Awesome place in Ballard for fish and chips, the best I've had in a long time. We stopped in here for lunch after visiting the Hiram Chittenden Locks. The location is convenient, just a short walk, maybe 5 minutes, from the locks. They have a nice selection of local beer on tap. I recommend the salmon and chips. They have a small, outdoor eating area for those that have their dogs in tow. read more

I stopped by the outdoor food window for some fish and chips because I heard they were AMAZING. Actually, they were average at best. I got fries, two fried pieces of fried fish, some tartar sauce, a handful of ketchup packets and one packet of vinegar. I understand that it is a simple dish, but this rendition was utterly not-special. Definitely not anything to write home about, especially not for $10. It was like what I would expect to get at a fair or something. Boring fish over a standard generic fry. And, a fork and a napkin would have been a nice touch. I've been in the bar before, and it seemed to have a nice homey divey atmosphere, but the fish and chips that everyone raves about are probably the most mediocre fish and chips I've ever had. read more

Going above and beyond Its conveniently located right off the exit of the Ballard side of the locks. We had a great experience when our group of 7 was there. Our server, I think his name was Daniel, was very friendly and helpful (Sorry if I got your name wrong). We were a bigger group but he was patient, informative, quick and very professional. Our food was great and the service was quick and excellent. We all started with the chowder which was very flavorful and satisfying and we all were very happy with our entrees (salmon, fish and chips, clam strips, burger). The restaurant had a very cozy and welcoming atmosphere. We were very happy after our visit but the best part came after. We didn't even realize that my son dropped his wallet somewhere at the restaurant. They found it and the good people that they are, reported it to AAA who called us. We had left the Seattle area by then but they were so kind to mail it to us, everything intact. Everybody, go to Lockspot Cafe, for the food, the people, the experience. Thank you very much Lockspot cafe and the good people working there. Wish we knew the name/s of the people who helped us so much. Take care. read more

So long old pal, I started coming to this place in 2003 and then couldn't leave. The bartenders and servers were old friends and the bar became a family that I hated to leave behind. I will miss the Saturday breakfasts and adding jalapeno's to everything. I loved the bacon burgers with pepperjack cheese, the sliders during the super bowl parties, and of course the bartenders I once knew. Sue spoiled me proper last Tuesday and I even had a moment to have some of favorite fries while I played pool. This place is great for dinner/breakfast/cocktails. Kevin will be missed too!! take your family there on Saturday Mornings and go for oj and omelette days!!! read more

My fiancee and I went for lunch today (Saturday around 1pm) and it was fabulous. I got a BLT and substituted the fries for onion rings. The onion rings were an extra $4 but well worth it in my opinion. They were nice beer battered actual onion rings not onion pieces. They came with a little container of tartar sauce which was awesome! I wonder if they might make their own. It tasted great. My fiancee got the mushroom cheeseburger and the coleslaw. He seemed to like it. The coleslaw was yummy the pickle he got was good too. I snuck a few bites and it was a nice garlicy deli pickle. It would have been cheaper had I not substituted in onion rings. So it cost about $21 for the two of us. It was very yummy. A nice traditional American restaurant with some really good looking menu items. I'm excited to go back and try their Philly cheese steak (I'm from PA so I can be picky about my cheese steaks). The service was great. We got a very friendly waitress who refilled our drinks quick. I think next time I might order no ice, though. The glass was more than half full of ice on the second refill. That annoys me. For what it's worth... there was vinegar on our table. I think I noticed someone say there was no vinegar. All in all the Lockspot Cafe is a great place for some American comfort food. I'm looking forward to going there again! read more

Went there for dinner with our Living Social coupon. Sat in traffic for 45 minutes to get there, but I like to shop in Ballard every so often so I figured I would grab a new place to nosh there too. Found out after we ordered (but before the food came) that they wouldn't accept the LivingSocial deal anymore. Are you kidding me? You had a contract with them, and therefore with the customers, and you just decided to ditch it and not tell me? Not cool. The fact is, we love finding new places thanks to Groupon and Living Social, and then if we like a place we always go back. That crepe place in Ravenna? I can't tell you how many times we've been there since Groupon got us hooked 7 years ago, and we always bring friends too. I'm sorry if you think I'm not going to be a good customer just because I like a coupon, but it turns out I am. But when you don't honor your end of the deal, well, I'm done with you. Not a business I want to do business with. We canceled our food and left. Asked the (very nice) server why they wouldn't take the deal, even though it didn't expire until June. She said she didn't know, that she just found out last week (well now that would be plenty of time to contact deal-holders, wouldn't it?). No manager in sight, but judging by the other reviews, it wouldn't have mattered. We asked her to pass along to her boss that they just lost a customer for tonight and the future. We won't be returning. read more

