Ivar's Acres of Clams at Pier 54 is hard to miss when exploring the downtown Seattle waterfront. A Seattle institution, Ivar's is dismissed by some locals as a "tourist trap," but I found it to have quite good seafood. I believe there is better seafood elsewhere, but Ivar's serves some good quality fish that is representative of the Pacific Northwest.

This is where I had my introduction to Copper River Salmon, and this one was cooked to perfection with great seasonings. The salmon was one of the best dishes I have ever experienced, although most of the credit goes to the fish itself (if you're in Seattle in late May/early June the Copper River salmon is not to be missed). After experiencing some other versions of Copper River fish that were not as flavorful as here, I think Ivar's deserves some credit for selecting top quality fish to serve in the restaurant.

A Seafood Pasta dish at Ivar's was good, but I did not think it was noteworthy to the point that I would recommend ordering it here instead of anywhere else.

The Fish and Chips I tried a number of years ago was very good, but it is also served next door at Ivar's Pier 54 Fish Bar. Like the grilled and other fish served at Ivar's, it is reputed to not be the best in Seattle, but it does offer a good meal or snack next to the water with a view of Puget Sound.

I have a particular affinity for the seagulls that congregate outside of the restaurant waiting for leftovers. While the fish and chips is probably not the healthiest food to give them, they are just as happy with anything that is available.

Overall, Ivar's seems to have some very good seafood, and the view of Puget Sound is a definite plus.