Ivar’s Seafood Bar

A spectacular place that is just a gem among all the other fast food restaurants out there. The aesthetics in this place make it feel like you’re stepping into an old time ship of memories. All the workers are friendly and go above and beyond in their service, like the lady who brings the food to my table, and the fry cook who asks if he can get something started for me. Food is not too bad either if you’re looking for some fried sea food. I recommend this place.

If you don’t know Ivar’s, then you’re not from here. «Fast food seafood» may be accurate, but it doesn’t do Ivar’s justice.
Their original fish & chips is, in my opinion, the de facto fish & chips. Nevermind that I substitute a side caesar salad for the fries. FYI: You can substitute a side caesar salad for the fries :)
Unlike a typical fast food restaurant, the staff here is pretty consistent. One of the cooks even has my regular order memorized!
Note to management: I like the new waste bins (the doors of the old ones were unique, but wonky) but the labels need to be on top, not on the front (I think most people look down on the top and not down low at the side/​front).

I stopped by twice. The service is always super friendly. Food is not that great. Oyster was greasy and cod was dry. Fries were soft. Not for me.

Not sure I understand the high reviews. This ivars looks like a fast food place but we waited 20 minutes for our food. The fish and chips had soggy breading and soggy fries. The clam chowder had none of that chunky clam goodness and tasted like it came from a bag. The tables inside were sticky and the carpet was dirty. This is not like the ivars at the mukilteo ferry which tastes fresh and like a Pacific Northwest classic.

One of several outposts of Ivar Håglund’s Scandinavian Pacific Northwestern seafood creation, this seafood bar offers the same iconic plates & platters. The generous serving of Clam Chowder in a bread bowl is a favorite, but the Wild-​caught Alaskan Salmon served alongside a buttery Wild Rice, cole slaw, and just-​sweet-​enough cornbread is classically Washingtonian. Of course, the Cod Strips & Chips can never be turned down. For a hit of spice, try the Sriracha Cod Bites.
The edibles are gathered by Kwik’Pak Yupik Native Tribal Fisheries, LaMonica, Alaskan Leader & Full Circle Farms. The fishies arrive fresh daily to serve all their locations, by way of Washington state fishing coves, Vancouver, B.C., Alaska and the Aleutian Islands.
Ivar’s is always a must, whilst in Seattle. The first location on Alaskan Way at Pier 54 came to be in 1938; there’s also the Ivar’s Salmon House on Lake Union with table linens and fine dining, one at the Mukilteo Landing next to the ferry dock; this one in Edmonds is of their Seafood Bar selection, amongst a smattering of others, including a new one in Bellevue, counter-​serve spots on Aurora, Northgate, at Westfield Center, Lake Washington and a quick-​stop in SEA-​TAC. I’ve been to all locations of Ivar’s in Western Washington and each offers a very distinct ambiance according to it’s surroundings and local vibes. This one in Edmonds has a ”blue collar”, divey without the smell, laid-​back welcoming family feel that feels well worn-​in and familiar. At Christmas, I love how they put a tree in the middle and the icy windows are covered in decorations and lights. It’s like eating inside someones old home. In 1958.
Look for Clem the Clam! And remember, keep clam, this is Washington — where the locals prefer a more subdued, rugged, independent and low-​key Scandinavian /​Pacific Northwest /​B.C. /​Alaskan way of life.
P. S. Ivar Håglund is still such a beloved person of Greater Seattle lore & history, his birthday is still celebrated at his restaurant locations, though he passed away in the 1980s.

Okay for fast food. Fish was a little tough and rubbery. Staff was friendly. A bit pricey for what you receive.

Oh boy! The clam chowder was great!!! The fish and chips basket was also very good, perfectly fried but not drenched in grease, but a little small considering the price. I’m new to the area so maybe I have to adjust to the dining prices around here. But I’ll defiantly be back for some more chowder!

One of the few choices on the Edmonds waterfront. Besides, it’s a Washington tradition. Chowder is decent. They are consistent. No matter which location you go, the food is always the same standard. That is a plus

I always stop by Ivar’s whenever I’m in Seattle, and honestly didn’t know they had any other locations aside from the one by the pier.
Anyway, this location isn’t the same as the one on the boardwalk, but it’s the same great food! I got the seafood combo n chips, which was a good mix of fish, clams, and baby prawns. I could barely eat any fries after I got through the seafood, this is definitely a lot of food! It’s obligatory to add on the amazingly delicious clam chowder, as well.
Other people got and really enjoyed cod n chips, and jumbo prawns n chips. Lastly, someone got the chicken n chips, and she swore it was the best ever!

