Highlights
- Sports
- Bar games
- Great beer selection
oChef » Thirsty Fish – Seattle
Thirsty Fish - Seattle
Photo from Thirsty Fish
Thirsty Fish at a glance
Seattle Crown Hill
- 🍻 Bar & Grill
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 32 of the guests
#418 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#11 Bar & Grill out of 14 in Seattle
Good
7.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
225
Reviews
77.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Food
- Friendly Service
- Good Value
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent Food
- Rude Service
- Cleanliness Issues
The bar & grill Thirsty Fish in Seattle’s vibrant Crown Hill neighborhood offers you a fantastic spot to unwind. If you’re looking for a place to catch the game, you’ve found it, as sports are a major highlight here.
This casual and cozy establishment invites you to enjoy a great beer selection and engaging bar games. It’s the perfect setting for a relaxed evening out, whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for dinner.
Overview: Introducting Thirsty Fish
Thirsty Fish offers a generally pleasant experience, often praised for its welcoming atmosphere and a menu that provides solid choices. Many appreciate the friendly staff and the overall chill factor, making it a comfortable place to spend time.
However, some visits have been marred by concerns regarding service consistency and certain aspects of the dining experience. While the establishment garners positive remarks for its good food and great value, there are occasional reports of specific dishes falling short or service interactions being less than ideal.
It appears to be a spot with a distinct personality, where the positives often outweigh the minor drawbacks for many patrons.
Good
7.5
out of 10
225
Reviews
77.3%
Satisfaction
40
negative
11
neutral
174
positive
Thirsty Fish achieves a respectable Restaurant Score of 7.5, placing it firmly in the ‘good’ category. This is supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rating of 77.3%, also indicating a good level of contentment among its visitors.
These assessments are drawn from a considerable volume of customer remarks, with 174 positive observations against 40 negative ones, out of 225 total customer comments. Delving into the specifics, the restaurant’s Food (7.7) and Ambience (7.7) are particularly well-regarded, both scoring in the ‘good’ range.
The Service (6.9) and Value (6.9) also perform adequately, landing just shy of the ‘good’ threshold but still indicating a generally positive reception in these areas. The scores suggest a balanced offering, with food and atmosphere being notable strengths.
What people like
- Delicious Food Options
- Friendly, Attentive Service
- Good Value Pricing
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Food Quality
- Occasional Rude Service
- Cleanliness Concerns
Thirsty Fish presents itself as a solid option for those seeking a relaxed environment with generally satisfying food and good value. If you’re looking for a casual spot where the atmosphere and many menu items hit the mark, it’s certainly worth considering.
Just be mindful that some experiences have highlighted minor inconsistencies in service or specific food preparations. With a Recommendation Score of 7.9, Thirsty Fish leans towards being a place you’d likely enjoy.
It’s a good choice for a laid-back meal or drinks, especially if you appreciate a friendly vibe and don’t mind the occasional imperfection that can arise in a busy, casual setting.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Thirsty Fish
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 80% of the guests
The food here generally hits the mark, boasting a solid score of 7.7 and a customer satisfaction rate of nearly 80%. With 74 positive remarks out of 93 total, its clear many diners leave happy. Guests frequently rave about the delicious burgers, fish tacos, and even the balsamic pan-fried brussel sprouts, often calling it elevated pub food'.
However, not all experiences were perfect, with 15 negative comments noted. Some found the fish to have too much breading, and the chips were occasionally hard or unappealingly waffle-shaped. The chicken wings were sometimes criticized for being heavily battered and lacking meat, and the beer tap selection occasionally disappointed.
Food
93
Reviews
79%
Satisfaction
15
negative
4
neutral
74
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious burgers
- Excellent fish tacos
- Elevated pub food
What people don't like
- Battered chicken wings
- Hard waffle chips
- Poor fish breading
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this neighborhood bar was positive. It's a good neighborhood bar with decent food and reasonable prices. I appreciate that it's close by and we can always get a seat.
