413264 Wed Jun 20 08:09:35 -0700 2007 67 2 Los Angeles Area 0 2677072 I don't go out and get this a lot, and the best I have had is at Robin Hood on Burbank (panko breading?), but what is the best, and why? If you eat your fish with tartar in lieu of vinegar, no offense, but you may be unqualified for this question. LA, only... Wed Jun 20 08:09:35 -0700 2007 105785 fergusmccool 1 2677095 I love the fish n chips at Brit's Pub in Pasadena. Crisp coating, delicate, succulent fish, dash of vinegar, chips cooked well done, dipped into the side of gravy that I can't seem to do without. Somehow, the peas bring it all together. So good! Wed Jun 20 08:15:24 -0700 2007 2677072 12400 WildSwede 2 2677213 Where exactly is Brit's Pub? I would love to try their Fish and Chips. My fiance and I have been searching for a good fish and chips restaurant forever. So far, everything we 've tried are very disappointing. Soggy, thick coating, overcooked fish, and frozen, from the bag chips.... Yuck.... Wed Jun 20 08:45:26 -0700 2007 2677095 104896 trangster8734 3 2677349 Brit's 1770 E Colorado Blvd. Pasadena (626) 578-1301 However, according to their respective menus, Brit's is cooked in beer batter, & Robin Hood's is done in a "light crispy batter". Beer batter coatings, in my experience, tend to be on the thick side and therefore, might not compare favorably to a light and crispy F & C lover. I also haven't tried Brit's version, so that theory could be wrong, but I have chatted with the bar tender who's from Liverpool, so ? Wed Jun 20 09:20:04 -0700 2007 2677213 11205 JBC 4 2679132 The batter on Brit's fish is the lightest and crispiest you've ever had. Give it a try. Their fries are killer too. Wed Jun 20 17:22:38 -0700 2007 2677349 13197 spankbot 5 2682397 Well, I got a slight problem with that as my palate has graduated to much preferring Halibut over Cod no matter how perfect the batter. Most people, and especially U.S. citizens on the wrong coast (*), seem to believe Cod is the "only" proper fish to use for F & C. The closer you get to Scotland v.s. London, the greater the propensity of Haddock as the F & C food fish of choice. Even to the point where you won't even find Cod of the menu at some good Scottish Chippy Shoppes. Example - At the following 3 time best Scottish Fish & Chip Shop winner, if you chick on the menu and scroll down you wont find any Cod anywhere: http://www.anstrutherfishbar.co.uk/index.html To get back on message, you can find somewhere in L.A., Ventura, or Orange Counties a whole assortment of fishes prepared as F & C. If one was looking for F & C Haddock with a little U.K. flair, it's available, i.e., at The Olde Ship in Santa Ana or Fullerton: http://www.theoldeship.com My last comsumption of Ye Olde King's Head Cod F & C's was not favorable, personally I'll opt for Halibut over Cod everytime. (*) aka as the "East Coast". Thu Jun 21 15:42:40 -0700 2007 2679132 11205 JBC 6 2951757 "Proper" fish and chips would consist of whatever is freshest fish is available. Preferences are another thing. Tue Sep 18 08:00:06 -0700 2007 2682397 11046 Curt the Soi Hound 2 2679797 Might take husband to there to give it a try. Hopefully it will meet his and my standard. So far we haven't found any good ones here. He is an Aussie, he has high standard; and so do I, after many trips to Australia. Maybe it has something to do with most of the fish are cod here, but in Australia, especially in the state of Victoria, the fish are mostly shark. Wed Jun 20 22:03:09 -0700 2007 2677095 65974 Liz 3 2682562 Liz, I might have some good news for you, not sure because I haven't been to Australia or the below linked establishment, but I believe the Aussie's