This review is for the take-out window. I have not been inside. I've been on the look-out for good fish & chips lately, wondering why I have such a hard time finding them in a port city like Seattle. Going to the locks recently, I had occasion to try out Lockspot. Sadly it's is a study in forgettable fish & chips. Salty. Rubbery. Moderately greasy. Greasy rubberfish, the bane of the genre. How does it happen? Lockspot claims "true cod", which is a start toward palatability. Plenty of outfits lie, calling what they sell "cod" when it's really whiting or pollock or even some amalgam of shark and whitefish remnants. So if Lockspot's actually uses cod fillets, what went wrong here? Generally rubberfish comes about by converting a block of ice into an Alexander Hamilton too quickly or because of poor initial quality, poor storage conditions, or even a freeze/thaw/freeze mishap. Who knows in this case. All I know it the fish wasn't flaky, wasn't tasty, and wasn't cheap. The batter was fairly tasteless but at least it wasn't outrageously greasy. The chowder might as well have come out of a cheap can. Yes, it's edible. No, there's nothing else to say about it. The fries were mushy and tasteless. Save yourself. Walk the one block west to Red Mill Totem House, as long as it's not Monday. Much better fish & chips and chowder, at similar prices. read more

We were looking for another restaurant but found this one first, and I'm glad we did! We tried the Fish and chips, halibut and chips, and the salmon and chips. All of them were the best we'd ever had! They had some good local beers, and the staff was very friendly. I will come here every time I'm in the area. read more

This place is just what you think it is going to be: an unpretentious bar/cafe, with the simple American diner fare that so many of us ate during college. The place has the typical rusty bar crap hanging off of the walls and the necessary wooden tables and booths. The menu is the usual, with a few twists. They have things like pesto salmon sandwiches and yellowfin tuna to complement the normal burger and fried food selection. I had the garden burger with green chilis and gauc, which was yummy. My boyfriend had the fish and chips, for which they are famous. We both thought the fish and chips did not live up to the hype. The atmosphere here gets a five, the food a three, the service a two and the all local beer list a five. I'd go back, but I'm not going tomorrow. read more

Haven't been there in ages, but used to go there back in the 60's with my soon to be husband. Just happy to know it is still there. Sounds like it is almost the same as it was then. read more

Great food at a decent price: my philly cheesesteak, fries and beer + his clamstrips, fries and beer = $32.00. That's not bad for Ballard, whose retail prices are going up as fast as the condos. Serving our good-tasting food was a down-to-earth waitress who, though not chatty, was personable and made sure we were taken care of. Last time I sat at the bar and was chatted up all night, so remember to choose where you sit carefully (by the way, you seat yourself at the Lockspot). One last thing: both times I've been here the drinks have been a little weak, so keep in mind that this place is less for drunken antics and more for relaxing with a friend, nursing your hangover. read more

Good fish and chips, but a little pricey for this kind of shack. Between us we had one order each of plain fish and chips, halibut and chips, prawns and chips, and clams and chips. All tasty, but at 47 bucks, a little steep. And, NO vinegar...wtf? read more

Do you eat fish and chips with your fingers? The restaurant area was packed so I sat at the bar with my friend. A football game was playing on the flat screen TV. The wooden paneling on the walls gave the bar a dark ambiance. I ordered their famous fish and chips. It was fried to perfection. I saw a gal using her fork to dip her fish in the tartar sauce. I thought that was weird. Who does that? What's wrong with eating your food with your fingers? They don't give you a fork at Ivar's. Maybe she was a tourist like many of the other people that stop by the locks. Anyway, I finished my food...the red basket was empty. The bartender asked how our food was. I told him it was great and I gave him a thumbs up. He was a hard working man. Constantly moving. A multitasker. read more

I love the bar and I love having liquid lunch here. Just one question? How does one decide it is ok to buy shorts from the junior dept. and wear them to work when you are obviously not a junior? Seriously. read more

Service is usually pretty good, but can be understaffed at times, even during lunch-hour. Would be four stars but the place really needs a little interior remodeling--not saying to take the character out, just a few repairs and updates. Avoid the blown out vinyl sofa seats in the back if you can. Of course the standard fish and chips are reliable. But a few of my favorites there are the pesto salmon sandwich, the garden burger sandwich with pepper and Swiss, and the entree size Caesar salad with blackened salmon. The latter of which I tried today for the first time and would definitely get it again. Fresh and pretty healthful. read more

