Ivar's Seafood Bar — Restaurant in Kirkland

I need to stop eating here. The chowders are tasty but don't agree with me. The fries are pretty solid, typically a nice golden-brown-and-delicious; my only complaint with them is that they could use more salt. The fried cod often has gaps in the breading, allowing hot oil in between the breading and the fish. Consequently the breading slides off while you're trying to eat it, rather than adhering properly. Perhaps inadequate dredging before breading? The cod-flesh itself is pretty medium-well; flakes nicely, but a touch of rubberiness. I haven't gotten the salmon or the cornbread in a year or two so my memory might be faulty, but I seem to recall that the salmon was quite dry / overcooked, and the cornbread was sticky-sweet, more dessert than side.

All that said, service is generally pretty good; they have my pick-up order out right around when they said they would, even...

This was the first place we ate at on our Seattle trip, and it was great! In Texas, I think the closest we'd have is like Long John Silvers (which I like but it's definitely fast food). This was a more elevated experience in service and food quality. We loved the fish and chips, especially the cajun option, and the salmon chowder - what a treat. If we'd been visiting in a cooler month, we would have gotten bowls of salmon chowder in bread bowls and been the happiest little tourists in town. As it was, we were there in July so we shared a cup just to taste it. Yum. :)

This location is lovely and you can cross the street to walk around and enjoy the park and lake views! Staff was super friendly and didn't get annoyed that we asked a lot of questions....

I am not a local so there is probably an opinion about Ivars. This is a chain of low key seafood joints.

I personally enjoyed it very much. It is not a Michelin Star place. It is consistent, tasty and not a pocket book killer.

Place was packed. Tables were a little hard to find and people didnt buss there stuff like adults should. With that said, place was clean and no complaints about tables, chairs, interior/exterior. All in great shape and taken care of.

Menu has alot of options. We notice the soup a little saltier than our preference, but was still good. I would probably not order the salmon again when trying fried fish and stick to the more traditional choices. Everything else my wife and i tried was good.

I would come here again...