Visited this place for the second or third time, drawn in by its lovely views and ample parking. The food, while decent, didn't quite meet my expectations for exceptional seafood. However, the overall experience was pleasant and I appreciate the convenience. Still on the lookout for that standout seafood spot.
Paulo Roberto Colusso
Good, good fish menu!!! and very well prepared!!!
Lucille Fisher
Amazing venue w/ water view. A Seattle institution! Order any seafood in the menu, my favs are salmon (duh), the clams and the mussels. Worth a visit every time I visit Seattle.
FreeJohnny
Nice view, good food and more than average service. We were 3 of us, food was very good. We had salmon, Fried Northwest Platter and Dungeness Crab and Goat Cheese Dip that was good enough for all. I had not been in States for a while and to my surprise was they had already set tip menu and it was weird. It was 18%, 20 % and 22%. I had worked as a waiter while I was a student in NYC, I never seen such a thing. Also, it was not worth more than 10% service. We were ambushed to pay something that was not really fair.
Erica A.
The food was not out of this world good, but with the best view and service, it will do. We were seated just as we walked in - people are just amazing here -
Simon V.
Very disappointed with the experience especially with all the hype Ivars gets as a local restaurant that's been around a long time. To be clear the waitstaff was amazing, there was absolutely nothing wrong there, friendly/personable and quick service. The location interior is very spacious with a beautiful view of the lake. However the food was beyond unappetizing. My experience if your thinking of dining here: the sauce paired with the coconut prawns was a watery Asian sesame dressing that would taste better on a salad. The Caesar dressing was terrible, it taste like it came from a bag from the fridge. Also the the Sysco brand ciabatta served table side was dry and flavorless. Chowder was creamy but bland. We paid almost $180 for soups and salads and 2 apps. Save your money and go to Dukes if you want quality.
John C.
Yet another victim of Covid. What used to be a very pleasant dining experience has now declined into little more than eating at an amusement park. Noisy, hot and overcrowded. Service was friendly enough, there just wasn't enough of it.The restaurant expanded onto the surrounding outdoor areas adjacent to the original building - perhaps to accommodate diners during Covid restrictions. This modification basically doubled the number of diners. The outside areas are plastic tables under umbrellas, however; the traffic noise from the overhead bridge makes conversation almost impossible.I ordered a shrimp crab Louie salad for $32. A modest plate arrived with a bed of old lettuce from a bag, a tablespoon of crab meat and about 20 bay shrimp from a can. The plate had a hard boiled egg and a couple of black olives. Really a disappointment.If you were hoping to find the relaxing beautiful traditional long house dining experience from pre-Covid days - forget it. If you want to grab a beer and hang out with the local boaters competing for service in bathing suits, have at it.
Stewart C.
Okay I really really want to give this place 5 stars as its simply a Seattle staple! A classic!! It's especially amazing when the weather cooperates, as they have amazing outdoor seating with an unbelievable view! They even have a place for boats to come and park. And of course they also have their more elegant indoor seating. In addition to all that they have their standard walk up window to grab a quick bite!With all of that said, the last two experiences I've had have definitely been sub par!The first time I was sitting outside and I got the watermelon, feta salad and it was wimpy to say the least! There was barely any watermelon. It's not like watermelon is some expensive commodity-so it just seemed lazy. Especially for the price, come on.The second experience, I grabbed the salmon dish from the window and the salmon was SO beyond dry. I LOVE salmon and this was easily the worst prepared salmon I've ever had.
mardi c
excellent house margarita. beautiful views while seated outside. watching people go by in boats, and chatting. everyone is lovely here, and helpful. I'll be back. this was a go to spot back in my day.
r0bert870
Situated on the Seattle waterfront with both indoor and outdoor seating. This is predominantly a fish restaurant, serving large portions! A good selection of both alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks. Friendly and helpful staff.
We stopped by here one weekend during happy hour, when summer was finally gracing Seattle with its presence. Ivar's has a great location and beautiful views of the water and the Seattle skyline. We sat outside, and it was fun to watch the boats, kayakers, etc. go by. They also have a dock where boats can pick up food and drinks, so that's cool. Unfortunately, that's pretty much where it stops. The cocktails weren't good, but they weren't terrible. The food left much to be desired, and we definitely did not finish any dish aside from the salad. Our server was incredibly unfriendly our entire time there but made an unenthusiastic, futile attempt at conversation once we asked for the check. Gotta love American culture of tipping...We'd return again only for the views and maybe a beer. Can't mess up beer, right?
Tim M
Gorgeous location, PNW longhouse interior, or pleasant outdoor seating. Multiple seafood options, especially salmon, well-prepared and presented.
Simon F.
Food was absolutely amazing, the halibut is to die for. Our server was astounding, gave great recommendations. And being able to sit on the water made it even cooler.
Matt R.
Had a friend in town from Halifax. I thought it would be nice to have lunch on the water & Salmon House delivered in every way. She had a 3-piece fish and chips, I had the Seafood Brochette with a cup of chowder. Beautiful July day with boaters & paddle boarders going by. Can't really go wrong here either the food & view. Service was great too!