- drinksGreat drinks
- fish tacosI enjoyed a delicious old fashioned and a couple of great beers on tap. For food, I tried the ceviche, fish tacos, and the chicken bacon salad, all of which were excellent. I will definitely be back regularly.
- good foodIt's conveniently located about 10 minutes away from Golden Gardens Park. I enjoyed the good food and drinks. The free parking lot offered plenty of parking, making it easy to visit for dinner with a price range of $20–30 per person.
- burgerburger it was awesome very good
- steakI had a quite-fine steak
- Baja BurgerThe Baja Burger is sooo good
- Irish ciderThe delectable balsamic pan-fried brussel sprouts were caramelized to perfection, offering an amazing balance of salty, vinegar, and sweet flavors. We paired our meal with a refreshing pint of Irish cider. It was so good!
- above average menuvery decent above average menu
- apps and drinksI enjoyed the good bar food, with a plenty of taps for drinks. The apps and drinks were also great. It's a friendly place with lots of TVs and a deck for the summer.
Frequently criticized
- Stellamy Stella tasted like the lines needed to be cleaned.
- batterHowever, the "chicken" wings were a significant letdown. They were heavily battered, excessively salty, and contained almost no meat. I suggest reducing the salt and batter, and sourcing more substantial wings for a much-improved dish.
- beer tap selectionBeer tap selection is not very inspired
- breading to fish ratio2:1 breading to fish ratio was my dish.
- chicken wingsThe “chicken” wings unfortunately were heavily battered with a great deal of salt with almost zero MEAT!
- chipsthe chips were quite hard and had little potatoes within them.
- cold slawNo cold slaw a disappointment
- drinkMy dirnk wasn't made exactly as I ordered it
- fishThe fish was limited but Thirsty did not fail to cover the fish in breading.
- meaty wingpurchasing a more meaty wing would do a world of difference!
If youre looking for generally good food with some standout dishes like burgers and fish tacos, this place is worth a visit. Just be aware that some items, particularly the chicken wings or certain fish preparations, might not always hit the mark. Its a solid choice for a casual meal, but manage expectations on every single dish.
Service (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has some real shining moments! With a score of 6.9, which is average but leaning towards good, and customer satisfaction at 65.9%, its a bit of a mixed bag. Many guests rave about the friendly service and awesome staff, often feeling right at home and appreciating how quickly theyre served, as seen in 29 positive remarks.
However, not every experience is perfect. Some visitors have encountered rude individuals or felt the service was nonexistent, particularly regarding ordering at the counter instead of getting table service. These concerns, highlighted in 14 negative comments, suggest there's room for improvement in consistency and ensuring a positive interaction for all.
Service
44
Reviews
65%
Satisfaction
14
negative
1
neutral
29
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Feel at home
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- No table service
- Nonexistent service
Often praised
- servicegreat service. They were busy but ever so gracious and friendly!
- staffStaff is friendly and consistent
- chefIt's a casual place with a bit of an "everybody knows your name" vibe. The guys who run the place are great and their chef is a freaking magician! They have everything from salad to burgers and it is all cooked to absolute perfection.
- ServersServers are very friendly
- awesome staffMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a great local spot with a quality menu and awesome staff. I particularly enjoyed the Baja Burger, which was sooo good and dairy-free.
- bartendersfriendly bartenders
- experiencemake sure you have an amazing experience
- fantastic serviceThe service is fantastic
- feel at homeThey make you feel at home
- friendly folksThe staff were friendly folks
Frequently criticized
- staffthey were really really rude to me
- RUDE establishmentUpon entering, I was greeted by a rude slob individual who stated, ‘we’re closed BUD’. I believe all vets should never patronize this RUDE establishment.
- actual hourshave the actual hours clearly posted
- bartendersI used to enjoy the bar. There was an incident where we were treated like garbage by the bartenders. Unfortunate, but there are other bars in the area.
