The Hands-Down Best Fried Fish Joint In Every State
It's unfortunate for fish that they're so good at being fried. Otherwise, we might leave them alone. Getting battered and then steeped in boiling oil is a fish skill-set recognized by eaters around the world. A world which includes the United States.
And that includes the likes of cod in New England, catfish in the South, snapper on the West Coast, walleye in the Midwest, clam strips, scallops, crabs, oysters, and all the rest. There are no shortage of fried fish joints in America. And "joints" is a key term, because that's what we're talking about here: Straightforward, sometimes humble eateries across the fifty that folks flock to for their haddock hankerings and calamari cravings.
These aren't sit-down chains with high quality fish sandwiches, as satisfying as those may be. These are legit, indie, regional places offering accessible, delectable sea fare. In other words, the hands-down best fried fish joints in every state. If these are in your neighborhood, you probably already know them. And if they aren't, you might want to think about swinging by anyway.
Alabama - Fish River Grill
Beloved for its signature "Swamp Soup," this eatery takes full advantage of its proximity to the water, offering a panoply of fresh seafood goodies. "This place is absolutely amazing," raved one Google reviewer. "The swamp soup was so great! The crawfish pistol omg I could have eaten 10. The swamp burger, the best burger I've ever had and I'm from the Midwest." Yes, they also make a mean burger, and a fried soft-shell crab Bloody Mary named "The Jubilee Beast."
Multiple locations
Alaska - Skagway Fish Company
Skagway Fish Company is a rustic, busy, pier-side ex-fishery. It's not necessarily cheap, but it's Alaskan seafood done right, according to travel blogs. One of the many five-star Yelp reviews notes it's "Worth the splurge! Everything we ordered was fresh & delicious." Another Yelper couldn't hold back the enthusiasm: "Amazing Amazing Amazing. This is a MUST stop! The fish and chips here are the best I've ever HAD hands down."
(907) 983-3474
201 Congress Way, Skagway, AK 99840
Arizona - Oscar's Pier 83
This may be the desert lands, but Oscar's Pier 83 in Glendale has plenty of quality water-based fare. The vast majority of the nearly 2,000 Google reviews agreed, with commentary extolling the Icelandic cod in the fish and chips, the generous portions and the excellent beer, as well as the outrageously good shrimp po' boy, fried okra, and catfish.
(602) 843-6820
18589 N 59th Ave Ste #111, Glendale, AZ 85308
Arkansas - Catfish Hole Fayetteville
If you ever find yourself in Arkansas, you'll have to get yourself to the award-winning Catfish Hole. This place is a hub of both elite fried fish and Arkansas Razorbacks super-fandom. Many customers agree that, despite how busy it can get, especially on game days, this place offers a fun experience that maintains its well-earned fried-fish street cred.
Multiple locations
California - The Codmother Fish & Chips
You may think Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco is just an overcrowded tourist hub to be avoided. Well, you'd be missing out on The Codmother Fish & Chips. "As a local, I thought this was a tourist trap and I was WRONG," cooed a Yelp reviewer. A Brit himself even took to Instagram to show love. "I'm not mad at that at all," he enthused between energetic bites.
(415) 606-9349
496 Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133
Colorado - GB Fish & Chips
Another seafood joint taking full inspiration from across the pond, GB Fish & Chips is a have-to in Colorado for fried fish lovers. Amid the recognition from local news outlets and the thousands of online reviews, diners gave shout-outs to the perfect batter, the 10 out 10 cod, and the variety of fish. One Google reviewer stated plainly: "Probably the best landlocked fish shop in the U.S."
Multiple locations
Connecticut - Stowe's Seafood
Some places just stick out in a region filled with elite ocean fare. One of those places is Stowe's Seafood in West Haven. You can either go full glutton with its dizzying Treasure Chest, or just enjoy any of the classic Northeast seafood offerings on their own. "The lobster roll was loaded with fresh lobster, the seafood tasted like it came straight off the boat, and the whole place has that perfect laid-back New England vibe," sang one Google reviewer.
