I judge every restaurant’s fish and chips by the quality of the cod and the tartar sauce. The Alaskan cod arrives in a Southern-style jacket that crackles at first bite before giving way to moist, flaky glory—glory that’s fried and seasoned.

Now, tartar sauce is where I usually draw the line. I’m a classic, white-and-dill purist. Most “creative” versions taste like disappointment. But Emerald City Fish & Chips, which Stevie Allen opened in 2009 using his grandmother’s Southern recipes with a Northwest twist, sneaks in just the right amount of spicy heat to improve on tradition. I’ve had to reconsider many of my long-held food beliefs after becoming a fan of this spicy tartar sauce.

And yet the headliner here isn’t the fish—it’s the seafood gumbo. It’s house-made, bayou-style, brimming with shrimp, a deep roux, and andouille, ladled over just-barely-al-dente rice that holds its nerve in the bowl. It’s only available Sunday through Tuesday and sells out—so go early. This is the kind of bowl that makes a drive down Rainier Avenue feel like a pilgrimage.

The seafood gumbo loaded with shrimp and andouille is everything you want in a Sunday-to-Tuesday tradition.

Photo courtesy of Emerald City Fish & Chips

Go for the cod, convert over the tartar sauce, and stay loyal for that gumbo. Emerald City Fish & Chips isn’t just doing fried fish. It’s running a small, well-seasoned rebellion.

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Tender, smoky, and perfectly caramelized, the ribs scream Southern goodness, complete with a beautiful smoke ring that comes from many hours of preparation. No sauce is needed, but the housemade mild sauce is so good it borders on addictive. (Don’t let “mild” dissuade you — it’s packed with flavor.)

But wait — don’t sleep on the sides. I have two personal favorites: the Brunswick stew and the cornbread. The stew is rich, hearty, and packed with smoky meat and vegetables that will make you wake up in the middle of the night craving it. As for the cornbread, there seems to be two camps: sweet and cakey versus savory and dry. I’m definitely in the first camp, and this cornbread is everything I want. A piece of advice: dip it in the mild sauce. You’ll thank me later.

Brunwick stew and cornbread.

Photo courtesy of Brileys BBQ

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Nestled in a small strip mall in Burien

Photo courtesy of Burien Fish House

Clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl.

Photo courtesy of Burien Fish House

Cod fish and chips with a lobster roll

Photo courtesy of Burien Fish House

You can customize your taco with a variety of fish options, including salmon, halibut, cod, and shrimp. Whether you prefer your fish grilled, fried, or blackened, the Burien Fish House offers it all, and the quality is exceptional. It’s easy to gauge how good a fish taco will be by testing out the grilled fish first, and this place nails it.

My absolute go-to is the blackened cod tacos.

Blackened cod tacos

Photo courtesy of Burien Fish House

This humble place is a little hole-in-the-wall spot that should be on the top of your list anytime you think “you know what sounds good, fish tacos.” But again, you can’t go wrong with anything here.

So, the next time you’re in the mood, skip the touristy spots and head straight to Burien Fish House. You will not regret it.

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The menu is packed with classic Greek comfort food, offering everything from gyros and souvlaki to falafel and hummus. The flavors are authentic — I can never decide which item I’m going to get. The Greek sample plate, however, is a perfect choice. It offers a little of everything, so it’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings while avoiding any regret. Other popular options include moussaka, kabobs, and burgers galore as well. In fact, it was previously known as Time Out Burger.

Paidakia (lamb chops) at Time Out.

Time Out has all the charm of a mom-and-pop operation. It’s the kind of hidden gem that locals adore — nestled just behind Regal Cinebarre Mountlake theater off Exit 177 on I-5. The restaurant embodies the spirit of a classic diner, offering all-day breakfast and indulgent milkshakes in addition to its Greek specialties.

This cozy spot may be tucked away, but it’s more than worth the drive. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty gyro, a creamy milkshake, or a comforting plate of moussaka, Time Out Greek & American Restaurant delivers every time. It’s a must-visit for anyone who wants a hearty meal in a relaxed, unpretentious setting.

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