I had to come here four times before I wrote this review. This place will have you file a second mortgage with their ridiculous prices and plain old boring fried frozen foods. One item was the best I ever had which was the carne asada fries. That one deserved it. A five-star. The rest of the food is crap quality. The burgers were awful. I don't understand how businesses like this still stay open serving crap food. I finally told myself never again after four times trying to give them a chance. With consistent crap, this is the result. The homeless people of Seattle make better food in their grill. read more

athe sign outside says "our food slaps"...I'd give them a 5 star for food and service...the place is rustic and could use a good carpet cleaning. The onion rings and fish sandwich were really good. read more

We stopped to grab a quick bite to eat on the way to other Seattle 'touristy' sites. This place is a small gem. It's not large or fancy but the service provided was friendly, efficient and engaging. I ordered the appetizer of the crab cake however they were not available so I opted for the Salmon chowder which was very good, the fish and chips with a local lager beer. The fish was cooked to perfection like something out of a magazine. It looked pretty and tasted pretty darn good. Our server was nice enough to offer/suggest the smaller portion at a lower price as I only wanted an appetizer. It was a nice portion that was filling. There is indoor and outdoor dining. Nice fun fact, the indoor Bar and Restaurant was featured on the Discovery Channel The Deadliest Catch. You will find memorabilia on the wall and throughout the dining area. After visiting the The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks/Ballard Locks this is a nice place to stop for local treats. read more

See all

This business doesn't have any interest in keeping customers just being defensive. Your food is cold, takes forever, and I won't be coming back. Hope you enjoyed your $200 a month over the pandemic that's not coming back from my business. read more

So good! 10:30 am this morning!! 18 includes tax. Really good!! Alex, n other guy cooking. read more

The Lockspot Cafe - Fish n chips at 10:30 am. It is very delicious. Alex n the other guy back there. I was pleasantly surprised. 18/ includ tax I think. - American Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Not too bad. Stopped here really late in a hurry. Had the fish and chips. Tasted good and the fries were crispy with right amount of salt.

Delicious and affordable food, nice casual atmosphere . Option to sit outside in nice weather

Nostalgic place, and the server was gracious but service was slow even though we were the only ones inside during the lunch hour. Ordered a senior plate of fish tacos - it was too salty to eat, and there were only bits of fish underneath the slaw that tasted too strong to have been fresh or even fresh-frozen. Fries were okay, a hamburger was also too salty, even for a teenager. read more

Wonderful! Loved this place! Great service! My daughter and SIL had the fried cod they said it was great. The boys had burgers, they were gone so fast-- I never hardly saw them. My husband and I had the French Dip sandwich, which was also excellent. Our waitress was superb! She answered all questions and very attentive! Loved this spot read more

We were disappointed with our recent visit. The food was mediocre. The hamburger tasted like meatloaf. The fries and fish tasted like they were fried in old, fishy grease. The server was nice. read more

I enjoyed my lunch here very much. It was very clean and my server was great. I enjoyed my jello shot as well.

Not only did they make us wait 45 min for a takeout order, the food was horrible. Fries were soggy and burger was burned. Definitely do not go there. read more

