The Pacific Northwest is famous for its fresh seafood, and while there is an abundance to be enjoyed at fine restaurants, there’s a surprising number of outstanding dives where you can indulge in some of the best, often for bargain prices.
Here are some of our favorites – if you have your own, let us know!
Oregon
Bowpicker Fish & Chips, Astoria
There’s almost always a line for the fish ‘n’ chips at Bowpicker, located inside of a fishing boat. You climb the stairs alongside the boat, order from the cabin – cash only- and then enjoy some of the best perfectly-fried pieces of delectable beer-battered fish you’ll ever taste.
Bell Buoy, Seaside
Bell Buoy is often overlooked, away from the popular promenade area, but it serves up some of the best halibut ‘n’ chips, along with a myriad of other fresh seafood options, including sweet, meaty, local Dungeness crab.
Mo’s, Newport
Mo’s is a chain, but the Newport location is the original dive, famous for its New England-style clam chowder, as well as its incredibly decadent pies, the peanut butter cream pie is the local favorite.
Kelly’s Brighton Marina, Rockaway Beach
This place is like a U-pick berry farm, but for crabs, oysters and clams. While it’s not exactly a dive restaurant, it allows you to take out a small motorboat, three crab pots and bait for just $85 and catch your own meal.
Gracie’s Sea Hag, Depoe Bay
Gracie’s is famous for its chowder, considered to be the best on the Oregon coast.
South Beach Fish Market, South Beach
Especially popular for lunch among locals, the fish market features a restaurant that serves up a fantastic fish ‘n’ chips combo that includes a sampler of tuna, salmon and halibut.
Washington
The Athenian Inn, Seattle
The Athenian Inn has been a staple at Pike Place Market for decades. It was thrust in the spotlight after being featured in “Sleepless in Seattle,” but it’s worth visiting for its amazing seafood bowl.
Scampi & Halibuts Seafood Grill, Port Hadlock
Over on the Olympic Peninsula, Scampi & Halibuts Seafood Grill in Port Hadlock is frequently named the No. 1 spot for its halibut fish ‘n’ chips.
Andy’s Fish House, Snohomish
Andy’s us located along the Snohomish River and is renowned for its tasty oysters, clam chowder, salmon and more.
Lockspot Cafe, Seattle
Located in Ballard, you can pick up some delicious fish ‘n’ chips and enjoy it under the sun on the red picnic tables.
Adrift, Anacortes
This downtown Anacortes eatery serves a wide variety of options, but its Dungeness crab cakes are to-die-for, stuffed with crab meat and then drizzled with avocado sauce and sprinkled with scallions.
