Ivar's Pier 54 Fish Bar — Restaurant in Seattle

Ivar’s Fish Bar at Pier 54 is an absolute must-visit when in Seattle! Located right by the waterfront, this casual walk-up eatery offers not just delicious seafood but also a truly iconic Pacific Northwest experience. Even though there was a bit of a line when I arrived, the staff kept things moving efficiently, and the wait was well worth it.

I tried their famous clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, and it completely lived up to the hype. The chowder was creamy and rich, with a deep clam flavor that felt hearty without being too heavy. The sourdough bowl soaked up the soup beautifully — every bite was comforting and full of flavor.

I also ordered the shrimp cocktail, which came layered with fresh baby shrimp, avocado, diced veggies, and a zesty cocktail sauce, topped with a slice of lemon. It was refreshing and perfectly balanced — great as a light side or a snack on its own.

The outdoor seating area with its blue benches and view of the bay made the whole meal feel like a quintessential Seattle moment. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between sightseeing stops or just enjoying the waterfront breeze, Ivar’s delivers both in flavor and atmosphere.

Also, bonus points for being such a photogenic spot! I brought along my travel companion (a doll) for a few fun shots, and the staff and other guests were super friendly about it.

If you’re in Seattle and want a taste of local flavor in a casual, iconic setting — don’t miss Ivar’s. It’s been around since 1938...

Eating at Ivar’s is not just about the food—it’s about the full Seattle experience. If you’re visiting the city, sitting by the waterfront while sharing your table with a bunch of loud, dramatic seagulls is something you honestly shouldn’t miss. It might sound chaotic (and it kind of is), but that’s part of the charm.

The view is absolutely stunning. Ferries glide across the water, boats come and go, and if you time it right, you’ll catch an amazing sunset. It’s one of those places where you can’t help but stop and take it all in.

As for the food, I ordered the fried calamari, baby shrimp, and halibut—everything came out crispy, hot, and tasty. Definitely comfort food with a Pacific Northwest twist. If you're not in the mood for something fried, the shrimp cocktail is a great lighter option. It's super fresh, served cold with a nice touch of celery that gives it a clean crunch and balances the flavors well.

Just a heads-up: if you plan on having a deep conversation, the seagulls might not let you finish your sentences—those squawks are serious business, haha! But all in all, Ivar’s is a fun, delicious, and uniquely Seattle spot...

We stopped by Ivar's after coming back from our cruise tour, and it was the perfect way to cap off the trip. The location is super convenient, right at the pier, so you can't miss it.

We were happy to find there was no line-up, so I got my food fairly quickly. The person taking my order was really friendly and even double-checked with me to make sure I was ordering the right things, which I appreciated.

I decided on the clam combo and a cup of their chowder. I have to be honest, I was a little disappointed earlier because I couldn't get to try the famous Pike Place Chowder, so I thought I'd just try it out here anyway. I'm so glad I did! The chowder turned out to be great—creamy, flavorful, and absolutely hit the spot. I also really enjoyed the fried clams; they were crispy and delicious.

The experience is topped off by the great setting. There are plenty of sitting areas outside by the water. It's so relaxing, and you can even feed the seagulls if you want to!

All in all, a fantastic and convenient spot for some classic, satisfying seafood by the water. Highly recommend for a...