BIZNOTE: Spud Fish & Chips on Alki closed until mid-November

9:25 AM: As noted in the WSB Forums, Spud Fish and Chips on Alki is closed for what its website describes as “maintenance/repairs,” so if you were planning on fish and chips for a weekend lunch, you won’t find it there until mid-November. Yes, there are other fish-and-chips options, including nearby Sunfish, but Spud has a long history – having celebrated its 75th anniversary back in 2010.

11:48 AM: Went down to check out the door sign (photo added above), which says Spud expects to reopen November 13th.

Jim October 21, 2017 (11:25 am)

Sunfish still serves the best seafood on the beach. A no nonsense approach to frying….fresh fish, minimal batter and great taste. All served up by two hard working gentlemen. Throw in the great view (plus the terrific calamari) and you won’t be disappointed.

Chemist October 21, 2017 (2:23 pm)

It could be me, but I’m usually disappointed in the Sunfish chips. They’re rarely crisp enough. I also think it might be time to update the menu board as they have curious “gaps” in number of fish pieces available and sorely need a way to note “we’re out of something” like when I last tried to order fried oysters.
- dawsonct October 22, 2017 (11:18 am)
  
  I agree about the fries. Seems like they are fesh-cut fries, and if that’s the case they need to blanch them before they fry them.
  Like with Dick’s fries, they can get away with it if served promptly and the customer scarfs them down quickly, otherwise they quickly become mushy and unappetizing.
  
  If a place doesn’t have the space to store their blanched fries (they need to be cooled and allow the moisture to evaporate some before they are re-fried), then they really ought to just go with frozen fries, which may not be quite as good as a properly handled fresh-cut fry, but are FAR superior to the limp and greasy fries that you get at Sunfish and Dick’s (again, unless they are literally just pulled from the fryer and served).
Mike October 21, 2017 (6:36 pm)

Ya, I tried Sunfish many years ago and it was so bad I never went back. It always amazed me they’re able to stay in business.

Foodie October 21, 2017 (11:29 am)

The Spud’s versus Sunfish debate has been going on ever since Sunfish moved to Alki. I think Duke’s has the best fish & chips on the beach.

Just Wondering October 21, 2017 (11:42 am)

Too bad as we only go down to Spud’s in bad weather to avoid the crowds!

Mike October 21, 2017 (6:37 pm)

Heh, that’s basically people that live around West Seattle and visiting Alki in general.
newnative October 23, 2017 (8:22 am)

I’m sure there will be plenty of “bad weather” left in November to be able to enjoy Alki.

trickycoolj October 21, 2017 (12:27 pm)

My mom always requests Spuds when she visits. That’s where my grandma took the kids after early morning swimming lessons at Coleman Pool 50 years ago.

Steve October 21, 2017 (4:20 pm)

I keep asking them to add a non-sweet pickle tarter sauce but no luck. C’mon Ivars…I know you can easily do it.

unknown October 21, 2017 (7:37 pm)

@Mike…you must not have been awake because Sunfish is suburb! Their fish is not greasy same with the fries, as a matter of fact none of their fried food is greasy unlike Spud’s YUK!

And their restaurant is always clean.

NSAlki October 21, 2017 (9:00 pm)

Agreed. Spuds is in business because people have memories associated with it and I get that. Sunfish doesn’t slather their fish in batter and grease. You can actually taste the fish. Their seafood kabobs are great too. It’s real fish. If you haven’t tried it recently, go try it.

I don’t work for them. Just like their food.
- newnative October 23, 2017 (8:25 am)
  
  I think it’s a preference thing; you like it or don’t. I have tried Sunfish several times and I don’t like it. I’m not “from here” (moved here in 2009) but I vastly prefer Spuds over anybody on Alki.
  - WSB October 23, 2017 (8:33 am)
    
    Watching this discussion over the weekend, I’m thinking fish and chips are as subjective as pizza. We go to Spud every now and then but our real fish-and-chips favorite is Elliott Bay in The Junction.
    - miws October 23, 2017 (9:01 am)
      
      Good point, WSB.
      
      I’ve had several “favorites” over the years, and have liked them individually for their own flavor and other merits.
      
      Fish-n-Chips, with lots of tartar for both the fish and the fries, is one of my absolute favorite meals. I could very easily put them down as an answer to one of those “If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life…” memes.
      
      Of course, who knows how long the “rest of my life” would be on a diet like that. ;-)
      
      Oh, and it would be nice to have the option for that “only thing” to come from the various favorite sources. :-)
      
      Mike
    - sam-c October 23, 2017 (9:03 am)
      
      Yes !! my spouse’s favorite fish n chips are at Elliott Bay in the Junction. I prefer the fish (but not the soggy fries) of Ma Kai.
      
      I have enjoyed the fish n chips at Spud, until i had a piece of fish that was gooey and seemingly very under cooked. Now I can’t convince myself to go back.

fiz October 21, 2017 (7:50 pm)

I miss the old Spud when the Algers owned it. My oldest WS memories were there in the tiny shack with the ice water pop cooler. So many teens worked their first jobs for Rick’s family.

The last time we went under Ivar’s ownership I wanted my money back. Going elsewhere now.

Love West Seattle October 21, 2017 (8:42 pm)

Loved Sunfish for years. Yummy Halibut fish and chips. Great tartare sauce. Fresh salad. Then one summer several years ago I went for lunch there three Saturdays in a row. Every time there was something wrong with my meal. So I just stopped going. Before that the food was always spot on. I don’t know what happened & or why I had such terrible luck.

D Del Rio October 21, 2017 (10:35 pm)

Sunfish was much better before they moved to Alki. Bummed about Spuds. Oh well, there is always Wally’s at the Des Moines Marina.

milady October 21, 2017 (11:09 pm)

Try West Seattle Fish on 35th, across from the SW Library, cross street, Henderson.

Local, family owned. We have only tried fish and chips, but they have other fish items.

Try it, you will like it.

Wsrez October 22, 2017 (12:08 am)

Team Spud here.

Cid October 22, 2017 (8:30 am)

Haven’t gone to Spuds since we discovered Sunfish years ago….far superior. If you don’t care about a view, Seattle Fish Co. in Admiral is great and has crab cakes and wine!

West Sea Neighbor October 23, 2017 (7:36 am)

Seattle Fish Co. is in the Junction, not Admiral.

Gina October 23, 2017 (8:55 am)

Fries at Spuds, the fish at Sunfish, and the side sauces at Marination with the price tag of McDonalds. That would be my ideal fish and chip meal!

Blinkyjoe October 23, 2017 (9:05 am)

Sunfish, Spuds, Elliott’s, Duke’s, Seattle Fish Co……each unique and good in it’s own way. We’re lucky in W Seattle to have such choice. THE BEST, though, imho is Nosh food truck. But it’s never in W Seattle. :-(