes you want to take a nap!) The quality of food here is really very poor. I believe the only people who are going to be satisfied with their experience are out of towners-it's a novelty to go to Ivars-to feed the seagulls, to wait in the long lines, to people watch. If you live here, however, skip it and order Gordon's fish sticks and Safeway clam chowder for food that's higher quality (and that says a lot!)
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I loved this place! The food was excellent! My sister and I ate out on the Pier and (just like everyone else) fed the seagulls french fries. :-)
This place is so Seattle, I want to fall in love here someday or run into some famous author turned bum.
Fish au cardboard, so what? its Ferpect
good place to take out of towners-or kids- or me!!
I love feeding those damn seagulls my fries! If my date took me here- I would know that we were destined to be together! It's my favorite place that I don't tell people about. Only downfall- price- otherwise outside is kept up nicely.
If it's too cold- go inside- the bar is nice.
It's great late night too- just be careful- that neighborhood can be iffy.
Man, I read so much good stuff on here... was disappointed.
Granted the Halibut in the Halibut and chips was good, thin batter, lots of fish and nice Halibut... but BUT BUT... it's a tiny 3 pieces and it's $11.99!!!! Can you say ouch?
After walking back to my office, I was still hungry... good food, but way too pricey for what you get. I think you get better fares eating fish and chips at pike place.
I loved eating on the waterfront with the seagulls, but the chowder wasn't anything to write home about. It was really white with a thin consistency; a bit more clam juice and light cream would've done the trick. Oh, and oyster crackers.
I'm picky with my clam chowder because I went to school in Boston, MA where I was spoiled with the best of it. Ivar's has nothing on Legal Sea Foods' clam chowder, which is so good it's served at Presidential Inaugurations.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
Funny (2)
Cool (2)
Its east coast but out west. One of my favorite parts about hitting Boston and the rest of New England is the seafood. The one thing that Ivars is missing is crab cakes, but they more than make up for it with their chowder, fish and chips, and clams. Although the chowder can't compare to the thicker richer East Coast version, its not bad for a west coast re-make.
My favorite part about this restaurant is also my least favorite part. I cant stand all the homeless and the seagulls around here. But its still nice to be able to eat seafood outside in the sun (if it ever emerges out in seattle). Be preparred to be harassed by bums for change and seagulls for fries and clam strips, but if you are like me you wont share!
RESERVATION/ WAIT: No reservation. No wait. Only long lines. Wow! That could be an advertisement line.
APPETIZER: Tanker of Chowder
Our review: Yummy, yummy on my tummy. It was so yummy. We got another tanker to take home.
MEAL:
Both: 2 orders of Halibut n' Chips
Both reviews: Yummy, yummy on my tummy.
DESSERT: They don't serve dessert in this fish bar.
AMBIENCE: We ate at the back side and my goodness, there were so many seagulls waiting for some scraps. It was getting darker when we got there so we tried to finish up quickly. They need more lights out there. But still, we enjoyed our first Ivar meal. As long as we're eating, light or no light, we're good. (We're easy to please. Can't you tell?)
PRICE: It was about $45. The price for the Halibut n' Chips before was $10.99. I think now it's $11.99.
SERVICE: It's self-served.
OVERALL: We love seafood and we love Chowdah. We like Ivar so much that we tried the Ivar at Bellis Fair in Bellingham.
1 star - Never again.
2 stars - Only when I'm really hungry.
3 stars - It was good but I'll order something else next time.
4 stars - Oooh. I want some more but I'm full!
5 stars - Yummy, yummy on my tummy.
People thought this was:
Cool (1)
I am so ashamed of myself for not grabbing any seafood while in Seattle recently.
After savoring Ivar's fresh cod and scallops at SeaTac Airport, I truly deserved to have someone smack me over the head with a stinky live fish.
Delicate, fresh, nicely battered. What more could a seafood lover ask for? Oh, yeah, settling in Seattle.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
Best clam chowder ever! Opt for the sourdough bread bowl because it makes it that much better!
They also have a location in the Sea-Tac Airport. I always get some to go even if I'm just passing through.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Ehhhh.
I was a bit disappointed with this places. The portions are tiny tiny tiny.
Can I have at least a few more fries please?
I could easily mistake their fish and chips with frozen fish. The fries were good here though. I liked the garlic vinegar and the variety of sauces available.
Next time I'm in Seattle I'd skip this place.
*Update* Ah crap, I was trying to review Acres of Clams not the Fish Bar. Oh well, pretty much the same damn thing.
More like 3 1/2 but I will round up. We came here for a Yelp event after work and they treated us well. Alyson called before hand and they assured her that they can accomodate 15 people at 5. Ron and I got there and soon met up with Alyson but didn't see anyone else. A waiter told us that they actually saved an area for the 15 of us in the front. Not only did we have our own spot, but fellow yelpers could see us when they came in. Rock!
