My husband and I went there about a month ago. I was very excited to try the food, hearing from fellow locals that they are pretty good. Unfortunately, we were sorely disappointed. The old decor and great view were very charming... but BOTH of our dinners were still 1/2 frozen when they were served to us. We didn't find that out until half way through our meal... a big ol' bite of frozen calamari does NOT do the body good! If I wanted frozen food, I would have stayed home and cooked it myself. Frozen food in a fishing town? Really? We received a whopping $5 off our ticket, and our waitress was very nice. But... we will never eat there again.
Review Source:Astoria.....interesting place. Looks like time just moves along very slowly here. This place definitely has an older clientele....probably regulars from the good ole days. Â We were the youngest couple by far.... and I'm pushing 50! The fish and chips were portioned from the old days tho..... nice and big! The fish was tasty, but a little on the mushy side. The decor was old style for sure, and provided a certain charm for the place. Old pictures, old wallpaper, crusty old seaman knick knacks..... fun. Â Nice view of the bay on a cloudy day in Oregon.
Review Source:Sadly, I already wrote a review of this place by yelp ate it when I tried to post it. The restaurant is old and the decor is as old as the establishment, cliental and staff. Â I mean no offense but my boyfriend and I were the youngest people there, which is odd as I'm almost 42. Â This along w/ the decor and overall vibe made for a very interesting time in a very 'Twin Peaks/David Lynch' sort of way. Â Â
We had clam chowder and fish and chips. Â We went there intentionally based on the ratings for those entrees. Â I would say bother were okay, but nothing exceptional. Â The view however, is amazing and made up for the mediocre food and atmosphere.
I'm surprised at the negative reviews, but I never venture from the fish and chip combo, extra scallop, no oyster. Â Straight up scallops are an excellent choice as well. Â I always recommend folks passing through or staying in Astoria stop at Ship Inn, and those that take the suggestion are always happy they did.
Review Source:The pricing has gone way up and the quantity way down. Â We each ordered a half order of halibut fish and chips and cups of chowder. Â Only two small pieces of fish, fries, and a tiny cup of cole slaw for $18?! Â The chowder was full of potato- only a few small pieces of clams.
Another case of a great venue going overboard. Â Used to be a great lunch for two for $25. Â Now for $40. Â Not worth it. Â Not going back. Â Much better venues in Astoria- with the same halibut supplier.
The reason this place even gets 2 stars is because there is a nice view of the Columbia river. Apart from that the place is dates, which would be alright, if it was at least clean looking. My wife and I sat down for a lunch, and we swore we could smell cigarette smoke. Not at all appetizing. I ordered the halibut fish and chips which were not the best, the fries were horrible but the fish was alright. My wife ordered the pastrami sandwich which was dreadful. We expected much more since we were recommended this place. But it was just not a good experience. My advice, there are much better options around.
Review Source:Disappointing. Cold, gloppy uninspired clam chowder. Bucket of steamers barely warm and served without broth, but a side of untoasted bread, for what I'm not sure. Â Fish and chips: fish tasted fresh, but the batter smelled of old frying oil and produced chewy and mealy chips. Â Not worth the money.
Review Source:Having just returned from a extended stay in Ireland, my bar for a good fish n chips is set pretty high and The Ship Inn did not disappoint. Between the two sizes of orders you could get (half and full) I went for the half and it was huge! I cannot even imagine what a full size would look like, mountainous most likely. The batter on the cod was light an airy, and not at all greasy (a problem most american batters seems to have). The tartar sauce served with it was delicious and an ample amount was given so that every bite of my 3 cod pieces could be slathered in sauce. The fries were perfect steak style fries, lightly salted and crisp. The platter is served with a very nice coleslaw which I enjoyed very much.
I was very pleased to see that they did in fact have Fort George beer on tap, but seeing as they are from Astoria it makes sense. I ordered a 20 ounce mug (an 'imperial') of the vortex and was pleased with it. Our waitress was attentive, knowledgable, and didn't hover. Prices were a little high for my taste, but we're well worth the food and drink. A great place, typical of an Oregon coast seafood restaurant in decor. Next time I am in Astoria I will be back.
I love this pub. Service is always friendly. Good beer choices available on tap including Ft. George Vortex and a rotating seasonal. Food is good, particularly the fish and chips and the British pub food dishes ( owner is from Cornwall, England). Â River views from the restaurant, lively bar with friendly locals, small outdoor patio with river view shielded from the wind.
I always stop here at least once each time I visit Astoria.
