Tourists, seagulls and downtown workers alike share a favorite chowder and seafood spot: Ivar's Acres of Clams, the original Ivar’s that opened in 1938, offers casual dining on Seattle’s scenic waterfront at Pier 54. Although the service is friendly and efficient, expect a crowd at peak lunch and dinner times — hardly a hassle for the award-winning, creamy chowder, which Ivar's claims is the best-selling fresh clam chowder in the country. In good weather, tables and benches on the south side of the pier offer an excellent view, although be wary of aggressive seagulls with appetites for your French fries. A heated tent adjacent to the bar warms patrons during colder months. Menu offerings include crispy fish and chips with variations that include cod, halibut, salmon, scallops, oysters, clams, chicken, and jumbo or baby prawn. Sides such as coleslaw, a Dungeness crab Caesar salad and shrimp cocktail accompany entreés.
Kids' menu. Full bar. Serving lunch Mon–Sat, dinner nightly. Sun brunch 10 am–2 pm.
Seattle magazine: Best Fish and Chips, 2011 readers' poll
"The restaurant lives on as a local institution—inside, you'll find just-okay seafood in a family-friendly sit-down format, while outside, there's a walk-up fish-'n'-chips bar with outdoor seating. Both have great views; you'll get much, much more for your money at the sidewalk stand (including excitingly aggressive seagulls)."
— The Stranger
Tourists, seagulls and downtown workers alike share a favorite chowder and seafood spot: Ivar's Acres of Clams, the original Ivar’s that opened in 1938, offers casual dining on Seattle’s scenic waterfront at Pier 54. Although the service is friendly and efficient, expect a crowd at peak lunch and dinner times — hardly a hassle for the award-winning, creamy chowder, which Ivar's claims is the best-selling fresh clam chowder in the country. In good weather, tables and benches on the south side of the pier offer an excellent view, although be wary of aggressive seagulls with appetites for your French fries. A heated tent adjacent to the bar warms patrons during colder months. Menu offerings include crispy fish and chips with variations that include cod, halibut, salmon, scallops, oysters, clams, chicken, and jumbo or baby prawn. Sides such as coleslaw, a Dungeness crab Caesar salad and shrimp cocktail accompany entreés.
Kids' menu. Full bar. Serving lunch Mon–Sat, dinner nightly. Sun brunch 10 am–2 pm.
Seattle magazine: Best Fish and Chips, 2011 readers' poll
"The restaurant lives on as a local institution—inside, you'll find just-okay seafood in a family-friendly sit-down format, while outside, there's a walk-up fish-'n'-chips bar with outdoor seating. Both have great views; you'll get much, much more for your money at the sidewalk stand (including excitingly aggressive seagulls)."
— The Stranger