(203) 934-1991
347 Beach St, West Haven, CT 06516
Delaware - Matt's Fish Camp
Boasting fried seafood platters considered a Delaware must-have, social media has duly recognized Matt's Fish Camp, with one Instagram foodie calling the famous onion rings "absolutely insane" and the fish and chips "perfectly fried and flaky." A reviewer on Tripadvisor declared its fried shrimp "perfect." The slew of five-star reviews on Yelp single out stellar menu items and attributes such as the fried oysters, the lobster roll, the raw bar, and the charming ambience.
(302) 644-2267
34401 Tenley Court, Lewes, DE 19958
Florida - Dockside Seafood Restaurant
Perched alongside a marina in Jax Beach is Dockside Seafood Restaurant garners stellar ratings across Google and Yelp. One fawning TikToker straight-up asked, "If you live in Jacksonville, Florida, and you love seafood, and you've never been to Dockside, what are you even doing?" Even Andrew Zimmern has taken to Facebook to prounounce that Dockside is "superb."
(904) 479-3474
2510 2nd Ave N, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Georgia - Fork in the Road
Fork in the Road, located in Tucker, checks off plenty of boxes for a fried-fish joint, but foremost is the fare itself, considered exquisitely done. One Yelp reviewers called it, "a hidden gem." Another Yelp reviewer was just as impressed, singling out one menu item in particular: "I cannot recommend this place enough. The curry crab??!!! Literally I have no words."
(678) 381-0828
3892 Lavista Rd, Tucker, GA 30084
Hawaii - Da Bald Guy
Set in the historic Kahuku Sugar Mill complex in Oahu, Da Bald Guy brings awesome seafood to the time-honored tradition of Hawaiian plate lunches. The popular items (such as the pan-fried poke, furikake-encrusted salmon, and peeled garlic butter shrimp) often sell out by midday, due to the eager crowds. One Yelp reviewer said, "A must try if you're on the North Shore!" Another Yelp reviewer said: "Wow. The hype is real. Food is ono. Melt in your mouth kind of good."
instagram.com/dabaldguy_foodtruck
(808) 900-1131
56-565 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku, HI 96731
Idaho - Smokin' Fins
Idaho may be a landlocked state, but that hasn't stopped Smokin' Fins from makin' waves — which it has done in Idaho Falls since opening its doors. This establishment has, according to one Yelp reviewer, "the best fish and chips I've ever had in my life!" The dog-friendly place had on pet owner on Tripadvisor smitten: "Lovely environment ... I don't think Seafood when I think Idaho. Glad we chanced it. Two thumbs up!"
Multiple locations
Illinois - Hagen's Fish Market
When trying to rise to the top of the formidable Chicago food landscape, it helps to be awesome over the course of 80 years. The legendary Hagen's Fish Market has fully earned its rep. Four generations into its ownership, the venerated institution is known for its fried fish sandwich and fish and chips that regular locals have been eating their entire lives.
(773) 283-1944
5635 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60634
Indiana - Caplinger's Fresh Catch
Caplinger's Fresh Catch offers award-winning fried seafood and is the top-ranked specialty food market in Indianapolis, according to Tripadvisor. Yelpers show love for the fish sandwich special and signature fried fish dinners. No surprise it's been named one of the top seafood restaurants in the country. Who needs a coast?
Multiple locations
Iowa - Waterfront Seafood Market
A powerhouse of Iowa ocean eats, Waterfront Seafood Market offers the likes of fried halibut and po' boys, along with sushi and poke salads. A Google reviewer glowed, "Everything tasted fresh, and there were so many options on the menu that we'd happily come back to try more!" Another Google reviewer was equally flattering. "There's not many seafood forward places in Des Moines so this place is a 'catch!'"
Multiple locations
Kansas - Jumpin Catfish Restaurant
Jumpin Catfish is the place to go in Kansas for award-winning seafood and Southern fried classics according to the thousands of reviews on Google, Yelp, and Tripadvisor. Kansas may be better known for its cattle and corn than its water-born fare, but you wouldn't know it here. "Go hungry" and "wear your loose fitting clothes" warns a Yelp reviewer. The eatery emphasizes the quality of its farm-raised, grain-fed catfish as opposed to your river-based version — and it shows.
