Celebrating a special birthday which traveling through Seward. Any suggestions on a really fun place for dinner? Fun over fancy. Food over view. There will be 6 of use -- 3 adults and 3 tweens.

>>Fun over fancy

I've always wanted to stop at Thorn's Showcase Lounge for a "Bucket of Butt." Now that sounds fun. However, all the reviews cite that it's smokey inside, so eating inside would be a non-starter for DH. But I hear that "butt" is pretty good.

We have been in Seward twice and both times ate at Thorn's. The bucket of "butt" is divine. By far the best halibut we have ever eaten. Neither of us smoke. We weren't bothered by the smoke, but I'm sure some people might be. The place has a retro decor that I haven't seen any place in the lower 48 for years. If ever in Seward again, we will definitely go back.

All I remember about a meal at a Seward restaurant... was overhearing one local say to another:


"I don't like the tourists, they look'it ya funny".


(which wasn't a horrendous slight, it was just vague and amusing)


(I wasn't there at cruise time - just someone traveling alone)

The long established favorites are Chinooks Waterfront and Ray's Waterfront. My choice is Chinooks. I wouldn't rule it out because it's on the water.

HTtY

I don't recommend Ray's Waterfront. See my review of the last visit. This is not an establishment that cares anymore.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura...rd_Alaska.html

_______________________________________________
Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

Seward, Denali, Yosemite, Venice and Yellowstone are the most tourist-overrun places I have ever been, and I've been to a lot of places.

I went to TripAdvisor, but I'm not sure I found your review. Up first was a one-star review from M W which ends, "Food may have been fine if service had been better." If that is from you, perhaps the OP will get a better waiter.

If not Ray's, where?

HTtY

Here is the text of my review of Ray's:

Disappointed!

We have eaten at Ray's Waterfront before and have enjoyed it. However, Friday's lunch was a disappointment. First the good. The ambiance with the view of the small boat harbor is stunning. This was the most positive thing about our meal. Service was rushed. The server didn't even have time to snap a photo of us. Clearly they are understaffed and management needs to hire more staff. Now the food. I had a cup of the seafood chowder and it was very tasty. My wife and I both had the Pacific cod fish & chips (2 pieces) with fries and cole slaw. The portions of fish were quite small and resembled two large fish sticks. Cod is not that expensive so I see no reason for this. The fries were good, but the cole slaw was absolutely tasteless. A note to the restaurant: Marie's makes a much better dressing. Try it!

Unfortunately, we will not be returning until there is some sign on these reviews that things have improved. I invite a response from the restaurant manager about what I have written here.

_______________________________________________
Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

I'd head to Thorn's.

I too avoid Ray's

We loved Thorns including the retro décor. So much we had a bucket of butt twice - the sauce served with it was wonderful. A secret recipe but I tasted a hint of dill. The smoke was not a problem and my companion is very picky about that.