I know, you're already sneering because as a native Seattlite, you view Ivar's Acres of Clams as a tourist magnet. I don't care. I think the chowder is fantastic—and I've had Maine chowdah cooked on the beech. I mostly eat outside, along the wharf, and no, not just because the food is cheaper (which, it is), but because I like the view, and I love the sea gulls. If you choose to eat outside, you join a mass of people outside a series of windows. If there's a big crowd from tourist busses, you'll be asked to raise your hand when an order taker lists an entree you want, so they know how many of what you want. Sometimes, yo

u might have to stop at two windows, but honestly, th e Ivar's people are speedy and reliable. Just speak up, and you'll be fine. Do check to see what's in season—Dungenness crab, for instance, is a treat and a Pacific Northwest specialty.

If you order and eat outside at Ivar's, you can get a sixteen ounce bowl of rich, creamy chowder for under five bucks, and an order of four pieces of fried cod and chips and fresh tarter sauce for another five. The halibut and chips is about twice as much, but it's quite lovely. I've tried the fried salmon and chips, but honestly, I think deep frying salmon is probably a sin. There are tables, and a long counter beneath a fence and a rail along the wharf outside of Ivar's. I like to sit there, watch boats and people, and feed the sea gulls some of my fries.

But if you're not in the mood for plastic forks and styrofoam, there's a full service restaurant and bar. The bar is full service, and tables by the windows as well. There's a new Beat the Tide Menu on Monday–Friday from 3:00–5:30 p.m. that includes an appetizer, entrée and dessert for $19.38. Clam chowder is one of the choices for an appetizer, and entrees include prawns and steak, pan fried oysters, or grilled wild coho salmon. The desserts include crème brulee or chocolate mousse. The full menu is also available, of course. Happy hour Ivar's wine menu has a wide range of wines from Washington's Yakima and Columbia Valleys, as well as elsewhere. The bar has happy hour 3:00 p.m. to closing, every day, and features $3.50 wells, drafts and selected wines, appetizers up to 50% off, and $2.00 off signature cocktails.

Image credit: ©Digital Medievalist.