This place is a secret gem. We ordered their special, Rockfish with mango-cilantro-onion sauce--the whole fish brined and braised to perfection. It was so good that it reminded me of seafood served up in seaside restaurants in Mexico where the fish is fresh-caught and delectable. Only this was fresh from Alaska. Utterly memorable. Served with salad and red potatoes. The restaurant is unpretentious and has the feel of old style seafood restaurants. We dined in the back off the main drag, where they've set up cute picnic tables under red beach umbrellas. The staff wore masks. (Thank you for being thoughtful!) I think Bob's used to be a ghost kitchen/ take-out fish place that grew into a full service restaurant. They're gonna get even better, I'm sure. Move over, Anthony's. read more

We stopped by on our way home from the ferry. The New England clam chowder is ok. Mostly bacon chowder with some clams. It's delicious because of the bacon. We also got the The Mighty Bob basket... fried cod, prawns, oysters are so good! The clams strips are rubbery. The batter is so crispy and well seasoned. The fries are amazing. Comes also with slaw, tartar, and cocktail sauce. Yum! read more

Excellent food. Good service and family atmosphere. Best chowder and best salads around!

This place had great reviews and their website states: "we take pride in making all our sauces, hand battering our fish and baking deserts in house". That sounded perfect so we dropped in for their chowder and some fried claims. The chowder was tasty to be sure, and if that was all one wanted, this could conceivably achieve five stars. it was rich, full of clams and you could almost taste the love. The fried clams on the other hand were not so good. They were cooked well and served atop a basket of fries. They were also fouled with sand. Not good, and I still shiver when I think of biting into them. The price was no bargain either, which made it all the worse. I mentioned the sand to folks at the register on the way out and was told that the clams are the only dish that they don't bread in house. Go figure. read more

Bob's Chowder Bar - Seafood Near Me - Anacortes, Washington

I've been eating at Bob's for the past several years on a fairly frequent basis. Usually I am very happy with the meal I choose. I do find the food a bit pricey for the type but nonetheless have made a point of stopping in every couple of months. My favorite is the one piece fish meal with fries extra crispy and coleslaw. Last week I had an unfortunate experience with Bob's that left me wondering whether they continue to offer a value worth paying for. As usual I ordered the one piece fish and chips meal. I also ordered a second piece of fish knowing that there is a two piece version of this option. When I arrived at Mariner Park with my wife for an outdoor dinner I was surprised to find two rather scrawny pieces of fish in my package, the two combined being less a meal than anything I had previously experienced. So disappointing. Beyond this, when I initially went it to pick up my order I found I was being charged $6.25 for the second piece of fish rather than the upgrade from one to two pieces, a difference of over $3.00. This was a very sad experience for me but I know some places over time start taking their customers for granted.I hope this is not the case with Bob's but I am hesitant to go back and find out. read more

Friday a week ago we decided to go for lunch to Bobs chowder bar. Having heard so much about the chowder We were seated outside all five of us ordered the New England style chowder and salad. Waitress was friendly polite and nice. The salad was middle of the road. Normal diner stuff. The chowder however was completely tasteless and insipid. Although it had reasonable amount of clams it lacked flavor. Kind of perplexing that their signature dish was so poorly made. Not worth a second visit. The service was good. Roadside seating was ok. Good view but noisy. read more

We have been to Anacortes many times but somehow missed eating at Bob's Chowder Bar. We finally made it and we were impressed by the quality and the price of the food. We had fish and chips, grilled shrimp plate, a salad and some house made garlic biscuits. They offer unique salad dressings like cilantro and lime and tangerine. Yummm. It was all good and we will be returning soon. read more

Excellent food. The crab "chowder" is delish if not "chowder". It's a crab and pepper soup. It's great. But not chowder. The food is excellent - a great shanty with a great selection of fried excellent - the service however is below par. Pack your patience and be prepared to walk up to the counter to request refills and water. The staff is young, inexperience and apathetic read more

Big basket had only 1 piece of fish, some rubbery clam strips, overcooked prawns and oysters that just tasted like sea water. My daughter's cod sandwich was flavorless. My cup of chowder was good but the side was just a hard piece of toasted bread. Service was not good. We were told they were bringing the check which was a card reader machine without a bill. . $53.00 ridiculous! read more

This place has some super yummy clam chowder!! Everything we tried was really good!! But my absolute favorite was their coconut pound cake!!! Oh my gosh it was so good that we went back the next day just to get another piece of cake... If you get a chance to visit Anacortes, WA...you should definitely give this place a try!! (And don't forget a piece of Coconut Pound Cake!!) read more

Bob's Chowder Bar - Seafood Near Me - Anacortes, Washington

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The BEST chowder ever! So delicious! Such a fun atmosphere. Friendly and knowledgeable staff. We had great customer service despite challenges of COVID. Dined with our family and had a wonderful time here. Highly recommend! read more

Excellent food and exemplary service - ambiance is casual and fun!!! Would recommend very highly!