The Lockspot Cafe is an old school seafood restaurant located on the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks (a.k.a. Ballard Locks) in Ballard. According to the front cover of the menu, this restaurant has been around for over 90 years. Wow. Upon stepping foot inside, the traditional sea house look and feel of this place instantly reminded me of The Crazy Crab on Hilton Head Island (http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-crazy-crab-hilton-head-island-2). The dimly lit, cozy confines somewhat resemble a house. There's a bar, multiple sections of seating, a brick fireplace, and all sorts of vintage nautical decor. Out back, there are take-out windows as well as a small espresso and ice cream stand with picnic table style outdoor seating. Our group visited for dinner on a Thursday night. The restaurant wasn't busy. The food was lackluster to okay and the service was subpar. The Lockspot Cafe is known for it's "world famous" fish & chips. Some appetizers offered include steamed clams, fried calamari, cod cakes, and popcorn scallops. Most apps are priced at $8-11 each. Entree-wise, they've got clam chowder, clam strips, halibut, yellowfin tuna steak, salmon, and fish tacos. These mostly range in price from $12-17 each. They also have salads, steaks, chicken, burgers, and sandwiches in roughly the same price range. I tried the following: * Deep Fried Cheese Ravioli ($7.99) - served with marinara sauce * Fish & Chips ($11.99) - lightly breaded Alaskan cod, fries, tartar sauce * Super Clam Strips ($13.99) - served with fries, cocktail and tartar sauce The Deep Fried Cheese Ravioli came out piping hot. They weren't bad. Par for the course when it comes to typical bar food. Crispy breading, tasty, melty cheese, and a thick marinara sauce that contained grated cheese. About 5-6 palm-sized pieces came to an order. The Fish & Chips were alright. They weren't kidding when they described these as being "lightly breaded" on the menu. The thin, golden brown coating was barely noticeable in some spots, making this one of the meatier and less crispy fish & chips I've tried. Two fish fillets were served atop a bed of crisp, thick-cut fries with a small container of tartar sauce and a lemon wedge. Both the fish and chips had a subtle oily sheen to them. If you've made it here, I say give them a shot. I was underwhelmed with the Super Clam Strips. I was looking forward to trying them after reading its menu descriptors: "big, tender, & delicious!" The clam strips were neither "super" nor any of those adjectives. What I got was unappetizingly crunchy, rubbery, and greasy. The clam strips looked like shriveled up chicken fingers. There was too much batter and not enough clam meat. Some morsels tasted like 99-100% batter and 0-1% clam. In other words, batter chips. This very disappointing dish went unfinished. Each table has a small set of trivia questions. We had fun playing impromptu trivia while waiting for our food and drink orders. Service was not good. When we arrived, we took seats at tables that had not yet been cleaned (these were the only tables that could accommodate our group). Even after our tables were cleared and the tops wiped off, the tables were still sticky. A dirty rag sat on a table next to ours for the duration of our dinner -- not the most appetizing thing in the world. The food came out in a reasonable of time. However, after our entrees were delivered, our server went MIA. Our group completely ran out of water including the two pitchers left at our table. Luckily, there was a pitcher of water on the mantle above the fireplace. I grabbed it and started refilling everyone's water. At this point, I think the server or someone else on the staff noticed and the server came running back to our table. By that time, I had already refilled everyone's water for them. read more

See all

Great location and friendly staff! I was craving fish and my boyfriend has always wanted to try this place so it was a perfect match :) We started with the clam dip ($12) and HALLELUJAH it was amazing! I wasn't convinced when Brandon ordered it but it was creamy and clamy and delicious! I cannot say enough good things about the hand-cut, fresh from the fryer potato chips that came with it. By far the best I've ever had. We both got the classic fish n chips ($14) and it did not disappoint. Batter is crispy without being too thick and the fish was juicy and fresh. The fish itself was a little too mild (used lemon to kick up the flavor) for my craving so next time I'll go with the Halibut. This is a no frills restaurant so don't come expecting outlandish fancy meals. The menu is simple and straight up so you get what you order. The fries aren't very good- they took away from the main event instead of adding to it. Service was attentive and friendly and I really loved that we could sit outside. Only con of that was there was something between 'a few' and 'a swarm' of flies that gathered near the door to go inside. Not very pleasant for our table. Dive bar feel with good variety on the menu- but how can you come for the first time and *not* get the classic?! Convenient location- so easy it's a wonder we haven't stopped by before. Will definitely be back! read more

See all

A few days ago, I had the unique experience of being 86'ed from the Lockspot Café, a restaurant my family has patronized for many years. Two septuagenarian grandmothers, we ordered a fish fillet and fries with a cold drink on a very hot day after a stroll around the locks. After we put our order in at the porch window, we were told the only available seating was "alongside the bustling parking lot" (their website words) exposed to the full sun. We asked if we could change our order to go inside the restaurant and we were told no, we couldn't because the employee did not know how to cancel our order. We rounded the corner with our food to sit in the outdoor covered seating area that adjoins the restaurant. There were several empty tables, only one 4-top occupied. Before we could get comfortable, an employee came out, I believe his name was Declan, and started YELLING at us that we could not sit there; that was seating for the restaurant people only. We said that it was too hot for us to sit out front in the exposed sun, and that we would eat quickly. He noticed my dog and said we could not have the dog there, even though it was an outdoor space, and my dog is a service animal, which I had explained. He became very flustered and said we needed to leave immediately. With one fish fillet and some French fries, plus some ice-cold cokes, we informed him we would eat quickly and leave. We were nearly finished when another man came out, trailed by a young girl, and we thought he was going to apologize for the behavior of Declan, who stood alongside. Instead he started shouting at us, louder and spitting with each word. He told us we were no longer welcome at the Lockspot, to never come back again. He was visibly shaking, and his face grew red. We listened, in shock. My friend let them know she was from New York and had never been treated so poorly in her life and was startled by this kind of treatment in Seattle. We let them know we were leaving momentarily; other than that, we said nothing. What was there to say? As world travelers, we are still baffled by the whole episode. It felt like ageism, but really, we weren't sure why we were treated so horribly. We apologized to the people at the 4-top and they responded that the Lockspot staff's actions were extreme, unnecessary, shocking, and abusive. Frankly, the food wasn't that great. The fish fillet had no flavor. I had praised this restaurant to my friend and wanted to share with her one of my favorite places. I've patronized this restaurant for decades. Needless to say, I will cooperate with the Lockspot employees and never return. read more

