The fish and chips here come with a refill option, and the basket can keep coming back to your table. That alone got my attention.
The chowder might steal the show anyway. It’s a New England-style bowl that shows up in more conversations than almost anything else on the menu.
One option even lets you keep the chowder cups coming too.
I like how this spot sits right by Puget Sound in Washington, with an outdoor patio facing the water. A short walk can take you down to the pier for sunset after dinner.
It’s casual, it’s busy, and it has been feeding families for a long time. So how much fried fish can one hungry family actually handle?
A Waterfront Seafood House Just South Of Seattle
Some of the best seafood stops in Washington don’t need white tablecloths. Wally’s Chowder House | Legendary Fish & Chips proves that point in the small waterfront city of Des Moines.
It’s a casual, long-standing seafood restaurant known for local catches and New England-style chowder. The menu leans heavily on fish, shellfish, and fried classics that feel right at home beside the water.
The location makes it easy for a lot of people. Des Moines sits just south of Seattle, and it’s close to Sea-Tac Airport too.
One traveler heading for an Alaskan cruise found it with a quick map search. The Uber ride from an airport hotel took about ten minutes.
That convenience matters for families with tired kids. Nobody wants a long drive just to eat dinner after a busy day.
The place has earned a 4.6-star rating across more than 5,300 Google reviews. That’s a big pile of opinions for one seafood house.
Fish and chips and clam chowder get mentioned more than anything else. Halibut, crab cakes, lingcod, and prawns also come up again and again.
So the reputation is built on the basics, done in big portions with a water view close by.
The Basket That Keeps Coming Back
All-you-can-eat fish and chips is the kind of phrase that makes teenagers sit up straight. Wally’s offers it, and it’s one of the menu’s most talked-about deals.
There’s also an all-you-can-eat shrimp option. One diner paired shrimp and fish and noted the shrimp were decent-sized, not the tiny popcorn kind.
Here’s a smart tip for families. That first basket is often bigger than people expect.
One diner shared that a single basket was more than enough for them. Their second round arrived simpler, with just a few pieces of fish.
So the refill deal works best for truly hungry eaters. Smaller appetites may do better with a regular plate or a shared combo.
The combo platter can include battered lingcod, battered cod, fried prawns, clam strips, and fries. It’s a handy way to sample several fried favorites at once.
Opinions on the fried platters do vary, though. Some find them crispy and well seasoned, while others wish for more flavor.
The halibut fish and chips get especially warm praise. Several diners call them a standout, with a satisfying bite of fish in every piece.
That might be the safest first order.
Chowder Worth Ordering Before Anything Else
Clam chowder is right there in the name, and it earns that spot. It’s mentioned in nearly 500 reviews, which says plenty.
Even diners who weren’t thrilled with other dishes often call the chowder the highlight. That’s a strong sign the pot is doing something right.
The style is New England, so expect creamy and hearty. One diner described it as a no-frills, stick-to-your-ribs bowl without a bacon flavor.
Another noted plenty of clams and good flavor. A picky kid who doesn’t like chowder reportedly tried it and loved it anyway.
That last detail is gold for parents. If a chowder can win over a skeptical child, it’s worth a spoonful.
It also comes with crackers on the side. A small touch, but kids tend to appreciate anything they can crumble.
Want more than one cup? There’s an all-you-can-eat chowder add-on for refill-deal diners.
One happy eater worked through four cups that way. That’s commitment, and probably a nap afterward.
Ordering a single cup for the table is a nice move too. It lets everyone taste the house favorite without filling up before the fish arrives.
Halibut, Rockfish, And A Catch For Every Craving
Not everyone wants their fish fried, and the menu here doesn’t force it. Plenty of grilled and blackened choices sit alongside the battered classics.
Blackened halibut gets compliments for tasting very fresh. It can come with coleslaw and rice on the plate.
Specials rotate too. Grilled Copper River salmon and grilled halibut have appeared as specials, and rockfish specials have been called a great value.
Value is a welcome word in a seafood restaurant. Fresh fish rarely comes cheap anywhere in the Puget Sound area.
Crab cakes, prawns, and lingcod are also popular orders. A Dungeness crab leg salad and Seafood Fettuccine round out the options.
There’s even lobster for anyone feeling fancy. The menu really does cover a lot of ocean.
That variety helps mixed groups. Grandpa can order grilled salmon while the grandkids stick with something crunchy.
Many diners mention how many fish options there are. It can take a minute to decide, so maybe let the kids pick first.
One New York visitor called it the best seafood of their Seattle-area trip. Coming from a lifelong East Coast seafood eater, that’s a fun compliment for a Washington kitchen.
Tacos That Hold Their Own Next To The Fish And Chips
Fish tacos might be the sneaky star for lighter eaters. The menu offers several versions, and they show up often on tables.
Blackened cod tacos have fans who call them delicious. Just a heads-up, one diner warned they lean a little spicy.
That warning matters if young kids plan to share. Mild eaters may want to steer toward another choice.
Rockfish tacos, halibut tacos, and prawn tacos have all earned praise too. Seasonal fish tacos get called excellent as well.
Not every taco wins everyone over. One diner wished the cod version had a bit more fish and flavor.
Still, tacos make a nice middle ground. They feel lighter than a full basket of fried fish.
