An Ivar Survivor

This week, based on server recommendation, I went to Ivar's at the Mukilteo Ferry Terminal. It was a great experience being alone with my mom, but the arrangement of being there, not so much.

On décor of restaurant, I give it a 4. The setting was beautiful! There is a place to eat inside with just a few tables but my mom and I decided to eat on the pier on the water which I totally suggest. The restaurant is really a stand outside where you get and order your food. It’s fun to watch the ferries approach and leave the terminal and to watch people fishing, but from what I saw I don’t think that there are many fish in the water. Check out the pier...

On friendliness of staff towards kids, I give it a 2. The servers were yelling over everyone to get their food and it was loud and unorganized. Being there gave me anxiety and made me feel stressed. I'm an Ivar survivor! The server wasn’t nice or mean, she was just another person working at a restaurant.

On service speed, I give it a 5! It was very fast and the food was served immediately and hot.

 On taste of food, I give it a 4. I ordered the original fish and chips which I highly suggest! It was delicious. The fish was fresh cod that was very lightly breaded but still had the right crunch that it needed. It was flaky on the inside and melted and fell apart in your mouth. It was hot and crispy but after 5 minutes it turned soggy and so did the french fries. Eat it fast while you can still enjoy it. The tartar sauce was awesome and original and perfectly complimented the fish. They didn’t give us any napkins which I thought was a little weird knowing that it is very greasy food. The french fries chips were medium cut and still had the skins on them.

On appearance of food, I give it a 3. The fish and chips were served in a gray cardboard container and given to us in a brown paper sack. The fish was golden brown and looked appetizing. It was arranged nicely but I think they could have had a little more pride in their work. With all of the chaos I doubt that they had time to do that.

On price, I give it a 2. Four piece fish and chips was $ 9.29. That’s actually pretty expensive for what we had. It was like fast food with restaurant prices.

For a total score of 20/30. It is a great place to stop next time you are at the ferry terminal. I wouldn’t make a special trip there though, there are other fish and chip places that don't cause anxiety. It's really hard to get there because of the ferry terminal traffic. I would only recommend it if you are actually going on a ferry.

As for the server recommendation, she said "If I had an unlimited budget, I would go to the Metropolitan Grill in downtown Seattle," so I guess that is my next stop!

20 minutes later… on the way out we realized that there was a beach to play at! If you come, don’t miss the Mukilteo Lighthouse Park like I did. A day at the beach can be a day well spent with your fish and chips.