comsume Flake, or Gummy Shark, as their Fish in F & C. If you're willing to travel to Oxnard, the following establishment has Angel Shark that might be close to what your husband's enjoyably had down under. They also have Thresher shark, but I'd guess the Nurse shark would be closer: http://www.hooklineandsinkerseafood.com/fishnchips.shtml If interested, call and make sure they have the right condiments/sauces he craves, and if not, bring them with you!! Also in Oxnard/Ventura, is Andria's which "might" also have it. The below link used to work, but it's not today: http://www.andriasseafood.com Thu Jun 21 16:42:26 -0700 2007 2679797 11205 JBC 4 2683388 Thanks. It is very tempting. In fact, my mouth was watering as reading the menu. Question is are we willing to drive an hr and half for it? It is close to Camarillo though. :) Thu Jun 21 22:44:55 -0700 2007 2682562 65974 Liz 5 2684168 Using the get directions button, it looks like it's 7 miles west from the middle of Camarillo. Is it worth the drive? If your coming from the south and drive up PCH from the Santa Monica Pier thru Malibu into Oxnard on a bright warm sunny day in a convertible - then the answer is yes (less expensive than flying to Aussieland). Suggestion - Call and make sure they're not out of the Angel shark on the day you go (if you every do go). Fri Jun 22 08:30:43 -0700 2007 2683388 11205 JBC 3 2706308 There's an Australian pub/restaurant in OC: Australian Restaurant/Grill. 2106 North Tustin Ave Santa Ana, CA 92705 Fri Jun 29 08:50:22 -0700 2007 2679797 12873 OCAnn 1 2677286 You've had the best. Robin Hood is the best I've found. Wed Jun 20 09:07:20 -0700 2007 2677072 11201 Diana 1 2677346 I like the fish and chips at Red Lion Tavern in Silverlake. Wed Jun 20 09:19:22 -0700 2007 2677072 60801 Obessed 2 2682566 Have you had it recently at Red Lion? I used to LOVE them but stopped when the food took a general dive as the ownership changed hands over 2 years ago. It'd be great to have 'em back! Thu Jun 21 16:43:23 -0700 2007 2677346 17338 bo_burger 3 2684234 I tried the fish and chips at the Red Lion a few years ago and it was inedible. Fri Jun 22 08:52:51 -0700 2007 2682566 12460 Chowpatty 1 2677487 Well even though I usually got a 1/2 chicken (not fish) and chips when I was in school in England, my current favorite is Malibu Seafoods for the Fish & Chips offered with 1, 2 or 3 pieces of fish depending on how hungry you are and if you're sharing. Two of us often share the 3-piece order. Add a Mini Loaf (hot sourdough bread) and extra butter and BYOB with no corkage, some even bring their own table cloths and stemware! Ocean view and a cool hiking trail that begins on the far side of the parking lot tops it off! Before I discovered Malibu Seafoods my favorite was Ye Olde King's Head in Santa Monica. Still good I'm sure but kinda expensive, and cramped with often loud Brit. ex-pat sports fans! I've only tried Robin Hood once and despite the glowing reviews on this board foung it to be just ok. http://www.malibuseafood.com/ http://www.yeoldekingshead.com/ Wed Jun 20 09:51:57 -0700 2007 2677072 10864 sel 2 2677561 My friends would wholeheartedly agree with Malibu Seafood. They've also mentioned going to the harbor in San Pedro. Sorry I don't have more info on this... Wed Jun 20 10:11:01 -0700 2007 2677487 81098 LisaStitch 3 2677657 I like the F&C at Whale & Ale in San Pedro. Nice pieces of Icelandic cod with a crispy dark golden Bass ale batter. A little pricey at $15 but worth it Wed Jun 20 10:33:10 -0700 2007 2677561 14558 Ernie 2 2966840 Agree the fried fish at Malibu seafood is heavenly. This is one of the best dining experiences in LA, so please don't go there so I