Seafood isn’t all that common in many fast-food joints, and that’s a real shame. Still, seafood items are becoming more popular these days, and even brands such as Popeyes are getting into the action. Just pop into a Popeyes location, order their Popcorn Shrimp Meal, and you’re good to go.
But when you’re in a coastal city like Seattle, you might want to skip past the fast-food joints and get yourself inside a real seafood restaurant. And in Seattle, you certainly have plenty of spectacular seafood joints to try out!
Ivar’s Acres of Clams
(1001 Alaskan Way Ste. 102, Seattle, WA 98104)
It’s easy enough to find Ivar’s Acres of Clams when you get to the Alaskan Way. It’s one of the piers, and the yellow colour of the place, plus the huge red neon sign with the restaurant name, should get your attention. You don’t even have to enter the place, as there’s a take-out counter outside.
But for your first time here, take some time to appreciate the interior. It’s quite elegant inside, and it’s a great atmosphere for the terrific clams for which the place is justly famous. Make sure you sample the curry mussels and the white wine clams.
The swordfish steak is truly wonderful, and you might also want to try out the surf and turf and the halibut fillet.
Elliott’s Oyster House
(1201 Alaskan Way Ste 100, Seattle, WA 98101)
This is also on the Alaskan Way. If you’re on Pier 56 near the Seattle Great Wheel Ferris Wheel. It’s not too fancy, but there’s this undeniable sophistication to the place. With the dim lighting and the wooden furniture inside, it gives off this relaxing traditional seafood vibe that makes everything taste better.
Standouts from the menu include clam linguine, seafood risotto, and roasted garlic oysters. Try out the snapper. It may not appeal to everyone, but it just might become one of your favourites.
Chinook’s At Salmon Bay
(1900 W Nickerson St #103, Seattle, WA 98119)
Get yourself to the gorgeous North Queen Anne neighborhood, and find the Fisherman’s Terminal on West Nickerson St. Then you’ll get to the Chinook’s at Salmon Bay, with its modern setting and very relaxed vibe. Almost anywhere you sit inside, you’ll get a terrific view of the marina.
Start with the crispy fried calamari. It’s the most popular appetizer on the menu, and you’ll understand why after just the first bite. It’s delicious.
Then go wild with the wide range of items on the menu. You have fresh fish, along with tacos, sandwiches, and salads. They have seafood burgers as well, and you should really sample the delectable wild salmon burger.
Anthony’s Pier 66 & Bell Street Diner
2201 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121
From the outside, the place looks nicely contemporary. The colour scheme incorporates some blue shades, with light yellow and white hues for a rather upbeat vibe. There’s also a big fish painted on the outside, in case you need a reminder that this is a seafood joint. Get inside, and you’ll appreciate the warm ambience and the friendly demeanour of the staff.
Interestingly, this place has its own fisherman, and he’s responsible for catching just about everything they offer on the menu. The menu itself has a section about him.
As for the food, you can’t go wrong with the Pacific mahi-mahi and the oven-roasted lobster tail.
Westward
2501 N Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98103
This is one casual place with a very relaxing atmosphere. The décor might seem a bit on the cheesy side, with decorations like anchors, lifesavers, and fake fish all around. But it does prime up your appetite for seafood.
You can find just about all your top seafood faves here. You can go with grouper, halibut, sea bass, oysters, and shrimp. Try the polenta fritters, as well as the spicy clam dip with potato chips for sharing.
The White Swan Public House
1001 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
This place on the Lake Union shore actually looks like a huge boat house, complete with the relaxed décor and wood panels. The patio furniture is quite comfy, and the twinkling lights promise a really magical dining experience.
And the food sure doesn’t disappoint. Try out the seafood platter so you get to sample many of the items here. You’ll then enjoy the steamed mussels, prawns, and oysters, along with some salmon rillettes dip. Then go for the Alaskan halibut and the charred octopus.
Seattle Fish Guys
411 23rd Ave S, Seattle, WA 98144
Seattle Fish Guys might be a bit farther from the downtown area in Seattle, but it’s worth the trip. The place is famed for serving perhaps the very best seafood street food in the entire city. Try out the various plates, soups, and poke bowls, and you’ll get a real treat.
Make sure you also try the king crab panini, which is so tender it almost melts in your mouth. Add some homemade kimchi, and everything’s okay.