Wonderful food and great service: Highly recommend the chowder bowl and pork belly appetizer. Dog friendly patio with water bowls available

Staff was friendly and attentive. Food selection was full spectrum. We had the Ahab fish n chips. Fries and cod were CRISPY and flavorful. Better than many other places, probably the best. We sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful day. Ain't cheap and it wasn't the standard ivars "pay for the name" fare. Why the 4 stars, the place has seating for around 40 with only one bathroom. I love this restaurant in every way, except for the standing in line with two other patrons to use the restroom. read more

Best chowder! I personally love their chowder bread bowl with fried clams strips in it, soooo good! On the random day that I'm not feeling like ordering chowder I order their grilled cheese on sourdough. It's not your average grilled cheese... Order it and you won't be disappointed. Their fries that come with the grilled cheese are always perfect! I always get a side of their lemon love dressing to dip my fries in! read more

I'm not sure how I would rate this cute little place. The food was what you would expect from a shack in a beach community. The service was laid back and felt like I was back home on My home town island coming in for a quick bite after surfing. The experience made it for me here. If you want top of the line, best food of your life this isn't it. But if you want an experience that is authentic to the ocean/island lifestyle, they nailed it. read more

The place is cute, but spacious. Plenty of parking. The chowder was okay, it lacked seafood. The bread was yummy. The biscuits are delicious! read more

Really good chowder and sweet staff! Just keep an eye out when doing take out cuz they overcharge ya! I only ordered a chowder bowl and was charged for a bread bowl. I thought well I'll just go ahead and do that and try their bread out. Well no bread bowl was actually in the bag and the difference in price is at least $4. So sweet people, yummy food, but will overcharge you if you don't keep an eye out. I didn't want to be rude but next time will ask what is exactly is in the bag before I pay. read more

Great chowder, great crab salad sandwich, and the fish & chips (with red potatoes) was off the hook. Thank you Lauren for such great service and for making us feel welcome. The Pierris/Orting Wa. read more

Only the second time eating here. Really great selection of fresh seafood. I went for the fish and chips this time. The pieces of fish are large. The two piece was enough for me. They are cooked to order and were served hot. The french fries were salted perfectly and great. The cod was cooked perfectly. The only reason it didn't get five stars was the lack of seasoning in the batter. Will give the chowder a go next time. read more

Bob's Chowder Bar - Seafood Near Me - Anacortes, Washington

This place is AMAZING !! After a long day of whale watching tours , chowder was on our minds and this place has it all ! The chowder sampler was out of this world, the staff super friendly and even the owner, Bob showed up table side to check in on us. Great food, great atmosphere and a must go to . Will be back for sure ! read more

This, my friends, is what chowder is meant to be! Seriously, one of the best chowders ever to enter my mouth. Creamy, bacony, clammy deliciousness in a cup. Oh, they do have other things - clam strips (yeah, they're good), fish tacos (you'll love 'em), fish and chips (done just right). But for my money it's all about the chowder! Go get some! read more

Really pricey for mediocre food. Fish sandwich with really thick cibbota bread, can't taste the fish thru it, Crappy, hard fries and just ok chowder. Rude woman behind counter. Don't stop, keep on going. $50 for two of us and left half of it in the garbage can. Never again read more

Stumbled across this place while visiting family and we so happy we found it! The service was exceptional!! Beyond friendly, courteous, patient, and engaging!!! Every suggestion our waiter made, was spot on. Even the burgers and kid's grilled cheese sandwiches were to die for!! Highly recommend it and we will be back! read more

Tonight's delicious dinner was a recommendation of our host Motel office. And it did not disappoint. The food was excellent, the service was great and the portions were perfect. I had the Smoked Salmon Chowder and a small side salad with yummy house made Lemon dressing! Repeat, repeat, repeat! read more

Bob's Chowder Bar - Small side salad and a cup of Smoked Salmon Chowder - Seafood Near Me - Anacortes, Washington

After a long hike my friend recommended this place as delicious. I threw all the food in the trash and now onto to find something that I can actually eat. Friend avocado was burnt, the pork belly sandwich I threw away after one bite into this tough meat they called pork belly. The cod tacos were just cabbage and dressing, and not to mention the clam chowder. Get real that wasn't New England clam chowder. Again my friend and I both were very disappointed. Like I said we both took a bite out of everything that we ordered and we are not ones to waste but we threw all this food we ordered right in the trash. Would never eat here again. read more

Great food, and Amazing service. Gave this out of town boy a reason to come back. Even the owner was checking on tables making sure folks were taken care of. First class hometown eatery! read more

Slow service while visiting during off hours, but food quality is fine. Chowder bowl is good.

