Washington Locals Have Quietly Bought Their Crab And Salmon At This Fish Market For Decades
Fishermen walk their fresh catch up to a little window here and hand it over to be cleaned and vacuum packed. A few steps away, families line up for chowder by the quart.
That combo tells you a lot. This is a working seafood stop on the Washington coast, not a themed tourist trap.
Canned albacore lines the shelves inside, and whole cooked Dungeness crab waits in the case.
I like how one building handles so many jobs at once. You can shop, eat, ship fish home, or grab a seat upstairs with a harbor view.
The chowder alone pulls people in from an hour away.
I can’t imagine a better way to taste a fishing town in one stop. So what exactly makes this harbor-side market worth the drive?
A Harbor Market That Does Far More Than Sell Fish
Merino’s Seafood Market sits right on the harbor in Westport, a fishing town on the Washington coast. It works as a seafood shop, a casual restaurant, and a processing stop all at once.
Downstairs at street level, there’s a walk-up order window for food. Next to it, a storefront sells seafood from a case along with canned options.
Then comes the part that surprises first-timers. Another walk-up window handles fish brought in by anglers, who drop off their catch for cleaning and vacuum packing.
Upstairs, a second dining area offers indoor tables and an outdoor deck. You can order at the window, use a kiosk inside, or work with a server.
That flexibility matters on a busy coastal weekend. Families can grab a quick basket, while slower eaters can claim a table and linger over the harbor.
The owners call it The Taste of Westport, and the name fits. Few places pack this much fishing-town life into a single address.
It feels less like a restaurant with a fish counter and more like a hub for everything seafood in town.
The Pacific-Style Chowder Everyone Keeps Ordering By The Quart
Clam chowder is the single most talked-about item here, and it isn’t close. It shows up in conversation far more often than anything else on the menu.
Part of the appeal is the style. It’s a Pacific take on chowder, with flavors that can catch New England fans a little off guard.
Some love that twist instantly. Others still prefer the classic East Coast version, which is fair, since chowder loyalty runs deep.
Plenty of diners describe it as loaded with clams and full of flavor. A few even call it the most unique chowder they’ve had.
Sizes go big if you want them to. Quarts and 32-ounce portions are on offer, and that’s a lot of soup to share, or not share.
Here’s a fun bonus for road trippers. The market also sells chowder in two-pound bags to go, so you can carry a taste of Westport back home.
For something more playful, keep an eye out for chowder poutine. Fries smothered in chowder sounds like a coastal dare, and honestly, it’s a good one.
Four Kinds Of Fish And One Very Hard Decision
Most fish-and-chips counters hand you one choice. Here you get four, which turns a simple lunch order into a small family debate.
Lingcod, rockfish, halibut, and salmon all show up in the fried baskets. Each one has its own fans, and nobody seems to agree on a winner.
Lingcod often gets the nod as a top pick. Rockfish earns praise for being crispy and flavorful, while halibut wins hearts as a lighter, flaky option.
The batter gets plenty of attention on its own. Crunchy and crisp are the words that keep coming up, and the fries hold their end of the deal too.
Tartar sauce rounds things out, and coleslaw makes a solid side. Malt vinegar is another easy upgrade if you like a little tang.
Portions land on the moderate side, enough to satisfy without a nap afterward. That leaves room for chowder, which is exactly how many folks plan it.
Can’t decide? Bring a friend and split two kinds.
It’s the most delicious way to settle the argument.
Dungeness Crab And Shelves Of Local Albacore
Whole cooked Dungeness crab is one of the big draws in the retail case. It’s the classic Washington coast treat, ready to crack open without boiling a pot yourself.
Crab also stars on the restaurant side. Crab cocktail and a crab melt appear on the menu, and fresh, locally caught crab gets plenty of love.
Inside the shop, canned seafood deserves a slow browse. Locally canned albacore tuna stands out, and it makes a great pantry souvenir that won’t need a cooler.
