Ivars Restaurants

The Pier 54 Ivar's is actually 2 restaurants in one. There is the outside on-the-street line-em-up kinda fast food Ivar's. This is the budget Ivars. Food is good but recognize it focuses more on the fried items.

Then there is the inside sit-down fairly elegant Ivar's where you really want to hit the timing right and eat next to the window overlooking the boats and Sound.

We went with two groups of out-of-town visitors from rural WA this summer. Now, if you don't mind the hustle and bustle of big city's and you're on a budget then go for yelling your order out when you're 6th in line so they can start frying it up. For one of our of town friends from a small town this stressful event brought on a migraine - but her kids loved feeding french fries to the birds dive-bombing them (one bird even briefly landed on her sons head). This is a kick for some and a reason to stay rural for others.

Thus with our next group of company, also from a small town in Missouri, we grabbed window seats inside. Outdoor meals ran about $7-9 each whereas indoors is about $15-18 (including tax/tip). The indoor restaurant had some excellent salad dressings and comes with rolls and butter and a relaxed environment and excellent food.

Both are good - just think about what you're up to for the day. Ivars at Pier 54 can deliver 5 stars if you're willing to pay for it or a very memorable 3 star meal in a crazy funny way.

I've eaten at the outside fish and chip cafe several times. It has a more limited menu than the restaurant, but the food is reasonably prices. Fish and chips, clams and chips, chowder, its all good! Great for a quick meal on the waterfront!

We visit Seattle each year and this is a must on each and every trip. Food is very fresh and good without costing you an arm and a leg. Service has always been top notch even at a very busy time of day. You must try this place out...on the pier so you can watch the ferries.

Features a full menu of fish/seafood and a great view of the harbor. A must go when visiting Seattle - especially if you want to show off Pacific NW cooking. The best clam chowder (white) I have ever hadanywhere. I have never been disappointed, nor have others in my party when going there. if you want to skip the fine dining experience, you can always check out the outside fish & chips bar with a limited menu (and cheaper prices), but same great chowder.

PROS: Chowder & bread
CONS: The dancing clams