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1. DBP
   Member Profile

   This is the new place across from the SW Library. I tried it for the first time today.

   Quality: Good. The fish was dipped in a crumb batter (experts will know what to call this, I don't) and although it was fresh and crispy, it was also just a little bland. I would recommend that they either spice the batter up or maybe offer a "cajun" option -- something to give it a little more flavor. The fries were nice and crispy, but here too, they could use a gimmick.

   Price: Average. $8.75 for a 2-piece deep-fried cod meal. (Includes fries.) Water is sold in bottles. Maybe they gave cups of water for free; I didn't ask.

   Service: Good. The staff are very friendly and make you feel welcome. When I asked if I could have a sample of the chowder, the lady not only gave me some, she gave some to everyone in the place.

   Ambience: Ho-hum. Seating is adequate for the size of the place, but it feels rather stark. It was also a bit chilly. I expect them to work this out over time.

   Other: I like that this a minority-owned business. I'd like it even more if they did recycling and/or had reusable utensils.

   *************************************************************************************

   Food-wise, I actually prefer this place to Spuds, whose food is on the greasy side. But then Spuds has "the view." And the memories.

   Posted 7 months ago #         

2. datamuse
   Member Profile

   

   Thanks for the review, DBP. This place is closer to me than Spuds (or Alki Crab and Fish, my personal favorite) but I haven't tried it out yet.

   I think the space they're in used to be a martial arts studio? Or something? Lots of windows?

   Posted 7 months ago #         

3. redblack
   Member Profile

   

   The fries were nice and crispy, but here too, they could use a gimmick.

   like... gravy?

   Posted 7 months ago #         

4. miws
   Member Profile

   

   Just remember to warsh your hands before you go across the street to the library and start pawin' through the books!

   Mike

   Posted 7 months ago #         

5. WSB
   Member Profile

   

   It was part of On Safari Foods, which has moved to SODO. And before that, it was actually the previous home of Bird on a Wire Espresso - the now-teenager and I used to walk to Roxhill Park when he was little, and stopped there to have a drink and admire the fish tank Heidi had at the time.

   Posted 7 months ago #         

6. datamuse
   Member Profile

   

   Hmm, I must be thinking of something else then. Shows how often I get over there I guess!

   Posted 7 months ago #         

7. metrognome
   Member Profile

   give me a hint ... SW library would be where?

   Posted 7 months ago #         

8. 2 Much Whine
   Member Profile

   

   SW Library is across the street from the West Seattle Fish House, silly. . . .;-)

   Posted 7 months ago #         

9. metrognome
   Member Profile

   doh! I should just roll down the window and follow the smell of the library paste. Of course, then I'll want to eat that instead of fish & chips.

   Posted 7 months ago #         

10. Jiggers
    Member Profile

    

    lol Mike....I second that!

    Posted 7 months ago #         

11. Gina
    Member Profile

    

    http://www.spl.org/locations/southwest-branch

    Southwest Library is at 35th and Henderson, 9010 35th Ave. SW.

    Posted 7 months ago #         

12. sacatosh
    Member Profile

    yep, 35th and Henderson, next door to the WS Community Clinic (which a lot of people don't seem to know is open 7 days a week, takes walk-ins, and Grace is a fantastic primary care provider!)

    ok, back on topic -- DBP, how was the chowder? I love that we have a place to eat out within reasonable walking distance, FINALLY. Thank you for the review.

    Posted 7 months ago #         

13. DBP
    Member Profile

    Chowder = pretty good. A far cry from the over-salted chowder-from-a-can taste you get with some places. Could use more a few more chunks of fish in it, though.

    Mayhap I should have tried the chowder first, but the library worker who was advising me in the matter was no help at all.

    "What should I try first?" I queried.

       "Oh, try the tilapia!" he said.

       "Or maybe the cod; that's good too."

       "Or have the chowder."

       "Heck, why not just get everything? That's what I did."

    "Hmmm. Maybe I'll have the cod and just ask for a free sample of the chowder," I mused.

    He smiled at me knowingly.

    "Oh, I remember you!" he said. "You're the guy who took us to court over that 25-cent late fine a couple years back. Aren't you?"

    Posted 7 months ago #         

14. Ken
    Member Profile

    

    The cod was good. Hot and crispy. Fries just right too. And the chowder was nearly shrimp bisque with corn, potatoes and small shrimp. I know the taste of shrimp stock but whether it was homemade (boiled shrimp peels/shells) or from a commercial base I have no way of telling. Perhaps there are different chowders every day or week?

    I know how to make a dozen chowder varieties from gullah to nantucket and this was more lowcountry than new england.

    Posted 7 months ago #         

15. I Wonder
    Member Profile

    The challenge I see for a walkup is parking and access. To hard to see from the street at a glance, and then, where to eat.

    Posted 7 months ago #         

16. valvashon
    Member Profile

    There was a martial arts place in that building recently; On Safari was smaller and then expanded into it. Bird on a Wire was in the smaller space on the North end of the building, I believe.

    Posted 7 months ago #         

17. velo_nut
    Member Profile

    

    Wife and I absolutely loved it. Helps that it is within walking distance from the home.
    .
    Loved the Chowder, fish was perfectly crispy and the fries were fantastic.
    .
    I love the fact it as stark inside. I'm going there to eat and enjoy the company of my wife. I dont need any other entertainment.
    '
    One thing I recommend- bring cash! Its cash only (for now).

    Posted 7 months ago #         

18. SpeakLoud
    Member Profile

    'actually' Bird was in the building to the South and sorry to say the community clinic is closed and now the space is for rent! But I hear the cake place is open :)
    I have eaten there twice. Well it's not eactly what I had hoped for and SUNFISH is still my #1 but they did have good fresh and cooked to order fish-I prefer batter but the breading is good. I havn;t had the shrimp chowder but thef ries are good. Over all it's good, not a date night, but for soemthing diofferent for dinner it's a good choice-I find it a bit pricey especially since there is no ocean view-but definatly worth a try adn to support a new business-I'll be back a thrid and a forth and a....

    Posted 7 months ago #         

19. Bonnie
    Member Profile

    The last time I went to Sunfish I thought it was terrible. Bad service and bad food. Yuck!

    Posted 7 months ago #         

20. thesonics
    Member Profile

    Price range looks to be pretty modest. Until now, I haven't found a nice place that features a seafood menu as their main dishes. I mean, there are good one's out there, but none that really made me say "Wow, the seafood here is great". What would you guys recommend?

    Posted 6 months ago #         

21. localgirl
    Member Profile

    WOW- GREAT Food and probably the best chowder I have had in a long time!!!

    Posted 5 months ago #         

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