Downstairs, fishermen carry their catch to a walk-up window to get it vacuum packed. Upstairs, cooks fry lingcod for the lunch crowd.
Same building, same harbor, same afternoon.
I love that setup. Your fish basket comes from a working fishery, not a freezer truck from three states away.
The menu even gives you four kinds of fish to choose for your fish and chips.
This spot sits on the Washington coast, right by a busy marina. It holds a 4.7-star rating across more than 1,300 Google reviews.
That’s a lot of happy people for a place that also sells canned tuna by the shelf.
I can’t imagine a better way to eat seafood with kids than watching where it starts. So who’s ready to pick between lingcod, rockfish, halibut, and salmon?
A Real Working Fishery Doubles As Your Lunch Stop
Most seafood joints talk about being close to the water. Merino’s Seafood Market in Westport takes that idea and builds an entire business around it.
The place is a seafood market first, sitting on Harbor Avenue near the busy Westport marina. It sells fresh and canned seafood, processes catches for anglers, and runs a restaurant on top.
That mix is what makes it fun. You aren’t just grabbing lunch at a cafe that happens to have a harbor view.
You’re eating at an actual fishery where the business of fish happens all day long. Kids can see that fish don’t magically appear in paper baskets.
Westport itself is a small fishing town on the Washington coast, and the harbor is its beating heart. Charter boats, crab pots, and sport anglers all pass through this area.
Merino’s fits right into that rhythm. The market side handles seafood, while the kitchen turns it into fish and chips, chowder, and crab dishes.
It’s a smart stop for families who want something more memorable than another drive-thru. The setting does half the entertaining for you, which every parent can appreciate.
Three Windows, Three Jobs On The Street Level
Count the windows on the ground floor and you’ll find a little system at work. Each one handles something different, which feels very fitting for a fishery.
One is a walk-up order window right at the street. You can order food there without heading upstairs at all.
Next door sits the storefront, where seafood fills a display case. Shelves of canned seafood round out the retail side.
Then there’s a separate walk-up window used by fishermen. They bring their catch there to have it vacuum packed for the trip home.
Honestly, that third window might be the best free show in town. Kids get a front-row look at how a harbor town handles the day’s haul.
Ordering options keep going once you’re inside. You can order at the outside window, use a kiosk indoors, or order with a server.
That flexibility helps when you’re juggling hungry kids and a tired grandparent. Pick whichever line moves fastest for your crew.
Seating comes both upstairs and downstairs, indoors and out. So nobody has to squeeze into one tiny corner just to eat a fish basket.
Anglers Drop Off Their Catch While You Eat
Caught a cooler full of rockfish on a charter? Merino’s can help you get it home in one piece.
The fishery offers vacuum packing for anglers coming off the boats. That’s the window where fishermen line up with their catch.
Shipping is part of the service too. That matters for anyone who fished Westport but lives far from the Washington coast.
Out-of-state anglers have used it to send salmon and rockfish home to their families. One trip’s catch can become dinner thousands of miles away.
For families, this turns an ordinary lunch into a small field trip. Kids see fish go from boat to bag right below the dining room.
It also explains why the restaurant feels so tied to the harbor. The building works with real fishermen, not just hungry tourists.
If your group includes a grandparent who loves to fish, this is a nice detail to share. A charter morning and a fish basket lunch can happen within the same few blocks.
No boat of your own needed to enjoy any of it. You just need a seat and a little curiosity.
Grab A Seat Upstairs For The Better View
Climb the stairs. That’s the most common bit of seating advice tied to this place, and it’s easy to see why.
The upper level has a few indoor tables plus an outdoor deck. From up there, you get a nice view over town.
Upstairs seating comes up again and again in what people share about Merino’s. It’s clearly part of the draw, not just overflow space.
On a clear coastal day, the deck is the obvious pick. On a breezy or drizzly one, the indoor tables still give you a view through the windows.
Families will appreciate having options. Little ones can sit inside while older kids claim the deck.
Keep in mind the setup leans fast casual. You often order, grab your food, and find a spot yourself.
Tables can fill up during busy stretches. A good plan is to scout a seat while one adult handles the order.
