Wally's Chowder House Broiler — Restaurant in Des Moines

We missed the Sunday rush fortunately. Heard of Wally's for years but we live so far away. Decided to finally try them out. Was not disappointed. For a small cozy joint that isn't upscale the food was surprisingly at that level. We ordered Fresh Ling Cod and a Salmon Filet dish. I am a salmon snob and it's rare to find a restaurant that can do it justice. I was told they have their own boats where they catch and flash freeze fish. So the pre-frozen salmon actually had a very fresh like texture even though it was almost overcooked and didn't have a fishy smell. It was placed on a bed of tangy flavored rice. The fresh cod was truly fresh. That's another that can be messed up. Oh my gosh was it light and tender. And get this, it was deep fried. I don't prefer deep fried anything and had to give it a try. The batter around it is not that smooth doughy oil soaked version. It's the bread crumb type. The four piece were huge so come hungry because fried food doesn't travel well. Or order the cod tacos. We saw those huge bad boys at the next table but they weren't as hefty as the dish I had to finish. Next time, yes, there will be a next time, we will try the house made desserts that apparently they are famous for. The only thing I was meh about was the clam chowder. Yes, it's good, but I prefer a bit more flavor and a hint more salt. But that's okay, you can add a bit of sherry or malt vinegar to give it a kick. May I ask that you have the staff clean the outside of the table condiments. They were all sticky. The decor is fun but not in your face. The outside of the building is covered in lights, kind of silly but cheerful. Menus are fun, a bit cluttered but matches the personality of the restaurant. Our server was very knowledgeable about the company which I appreciate. He answered all my questions regarding allergies and origin of the seafood. I'm giving it a four for now, until I visit a second time when I order a non-fried item and...

our kids from Texas were here in Seattle area at the time!!! That is one place they wanted to go with us!!! They lived in Redmond 3 yrs. ago, and had been there before!!!😁 The food was super yummy as ever!!! we have been staying OUT of restaurants for the last 3 yrs. because of COVID, but have this last few months have gone inside a VERY FEW restaurants, at way less busier times. We went to Wally's at 11:00 am, opening time, because if you've ever been before it is ALWAYS PACKED OUT! They have several booths and tables besides the VERY LARGE & STOCKED BAR! It is roomier in that section of the place. They also have a roomy, covered outside eating area on the water side ( west of course), with many windows. The prices $$ have gone up considerably. Especially the lobster meal; just under $50 PER PERSON!😞 The ALL YOU CAN EAT SHRIMP MEAL is around $30 apiece. We get it because you get chowder with it and YUMMY slaw, VERY LARGE BAKED POTATO with a delightful butter & sour cream mixture, on the side; or French fries, ALL for ALL YOU CAN EAT!!! Ice tea, pop, and (all kinds) of lemonade are refillable!! I guess that's enough of a positive review needed. We definitely RECOMMEND GOING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Oh, they DON'T TAKE RESERVATIONS FOR ANY DAY OF THE WEEK& HAVE A VERY SMALL WAITING ROOM INSIDE, BUT A COVERED AREA FOR STANDING IN LINE!!! WE RECOMMEND YOU GET THERE EARLY AND PUT YOUR NAME IN. THEY'D LIKE YOUR WHOLE PARTY TO BE TOGETHER TOO!!! THEY DO TAKE-OUT, AND I THINK, DELIVER, BUT I CAN'T REMEMBER!!! PEOPLE CAN, CHECK IT ON-LINE THEMSELVES. You will have a SUPERB EXPERIENCE!! IF NOT, YOU ARE A VERY...

Wally’s has been a favorite of ours for 20+ years! We go out of our way to go here anytime we are in the Puget Sound area. When we lived in the South Sound, we went to Wally’s several times a month. This past Saturday, we went for Dinner. Both of us ordered the Halibut dinner with baked potato and veggies. After a few minutes, our waiter came back to the table and let us know that their oven was down and that there were no baked potatoes. OK, things happen. When our dinner came and we started to eat the fish, we both realized that it was way over cooked. It was tough and didn’t taste good at all. When our waiter came backed and asked how things were, my wife told him that the Halibut was way over cooked. I told him that mine was also way over done. He told us that he would be back and that he was going to check with someone to see what he could do. When he returned, he told us that they were going to buy us dessert. We both told him that the fish was unedible, and he apologized and said that he had received several complaints about the Halibut being over done and not edible from others that night. Every restaurant has a bad night now and then. My feeling is that it is all in how you handle the problem. Each of the two dinners were $34.99 and neither was edible. We got a piece of carrot cake to go for our dessert on the house. On a side note, the carrot cake was super salty and we tossed it out after a couple of bites. The appropriate response would have been to comp the dinners we could not eat. After years of loyalty to Wally’s, I an sad to say that we won’t be back again. An acceptable solution to a problem...