Shirley L
The young Asian and young white guy have snobby attitude ! And I thought it was soda bottle like the sign says And I said it wrong and the chick was all know it all And at least offer a drink carrier 4 drinks was hard carrying it !! And it Seattle I lock my card Have some patience sorry it not fast enough I like protecting my money in case some one steal or I loose it in the city Like a responsible adult You need associates with better customer service and friendly attitudes
Visited this place for the second or third time, drawn in by its lovely views and ample parking. The food, while decent, didn't quite meet my expectations for exceptional seafood. However, the overall experience was pleasant and I appreciate the convenience. Still on the lookout for that standout seafood spot.
Good, good fish menu!!! and very well prepared!!!
Amazing venue w/ water view. A Seattle institution! Order any seafood in the menu, my favs are salmon (duh), the clams and the mussels. Worth a visit every time I visit Seattle.
Nice view, good food and more than average service. We were 3 of us, food was very good. We had salmon, Fried Northwest Platter and Dungeness Crab and Goat Cheese Dip that was good enough for all. I had not been in States for a while and to my surprise was they had already set tip menu and it was weird. It was 18%, 20 % and 22%. I had worked as a waiter while I was a student in NYC, I never seen such a thing. Also, it was not worth more than 10% service. We were ambushed to pay something that was not really fair.
The food was not out of this world good, but with the best view and service, it will do. We were seated just as we walked in - people are just amazing here -
Very disappointed with the experience especially with all the hype Ivars gets as a local restaurant that's been around a long time. To be clear the waitstaff was amazing, there was absolutely nothing wrong there, friendly/personable and quick service. The location interior is very spacious with a beautiful view of the lake. However the food was beyond unappetizing. My experience if your thinking of dining here: the sauce paired with the coconut prawns was a watery Asian sesame dressing that would taste better on a salad. The Caesar dressing was terrible, it taste like it came from a bag from the fridge. Also the the Sysco brand ciabatta served table side was dry and flavorless. Chowder was creamy but bland. We paid almost $180 for soups and salads and 2 apps. Save your money and go to Dukes if you want quality.
Yet another victim of Covid. What used to be a very pleasant dining experience has now declined into little more than eating at an amusement park. Noisy, hot and overcrowded. Service was friendly enough, there just wasn't enough of it.The restaurant expanded onto the surrounding outdoor areas adjacent to the original building - perhaps to accommodate diners during Covid restrictions. This modification basically doubled the number of diners. The outside areas are plastic tables under umbrellas, however; the traffic noise from the overhead bridge makes conversation almost impossible.I ordered a shrimp crab Louie salad for $32. A modest plate arrived with a bed of old lettuce from a bag, a tablespoon of crab meat and about 20 bay shrimp from a can. The plate had a hard boiled egg and a couple of black olives. Really a disappointment.If you were hoping to find the relaxing beautiful traditional long house dining experience from pre-Covid days - forget it. If you want to grab a beer and hang out with the local boaters competing for service in bathing suits, have at it.
Okay I really really want to give this place 5 stars as its simply a Seattle staple! A classic!! It's especially amazing when the weather cooperates, as they have amazing outdoor seating with an unbelievable view! They even have a place for boats to come and park. And of course they also have their more elegant indoor seating. In addition to all that they have their standard walk up window to grab a quick bite!With all of that said, the last two experiences I've had have definitely been sub par!The first time I was sitting outside and I got the watermelon, feta salad and it was wimpy to say the least! There was barely any watermelon. It's not like watermelon is some expensive commodity-so it just seemed lazy. Especially for the price, come on.The second experience, I grabbed the salmon dish from the window and the salmon was SO beyond dry. I LOVE salmon and this was easily the worst prepared salmon I've ever had.
excellent house margarita. beautiful views while seated outside. watching people go by in boats, and chatting. everyone is lovely here, and helpful. I'll be back. this was a go to spot back in my day.
Situated on the Seattle waterfront with both indoor and outdoor seating. This is predominantly a fish restaurant, serving large portions! A good selection of both alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks. Friendly and helpful staff.
Restaurantji Recommends
We stopped by here one weekend during happy hour, when summer was finally gracing Seattle with its presence. Ivar's has a great location and beautiful views of the water and the Seattle skyline. We sat outside, and it was fun to watch the boats, kayakers, etc. go by. They also have a dock where boats can pick up food and drinks, so that's cool. Unfortunately, that's pretty much where it stops. The cocktails weren't good, but they weren't terrible. The food left much to be desired, and we definitely did not finish any dish aside from the salad. Our server was incredibly unfriendly our entire time there but made an unenthusiastic, futile attempt at conversation once we asked for the check. Gotta love American culture of tipping...We'd return again only for the views and maybe a beer. Can't mess up beer, right?
Gorgeous location, PNW longhouse interior, or pleasant outdoor seating. Multiple seafood options, especially salmon, well-prepared and presented.
Food was absolutely amazing, the halibut is to die for. Our server was astounding, gave great recommendations. And being able to sit on the water made it even cooler.
Had a friend in town from Halifax. I thought it would be nice to have lunch on the water & Salmon House delivered in every way. She had a 3-piece fish and chips, I had the Seafood Brochette with a cup of chowder. Beautiful July day with boaters & paddle boarders going by. Can't really go wrong here either the food & view. Service was great too!
The young Asian and young white guy have snobby attitude ! And I thought it was soda bottle like the sign says And I said it wrong and the chick was all know it all And at least offer a drink carrier 4 drinks was hard carrying it !! And it Seattle I lock my card Have some patience sorry it not fast enough I like protecting my money in case some one steal or I loose it in the city Like a responsible adult You need associates with better customer service and friendly attitudes