Best Fish and Chips in the US: Top Seafood Spots Revealed

While fish and chips is the quintessential British comfort food, the United States has perfected its own coastal variations. From the historic ports of New England to the foggy harbors of the Pacific Northwest, top-tier American seafood spots utilize fresh local catches like Atlantic cod, wild Alaskan halibut, and Pacific rockfish. The secret to a world-class platter lies in a light, shatteringly crisp batter and perfectly timed frying.

This curated review highlights the highest-rated fish and chips destinations across the United States, evaluating their fish quality, batter texture, and house-made tartar sauces.

1. Pike Place Chowder (Seattle, Washington)

Located inside Seattle’s legendary market, Pike Place Chowder is world-famous for its soups, but their fried seafood platter is a masterclass in Pacific Northwest style.

  • Fish Used: Wild Alaskan Halibut or Pacific Cod
  • Signature Style: Heavy microbrew beer batter with thick-cut sea salt fries
  • Location: Seattle, WA

Pros

  • The fish is sourced fresh daily straight from the neighboring Pike Place fish market counters.
  • The batter uses local craft beer, creating an exceptionally airy, crispy crust.
  • Pairs perfectly with their award-winning New England clam chowder.

Cons

  • Lines can stretch around the block, resulting in wait times of over an hour during peak seasons.
  • Limited indoor seating space forces most customers to order takeout.

2. Woodman’s of Essex (Essex, Massachusetts)

Operating since 1914, Woodman’s is a historic New England landmark. They are credited with inventing the fried clam, but their traditional fish and chips is equally legendary.

  • Fish Used: Atlantic Haddock
  • Signature Style: Traditional Cape Cod style cornmeal and flour dusting
  • Location: Essex, MA

Pros

  • Haddock offers a sweeter, more delicate flavor profile compared to standard cod.
  • The light gluten-free corn flour coating keeps the fish from feeling overly greasy.
  • Massive, family-sized portion sizes that easily feed two people.

Cons

  • The rustic, cafeteria-style ordering system can feel chaotic for first-time visitors.
  • Priced at a premium reflecting its historic tourist destination status.

3. Ye Olde King’s Head (Santa Monica, California)

For an authentic, pub-style British experience on the West Coast, Ye Olde King’s Head has been serving British expats and locals since 1974.

  • Fish Used: Premium Atlantic Cod
  • Signature Style: Authentic British pub style with malt vinegar and mushy peas
  • Location: Santa Monica, CA

Pros

  • Provides a highly authentic British texture with a thick, golden, bubbly batter.
  • Served with traditional sides like authentic mushy peas and imported British malt vinegar.
  • Excellent pub atmosphere located just steps away from the Santa Monica beach.

Cons

  • The thick batter can trap steam, softening the crust if you order it as takeout.
  • Parking near the beach location is expensive and difficult to find.

4. Mac’s Fish & Chips (Minneapolis, Minnesota)

Proving that the Midwest can compete with the coasts, Mac’s relies on fresh freshwater sourcing and a dedicated multi-generational family recipe to deliver flawless comfort food.

  • Fish Used: Canadian Walleye or Icelandic Cod
  • Signature Style: Cracker-crust style batter with thin-cut shoestring fries
  • Location: Minneapolis, MN

Pros

  • Offers a unique local twist by serving fried Walleye, a regional favorite with sweet, firm meat.
  • The cracker-crumbs addition to the batter creates a highly satisfying crunch.
  • Features a spectacular house-made lemon-dill tartar sauce.

Cons

  • The small neighborhood venue has limited tables, making it optimal for quick turnarounds.
  • Shoestring fries lose their crispiness faster than traditional thick-cut chips.

5. H.B. Hanratty’s Pub (Phoenix, Arizona)

H.B. Hanratty’s proves you can find incredible seafood in the desert. This classic Irish pub flies in fresh whitefish daily to supply their famous Friday fish fry.

  • Fish Used: Pollock or Cod
  • Signature Style: Guinness beer batter with seasoned waffle fries
  • Location: Phoenix, AZ

Pros

  • The infusion of Guinness Stout into the batter gives the crust a rich, savory flavor and deep color.
  • Very budget-friendly pricing with generous drink specials during dinner hours.
  • The fish remains piping hot and flaky inside the heavy batter.

Cons

  • The pub environment is dark and loud, which may not be ideal for young families.
  • The fish and chips special is only available on specific days of the week.

Buyer’s Guide: Understanding the Fish Species

Cod vs. Haddock vs. Halibut

When ordering high-end fish and chips in the US, you will typically choose between three main species:

  1. Cod: The traditional standard. It features a mild flavor, thick flakes, and a high moisture content that keeps the fish incredibly juicy under a heavy batter layer.
  2. Haddock: The preferred choice across New England. Haddock meat is slightly sweeter and more flavorful than cod, with a finer flake structure that holds up exceptionally well to deep frying.
  3. Halibut: The premium, top-shelf option. Halibut is a firm, meaty steak-like fish. It is significantly less oily and boasts a clean, premium flavor. However, it can dry out quickly if overcooked by an inexperienced chef.