Farewell to a West Seattle Icon: Duke’s Seafood on Alki Sold After 25 Years of Sunset-Soaked Memories

Where unforgettable meals, family milestones, and even a famed seafood cookbook came to life, Duke’s Alki leaves behind a legacy as deep as Puget Sound.

For a quarter century, Duke’s Seafood on Alki Beach wasn’t just a place to eat—it was a beloved waterfront haven where stories unfolded, dreams were realized, and the best sunsets in the city played out over plates of wild-caught salmon and Dungeness crab cakes.

The recent sale of Duke’s Alki location, announced on April 3rd, marked the end of an era for West Seattle. Yet what it leaves behind is far more lasting than just a prime restaurant location—it’s a collection of irreplaceable memories, a cornerstone of a community, and a family business that exemplified resilience, warmth, and culinary brilliance.

For me, and for countless others, Duke’s Alki was where I celebrated birthdays with my mom, introduced my son to fresh Pacific Northwest flavors, and toasted milestones with my granddaughter. It was our go-to for meaningful connection—where food was always excellent and the view served as a gentle reminder to slow down and savor.

Duke’s wasn’t just a restaurant. It was a life chapter. A soundtrack to our lives. And, fittingly, it even played a part in cinematic history.

“Duke’s on Alki was more than a restaurant—it was where I made hundreds of memories, with family, friends, and food that never missed.”

– Bettina Carey

A Book, A Family, A Legacy

Few know that the iconic Duke’s Seafood Cookbook—all 382 pages of it—was both written and edited at the Alki location. Tucked away in the second-floor dining room overlooking the Sound, this labor of love captured decades of culinary innovation and commitment to sustainable seafood. The restaurant served as the beating heart of the project, and later the host of its celebratory book release party—complete with local tastemakers, laughter, and glasses raised to Duke Moscrip and his vision.

It was also here that the Moscrip family gathered for a stunning generational photo shoot, showcasing not just a business but a legacy. Alki wasn’t just a place where seafood was served—it was where stories were born, told, and preserved.

Sleepless in Seattle? Not Here.

Evenings at Duke’s Alki felt like a scene straight out of Sleepless in Seattle. Nestled along the beach, the restaurant invited romance, introspection, and timeless connection. It was the kind of place where first dates blossomed into anniversaries, and where locals returned week after week not just for the chowder—but for the comfort of familiarity.

The loss of this location, due in part to challenges like the prolonged West Seattle Bridge closure and post-pandemic recovery, is deeply felt. But Duke and John Moscrip remind guests that their story is far from over—with six vibrant locations still thriving across the region in Bellevue, Lake Union, Green Lake, Kent, Southcenter, and Tacoma.

“Even when the doors close, the spirit of Duke’s Alki lives on in every shared story, every family meal, and every recipe passed down.”

To John and Duke Moscrip and the team at Duke’s Alki: thank you. For every perfectly grilled salmon fillet. For every warm greeting and sunset view. For the laughter, the love, and the legacy. While this chapter closes, the impact you’ve had on West Seattle—and on all of us who called your restaurant home—will never fade.

Postscript: In Memory of Chef Wild Bill

No tribute to Duke’s Alki would be complete without honoring the late Chef Wild Bill, whose larger-than-life personality, bold culinary vision, and fierce dedication to quality helped shape the soul of the restaurant. Chef Bill passed away in 2024, but his legacy lives on in every dish that carried his signature flair and every guest he made feel like family. His presence in the kitchen—and in our hearts—will never be forgotten.