Ivar’s Seafood Bar

Reviews

• Indirect Pointer

  star star star_border star_border star_border 3 June 2026

  Disappointing. Takeout cod was cold and chewy, 1 ketchup for old fries, and 2 tartars for 4 fish. The chowder was a congealed lump when I got it home. Service was very friendly - with each other, not me. They handed it to me all sealed up as if to invite no questions - and never bothered to ask me what I wanted about the condiments. I was tired and did not push the point. I've been going to this Ivars about twice a year for five years, usually 3.5*/5.0 quality. This experience felt stingy and low quality. Probably time to pay more elsewhere to get decent fish and chips .

• Bera C.Y.C

  star star star star star 1 June 2026

  So pleased they brought the same high quality of fish and chips and clam chowder to a food court in a mall. Been to many of their Seattle restaurants, and have never been disappointed. The streak continues at Bellis Fair. Highly recommended, if you want delicious fish and chips!

• Mark O'Deady

  star star star star star_border 27 May 2026

  I had a disappointing experience last night that doesn't change anything I raved about in my previous review. We were among the last customers before closing on Ivar's Birthday (March 19th). Unfortunately, our friendly (normally efficient) clerk forgot to put my cup of Chowder in our takeout bag. Normally, I check their work and have never found an error, but in this occasion it was late and I was hungry... But the time we discovered the error it was too late to even call the store, much less drive back for my missing soup. When I returned the next afternoon it was too late to make a correction in the daily financial report and the staff was happy to give me a cup of soup and a heartfelt apology. Unfortunately, this was not a reasonable solution for me, v so I suggested a gift card for $4.57 -- assuring a return visit and additional sales. Apparently, Ivar's financial controls made giving me a cash refund and writing a note to the auditor was a better solution for them. I submit that was a reasonable financial solution and a terrible business it marketing decision. Anyone that knows anything about the founder of Ivar's would recognize this is NOT what Ivar, the consummate promoter -- would have done. Ivar would have apologized, handed me a $10 gift card and encouraged me to ask for him the next time I was in the restaurant. And, in this hypothetical situation, upon returning he would have committed my meal and handed the gift card back to me to encourage, yet another return visit. OIf course, Ivar has been dead for years (yesterday would have been his 114th birthday) and, sadly, his employees are no longer empowered to make these kinds of customer service overtures. That said, Ivar's is still an institution here, in Western Washington and nobody that has spent any time living here is certain Ivar won't return at some point to run his restaurants again (Keep Clam). ------ PREVIOUS REVIEW This is the only Ivar's in Whatcom County. Okay, this store isn't located on a Pier in the Seattle waterfront, but it does feature great chowder and the best regional chain fish and chips menu and food quality inn the west coast. I love the traditional New England style chowder, but also enjoy their Manhattan style and one of a kind, Salmon chowders. Although one can find better fish and chips at some independent operators, Ivar's fried fish are never greasy and the fried clams are the Best in the West!

• Renee T.

  star star star star star_border 27 May 2026

  Creamy clam chowder is slurp-able. They will give you extra crackers if you ask for a bunch and not busy.

• Patrick Chan

  star star star star star 20 May 2026

  White clam chowder is excellent. Service is friendly. Our favourite in Bellis Fair Mall.