Multiple locations
Kentucky - The Fish House/Cafe Beignet
The Fish House— a father-son-run Louisville staple — slings quality fried catfish and haddock (doing so with its signature, "Green River Style" cornmeal and cracked pepper breading). The many fawning Google and Yelp reviewers also point out its fryer dedicated to gluten-free menu items. Even a local guide on Google rued his many missed opportunities to eat here: "What a gem of a place! How I have drove past this place a million times and never tried this is a tragedy!"
(502) 568-2993
1310 Winter Ave, Louisville, KY 40204
Louisiana - Parrain's Seafood Restaurant
This Baton Rouge pillar of seafood isn't just a crawfish go-to. The catfish is, according to one five-star Yelper, "perfectly fried," with another Yelp reviewer agreeing that it's "some of the best" in all Baton Rouge (no small compliment). A gleeful reviewer on Tripadvisor called Parrain's a "national treasure," while giving its fried shrimp a perfect "10."
(225) 381-9922
3225 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Maine - Fisherman's Catch Restaurant
Fisherman's Catch Restaurant seems to encapsulate The Pine Tree State, even with a recent change in ownership and a major renovation. Considered one of the best seafood restaurants in Maine, One Google reviewer states: "The seafood was cooked perfectly and atmosphere was exactly how you would think of a Maine summer evening." Another Google reviewer: "Drove three hours from Rhode Island just go to here." Be sure you get there before they close for the season at the end of December.
(207) 646-8780
134 Harbor Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Maryland - Happy Time Seafood
You might not think much of this frill-free, carry-out-and-delivery-only spot in West Baltimore, but just wait till you have the actual product, which is filled with "local pride" (as one blogger put it). Happy Times Seafood has earned a robust fandom with outstanding ratings on Google. Uniquely configured to devote one side of the place to steaming and the other to frying, this is unpretentious fried seafood done masterfully.
(410) 947-7777
2302 Wilkens Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224
Massachusetts - Boston Sail Loft
How can we overlook a waterfront landmark in Boston's historic North End? Boston Sail Loft has to be the one spot in Massachusetts to go for no-frills, award-winning ocean-going cuisine. The fish and chips is "abundant and amazing," according to a Yelp review. If you're stopping by, however, the wait can be an endurance test.
(617) 227-7280
80 Atlantic Ave, Boston, MA 02110
Michigan - Scotty Simpson's Fish & Chips
"Is this the best fish & chips in Michigan?" asked a YouTuber paying a visit to the time-worn and time-honored Scotty Simpson's Fish & Chips in Detroit. Her answer, along with many of the thousands of Google and Yelp reviewiers weighing in, was solidly in the affirmative. A corner spot with perfectly un-flourished aesthetics (and a cash-only policy), one five-star-awarding Yelper ballyhooed, "absolutely the best fish and chips anywhere."
(313) 533-0950
22200 Fenkell Ave, Detroit, MI 48223
Minnesota - The Anchor Fish & Chips
You think The Land of 10,000 Lakes would disappoint when it comes to a seafood spot? Even Culver's delights with its cod dinner. Boasting robust and plentiful Google, Yelp, and Tripadvisor reviews, The Anchor is a traditional Irish chipper transplanted to the Midwest. That pub energy is just right, and so are the wild-caught Alaskan cod with hand-cut beef tallow chips. It makes you glad fish and chips survived both World Wars in Britain to make its way stateside.
(612) 676-1300
302 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Mississippi - Shivers Creek Catfish House
You might not like either cats or fish, but having fried catfish in The Magnolia State is a must, and "this is the place" as per a five-star Yelp reviewer (as well as the back-to-back-to-back Best Catfish awards from Mississippi Magazine). Shivers Creek Catfish House sports a near-perfect Google rating with almost 1,500 reviews in the bag. "Mississippi food made the Mississippi way," according to one local publication.
