Ivar Salmon House is a beloved Seattle institution that’s been serving up delicious seafood and stunning views for over 50 years. This unique restaurant, shaped like a Northwest Native American longhouse, sits on the shores of Lake Union, offering diners a taste of Pacific Northwest cuisine and culture.
The Man Behind the Restaurant: Ivar Haglund
Ivar Haglund, the founder of Ivar’s Seafood Restaurants, was quite a character. Born in Seattle in 1905, he became a local legend known for his quirky humor, business savvy, and love for the Pacific Northwest. Haglund started his career in the food industry with a small fish and chips stand on the Seattle waterfront in 1938. This humble beginning grew into a chain of restaurants that’s now synonymous with Seattle seafood.
Haglund wasn’t just a restaurateur. He was also a folk singer, radio personality, and real estate mogul. He owned several properties in Seattle, including the iconic Smith Tower, which he famously adorned with a giant fish wind sock (much to the chagrin of city officials).
Ivar Salmon House
Ivar’s Salmon House opened its doors in 1969, though its first night was a bit of a smoky disaster. Haglund had used wet alder in the central grill, which caused so much smoke that the restaurant had to be evacuated and closed. It reopened a year later, this time with proper exhaust hoods.
The restaurant is a beautiful cedar replica of a Northwest Native American Longhouse. It features an open-pit Native American-style barbecue for preparing alder-smoked dishes. The interior is filled with Northwest native art, décor, and historical photographs.
Ivar Salmon House Menu
| Category | Item | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Starters | Classic Caesar Salad | $24 |
| Cup of Clam Chowder | $9 | |
| Artichoke, Crab, & Bay Shrimp Dip | $20 | |
| Calamari | $20 | |
| Seafood Cocktail | $20 | |
| Margarita Prawns | $19 | |
| Seared Ahi Tuna | $21 | |
| Soups & Salads | Ivar’s Clam Chowder (Bowl) | $10.50 |
| Smoked Salmon Chowder (Bowl) | $10.50 | |
| Harvest Salad | $14 | |
| Kale Salad | $12 | |
| Entrees | Ivar’s Salmon House Cioppino | $44 |
| Alder Grilled Wild Alaska Coho Salmon | $43 | |
| Cedar Plank Wild Alaska Sockeye Salmon | $44 | |
| Crab Stuffed Wild Alaska Halibut | $46 | |
| Spicy Marinara & Cream Linguine with Salmon | $34 | |
| Chicken Saltimbocca | $33 | |
| Crab & Shrimp Louie | $32 | |
| Spicy Blackened Wild Alaska Sockeye Caesar | $32 | |
| Alder Grilled Wild Salmon Duo | $46 | |
| Classics | Ivar’s World-Famous Fish ‘n Chips (4 piece) | $24.50 |
| Ivar’s World-Famous Fish ‘n Chips (5 piece) | $27.50 | |
| Vegetarian | Portobello Stack | $20 |
| Curry Vegetable Sauté | $22 | |
| Seasonal Berry Salad | $14 | |
| Butternut Squash Enchiladas | $23 | |
| Desserts | Chocolate Decadence | Not listed |
| Ice Cream Scoop | Not listed |
Note: Prices and menu items may vary. This table represents a selection of items from the provided menu and may not include all available options.
Where Is Ivar Salmon House Located?
Ivar’s Salmon House is situated at 401 NE Northlake Way, Seattle, WA 98105. It overlooks Lake Union, offering spectacular views of boats cruising by and the Seattle skyline.
The restaurant’s design is a standout feature. It’s not just a place to eat; it’s an immersive experience that celebrates Pacific Northwest culture. The longhouse design, complete with its open-pit barbecue, creates a unique atmosphere that sets it apart from other seafood restaurants.
The property spans approximately 58,000 square feet and includes a full-service restaurant, a fish bar, two parking lots, and a dock.
Ivar’s Salmon House 401 NE Northlake Way Seattle, WA 98105
Is Ivar Salmon House Listed for Sale?
As of 2023, Ivar’s Salmon House is not listed for sale. However, in an interesting business move, Ivar sold the property in 2015 for $13.73 million to the Bellevue-based real estate company Fana Group. But don’t worry, seafood lovers! Ivar’s isn’t going anywhere. They signed a 20-year lease with two five-year options, ensuring that the restaurant will continue to operate as usual.
House Amenities
Here are some of the amenities you can expect at Ivar’s Salmon House:
- Open-pit Native American-style barbecue
- Panoramic views of Lake Union and Seattle skyline
- Northwest native art and décor
- Historical photographs
- Full-service bar (The Whalemaker Lounge)
- Outdoor Fish Bar for casual dining
- Boat dock for to-go orders
- Ample parking
Neighborhood Area
Ivar’s Salmon House is located in the Northlake neighborhood of Seattle, right on the shores of Lake Union. This area is known for its maritime atmosphere, with numerous marinas and boat-related businesses nearby. It’s a bustling part of the city, popular with both locals and tourists for its waterfront views and proximity to downtown Seattle.
Market Value
While the restaurant itself isn’t for sale, we can look at the property’s value based on its recent sale:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Build Year | 1969 |
| Purchase Year (by Fana Group) | 2015 |
| Purchase Value | $13.73 million |
| Current Estimated Value | Not publicly available, likely higher due to Seattle’s real estate market growth |
| Property Condition | Well-maintained, continues to operate as a popular restaurant |
Ivar’s Real Estate Portfolio
Ivar’s, as a company, has an interesting real estate strategy. In recent years, they’ve been selling properties they own and leasing them back long-term. This allows them to capitalize on the hot real estate market while ensuring their restaurants can continue to operate in their beloved locations.
Besides the Salmon House, Ivar’s has sold or plans to sell:
- Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing property: Sold in spring 2015 to Seattle-based developer Martin Smith Inc., with a 25-year lease-back arrangement.
- Acres of Clams on the Seattle waterfront: As of 2015, a deal was in the works to sell this property with a 30-year lease-back agreement.
Conclusion
Ivar’s Salmon House is more than just a restaurant; it’s a Seattle institution that embodies the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. From its unique longhouse design to its stunning lake views and delicious alder-smoked seafood, it offers a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience. While the property may have changed hands, the spirit of Ivar Haglund’s vision continues to live on, delighting locals and tourists alike with great food and unforgettable ambiance.
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