Local Tide

You have to order first before getting a seat - it can get really busy. However, it is definitely worth the wait as the food was incredible!

We got fried oysters for starters and it did not disappoint. The clam chowder was flavorful and perfect for a cold rainy night. We also got the rockfish banh mi... No wonder people keep recommending it. All the flavors melded well and it was overall a very satisfying meal!

Food: I ordered rockfish plate, the popular shrimp toast and the cod. I'd say the fish based dishes were better. They were flavorful and especially the cod melted into my mouth. The shrimp toast although good had too much oil. Since I felt it in my mouth rather strongly, I decided to use some tissues to get the excess oil out.

Service: All things didn't come at once strangely so I made it halfway through my meal before my partners meal arrived. But there was no waiting line!

Ambience: The music was not loud so it served as a good place to be able to have a chat. It was adjacent to bar that served their food that had music - so the option of choosing either is kinda cool. Vibrant colors on the walls adds to a fun look. Not overly decorative.

Great spot for lunch! Came here on a Sunday at 1230 and waited 20 min to get through the line and seated.

I've heard a lot about their salmon belly dip so came here mostly for that but everything I ordered was amazing.

Salmon belly dip- delicious
Fish sandwich - fish is super crispy but wish it came with a side of tartar sauce or chips or something else
Clam chowder - fresh clams inside and they were large! Hearty and got me full

Would be back forsure. Parking is rough. No dogs allowed inside but if you go to the brewery next door, they sell food from Local Tide and allow dogs!

Dropped by for lunch prior to the SC UW game -- Fight On!! UW got the win but still a good time in Seattle.

There is a line outside local tide but moves fairly quick
TIp of the Day: Aslan Brewery is next door and you can find more seats there and they serve most of the menu from local tide.

I ordered the teriyaki salmon bowl. It was very good with a good mix of flavors. We ate as Aslan, the only critique is that it took quite a while to arrive.

Everything was tasty and well done. I really loved their shrimp toast and would definitely get again. It's a small restaurant so not a lot of seats. People tend to not linger as long so it's not a terrible wait for a table. The staff is super friendly and accommodating.

Local tide is a standout causal seafood restaurant in Fremont.
We came here on a Friday night and there was a long line at the door. After waiting for around 15-20 minutes we ordered our food and sat at the counter. The food was definitely worth the wait though.
We ordered a bunch of dishes to share : shrimp toast, rockfish bahn mi and salmon bowl. The fish was fresh and great quality. The shrimp toast was so crispy - it was our favorite.
They were already sold out of the crab roll, so we will have to come back to try that next time!

Don't let the long lines and packed seating turn you away - due to the nature of the dining experience the tables turn pretty fast and you'll be seated in a timely fashion.

I opted for a lighter fare and ordered the fried oysters that is part of the starters. I had previously tried some of their other items on the menu on the Aslan side but this was my first time dining inside local tide. Not everything available at local tide is available at Aslan so do take caution.

It was on the smaller portion (yes I realize it's an app) but the oysters were smaller than I expected and the side "salad" was a dressed parsley medley which was quite nice but would have been nicer with some other vegetals.

It seemed to be short staff but they'll ensure you're taken care of. All in all a nice place to grab a quick bite but don't overstay your welcome and get some tried seafood goods!

Came here around 7pm on a Thursday night, and the line was quite long. We ended up waiting ~30 minutes to place our order and get seated (I think we were close to one of the last parties they sat, because they closed at 8). It's a relatively small shop indoors and they seat you after you place your order.

Definitely worth the wait though! The shrimp toast is a must-get and lives up to all the hype and positive reviews - it comes with chili sauce, a sweet mayo sauce, and a cabbage salad which was really refreshing. Both the rockfish banh mi and the dover fish and chips were also good, and their home-style fries were crisped to perfection.

I do wish that the Dover fish was a little bit thicker though - I get that it's probably the style, but it always left me wanting more from a bite.

Absolutely love love love Local Tide! I visited because I searched best clam chowder in Seattle. Also, my husband is a huge smash burger fan which they have so it was a win win. It's a very busy place when we came there was a line out the door. I noticed it moved pretty quickly. We also didn't have any issues getting a seat. When you order they help you find a table. We chose to sit at the bar so we found Eagle eye the chef as he prepared our delicious food. The restaurant and seating area is clean. The decor is bright and comfortable with a lot of cool art. I really liked the vibe and how friendly all the staff were.
The wait for our food was about 15-20 min. I was not upset about this because it's such a busy place. I had fun watching the chef and all the beautiful food going out of the kitchen.
My chowder was everything I imagined and more. I was excited that they added fresh in shell clams to their chowder! You rarely find this anywhere. My favorite chowder in the world is Hog Island chowder in San Francisco because they top their chowder with fresh clams, a lot of them. At Local Tide you get about 4 clams in shell (as decor) but for the price point and the delicious well seasoned and savory base it's excellent.
The smashburger was excellent as well. It had 2 crispy edge but juicy patties, melty American cheese and a buttery bun. This seriously is a melt in your mouth smash burger.
We returned for a second visit a month later and were excited to find out we could avoid the lines by sitting next door at Aslan Brewing and ordered from their friendly staff. Same delicious food and more seating options. However, the food wait is still around 20 to 30 min because it all comes from the same kitchen.

My dear friend took me here for my birthday and WOW, I was so amazed!
my advice is to get there as soon as it opens, regardless of weekend or weekday because the place fills up fast. Your order first the grab a seat.

Out order:
Shrimp toast $14
Smash burger $10
Rockfish banh mi $18
Bread pudding $12


I've had shrimp toast before but did not expect then flavour bomb and crunch on Local Tide's shrimp toast. 10/10 would order again!

Smash burger and banh mi was good too, but a bit messy. 8/10. With bread pudding for dessert we were thoroughly stuffed. On weekends I hear it's crazy due to the crab cakes & lobster rolls that always sell out.

If you're in Ballard and you want some fresh seafood delight do check out Local Tide.