- food menuseeing a copy of their food menu so difficult
- handicap parkingHandicap parking is a little tight
- kitchen closesthe kitchen closes at 9 pm
- menu on my phonecouldn't do it on my phone
- no menudidn't know the concept of no menu
- ordering at the counterorder everything at the counter but deliver it to your table
If you're looking for a place with potentially friendly staff and quick service, it could be a good fit. However, be prepared for the possibility of counter ordering and occasional inconsistencies, especially if you expect full table service.
Ambience (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 76% of the guests
Alright, lets talk about the vibe! This spot scores a solid 7.7 for ambience, with customer satisfaction sitting at a strong 82.9%. Based on 76 opinions, with 63 positive remarks, guests consistently praise the great vibe and atmosphere, often highlighting the fantastic outdoor seating options and calling it a genuinely friendly place.
Its clearly a popular neighborhood hang with a casual, welcoming feel. However, it's not all sunshine and roses, with 8 negative comments pointing out some areas for improvement. Some folks found the parking to be a challenge, mentioned the lighting could be harsh, and occasionally felt the space was a bit too crowded or even dirty.
So, while the overall mood is positive, be prepared for a few minor quirks.
Ambience
76
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
8
negative
5
neutral
63
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great vibe
- Outdoor seating
- Friendly atmosphere
What people don't like
- Parking challenges
- Harsh lighting
- Can get crowded
Often praised
- atmosphereThe absence of cold slaw was a disappointment. The restaurant was very clean with a nice atmosphere, and I appreciated the sports channels on TV. I was frustrated that finding a copy of their food menu was so difficult; it was nowhere posted, and I had to struggle to find it online.
- barMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I loved this spot for its great bar and delicious food. The outdoor patio is very nice, providing a pleasant atmosphere.
- great placeIt's a great place to unwind
- pool tableIt's a little spot with both indoor and outdoor seating. They have one pool table and several TVs to watch, which adds to the great atmosphere. The service, atmosphere, and food all received a perfect 5/5 rating, making for a truly enjoyable visit.
- vibeGreat friendly vibe
- TVsseveral TVs to watch
- booth seatingBooth seating
- casual placeIt's a casual place with a bit of an "everybody knows your name" vibe.
- chill factorI like the chill factor in that it's comfy and divey
- chill spotfor a nice chill spot
Frequently criticized
- parkingNot much parking though
- atmosphereThe food was good, but be prepared to use your phone and a QR code scanner to view the menu. We were hoping for a cozy space, but it was crowded and loud during our visit. The handicap parking was also a bit tight.
- cleaningI was actually forgotten, even after getting their attention. Don't expect masks or extra cleaning either.
- lightinglighting is a little harsh
- masksI was actually forgotten, even after getting their attention. Don't expect masks or extra cleaning either.
- placeThe place is dirty
- spacecozy space but it was crowded and loud
If you're looking for a casual, friendly spot with good outdoor options and a lively atmosphere, this place is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that parking might be tricky, and it can get a bit busy, so plan accordingly.
Value (6.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 20% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has some real bright spots! Many folks (8 positive remarks out of 12 total comments) were thrilled with the great value they found, especially praising the drink specials and how reasonably priced dishes were. Plus, the convenience of a free parking lot with plenty of parking definitely adds to the overall appeal.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows for everyone. A few guests (3 negative comments) felt that some items were a little pricey or simply expensive, leading them to believe it wasnt always worth their money. While the overall score for value sits at a respectable 6.9, indicating a generally good offering, the customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 66.7%, suggesting some room for improvement.
Value
12
Reviews
66%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great value meals
- Good drink specials
- Free, ample parking
What people don't like
- Can be expensive
Often praised
- drink specialsgood drink specials
- excellent valueExcellent value for the steak dinner
- free parking lotFree parking lot
- great valueat a great value
- plenty of parkingPlenty of parking
- priceThe restaurant also features a pleasant outdoor seating area. I was particularly impressed with the value, as the steak, veggies, and mashed potatoes were priced at less than 20 dollars.
- pricedMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I had the spaghetti, which was awesome and so reasonably priced. I also tried the steak salad, and it was great.
- pricesMy experience at this neighborhood bar was positive. It's a good neighborhood bar with decent food and reasonable prices. I appreciate that it's close by and we can always get a seat.