It seems that some where in the early 2000's the original Ship Inn changed drastically. The name remains in place, but what is around today only dimly resembles what the Ship Inn was back in the 1990's and before that. Unfortunately, I'm not sure this is really for the better.
The original ship inn seemed to have a more expansive menu. There were more choices then the almost all seafood exclusive menu that exists now. Even then there were once seafood platter choices that allowed more flexibility in itching those cravings.
The decor has obviously seen better days and looks as I remember it from my first visit in the 80's. The service was mediocre though and reflects nothing like it once was. The waitress came back twice to confirm orders. Multiple items arrived at the table at the same time, IE, drinks AND salads. Desert and the check both arrived at the same time. Drink refills were hard to come by, yet tables were cleared of dishes quickly and were frequently being seated just as the staff was walking away with the dirty dishes.
About the only thing that has changed for the better is the view. The cannery blocking the view succumbed to arson almost two decades ago, leaving what is actually my favorite view from Astoria.
I expect the fish to be good here, and it is. But it's really hard to have bad fish when it's freshly caught and less then a day old. The rest of the meal, from the salad and fries, to even the desert was nothing really to write home about though.
It is obvious based on the menu, coupled with the small size, that the Ship Inn has moved from a more relaxed upper class establishment, to a place that wants turn over as fast as possible. Â Which is totally understandable to a certain point, but for the over all quality vs. price point, along with the service, there are better choices in Astoria. For the same view, price point, over all food quality, but a bigger menu option, just go next door.
Even the items that they do well, are slightly better at other locations in town. Great fish and chips can be found down the street easily enough, although getting through their line may be an exercise in monumental patience.
I want Ship Inn to succeed though, the nostalgia is great here. Perhaps they should revamp the menu a bit, kick the ambiance into overdrive, bank on the awesome view and up themselves to a high class establishment. At that point it'd be worth going back too.
I wasn't impressed with the quality of food or the crabby old lady that served us. Â Their prices were expensive compared to all the other restaurants we went to down the Oregon Coast. Â We went for fish and chips and were amazed at how expensive they were. Â The fries tasted like cheap frozen fries you can cook in your oven, the cole slaw tasted like cole slaw from a tub and the fish was nothing special....why was it so expensive? Â The decor reminded me of a old restaurant that may have catered to a fine dining crowd many, many years ago but has fail to change as times have changed. Â I wouldn't recommend this place with so many other restaurants nearby.
Review Source:I was a little disappointed with the service and food. I was craving bangers and mash and was recommended Ships Inn by a friend. For the price and long wait I expected to have fresh food. The potatoes were cold and definitely box potatoes. You could taste the flakes. The bangers were also grainy and cold.
My husband ordered the cod fish and chips which tasted delicious. I would also add that their clam chowder was amazing. Just don't order the bangers and mash dish!
Definitely a "family" place. Went in here last weekend to get a quick drink, we were walking along the riverfront there and found this place. DH has been in here before but I don't think I have or remember ever being in here.
We ate at the bar as usual and the bartender was very friendly as well as other people at the bar. There is a nice area to sit out at but it was a little chilly for that. Was warm but there was a breeze if you were wearing a tank top like I was.
I was hungry, I had the tuna sand with funky rye bread. For some TMI for you the bread make your hmm how do I say this? Ok when you go #2 lets just say it changes the color. The bartender did warn me about this, she said it was probably TMI.. I said yea. Well.. I guess thats all I have to add.
Very interesting night.
The decor and atmosphere was kind of run down but kind of cool at the same time.
The server was pleasant and effective but kind of strange as well. We were a party of 8 and she forgot who ordered what for the soups and salads and said, "well I can remember everything..." But at the same time did did a real solid job and was very pleasant.
Salad was fine and the clam chowder was pretty good but the potatoes were circular thin disks rather than cubes. Which was a little different. Overall I think it was pretty good clam chowder.
The fish and chips were amazing. Definitely some of the best fried fish I've had ever. I am giving this restaurant four stars basically for that reason. And they were so good that if they were a little cheaper, I would probably have given it five stars. They are that good.
But the pricing was not cheap. $20 for six pieces of cod and chips. Which isn't that bad compared to some other places that offer a couple of small pieces for over $10 (McMemenin's I'm talking to you). But it is expensive.
The fish and chips are spectacular. And in the end that's all you need to know.