Either way, eating fresh fish above a working fishery feels pretty special. You can watch the town go by while the fries are still hot.
Four Fish, One Tough Decision
Lingcod, rockfish, halibut, or salmon. Merino’s offers all four for its fish and chips, so somebody at your table will have to make a choice.
Fish and chips rank as the second most talked-about item here. Only the chowder gets mentioned more often.
The rockfish earns lots of praise for its crispy, flavorful batter. Some folks even prefer it over the lingcod for taste.
Halibut fans call it a highlight, fresh and tasty with a satisfying crunch. Salmon gets love too, which is fun since fried salmon isn’t something you see everywhere.
The fries hold their own. They come out crispy, which is exactly what you want next to battered fish.
Don’t skip the tartar sauce either. It gets its own share of compliments, which is rare for a condiment.
My tip for families is simple. Order two different fish and let everyone swap bites.
Kids get to taste-test like little food judges, and grown-ups avoid order regret. It turns lunch into a mini competition, and everybody wins.
Why Lingcod Deserves A Spot On Your Tray
Ask around Westport for a fish pick and lingcod tends to come up. It’s the headliner in this article’s title for good reason.
Lingcod is a Pacific Northwest favorite, caught off the Washington coast. It’s firm, mild, and holds up nicely to a crunchy batter.
At Merino’s, lingcod and Dungeness crab often get called the best bets on the menu. The fish comes nicely breaded and pretty meaty.
Not every bite wins everyone over, of course. A few folks find the rockfish more flavorful, which is why ordering both is smart.
Still, lingcod makes a great first try for picky eaters. Its mild taste doesn’t scream fishy, which helps with cautious kids.
Pair it with fries and a dunk of tartar sauce. That’s about as classic as coastal lunches get.
There’s something fun about eating it in this building too. Downstairs, boats and anglers bring in the same kinds of fish you’re munching above.
That connection makes a simple basket feel like a local lesson. It’s dinner and a little geography, wrapped in batter.
The Chowder Everyone Keeps Talking About
Clam chowder is the single most mentioned item at Merino’s, by a wide margin. If you only order one thing, this has a strong case.
It’s often described as loaded with clams. Plenty of folks call it among the best chowders they’ve ever had.
Here’s a fun wrinkle. Some visitors note it tastes different from the New England style they grew up with.
It’s been called a Pacific clam chowder, with flavors that surprise first-timers. Some love it instantly, while others prefer the creamier classic.
Sizes go big if your crew can handle it. A 32-ounce order and quart sizes are both options.
One family polished off a 32-ounce chowder so fast they wanted more. That tells you something about how kids and adults react.
Not every bowl lands perfectly for everybody. A few people have found it bland, so tastes clearly vary.
The menu even turns chowder into poutine, piling it over fries. That’s a wildly fun idea for anyone who thinks fries should always come with a spoonful of soup.
Melts, Cocktails, And A Bowl Of Chowder Poutine
Not everyone in the family wants fried fish. Merino’s covers those folks with a lineup of sandwiches and cold seafood bites.
The crab melt is a popular pick. One fan adds a splash of malt vinegar for extra tang.
Tuna melts appear on the menu too. That makes sense at a fishery known for its locally canned albacore.
Crab cocktail and shrimp cocktail make lighter options. They’re handy for grandparents who’d rather skip a heavy fried basket.
Coleslaw shows up as a side worth ordering. It even sneaks into the crab melt, which not everyone loves, so ask if that matters to you.
Then there’s chowder poutine. Fries topped with clam chowder is the kind of mashup kids will brag about at school.
Oyster shooters are on offer for adventurous eaters. Just know they come dressed with mayo, which splits opinions.
Portions run moderate, landing in that just-right zone. You can sample a few things without hauling home a mountain of leftovers.
Dungeness Crab Without Pulling A Single Pot
Crabbing is a big deal on the Washington coast. Eating crab without hauling pots or buying gear?
Even better.
Merino’s serves Dungeness crab, and fans praise it as fresh, locally caught, and hot. It’s frequently paired with lingcod as a top recommendation.
