13 Coastal Washington Seafood Shacks With Views As Legendary As The Seafood
Washington State’s coastline is rich with places where seafood and scenery come together naturally. Oyster farms line quiet bays, while coastal shacks serve freshly fried fish and local shellfish just steps from the water.
Inlets, harbors, and beaches provide the backdrop as boats pass and the sky shifts with the light. These restaurants reflect a way of life shaped by the sea, fresh, simple, and deeply rooted in place.
Every plate tells part of the story, made complete by the salt air and the views that surround it.
1. Hama Hama Oyster Saloon, Lilliwaup, WA
Tucked along Hood Canal, this place feels like a secret hideaway for oyster lovers. You can slurp down fresh oysters straight from the farm while watching the tide roll in and out.
The menu keeps things simple but seriously satisfying, with shellfish that tastes like the ocean just handed it to you. Wooden tables and a relaxed vibe make you want to stay all afternoon.
Bring a jacket because the breeze can be chilly, but the views make it totally worth it.
2. The Shrimp Shack, Anacortes, WA
This no-frills spot in Anacortes serves up shrimp that’s been caught locally and cooked to golden perfection. The name says it all, but don’t sleep on the fish tacos either.
Seating outside lets you soak up the marina atmosphere while seagulls circle overhead hoping for a handout. It’s the kind of place where paper plates and plastic forks feel exactly right.
Cash is king here, so hit the ATM before you arrive and get ready for a tasty, budget-friendly meal.
3. Marination Ma Kai, West Seattle, WA
Hawaiian-Korean fusion meets Pacific Northwest seafood at this funky spot along the West Seattle waterfront. The tacos are legendary, especially the spicy pork and kalua pig versions that pack serious flavor.
Outdoor seating puts you right next to the water with views of downtown Seattle across the sound. It’s the perfect spot for a laid-back lunch where flip-flops are totally acceptable footwear.
The tropical vibe feels like a mini vacation without leaving the city limits, and the portions won’t leave you hungry.
4. Downriggers, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, WA
Friday Harbor’s busy marina provides constant entertainment while you dig into fresh Dungeness crab at Downriggers. Boats come and go, seals pop up near the docks, and the whole scene feels like a postcard come to life.
The seafood here is as fresh as it gets on the islands, with daily catches featured on the menu. Large windows and outdoor tables mean everyone gets a good view of the action.
Pair your meal with people-watching as tourists and sailors wander the waterfront nearby.
5. Ray’s Café, Seattle, WA
Ray’s sits on the edge of Shilshole Bay, offering sweeping views of sailboats bobbing in the marina. The cafe side keeps things casual and affordable compared to the upstairs boathouse, but the scenery is equally stunning.
Order the fish and chips or a steaming bowl of clam chowder and grab a seat on the deck. Watching the sunset paint the Olympic Mountains pink and orange never gets old here.
It’s a local favorite for good reason, so weekends can get busy fast.
6. Drop Anchor Seafood & Grill, Long Beach, WA
Long Beach Peninsula’s rugged coastline provides the backdrop for this friendly seafood spot. While you can’t see the ocean from every seat, the beach vibe is strong and the menu focuses on local catches prepared without unnecessary fuss.
Razor clams show up when the season allows, and the fish is always fresh off the boats that work these waters. It’s a cozy place that feels welcoming whether you’re sandy from the beach or just passing through.
The portions are hearty and the staff treats everyone like regulars from the moment you walk in.
7. Ocean Crest Resort Restaurant, Ocean Shores, WA
Perched on a bluff above the Pacific, Ocean Crest offers dramatic views of waves crashing against the shore. The restaurant sits high enough to give you a bird’s eye perspective of the endless ocean stretching to the horizon.
Seafood is the star here, with preparations that let the natural flavors shine through. Storm watching from the dining room in winter is absolutely thrilling, with wind and rain putting on a show.
Book a window seat if you can, because the view is honestly half the reason to visit this spot.
8. Tides Tavern, Gig Harbor, WA
Gig Harbor’s most famous waterfront spot has been serving seafood and good times since 1973. The deck literally hangs over the water, so you can watch boats motor past close enough to wave at their passengers.
Fish and chips are the go-to order, crispy and hot with a side of coleslaw that adds the perfect crunch. The atmosphere is lively and fun, with a mix of boaters, families, and friends gathering for meals with a view.
Sunny days mean the deck fills up fast, so arrive early or be prepared to wait a bit.
9. Katie Downs, Tacoma, WA
Commencement Bay spreads out before you at Katie Downs, with views that include Mount Rainier on clear days. The restaurant sits right on the water, giving diners a peaceful escape from the city just minutes away.
While they’re known for pizza, the seafood options hold their own with fresh local ingredients. The patio is the place to be when weather allows, with heaters extending the outdoor season into cooler months.
It’s a popular spot for watching boats and enjoying the kind of view that makes you forget your worries.
10. Cliff House, Tacoma, WA
Sitting high above the Tacoma Narrows, Cliff House delivers some of the most spectacular views in the entire Puget Sound region. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase the water, bridges, and distant mountains in a panorama that stops conversations mid-sentence.
The seafood menu leans upscale with carefully crafted dishes that match the impressive setting. Watching the sun set over the narrows while savoring fresh halibut feels like a special occasion even on a regular Tuesday.
Reservations are smart here, especially for window seats that book up quickly on weekends.
11. Taylor Shellfish Farms – Samish Oyster Bar, Bow, WA
Samish Bay stretches out in front of you at this working oyster farm turned restaurant. Tables sit right on the water, so you can watch the shellfish beds while munching on clams and mussels.
Everything here comes straight from the source, which means unbeatable freshness. The staff knows their stuff and can tell you exactly where your meal came from that morning.
Pack your appetite because the portions are generous and the chowder is creamy perfection in a bowl.
12. Ivar’s Pier 54 Fish Bar, Seattle, WA
Ivar’s has been a Seattle institution since 1938, and the Pier 54 location delivers classic fish and chips with a side of Elliott Bay views. Ferries glide past while you munch on crispy cod that practically melts in your mouth.
The seagulls here are bold, so guard your fries or they’ll become a donation. Tourists and locals alike crowd the outdoor counter because the food and scenery never disappoint.
Grab extra napkins and settle in for a quintessential Seattle waterfront experience.
13. Sunfish, West Seattle, WA
Perched along Alki Beach, Sunfish gives you front-row seats to Puget Sound’s ever-changing moods. The menu blends Pacific Northwest seafood with creative twists that keep things interesting without getting too fancy.
Big windows mean even indoor diners get amazing views of the water and Olympic Mountains beyond. I once watched a pod of orcas swim by while eating salmon tacos, and it felt like winning the lottery.
Sunset visits are magical here, turning the sky into a painting you can enjoy with your meal.