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oChef » By’s – Seattle
By's - Seattle
Photo from By’s
By's at a glance
Seattle SODO
- 🍔 Hamburger-Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 101 of the guests
#352 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#11 Hamburger-Restaurant out of 24 in Seattle
Good
7.7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
441
Reviews
79.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Attentive service
- Quality food
Frequently criticized
- Price concerns
- Dated ambiance
The restaurant By’s Fish and Chips is a welcoming Hamburger Restaurant nestled in Seattle’s vibrant SODO neighborhood. You’ll discover a casual and historic atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
This spot offers organic dishes and coffee, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking a comfortable dining experience in Seattle.
Overview: Introducting By's
By’s offers a classic burger joint experience, often praised for its hearty burgers and the welcoming nature of its owner . Many appreciate the comforting atmosphere that harks back to an older era.
However, some find the overall price point a bit high for what’s offered, and the place appearance has drawn criticism for being run-down, suggesting a need for updates.
Good
7.7
out of 10
441
Reviews
79.4%
Satisfaction
70
negative
21
neutral
350
positive
Overall, By’s achieves a solid 7.7 score, reflecting a generally positive experience for many patrons. This aligns well with a 79.4% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most visitors leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 441 customer remarks, with 350 positive observations outweighing 70 negative ones. Diving deeper, the Service (8.6) stands out as a particular strength, often described as friendly and attentive.
Food (7.9) also performs well, with many praising specific dishes. The Ambience (6.9) is considered good, offering a classic feel, though Value (4.3) presents a more average picture, with some finding prices a bit high.
What people like
- Friendly, attentive service
- Reliable burgers and fries
- Classic, nostalgic atmosphere
What people don't like
- Value concerns
- Dated interior appearance
- Occasional fish odor
By’s earns a solid 7.9 recommendation score, suggesting it’s a place worth considering for its strengths. If you’re seeking a spot with genuinely friendly service and satisfying classic diner fare, particularly burgers and fries, it delivers.
However, be prepared for an older setting and potentially higher prices for certain items. It’s a good choice for a casual meal where the food and people shine, but manage expectations regarding the overall ambiance and value.
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Verdict: Our expert take on By's
Food (7.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 99% of the guests
When it comes to the grub, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.9 and customer satisfaction at a great 82.1%, its clear most folks are leaving happy. Out of 268 total comments, a whopping 220 rave about the delicious burgers, amazing fries, and fantastic shakes, often praising the fresh fish and chips too.
However, not every bite is perfect. Around 34 comments point to some issues, like food being overcooked or burger patties being dry. A few also mentioned small portions for the price or salty food, suggesting theres a little room for consistency improvements.
Food
268
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
34
negative
14
neutral
220
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious burgers
- Amazing fries
- Great milkshakes
What people don't like
- Food overcooked
- Dry burger patty
- Small portions
Often praised
- foodIt's a Sodo staple for burgers and fish and chips. The owner is incredibly sweet and welcoming, and I've never had bad food from here. It's easily the best burger spot in the area, especially considering the limited options beyond really bad fast food.
- burgersGreat diner style burgers on the flattop grill
- friesThis is the BEST burger mom and pop shop in Seattle. They change their oil and are mindful of fat/salt/protein proportions for the crispiest fries, perfectly balanced burgers and condiments. I highly recommend their fried fish sandwich and sweet potato fries.
- burgerThis is the BEST burger mom and pop shop in Seattle. They change their oil and are mindful of fat/salt/protein proportions for the crispiest fries, perfectly balanced burgers and condiments.
- fish and chipsthe best fish and chips you can get is at By’s restaurant
- fishIt's a great place to grab a great meal for a reasonable price, especially if you're heading to Costco. I'm planning on going back for fish next.
- milkshakesMy experience at this restaurant was a solid choice for a quality burger. The service was very friendly and attentive, and the food was delicious, especially the milkshakes made with real fruit. While it’s not the fanciest of places, the good vibe and good prices made up for it.
