Salmon House

I went to dine at the sit-down restaurant on a Saturday night and had a horrible experience. We got manila clams as an appetizer, and they brought out two forks and 2 plates, but only one slice of french bread. When we asked for another slice for my partner, they told us that only cornbread was complimentary and they would have to charge us for another piece! The white chowder was cold and had turned from a chowder to a lard-like texture. I had to ask for hot water to water it down to a consistency of chowder. The tuna ahi salad was the saddest thing I had ever seen, and the seafood platter had the worst breading on fried seafood I had ever had.

Ivars (one of many in Seattle) serves some great fish and chips. We went during happy hour and the HH specials were very good. They have a good selection of beer on tap and a great bar atmosphere. The restaurant is right on the water, though the I-5 bridge is in sight and ruins the view a bit. The food from the bar was good. I did not get a chance to dine in the actual restaurant though.

Its location close to the UW was such a blessing while I was in school. Ivars offers a really good happy hour in the afternoon. Fish tacos, ceasar salads, fish sandwiches all for under $4! There are also drink specials to wash down your food easier. The afternoon happy hour seems to be the places biggest attraction, though, so it is often hard to find a table or even a seat at the bar. The earlier you go, the more luck youll have.

I've heard a rumor that they use non dairy creamer substitutes in the Ivar's restaurants, but use real cream in the store bought chowders........

Ivar's restaurants are a mainstay of the Seattle area. Ivar's restaurants come in many shapes and sizes, from the fish bar, to the fast-food chain, to the classy sit-down restaurant on the waterfront. But my favorite is the Salmon House on Northlake. It's a nice sit-down restaurant with a pleasant view of Lake Union and authentic native decor. Come by car or boat.

PROS: Good food, view of Lake Union, native decor
CONS: Hard to find -- get directions