10 Washington Seafood Chains That Locals Swear Are Worth Every Bite
Washington State sits right on the Pacific Ocean, which means fresh seafood flows into restaurants faster than you can say “salmon.”
Living here, I’ve watched tourists wander around asking where locals actually eat, and I always point them toward these beloved seafood chains.
These aren’t fancy spots trying to impress anyone with fancy words on the menu—they’re places where families gather, friends celebrate, and everyone leaves with happy bellies and fishy fingers.
1. Anthony’s Restaurants
Family owned since the beginning, Anthony’s treats seafood like precious treasure pulled straight from Northwest waters. Every location boasts waterfront views that make you feel like you’re dining on a fancy yacht, except the prices won’t sink your wallet.
I remember celebrating my birthday there once, watching boats drift by while demolishing a plate of Dungeness crab. The fish arrives so fresh that it practically swam onto your plate that morning. Their commitment to local sourcing means you’re eating what Washington waters offer best.
Servers know their stuff and can tell you exactly where your halibut came from, which always impresses dinner guests. The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between nice enough for special occasions and relaxed enough for regular Tuesday dinners.
2. Ivar’s
Walking past any Ivar’s location means catching that irresistible smell of fried fish that makes your stomach growl instantly. This Puget Sound legend has been serving up crispy fish and chips since 1938, and locals still line up for it like it’s opening day.
Their clam chowder has won more awards than I can count, thick and creamy with chunks of clam that taste like the ocean gave you a warm hug. My family makes it a tradition to grab Ivar’s whenever we visit the waterfront.
The best part? You can feed the seagulls your fries and pretend you’re in a nature documentary. Prices stay reasonable, portions come generous, and the quality never wavers no matter which location you visit across Washington.
3. Duke’s Seafood
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword at Duke’s—it’s their whole personality, and honestly, we love them for it. Multiple locations around Puget Sound mean you’re never too far from their famous wild salmon and crab cakes that crunch perfectly on the outside.
Service here makes you feel like family, with servers who remember your name and your usual order. I once watched a server patiently explain the difference between various salmon types to a curious kid, which shows the kind of place this is.
Their chowder comes loaded with seafood chunks, not just broth pretending to be fancy. Duke’s proves that caring about the environment and serving delicious food aren’t opposite goals. Every visit supports responsible fishing practices, so you can feel good while tasting great.
4. Salty’s Waterfront Seafood Grills
Alki Beach gets all the glory, but Salty’s steals the show with views that belong on postcards and seafood towers that look like edible sculptures. This upscale chain manages to feel fancy without making you nervous about using the wrong fork.
Brunch here is legendary among locals—I’m talking champagne, crab legs, and desserts that could make angels weep. The Sunday crowd packs the place, so reservations aren’t just smart, they’re survival.
Watching the sunset over Puget Sound while cracking into Dungeness crab feels like winning the lottery, except it happens every evening. Prices run higher than casual spots, but the experience justifies every dollar. Special occasions practically demand a Salty’s reservation, and your taste buds will send thank you notes.
5. Pike Place Chowder
Awards cover their walls like wallpaper because Pike Place Chowder doesn’t mess around when it comes to soup perfection. Located in Seattle’s famous market, this spot draws lines that snake around corners, yet somehow the wait always feels worth it.
Their chowder varieties go beyond basic—we’re talking smoked salmon, seafood bisque, and clam chowder so good it makes other restaurants nervous. I’ve watched grown adults nearly cry tears of joy after that first spoonful.
The bread bowls come fresh and crusty, perfect vessels for soaking up every last drop of creamy goodness. Multiple locations now exist beyond the original market spot, spreading chowder joy across the region. Tourists discover it, but locals keep coming back because excellence never gets old.
6. RockCreek Seafood & Spirits
Highly rated doesn’t even begin to cover the praise RockCreek receives from everyone who walks through their doors in Seattle or Kirkland. This seafood focused concept elevates simple fish into something that makes you understand why people write poetry about food.
Their menu changes with the seasons and catches, meaning you’re always tasting something at peak freshness. I’ve never left without wanting to immediately turn around and order something else.
The vibe manages to feel both trendy and welcoming, like that cool friend who never makes you feel uncool. Servers genuinely care about your experience, offering recommendations that actually match your taste. Oysters come shucked to order, dirink complement the seafood beautifully, and every detail shows thoughtful planning that enhances your meal.
7. BluWater Bistro
Neighborhood vibes run strong at BluWater Bistro, where multiple locations prove that good seafood doesn’t require waterfront real estate. This local favorite understands that sometimes you want excellent fish without driving across town or changing out of your comfortable jeans.
Their menu balances classic preparations with creative twists that keep regulars interested and newcomers impressed. Fish tacos here convert people who claim they don’t like fish tacos.
Prices stay reasonable enough for weekly visits instead of just special occasions, which explains why you’ll see the same happy faces week after week. The casual atmosphere welcomes families, dates, and solo diners equally. Staff treats everyone like neighbors stopping by for dinner, because in many cases, that’s exactly what’s happening at this beloved Washington chain.
8. Taylor Shellfish Farms Oyster Bars
Ultra fresh takes on new meaning when the restaurant owns the farms where your oysters grew up. Several locations across Western Washington bring Taylor Shellfish’s legendary quality straight from water to table, often within hours.
Watching them shuck oysters right in front of you provides dinner and a show, plus you learn which varieties taste briny versus sweet. My first time trying geoduck happened here, and the friendly staff made the whole weird experience fun instead of intimidating.
Beyond oysters, their clams, mussels, and other shellfish shine with that just harvested flavor that makes you taste the ocean. The casual vibe means slurping is encouraged, not frowned upon. Locals love these spots for quick lunches or relaxed dinners where shellfish takes center stage.
9. Local Tide
Gaining popularity faster than salmon swim upstream, Local Tide represents the new generation of Seattle seafood spots doing things right. Their clean, flavorful dishes focus on letting quality ingredients speak for themselves without unnecessary fussiness.
Every plate arrives looking Instagram ready, but more importantly, it tastes even better than it photographs. The expanding influence of this spot shows that locals recognize something special happening here.
Modern preparations respect traditional flavors while adding contemporary touches that feel fresh and exciting. I’ve brought skeptical friends who left as believers, already planning their return visits. The energy buzzes with that exciting vibe of a place on the rise. Prices reflect the quality without reaching ridiculous levels, making this spot accessible for regular seafood lovers seeking something beyond the usual suspects.
10. All Water Seafood & Oyster Bar
Hotel based restaurants usually get dismissed by locals, but All Water Seafood & Oyster Bar in Seattle breaks that rule spectacularly. This popular venue earns genuine local recommendations because the seafood quality rivals anywhere in the city, fancy address or not.
Their oyster selection rotates through Pacific Northwest’s finest offerings, and the staff knows every detail about what you’re eating. I’ve overheard locals bringing out of town guests here specifically to show off Washington’s seafood scene.
The sophisticated atmosphere works for business dinners and romantic dates equally well, with service that makes everyone feel important. Fresh catches change daily based on what boats bring in, ensuring peak quality always. Despite the hotel location, prices stay competitive with standalone restaurants, proving that great seafood finds homes in unexpected places throughout our beautiful state.