Multiple locations
Missouri - Sami's Southern Kitchen & More
What makes Sami's Southern Kitchen & More so highly regarded? According to this reviewer on Google: "Few restaurants manage to leave a lasting impression through both their cuisine and their hospitality, but Sami's Southern Kitchen & More accomplishes this with remarkable ease." Another Google reviewer said, "My husband did not like Catfish before but now he does, but only Sami's." Family Destinations Guide reports that "a culinary revelation awaits that defies all expectations."
stpeters.samissoutherneatery.com
(636) 244-1129
4245 Veterans Memorial Pkwy, St Peters, MO 63376
Montana - Cajun Phatty's
Who says you need to be in the bayou to get excellent Cajun and Creole seafood? Cajun Phatty's will transport you from Billings to Baton Rouge. The catfish basket ("the best I ever had," according to a Tripadvisor review) will comfort you so much you might have to ask for a cot. One Google reviewer even described the extra benefit of the place being "filled with a lot of characters."
(406) 371-5729
2564 King Ave W Ste F, Billings, MT 59102
Nebraska - Shucks Fish House
Rocking stellar marks across Google, Yelp, and Tripadvisor, Shucks Fish House & Oyster Bar is a regular on best-of-Omaha lists (it has three locations throughout the city). "Shuck's knows seafood," rhapsodized one five-star Yelper, "and they know how to make dining fun." Another Yelp reviewer proclaimed, "My favorite seafood place in Omaha! Food is amazing and service is great."
Multiple locations
Nevada - The Codfather
Don't be intimidated by the mafioso inspiration in the name, the only whacking that'll be happening at The Codfather are the tongues of fried-fish lovers against their own lips. With an impressive 4.7 rating on Yelp, across a thousand-plus reviews, the British-style (and Brit-owned) fish and chips place brings golden, crispily battered, flakey cod and haddock to the desert — welcomed there from the very day its doors opened.
(702) 462-2280
2895 N Green Valley Pkwy, Henderson, NV 89014
New Hampshire - Al's Seafood
A New England-based seafood virtuoso in a rustic setting? And it has a fireplace? The food would have to be god-awful for that to not charm the pants off people. Thankfully, at Al's Seafood in North Hampton, the opposite is true. "Wow, what a great place to go!" exclaimed a reviewer on Google. It's been featured on multiple best-of-New-Hampshire lists over the years, and has been called the best fish sandwich in the entire state.
(603) 964-9591
51 Lafayette Rd, North Hampton, NH 03862
New Jersey - Keyport Fishery
Keyport Fishery will deliver, at least according to one Google reviewer, a "fresh, fast, and delicious fish fry." The high customer ratings across the board, along with recognition as an ageless Jersey Shore institution, echo this notion resoundingly. One lifelong patron on Tripadvisor summed it up biographically: "I have been coming here since I was a child. Many decades of fresh, delicious seafood."
(732) 264-9723
150 W Front St, Keyport, NJ 07735
New Mexico - Nexus Brewery
Seafood may not be a foremost component of classic New Mexican cuisine (although the state does have some great fast food). However, it's a beermaker coming to the rescue here. Nexus Brewery in Albuquerque is as highly regarded for its food as it is for its ales — and that food includes very good fish and chips. The popular local spot was even visited by Guy Fieri on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives."
(505) 242-4100
4730 Pan American Fwy NE Ste D, Albuquerque, NM 87109
New York - Famous Fish Market
Hard to believe that the best fried fish in the entire state of New York comes from a nondescript storefront tucked into Harlem? Then you don't know Harlem, and you don't know Famous Fish Market. Considered one of the classic black-owned restaurants in NYC, and given its due TV exposure, it's even got people coming from down South just to try the fish sandwich.
(212) 491-8323
684 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10030
North Carolina - Po Boys Low Country Seafood
The "low" in Po Boys Low Country Seafood might indicate the key of the atmosphere at this staple fish camp. The Charlotte eatery is a relaxed, counter-service joint doling out Cajun and Creole yummies. One five-star Yelper said the shrimp po' boy sandwich is "spot on." Another Yelper said about the catfish: "I don't think I've had a better fried piece of fish in the city!" It may not be on some Carolinians' top food spots, but Po Boys seems comfortable under the radar.
