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Rob Beilsmith Apr 30, 2009 03:19 PM

Best Fish and Chips?

I'm craving it and I'm curious if anyone has any suggestions of their favorite place to go for good fish and chips.

  1. c
    carter Jul 16, 2012 08:02 PM

    In responding to an over-3-year old post, relevance is a some time thing.
    However, since I am assuming this is one of VERY few fish & chips posts on chowhound, I must say I had a very good, and VERY large portion at the Pikey on Sunset Blvd in Hollywood, in the former Coach & Horses site, and that was for lunch!!!
    Doubt if dinner portions were any different - same menu throughout the day - but that is a major quantity of food for lunch. Fries were very good as well.
    The Pikey has a very limited food menu, but so far everything I have eaten has been very good.

    2 Replies
    1. re: carter
      carln Jul 17, 2012 12:32 PM

      Waterloo and City in Culvery City makes a good fish and chips.

      1. re: carter
        c
        CABEEF1 Aug 30, 2012 07:59 PM

        I had the fish & chips at the Pikey just today - and I didn't think the portion was that big - only one piece on my plate - the fish was ok, the chips were solid - maybe an off day? But I really like the English pub decor/vibe of the Pikey - not much different than the classic Coaches & Horses bar that was around for decades on Sunset in same spot.

      2. r
        ray9x Jul 15, 2012 05:38 PM

        Beer Belly in Koreatown does Fish n Chips really well.

        1. m
          meg3325 Sep 1, 2011 06:58 PM

          H. Salt Fish & Chips in West Los Angeles on Santa Monica Blvd. They make it fresh to order. It's pretty good. The Korean lady behind the counter isn't very friendly and comes off cold and rude, but she's efficient.

          4 Replies
          1. re: meg3325
            Akitist Sep 2, 2011 08:53 PM

            The North Hollywood H Salt is dire. Batter crisp outside and gummy inside. Bleah! Oil not hot enough?

            1. re: meg3325
              t
              Tony Miller Jul 14, 2012 03:28 PM

              @ Meg3325:

              I laughed when I read this. There's an H. Salt on Western Ave in San Pedro. It's run by a Korean couple, and the woman who's usually behind the counter fits EXACTLY the description you gave.

              Maybe they own two locations?

              1. re: Tony Miller
                mucho gordo Jul 14, 2012 05:21 PM

                The H Salt in NoHo is also run by an Asian couple.

              2. re: meg3325
                j
                JosephEBacon Jul 14, 2012 06:31 PM

                There is an H.Salt's by Vermont/Hollywood. Truly dreadful.

              3. s
                scrunchface Jul 24, 2011 02:45 PM

                Huge fan of the fish and chips at the Red Lion Tavern. Recently went to Malibu Seafood and it wasn't as knock me over amazing as my loyal Red Lion experience. I do recall having a really amazing meal at Malibu a couple of years ago, but I consistently have to force myself not to inhale my Red Lion plate.

                -----
                Red Lion Tavern
                2366 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039

                1. r
                  reality check Feb 25, 2010 11:45 AM

                  England Fish and Chips in Long Beach. Hole in the wall place, if you're expecting some fancy place, look elsewhere.

                  $1.59 for a piece of cod that is about 6 to 8 inches long and cooked to order. The fried shrimp is also pretty good. Fries, I mean chips, are about the same as the golden arches. But the fish is so good, you'll overlook the chips.

                  England Fish & Chips
                  2614 Pacific Ave
                  Long Beach
                  562-426-7400

                  http://thenewdiner.blogspot.com/2009/...

                  1 Reply
                  1. re: reality check
                    p
                    pogen1 Feb 25, 2010 03:19 PM

                    The Englander Fish and Chips in Long Beach is good.

                  2. j
                    JosephEBacon Feb 15, 2010 11:41 AM

                    The long gone Bit O Scotland used to do the BEST fish and Chips I ever tasted. Nobody else has ever come close.