After reading the Unilocal reviews, I decided I wanted to try Ivar’s, I walked in and ordered the 4pc cajun fish and chips with a bowl of White Clam Chowder to go. I waited maybe 5 minutes for my order, the help seemed friendly enough. Then I was called to pick up my order from the counter. I was given the bag with no condiments inside. I asked for tarter sauce and ketchup and received enough to do the job. After I got home I realized there was no vinegars or napkins either but the food was good regardless and I made do with what I had. I feel I made a good choice tonight, but next time I will make sure I have everything I need before leaving the place.

I ate here on a whim. I’m glad I did. I had the oysters and salmon chowder. The chowder was salty (!) but good, the oysters were above average. The woman behind the counter was amazing and cheerful and helpful. My only complaint is that the portion was small and expensive! Definitely full restaurant pricing here in a fact-​food atmosphere. But I’m full and it was fun! I love that they had the calories listed so I could make an informed decision too.

We are on vacation and wanted some decent seafood that was close to our hotel. We were not disapointed. Good food and friendly service. We will more than likely be back. Thank you. :)

Going to Ivar’s is like a big hug from my younger self. Love this place.
The Edmonds location is so cool! We had a table by the window and ordered a bunch of food for our group. The food was DELICIOUS and the service was impeccable!
It is a bit expensive, but how cool that you can get anything from clam chowder to fish and chips, right on up to the most incredible, complex seafood dishes.
What a beautiful evening to enjoy a fabulous evening with family. Thank you, Ivar’s, for keeping it real.

I am not going to eat here again because they have a couple of rude and lazy girls working there who know very little about customer service.

Fell in love with the clam chowder at Ivar’s Salmon House by Lake Union so decided to go here for a quick fix. Thank goodness it’s so close!
Got the clam chowder in a bread bowl. So good and filling! Sourdough bread is so soft on the inside and tough enough of an outside to hold the creamy chowder. Had the jumbo prawns with onion rings. It was so so.
Great neighborhood stop for a quick meal or take out!

I was born and raised right around the corner from this Ivars so its been the one I go to for years and years. When I moved to Alaska and would visit home, this is where we would stop on the way home from the airport and on the way to the airport so I can could get my ‘Ivars fix’ until the next time I visited.
My last trip to Ivars was nothing short of AMAZING! There were 3 people working, 1 at the register, 1 behind the window cooking and the other serving and servicing. What sets this trip apart from the rest is the fact I have never seen as many people in there as I did this trip.
I believe his name was Michael, he was doing the servicing and serving, he was awesome. He was gathering orders, finding the people the order belong to, getting extra requested items for customers and his tone and smile never left. I felt like i was more at a dinner party then a restaurant. He came around when he had a minute or 2 lull in his duties and handed out wet naps and andes mints to all the eating customers.
As someone who works in customer service, he stood out in good ways and its not every day you see it. If Michael isnt in a management position, he should be! Not only was he doing all of this but he was also helping the girl at the registers as it seemed to be her first few days.

Salmon Cesar salad and chowder. yum! We didnt expect a fast food place after our quick selection for fish passing through… no disappointment here! Great food, great service and some of the freshest tasting salmon around the seaside. Hungry for fish. This is the place.

This Ivar’s was the most well run and friendliest Ivar’s I’ve been to. We were welcomed when we arrived, and our food was quickly brought out to our table. A server even checked on us mid-​meal!
We got the «Big Boat» combo to share. It’s more than enough food for 2, including 10 pieces of fish, fries, a bowl of chowder, and 2 slaws. I enjoyed the sauce area, including a sweet tartar and cocktail sauce. Sometimes it’s nice to dip your fries in something more interesting!
All in all, this was a really nice Ivar’s!

I’ve been a fan of Ivar’s since I was young. I have great memories of getting Ivar’s from the Pier and eating it outside on the waterfront.
This Ivar’s is minimal but clean. The food is tasty and they obviously make everything fresh. My fries and chicken strips were piping hot and the service was very friendly.
The chowder is always good and at $ 5.50/bowl I can get two meals out of it.
This is a great place to stop on the way home from the Edmonds ferry!

Ivar’s is always my go to when I need quick tasty fish bits… I also appreciate the fact the Ivar’s always has their $ 5 off coupon in the Entertainment Books that my son’s school sells. In and out with Kids Meal (2-​pc fish, chips, choc milk) and 5-​pc fish n chips/​wild rice and side of Calamari for 12 dollars… Not bad at all.
Ivar’s fish is always deelish at the price point and as a bonus I know that Ivar’s supports local charities generously. What more can you ask from a local Seattle business.