Just wasted $20 on the "famous lockspot fish and chips" I got two medium sized pieces of cod over some soggy fries. Half of one of my pieces of fish had not been prepared properly and was inedible. I showed it to the waitress and she couldn't have cared less. Instead of a new napkin she took her smoke break 5 yards away from me while I ate the rest of my meal at the outdoor patio Looking to waste some money on bad fish and chips?! This is your spot!!! Go to spud or probably anywhere else in Seattle that makes fish and chips read more

I got some Halibut from the outside cafe'. I was hungry for some good fish and being this close to good fresh fish, I thought I'd pick some up. It was expensive ($20. for three pieces with coleslaw) but halibut is expensive. However, I have not had such a terrible meal for a long time. Leathery/ battered/frozen patties with a hint of white (maybe fish) in the middle and no flavor at all is NOT a good advertisement for Seattle seafood. I won't get food from there again, although I go to the Locks frequently. Very disappointing. read more

Hello I must say it's been 25years since I've been to The Ballard Locks but was so happy and please to see" The Lockspot Cafe" Our Waiter J.R. was great and very Wecoming they have The BEST FISH& CHIPS We were a party of three and my guest from T-Town really e joyed themself. Thank you for being still "REAL" CHEF J.J.JACKSON W/ Grits & Groceries read more

This is a dive bar with some history and good fried food. Bunch of drunk fisherman playing pool and sucking on long necks. You may find some of the Deadly Catch folks hanging out. If you're afraid of the F bomb this is not your place. We go here for fish and chips and fried clams. Watch out for car prowlers if you park at the locks. The tweakers troll that place for loose variables. Use your truck. read more

Cute little hidden spot! We were killings time before embarking on a cruise. This place was really good! It was quiet. Very good breakfast and really good prices. read more

I really really want to like the Lockspot, but I'm not sure I do. We were there at 10:15 on a Sunday and wanted both breakfast and lunch items, but were informated by our waitress that we could ONLY order breakfast before 10:30 and ONLY order lunch after 10:30. WTF? Why not put in all orders at 10:30 and get them at the same time? That and the service is SLOOOOW. I don't mean forget to refill your water glass slow, but our food took 30 minutes from ordering to arriving slow. It's not like it was busy, there were like 3 other tables full of people. And the waitress was cranky. The food was great however, and the prices are good for the amount you get. So if you have a LOT of time after visiting the Locks or just want a taste of Old Ballard, this is a good place to go. read more

I start to salivate at the very thought of the halibut and chips.... When i moved to Seattle, i loathed fish. It was the bane of my existence... well that's maybe going a bit far, but let's say i did not like it or eat it. I blame it on the fact that you can't get good fresh seafood in Texas. Seattle showed me that fish can be oh so amazing.... and the Lockspot was the first place where i experienced the pure glory that deep fried halibut has to offer! The halibut ( of the halibut and chips) is battered and deep fried till it is perfectly golden and crispy. The fish is light and flaky, and the only word that i can use to describe the flavor is CANDY.... it doesn't taste sweet, but the experience is like biting into a rich chocolaty candy bar... pure joy I can't seem to ever order anything else. My friends always get the cod and chips which are breaded and deep fried (instead of battered). Pretty much anything deep fried here is delicious. I have also heard good things about the chowder... The Lockspot has a laid back neighborhood vibe and is a great place to come with friends, shoot the breeze and enjoy some tasty food and beer! read more

Um, ok. So if you don't go during the summer, or salmon spawning season, and maybe if you go later at night, and only then if this one guy wasn't having the crappiest day since one lady threaten to sue because they didn't have an accessible front entrance ... THEN, and only then, would it be an okay place to have a drink. And this as long as they are not terribly understaffed (as one waitress apologized for since one of their line cooks was in a car accident. I had to trust her on that one). I had the fried prawns, but definitely did not have the feeling they were plucked out of the sea 5 minutes ago (as the nautical atmosphere would lend). Although I do have to say that it was an honor to use the same bathroom that Dirty Job's Mike Rowe *could* have used when they were taping "After the Catch". I hope the fine folks of the Lock Spot take heed of his words scribbled next to his name, "Keep it clean!" read more