The Ship Inn has a very unassuming look from the outside, (and a little stuffy inside with the exception of the large windows allowing you an awesome view of the Astoria-Megler Bridge over the Columbia River). A coworker and I went for lunch here during an off time- there was only one other family in the dining room. It was very quiet, (almost eerily quiet if it weren't for the elevator music). Â
The menu is quite extensive and showcases a lot of seafood caught fresh in the area. Touting itself as a British Pub & Family-friendly Restaurant, I had to get the Fish and Chips! For fish, I chose the cod. However, they also have the scallops, oysters, halibut, or prawns variations available.
Choosing the half portion, I was really surprised by how generous it was, (I can't imagine the full or dinner portions). I got three crispy, golden pieces of cod, a heap of chips and some coleslaw. Needless to say, the half portion was more than enough to for me. It was pretty good overall, the fish and chips were not very greasy (unlike most places) and the cod was just lightly breaded to allow the flavor of the fish to come through. The chips were good (crispy and not overly salted) but the coleslaw could have used a little more seasoning.
It is definitely worth checking out, the food is great along with a spectacular view! It tends to be a bit toward the pricey side, but this is reasonable given the portion size. Don't pass it up if you are in the area.
I asked the lady @The Maritime Museum where is a good place to have lunch. She mentioned few places, but then she said that if I go to Ship Inn it wouldn't go wrong.
Off course.. I wouldn't just take her suggestion without checking what my fellow Yelpers have to say about this place... :) so, it has good rating so far and good price.
I went there and it was kind of quite. I picked my spot which was very nice, I can see the Columbia river and Astoria bridge from my table. The lady greet me nicely and she asked my order right away (she knew I was hungry).
I had a bowl of Clam Chowder as a start, that's like a must when you are visiting the coasts. And Fried Halibut with fries and coleslaw. I could taste the clam it's really fresh, kind of chewy which is I like. The fish was so soft and the batter was crunchy, yummy...
I checked real quick what they have for drinks, mostly old fashioned cocktails but it's very cheap.... I guess everybody in the town drinks like a sailor :).
Stopped by here when we were Astoria at the later part of our road trip.
Yelped nearby restaurants and this popped up when I looked for fish n chips.
Food wise, they have diff sizes, half, full, and a dinner.
We ended up ordered full sizes of their halibut fish n chips (4 pieces) and the full combo (2 pieces of halibut, cod, shrimp, scallop) and chips. Also split a bowl of their chowder which was okay, but a bit poatato heavy for my tastes and nothing out of the ordinary.
The fish n chips were def fresh and tasty. We were stuffed by the end of the meal.
Price wise, a bit more than I expected I think it was $20 something for each fish n chip order.
Service wise. Meh, could've been a bit better. We waited in the front for a while before the hostess came to seat us, but everyone else seemed to avoid making eye contact until then. We also waited a bit for our bill and water refills.
But, good fish n chips.
I was so leery of this place after we walked in and were seated, but I was dead wrong.
There are plenty of fancy places in Astoria that serve local seafood. We were in the mood for something casual and so we asked several locals where to go for the best fish n' chips in Astoria. To a man, they said the Ship Inn is the place. One person said they were the best in the world and that they were well-travelled. Promising.
We walked along the boardwalk to the Ship Inn. From the outside it looked very old school with a weathered shingle facade and so-so maintenance. Upon entering, it was even more old school with random bric-a-brac, tired carpet, 70's furniture and clutter. As we were taken to the dining room with panoramic windows facing the Columbia River, I glanced into the kitchen which was NOT promising.
Sitting down with my wife, I wondered what the smell was. It was an old restaurant smell perhaps with a pronounced malt vinegar aroma embedded in the carpet. The waitress was middle aged and very competent. She answered all of our questions well and made recommendations. We ordered the halibut fish n' chips (cod was the other fish option, although they have shrimp, squid, and scallops, too).
When the meal came out is was a bit of piping hot perfection. The fish was lightly battered, moist and flaky. The chips were hot and golden. Even the slaw and housemade tartar sauce were very good.
They were the second best fish n' chips I've had in my travels: Leo Burdock in Dublin, Ireland is the best. Clearly, you cannot always judge a book by its cover and I appreciated the advice the locals had given us.
Old school kind of place with a river view, with every kind of seafood... as long as you like it breaded and fried!
We went on a saturday morning and there was about a 15 minute wait to get a table, with a very soft couch to sit on while waiting.
I had the fried squid & chips (well technically just squid and chips), and my partner had the fried oysters & chips.
The squid was in finger-sized strips, tasty and tender. The oysters were creamy and flavorful.