                    4 Replies
                    1. re: JosephEBacon
                      f
                      Feed_me Feb 15, 2010 07:15 PM

                      "JosephEBacon," look up a bit from your post. Someone named "dyippie" says the owner of John O'Groat's is the son of the family that owned Bit O Scotland. Maybe you might check into that. I recently had the fish and chips at Tom Bergin's and it was fine. Not sure it's any better than the version (admittedly being only the first time I got it at Bergin's) I get at O'Brien's on Main in Santa Monica. Both are okay in my book and I don't have much else to go on. I had tried the dish in the U.K. at several places and some were better and some were worse (actually pretty dreadful).

                      1. re: Feed_me
                        h
                        Hackenbush Feb 25, 2010 01:14 AM

                        I spoke once to the owner of John O'Groat's. He says the recipe they use for their fish and chips is the same one his family used when they operated Bit O'Scotland. It didn't exactly match my memory of Bit O'Scotland but he's probably right.

                        I also asked him if he'd consider adding shrimp or scallops to the John O'Groat's menu. He said he didn't think they had sufficient demand for it but would try them out as an occasional special. John O'Groat's is now staying open for dinner some nights so I'm hoping he has them next time I go late.

                        1. re: Hackenbush
                          Servorg Feb 25, 2010 04:30 AM

                          Hack n Bush - Have you been to J O's for dinner? I keep meaning to go and try it. If you have been what did you try (other than maybe the fish & chips - which my wife would be happy to have) and how was it? Thank for any insight.

                          1. re: Servorg
                            h
                            Hackenbush Feb 25, 2010 11:02 AM

                            Haven't been there for dinner yet. I'm usually not in that area in the evenings. But I'm going to try it soon.

                    2. d
                      degustateur Jan 21, 2010 04:09 PM

                      Quality Seafood
                      130 S. International Boardwalk
                      Redondo Beach, CA 90277
                      (310) 372-6408

                      An enjoyable, casual, open air setting on the Redondo Beach pier. Made from fresh, live fish of your choice. They have over 100 different types of lobsters, crab, oysters, clams, mussels, sea urchin, other mollusks, shrimp and fish prepared to order or uncooked to go. Good selection of cold beer on tap as well. This place totally rocks!

                      1. k
                        kandykane Jan 21, 2010 01:18 PM

                        Do NOT go to KIngs Head-the world's worse food on the planet-
                        beer ok

                        1. a
                          abseygale Aug 23, 2009 07:58 AM

                          For a great fish and chips excursion, I suggest taking the ferry to Two Harbors in Catalina and having fish and chips at the one restaurant which is located right on the beach. Their fish and chips are good! Or you can go to Avalon and have fish and chips at Armstrong's Seafood Restaurant and Fish Market which also has a very nice harbor view, but you have to sit outside!

                          1. timsmom Aug 22, 2009 08:19 PM

                            So far I can agree with everyone's suggestions but my recommendation is prompted by what I have found very recently which happens to be the tempura batter fish and chips with fries and a caper aioli at 38 degrees in Alhambra. If you really like your fish, and we are talking about Alaskan cod, you can flip out over the large amount of pieces given in a serving -- about 5 or 6 pieces- which are easily 6 inches each. Hot from the fryer -- you can't beat that esp. when the batter is light and crisp!!

                            1. l
                              larud9233 Aug 21, 2009 10:07 AM

                              I'm with J O'Groats. Paul does a nice job. Great batter, great fries and malt vin.

                              1. d
                                dyippie Aug 21, 2009 01:38 AM

                                John O'Groats has mentioned above , does in fact have great fish and chips. The owner is the son of the family of the legendary Bit of Scotland. which had the best fish and chips in our fair town.

                                1. trixel Aug 20, 2009 05:11 PM

                                  I really like the fish and chips at the Pig and Whistle, next to the Egyptian theater. It's beer battered halibut, and in my opinion, delicious.

                                  1 Reply
                                  1. re: trixel
                                    j
                                    Juji Aug 20, 2009 05:32 PM

                                    I recently had the ale battered halibut at Westside Tavern and thought it was very good.

                                  2. wutzizname Aug 20, 2009 08:41 AM

                                    Tom Bergin's does a more than decent one.

                                    -----
                                    Tom Bergin's Restaurant
                                    840 S Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

                                    1. lil mikey Aug 18, 2009 04:09 PM

                                      It's not on the menu at Gulfstream, but we asked if they could make it, and they agreed.

                                      They let us pick which of the two daily fish specials they would use: halibut or sea bass. I chose halibut and my buddy chose the sea bass.

                                      The fish was delightfully fresh and flaky, and the coating was unique. It wasn't batter like you get at the British places. Rather, it was an herbed bread crumb coating, and was crisp and flavorful. And the oil was fresh and clean. This was a delicious plate of fish sticks. They served it with cocktail sauce, which was a nice complement, but we had to ask for vinegar, and my buddy asked for tartar sauce.

                                      The fries were shoestring, and I didn't really care for them much. They weren't wide enough to properly dip in the ketchup, and they were kind of half-way between being nicely crisp and being soft. The guys next to us at the bar saw what we ordered, and they ordered it, too. But they got it with a salad instead of the fries. I think I'll try that next time.

                                      Not a traditional fish and chips, but quite tasty.

                                      1. J.L. Aug 17, 2009 11:44 PM

                                        Lowbrow, but it really floats my boat:

                                        Long John Silvers in Rowland Heights - they have fried clams, too!

                                        2 Replies
                                        1. re: J.L.
                                          Phurstluv Aug 18, 2009 04:13 PM

                                          No Way!!!! But, are they frozen strips??! (the fried clams) They must be, right? I didn't even think we had LJS in SoCal - remember them from my CT days, so long ago!

                                          1. re: Phurstluv
                                            J.L. Aug 18, 2009 04:49 PM

                                            I'm not sure if they're frozen strips, but if they are, then they've been reheated REALLY nicely...

                                            LJS has been in Rowland Heights for a while. Here is the 411:

                                            17901 Colima Rd.
                                            Rowland Heights, CA, 91748
                                            (626) 964-8044

                                            Enjoy! No pirate hats anymore, but the food is still LJS.

                                        2. k
                                          kandykane Aug 17, 2009 05:08 PM

                                          I did not like the fish n chips at the Kings Head in Santa Moinca
                                          They were over-batered and the oil seemed old-(not fresh)-
                                          They were Yucky and overpriced !
                                          It is really too bad -I had a real hankering for some GOOD Fish N Chips-
                                          This place was a real disappointment-

                                          1 Reply
                                          1. re: kandykane
                                            a
                                            aventinus Feb 15, 2010 06:34 PM

                                            My experience has been that the King's Head is generally a good place. It has good chips but not good fish.

                                          2. n
                                            noahbites Aug 9, 2009 04:52 PM

                                            I second the fish n chips at Golden State. Perfect with a nice beer, too.

                                            1. m
                                              mindymo25 May 5, 2009 03:30 PM

                                              I really like EJ Malloy's in Long Beach (Belmont Heights area) located on Broadway and Redondo.

                                              1. b
                                                bite bite May 5, 2009 11:08 AM

                                                I really like the fish and chips at Village Idiot -- always have gone early so never had to deal with scene people complain about.

                                                1. w
                                                  WSB May 4, 2009 12:22 PM

                                                  Falcon Inn
                                                  5023 W Rosecrans Ave
                                                  Hawthorne, CA 90250
                                                  (310) 978-0872

                                                  Great dive bar I love the fish and chips and the prime rib is pretty good for $13.99

                                                  1. w
                                                    wiz May 3, 2009 07:31 PM

                                                    try schooner or later in the Long Beach marina area.

                                                    1. m
                                                      malibumike May 2, 2009 08:38 AM

                                                      Malibu seafood is great but if you want a little drive go up to channel islands harbor in Ventura, 5 big pices of fish and a great big pile of fries or coleslaw for $9.99
                                                      1449 Spinnaker Dr Ste A, Ventura, CA 93001

                                                      8 Replies
                                                      1. re: malibumike
                                                        j
                                                        JBC May 2, 2009 11:23 AM

                                                        What's the name of the place ?

                                                        1. re: JBC
                                                          Akitist May 2, 2009 11:37 AM

                                                          Think it's Andria's Seafood. IIRC we stopped here on the way back from Santa Barbara some time ago and were quite pleased with the food. Just looking for a restaurant by the harbor. Gotta try it again next time we're up there.