Living in Ballard, I come here often. It's one of my favorite places, and I love the classic nautical aesthetic. It's a cozy cafe with plenty of seating, a bar area, and free parking up front, if available. It can be bustling, but most of the times I've visited have been more on the relaxed vibe. The best breakfast/brunch food is definitely their smoked salmon benedict-- holy cow. You just have to try it out for yourself, while also sipping a tasty mimosa or Bloody Mary. :) Their other tasty American dishes have yet to disappoint. read more

Ahhh lockspot. Place of many faces. Saying that though, I love it. If you want fish and chips come here!!!!! You absolutely cannot go wrong, they have prawn and chips, salmon and chips, goes on and on. Now, if you want any other food maybe don't get your hopes up. The fish and chips is the only thing I can say I would get again. I have had plenty of other menu food and was not impressed. They have trivia every Monday night and I am a regular. The staff is exceptionally friendly and always takes great care when we go to eat there. The trivia night is a blast. My girlfriend says the beer list isn't very large but says they have a decent local beer selection. If you're looking for fish and chips come here! If you're looking for a good trivia night, come here!!!!! If you're looking for great staff, come here!!!!! Otherwise just think about it. read more

Great fish and chips. My wife had the salmon Caesar's salad and she enjoyed it very much as well.

2 stars only because the place was super cute and our waitress friendly and attentive. We had the fish and chips and it was dreadful. Over cooked to the point of being tough like rubber bands. Should've sent it back but we were starved and the parking meter was running out of time. Order something else when you go there. Something that originated on land. read more

Such a pain in the ass to order for the outdoor dog friendly seating area. The menu posted DIRECTLY in front of order window is *only available for indoor full service dining. When I was told this a woman working here tried to "point out" the sign stating indoor dining menu to which I said we have our dog so we're not gonna do that then she drones on with all the reasons, excuses etc for this in detail I told her "oh I understand I just think it's stupid" it's highly annoying when a customer is spoken to in a condescending manner. News flash customers pay your wages your wages pay for groceries savvy? Circle of life shit ya know? This place is convenient to the locks and the park. That's all they have going for them. Maybe read up on true customer service instead of belittling the people that wish to buy your product. If service means nothing to you eat here. read more

If what you're looking for is some good old fish and chips and a down to earth place to relax in Ballard then this is your spot. I do my best to avoid the deep fried foods that are readily available in pubs like this one, but I had a hankering for some fish 'n chips, calamari and my date and his clam strips. So much for avoiding the grease factor here. I was surprised to say that while deep fried as all of these items were they weren't too greasy, the portions were large and we left very full. The prices were great the service was nice and overall the place was pretty clean. I would stop back in whenever I am at the locks or in Ballard for that matter. I know what to expect now and it's head and shoulders above those outrageously small fry sized pieces of fish that you can expect at larger chain places. read more

It's almost obligatory to get fish and chips from the Lockspot if you've spent the day at the Ballard Locks. At least, that's what my kids tell me. The fish and chips are good, it's nice to sit outside on sunny days, but it's not the cheapest or the best. Not bad at all, just not the best. read more

The Lockspot Cafe - American Near Me - Seattle, Washington

the sole star is dedicated to a chill location, but everything else was a bummer- $7.99 for a measly amount of average onion rings, no drink specials and brisk (rude) service. Echoing other reviewers- I feel like the lockspot gets away with their prices/service because of it's history, proximity to the locks, and $ballard$ clientele. read more

The Lockspot Cafe - American Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Lockspot has become my go to hangout whenever I want to relax, drink some beers, or watch a game. It isn't a sports bar per se but they do show the games on their 3 TVs so I'm happy. I'll be moving from only a block away to Eastlake but that won't stop me from coming back perpetually. It still weirds me out that I see kids and just... not bar types hanging out here considering that its a bit of a dive, but I just assume it those visiting the locks. Still, remember people, its a bar, don't shoot me a dirty look when a cuss word may accidentally leave my mouth while watching football because you decided you wanted to bring your child here for dinner. Moving on, Lockspot is one of those non-dive divey type bars. It isn't an over the top dive but its not fine dining. I like the food though, especially brunch. The chicken fried steak is fantastic hangover food and the bloody mary's are seriously some of the best I've had in the city. I've sat at the bar and tables many times and both the waitress and the bartender have been nice - they may take a minute to warm up to you but cut them some slack and next thing you know you'll be sharing laughs. I brought some out of town friends here for a nightcap after their flight and we shared stories with the bartender until close, we all enjoyed ourselves. Lockspot is just a good, laid back, neutral bar, I removed a star for the occasional slow service but it is still always friendly. read more

