I suppose more than a few baby boomer travelers are loathe to battle the crowds found in popular tourist attractions.  On the other hand, such spots are popular because of their attraction and interest to the tourist.  Right?

Well, Ivar’s Pier 54 Fish Bar, in Seattle’s iconic waterfront area, is just such a place.  Since opening the doors in 1938, folks have been enjoying Ivar’s famous fish n’ chips, clams n’ chips, and clam chowder.

Ivar Haglund

Ivar Haglund was a true Seattle character and icon. He was known as an entertainer, folksinger, restaurateur and ultimately the “King,” “Mayor” or “Patriarch” of the waterfront. The story of Ivar’s Seafood Restaurants began in 1938 when 33-year old Seattle native Ivar Haglund opened his city’s first aquarium on Seattle’s Pier 54. Droves of people lined up and paid a nickel to view the sea life that Ivar had collected from the surrounding Puget Sound. Noticing that his patrons were working up an appetite, Haglund began to sell red clam chowder and fish n’ chips from the site – an instant success that began his career as a restaurateur.

We stopped in to Ivar’s Fish Bar for lunch one sunny afternoon.  Carol enjoyed fish n’ chips, while I munched down some delicious clams n’ chips.  There’s even a sign, as you walk to the picnic tables out on the pier, encouraging you to feed the hungry seagulls.  Evidently, this was Ivar’s response when a neighboring property put up a sign telling people not to feed the birds.

I shared my french fries with the seagulls.  But, I drew the line at sharing my beloved clams.

A stroll along Seattle’s is waterfront fun, full of photo opportunities, and Ivar’s Fish Bar was a fun and delicious place to stop in for lunch.  If you prefer a casual restaurant setting, Ivar’s Original Acres of Clams is right next door and is also a much loved Seattle iconic restaurant.

Disclosure:  the seagull feeding folks at Ivar’s provided our wonderful experience.  Thanks!