Smoked salmon is another favorite to tuck into a shopping bag. It travels well and tastes like the coast in every bite.
One honest tip helps set expectations. Much of the fish in the case is frozen, and the shrimp come cooked.
Staff have pointed shoppers toward the docks for truly fresh-off-the-boat purchases. They also suggest following their Facebook page to learn when dock sales happen.
That kind of straight talk is refreshing. It shows a market that knows its town and wants you to get the best catch possible.
Your Catch, Cleaned, Packed, And Shipped Home
Landed a great haul on a charter? Merino’s Seafood Market can take it from there.
Anglers bring their catch to a dedicated walk-up window for cleaning and vacuum packing. It’s a huge help after a long morning on the water.
Westport is famous for its charter fishing, so this service fits the town perfectly. Salmon, rockfish, and bottom fish are all part of the local scene.
The market also offers shipping. That means visitors from out of state can send fish home instead of hauling coolers through an airport.
Service here goes the extra mile, too. When one holiday shipment was delayed and arrived spoiled, the team sent fresh fish the next day to make it right.
That fix turned a frustrating moment into a happy family dinner across the country. It says a lot about how they treat repeat customers.
Bottom fishing season brings a fresh wave of activity. If you’re planning a fishing trip, it’s smart to know this window exists before you even book your boat.
Grab The Upstairs Deck For Those Harbor Views
Ask for one seating tip and you’ll likely hear the same answer. Head upstairs for the nicer view.
The upper level has a handful of indoor tables plus outdoor seating on a deck. From there, you can take in the harbor while working through your basket.
Downstairs offers both indoor and outdoor seating too. That’s handy when the family is hungry and the stairs feel like a mountain.
The vibe stays relaxed and friendly for all ages. Kids, grandparents, and fishing crews fit right in without anyone feeling out of place.
Restrooms are kept clean, which matters more than people admit on a road trip. Free parking makes the whole stop even easier.
The beach sits close by as well. A short stroll after lunch can turn a quick meal into a full Washington coast afternoon.
One small heads-up keeps things smooth. It runs as fast casual, with counter or kiosk ordering, so plan to carry your own tray.
The view makes the trip up the stairs worth it.
Hours, Location, And A Few Smart Timing Tips
Good news for flexible planners. The market keeps the same hours every day of the week.
Doors open at 10 a.m. and close at 6 p.m., Monday through Sunday. That makes it an easy lunch or early dinner stop.
You’ll find it at 301 Harbor Ave, Westport, WA 98595. It sits right along the marina area, close to the charter docks and the beach.
Westport is a manageable coastal drive for much of western Washington. Some folks happily drive about an hour each way from Ocean Shores just for a meal.
Arriving right after opening can pay off. Early birds have reported a very short wait, which beats standing in line when the lunch rush hits.
Staff have said they’re always busy, so timing really does help. Weekends during fishing season can get lively.
Prices aren’t posted online, so expect to check when you arrive. Many diners still describe the value as fair for the portion and freshness, which keeps families and budget-minded travelers coming back.
Why This Stop Belongs On Your Next Coast Trip
Some families eat here every single time they visit Westport. Others stop once a year as a ritual.
Either way, the pattern speaks volumes.
Merino’s Seafood Market earns that loyalty by doing many things well under one roof. Chowder, fish and chips, crab, canned tuna, and catch processing all live side by side.
It isn’t perfect, and that’s okay. Service can feel rushed on packed days, and a few dishes split opinions.
Still, the big picture stays bright. Few Washington stops let you eat, shop, and ship your catch in one quick visit.
Families will love the casual setup and kid-friendly menu. Retirees on a budget can enjoy a filling basket without fancy fuss.
Anglers get a practical partner for their haul. Souvenir hunters can leave with smoked salmon or a few cans of albacore.
So pack a cooler, plan a harbor stroll, and save room for chowder. A weekend on the coast tastes better with a stop at this little market by the boats.