(980) 585-3565
3022 Freedom Dr, Charlotte, NC 28208
North Dakota - Beer & Fish Company
This place has a no-nonsense name anyone can get behind. Beer & Fish Company in Fargo is exactly what it sounds like and it shouldn't ever change a thing — having previously been named the top seafood in the state. A five-star-awarder on Google backed this up ("a real highlight for me.") Beer & Fish has previously been named the best crab cakes in its state from this very publication, to boot.
(701) 532-1342
230 Roberts Alley, Fargo, ND 58102
Ohio - Marino's Seafood Fish & Chips
You know what you're getting when you go to Marino's Seafood Fish & Chips in Columbus — considered one of the city's true nostalgia hits. They're not trying to dress the place up as anything but a no-frills, fried-seafood delivery system. Multiple Yelpers used the words, "step back in time" to describe eating here, and plenty gave props to the wonderfully tasting fish and chips. Ohio may have hot dogs that can compete with Chicago, but it also has an old-school treasure of a seafood spot.
marinosseafoodfishandchips.com
(614) 412-3087
1216 W 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43212
Oklahoma - White River Fish Market
"Everytime I visit my folks in Ok," trilled a native Sooner on Google, "I make a stop here a priority!" That's Tulsa's own White River Fish Market being trumpeted, and it's truly a local classic. Plenty hold the place in high esteem — such as this un-shy user of exclamation points on Yelp: "A local gem!!!! Great, delicious a must try ... You can't go wrong with this fish place ‼‼‼‼‼" That's 10 exclamation points for those keeping score.
Multiple locations
Oregon - Bowpicker Fish and Chips
Situated on the shore of the Columbia River, Bowpicker Fish and Chips takes full advantage of its surroundings. Elite ratings on Google, Yelp, and Tripadvisor say it all. Well, almost. There's also this Google reviewer saying things too: "Hands down the best fish and chips I've ever had." This is just top-notch stuff from a pioneer in albacore fish and chips.
(503) 791-2942
1634 Duane St, Astoria, OR 97103
Pennsylvania - 3rd & Ferry Fish Market
Even if you just go for the Bloody Mary with crab cakes, shrimps, and lump crab (the hallowed Crabby Mary), that would be enough. However, 3rd & Ferry Fish Market is not just a one-trick sea-pony. Just ask a member of a bachelor party on Yelp about the fish and chips: "The best man and the groom's brother had fish and chips and finished every bite ... I thought the groom's brother might lick the plate."
(610) 829-1404
56 S 3rd St, Easton, PA 18042
Rhode Island - Dune Brothers
The Dune Brothers might sound like a pair you don't want to meet in a dark alley, but thankfully it's really just the name of a killer fish joint in Providence that doles out high-end and homey in equal measure. Of course it has a great lobster roll — as is required by law for any respectable New England seafoodery — but the fish and chips are "substantial" (says one satiated Yelp reviewer) and "massive and delicious" (says another Yelper).
Multiple locations
South Carolina - Crosby's Fish & Shrimp Company
This Charleston fish market — one of the very best in the country — operates a food truck that gets locals all giddy when they see it's open. Crosby's has many a superfan who adores both sides of the business, like this five-star Yelper: "Between their fresh seafood market and their food truck that serves all types of deliciousness in their parking lot, you can't go wrong." Or, as another laudatory reviewer on Google put it: "Crosby's Food Truck for the win."
(843) 795-4049
2223 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412
South Dakota - Look's Marketplace
We've got another landlocked member of the union here, making it difficult to find a really great fried fish spot. It's more about finding fried fish in a really good spot — including one of the best delis Guy Fieri visited on "Triple D." Cue Look's Marketplace: A highly rated, 140-plus-year-old eatery where you can enjoy all manner of pizza, burgers, sandwiches ... and a beer-battered walleye and chips.
(605) 336-3104
500 E 69th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57108
Tennessee - Huck Finn's Catfish
Amassing an absurd 10,000-plus Google reviews, while still maintaining a high rating (same for Yelp and Tripadvisor), is very telling for Pigeon Forge's own Huck Finn's Catfish, set among the Smoky Mountains. "This place is awesome!" crooned a five-star Google reviewer. Many, many agree — as made evident by the epic number of catfish they fry up every year.
