Seafood

The Ivar’s chain has several other locations, the most notable Ivar’s Salmon House (401 NE Northlake Way, 206/632-7223, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Sun.–Thurs., 11 a.m.–11 p.m. Fri.–Sat., $22) on Lake Union [1]. It’s in a cedar facsimile of a Native American longhouse, with historic photos and Tlingit carvings on the walls and dugout canoes hanging from the rafters. This is a fantastic waterside location with an outside deck (summers only) looking across the lake to downtown Seattle [2].

If you’re only looking for nibbles stop by the Whale Maker Lounge at the Salmon House for happy hour (free hors d'oeuvres 4–6:30 p.m. Mon.–Fri.), and to check out the rather intimidating (for men at least) killer whale "whalemakers." You're more likely to get a window seat here than in the restaurant.

Chandler’s Crabhouse (901 Fairview Ave. N., 206/223-2722, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. and 4–9 p.m. Sun.–Thurs., 4–10 p.m. Fri.–Sat., $40) is on the south shore of Lake Union with views north across the lake. The specialties here are crab dishes of all sorts, including a flavorful whiskey crab bisque. This is dependably good seafood in a busy waterfront setting. It’s a great place to watch the seaplanes landing and taking off.