I had three tasty Jack n Cokes (tasty meaning more Jack than Coke) and since I am not eating meat right now, had to settle on edamame and fries. I have to say that these were some of the best fries I have had in awhile. Everyone else seemed to love the taste of their dead animals. I don't eat fish at all, so this is not a place I would go to by myself. But tonight's visit was very enjoyable I wouldn't mind coming here again kick ass fries and strong drink.
*Update* I almost forgot the fact that they put all our orders on one tab. That is a pain in the ass and it is better for all of us to have separate tabs.
Zipzap Zubidy Bop!
People thought this was:
Useful (12)
Funny (6)
Cool (12)
For clarity: There are two Ivar's at this location!!! 1st is the FISH BAR...that is the outer service counter on the street with the outside seating. That is what should be getting reviewed here. I've scrolled down to see some reviews for the actual Ivar's Restaurant which is right next door. Just an FYI.
Fish Bar: I think that Ivar's is awesome and full of good grub! The chowder is yummy but I've yet to try the salmon chowder. The cream based thick chowder is so good that I actually just come for that alone.
It's on the pricey side but what seafood isn't? Honestly, seafood is always more expensive than your other proteins! I love feeding the sea gulls and watching the tour boats take off. This is a great place to chill out on a summer day/night, people watch and enjoy some traditional seafood.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I tourist trap for sure but it is fun to stand in line for greesy over priced fish that you will end up feeding the to Gulls for kicks anyway.
Throw the fish in the air...Two gulls enter one gull leave!
People thought this was:
Funny (2)
Non-greasy deep fried cod with the best tasting tartar sauce around? Magical!
no frills carryout with a eating area attached. guard ya vittles from the ferocious sea gulls there tho'
I thought the pieces of fish were kinda small tho' especially after paying 10 bux for 5 pieces, the other fried items were just as tasty tho'
well i jusy blew my carb count today!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
The educated Seattle tourist might be familiar with the maxim that it's best to stay away from the waterfront. There's some truth to it - the seafood restaurants along it tend to be overpriced and of middling quality. One strong exception is Ivar's, a beheamouth of a place which looks like it would have horrible food but doesn't. The fish taco is strong, as are the plain old fish 'n' chips. The worst part: fitting the tartar sauce into those tiny little cups, and carrying them to your own table!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I would probably be giving this place 4 stars but there are a few bad reviews down there for Acres of Clams (the restaurant) and that's not fair to this little fish bar.
First of all, this place is so much a part of Seattle to me. Ivar's and Ivar himself. We would often come here while I was growing up, get fish and sit in the dirty seating area to eat before going out to feed the seagulls. If relatives came to visit, we'd bring em here.
Second, the fish is good! The fries are good and I like how they get a little soggy cause of sitting under the fish. The chowder is great except for the clams, which I don't like. They're too chewy. I really like the flavor and the potatoes though.
Ordering is an experience too. If it's crowded, you yell your fried order out and when it's your turn at the front, order your chowder drinks, shrimp cocktail, whatever. They have great tarter and will give you as much as you want in those cute little Ivar's cups. I guess it's kinda a waste of packaging but great for to-go orders (which they pack well). I usually just get the regular fish n chips which comes with cod but if you wanna splurge, you can get Halibut which is a little firmer and a little less greasy. Those are the differences in my mind... I don't really know.
Also, it's pronounced AYE-vers, not like the street in Hollywood that's pronounced aye-VARS.
And they grace us with dancing clams for parades and festivals! People in clam outfits! Dancing!! Yay Ivar's!!!
I have heard so many spectacular rants and reviews about this place. And today, I decided to try the place out for lunch. It's over-rated and over-priced.
Wild Cod Fish Taco Wrap..... sounds delightful. So, I got it. And also ordered fries and ice tea with lemon.
A soft white tortilla tightly wraps fish sticks with cheese, lettuce and chipotle mayo. Some salsa and more chipotle mayo on the side with corn chips.
One bite and it's salty. I chew some more..... and reminds me of a McDonald's fish sandwich. Toss some chipotle and salsa on top and now I'm pretending to be in McDonald's; trying their latest invention. But really, I'm watching some old sea gulls stare inside the place, probably in wonderment over my bad taste in lunch menu items.
On a McDonald's Value Menu for $4.99 or so... this would be a 3 or 4 stars. But since my bill was triple that, I place Ivar's at a one. My order is a big seller on Ivar's Happy Hour Menu and half the price. And really, it's still not worth it.
The wrap is so far from gastronome. They could of at least used a spinach or cilantro wrap. And they're skimpy on the lettuce and salsa. One cup of fresh made salsa is like 50 calories..... but I only got a tablespoon. Why do I find out crucial details on an after-fact?!?!?!?!!!
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (2)
Cool (1)
To me, the Ivar's Pier 54 Fish Bar is about as classic Seattle as it gets. With the memories tied to this place over the years, a visit to Seattle waterfront is not complete for me without a visit here.
