City Fish Co.

A Century of Seattle Seafood Heritage

City Fish Co. is Seattle's original seafood company and one of the oldest in the entire country, having opened in 1918 under the name Municipal Fish Market. The story begins in 1917 when America faced a fish shortage during wartime rationing. Enterprising merchants exploited the scarcity by inflating prices beyond what average citizens could afford. Governor Ernest Lister intervened with an emergency ordinance to establish a city-owned fish market guaranteeing fair prices and direct supply from fishermen to consumers. On its opening day in 1918, City Fish sold over 1,391 pounds of salmon alone to hungry Seattleites eager for affordable seafood. In 1923, the city leased the market to private ownership, and it was rechristened City Fish—a name that has endured for over a century.

Location and Atmosphere

Located at 1535 Pike Place in the heart of Pike Place Market's main arcade, City Fish Co. occupies one of the original market stalls. The narrow, crowded walkway creates an authentic market experience where visitors navigate past displays of glistening fresh seafood. Unlike the famous fish-throwing vendors nearby, City Fish maintains a more understated presence, allowing those seeking genuine quality to discover this gem without overwhelming crowds. The stand features a working seafood counter where knowledgeable staff prepare items fresh throughout the day.

Fresh Seafood Selection

City Fish specializes in fisherman-direct fresh seafood at fair prices, operating under the motto "boat to throat." Their offerings include wild Pacific salmon, halibut, halibut cheeks, black cod, Chilean sea bass, albacore, swordfish, branzino, trout, octopus, scallops, squid, mussels, oysters, shrimp cocktail, poke, and ceviche. The smoked salmon on a stick has become a signature item, priced around fifteen dollars and popular enough to be shared among several people. Ready-to-eat options like ceviche and smoked salmon samples allow visitors to taste quality products immediately.

Ready-to-Eat and Prepared Items

Beyond raw seafood, City Fish offers prepared items perfect for market visitors. Smoked salmon on a stick, shrimp cocktail cups, oysters, and poke bowls provide convenient options for eating while exploring Pike Place Market. The staff generously offers samples of their products, allowing customers to experience the quality before purchasing. These ready-to-eat options make City Fish an ideal stop for those seeking fresh seafood without needing kitchen facilities.

Shipping and Online Service

City Fish extends its reach beyond Pike Place Market through overnight shipping throughout the mainland United States at a flat rate. Their online ordering system allows customers worldwide to receive the same high-quality, fresh seafood that made the company famous. Testimonials consistently praise the exceptional freshness upon arrival, careful packaging, and the ability to access premium items like halibut cheeks that are difficult to find elsewhere. The company maintains rigorous quality standards for shipped products, ensuring ice-cold delivery within hours of packing.

Customer Experience and Reputation

City Fish maintains a strong reputation for friendly, helpful staff and consistently fresh products. Visitors appreciate the personable service and willingness of staff to provide samples and recommendations. The company's century-long commitment to fair pricing and quality has earned loyal customers who return repeatedly and recommend the vendor to others. Whether purchasing fresh fillets to cook at home, sampling ready-to-eat items, or ordering shipped seafood from across the country, customers consistently report exceptional quality and satisfaction.