                                                          1. re: Akitist
                                                            Servorg May 2, 2009 12:31 PM

                                                            http://www.andriasseafood.com/

                                                        2. re: malibumike
                                                          m
                                                          malibumike May 3, 2009 08:00 AM

                                                          Yes, sorry it is Andrias.

                                                          1. re: malibumike
                                                            s
                                                            sdv231 May 3, 2009 10:01 PM

                                                            Had Andria's Fish & Chips today for lunch. It was great ! Line out the door but moved fairly fast. Highly recomend.

                                                          2. re: malibumike
                                                            n
                                                            Naamans Aug 9, 2009 04:36 PM

                                                            For the record, Andria's is in Ventura Harbor (not Channel Island Harbor, which is in Oxnard).....don't want anyone to get lost looking for it.

                                                            1. re: Naamans
                                                              Servorg Aug 9, 2009 04:39 PM

                                                              I don't think anyone would have gotten lost since Mike provided the exact, correct address and zip code (and even the Suite number) for the restaurant.

                                                              1. re: Naamans
                                                                j
                                                                jillso Aug 18, 2009 04:17 PM

                                                                BROPHY BROTHERS has a location right next door to Andria's, now.

                                                                SEAWARD Fish n Chips in Ventura is the best, on Seaward avenue a block from the ocean.

                                                            2. Kevitivity May 1, 2009 05:47 PM

                                                              Must go to Brit's in Pasadena. The best British pub style fish and chips I've had. Their fries are to die for too.

                                                              -----
                                                              Brits Restaurant
                                                              1770 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106

                                                              1. l
                                                                liindamerlot79 May 1, 2009 10:59 AM

                                                                I love Lucky Baldwin's too. They gave 2 sizes and lots of great beer.

                                                                2 Replies
                                                                1. re: liindamerlot79
                                                                  Will Owen May 1, 2009 01:50 PM

                                                                  If I can persuade Mrs. O that it would be a restful and soothing experience rather than an obligation to dread, we will go out to LB's tonight (for the first time) as planned. The above raves for the fish & chips are thus quite timely and deeply appreciated.

                                                                  The Redwood and Brit's represent two opposing schools with their fish & chips: Redwood's fish is breaded and very, very good; Brit's is encased in a crisp and delicious batter, though the fish is sometimes a bit overdone. Either one is worth trying, depending on what part of LA County you happen to be in.

                                                                  1. re: Will Owen
                                                                    Will Owen Jan 21, 2010 02:41 PM

                                                                    Well, we never made it to LB that night, but we have a date w/Mrs. O's brother and his wife for tomorrow night, and then we might have something intelligent to say. I've not had ANY F&C in eons, so I'll probably love it no matter what, but I will strive for critical acuity...

                                                                2. r
                                                                  Rob Beilsmith May 1, 2009 10:40 AM

                                                                  THANK YOU! So many great suggestions, might have to do a pub crawl.....

                                                                  1. r
                                                                    RoxyGrl May 1, 2009 09:37 AM

                                                                    Lucky Baldwin's in Pasadena and Sierra Madre has great fish n chips. And great beer

                                                                    http://www.luckybaldwins.com/delirium...

                                                                    3 Replies
                                                                    1. re: RoxyGrl
                                                                      peppermonkey May 4, 2009 11:47 AM

                                                                      BAD fish and chips.. Great beer selection

                                                                      1. re: peppermonkey
                                                                        ElsieDee May 4, 2009 10:02 PM

                                                                        What's bad about their Fish and Chips?

                                                                      2. re: RoxyGrl
                                                                        Kevitivity Aug 19, 2009 05:57 PM

                                                                        I wouldn't call the fish n chips at Lucky Baldwins, but they don't come anywhere near to the sublime goodness of Brits's which is just down the road, pass PCC. Brits's has the best fish n chips in the Arcadia/Pasadena/Glendale area.

                                                                      3. n
                                                                        noahbites May 1, 2009 09:07 AM

                                                                        I've heard that people really like the ones at Patrick's Roadhouse right off PCH. Has anyone had it?

