Washington’s rugged coastline offers some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste. From Dungeness crab to plump oysters and succulent salmon, these waters provide a bounty that local restaurants transform into unforgettable meals. I’ve spent years exploring these coastal gems, and I’m excited to share my favorite seafood shacks where you can enjoy ocean-to-table dining with stunning waterfront views.
1. The Crab Pot: Seattle’s Seafood Spectacle
Ever wondered what happens when seafood becomes theater? At The Crab Pot on Seattle’s waterfront, they dump heaping piles of steamed shellfish directly onto your table! No plates needed here – just mallets, bibs, and your eager hands.
Though tourists flock here in droves, locals like me still can’t resist the primal joy of cracking into Dungeness crab legs while watching ferries cross Elliott Bay. Their seafood boil combines prawns, mussels, clams, and corn in a savory seasoning that’ll have you licking your fingers shamelessly.
If you’re bringing seafood-shy friends, the fish and chips won’t disappoint either. Just remember to make reservations during summer months unless waiting an hour with a growling stomach sounds appealing!
2. The Oyster Bar: Chuckanut Drive’s Hidden Gem
Perched dramatically on a cliff along scenic Chuckanut Drive, The Oyster Bar demands you work for your meal. The winding road might leave your passengers queasy, but what awaits at journey’s end will erase all travel complaints.
Though upscale compared to typical seafood shacks, I’m including this legendary spot because their panoramic views of Samish Bay paired with impeccable seafood create dining memories that haunt your dreams. Their signature oyster stew – rich with cream, butter, and plump local oysters – has remained unchanged for decades because perfection needs no improvement.
Meanwhile, the sunset-watching from their dining room ranks among Washington’s most romantic experiences. Make reservations months ahead for window tables, especially during summer when locals and tourists compete fiercely for limited seating at this intimate Pacific Northwest treasure.
3. Mariner’s Café: Port Townsend’s Fisherman’s Breakfast
While commercial fishermen unload their catches at dawn, Mariner’s Café is already brewing strong coffee for Port Townsend’s maritime workers. This no-frills diner doesn’t bother with fancy plating or Instagram-worthy décor – they’re too busy serving honest seafood at prices that won’t capsize your wallet.
Though breakfast brings the crowds, I always hold out for lunch when their fish tacos arrive loaded with whatever was swimming yesterday. The crunchy slaw and tangy sauce perfectly complement the delicate fish, creating harmony in every bite.
What truly separates Mariner’s from tourist traps is their connection to local fishing families – photos of weathered captains line the walls, and servers know most customers by name. Grab a counter seat, chat with crusty regulars, and experience authentic maritime culture that no amount of tourist development can replicate.
4. The Oyster House: Olympia’s Historic Seafood Institution
As Washington’s oldest seafood restaurant (established 1924), The Oyster House has survived fires, floods, and changing culinary trends while maintaining its commitment to traditional seafood preparation. Located at the southern tip of Puget Sound in Olympia, this landmark restaurant specializes in the tiny, intensely-flavored Olympia oysters that once carpeted these waters.
Though a devastating fire destroyed much of the original building in 2013, they’ve rebuilt with respectful nods to history while updating the space. Their seafood stew arrives loaded with local ingredients swimming in a tomato-fennel broth that demands sourdough bread for proper sopping.
Families especially appreciate their reasonable prices and kid-friendly options – my niece transformed from picky eater to seafood enthusiast after their fish and chips worked their magic. Come during happy hour when oyster specials make luxury affordable for everyday indulgence!
5. Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar: Shellfish Paradise in Bow
If heaven exists for oyster lovers, Taylor Shellfish might be its earthly portal. Unlike fancy urban oyster bars, this rustic shack sits right on Samish Bay where the Taylor family has farmed shellfish for five generations. Talk about farm-to-table – you can literally watch workers hauling in the day’s harvest while you eat!
My ritual involves ordering their sampler platter featuring different oyster varieties – from sweet Kumamotos to briny Shigokus – each reflecting the unique conditions of their growing area. The staff patiently explains each variety’s flavor profile without a hint of pretension.
Beyond oysters, their Dungeness crab and geoduck are equally spectacular. Bring your own wine (they’re BYOB), grab a picnic table on the deck, and prepare for nature’s perfect meal as the tide rolls in beneath your feet.