(865) 429-3353
3330 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Texas - Huck's Catfish
Feeling déjà vu? Mark Twain would be proud of these restaurant monikers — and he would enjoy the food at both. Huck's Catfish has perhaps the top catfish in Texoma, represented by at least one Yelp reviewer: "Best fried catfish." And another Yelper says: "The best fried catfish I've had in years." And, yet, another Yelper: "Simply the best fried catfish to be found."
(903) 337-0033
2811 S Trail Dr, Denison, TX 75020
Utah - Little Taste of Britain
For those in Utah yearning for the U.K., or for those who just want to enjoy really good fried fish, there's Little Taste of Britain in Layton. Anytime you get a homesick transplant running things, authentic food is expected. Seems LTOB (an initialism just made up but plausibly used) delivers on that implicit promise. "If you want to have the best fish and chips in Utah," insisted a five-star Yelp review, "this is the place!"
(801) 543-5707
768 W 1425 N, Layton, UT 84041
Vermont - Lil' Britain
Déjà vu is déjà vu-ing again, name-wise. Yep, Lil' Britain in Bennington is also on this list, and for good reason. The fish and chips are a winner, the fish tacos are a favorite, and the fried fish in general is "hands down the best fried fish in all of Vermont," according to a five-star Yelper. It's fast becoming a legacy eat of The Green Mountain State.
(802) 442-2447
116 North St, Bennington, VT 05201
Virginia - Dockside Seafood and Fishing Center
Ideally, you want your seafood spots to be right on the water, where they almost have to go out of their way to serve non-fresh fish. Dockside Seafood and Fishing Center is not only located seaside, it's a fully operational fishery. What does that mean for its cuisine? How about a fried shrimp platter that people can't get enough of, or fried flounder that's absolutely yummy, or just a seafood menu one can relish. Plus, it's a great family spot.
(757) 481-4545
3311 Shore Dr, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Washington - Local Tide
The word sea is in the name Seattle for a reason. It's not just Pike Place Fish Market either — other gems include highly rated, superbly reviewed, much-acclaimed eateries like Local Tide. The fried oysters are one of many favorites on the menu, along with the outrageous fried fish sandwich, and some of the best fish and chips folks have ever had. Even The New York Times has kept an eye on the place. Local Tide has become as Seattle as cream cheese on a hot dog.
(206) 420-4685
401 N 36th St Ste 103, Seattle, WA 98103
West Virginia - Coleman's Fish Market
This Wheeling institution really is one, having been around since 1914. It's still family run to this day, and it still makes a mean fried fish sandwich. As one reviewer on Yelp put it, it was "one of the best fish sandwiches I've ever had." There is little argument to be found anywhere across the review boards.
(304) 232-8510
2226 Market St, Wheeling, WV 26003
Wisconsin - St. Paul Fish Company
A place so synonymous with beer should also offer cuisine that goes perfectly with beer: Fried fish. Milwaukee accomplishes this, not least through St. Paul Fish Company. Along with the standout fried grouper sandwich, one elated Yelp reviewer gave a nod to another menu item: "Omg the Calamari steak was absolutely amazing!" Another Yelper chimed in gleefully: "If you have not tried, this is a must-have." St. Paul has left its mark on Milwaukee seafood.
Multiple locations
Wyoming - Sanford's Grub & Pub
Wyoming, being Wyoming in all its glory, might be the toughest state to sniff out a great fried fish joint. Cows outnumber people there. With that said, you can find some reputable fried fish options at Sanford's Grub & Pub in Cheyenne (they have another in Casper). There's the fried Shotgun Shrimp and the calamari strips. The decor is as dynamic as the menu.
Multiple locations
Methodology
Since I can't be in all 50 states at once, I had to resort to aggregated web commentary. I aimed to balance out Google, Yelp, and Tripadvisor reviews with local and national press coverage. When firsthand experience could come into play in any way, in proximity to my place of residence, it did.
Just know that majority opinion was the main driver here. Can't please everybody, but, if you're good, you can please most. And, we don't want you to have to resort to chain fried fish — as surprisingly good as some might be.