                                                                        -----
                                                                        Patrick's Roadhouse
                                                                        106 Entrada Dr, Santa Monica, CA 90402

                                                                        1 Reply
                                                                        1. re: noahbites
                                                                          Phurstluv May 1, 2009 03:43 PM

                                                                          Yes, and not that great, just so-so, probably frozen. I agree with the first rec, Malibu Seafood has excellent fish & chips, made with fresh fish they get in that day. And this is from a New Englander, so I've had my share! But it is out of the way, if you don't live on the Westside, and packed on weekends that are sunny & warm. And, I think they're closed on Mondays.

                                                                        2. mnosyne May 1, 2009 08:50 AM

                                                                          For a change, Beacon has whole fried panko-breaded catfish with sweet potato fries in the evening! It was delicious!

                                                                          1. n
                                                                            ns1 May 1, 2009 08:38 AM

                                                                            I go here about once a week...

                                                                            http://www.yelp.com/biz/willies-grill...

                                                                            1 Reply
                                                                            1. re: ns1
                                                                              Das Ubergeek May 1, 2009 08:50 AM

                                                                              Agree with this too... it's one of the few bright spots in Burbank.

                                                                            2. ipsedixit Apr 30, 2009 10:50 PM

                                                                              The York www.theyorkonyork.com

                                                                              Redwood Bar and Grill. www.theredwoodbar.com

                                                                              5 Replies
                                                                              1. re: ipsedixit
                                                                                y
                                                                                yomondo Aug 29, 2011 02:03 PM

                                                                                Ordered the fish and chips at The York, when the order arrived at my table I was shocked to see battered fish and POTATO CHIPS! So W*R*O*N*G

                                                                                1. re: yomondo
                                                                                  Will Owen Aug 29, 2011 02:53 PM

                                                                                  Well, that's certainly gone to hell in a fry basket! I wonder when that happened. Used to be the only thing really wrong with that place was its insistence on being a sports bar, and the massive (screaming) crowds whenever any team was playing anything on the Big Screens.

                                                                                  1. re: Will Owen
                                                                                    m
                                                                                    maudies5 Aug 30, 2011 07:52 PM

                                                                                    I really love the Fish and Chips at the Ivy. I also love the homemade tartar sauce.

                                                                                  2. re: yomondo
                                                                                    Servorg Aug 29, 2011 03:09 PM

                                                                                    Here's a Yelp photo of the York's F&C's: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/3yFKvX... No potato chips in sight.

                                                                                    Don't know what was going on with your order. Did you by any chance ask the wait person what the deal was?

                                                                                    1. re: Servorg
                                                                                      y
                                                                                      yomondo Aug 30, 2011 05:41 PM

                                                                                      Oh, yeah, Servorg, Was told that was the way they were served, but who knows. Have not returned only because don't get over that way often. Next time if I do I will ask in advance what to expect. Thanks for your reply...oh just checked out your photo link...maybe it's time to head over the hill again and go for it!

                                                                                2. h
                                                                                  Hackenbush Apr 30, 2009 10:21 PM

                                                                                  John O'Groat's on PIco is the best I've had in L.A. A close runner-up would be the version at Kate Mantilini's.

                                                                                  1. k
                                                                                    Kate is always hungry Apr 30, 2009 07:56 PM

                                                                                    I liked the fish and chips I had Ireland's 32 on Burbank Blvd. just west of Woodman in Van Nuys. I've been to King's Head and Robin Hood, don't remember liking either place better than I 32.

                                                                                    1. Emme Apr 30, 2009 07:36 PM

                                                                                      Three suggestions...

                                                                                      Ye Olde King's Head in SaMo

                                                                                      The Whale'n'Ale - also great sticky toffee pudding

                                                                                      Robin Hood's Pub

                                                                                      7 Replies
                                                                                      1. re: Emme
                                                                                        Das Ubergeek May 1, 2009 08:49 AM

                                                                                        Agree with this.

                                                                                        1. re: Emme
                                                                                          wilafur Aug 21, 2009 10:20 AM

                                                                                          BIG fan of the fish and chips at ye olde kings head.

                                                                                          1. re: wilafur
                                                                                            k
                                                                                            kandykane Jan 21, 2010 01:21 PM

                                                                                            Kings Head is HORRIBLE-
                                                                                            greasy and the fish not fresh-

                                                                                            1. re: kandykane
                                                                                              l
                                                                                              LAchowman Jan 21, 2010 05:34 PM

                                                                                              I just had some delicious fish and chips there two weeks ago... the fish they served me was not in the least greasy nor was it anything less than fresh. It was the best I have had in a very long time.

