Ivar's Salmon HouseGreat seafood under the bridge!My wife and I had enjoyed a number of new choices for dining in Seattle on our most recent trip. Somehow, we still had to complete our Seattle visit with a trip to Ivar's Salmon House. One serving of Red King Crab legs later, all was right with the world. A bottle of champagne was introduced by our server as specially priced, so we ordered that. Double perfect! My wife enjoyed her salmon, we both shared a salad, and we celebrated a great evening out at Ivar's. We had a great view across the sound as the lights came on in the Space Needle at 9:00 pm.5/13/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent Mother's Day Brunch.Excellent Mother's Day Brunch. So many choices and so little stomach space. It was my family's meal for the day. Even our 19 year son couldn't eat any more for the day. He manage to eat at least 3 full crabs and numerous plates of other items.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMWe were seated at the timeWe were seated at the time of our reservation, the waiter was friendly and helpful. The food was served in a timely manner.
The atmosphere was great and the food was wonderful.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMMom's DayAs always it was a great place for a special occasion. The people working there was fantastic. We were greeted by very friendly people who seated us promptly. Our server was very polite. The food that was ordered came in a timely manner and was delicious as always. I had the surf and turf and the steak was delicious and tender.
Would definitely come back again.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat view and good foodI live out of town but just about every time i come to seatlle i eat here. Food is very good, great views of water and downtown seattle and good service. Ended up sitting in bar since my daughter wanted a burger, which wasn't on mail menu. Bar menu/happy hour is great, and you can get pretty much everything you want on main menu. Great outdoor patio, boats docking there to drop of hungry sailers, and great views of downtown and skyline. Its part of a small chain, yes, but you don't feel like you are in a chain restaurant. Very fresh tasty fish (and yes, my daughter really liked her burger). Can be tough to find it, if you are coming from U district, but worth the search.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMLast night in SeattleA bit noisy for our party of five to have a conversation but the view of the boats on Lake Union was great and the salmon and halibut were excellent. It was very busy on a Friday night at 7:00 PM so the service was a bit slow, but we didn't mind as we enjoyed a slow pace to our evening.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMIvar's service was outstanding.Ivar's service was outstanding. It was the best buffet service that I have ever had. Although our waiter only had to deliver drinks and clear plates, he went far beyond that. He gave us information about the buffet, where we would find different items, and brought us crab claw crackers and cocktail forks. He explained how the Bloody Mary bar worked and was quick to refill our beverages. A real treat to be served so well.4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMDespite arriving 20 minutesDespite arriving 20 minutes early, for our reservation, my party and I were seated without a problem. The food was amazing and the wait staff were very friendly and attentive.4/28/2013 12:00:00 AMGo for the King Salmon!What excellent food. We had the fresh King Salmon and the Halibut. The best salmon I've ever had.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AM"I love the view of the city."I love the view of the city. Seating was a little close to other table, but considering that we were a group it was ok. I definitely would return to try more dishes. We had several starters and not one of them was lesser in taste of quality. Everyone loved their meals. Service was extremely friendly and accommodating, but seemed a little overwhelmed."4/22/2013 12:00:00 AMThe unknown brunch spotGreat food , Great place to bring out of town guests !4/21/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food. Awesome service.Great food. Awesome service. We had a large group and they accommodated everyone nicely. Only constructive feedback would be that our feed took a long time (more than usual) to be served. I'm not sure if that was because of our large party. Otherwise, it was a good time had by all!4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMGood food, sevice, and anGood food, sevice, and an outstanding view. Limited on site parking.4/18/2013 12:00:00 AMIntro to SeattleGood food, great service and unbeatable view. I often take out-of-town visitors to Ivar's as an introduction to Seattle and its foods.