Ivar's Seafood: A Delectable Taste of the Pacific Northwest

If you're looking for delicious seafood in Seattle, look no further than Ivar's Seafood. With a history dating back to 1938, Ivar's has been serving up the finest wild-caught Northwest seafood for over 80 years. They have three full-service restaurants and 18 quick-serve locations in the Puget Sound region, making it easy to find a location near you.

Ivar's Seafood is more than just a restaurant chain, it's a Seattle institution. Founded by Ivar Haglund, a local musician and restaurateur, Ivar's has become synonymous with fresh, delicious seafood. Haglund was passionate about serving only the best, and that tradition continues today. Whether you're in the mood for fish and chips, clam chowder, or something more upscale, Ivar's has something for everyone.

Key Takeaways

• Ivar's Seafood has been serving up the finest wild-caught Northwest seafood for over 80 years.
• With three full-service restaurants and 18 quick-serve locations in the Puget Sound region, it's easy to find an Ivar's location near you.
• Founded by local musician and restaurateur Ivar Haglund, Ivar's is a Seattle institution that continues to serve only the best seafood to this day.

Ivar's Seafood History

If you're a seafood lover, you've probably heard of Ivar's Seafood. This iconic seafood chain has been serving the finest wild-caught Northwest seafood since 1938.

Founding and Expansion

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. The aquarium was a huge success, with droves of people lining up and paying a nickel to view the sea life that Ivar had collected from the surrounding Puget Sound.

Ivar soon realized that his visitors were getting hungry, so he decided to add a companion fish and chips bar to feed them. The bar was short-lived, however. On July 22, 1946, Haglund opened a new restaurant, Ivar's Acres of Clams, at the same location.

Since then, Ivar's has expanded to include three full-service restaurants and 18 quick-serve locations in the Puget Sound region. The company has become a beloved institution in Seattle, known for its fresh seafood and friendly service.

Culinary Milestones

Over the years, Ivar's has become known for more than just its delicious seafood. The company has also achieved several culinary milestones.

One of the most notable milestones was in 1940 when Haglund paraded through Seattle's public market with a baby buggy decorated with Christmas ornaments. The buggy was filled with chowder, and Haglund offered free cups of chowder to anyone who stopped to admire the display. This event became known as the "Clam Lights Parade" and has been a beloved Seattle tradition ever since.

Another culinary milestone was in 1976 when Ivar's introduced its famous "World Famous Fish and Chips" dish. This dish quickly became a customer favorite and has been a staple of the Ivar's menu ever since.

In conclusion, Ivar's Seafood has a rich history dating back to 1938 when Ivar Haglund opened his first aquarium. Since then, the company has expanded to include several full-service and quick-serve locations, and has become a beloved institution in Seattle. With several culinary milestones under its belt, Ivar's is sure to continue delighting seafood lovers for years to come.

Menu Highlights

If you're looking for some of the best seafood in the UK, you have to try Ivar's Seafood. Their menu is full of delicious dishes that are sure to satisfy any seafood lover. Here are some of the menu highlights:

Signature Dishes

At Ivar's, you'll find a range of signature dishes that are sure to impress. One of their most popular dishes is the Seafood Stew. This dish is packed full of flavour and features salmon, halibut, crab, baby prawns, baby scallops, manilla clams, mussels, tomato-saffron broth, cilantro-ginger infused Jasmine rice. It's the perfect dish for those who love seafood and want to try something new.

Another must-try dish is the Seafood Mixed Trio. This dish features Alaska halibut, salmon, herb marinated prawns, seeded mustard-honey sauce, red skinned mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetable. It's a great option for those who want to sample a variety of seafood in one dish.

Seasonal Specialities

In addition to their signature dishes, Ivar's also offers seasonal specialities that are only available for a limited time. One of their most popular seasonal dishes is the Northwest Seafood Cobb Salad. This dish features blackened Alaska salmon, Oregon bay shrimp, smoked sea scallops, avocado, tomato, hazelnuts, hard-boiled egg, Gorgonzola crumbles, Green Goddess dressing. It's the perfect dish for those who want a light and refreshing meal.