don't have to wait in lines any longer than they already are:) Ye Olde Kings Head is legit. Not amazing, but decent. Sat Sep 22 18:07:42 -0700 2007 2677487 77439 ElJeffe 1 2677615 Redwood Bar & Grill in downtown has good F&C. www.theredwoodbar.com For a chain, I like Barrigan's. www.barrigans.com Wed Jun 20 10:23:42 -0700 2007 2677072 11583 ipsedixit 2 2682794 Redwood's F&C are of the breaded rather than battered variety, which I found odd but pleasant. Though I love the batter at Brit's, I find that the fish just sort of rattles around inside it, and stays chewy besides; Redwood's fish is much tastier, I think. I do love cod above all, and I do opt for tartar sauce when I can get it, but use most of it on my fries (I'm afraid that malt vinegar reminds me of nothing so much as the acrid scent of burning coal - sorry). All of which is why my favorite chain F&C is at Hamburger Hamlet (now calling itself just "Hamlet"), with the wide steak fries and extra tartar sauce, please. Thu Jun 21 18:08:24 -0700 2007 2677615 11478 Will Owen 3 2684240 Redwood's fish was very tasty but the breading was soft instead of crunchy, so I thought it wasn't as good as it could be. Good slaw, though, and still very satisfying, but no match for the King's Head. Fri Jun 22 08:53:50 -0700 2007 2682794 12460 Chowpatty 1 2677705 The cafe at the Arclight theater in Hollywood only serves fish & chips with the vinegar. They don't have any tartar sauce in the restaurant. I thought it was weird, but sounds like it would be right up your alley. My friend always orders them when we go there. I'm a big fan of the french fries there - wide half-moon shaped crispy potatoes... Wed Jun 20 10:42:30 -0700 2007 2677072 81098 LisaStitch 1 2677711 Is there someplace in the world which your using as the standard to compare L.A.s to? Like Australia, Canada, England, Scotland or Ireland, as the type of fish used can be even more important than the batter. Most people in the U.S. expect it to be Cod, but based on the U.K. board's many discussions on this subject and my personal travels over there, one would expect (hope) to find in London (for i.e.) Cod, Haddock, and Plaice. Example: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/405970 Also, this subject comes up every now and then, and this earlier discussion you should find very useful: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/314160 Wed Jun 20 10:43:29 -0700 2007 2677072 11205 JBC 2 2968445 In my seven years of experience of having lived in England, I found that it just seemed to depend on which chippy you went to as far as what fish varieties are offered, it was mostly just the sauces and condiments that were different depending on where you were. I've never been to Scotland, so I can't comment on what differences there are in terms of fish and chips. Every place I went to in England and Wales though offered skate, plaice, haddock, or cod, and most also had cod roe, which is also dipped in batter and then fried. And yummy fishcakes on the side too! Of course, you would get a much fresher quality of fish (and a wider variety) if you were to go to a chippy at the seaside- yum!) Sun Sep 23 14:36:56 -0700 2007 2677711 124476 FoodieKat 1 2677891 i recently had the fish and chips at ye olde kings head in SM and it was quite tasty. the batter was very light and crisp and there was no greasy after-taste. yum! Wed Jun 20 11:25:37 -0700 2007 2677072 10704 wilafur 2 2684248 I haven't tried all the places on this list (someday!) but the King's Head batter is head and shoulders above the others I've tried. Somehow they manage to get a thick yet crunchy, airy and largely greaseless coating, and of course the atmosphere seems