Food was AMAZING! I do not say this lightly. I've been to this place multiple times and ordered different things every time and it has been delicious. Plus the server named Kendra is honestly the most polite, personable server I've ever had. Highly recommend asking for her! Everyone who has helped is very friendly. read more

Food is fine but there were multiple problems with our order :( I appreciate that both the person taking my order and I (Australian) have accents, and we were both wearing masks, but there were three things wrong in an order of three things 1. Got sampler instead of meal ordered 2. Got individual drink instead of growler (part of this isn't just due to the person taking the order/communication but also the menu for growlers to go not aligning to the other menu for growers) 3. During the ordering, got wrong item, and tried to correct it but just ended up with a different wrong item I dunno. Most of the time Lockspot is good but I was pretty disappointed with this takeout experience :( read more

I was shocked how bland the fish sandwich was. Zero seasoning and flavor. Save your money and go to Red Mill!

Average fish and chips. Very oily and no taste. Clam chowder was 4 out of 5 with a lot of potato's and tiny pieces of clam. It's basically convenient and right outside the gardens. Staff was friendly. Prices not so much. I wouldn't go back unless I was starving and all area restaurants were closed. Go for the location, not for the food. read more

We stopped at Lockspot after touring the Norwegian museum (1 block away) and before heading to the Ballard Locks (also 1 block away). We all tried something different at the restaurant, which was pretty quiet around 1pm on a Friday. I had the fish sandwich which was very tasty. Several other people in my party got the clam chowder which ended up being one of their favorite chowders they tried throughout their trip to Seattle- so definitely get a cup to try! Only reason it isn't getting 5 stars is because it took about an hour for us to get our food (party of 7), and like I said it was pretty dead in there so we were confused on why it took so long (even the cup of chowder took forever). Overall good food, but be prepared to wait. read more

had the famous Fish and Chips, and a cup of Clam Chowder. lovely staff, cozy, comforting ambiance, delicious food. thank you for a tasty lunch! read more

I love this place with all my heart. It is a neighborhood bar with a fun history. Their seafood is fresh and great (halibut and chips is a must) and pork sliders are also quite good. Their desert menu is also great - with skillet brownies and cookies that you can't refuse. So if you're looking for good food and lovely staff this is the place for you! read more

Went there for lunch. The person taking the order was extremely polite and nice. That was all that was positive. The food totally sucked. Absolutely horrible cod. Inedible. Tough old pieces that could not be bitten into. The halibut was a shade better. But terribly thick greasy batter. They even managed to screw up the the tater tots with oil soaked tots. How do you screw up tater tots. The only ok product was their coleslaw. No chance of a second visit from me. Very disappointing. Sorry about post this very negative review. I wish I didn't have to but there was nothing redeeming about the meal. Sad. You go out of business one customer at a time. read more

Convenient location for those heading to or coming from the Ballard Locks. Location is prime, right off the Locks parking lot. It was busy during lunchtime, creating a longer wait time for our food than normal. The food was good, your traditional fish and chips kind of joint. We really liked the clams and chips. We wish there was more clams.... but they were tender and not over cooked. read more

See all

The sign says their food slaps and sure as sh*t, it does. The Salmon Chowder filled the void on this balmy 63° day.

I give it props for strong wifi and location. The hostess/waitress said I couldn't sit near a window because that is for bigger parties.( Place was empty and plenty of space for other parties to sit. I was there 45 min, no other large parties appeared) Seemed off put that I didn't know what I wanted after 3 min of looking and never asked if I wanted coffee or water or anything. I usually give people benefit of the doubt just in case they are having an off day. This seemed to be just how it is there. I ordered the pancakes because I knew it was the fastest and easiest to make and specifically ordered crispy bacon.( Less fat,less grease and the way I like it). Also a milk to come out with my meal. Milk came out with coffee.Order came out in about ten minutes which was fine ,but the pancakes were not done and the bacon as you can see was cold, chewy and had a cold greasy texture. I ate some of the edge of pancake, half a piece of bacon and half my coffee( coffee pot was not clean, you can taste the burntness).after all was said and done. Didn't eat over half the meal, never saw a big group come in, and the milk and half cup of coffee cost me $8 alone! I wish I could've liked it more but sorry, for $30 breakfast I expected a little more. I have worked in food service for 20years so I'm not saying this out of malice,just experience. read more

The Lockspot Cafe - Not cooked pancakes. Cold soggy chewy bacon. - American Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Probably the best fish tacos I've ever had--absolutely full of flavor, fresh ingredients, and good proportions! I loved the vibe inside, very chill and homey/nautical. Service was quick, and nice, and had outdoor seating to enjoy the good weather! Great place to stop if you're going to see the Locks or walk around that area :-) 100% would go back again. read more

