Downstairs, fishermen hand over their fresh catch to be vacuum-packed. Upstairs, someone is settling in with fish and chips.
Both belong in the same building, and that’s what caught my attention.
This seafood stop is part of a working fishery, with a market and kitchen sharing the address. You can order at the street-side window or head upstairs, where a seat comes with a view.
Either way, lunch puts you close to the everyday business of handling fish.
I like having a reason to browse after eating. The shelves hold locally canned albacore, smoked salmon, and seafood to take home.
A stop for one meal could easily turn into plans for the next, especially if you’re the person everyone expects to bring something good back.
Then there’s the chowder, available by the bowl, the quart, or even the bag. That last option deserves a closer look.
Between lunch upstairs and everything you can carry out, deciding what to order is only the first decision.
One Building Does the Work of Three Seafood Stops
Merino’s Seafood Market packs a lot into one spot on the Westport waterfront. Downstairs, you’ll find a walk-up order window right at the street.
Next door sits the retail side, with seafood in a display case and shelves of canned goods. Then there’s another window where fishermen bring in their catch for processing.
Upstairs is the restaurant area, with tables inside and a deck outside. You can order at the counter, use a kiosk, or get help from staff.
I love that setup because it lets you pick your own pace. Grab a quick basket from the window when you’re in a hurry.
Head upstairs when you want to sit and soak in the harbor town.
The layout also tells a story about the place. Merino’s isn’t a restaurant pretending to be close to the water.
It’s part of a real working fishery on the Washington coast.
That matters when your lunch is seafood. You’re eating where fish actually gets handled, packed, and sold every day.
So plan a few extra minutes. Wandering between the floors is half the fun, and every part of the building has a different job.
Choosing Your Fish Makes This Fish and Chips Order Tricky
Most fish and chips counters hand you one option and call it a day. Here, you get to choose your fish, and that makes ordering a fun little decision.
The lineup includes rockfish, lingcod, salmon, and halibut. Each one brings its own personality to the basket.
Rockfish tends to be mild and flaky, which makes it an easy pick for first-timers. Lingcod is a Pacific Northwest favorite with a firmer bite.
Halibut feels a little fancier, and salmon gives you that richer flavor the region is famous for.
Can’t decide? Bring a friend and split two different baskets.
That’s the smartest move for anyone who hates missing out.
The fish comes fried with fries on the side. Tartar sauce is a popular partner, and coleslaw shows up on the menu too.
Fish and chips ranks as one of the most talked-about items at Merino’s. That’s saying something at a place known for so much seafood.
My tip is simple. Try a fish you don’t usually order.
A market that handles fresh catch every day is a great place to branch out.
The Chowder Even Comes in a Bag
Clam chowder is the item people bring up most when they talk about Merino’s Seafood Market. It shows up in more ways than you’d expect.
You can order a cup or bowl to eat right there. You can also take home a bag of frozen chowder to share.
Here’s the fun part. The market sells chowder in bags to go.
That means you can take a taste of the coast back to your rental or even home.
Clam chowder is another option here, whether you order it on its own or try the chowder poutine.
Some people love that difference right away. Others need a spoonful or two to adjust, and that’s part of the adventure.
Chowder lovers might also want to check out the chowder poutine. It’s a creative twist that mixes fries with that creamy soup idea.
On a gray, breezy day by the Washington shore, a hot bowl just makes sense. Pair it with a fish basket and you’ve got a lunch built for the coast.
Shelves of Canned Tuna Turn Into Smart Souvenirs
Fridge magnets are fine, but canned albacore makes a far tastier souvenir. The retail side of the market stocks locally canned seafood that travels well.
Albacore tuna is a big deal in this part of Washington. Boats out of Westport chase it in the open Pacific during the season.
Canned seafood is shelf-stable, so you don’t need a cooler for the ride home. Just tuck a few cans in your bag and you’re set.
Smoked salmon is another popular pick at Merino’s Seafood Market. It’s great on crackers, in salads, or straight from the package when nobody’s watching.
These goodies also make excellent gifts. Think about the friend feeding your cat or the coworker who covered your shift.
I like that this part of the store feels like a pantry for coastal flavor. You can enjoy lunch upstairs, then carry some of that taste home for later.
Take a few minutes to browse before you leave. The options go beyond tuna, and reading the labels feels like a quick lesson in local seafood.
Caught Your Own Fish? They Can Help With That
Landing a big salmon is thrilling. Figuring out how to get it home safely is less thrilling.
That’s where Merino’s comes in handy. The fishery offers vacuum packing for anglers who bring in their catch.
Vacuum sealing removes air from the package. That helps keep fish fresher and protects it from freezer burn.
The company also offers shipping services. That’s a lifesaver for visitors who flew in for a charter trip and live far from Washington.
Westport is a well-known fishing town, with charter boats heading out after salmon, tuna, and bottom fish. So a service like this fits right into the rhythm of the harbor.
Even if you’re not fishing, it’s neat to see this side of the business. It reminds you that Merino’s Seafood Market is a working operation, not just a lunch stop.
Planning a charter? Ask about processing options before your trip.
Knowing your plan ahead of time means you can focus on reeling in fish instead of worrying about coolers.
Climb the Stairs for the Better View
Stairs rarely get credit for improving a meal. At this market, they kind of do.
The upstairs dining area offers indoor tables plus a deck outside. From up there, you get a nice look over the town.
On a clear day, the deck is a fun place to linger over a basket and chowder. When the coastal wind picks up, the indoor tables give you a cozy backup plan.
Upstairs seating comes up often when people describe Merino’s. It’s a big reason the spot works for both quick bites and slower meals.
Downstairs has seating too, both inside and out. So you won’t be stuck if the stairs aren’t your thing.
Still, I’d head up if you can. Eating seafood while looking out at a fishing town feels just right.
Bring a light jacket if you plan to sit outside. The Washington coast can turn breezy fast, even when the sun peeks through the clouds.
Dungeness Crab Deserves Its Own Spot on Your List
Dungeness crab is basically royalty along the Pacific coast. Merino’s gives it plenty of room on the menu.
You’ll find whole cooked crab in the market case. The kitchen also serves crab options like crab cocktail and a crab melt sandwich.
Cooked crab is handy for anyone without a big pot at their vacation rental. Crack it open, grab some napkins, and enjoy a true coastal feast.
The crab melt brings a cozier, sandwich-style way to enjoy it. It’s a good pick for someone who wants crab flavor without all the shell work.
Crab cocktail offers a lighter, chilled choice. It works nicely alongside a cup of chowder if you want to sample a little of everything.
The menu goes beyond crab with shrimp cocktail, a tuna melt, and oyster shooters. There’s lots to explore for seafood fans.
Crab-cracking tip: work from the legs toward the body. You’ll get the most meat and make less of a mess.
Finding the Market Is the Easy Part
Some great food spots require a treasure map. This one just needs a quick look at Harbor Street.
You’ll find Merino’s Seafood Market at 301 E. Harbor St., Westport, WA 98595.
It sits right in the busy harbor district of this Washington fishing town.
Free parking makes stopping in easy. That’s a nice perk when you’ve got a car full of beach gear.
The restaurant opens at 11 a.m. daily, closing at 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7 p.m.
Friday and Saturday. That steady schedule makes planning simple, whether you visit midweek or on a weekend.
Arriving soon after opening can be a smart move. The lunch rush in a popular harbor town can get lively.
Clean restrooms are another small detail worth knowing. Road trippers always appreciate that.
The beach is close by too. Grab lunch, then take a stroll to stretch your legs and work off those fries.
Plan the Rest of Your Westport Day Around Lunch
Lunch at Merino’s makes a great anchor for a full day on the coast. The harbor around it gives you plenty to do before and after.
Westport is famous for its marina and fleet of charter boats. Watching boats come and go is free entertainment.
Many visitors stroll the docks or check out the beach after eating. Fresh ocean air pairs pretty well with a full stomach.
If you’re fishing, Merino’s can be part of your plan from start to finish. Bring your catch in for packing, then reward yourself upstairs.
Families will find the place easy to enjoy too. The mix of seating, quick ordering, and simple seafood favorites fits all ages.
I think that’s what makes this market special. It brings together the working harbor, the restaurant, and the shop in one friendly stop.
Before heading out of town, swing by the retail case one more time. A bag of chowder or a few cans of albacore will keep the Washington coast going long after the drive home.
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