- FoodFood:5
- fish sandwichgrilled chicken sandwich and the fish sandwich both were really good
- hand cut friesThe hand cut fries are the best in the city
Frequently criticized
- friesI stopped in about 30 minutes ago, remembering this as an old place that used to have good burgers and fish and chips. While the burgers may still be good, the fish and chips were terrible, featuring frozen fish and a bunch of fries for $15 for two pieces. The service was also terrible; the server didn't understand my request and I had to repeat myself twice, eventually having to get louder and even remove my mask to be heard.
- fishThe fish at first seemed alright but then I noticed parts of it were watery.
- foodUnfortunately, when I got back to my office and opened the meal, the fish was overcooked and had more breading than fish. The staff was very friendly, no complaints there, but the food was disappointing.
- fish and chipsSome fries had the taste of potato peel. The fish at first seemed alright but then I noticed parts of it were watery.
- Milkshake$7 for a 16oz. Milkshake
- bacon or cheeseNot enough bacon or cheese
- batterI was disappointed in Spuds' batter. So heavy and gross.
- beerNo beer though
- breadingMy first time here, I was really hoping for a good Fish and chips. Unfortunately, when I got back to my office and opened the meal, the fish was overcooked and had more breading than fish. The staff was very friendly, no complaints there, but the food was disappointing.
- bunthe bun was burned on both sides
If youre craving classic American comfort food, especially burgers, fries, and shakes, this place is definitely worth a try. While a few experiences mention minor hiccups like overcooked items, the overwhelming positive feedback suggests youll likely enjoy a tasty and satisfying meal.
Service (8.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 72% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.6 and an excellent customer satisfaction rate of 91%, it's clear guests are consistently impressed. Out of 89 total remarks, a whopping 81 highlight positive experiences, often praising the friendly staff, quick food, and great customer service.
Many mention the owners and employees being super nice, welcoming, and genuinely caring about their customers. However, no place is perfect, and a few of the 7 negative remarks point to areas for improvement. Some guests experienced wrong drink and size issues or noted waiting time during busy periods.
There were also isolated instances of a rude waitress or staff not understanding requests, which can certainly put a damper on an otherwise good visit.
Service
89
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
7
negative
1
neutral
81
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, caring staff
- Quick, efficient service
- Accommodating owners
What people don't like
- Occasional long waits
- Order mistakes
Often praised
- serviceThe fish and chips were consistently good, and the fries were amazing! I also appreciated the great menu and the incredible service. The staff were very friendly, contributing to a wonderful atmosphere.
- staffThe staff was wonderful, really felt like a family run spot.
- ownerIt's a Sodo staple for burgers and fish and chips. The owner is incredibly sweet and welcoming, and I've never had bad food from here. It's easily the best burger spot in the area, especially considering the limited options beyond really bad fast food.
- ServiceService:5
- ownersThe portions were good for the price, and the food tasted great. I was also impressed by the friendly owners. My only regret is not finding this place sooner!
- customer serviceThe customer service was fantastic.
- accommodating serviceshe will accommodate you
- care about customerspeople running it care about their customers
- crewI love the crew
- customer careShe always takes care of you
Frequently criticized
- nose ringgirl with nose ring was touching it while making food
- oldest ladyoldest lady in the back doing EVERYTHING important while they stood there
- repeat customersThey must not like repeat customers
- serviceservice was terrible she didn't understand what I was asking for
- waiting timeyou're going to be waiting cuz they're usually pretty busy
- waitressthe waitress was RUDE about it
- wrong drink and sizegave me wrong drink and size
If youre looking for a place where youll feel genuinely welcomed and served with a smile, this restaurant is definitely worth a try. While there might be an occasional wait or minor hiccup, the overwhelmingly positive and friendly service makes it a standout choice.