to somehow help. Fri Jun 22 08:55:23 -0700 2007 2677891 12460 Chowpatty 1 2677934 I love Whale and Ale's F&C. It's an Icelandic Cod filet, fried golden brown in a Bass Ale batter, and served with large English chips. It's perfect. I have malt vinegar w/my fish and HP sauce w/my chips. My boyfriend loves the Bangers & Mash and the Shepard's pie there. Whale and Ale 327 West 7th. Street San Pedro, CA 90731 310-832-0363 Wed Jun 20 11:38:00 -0700 2007 2677072 19925 sweetestliz 2 2679680 And don't forget to save room for the Sticky Toffee Pudding!!! Wed Jun 20 21:07:00 -0700 2007 2677934 15572 Emme 3 2704193 Love the pudding! Love the fish... the Chips however where Meh... I still perfered Ye Olde King's Head... --Dommy! Thu Jun 28 14:27:39 -0700 2007 2679680 10659 Dommy 3 2961347 Or the trifle... when available ;) ~H.C. http://la-oc-foodie.blogspot.com Thu Sep 20 17:25:57 -0700 2007 2679680 11949 AquaW 4 2968460 Mmm...trifle! :-) Sun Sep 23 14:46:32 -0700 2007 2961347 124476 FoodieKat 1 2678360 Fish King (Glendale) or Malibu Seafood are my favorites. I don't get out to Malibu very often, so my other stand by is Lucky Baldwins in Sierra Madre, just down the street for me. Wed Jun 20 13:14:40 -0700 2007 2677072 69129 rantsnravesnreviews 2 2678393 I've also enjoyed Lucky Baldwin's in Pasadena. The last time I had fish 'n' chips at Malibu Seafood, it was unpleasantly fishy! I threw out the second of a two-piece plate and settled for the chips (which are quite good) and was content to enjoy the ocean view. If you get up the coast in Ventura, I recommend Andria's Seafood at the Ventura Harbor. (Try the halibut and chips - divine.) Another great place for fish/halibut 'n' chips as well as shrimp 'n' chips is Clancy's Crab Broiler on Central Avenue in Glendale. Thanks for the Whale & Ale tip! Wed Jun 20 13:25:17 -0700 2007 2678360 103119 Vikzen 3 2678468 I concur about Andria's in Ventura...the halibut and chips are outstanding...and one order is usually enough to feed two! Their clam chowder is also very good and filling! Wed Jun 20 13:44:39 -0700 2007 2678393 14026 TravelPath 3 2678472 Can't agree on Clancy's... just have always got tepid food there. Wed Jun 20 13:45:20 -0700 2007 2678393 10811 Das Ubergeek 3 2679652 The fish at LB's doesn't have much in the way of taste but the batter is outstanding. Wed Jun 20 20:54:57 -0700 2007 2678393 84004 keaton 1 2678504 Maggie's Pub Santa Fe Springs www.maggiespub.com Fish & Fritters- heaven on a plate. Not a bunch of little pieces... one long golden crusty piping hot fresh filet. Fritters = 1/4 inch slices of potatoes sliced lengthwise then battered like the fish to crunchy goodness. Seriously the best and a few of the waitresses have English accents to boot. Malt vinegar on the table, pineapple coleslaw served alongside, giant schooner of beer to wash it down. Go here... you won't be sorry. Wed Jun 20 13:54:56 -0700 2007 2677072 76226 Oh Robin 2 2678952 OMG Maggies??? Wow - you just took me on a trip down memory lane. When I was a kid my dad had a truck dealership near the first location, which was down the street from the loc you refer to. I have eaten their fish & chips many many times, but not in several years. I think I am going to have to make the trek. Thanks for the reminder. FYI this is also the perfect place to watch European soccer. Wed Jun 20 16:20:59 -0700 2007 2678504 20200 Pesky_Humans 3 2679665 I was just kidding about the tartar sauce bit. I just wanted to see if anyone would get riled about stupid snobbery. Ketchup on steak, it is! Wed Jun 20 21:01:55 -0700 2007 2678952 105785 fergusmccool 4 2680783 Malibu Seafood!!! is my pick http://barcelona.la Thu Jun 21 09:00:02 -0700 2007 