Finally was able to Visit Bob's Chowder bar in Anacortes. It exceeded my expectations! The restaurant is cozy, bright With both indoor and outdoor seating. The staff was friendly and helpful. I was there during a quiet afternoon with a light crowd. So to the food: I love clam chowder, so I was naturally excited to try it. They have a nice variety of clam chowders ranging from the Traditional, New England with the personalized Bob's twist to Manhattan , Crab, and Salmon. It was hard to decide! I went with the New England style and they kindly gave me a sample of the Salmon to try. Both were delicious and uniquely different. I was a little hesitant about the Salmon but curious. It was delicious with a smooth mild but not overpowering Salmon flavor. Would I order it again? Maybe, they do have a chowder sampler on the menu which I may try next time. The New England Bob's style was like a party of flavors for my taste buds! The chowder has a wonderfully light distinctive smoky flare that just brings it to the next level! Both chowders were loaded with nice bits of meats and vegetables, not too chunky but just right! Next I also love a good fish and chips. I tried the Halibut "Burger " technically sandwich to me. It was perfectly hand breaded more like crushed breading with probably the most delicious Cole slaw I have ever had! I'm not a real big Cole slaw fan but this creamy tangy Cole slaw was the perfect accompaniment on the sandwich! It was an unusual almost sweet/tangy combination. I normally put a malt vinegar on my fish, it did not need it at all! The combination of flavors and fresh tenderness were spot on! I was too full to try dessert but they had a very nice selection of Local made desserts and drinks! I had a nice local Pilsner but I could not tell you the name. I definitely look forward to coming back again! read more

Wife and I had a cup and a bowl of chowder and the "Prawns". I only wanted the bowl of chowder because I wasn't super hungry. Good thing because their "bowl" was much closer to a cup, like 8-10 ounces max, and the cup was maybe half a cup. Chowder had good flavor, but very light on the ingredients. Then there was the six over cooked but good tasting shrimp....not prawns, prawns are full sized, these were run of the mill shrimp. All this for $34???? Ok quality but just WAY too expensive for what you get. Guess we'll chock this up to a rip off the tourists joint. read more

Was looking for a local place to eat, since I am from out of town and Bob's had great reviews! I ordered the clam chowder soup which was hands down the best clam chowder Ive had in a while! Also got the grilled salmon that comes with a side salad. It was delicious! My friend got the fish and chips which she loved as well! read more

Bob's Chowder Bar - Seafood Near Me - Anacortes, Washington

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Good food and very reasonable prices. We were there in August and it was over 80 degrees. There is inside and outside seating. Our hostess said she could seat us inside immediately but there would be 15 minute wait for outside. We opted for inside. It was quite hot but in a few minutes the hostess said "those people are leaving and if you want I can move you outside." Awesome service! read more

Always great food. Their chowders are really good and the staff is always really friendly.

I'm not sure what others have experienced here that it deserves 4 stars but our service was horrible. Stood outside for 15 minutes before anyone even talked to us and we were just looking for some take out. Finally ordered and they said 20 minutes so I give them 30 minutes and ended up waiting an additional 10 after I returned to pick the order up. I eat enough seafood so I figured I would try their burger and it was burnt and dry with a sliver of onion and a couple slices of tomato about as big as quarters. All that for the low, low price of 14.99! Don't waste your time or money on this place. read more

Stopped by on our way back from deception pass, staff was friendly, beer was tasty and the fish was excellent. Outside seating only at the moment but we had our dog and they turned on a heater for us. Will definitely come back again. read more

So good! Cilantro lime sauce is the best sauce I have ever tasted. Fried pickles are huge and delicious. The fried avocado is wonderful. The chowder is amazing! read more

Good food but the chairs are the worst ever ruins the experience .. Clam ChowderFish and Chips excellent

What a disappointment. I would give the food 1 star but the service was good so 2 stars it is. I ordered the blackened prawns and rock crab roll. The prawn dish had 6 shrimps on skewers (at least they looked like shrimp because they were so little) that were just basically coated with a Cajun/blackened seasoning. It was so salty, overcooked and served cold. The crab roll was just meh. I don't ever complain or send food back that's just how I am so we quietly ate and left. If you want to give this place a try I would maybe stick with the fried foods. You may have better luck. read more

Stopped in today because we saw it on the way to the interstate and were hungry for some dinner. I ordered fish tacos, Anacortes aloha bbq, gourmet grilled cheese. All were really good. The coke slaw with tangerine is amazing! Fish taco sauce was great and not real spicy--good flavor and big portions read more

Bob's Chowder Bar - Seafood Near Me - Anacortes, Washington

I love their Oyster Burger, and fried pickles, and Calamari, and (Dairy Free) Rock Fish Chowder