Seattle sits right on the water, so it’s no surprise the city is packed with incredible seafood spots. From old-school fish and chips counters to modern takeout windows, these casual shacks bring the ocean straight to your plate without the fancy dining room. Whether you’re craving crispy cod, creamy chowder, or a fresh salmon sandwich, this list will guide you to the best bites the Emerald City has to offer.
1. Ivar’s Pier 54 Fish Bar (Waterfront) — the classic window on Elliott Bay
Standing on the weathered planks of Pier 54, this legendary takeout window has fed locals and tourists for decades. Seagulls circle overhead as ferries cruise the bay, creating the perfect backdrop for your seafood feast. Ivar’s practically invented Seattle’s waterfront dining culture, and this spot remains the heart of it all.
Order the cod and chips for that golden, crunchy perfection that made this place famous. Pair it with a steaming cup of clam chowder that’s rich, creamy, and loaded with tender clams. Eat standing up, leaning against the rail, watching the water—that’s the real Seattle experience right there.
2. Ivar’s Salmon House Fish Bar (Northlake/Wallingford) — lakeside fish & chips
Tucked beside the famous Salmon House restaurant, this fish bar window offers a quick bite without the sit-down commitment. Cyclists and joggers from the Burke-Gilman Trail stop here to refuel with something hot and satisfying. Lake Union sparkles just beyond the patio, making every meal feel like a mini vacation.
Salmon and chips are the star here—flaky, perfectly seasoned fillets with a light, crispy coating. It’s a rare chance to enjoy Pacific Northwest salmon in classic fish-and-chips style. Grab your box, find a bench by the water, and savor every bite while boats drift past.
3. Anthony’s Fish Bar (Pier 66) — a straight-up street-level fish bar
Forget the fancy dining rooms upstairs—this street-level counter is all about speed, flavor, and waterfront views. Anthony’s Fish Bar keeps things simple: order at the window, grab your basket, and head outside when the weather cooperates. No reservations, no waiters, just honest-to-goodness fried fish done right.
Their cod and chips are a reliable crowd-pleaser, with thick, flaky fillets wrapped in a light, crunchy batter. The fries are hot and salty, perfect for dunking in tartar sauce. When the sun’s out, the outdoor tables fill fast, so snag a spot early and enjoy the salty breeze.
4. SPUD Fish & Chips (Alki) — since 1935 on the beach
Since the Great Depression, SPUD has been serving up hot fish and chips to beachgoers on Alki. Generations of Seattle families have made this spot a summertime tradition, and the recipe hasn’t changed much over the decades. There’s something magical about eating fried seafood with sand between your toes and the Olympic Mountains on the horizon.
Go for the beer-battered cod—thick, juicy, and coated in a golden shell that crunches with every bite. Then take your basket to the seawall, sit down, and watch the waves roll in. It’s simple, timeless, and absolutely delicious.
5. Sunfish (Alki) — tiny, old-school, big on crunch
Sunfish doesn’t try to impress you with fancy decor or a long menu. This bare-bones counter does one thing really well: frying up the freshest fish on the beach. Locals know to skip the tourist traps and head here for halibut, cod, and scallops that taste like the ocean.
The halibut and chips are legendary—sweet, flaky fish encased in a crispy, golden crust. Portions are generous, and the batter never feels greasy or heavy. Grab your order, find a sunny spot on the beach, and enjoy the kind of meal that makes you fall in love with seafood all over again.
6. Jack’s Fish Spot (Pike Place Market) — market counter with fryers & oysters
Part fishmonger, part lunch counter, Jack’s is a Pike Place Market gem that does double duty. You can buy fresh fish to cook at home or order it fried right there on the spot. The smell of grilled salmon and sizzling batter fills the air, drawing hungry shoppers like a magnet.
Order the fish and chips, then add a couple of raw oysters on the side for the full experience. The oysters are briny and fresh, shucked right in front of you. The chowder is creamy and comforting, perfect for a chilly market day. It’s a one-stop seafood paradise in the heart of Seattle.
7. Market Grill (Pike Place Market) — legendary grilled fish sandwiches
Walk past Market Grill on a busy Saturday, and you’ll see the line stretching down the aisle. That’s because this unassuming counter makes some of the best grilled fish sandwiches in the entire city. No frills, no fuss—just perfectly cooked salmon and a toasted bun.