Although the food is good, I would venture to say there is likely better in Seattle. I have eaten here many times, but I have only gone as far into the menu as the fish & chips. That being said, the original cod fish & chips are consistently good. The cod is breaded and fried, and the end result is flaky, moist and not overly greasy. The french fries are natural cut and are generally nice and crispy. I would have to say that in the world of fast-food, natural-cut, french fries, they are one of the better examples. Also, I have not tried the clam chowder, but I have been told the chowder is good (a cream-based chowder that looks very thick).
Whether feeding the greedy seagulls from the pier in the summer or taking refuge from the cold under the giant toaster-oven heating elements in the winter, half of the experience is in the atmosphere. A view of Puget Sound and watching the ferries passing in and out of the nearby ferry terminal makes this a good spot to bring yourself or your tourist friends for a lunch stop along the waterfront.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
I might be the only person on the planet who loves Ivar's and doesn't eat seafood. I am probably the only person from Seattle who doesn't drink coffee or eat seafood, but that's a whole other story.
I love the chicken and chips, with the chips extra crispy. The thought of this place makes me homesick!! No one does chicken strips like Ivar's does.
People thought this was:
Useful (3)
Funny (1)
Cool (1)
Super authentic fish and chips experience for the whole family. Without kids, sit on a high barstool and enjoy the great draft beer collection that tastes great with fish.
With kids, sit outside and warm up with warm fish and chips. Feed the birds and watch the ferries. Ahhh Seattle.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
(As a preface, we were completely starving when we arrived....so you know how under desperate circumstances one will be more likely to leave satisfied than at any other time.)
The ladies at the counter were not especially pleasant. I could understand if it was the sassy fisherman attitude, but it really just seemed like they were annoyed with us. Whatever...we were hungry.
The fish 'n chips were not as greasy and flavorful as I had hoped. Too much breading. Not enough gooey batter. Fries were fine. $8 for four pieces of cod, fries, and a medium coke.
The view wasn't worth mentioning, either (unless you get one of two tables by the edge.)
Good enough, filling, not exorbitantly priced, but I'll look elsewhere for fish 'n chips next time.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Funny (1)
after a pfunk show, me and michael "kidd funkadelic" hampton wandered into this place and it was good. being from sf, ca i know seafood and be darned if ivars didn't roick my world. when in seatac area, highly reccomend ivars
The fish and chips and chowder get a 3-3.5.
The "experience" gets a 5.
It is WAY fun to feed the seagulls here. They will swoop down and take the fries out of your hand. Or, you can throw the fries into the air and watch the seagulls do catches in mid-air.
People thought this was:
Useful (4)
Cool (2)
These are my favorite fish and chips, anywhere, and I've had them in New England and in the U.K. I personally recommend the halibut over the regular cod.
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
My hubby wouldn't eat at Ivar's when we were up in Marysville, so today's lunch was my guilty pleasure. I was going to go to Nijo but ended up at Ivar's so I could a) enjoy the sunshine; b)eat my fried seafood in peace and not have to share (buzz off you water rats!); c) gaze at the Sound. Dare I say that I came to the conclusion most fried seafood is indistinguishable from other seafood items, at least at Ivar's? I got the razor clams & fries (though I really wanted to get the fried WA oysters). I got 3 heavily breaded clams & couldn't really enjoy the razor clams themselves. Yeah, the breading was nice and crispy (not soggy, like the end of my meal at the Athenian), but I really wanted the meatiness of the razor clam to shine through. Maybe I'm spoiled by Ipswich fried clams, but that's another story. . . Aside from the screeching seagulls, I did have a peaceful lunch at the tables alongside Ivar's.
For some weird reason this is listed both here at at www.ivars.com as Pier 54 Fish Bar, its really an Ivars. I am one of the few people I know that doesnt really LOVE Ivars, primarily because I dont like breaded fish. But as far as breaded fish goes, Ivars is the place to have it. That aside, thier clam chowder is TO DIE FOR!! So yummy!!!
People thought this was:
Useful (2)
For a picnic on the waterfront or to take on a ferry ride, we stop here. It's traditional - and by the way, this IS an Ivar's - and good. Yes, there are better fish and chips joints around town, but this is COMFORT FOOD in all the best ways.
People thought this was:
Useful (1)
Cool (1)
Love this place. My BFF took me here and I love it!
People Who Viewed This Also Viewed...
Related Lists
-
You Don't Tan in Seattle.…
Being from Seattle, I know a thing or two about… -
Unique Experience Seattle
These are experiences that are particularly unique… -
Top Restaurants
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
Hot and New
- Kisaku
76 reviews
Neighborhood: Wallingford
- The Hideout
48 reviews
Neighborhood: First Hill
- Marjorie
67 reviews
Neighborhood: Belltown
- Full Throttle Bottles
11 reviews
Neighborhood: Georgetown
- Taqueria Tequila Authentic…
20 reviews
Seattle, WA