Description: Ivar Haglund was a legend in Seattle for over 60 years. He was a real character, pulling off publicity stunts and making people laugh. He had sincere warmth for everyone. He opened Seattle's first aquarium in 1938, with the fish-n-chips bar and restaurant added on later. Currently there are three restaurants, 31 fish bars, and two eateries at Safeco Field. Most folks from around here remember him with a smile.

Ivar's Acres of Clams is where it all started and to this day, this restaurant brings in the most local and tourist-driven business. A practical setting with dark mahogany wood tables and chairs; a large waiting area, including plenty of seating, and an overflow area adjacent to the bar where folks can sip a drink or two while they wait. Needless to say, the dinners are wonderful, filling and well worth the wait.

Manager Eric Robertson recommends the "Seattle Today" menu selection of "Ivar's Authentic Seafood Bouillabaisse" (with crab, scallops, prawns, salmon, halibut, clams and mussels in a tomato sauce with saffron.)

My recommendation, though, comes from the "Original Favorites" selection of "Traditional Acres of Clams" (steamed Manila clams with clam nectar and melted butter. The side of wild rice is tasty as well.)

If you're not in the mood to wait for a table (some nights, even with reservations, the wait can be long), the fish-n-chips bar is just next door, and the kids can feed the seagulls, who are self-trained to catch a fry in mid-air.
-- Anne Stein, for SeattleInsider.com

Location: Downtown Seattle

Price Range: $15-25

Address:
1001 Alaskan Way (Pier 54)
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: 206 624 6852

Business Hours:
Mon-Thu: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri-Sat: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Services:
Dress Code: Casual
Disabled access
Outdoor dining
Child-friendly
Prix Fixe menu
Parties/private room
Credit Cards Accepted
Full bar
Smoking available
Smoke-free
Children's menu

Categories:
Seafood
Northwest