Bowpicker Fish and Chips

One of the most colorful and delicious stops in the city of Astoria is Bowpicker Fish and Chips. It's not just a restaurant, but a true street food legend located in a converted old fishing boat sitting on land. The place is famous for its relaxed atmosphere and lines of people wanting to try their signature dish, which many guidebooks call the best in the region.

The main feature of this establishment is its specialization in one specific product. Here they serve fish and chips, but instead of the usual cod, they use fresh albacore (tuna) in light breading.

Visitors appreciate Bowpicker not only for the food but also for the authenticity. The lack of pretension, outdoor dining, and river view create a special mood. This place is perfect for a quick but memorable lunch, allowing you to touch local culture through gastronomy.

To help plan your visit, check out the contact information for this unique establishment. It is recommended to verify current details before visiting, as the schedule may depend on weather conditions and fish supplies.

The main thing to do at Bowpicker Fish and Chips is, of course, to order their famous portion of tuna and fries. The menu here is concise, which saves you from the agony of choice: you come here specifically for the fish. Enjoy the taste of fresh albacore, fried to a golden crust, served with thick slices of potato. This is a gastronomic experience that differs radically from visiting an ordinary restaurant.

Since the establishment operates in a food truck format (or, more accurately, "food boat"), prepare for an outdoor lunch. Picnic tables are set up around the boat where you can settle down and have a snack in a relaxed atmosphere. This is a great opportunity to watch city life, chat with locals, and meet other tourists who often share tables due to the large influx of visitors.

Waiting in line itself has also become part of the visiting ritual. It is often crowded here, and time in the queue can be spent examining the boat itself—a historical vessel that once plowed the waters of the Columbia River. Don't forget to take a photo against the backdrop of this unusual attraction, which has become one of the symbols of Astoria.

Getting to Bowpicker Fish and Chips is quite simple, as the establishment is located in a convenient spot, not far from the waterfront and the city's main museums. If you are in the center of Astoria, a walk will take only 10–15 minutes. Orient yourself towards the intersection of Duane Street and 17th Street; the boat-kitchen stands on land and is clearly visible from afar.

For those traveling by car, street parking can usually be found near the location. However, during the high tourist season or at lunchtime, free spots may be taken, so it is worth budgeting a little time to search for parking on neighboring streets.

Public transport in the city consists of buses, but given the compactness of the historic center, many tourists prefer to move around on foot or use a taxi. If you are driving from the famous Astoria Column, the descent by car or taxi will take about 5–7 minutes.

The history of this place is inextricably linked with the fishing traditions of the region. The structure itself, in which the food is prepared, is a real bowpicker boat. This is a type of small fishing vessel historically used for catching salmon with gillnets at the mouth of the Columbia River. The name comes from the method of retrieving nets over the bow of the boat.

Turning an old boat into a popular eatery became an excellent example of preserving local flavor. Instead of going to the scrapheap of history, the vessel received a second life on land, becoming a symbol of the city's gastronomic scene. The authenticity of the construction attracts no less attention than the food itself.

Interestingly, unlike classic British "fish and chips," where cod or halibut are usually used, here they bet on a local product—albacore (longfin tuna). This decision distinguished the establishment from competitors and created a unique flavor profile for which people are willing to stand in long lines.

A visit to Bowpicker Fish and Chips usually doesn't take much time, but the popularity factor should be considered. Eating itself will take you about 20–30 minutes, as the format implies quick service and eating takeaway or at outdoor tables.

However, on sunny days and weekends, an impressive line often forms here. Waiting for an order can stretch from 15 minutes to an hour. Therefore, if you plan to visit during peak times, it is better to budget about 1–1.5 hours for everything.

When planning a visit, pay attention to the schedule, as the establishment is not open every day. Bowpicker Fish and Chips is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. From Wednesday to Saturday, you can taste delicious fish from 11:00 to 18:00, and on Sunday the working day is slightly shorter — from 11:00 to 16:00.

It is important to remember that these hours can be tentative: the establishment often closes earlier if fresh fish runs out. In addition, the operation of the boat-kitchen may depend on weather conditions, so in case of a strong storm or wind, it is better to clarify information in advance.

The location of the eatery makes it an ideal starting point for further exploration of the city. After a hearty lunch in the fresh air, you will be within walking distance of many historic buildings and museums that will help you better understand the maritime past of this region.

The surroundings are saturated with interesting sights: from breweries to filming locations of cult movies. Here is a list of the nearest attractions to include in your itinerary: