Waffle fries and apple pie fry bread could complicate a perfectly good plan to order fish and chips. They’re on offer at one stop in this lineup, giving you something extra to consider after choosing the fish.
Elsewhere, a small trailer serves battered halibut, while a restaurant inside a hotel pairs its meals with ocean views. There are fry shacks, pubs, and diners, with settings that range from working harbors to places where you can play a free game of pool.
One even has a salad bar, should anyone at the table feel responsible for ordering something green.
I like the thought of letting lunch decide where a coastal drive takes you. A town you might otherwise pass through becomes somewhere to park, walk around, and spend a little time.
These stops give you several ways to do that, spread across a coastline worth exploring slowly. The fish is the starting point.
Choosing between a harbor view, a pub table, and that apple pie fry bread is where the route gets interesting.
Bennett’s Fish Shack
A shack with a marina view and crab in a melt sandwich? Westport clearly knows how to treat a hungry traveler.
The town is a true fishing port in Grays Harbor County, home to about 2,100 people. Bennett’s Fish Shack sits right by the docks, so boats bob along while you eat.
Start with the fish and chips, the reason this place made the list. The cod comes out crisp and golden, and portions lean generous.
Want to branch out? The menu offers famous crab cakes, a halibut fish sandwich, and a fish soft taco.
The Dungeness crab and cheddar melt deserves attention too. It’s a very Washington way to eat a grilled sandwich.
Clam chowder rounds things out on a chilly coastal day. A catch of the day also shows up, so ask what’s fresh.
Not everyone in your group craves seafood, and that’s fine. An applewood bacon cheeseburger and a prime rib melt keep land lovers happy.
Ordering happens at the counter, and service moves fast. That helps when kids are hungry, and there’s a kids’ menu with high chairs ready.
Outdoor seating lets you soak up the harbor air. Dogs are welcome outside, so your pup can enjoy the view too.
Takeout works great if you’d rather picnic near the water. Just note that reservations aren’t accepted.
Bennett’s opens at 11 a.m. daily and closes at 9 p.m., except Friday and Saturday, when it closes at 10 p.m. Saturday afternoons and evenings get the busiest crowds.
Monday morning is the quiet window. Arrive then if you want a calm table and a slower pace.
Parking is free and usually plentiful, a small coastal luxury. Grab a spot, grab a basket, and watch the boats roll in.
Address: 2581 Westhaven Dr, Westport, WA 98595
Salt Pub
Fish and chips with a side of harbor? In Ilwaco, that pairing comes standard at Salt Pub.
The pub sits inside a small hotel on Howerton Avenue. Windows look out over the port, so the boats become part of your meal.
Ilwaco is a historic little port near Cape Disappointment. Roughly 1,100 people live here, close to where the Columbia River meets the Pacific.
The fish and chips headline the menu. Crisp battered fish makes it a solid choice after a windy walk near the lighthouses.
Look for the Willapa Bay steamer clams too. They come from waters just up the peninsula, a nice local touch.
Clam chowder offers a warm bowl for gray days. The smoked tuna melt is a fun twist if you want something different.
For bigger appetites, the signature bacon cheese burger fills the gap. Kids are welcome, so families can settle around a table.
Table service keeps things relaxed, and the food comes out fast. Outdoor seating appears when the coast weather plays nice.
Here’s a timing tip worth remembering. The pub closes Tuesday and Wednesday, so plan your trip around those days.
Other days, it opens at 11:30 AM and closes at 8 PM. Saturday afternoon draws the biggest crowd.
Reservations are accepted, which helps on busy weekends. You can also grab takeout and eat by the water.
Free Wi-Fi is a bonus if you need to check ferry or tide times. Parking is free and usually easy.
Staying overnight? The hotel rooms upstairs mean dinner is only a short stroll away.
Address: 147 Howerton Ave Ste 100, Ilwaco, WA 98624
Pickled Fish
Rockfish instead of cod makes this rooftop restaurant stand out right away. Your fish and chips come with an ocean view from up top.
Pickled Fish sits on top of a hotel in Long Beach. The town has about 1,700 residents and a long Pacific shoreline.
The fried rockfish arrives nicely flavored with tasty fries alongside. Fried oysters are another favorite worth adding to the table.
The kitchen leans into seafood and local flavors. Crab cakes, oysters, and clam chowder all show up on the menu.
Feeling adventurous? Try the crispy pork belly, umami salmon, or the dirty fries.
A spring onion pizza adds a surprise twist. Full vegetarian and vegan menus mean plant-based eaters have real choices too.
Weekend mornings bring brunch from 8 AM to 1 PM. The Dungeness crab eggs Benedict is a strong reason to wake up early.
Dinner starts at 3 PM daily and runs late. Fridays and Saturdays stay open until 11 PM.
Live music adds to the mood on some nights. The space feels rustic, with beach views doing plenty of the decorating.
Planning a dinner trip? Reservations are accepted and recommended for evenings.
Friday nights and Saturday afternoons into evenings get the busiest. Quieter times include Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings.
Families will find a kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables. That makes it easier to bring little beach explorers along.
Parking is free and usually plentiful. After eating, the beach is close enough for a sunset stroll.
Address: 409 Sid Snyder Dr, Long Beach, WA 98631
Breakwater Restaurant and Bar
Clallam Bay has about 300 people and one very good reason to pull off Highway 112. That reason comes battered, fried, and served with a bay view.
Breakwater Restaurant and Bar is a classic American diner on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Picture windows frame the water while you eat.
The fish and chips pack plenty of flavor. Pair them with homemade clam chowder for a true Olympic Peninsula lunch.
Bring a friend if you order the Captain’s Platter. Portions here run hearty, and that platter comes with mashed potatoes.
Breakfast starts at 8 AM daily. Biscuits and gravy and chicken fried steak make this a solid early stop on a road trip.
Want something lighter? The salad bar gives you fresh options between fried bites.
Sandwich fans can try the patty melt or the Breakwater Sandwich. Burgers also hold their own on the menu.
Service moves quickly, and staff keep things friendly. The dining room is clean, comfortable, and quiet most days.
Desserts are on offer if you save room. Coffee is a good call too, especially on a foggy morning.
Hours run until 6 PM most days. Friday and Saturday stay open until 8 PM.
Weekend evenings get the busiest crowds. Weekday mornings are the calmest time to grab a window seat.
No reservations here, so just show up. Takeout works if you want to keep driving toward Neah Bay.
Parking is free and easy. Before you leave, take one more look at that bay through the windows.
Address: 15582 WA-112, Clallam Bay, WA 98326
BIGGINZ Burgers Seafood
Bring cash, because the halibut at the edge of the map doesn’t take cards. BIGGINZ Burgers Seafood is a food trailer in Neah Bay.
Neah Bay sits on the Makah Reservation at the far northwestern tip of the continental United States. Fewer than 1,000 people live in this remote village.
Getting here takes effort, so the food better be worth it. The halibut fish and chips answer that challenge with crispy batter and juicy fish.
Fries get plenty of love too. They come out perfectly crisp, which matters when they’re half the dish.
Other options include fried shrimp and fish strips with fries. Burgers round out the menu for anyone skipping seafood.
Hospitality is a big part of the charm. The staff bring plenty of personality to the window.
This is a counter service setup with no table service. There’s also no restroom, so plan stops around that.
A drive-through option makes things easy if you’re heading to Cape Flattery. Takeout is the name of the game here.
Hours run from 11 AM to 7 PM, seven days a week. That consistency helps when you’re planning a long drive.
Busy stretches include Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons can get lively too.
For a quieter visit, aim for a Monday or Friday morning opening. You’ll likely skip the line.
Parking is free and usually plentiful. Grab your basket and find a scenic pullout for the best seat around.
Address: 998M+43, Neah Bay, WA 98357
Windjammer Restaurant & Lounge
Free pool and moist fish and chips? Pacific Beach throws in a game with your lunch at this place.
This restaurant sits in a sleepy beach community of about 300 people. It’s tied to the Navy getaway in town, and the public can stop in for a meal.
The fish and chips are moist and delicious. Seasoned fries come alongside, hot and crunchy.
Clam chowder here runs creamy and thick. It’s the kind of bowl that warms you up after the beach wind.
Pub fare fills out the rest of the menu. You’ll find a cheeseburger, a grilled turkey sandwich, and a French dip.
The space is casual and quiet. It even gets dressed up with decorations during Halloween season.
Table service keeps things easy. Food comes out quickly, which helps when kids get restless.
Families will appreciate the kids’ menu and high chairs. Outdoor seating is available too.
Timing matters a lot here. The Windjammer only opens Thursday through Sunday.
Hours run from noon to 7 PM on those days. Monday through Wednesday, the doors stay closed.