Another seasonal speciality to try is the Dungeness Crab Benedict. This dish features poached eggs, Dungeness crab, English muffin, hollandaise sauce, breakfast potatoes. It's the perfect dish for those who love crab and want to try something new.

Whether you're looking for a signature dish or a seasonal speciality, Ivar's Seafood has something for everyone. With their delicious dishes and fresh seafood, you're sure to have a meal to remember.

Sustainability Practices

Ivar's Seafood is committed to sustainable practices that protect the environment and support local communities. Here are some of the ways that Ivar's Seafood is making a difference:

Eco-Friendly Sourcing

Ivar's Seafood sources its seafood from sustainable fisheries that follow best practices for environmental stewardship. The company works closely with its suppliers to ensure that all seafood is caught or farmed in a way that minimises harm to the environment and preserves fish stocks for future generations.

Ivar's Seafood also uses eco-friendly packaging materials that are recyclable and biodegradable. This reduces waste and helps to protect the environment.

Community Initiatives

Ivar's Seafood is committed to supporting local communities by sourcing seafood from local suppliers and investing in community initiatives. The company partners with local fishermen and farmers to promote sustainable fishing practices and to support the local economy.

Ivar's Seafood also supports local charities and non-profit organisations that work to protect the environment and promote sustainable practices. The company is proud to be a part of the community and is committed to making a positive impact on the world.

In summary, Ivar's Seafood is a leader in sustainable practices and is committed to protecting the environment and supporting local communities. By sourcing seafood from sustainable fisheries and investing in community initiatives, Ivar's Seafood is making a difference and helping to build a more sustainable future for us all.

Visitor Experience

If you're looking for a unique dining experience with a breathtaking view of the waterfront, Ivar's is the place to be. With three full-service waterfront-view restaurants and 18 fast-casual seafood bars, Ivar's offers a wide range of dining options to suit your taste buds.

Dining Ambience

Each Ivar's location provides a unique dining atmosphere, but all of them share a common theme of a relaxed and welcoming environment. The decor is nautical-inspired, with wooden accents, marine-themed artwork, and large windows that offer stunning views of the waterfront. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner for two or a family-friendly outing, Ivar's has got you covered.

Customer Service

Ivar's prides itself on providing exceptional customer service. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and always ready to help you with your dining needs. If you have any dietary restrictions or special requests, the staff will go out of their way to accommodate you. The food is always served promptly, and the servers are attentive without being intrusive.

Overall, the visitor experience at Ivar's is one that you won't forget. The combination of delicious seafood, stunning views, and exceptional customer service makes Ivar's a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the current enthusiastic owner of Ivar's restaurants?

You will be pleased to know that Ivar's is still a family-owned business. Bob Donegan is the current president and CEO of Ivar's, and he is a passionate and enthusiastic leader who is committed to maintaining the high standards of quality and service that Ivar's is known for.

What are the origins of Ivar's, and where did the first establishment open?

Ivar's was founded in 1938 by Ivar Haglund, a Seattle native who was passionate about seafood and entertaining guests. The first Ivar's restaurant opened on Seattle's waterfront, and it quickly became a local favourite. Today, Ivar's has 18 locations throughout Washington, and it is known for its award-winning fish and chips, clam chowder, and other seafood dishes.

How does Ivar's ensure the freshness and quality of their seafood?

At Ivar's, we believe that the quality of our seafood is only as good as the freshness of the ingredients we use. That's why we work closely with our suppliers to ensure that we receive only the freshest, highest-quality seafood available. We also have strict quality control processes in place to ensure that our seafood is handled and prepared correctly, so that it retains its flavour, texture, and nutritional value.

In conclusion, Ivar's is a family-owned business that has been serving high-quality seafood since 1938. With 18 locations throughout Washington, we are committed to providing our guests with the freshest, most delicious seafood dishes possible.