Ambience (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 47% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, with a 6.9 score indicating a good experience for many. A solid 75% customer satisfaction further supports this, showing most diners appreciate the place. Many of the 42 positive remarks celebrate the vibe and nostalgia, praising its classic charm and calling it a true Seattle institution.
Guests often enjoy the unique atmosphere and the convenience of plenty of parking. However, it's not all sunshine, as 10 negative comments point to some areas needing attention. Some found the restroom situation problematic, and a noticeable fish smell was a turn-off for others.
A few also felt the place appearance was a bit run down, with mentions of dirty bottles detracting from the overall experience.
Ambience
56
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
10
negative
4
neutral
42
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Classic charm
- Nostalgic vibe
- Ample parking
What people don't like
- Unpleasant odors
- Dirty restrooms
- Run-down appearance
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food was classily delicious. My experience was excellent, with perfect service and a great atmosphere.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- parkingParking:Not huge but just enough spaces
- placeMy experience at this restaurant was positive. It's a good place and was very clean. The food was ok, but the fries were great.
- Parking spacePlenty of parking
- Seattle iconic restaurantsOne of the last original Seattle iconic restaurants
- Seattle institutionTruly a Seattle institution
- ambianceunique ambiance. It's nice to see old places
- burger jointA definitive, comforting, classic, family burger joint, burger.
- classic charmsomething classic about it that makes it more fun
Frequently criticized
- placeThe food was WAY OVERPRICED for what it was, with a small burger and a few fries costing $15. It's no wonder the place is always empty, except for a few locals at lunch. I will not be returning and advise others to save their money.
- bathroomsdownside might be the bathrooms out around back
- fish smellThe place smells a bit like fish
- ketchup bottlesThe bottles were very dirty and you could see blackened rings
- kitchenneed to check the kitchen
- place appearanceThe place looks very run down inside and out
- restaurantthe most dirtiest restaurant
- restroomNo restroom.
- smell of fishOverwhelming smell of fish and fish based foods
If youre seeking a nostalgic, classic burger joint with a unique vibe and easy parking, this spot could be a fun visit. Just be prepared for a potentially rustic appearance and some minor cleanliness issues, particularly regarding restrooms and occasional smells. Its a place for character over pristine perfection.
Value (4.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found a silver lining, noting that you can snag a great meal for a reasonable price or a good deal for food, especially for the portions received. Despite a poor customer satisfaction of just 25%, a few folks felt the prices were fair, making it a worthwhile stop for a satisfying meal. These positive sentiments, though fewer, highlight moments of good value.
However, the overall sentiment leans towards disappointment, with an average score of 4.3. Many customers felt the restaurant was pricey or even over priced, especially for everyday lunch, citing that the quantity didnt match the cost. With 19 negative comments compared to just 7 positive out of 28 total, its clear that many found the value proposition lacking, often describing items as too expensive for what you get.
Value
28
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
19
negative
2
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Good food deal
What people don't like
- Too expensive
- Overpriced items
- Quantity too small
Often praised
- pricesI thought the prices were really fair too.
- Price per personI can’t remember the last time I ate a burger, fries, and drink that was actually worth $20; but, this was it! The food was classily delicious.
- deal for foodGood deal for the food
- pricegood portions for the price
- reasonable priceMy experience at this restaurant was that of a classic burger spot located on the edge of SODO. It's a great place to grab a great meal for a reasonable price, especially if you're heading to Costco. I'm planning on going back for fish next.
Frequently criticized
- priceWhile they use Sysco for their food, it was pretty good, though nothing particularly special. However, I found it to be a little expensive.
- pricesThey also charged for ketchup on a to-go order. The food was WAY OVERPRICED for what it was, with a small burger and a few fries costing $15. It's no wonder the place is always empty, except for a few locals at lunch.
- Lou's SpecialLou's Special $15+? Sheesh....