Just looking for a good fish fry near the Locks and boat fleet. The Lockspot looked promising but was just so-so. While they offer a nice selection of local beers on tap, it would have been nice if they ran a little out first if it has been awhile since that variety was poured. Strike One. Fries were soggy. Strike Two. The redeeming factor keeping them from receiving a 1 or 2 star was the quality of the fish, which was okay, I don't believe it was batter dipped in the kitchen. Sorry, that's all I can muster on this stop. I'll try the next place down the street. read more

I hate fish and chips. As a matter of fact, it's hard for me to like any foods that are breaded and fried. However, the Lockspot cafe has changed all that. The breading on their fish is so light that it doesn't overwhelm the fish at all. And it's probably the least greasy fried fish I've ever had. There's a good selection of beers, and everyone is bound to find something they like (although I've heard the mixed drinks are only so-so). I'm not a big fan of the clam chowder here--it's a little bland and watery. However, the salmon chowder is super yummy! The seared tuna sandwich is also very good, but try the fish and chips--especially if you don't like fried fish! read more

Had the fish-n-chips and a cup of chowder. Food was just meh. Fish is breaded as opposed to battered. Fries was mediocre - not fresh cut. Could barely taste clams in the chowder. Service was good and quick though. Granted it was 3pm on a Monday. read more

The food is cheap, but the food is terrible. The fish was disgusting and the fries were undercooked but had burnt parts. Giving 2 stars because it was inexpensive and couldn't expect too much anyway. read more

If you want good food and don't care about terrible service, this place will be right up your alley. Went there for a semi-late dinner. There were only a few other occupied tables. The food was great. The service was TERRIBLE! It was the very first time I've not left a tip. It was that bad. We walked in and told the guy by the door (turns out it was the waiter) that we had a party of two. He was a bit curt in telling us to seat ourselves. As we were walking to a table, he just hands us menus with a "Here you go" type of comment. We ordered fish and chips and an onion rings appetizer. Our onion rings came and we got no plates. The waiter disappeared so we used napkins as plates. Our food came and he set it down with hardly a word. My water glass was empty and my daughter's was half empty. We also had clearly dirty, bunched up napkins, but he just walked off. He ended up standing off on the side of the room, just looking around. He finally came back after 5-10 minutes and asked how things were. We asked for more water, napkins, and tarter. You'd think the water and napkins would be obvious. The bill comes and we discover we've been charged for the extra tartar. When I asked him about it, he just shrugged and walked off with my credit card. Incredibly rude. Despite the food being good, I doubt I'm rushing back. There are plenty of places to get fish and chips where you don't get treated like you're an inconvenience. read more

Nothing special - regular food , frozen fries , decent English muffin ( possibly homemade) Eggs Benedict - hollandaise sauce was seriously lacking . Ham was nasty - home potatoes were previously frozen nothing home about them. It strictly served the purpose of filling our stomach. Filet mignon was ehhh rubbery - the flat iron wasn't much better both were rare. Fish and chips were greasy with I think Panko breading. BLAH FOOD ALL AROUND . Service: we had a meek waitress who didn't want to have anything to do with human interaction . Atmoshpere : dark. Too many different things trying to go on in one place , cafe, bar, dive , restaurant didn't blend well & the offerings cause the demographic to largely vary. I enjoyed my company not my food . read more

I would have never tried this place if it wasn't for the fact that my favorite fish-n-chips place recently closed its doors. Just like a new love can never completely fill the void of a broken heart, Lockspot can never completely take the place of my first love Totem House. However that being said the fish here is quite good. The chowder although it seemed a little watery compared to some others I have eaten had a very good flavor. Lockspot has given me hope that perhaps one day I will love again. read more

On my quest to find the perfect fish and chips the Lockspot Cafe is now one of my top choices. The halibut and chips were extremely good. The halibut was sliced a bit thinner than most but was well cooked with a nice batter. The best part was you could still taste that it was fish! So many times the grease and batter become overwhelming. The fries were also really good, meaty, good potato flavor, didn't even need salt or ketchup. Tartar sauce was excellent with dill and just a hint of citrus. Also got the blackened tuna cesar salad... wooohoooo it was spicy!!! And good, and big! My bloody mary was also delightful. Can't wait to come back to The Deadliest Bar and try more fried seafood. read more