2679665 101159 barcelona 5 2681024 Surely you jest! Go try Robin Hood's and you'll never go back! Thu Jun 21 10:02:46 -0700 2007 2680783 11201 Diana 4 2951234 Hey, ketchup is food (or condiment) of the gods in my world! :-) Mon Sep 17 23:43:47 -0700 2007 2679665 124476 FoodieKat 5 4129030 I agree! Or as I say, "ketchup is the condiment of life." My consumption of ketchup is the only thing keeping me alive! Sat Oct 25 18:21:07 -0700 2008 2951234 196419 Kate is always hungry 2 2951232 Pineapple coleslaw? And I thought my tastes were strange. :-0 Mon Sep 17 23:40:18 -0700 2007 2678504 124476 FoodieKat 3 2963764 It's just regular coleslaw with pineapple chunks in it. Delish... Fri Sep 21 12:15:18 -0700 2007 2951232 76226 Oh Robin 1 2682576 I'll have to try most of these places, but I had very good F&C at Tom Bergin's on Fairfax. Thu Jun 21 16:47:06 -0700 2007 2677072 10669 Amuse Bouches 2 2695402 Important note: Maggies is NOT open on weekends. It's a daytime pop area, Santa Fe Springs being pretty low density city. But, I ventured there recently (used to eat there 2-3 times a month for lunch in the 80s, I started eating at the original location before she moved to here) and it was still great after all these years. I love those fritters too and I am not a crazy freak about potatoes (I'm sounding biased after getting back from Sweden 5 hours ago, 2+ weeks of potatoes of various formats burned me out a bit sorry). The sandwiches are great too, and the afternoon menu has lots of cool stuff that is not on the lunch menu, highly recommended. Worth a drive seriously. Tue Jun 26 09:28:07 -0700 2007 2682576 51111 MaryT 3 2696500 The sandwiches are delish too. Love the corned beef but I get it on a french roll instead of rye. Just a great place and great service. Perfect for lunch because the food comes out in just a few minutes. Tue Jun 26 13:28:41 -0700 2007 2695402 76226 Oh Robin 2 2951797 I haven't tried Tom Bergin's F&C but my friend did and loved it. The server said it's their most popular dish. Tue Sep 18 08:13:00 -0700 2007 2682576 127538 wutzizname 1 2705541 Walt's Wharf in Seal Beach Fri Jun 29 00:37:51 -0700 2007 2677072 106872 gaylenwaydelich 1 2951230 Does anyone know of a 'chippy' in SoCal that sells mushy peas? I love these, and have a feeling they won't be very easy to get Stateside. Also, regarding the 'vinegar' vs. brown sauce/HP debate, I used to eat my chips with either curry sauce, which was a thick, hot curry-flavoured 'gravy', or with salt and vinegar, with a dollop of ketchup on the side. But then again, I love Marmite, so I know my tastes are a bit strange. ;-) Mon Sep 17 23:38:14 -0700 2007 2677072 124476 FoodieKat 2 2951605 Fish & Chips - $8.50 (*) Mushy Peas - $1.50 Cosk 'n Bull 2947 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica (310) 399-9696 (*) I've only stopped in and had beer and watched some English Football so I don't know how good the food might be. Those prices are probably 3+ years old. Tue Sep 18 07:21:14 -0700 2007 2951230 11205 JBC 3 2961234 Wow, sounds fab. Thanks! Might have to make a mini road trip this weekend (I live in OC). :-) Thu Sep 20 16:45:56 -0700 2007 2951605 124476 FoodieKat 4 2964513 Ye Olde Ship in Fullerton doesn't have mushy peas? I thought I saw it on the menu but I could honestly just be on crac...er... sticky toffee pudding with custard. Fri Sep 21 15:30:33 -0700 2007 2961234 10811 Das Ubergeek 5 2966627 Lol. I went to the Olde Ship in Santa Ana, and I definitely didn't see 'em on the menu, otherwise I'd have been all over it. Must try the one in Fullerton. Keep wanting to go to the one in Fullerton any day other than Sunday, so I can go to the British Grocers afterwards (they're closed on Sundays). Sat Sep 22 16:06:22 -0700 2007 2964513 124476 FoodieKat 4 2964764 You don't have to make that mini-road-trip as they're available in the OC at: The Olde Ship in Fullerton & Santa Ana (DU wasn't on Crac after all): http://www.theoldeship.com/menu.html The While Were At It Department; --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- They're available in the Forbidden Zone (aka "The S.F. Valley"): Robin Hood - Van Nuys http://www.robinhoodpub.net/fmi/xsl/cc/menularge.xsl?index=2&id=6965 The Fox & Hounds - Studio City http://www.thefoxandhounds.com/menu.html Typo Correction: the s s/b a c for "Cock & Bull". Fri Sep 21 17:13:01 -0700 2007 2961234 11205 JBC 5 2966630 Wow, I must've had too many Babychams that day, I didn't see it on the menu. Will keep an eye out for 'em next time! Sat Sep 22 16:07:28 -0700 2007 2964764 124476 FoodieKat 3 2966849 The Cock 'n Bull fish n' chips is mushy, and not that great. So considering its an English bar, the foods just like home:) Kings Heads near the promenade is better. Sat Sep 22 18:09:45 -0700 2007 2951605 77439 ElJeffe 4 2968206 Mushy fish and chips? Lovely. Let me just get some Bisto for that, and it will turn into a nice soup! :-) Sun Sep 23 13:06:43 -0700 2007 2966849 124476 FoodieKat 2 2963771 Maggie's has mushy peas. Never tried them though... Fri Sep 21 12:16:47 -0700 2007 2951230 76226 Oh Robin 1 2965206 I'm particularly fond of Lucky Baldwin's Delirium Cafe (in Sierra Madre) - great flakey crisp & a nice rich piece of fish. Also served with peas (to make you feel slightly more British and/or slightly less guilty ;) ) ~H.C. http://la-oc-foodie.blogspot.com Fri Sep 21 21:24:55 -0700 2007 2677072 11949 AquaW 2 2968200 I assume those weren't mushy peas then, as they're slightly less healthy? ;-) Sun Sep 23 13:05:27 -0700 2007 2965206 124476 FoodieKat 1 2966787 I have to say that I really enjoyed the fish & chips at THE YORK in HIghland Park. Served with malt vinegar and lots of beer choices to go with em. I loved the fact that the chips were in-house made potato chips but my friend was a bit p!ssed offf-he wanted french fry style "chips"... If any of you have had 'em, let me know what you think. Sat Sep 22 17:33:39 -0700 2007 2677072 93485 tatertotsrock 1 4128547 Casey's Downtown L.A. http://www.bigcaseys.com/ I worked in downtown during the 90's. This underground place (literally) has been open since 1972 (a couple people still work there from the opening). Before that I guess it was a Turkish bathhouse, and a cafeteria in the 20's. They serve cod, w/beer batter (Harp). Tasty stuff, and a huge dish. They get the magic balance of moist fish with a crispy-light beer batter that only a prideful craftsman half-drunk Mick can achieve/appreciate. Sat Oct 25 12:38:20 -0700 2008 2677072 235089 sullyhaus 1 4129360 I like the fish and chips at Redrock (on Sunset, across the street from the now-defunct Tower records) and Hamburger Hamlet (in the same vicinity). Also, Kitchen 24 was pretty good, except the waiter looked at me weird when I asked for vineger and then brought me a ramekin). Sat Oct 25 22:54:44 -0700 2008 2677072 212582 schrutefarms 1 4129917 I guess Andria's is on the top of my list right now. I'm going to throw in a place called Mr. Fish 'n' Chips in Simi Valley. I know Simi is something of a sinkhole for good food, but this place is worth a consideration. I've had Robin Hood's, and it's ok, but nothing stellar (though thinking about it makes me want a Boddington's). My suggestion though, get yourself a ride to LAX, catch the soonest flight to Perth, AUS and hit up Cicerello's. BEST FnC I've had by far. Sun Oct 26 11:04:13 -0700 2008 2677072 22618 memco