Whole cooked crabs are sold at the market counter. That’s a nice option if you’re staying nearby with a kitchen.
One heads-up for ordering. A whole crab order may come as legs and claws, so ask exactly what you’ll receive.
Melted butter comes alongside for dunking. Some folks like a little seasoning, so packing your own salt for a rental isn’t a bad idea.
Takeout crab can cool down quickly too. If warm crab matters, eating on-site is the safer move.
For kids, cracking crab legs is basically a hands-on activity. It’s messy, a little noisy, and wildly entertaining.
Grab extra napkins. You’ll need them, and so will anyone sitting next to a seven-year-old with a crab claw.
Canned Albacore And Take-Home Treats In The Market
Before you head back to the car, wander into the storefront. It’s easy to miss if you only go upstairs.
Locally canned albacore tuna lines the shelves. Canned tuna comes up often, making it one of the market’s best-known products.
Smoked salmon is another favorite take-home item. It’s a tasty souvenir that beats another fridge magnet.
The seafood case holds a mix of products. You’ll typically find whole cooked crab, cooked shrimp, and frozen fish.
Want truly fresh fish straight off a boat? Staff have pointed shoppers toward the docks for that, plus a Facebook page announcing dock sales.
Chowder travels home too. It’s sold in 2-pound bags to go, ready for a rainy weeknight.
That’s a clever trick for families. Bring the beach lunch back into your own kitchen days later.
Canned albacore also makes an easy gift for grandparents or neighbors. It packs well, stores easily, and carries a little Westport flavor back home.
Easy On Kids, Easy On Grandparents
Family outings fall apart over the little things. Parking hassles, dirty restrooms, and slow ordering can sink a good day fast.
Merino’s handles those basics well. Parking is free, and the restrooms get noted as clean.
The space comes across as family friendly and well set up. The atmosphere works for all ages.
Ordering options help a lot with mixed groups. Kids can tap through the kiosk while a grandparent orders at the counter.
Since seating exists on both levels, those who’d rather avoid stairs can stay downstairs. Everyone else can head up for the view.
Know that it’s fast casual. You usually order first, pay upfront, and handle your own food and table.
Busy periods can bring crowded tables and rushed staff. Most experiences describe friendly, accommodating service, though a few folks have hit a grumpy moment.
Go in with a plan and patience. A fish basket tastes better when nobody is stressed about finding a chair.
Hours, Address, And A Smart Time To Show Up
Good news for planners. Merino’s keeps the same hours every day of the week.
The doors open at 10 AM and close at 6 PM, Monday through Sunday. No guessing which weekday it’s closed.
You’ll find it at 301 Harbor Ave, Westport, WA 98595. It sits close to the marina and not far from the beach.
Westport is a coastal town in Grays Harbor County, Washington. Lots of families pair a meal here with beach time nearby.
Timing matters on busy days. Arriving just after opening has meant a very short wait for some families.
Staying in Ocean Shores? It’s about an hour’s drive each way, and some folks happily make that trip just for lunch.
Prices aren’t always posted online, so plan on checking the menu boards. Many people describe the value as great for the portions.
Bring a cooler if you plan to buy chowder or seafood to go. It makes the drive home much easier on your take-home treasures.
Worth The Coastal Drive For A Basket Of Lingcod
A 4.7-star rating across more than 1,300 reviews doesn’t happen by accident. Merino’s Seafood Market has clearly figured out its formula.
That formula is simple. Fresh seafood, crunchy fish baskets, and a building that’s still very much a working fishery.
Not every visit is flawless. Chowder styles split opinions, and the fast casual setup isn’t for everyone.
Still, the big picture is hard to argue with. Families leave full, and many make it a yearly tradition.
For Washington parents, it checks a lot of boxes. No gear needed, no boat needed, and kids get a real look at harbor life.
Grandparents get free parking, clean restrooms, and comfortable seating choices. Everyone gets a view from the deck if the weather cooperates.
Order the lingcod, add a chowder, and split a rockfish basket for comparison. Then wander the market for canned albacore on the way out.
Watch an angler drop off a cooler at the processing window below. It’s a fitting finish to a lunch that started at sea.