- burger and mushroomsA little pricey for a burger and mushrooms ($14)
- everyday lunchtoo expensive for everyday lunch
- good dealUsed to be a good deal
- ketchupcharge for ketchup if its a to go order
- over pricednow just waaaay over priced
- priceythough they are a bit pricey
- steak friesI enjoyed the burger, which was a good size, thin and big, with a soft and light bun. The steak fries, while an upgrade, felt a little overpriced. Nevertheless, I'm happy to support this local establishment.
If you're looking for a quick bite and catch a good deal, you might find something worthwhile. However, be prepared that many customers feel the prices are often too high for the portion sizes and quality, making it potentially disappointing for those seeking great value.
How are the prices at By's?
On average, you’ll spend around 19 per person – from 101 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $11–$20 category. For a Hamburger Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Most diners comfortably fit into the $11–$20 range, but a good number also opt for the $21–$30 bracket, showing a nice mix of standard and slightly more premium choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 101 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Hamburger Restaurant in Seattle. It offers a good balance, catering to those looking for a classic burger experience and those willing to spend a bit more for something special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about By's
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
6
Messy Burger, Great Sweet Potatoes
My experience at the restaurant was mixed. While the service was great and they sautted the onions, which was a plus, the main dish was disappointing. The hamburger meat was raw and the burger itself was a messy burger, falling apart everywhere.
On a positive note, the sweetpotatoes were great.
- service9
- onions8
- sweetpotatoes9
- hamburger meat2
- messy burger3
- hamburger3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Nostalgic Charm and Sweet Service
My experience at this restaurant was filled with a wonderful sense of nostalgia. The lady who took my order and served me was incredibly sweet, making the visit even more pleasant. The atmosphere was a perfect 5 out of 5, and the food was rated a solid 4 out of 5.
- nostalgia10
- lady who took my order and served me10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Huge Burgers and Delicious Shakes!
I finally stopped by BY's after always driving past, and I'm so glad I did! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a smile. The menu had a great selection of options, and everything sounded appealing.
I ordered "The King Lou, " which was a HUGE burger and absolutely delicious 😋. I also enjoyed a hand-scooped almond rocka shake that was fantastic. Everything tasted fresh and looked great.
I'll definitely be returning to BY's; I haven't had a burger this good in a long time.
- burger10
- almond rocka shake9
- freshness9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Disappointing Service and Food Handling
My experience at the restaurant was disappointing. I was given the wrong drink and size. I also observed a staff member with a nose ring touching it while preparing food.
In the back, the oldest lady was doing all the important work while others stood around.
- wrong drink and size2
- nose ring2
- oldest lady3
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
8
Good Deal, Great Fries!
My experience at this restaurant was positive. It's a good place and was very clean. The food was ok, but the fries were great.
Overall, it was a good deal for the food.
- place7
- cleanliness8
- food5
What By's offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Quick bite
- Organic dishes
- Coffee
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Historic
- Casual
- Quiet
FAQs
Is parking available at By's Fish and Chips in Seattle's SODO neighborhood?
Yes, you’ll find convenient parking options at By’s Fish and Chips. There’s free street parking and a free parking lot, and usually, you’ll find plenty of available spots. This makes your visit to the SODO Hamburger Restaurant hassle-free.
What accessibility features and family-friendly options does By's Fish and Chips offer?
By’s Fish and Chips is designed to be accessible for everyone, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, and seating. For families, you’ll appreciate the kids’ menu, high chairs, and the overall good-for-kids environment, ensuring a comfortable visit for all.
How does By's generally perform according to customer feedback?
By’s receives a 7.7 overall score with 79.4% customer satisfaction. Service (8.6) and Food (7.9) are highly rated, while Ambience (6.9) is good, and Value (4.3) is considered average.
What are customers' favorite food items at By's?
Many customers frequently praise the burgers and fries for their quality. The fish and chips and milkshakes also receive positive mentions.
Are there any common complaints about By's atmosphere or pricing?
Some customers note the place appearance as dated or run-down, and an occasional fish smell . There are also opinions that certain items are overpriced or lack value .