                                                                                              1. re: LAchowman
                                                                                                mollyomormon Jan 21, 2010 05:48 PM

                                                                                                I've had it there when the breading has been really, really thick. How was it this time?

                                                                                                1. re: mollyomormon
                                                                                                  o
                                                                                                  Ogawak Feb 15, 2010 06:19 PM

                                                                                                  I was just at YOKH for the first time. Great, great F&C. The batter was perfectly crisp and light, and not at all overpowering, and the fish was . Actually my wife had the fish, and I had their excellent lamb chops.

                                                                                                  Though I thought the batter was perfect, they did give you the option of using less batter.

                                                                                              2. re: kandykane
                                                                                                ClamHappy Feb 25, 2010 07:16 AM

                                                                                                I agree with the overwhelming majority on here that the Kings Head has EXCELLENT fish and chips! :)
                                                                                                (Only negative review I see is one person posting the same thing three times within this thread, is that really necessary?)

                                                                                          2. mollyomormon Apr 30, 2009 06:39 PM

                                                                                            The Golden State on Fairfax is serving fish and chips on Fridays and Saturdays now. I had it last saturday and it was probably the best version I've had in LA. I also like the fish and chips at King's Head in Santa Monica, but the breading on that version can overwhelm the fish, where I thought the ration of breading to fish on the Golden State's version was pretty much perfect.

                                                                                            5 Replies
                                                                                            1. re: mollyomormon
                                                                                              ronnie_gaucho May 1, 2009 09:00 AM

                                                                                              I keep missing out! I'm gonna make a point of making it out there this weekend :-)

                                                                                              1. re: mollyomormon
                                                                                                ronnie_gaucho May 2, 2009 11:16 PM

                                                                                                Had the fish n chips at golden state tonight...I thought it was VERY good. The batter was excellent and the fish was very flavorful. Their tarter sauce is also very good. Very enjoyable!

                                                                                                1. re: ronnie_gaucho
                                                                                                  mollyomormon May 4, 2009 11:16 AM

                                                                                                  Fantastic! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

                                                                                                2. re: mollyomormon
                                                                                                  Dommy Aug 20, 2009 05:34 PM

                                                                                                  And another reason to go back for a Beer Float... :)

                                                                                                  http://img12.yfrog.com/i/avcq.jpg/

                                                                                                  --Dommy!

                                                                                                  1. re: Dommy
                                                                                                    Dommy Aug 22, 2009 07:58 PM

                                                                                                    So we went last night and sadly I was not blown away... I understand the argument about the amount of batter used at Ye Olde Kings Head... but I love it and it works to insulate the fish so it's always nicely done... the fish I got at Golden State was overdone... :/ Such a SHAME... It's such a nice portion for the price and I LOVED swaping out regular fries for Sweet Potato fries...

                                                                                                    http://www.flickr.com/photos/dommichu/3844021947/

                                                                                                    Anyway, so my vote echos Emme's below... Ye Olde Kings Head still rules in my book... although the beer float (Old Rasputin w/ Pumpkin and Date) was still excellent! :)

                                                                                                    http://www.flickr.com/photos/dommichu...

                                                                                                    --Dommy!

                                                                                                3. i
                                                                                                  ilikefood Apr 30, 2009 06:06 PM

                                                                                                  Malibu Seafood !!!!!!!!!! 25653 Pacific Coast Hwy up the coast beyond Pepperdine

                                                                                                  BEST FISH & BEST CHIPS CONSISTENTLY + OCEANSIDE/VIEW

                                                                                                  2 Replies
                                                                                                  1. re: ilikefood
                                                                                                    c
                                                                                                    CinnamonKitten Aug 19, 2009 05:57 AM

                                                                                                    second this!!! So good

                                                                                                    1. re: CinnamonKitten
                                                                                                      wutzizname Feb 15, 2010 10:08 AM

                                                                                                      Had Malibu Seafood's this weekend, not the first time at all, but somehow it was better than I ever remember it being. I'd put it toward the top of my list now.

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