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMIvar's continues to be ourIvar's continues to be our go-to local restaurant -- especially with out of town guests. Wish they'd bring back the regular cornbread instead of the muffins, and wish they had black cod/sable fish on the menu more often. Nice views, attentive service, great decor.4/12/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food and service.Excellent food and service. Consistent on both counts!4/11/2013 12:00:00 AMSalmon House, a Good Seafood ChoiceWe took Mom her for her 92nd birthday, which I had mentioned in my reservation. We were seated at a very nice table by the window, which was ample in size, as I asked for, for my very tall husband. My mother had a great time, and so did her older sister. Our wait person was very patient with their hearing impairment, plus the place was full, and hearing was a bit harder. There is something on the menu for everyone, and prices are moderate, portions the same, but fine, unless you have a big eater with you. Better to keep things affordable in these times. We had a very good time. Mother and her sister are very outspoken, and they were very happy with everything.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMFirst time for dinner at thisFirst time for dinner at this Seattle landmark. Relaxed, family friendly environment and incredibly friendly staff. Great views of Ship Canal Bridge and Lake Union with Seattle skyline in the distance.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, excellent serviceGreat food, excellent service and wonderful view. The restaurant is noisy and makes it hard to hear conversations but the food makes up for it. Always go here when in Seattle!!4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMEven though only one windowEven though only one window table remaining, we were happily taken to it.4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMIt was our families firstIt was our families first visit and we where celebrating my grandson's 7th birthday.. We had a perfect table with view for him to enjoy the boats, the planes and the space needle as this was his first visit to Seattle. We enjoyed the food and the waiter Mike was excellent!4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent Seafood in SeattleHad read good reviews about Ivar's, both for the food and the views. Both were as good as advertised. Went for lunch on Monday and had the traditional fish and chips, and the fish tacos. Both dishes were very good. Service was excellent, and Ryan took good care of us.4/1/2013 12:00:00 AMWe really enjoyed our EasterWe really enjoyed our Easter family dinner here. The food was good and the service was excellent. We had a small problem and the management and waiter were very responsive and accommodating. We'll be back.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMTradition at Ivar's Salmon HouseEven though it was SLAMMED for Easter Brunch, the food and service was excellent. Best bang for your buck Easter Brunch in Seattle.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was excellent and wasFood was excellent and was very tastefull. The Hostess was most polite and helpfull with our request for a window table. We had just came in from Portland for our dinner and was a little tired and she was very respectfull to us and our wishes. The cocktails were very good and the service was excellent.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMBest buffet with best viewsIf you are considering this particular location for Ivar's, then you've no doubt heard about their famous brunch. Is it worth the $35/person? YES. It's the best brunch there is, in my opinion.
I've taken my wife and stepchild here twice now, on both occasions for easter brunch this year and last year. The staff were not as personable as the first visit, but the quality of service didn't otherwise suffer. In the restaurant world, brunch buffet is the worst shift there is -- it's painful gruntwork and not at all lucritive for tips. Ivar's staff hold up very well under the very challenging conditions of one of Seattle's most popular brunch buffets. It's quite remarkable.
The longhouse setting and views are outstanding.3/31/2013 12:00:00 AMWe really enjoyed our mealWe really enjoyed our meal and the wonderful view of Lake Union and downtown Seattle. Food and service were great. Maybe a lttle pricey but great food overall.
We made a reservation for 5PM which was perfect because we beat the dinner crowd and we were able to have a window seat. I would suggest making a similar reservation if you want it quiet and more personal than later when the dinner crowd begins arriving.
We all ordered salmon and we each had a different menu item. All were very good and large portions but we all opted for no desert because the meal was a bit more than we expected. Everything is a la carta. The meal was served quickly although we did not feel rushed.
