Restaurant
Canlis
Family-owned since 1950, Canlis is a Seattle fine-dining restaurant on Aurora Avenue North, known for its award-winning building, wine list and tableside Canlis Salad.
Ivar’s Acres of Clams
Ivar's flagship on Pier 54 has served seafood on the Seattle waterfront since 1938, with a dining room, patio and a take-out fish bar for chowder and fish 'n chips.
At a glance
- Type
- Seafood restaurant
- Area
- Waterfront, Seattle, United States
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- ivars.com
Good to know
- Outdoor patio
- Take-out fish bar
- Happy hour
- Reservations via Tock
Why we recommend it
Ivar's Acres of Clams is the flagship of a Seattle seafood business that began on the waterfront in 1938, when Ivar Haglund started selling fish 'n chips to visitors at his waterfront aquarium. The restaurant is on Pier 54, which opened in 1901, and it had its largest remodel in 2015, which added an outdoor patio, more indoor seating and a bigger kitchen. Original features such as exposed fir beams and an old Galbraith-Bacon & Co. sign were restored, and the decor pays tribute to Ivar and his flounder mascot.
The sit-down menu focuses on Pacific Northwest seafood, including wild Alaska salmon, halibut, Alaska king crab, Dungeness crab, jumbo prawns, Manila clams and scallops, as well as Ivar's clam chowder. The kitchen is led by executive chef Brandon H. Carter. For a quicker meal, the take-out Pier 54 Fish Bar serves fish 'n chips and chowder to take away, which you can eat outside while watching the boats.
The views are a big part of the experience. From the dining room and patio you can see Elliott Bay, Washington State Ferries coming and going, and fireboats from historic Fire Station No. 3. A table by the window at sunset is the one to ask for.
The restaurant is open from 11am to 8pm Sunday to Thursday and from 11am to 9pm on Friday and Saturday, and there is a daily happy hour from 3pm to 6pm. Reservations can be made online through Tock, and group dining is catered for. Booking is sensible in summer and at weekends, when the waterfront is busy.
Ivar's suits families, first-time visitors and anyone who wants classic Seattle seafood with a view. The menu is broad enough for most tastes, and the fish bar is a good budget alternative if you just want a quick bite. Allow an hour to an hour and a half for a meal in the restaurant.
Metered street parking runs along the waterfront and there are paid car parks nearby. The Seattle Aquarium and the Seattle Great Wheel are a short walk north along Alaskan Way, and Pioneer Square is a few blocks inland, so the restaurant fits easily into a day on the waterfront.
Ivar’s Acres of Clams FAQs
When did Ivar's start?
Ivar Haglund began selling fish 'n chips on the Seattle waterfront in 1938, and Pier 54 is where it all began.
What are the opening hours?
11am to 8pm Sunday to Thursday, and 11am to 9pm on Friday and Saturday.
Is there a happy hour?
Yes. Happy hour runs daily from 3pm to 6pm.
Can you book a table?
Yes. Reservations are taken online through Tock.
Is there a take-away option?
Yes. The Pier 54 Fish Bar serves fish 'n chips and chowder to take away.
Is there outdoor seating?
Yes. An outdoor patio was added in the 2015 remodel.
What can you see from the restaurant?
Elliott Bay, passing Washington State Ferries and fireboats from historic Fire Station No. 3.
Where can you park?
Metered street parking runs along the waterfront, and there are paid car parks nearby.