That short schedule makes it a perfect weekend stop. Plan around it, and you won’t be disappointed.
Takeout is available if you want to eat by the ocean. The beach is right there, so why not?
Parking is free and plentiful. A quiet town, a pool table, and good fish make a pretty great afternoon on the Washington coast.
Address: 108 First St N, Pacific Beach, WA 98571
River’s Edge Restaurant
Waffle fries with your fish and apple pie fry bread for dessert. La Push serves up a combination you won’t find at many other places.
River’s Edge Restaurant sits where the Quillayute River meets the Pacific. La Push is a small tribal fishing village with about 350 residents.
The views here are spectacular. Water and coastline fill the windows while you eat.
Fish and chips come in several versions. Cod, salmon, and halibut all show up with crispy batter.
The cod tastes fresh, and the chips are waffle fries. It’s a fun twist on the classic plate.
Fry bread is a signature item here. Try the apple fry bread or apple pie fry bread for a sweet finish.
Other seafood choices include clam chowder, crab dip, and shrimp dip. Salmon fettuccine is there for pasta fans.
Grilled cheese with crab and shrimp is another unique pick. A full vegetarian menu also helps mixed groups.
Plan on lunch or dinner here. The resort lists hours from noon to 8 p.m.
Thursday through Monday, with closures Tuesday and Wednesday.
Confirm the schedule before visiting. Weekend afternoons and evenings get the busiest.
Published hours are noon to 8 p.m. Thursday through Monday.
Confirm the schedule before visiting. Weekend afternoons and evenings get the busiest.
No reservations here, so arrive early on weekends. Staff is friendly and attentive, and service moves quickly.
Kids are welcome with a kids’ menu and high chairs. Free and paid parking options are both nearby.
Address: 41 Main St, La Push, WA 98350
Green Lantern Pub
Historic charm and broasted chicken share space with the fish and chips at this Highway 109 pub. Copalis Beach doesn’t need to be big to feed you well.
The town has about 400 people. It sits where the Copalis River flows into the Pacific Ocean in Grays Harbor County.
Green Lantern Pub is a casual bar and grill with a historic feel. It’s an easy stop on a drive up the coast.
Fish and chips are a standout on the menu. Add a bowl of clam chowder for a classic Northwest pairing.
Burger lovers have choices too. The CJ Burger and the Lantern Burger both carry the pub’s own spin.
Other favorites include the French dip and a chicken fried steak sandwich. Broasted chicken is another tasty option.
Weekend mornings bring breakfast starting at 8 AM. That makes it a nice first stop before hitting the beach.
Weekday hours start at 11 AM. Friday and Saturday stay open later, until 10 PM.
Bar games add some fun if you want to stick around. Sports on the TV help too.
Outdoor seating is available when the weather cooperates. Dogs are allowed outside, so your four-legged friend can come along.
Service is quick, and the mood stays relaxed. Takeout works well for a beach picnic.
No reservations are taken. Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons get the busiest crowds.
Parking is free and usually easy. It’s a fine place to fuel up on the Washington coast.
Address: 3119 WA-109, Copalis Beach, WA 98535
Copalis Cove Pub & Eatery
Chowder was good and the cheese sticks were great, but the fish and chips stole the show. That’s the order of things at Copalis Cove Pub & Eatery.
Ocean Shores sits on a narrow peninsula between Grays Harbor and the Pacific. About 6,700 people live here year-round, making it the biggest town on this list.
Still, it keeps that small beach town feel. This pub fits right in with its friendly, casual mood.
The signature fish and chips are the main reason to visit. Pair them with Pacific Northwest clam chowder.
Other menu picks include blackened shrimp and a taco salad. The chicken avocado sandwich is another popular choice.
Chicken fried steak comes as a full dinner. It’s a hearty option after a long day on the sand.
Breakfast starts at 8 AM daily. Brunch is also on the menu for lazy mornings.
Hours run until 9 PM most nights. Friday and Saturday stretch to 10 PM.
Table service keeps the pace relaxed but quick. Servers are helpful and friendly.
Families are welcome with a kids’ menu and high chairs. Sports fans can catch a game while they eat.
Friday and Saturday evenings bring the biggest crowds. Weekday mornings and afternoons are quieter.
You can dine in or order takeout. Desserts are available if you save room.
Parking is free and plentiful. After dinner, the beach waits close by for one last walk on the Washington sand.
Address: 798 Ocean Shores Blvd NW, Ocean Shores, WA 98569
Share this story