Prices were in line with what I expected.
Tip: Unless you're starving, a half order of whatever-and-chips will do you fine. That's what we each ordered.
VERY GOOD Fish and Chips - the Halibut is not to be missed!! Â The family has been enjoying "The Ship" for over 20 years and we just had lunch there this weekend while we were at the beach.
My husband loves the battered prawns and the clam chowder. Â The kids and I stick to the Halibut fish and chips. Â Great tarter sauce, too!!
This is a classic, old school establishment with casters on the chairs, paper placemats and an excellent view of the Columbia River and the bridge.
We were lookin for a late dinner and we happened upon this joint. Â The restaurant was about to close so we stopped in at the bar. Â The bar has a strange feel, a bit marine, a bit old towny, a bit dive bar?
I had the baked fish with rice and veggies, it was a bit forgettable. Â BF had the 1/2 order of the combo fish/chips. Â He loved his. Â Service was good- not great, not terrible. Â Prices were high and I get the impression that the dining room is a bit fancier.
One of the better places in town.
Seriously the one place that I frequent quite often for their fish and chips. The batter is so well done and the fish is halibut....YUM!
I also love bangers and mash and decided to venture out from my norm and was very happy with that choice. The food here is very good. Decor could use a little help but with food like that, I can ignore the all wooden walls.
Margaritas on the rocks are VERY good here as well :)
Not the best, but not the worst. Â
The place is really outdated and could use some serious sprucing up. Â Servers were not overly friendly, but were prompt. Â Prices are way too high for what you get. Â Dinners were an average of $20+. Â I had a dirty martini.....but it tasted like olive juice and water. Â My husband ordered the British Chicken Pasty and it was WAY too salty.
On the plus side, my seafood platter was very fresh seafood and very tender. It was a decent size for the high price I paid and left me with leftovers. Â
All in all, I don't think I would seek this out again. Â I think there are much better dining options in Astoria.
During our wonderful weekend in Astoria, we tried all sorts of seafood. My boyfriend was in heaven; having recently relocated from Wyoming where the signature fresh meat is beef, he made a point of dining mainly on seafood while we were in town.
At the Crab, Seafood and Wine Festival we got our first dose Friday night, sampling shrimp and oysters. On Saturday we ate fish and chips and crab around town. By Sunday he was desperate for clams. And more than once, Ship Inn was recommended by the locals for them.
We were seated quickly by friendly servers. Our table was right next to the window where we enjoyed a view of the river. Butter clams were on the menu and we shared a small order. It was by no means small...
The bucket containing the clams was overflowing with butter clams cooked to perfection, accompanied by clam nectar (which is what they are cooked in) and melted butter as dipping sauces. The bread and coleslaw offered along with the meal were decent but not as outstanding as the clams!
This restaurant is tucked away by the river, off the main road. It is definitely worth hunting for though.
Cabin fever set in and some of us needed to get outta town. Meaning: me! After 2 weeks of nonstop kids, Christmas, and all assorted holiday stuff, I yearned for an outing. The Big Man & I agreed to a drive up to Astoria & it was swell! Well, beside the the fighting amongst The 3 Musk-A-Teers, bickering, and nagging questions involving, "...are we almost there??..."
Rolled in to town on a day that was breezy but surprisingly sunny! Stopped here to eat on the recommendation of a work colleague. While the atmosphere is somewhat old fashioned, and the clientele were of a certain age, we had a terrific time. We sampled a local brew - Fort George IPA & it was a revelation! The Combo Fish & Chips were ultra fresh and delicious! Scenic displays of pelicans diving into the Columbia for fresh fish  were fun to watch, and service was friendly & top notch. A swell time was had by all. It's not inexpensive, but it is very tasty. Our fish & chips included cod, halibut, prawns, oysters & scallops, with house made tater sauce, and cocktail sauce. A good place to stop when in Astoria.
Stopped here on our way out of town and had an enjoyable meal.
The restaurant is very comfortable and offers a lovely view of the Columbia River.
Service was friendly and professional. Â Our waitress comped us the starter salad I'd ordered when she, admittedly, "spaced" it and did not bring it out in what she considered a timely manner.
My only negative comment is the menu does not make it clear that only a selection of the "British" entrées are available on any given day.  My husband was all set to order one item (Bangers and Mash, I believe) only to be told it was not on that day's menu.
Still, we both enjoyed our entrées.  We had good food at decent prices and with decent service.  I could definitely see stopping in again were we to return to Astoria.