6. Ivar’s Acres of Clams: Seattle’s Historic Waterfront Institution
Where else can you feed french fries to screaming seagulls while waiting for award-winning clam chowder? Ivar’s has been a Seattle fixture since 1938, when eccentric founder Ivar Haglund first started serving seafood alongside his quirky personality and marketing genius.
While tourists line up at the walk-up fish bar, I always head inside to the full-service restaurant where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Olympic Mountains across Elliott Bay. Their cedar-planked salmon arrives perfectly caramelized with a maple glaze that balances sweet and savory notes.
However, their true masterpiece remains the creamy clam chowder – so legendary that Seattle airport travelers often grab frozen containers to smuggle home. Don’t leave without checking out the historical displays chronicling Ivar’s zany publicity stunts throughout Seattle’s history!
7. Anthony’s HomePort: Everett’s Sunset Seafood Specialist
Although Anthony’s operates several locations throughout Washington, their Everett HomePort deserves special recognition for combining exceptional seafood with spectacular waterfront positioning. Situated directly on the marina where fishing boats dock daily, this restaurant delivers genuine boat-to-plate dining.
Unlike many chain establishments, Anthony’s maintains fanatical dedication to seasonal offerings – their Copper River salmon appears precisely when the short Alaska season begins and disappears when it ends. No frozen substitutes allowed!
My insider tip? Skip dinner and visit for their “Sunset Dinner” special before 6 PM. You’ll get four courses at nearly half the price while watching the sun sink behind the Olympic Mountains as seals play among the marina’s boats. Their blackened rockfish with mango-ginger salsa demonstrates how simple preparation lets quality ingredients shine without unnecessary culinary gymnastics.
8. The Willows Inn: Lummi Island’s Foraged Seafood Experience
Though admittedly stretching the definition of “shack,” The Willows Inn represents the pinnacle of Washington coastal cuisine, transforming hyperlocal ingredients into edible poetry. Located on tiny Lummi Island (population 822), reaching this culinary temple requires determination – a ferry ride followed by winding roads through pastoral landscapes.
Chef Blaine Wetzel’s tasting menu celebrates seafood with reverent preparation: sockeye salmon smoked over alderwood, weathervane scallops with beach herbs, and spot prawns so fresh they practically leap from plate to palate. Each course arrives with storytelling that connects food to landscape.
Honestly, dinner here costs more than my monthly car payment, but I’ve never regretted a penny spent. Make reservations months ahead and consider splurging on overnight accommodations – after 20+ courses and wine pairings, you’ll appreciate not having to navigate back to the mainland!
9. Spud Fish & Chips: Alki Beach’s Crispy Seafood Classic
Sometimes the tastiest seafood comes in humble packages, and Spud Fish & Chips proves this deliciously. Operating since 1935 on Seattle’s Alki Beach, this no-frills takeout window serves perfectly crisp, golden-battered cod alongside hand-cut fries that put fancy restaurants to shame.
While tourists often overlook this unassuming spot for flashier options, generations of Seattle families make pilgrimages here for post-beach meals. Their secret? Consistently fresh fish, house-made tartar sauce with just the right pickle-to-mayo ratio, and cooking oil changed so frequently that nothing ever tastes greasy.
My favorite summer tradition involves grabbing their seafood combo, finding a driftwood log on Alki Beach, and watching the Seattle skyline glitter across Elliott Bay while seagulls plot to steal my dinner. Cash-only and perpetually busy, Spud represents Seattle seafood at its most democratic and delicious.
10. Harvest Market: Anacortes’ Fresh-Caught Market Eatery
How fresh is the seafood at Harvest Market? I’ve watched fishermen literally carry their catch through the front door while I’m eating! This combination seafood market and casual restaurant in Anacortes serves as both community gathering spot and showcase for Skagit County’s maritime bounty.
Though ordering might intimidate first-timers (you select your fish from the market counter, then choose preparation style), friendly staff guide newcomers through options. Their blackboard specials change hourly depending on what boats deliver – halibut cheeks one day, spot prawns the next.
My standing order remains their seafood chowder loaded with whatever couldn’t fit in the display case, accompanied by crusty bread from nearby Breadfarm bakery. Before leaving, I always browse their market section to bring home vacuum-sealed salmon or ready-to-steam crab for tomorrow’s dinner – extending my seafood adventure another day!
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