Great dive bar / brunch place. Id come back, but just be prepared for very slow and bad service. It took an Incredibly long time to get a menu. The servers seemingly did not know who had been served as they asked everyone seated if they got menus yet. The host didn't come to take people to tables for so long that some people left. We could see him at the bar. This dude is obviously very stressed. He told me there was no room on the balcony. I said I wanted to check it out. There were two tables and two bar stools open. Also **even though they give you a menu with a brunch menu on the front at all times, you can't order brunch after 2pm** If you're the owner / manager reading this you may want to consider adding timing to your brunch menu, or not hand out the brunch menu when brunch is over. read more

The servers are always friendly, sometimes the food can be a little slow to come out, but it's always worth the wait. Everything tastes super fresh. Their calamari is delicious especially with the amazing aioli dipping sauce. read more

I was startled at how much I enjoyed this spot. The fish was lightly breaded and seasoned, crispy and piping hot. The fry's were fresh and crisp. My grandson partook in a marvelous peanut butter chocolate coated ice cream bar. Not a franchise, there is an ambiance of originality and history. It is located next to the locks and yhey have outdoor seating. I can't believe I've lived here my whole life and not eaten here before! The employees were genuine and friendly. read more

I don't know why all of these three star reviews. The fact is I stopped here and had one of the best fish and chips I've had in a long time. The fish was crispy the batter was crunchy and the fries were absolutely delicious. All for under $20 read more

Do y'all love the vibe of an anciently established bar and grill staple, but feel like those have left us in Seattle? Let me tell you... Lockspot has been revamped in every way, but somehow maintained its affordable & friendly vibe with a comfort food menu for everyone (now sans the grease + great cocktails). I ordered the fettuccine alfredo with blackened chicken and veggies; it was the best dang version of this I've ever had at a restaurant in Seattle. Not only has the food improved, I truly loved our server. Her name is Jackie and she ROCKS. On a personal note, I miss the Florida Gulf beach bars that I grew up with, and this fits the ticket. You're not necessarily watching the sunset while you dine, but the Locks gardens entrance is right there, and you can get a nice view of the water after a great meal/drink and stroll in the park. This time I sat inside, but they also have outdoor seating that has a view of trees, the train bridge, and colors at sunset (hard to find in Ballard). * Highly recommend * PS: I'm not a dessert person, but the pretzel PB chocolate pie was stupid (as in delicious). Get dessert. read more

The Lockspot Cafe - Alfredo (sans seafood, plus blackened chicken). Veggies on the side. - American Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Loved their famous fish and chips! The service was excellent, and we didn't have to wait a long time to get our drinks and food. I also like that is has parking available :) read more

This place had been a favorite but the last two times were very disappointing. The salmon and chips especially tasted like cheap frozen stuff, fishy and with an odd taste to the batter. I only ate a few bites. It's an excellent location and a nostalgic favorite but the kitchen needs a Gordon Ramsey moment. My companion just added that her cod fish and chips was also poor. read more

Best and biggest clam strips. Love the salmon and chips. So friendly and outdoor seating is perfect! read more

The Lockspot Cafe - Super Clam Strips & Chips & Salmon & Chips - American Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Seemed like a mellow Sunday afternoon. We wanted Fish and Chips. Immediate seating, Lani knew her menu took our order very promptly, checked up on us regularly. Skillet brownie was an excellent top off for a delicious, well served meal. read more

Don't bother them because they are apparently too busy for customers. I have been here four times (inside and outside) and they were long waits for orders, long delivery time, and long absences of servers. When I got coffee, the coffee maker was having a bad day and I just happened to piss her off even more. Go somewhere that wants customers. Like the fish place down the block. They are actually friendly which goes a long way to offsetting the other crap. read more

Prices up, quality down. Can live with that but the nasty owner attitude not willing to listen to several simple customer serve issues; we are out forever after never missing one weekday gathering for 11 years 8-16 people. Basically, was told they are too good for us now, their staff is perfect, when I mentioned the series of incompetence service we received, and they don't need our business. We are very happy to meet elsewhere in Ballard who puts customers concerns as a first priority. read more

Wow! What a great restaurant!! I thought the portions were huge! The price is decent. I thought the restaurant felt like you were on a boat! It's a little slanted like a boat. Open till late hours: I am a fan of places that are open for business till the late hours! Most importantly the food was delicious and it came quickly! I would definitely come here again. read more

Local friend suggested we go there for lunch. Did not disappoint. SO had fish and chips and I had the fish sandwich. I had their mojito. Very good. Fast, attentive service. I will go back the next time we are in Seattle. read more