The blackened salmon sandwich is a must-try, with a spicy, flavorful crust that locks in all the juicy goodness. Pair it with a cup of their rich, creamy chowder, and you’ve got a meal that’s worth every minute of the wait. Eat standing up, Market-style, and soak in the energy of Seattle’s most famous landmark.
8. Pike Place Chowder (Post Alley) — the line is for a reason
Yes, there’s almost always a line snaking out the door. Yes, it’s absolutely worth the wait. Pike Place Chowder has won national awards for their creamy, dreamy bowls of comfort, and one spoonful will tell you why. The tiny counter in Post Alley has become a pilgrimage site for chowder lovers from around the world.
Try the New England clam chowder for classic perfection, or go bold with the smoked salmon version for a Pacific Northwest twist. Both are thick, flavorful, and loaded with tender seafood. Grab a bread bowl if you’re extra hungry, and enjoy every last drop of this liquid gold.
9. Little Chinook’s (Fishermen’s Terminal) — dockside fish bar
Nestled right beside the working fishing fleet, Little Chinook’s gives you a front-row seat to Seattle’s maritime heritage. This casual spin-off of the full-service Chinook’s restaurant keeps things simple with a takeout window and outdoor seating. Watch the boats come and go while you munch on fresh-fried seafood—it doesn’t get more authentic than this.
The cod and chips are crispy, golden, and generously portioned. Grab a table overlooking the docks and breathe in the salty air. It’s a peaceful, beautiful spot that reminds you why Seattle’s seafood culture is so special.
10. Anthony’s Fish Bar (yes, there’s another) — downtown quick-fry stop
Same name, different pier—this Anthony’s Fish Bar serves the same great grab-and-go seafood in a slightly different location. Tucked beside the Bell Street Diner, it’s a quick stop for downtown workers and tourists who need a fast, tasty lunch. No need to sit down or linger; just order, pay, and keep moving.
The fish and chips here are consistent, reliable, and always hot. The batter is light and crispy, and the fish inside stays moist and flaky. It’s perfect for eating on the go or finding a sunny spot nearby to enjoy your meal. Fast food, but make it seafood—and make it good.
11. Local Tide (Fremont) — modern shack energy, Northwest flavors
Local Tide brings a fresh, modern vibe to the classic seafood shack. This Fremont spot focuses on Pacific Northwest flavors with a counter-service setup that’s perfect for a quick, delicious meal. On weekends, they serve Dungeness crab rolls that sell out faster than you can say “butter-toasted bun.”
If you’re lucky enough to snag a crab roll on Friday through Sunday, don’t hesitate—it’s sweet, buttery, and absolutely loaded with fresh crab. During the week, the salmon sandwich is your best bet, with perfectly cooked fish and bright, flavorful toppings. This place proves that casual doesn’t mean boring.
12. Seattle Fish Guys (Central District) — market + poke + hot plates
Seattle Fish Guys is your friendly neighborhood fish market with a twist—they also serve up fresh poke bowls, hot chowder, and other seafood goodies right from the counter. It’s a one-stop shop for buying fish to cook at home or grabbing a quick, healthy lunch. The vibe is laid-back, the staff is knowledgeable, and the fish is always top-notch.
Order a poke bowl loaded with fresh, buttery cubes of fish, then add a cup of their creamy chowder on the side. It’s a lighter, fresher take on seafood that still hits all the right notes. Perfect for a sunny afternoon or a quick weekday meal.
13. Emerald City Fish & Chips (Rainier Valley) — crispy, soulful, affordable
This Rainier Valley gem serves up soulful, crispy seafood with heart and flavor. Emerald City Fish & Chips offers catfish, cod, salmon, and halibut—all fried to golden perfection in generous portions. On select days, they even serve gumbo, adding a Southern twist to the Seattle seafood scene.
Try the catfish and chips for something a little different, or go with the halibut if you’re feeling classic. Either way, you’ll get a hot, satisfying meal at a price that won’t break the bank. It’s honest, delicious food that feels like a warm hug in a box.
14. Pacific Inn Pub (Fremont) — 21+ dive, city-famous fish & chips
Pacific Inn Pub is technically a bar, but locals will tell you it’s secretly one of the best fish-and-chips spots in the city. The panko-crusted fish is crispy, piping hot, and served with tangy tartar sauce and fresh coleslaw. It’s the kind of place where regulars know the bartenders by name and the fish is always on point.
Order the three-piece and settle in with a cold drink. Just remember, this spot is 21 and over only, so bring your ID. The vibe is dive-bar cozy, the food is legendary, and the experience is pure Seattle charm.