Ivar's Fish Bar

Seattle staple with a lakefront seating area. A little noisy outside because of the proximity to the I-5 bridge hundreds of feet above, but we'll worth it to enjoy some fried fish while watching the boats go by. Cod is traditional, halibut & salmon are both great. (Though salmon is better grilled than fried). Don't sleep on the scallops or prawns!

Best place on Lake Union in Seattle for an outdoor Lunch for about $20.

Watch boats sailing from lake Washington to Lake Union as you dine on Fish n Chips. The Smoked Salmon Chowder is especially good.

On the day of our visit, we spotted the Seattle Fire Boat "Chief Seattle" passing by.

Kenmore Air Float planes can be seen in the distance. They cut a take off path on the Lake to alert boaters of intended take departure.

Free guest parking across the street.

Property also offers a 100 feet boat dock and free tie up while dining at restuarant.

Pick up your order, then access the dining dock by walking around the Salmon House Restaurant entrance and continue about 10 feet past totem poles to the outside ramp leading to dock where there are tables and chairs. Crank up umbrellas offer shade.

If you prefer a historic spirit inspiring setting, dine inside Salmon House for Lunch or Dinner.

The Bar offers a large Happy Hour Menu which rates a separate review.

Ivar's Longhouse on Lake Union has always been one of my favorite restaurants since we moved to Seattle when I was 10 years old. The draw then were the Native American artifacts and photos, the smoked salmon and grilled corn, the fancy birthday dinner of many years.

I moved back to Seattle after 20 years away in 2018. We went there a couple of times prior to the pandemic and took my father who is now in his mid-80s there when he visited. We had a delicious feast and he really enjoyed it. Since the pandemic, Ivar's has become a real close to home getaway. We live on Capitol Hill which is only a 5 minute drive away, but leaving our neighborhood to sit by the water and have some fish and chips, slaw and chowder has been a refuge of sorts. Something to look forward to that feels safe.

The food at the outdoor fish bar is always fresh and delicious. Sitting by the water on Ivar's pier is fun, but if that is a little too crowded for comfort we found a tiny park on the water nearby. We take our pup there and feel more comfortable. We love you, Ivar's!

Ivar's is my favorite place to eat along upper Lake Union. This last time I stopped, I went out on the dock patio and witnessed a breathtaking sunset looking toward South Lake Union and the Space Needle. Yummy salmon and a glorious view!

It's ivar's but the water view gives it the 4th star.