I Wandered The Coast Of Washington To Visit 12 Fish-And-Chips Stands (And 5 Were Oceanfront Perfection)
Washington’s coast has a way of pulling you in, mile after mile of open shoreline dotted with weathered shacks serving up golden fried fish.
I spent a few weeks driving along those coastal roads, stopping wherever the smell of salt and batter mixed in the air. Some spots hit the mark, others just missed it, but a handful stood out right away.
The kind of places where locals still wave when you walk in and the ocean view feels like part of the meal. That’s where Washington’s best fish and chips truly live.
1. Bennett’s Fish Shack, Westport
Right on the water in Westport, this place gives you everything you want from a coastal meal. The fish was perfectly crispy, and I could watch boats coming into the harbor while I ate.
Fresh halibut is their specialty, and they get it straight from the docks nearby. The batter had just the right amount of crunch without being greasy.
I sat outside with the ocean breeze and felt like I’d found exactly what I was looking for. This spot earned its place as one of the five oceanfront perfections on my list.
2. Merino’s Seafood Market Walk-Up Window, Westport
Ordering from a walk-up window might sound simple, but Merino’s makes it special. You’re steps away from the water, and the fish couldn’t be fresher if you caught it yourself.
I grabbed my order and ate it on a nearby bench, watching seagulls circle overhead. The cod was flaky and hot, with fries that had a nice golden color.
Everything tasted like it came straight from the ocean that morning. The view alone makes this one of my oceanfront perfections.
3. Bennett’s Fish Shack, Ocean Shores
Ocean Shores has its own version of Bennett’s, and while the name is the same, the location gives it a different feel. I stopped in on a cloudy afternoon and ordered the halibut basket.
The fish was good, cooked well with a light batter that didn’t overwhelm the flavor. The spot doesn’t sit right on the water like the Westport location, but it’s close enough that you can smell the salt air.
Service was quick, and the portions were generous. Solid choice if you’re in the area.
4. Captain Bob’s Chowder, Long Beach
Long Beach has plenty of seafood spots, but Captain Bob’s caught my attention with its no-frills approach. I ordered the fish and chips along with a cup of chowder to start.
The chowder was thick and full of clams, which set a good tone for the meal. The fried fish had a homemade feel to it, like someone’s grandmother was back there cooking.
It wasn’t fancy, but it was honest food done right. I left feeling satisfied and ready to keep exploring.
5. Drop Anchor Seafood & Grill, Long Beach
Drop Anchor sits a bit inland, so you don’t get the direct ocean views, but the food makes up for it. I tried their fish tacos first, then went back the next day for the classic fish and chips.
The fish was moist inside with a crunchy coating that stayed crispy even as I took my time eating. They use local catch when they can, and you can taste the difference.
The tartar sauce had a tangy kick that I really enjoyed. Worth a stop if you’re hungry in Long Beach.
6. Blue Buoy Restaurant, Westport
Westport has several good seafood places, and Blue Buoy is one that locals seem to favor. I went in around lunchtime and found a seat by the window overlooking the marina.
Their fish and chips came with coleslaw and a lemon wedge, simple but effective. The fish was tender, and the fries were hot and salted just right.
It’s not directly on the beach, but you can see the water from most tables. A reliable option when you’re in town.
7. Salt Pub, Ilwaco
Ilwaco surprised me with this gem right on the water. Salt Pub has big windows that let you watch the waves while you eat, and the fish and chips here were outstanding.
The batter was light and crispy, and the fish practically melted in my mouth. I could see the ocean from my table, and the whole experience felt perfect.
They know what they’re doing here, from the food to the atmosphere. This is absolutely one of my five oceanfront perfections, no question about it.
8. River’s Edge Restaurant, La Push
La Push feels remote, like you’ve reached the edge of the world. River’s Edge sits right where you can see the waves crashing against the rocks, and the setting is unforgettable.
I ordered the fish and chips and ate slowly, taking in the view with every bite. The fish was fresh and perfectly cooked, and the location made everything taste even better.
You can’t beat eating seafood while watching the Pacific stretch out in front of you. Another oceanfront perfection that I’ll remember for years.
9. Calvin’s Crab House, Neah Bay
Neah Bay is as far northwest as you can go in Washington, and Calvin’s Crab House serves the people who make the trip out there. I stopped in after a long drive and was ready for a good meal.
The fish and chips were solid, with a crispy coating and tender fish inside. They also had crab, which I tried on the side, and it was sweet and fresh. The place is small and unpretentious, just good food for hungry travelers.
Glad I made the detour to try it.
10. The Lost Roo, Long Beach
The Lost Roo has an Australian theme, which gives it a different vibe from the other spots I visited. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the fish and chips turned out to be really good.
They use a lighter batter than most places, and the fish stays moist without being oily. The fries were crispy and well-seasoned.
It’s a fun spot with friendly staff and a relaxed feel that makes you want to stay a while. A nice change of pace on my coastal journey.
11. Anita’s Coastal Café, Ocean Park
Ocean Park is a quiet town, and Anita’s Coastal Café fits right in with its laid-back atmosphere. I stopped in for lunch and ordered the fish and chips with a side of coleslaw.
The fish was cooked well, with a golden batter that had a nice crunch. The café has a homey feel, and the staff made me feel welcome. It’s not right on the water, but you can tell the ocean is close by.
A pleasant stop that hit the spot after a morning of exploring.
12. Warmhouse Restaurant, Neah Bay
Back in Neah Bay, Warmhouse Restaurant sits right on the water with views that stretch across the strait. I saved this one for my last stop, and it was the perfect way to end my journey.
The fish and chips were excellent, with fresh halibut that tasted like it came off the boat that morning. I sat by the window and watched the water while I ate, feeling grateful for the trip.
The combination of great food and an incredible view made this my fifth oceanfront perfection.