Seemor
Duke's Seafood South Lake UnionA-Worth Trying
1111 Fairview Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
· Seafood restaurant, American restaurant, Bar
· 4.5/5 Google (4744 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Scenic waterfront seafood spot with reliably tasty chowders and classics, strong service, and higher prices; great views and group-friendly but expect paid parking and occasional inconsistency.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Duke's Seafood delivers solid A-grade performance through strong food quality anchored by signature chowders and crab cakes, paired with attentive service that earns frequent staff praise. The exceptional waterfront setting with Lake Union views elevates the experience, though occasional consistency lapses—salty chowder, dry fish—and modest space comfort prevent grade A territory. Competitive with the area's better neighborhood seafood destinations.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with marina and city-light views that steal the show. Staff often deliver thoughtful touches—birthday cards, smart pairings, and quick fixes for groups. As one diner put it, "The chowder was deeply flavorful, and the view made dessert taste better." The cooking leans classic Pacific Northwest with upgraded comfort seafood—rich chowders, crisp fish and chips, sweet Dungeness crab, and polished halibut plates. It suits diners who want reliable classics over theatrics, though a few off nights bring reports of salty chowder or dry fish. Families do well here thanks to kid-ready staples like burgers, fish and chips, and simple salads. There is no explicit kids menu in the data, but portions and approachable choices fit most children. Expect paid parking and book ahead for window seats.
At a Glance
- Scenic waterfront views elevate the experience
- Chowders, crab cakes, and halibut draw repeat visits
- Strong service culture with frequent server shout-outs
- Paid parking and occasional small portions
- Inconsistent nights with salty or dry dishes reported
What Sets It Apart
- waterfront_lake_union_views
- gluten_free_chowders
- group_accommodation_strength
What People Love
- Marina and city-light views
- Rich, craveable chowders
- Sweet, lightly bound crab cakes
- Attentive servers who guide the meal
- Cozy patio with heaters and blankets
Points of Concern
- Pricing is on the high side for portions; location premium applies
- Paid parking can surprise first-timers and enforcement is strict
- Occasional inconsistency: salty chowder, dry fish, or slow sections on busy nights
- Review patterns show normal polarization for a high-traffic spot rather than manipulation
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$45-60 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with a chowder dinghy before committing to a full bowl
- Pair crab cakes with a simple salad to balance richness
- For value, consider taco combos or fish & chips over premium lobster items
Perfect For
- Waterfront lunch with visiting friends
- Team dinners needing flexible seating
- Date nights with sunset views
- Out-of-towners seeking classic PNW seafood
Location Insights
Area: Bustling tech and waterfront district with office crowds, visitors, and after-work dining; scenic marina views.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked waterfront with good lighting and active venues.
Nearby: On Lake Union near marinas, seaplane routes, tech offices, and walking paths; popular patio scene.
South Lake UnionThe dining scene in South Lake Union is contemporary and diverse, catering largely to professionals working in nearby tech companies and residents seeking trendy eateries and casual upscale dining. The area is lively during weekdays with lunch crowds and quieter but still active in the evenings, featuring a mix of innovative restaurants, cafes, and bars.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–22:00
Tuesday11:00–22:00
Wednesday11:00–22:00
Thursday11:00–22:00
Friday11:00–23:00
Saturday11:00–23:00
Sunday11:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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