Carl Taylor, Director of Operations for Ivar’s Seafood Bar, has spent 29 years helping keep this iconic Northwest seafood tradition thriving. When he describes Ivar’s to someone who’s never visited, he sums it up simply: it’s Seattle’s original seafood restaurant, now stepping into its 88th year.
The Story of Ivar’s
Ivar’s history begins with the colorful and endlessly creative Ivar Haglund. Born and raised in West Seattle, Ivar graduated from the University of Washington in 1928, just as the Depression forced many people to reinvent their lives. After visiting cousins in Seaside, Oregon—where a few enterprising folks were scooping marine life from the bay and charging visitors a nickel to see it—Ivar had an idea.
He returned home and opened one of Seattle’s first aquariums on the northeast corner of Pier 3 (now Pier 54) on September 2, 1938. On the southeast corner of that same pier, he opened a small Fish Bar to feed aquarium guests. Before long, more people were lining up for fish and chips than for the aquarium itself. So Ivar closed the aquarium, donated the marine life to Vancouver, and today you can still see descendants of his original collection at the Stanley Park Aquarium.
And Ivar himself was full of quirks: wrestling an octopus, flying a windsock from the top of Smith Tower, and of course, the famously whimsical “Fourth of Jul-Ivars” antics that locals still talk about.
Another lesser-known fact about the founder: Ivar had no children. When he passed away, he left half his estate to the University of Washington and half to Washington State University’s School of Hospitality and Business Management. His will included a special provision allowing his restaurant team to buy the company. They did—41 years ago—and they still own Ivar’s today.
Why Renton? The Lakeside Story
Ivar’s Renton location at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park has been part of the waterfront for nearly 30 years. The spot was a natural fit—Lake Washington stretching out front, Boeing visible across the water, and a community already in love with the idea of reaching great seafood by boat. On summer nights, just as many guests arrive by water as by car.
Renton then and now writes, “The Ivar's restaurant at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park used to be a boat house where you could rent canoes and pedal boats (paddle boats). The pedal boats, no matter how hard you tried, didn't move very fast and there were barriers and log booms that kept you close to shore, but it was nonetheless a fun and relaxing activity for family and friends to enjoy the lake. The boat house closed and Ivar's moved into the building in 1996. For years there has been a canoe hanging from the ceiling to remind people of the building's prior use until the restaurant was remodeled in 2019. The building where Ivar's currently is was built as part of the 1982 Coulon Park Expansion. It was an $8.5 million project by the City of Renton. The dedication ceremony was 9/25/1982. "
The building itself once served as a boat house. Ivar's took over the space and as a result, not only did Ivar’s remain, but it also brought its Kidd Valley hamburgers to the pavilion—another Northwest classic preserved thanks to community passion. Carl’s favorite early memory of the Renton location? The Clam Lights ceremony—an event that has become a holiday staple at Gene Coulon Park and draws people from all around the region.
Ivar’s Today: What Makes it Special
Ivar’s stands out among Northwest seafood restaurants because it remains locally owned and deeply connected to regional seafood vendors. The company honors Ivar’s legacy through its commitment to quality and by valuing long-term employees. Two staff members are now in their 53rd year, more than 300 employees have passed the 10-year mark, and the average tenure of the management team is an impressive 23 years. Working at a waterfront restaurant has its own magic. As Carl puts it, “It’s all about the setting and the backdrop”—the water, the wildlife, the boats, the jets lifting off from Boeing Field just across the lake.
The restaurant’s most popular dishes remain the classics: Fish & Chips and Clam Chowder. Renton regulars have loved Oysters & Chips and Scallops & Chips since day one, and those staples continue to anchor the menu. Ivar’s still serves the signature Alaskan Cod Fish & Chips and its beloved house-made clam chowder—recipes that tie back to the restaurant’s earliest days.
Celebrating Nearly 30 Years in Renton
Ivar’s long presence on the Renton waterfront represents a strong relationship with the community. Locals know the staff by name—and the staff know the locals. Renton has supported Ivar’s through decades of local events, from Clam Lights to concerts and drone shows along the waterfront. Gene Coulon Park itself plays a starring role. Its position along Lake Washington makes it a serene destination year-round, especially in fall and throughout the holiday season.
For First-Time Visitors
Carl’s suggestion to anyone who has never visited: Come enjoy one of Renton’s classic waterfront locations where you can arrive by boat or bike, watch gulls and geese along the shoreline, and see Boeing jets skim across the lake as they take flight. As he puts it: “Nothing better on a sunny day.”
Explore More Local Seafood & Dining
After your lakeside meal at Ivar’s, be sure to explore even more of Renton’s dining scene. Check out the Food & Drink page to discover additional seafood restaurants, waterfront dining spots, hidden gems, and long-running family favorites across the city.