Frequently criticized
- expensiveThe chips were quite hard and contained little potato, and I'm not usually a fan of waffle-shaped chips. It was also quite expensive. Despite the food disappointment, the overall experience was delightful, and the weather was magnificent.
- moneyNot worth your money
- priceya little pricey
If you're looking for a place with solid drink specials and reasonably priced main dishes, especially with the bonus of free parking, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be mindful that a few items might feel a bit pricey to some, so choose wisely to get the best bang for your buck.
How are the prices at Thirsty Fish?
On average, you’ll spend around 27 per person – based on 32 guests. That places this Bar & Grill in the $21–$30 category. For its type, that’s comfortably mid-range.
Most diners cluster right around this average, though we see a good mix of guests enjoying both cheaper and more premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 32 reviews.
How this Bar & Grill’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Bar & Grill in Seattle. It offers good value for a mid-range experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Thirsty Fish
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Bar, Food, and Patio
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I loved this spot for its great bar and delicious food. The outdoor patio is very nice, providing a pleasant atmosphere.
Additionally, the staff was friendly and consistent throughout my visit.
- bar9
- food9
- outdoor patio9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Spot with TVs and Pool
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! It's a little spot with both indoor and outdoor seating. They have one pool table and several TVs to watch, which adds to the great atmosphere.
The service, atmosphere, and food all received a perfect 5/5 rating, making for a truly enjoyable visit.
- indoor and outdoor seating9
- pool table8
- TVs8
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Yummy Fish & Chips, Great Atmosphere!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The atmosphere was positive and the music was great. I had the fish & chips, which were so yummy with good tartar sauce and waffle fries.
They were not greasy at all! 😁
- atmosphere10
- music10
- fish & chips10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Thirsty Fish: Friends, Family, and Great Food!
My experience at Thirsty Fish has been exceptional, earning them more than 5 stars. Since relocating to Seattle from the Southeast, they have become like friends and family away from home. The food is great, and it's one of the few places nearby offering draught Guinness.
We've shared many memorable moments here, including watching big games and celebrating birthdays. Chances are, if you visit, you'll see me there!
- food10
- draught Guinness9
- friends and family10
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Outstanding Food, Service, and Atmosphere!
My first visit to this restaurant was for a small gathering, and the experience was truly outstanding. The staff and service were exceptional, and the food and drinks were absolutely fantastic. I highly recommend this place!
- staff and service10
- food and drinks10
What Thirsty Fish offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Food at bar
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
FAQs
What parking and accessibility options are available at Thirsty Fish?
You’ll find convenience at Thirsty Fish with free street parking and a free parking lot, usually offering plenty of space. The establishment is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What kind of atmosphere and food offerings can you expect at Thirsty Fish?
At Thirsty Fish, you’ll find a cozy and casual atmosphere. They offer a diverse menu including food at the bar, late-night options, and small plates. Complementing this, you can enjoy a great selection of beer, wine, hard liquor, and cocktails, with happy hour drinks and food available for you to savor.
How does Thirsty Fish generally rate with customers?
Thirsty Fish holds a solid Restaurant Score of 7.5 and a Customer Satisfaction of 77.3%, indicating a good overall experience. Its Food (7.7) and Ambience (7.7) are particularly well-regarded, while Service (6.9) and Value (6.9) are also considered good.
What do customers enjoy most about Thirsty Fish's food and atmosphere?
Many patrons praise the diverse menu, highlighting dishes like the Baja Burger, fish tacos, and balsamic pan-fried brussel sprouts, often describing the food as ‘above average’. The atmosphere is frequently noted for being ‘nice’, ‘casual’, and having a ‘great friendly vibe’, with features like an outdoor patio and TVs.
Are there any common complaints about Thirsty Fish?
Some customers have noted issues with inconsistent food quality, such as heavily battered chicken wings or a poor breading-to-fish ratio. There have also been occasional reports of rude service, difficulties finding the menu, and concerns about cleanliness or crowded conditions.