We will go again likely around the same time,
Steve3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMgreat food & great viewI love this place. I've never had a bad experience. In using Opentable, they accomodated my table request. (thanks Salmon House staff!) Friendly, fun, enjoyable, & delicious. Costco in Issaquah/WA is selling $100 worth of Ivar gift cards for $80. Consider getting some and you instantly save 20%.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMIt was nice to return to ourIt was nice to return to our favorite place to dine when we lived in Bellevue. We have been away for over 10 years and it was pleasant to find that the restaurant was still there and very much alive. We look forward to returning to visit when the remodel is over and the facility is back to full speed. Food us still wonderful and service is as great as it has always been. Nice to visit and old friend.3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMAll these years in Seattle,All these years in Seattle, we've never been to this location on Lake Union. What a treat and the food was great!3/26/2013 12:00:00 AMWe went there on Sunday forWe went there on Sunday for the Iconic Brunch. Thank goodness we made reservations ! We got in and were seated before our reservation time and had a good expeirence. It was not great or better because of the remodeling that was occouring and the resteraunt was cramped and crouded. The enterance was the same walk way as the buffet line. POOR choice. Food was Great and plentaful. Service was Great.3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing view, cozy decor,Amazing view, cozy decor, fabulous food, and wonderful service. Cannot wait to come back!3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent selection of deliciousExcellent selection of delicious items. Was very happy with our entire experience and the view was amazing!3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMIts good to be backIvar's Salmon House has been one of our favorites when we were living in the greater Seattle area. We always try to go there whenever we come back for a visit. This time we invited some Seattle relatives who haven't been (how is that possible) there before. We were seated next to a window and enjoyed the sunset with the Space Needle in the foreground and the lights coming up around Lake Union.
They recently changed their menu so I couldn't order the honey glazed grilled Salmon, but the Seafood Brochette I chose was delicious to the last bite, accompanied with a cup of their Smoked Salmon Chowder. Dinner was excellent for all of us with very attentive service from the staff. A very enjoyable evening.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMIvar's Salmon House is whereIvar's Salmon House is where we take our out-of-town guests - it's uniquely Seattle!3/19/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food and view were bothThe food and view were both great. Really enjoyed our office group lunch!3/19/2013 12:00:00 AMWe went for Ivar's 108th birthdayWe went for Ivar's 108th birthday and had a really quick and amazing dinner. Our server was great!Informative and attentative. We did a little suf and turf. I got the blue cheese steak and he got the salmon, coho, shrimp and scallops. Both were really tasty. best steak I've had in awhile. Great service and food.3/19/2013 12:00:00 AMHad a great time at a lateHad a great time at a late lunch for my dauughter'ms 22nd birthday. Wait staff very helpful and accommodating.3/19/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways fun to go back andAlways fun to go back and enjoy the best seaffood in Seattle area. Never get disappointed3/19/2013 12:00:00 AMIvar's Salmon House is alwaysIvar's Salmon House is always a great adventure w/wonderful food and a delightful view of downtown. A great,safe choice for out of town guests if you're looking for something 'Seattle'.3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMGive your review a title (optional)Everything we hoped for. My guests are a deaf couple who rely on ASL and notes to communicate. The server seemed to take that all in stride. Another server came by early to offer his assistance because he did sign, but that one appearance was all he made. I was a bit disappointed he didn't do one of the check-backs just to be sure that communication was clear. That's not really a criticism, though, as the primary server did a good job.
Otherwise the food and ambience impressed my guests, as I knew they would.3/12/2013 12:00:00 AMIvars Brunch - WOW!This was the perfect experience for me to take my out-of-town guest to - the food choices are bountiful-- I am sure I didn't get to half the choices before I was full, the custom-crepe station was my favorite! The view of the lake with float planes landing and kayaks paddling by is superb. Service was warm and friendly, we didn't feel rushed, yet felt taken care of... the perfect relaxed and delicious brunch experience. My reservation through OpenTable was grea-- easy to do, and with a reminder, just added to the relaxation!3/10/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Service could use a littleThe Service could use a little fine tuning my water glass and coffee were both empty at some time during the meal our hostest was very nice and made us feel welcome2/24/2013 12:00:00 AM