Pairing a taco plate with a cup of chowder is a popular combo. It gives you the house specialty plus a fresh, handheld main.
There’s also a starter of shrimp with avocado and pico de gallo served with homemade chips. It sounds like a fun plate to share while everyone looks over the menu.
Basically, the taco side of the menu gives picky groups more ways to say yes. And fewer menu debates means a happier dinner.
Save Room For A Very Big Slice
Dessert at a fish-and-chips spot sounds like an afterthought. Here, it gets talked about almost as much as the crab cakes.
Coconut cream pie comes up in dozens of reviews. It’s clearly one of the sweet treats people remember.
Then there’s the carrot cake. One diner called it a huge, moist slice and a must-try.
Huge is the important word there. One slice can probably feed a couple of kids with spoons.
Desserts in general get strong marks. Another out-of-town diner simply called dessert excellent.
Here’s the tricky part. Portions run large across the menu, so saving room takes real planning.
A smart family strategy might be ordering fewer mains and sharing more. That leaves space for pie without anyone feeling stuffed.
Grandparents love this kind of plan. A shared slice of pie with the grandkids makes a sweet ending to an outing.
Dr Pepper even got a shout-out from one enthusiastic diner, so kids have drink options too.
So when the server asks about dessert, it’s worth a pause. Coconut cream pie after a bowl of chowder is a classic Pacific Northwest seafood-house finish.
A Patio Facing Puget Sound And A Pier For Sunset
Water views make fried fish taste even better. At Wally’s, the outdoor patio offers a look at Puget Sound.
Indoors, the space has a warm, classic Pacific Northwest seafood-house feel. There’s indoor seating, outdoor seating, and a bar area.
It may look small from the street. One solo diner noted it feels larger inside than it appears from outside.
The mood is lively without being too loud. Conversation is still easy, which helps when grandparents want to catch up.
The bar area has sports on TV. That’s a fun perk for fans who don’t want to miss the game.
After dinner, the fun doesn’t need to end. A short walk leads down to the pier, where you can catch the sunset.
That’s a free bonus for families. Kids get to stretch their legs, and adults get a gorgeous Washington evening view.
Bundle up on cooler nights. Puget Sound breezes can be chilly, even in summer.
Combining dinner and a pier stroll turns a meal into a mini outing. It’s the kind of easy evening that feels special without much effort.
Friendly Service And Room For The Whole Family
Family tables have a long history at this restaurant. One diner shared that their family has many memories at Wally’s.
That same group needed space for a large gathering. The staff got them in and took good care of everyone.
For bigger groups, planning ahead helps. One diner recommends reservations for parties larger than three, especially on weekends.
Many diners describe the staff as friendly and fast. Food often comes out quickly, even when the dining room is busy.
Bartenders get extra praise too. One even offered a taste of chowder to curious first-timers.
Service isn’t perfect every single time. A few diners felt their table got less attention on busy nights.
Kids have their own options, including chicken strips. That’s a lifesaver for little ones who aren’t seafood fans yet.
Solo diners fit in fine as well. Sitting at the bar is an easy choice for a party of one.
The overall vibe is casual and relaxed with a local feel. Nobody needs to dress up, and messy fingers from fried fish are part of the deal.
Hours, Parking, And Smart Budget Moves
Planning ahead saves headaches here. You’ll find the restaurant at 22531 Marine View Dr S, Des Moines, WA 98198.
It’s open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday starts earlier, with doors opening at 9:30 a.m.
Those long hours give families flexibility. A late lunch or early dinner can help you skip the busiest crowds.
Weekends can mean a wait. One diner waited about 20 minutes for a table.
Parking is the most common gripe. The lot is tight, though extra spots can sometimes be found in the back.
Now, about cost. Many diners say prices lean on the higher side, though portions are large.
Fresh seafood near Seattle generally isn’t cheap. One East Coast visitor felt prices matched the rest of the area.
A few budget tricks can help. Sharing plates and choosing tacos or specials may stretch your dollars.
The refill deal makes the most sense for big eaters. The chowder add-on costs extra, so decide before ordering.
Happy hour is also offered. That can be a good window for anyone hoping to keep the bill a bit lower.
Why This Chowder Stop Earns A Spot On Your List
Big portions, a famous chowder, and a sunset walk nearby make a pretty strong case. Wally’s Chowder House | Legendary Fish & Chips checks a lot of boxes for a Washington family meal.
It isn’t the cheapest seafood around. But generous plates and shareable options help balance things out.
The chowder is the clear crowd favorite. Even mixed opinions on other dishes often circle back to praising it.
The halibut fish and chips are another dependable pick. Add a coconut cream pie, and dinner feels like a celebration.
Families with hungry teens may love the refill deal. Smaller eaters can stick to tacos, chicken strips, or a cup of chowder.
Grandparents get a relaxed, casual room with easy conversation. Kids get crunchy food and a pier to explore afterward.
It’s also handy for travelers near Sea-Tac. A quick ride brings airport visitors a true taste of Puget Sound.
Go early, especially on weekends. Grab a reservation for bigger groups, and be patient with the parking lot.
Then order the chowder first. Watch the water, pass the fries around, and save one last bite for the walk to the pier.
