13 West Coast Fish And Chips Spots Worth Trying, From California To Washington
The West Coast has perfected the art of fish and chips, from sunny California shores to misty Washington harbors.
Each spot offers its own twist on this classic, whether it’s golden, crispy fish, hand-cut fries, or inventive dipping sauces.
Locals know where to go for the freshest catches and the crispiest bites, making every meal a seaside adventure.
These restaurants prove that the journey for great fish and chips is as tasty as the destination.
1. Barbara’s Fishtrap: Half Moon Bay’s Hidden Treasure
Perched on wooden stilts overlooking the harbor, Barbara’s Fishtrap serves fish and chips that locals have sworn by since 1971. The restaurant’s weathered exterior might fool you, but don’t be deceived.
Their cod arrives fresh daily and comes encased in a light, crispy batter that shatters perfectly with each bite.
Paired with thick-cut fries and their secret recipe tartar sauce, it’s worth the wait during busy weekend rushes.
2. Scoma’s: San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf Classic
Family-owned since 1965, Scoma’s sits right on Pier 47 where fishing boats deliver their catch each morning. Their fish and chips feature local rock cod straight from the boat to your plate.
What makes their version special is the cornmeal-enriched batter, creating a uniquely textured crust while keeping the fish moist inside.
The restaurant’s vintage maritime atmosphere completes the authentic San Francisco seafood experience that has attracted celebrities and locals alike.
3. Point Loma Seafoods: San Diego’s Freshest Catch
Operating as both a fish market and restaurant since 1963, Point Loma Seafoods offers possibly the freshest fish and chips in San Diego.
Their signature twist? Using panko breadcrumbs instead of traditional batter. The result is an extraordinarily light, crispy coating that doesn’t overpower the delicate fish flavor.
Located right on the sport fishing docks, you can watch boats unload while enjoying your meal on their rooftop patio overlooking America’s Cup Harbor.
4. Harbor Fish & Chips: Oceanside’s No-Frills Seafood Spot
Sometimes the most unassuming places serve the most incredible food. Harbor Fish & Chips in Oceanside proves this theory with their straightforward approach to classic fish and chips.
Their Alaskan cod comes in generous portions, encased in a simple beer batter that’s consistently crisp and never greasy.
Cash-only and counter-service only, this tiny spot has barely changed since opening in 1969, but locals wouldn’t have it any other way.
5. Neptune’s Net: Malibu’s Biker-Friendly Seafood Shack
Featured in countless movies and TV shows, Neptune’s Net sits on Pacific Coast Highway where surfers and motorcyclists gather for post-wave or post-ride refueling.
Their fish and chips come in heaping portions that satisfy even the hungriest patrons. What makes their version memorable is the extra-crunchy batter and the option to choose your fish variety.
The picnic table seating offers unbeatable views of the Pacific, making this spot a quintessential California experience since 1956.
6. Splash Café: Pismo Beach’s Seafood Institution
While famous for their award-winning clam chowder, Splash Café’s fish and chips deserve equal recognition.
The batter contains sourdough starter, giving it a distinctive tangy flavor you won’t find elsewhere on the coast.
Located just steps from Pismo Beach pier, this colorful eatery serves consistently excellent seafood to beachgoers and road trippers.
Their homemade coleslaw complements the fish perfectly, cutting through the richness with just the right amount of acidity.
7. Bowpicker Fish & Chips: Astoria’s Converted Fishing Boat
Surely the most unique setting on this list, Bowpicker serves their fish and chips from a converted gillnet boat permanently docked on land in Astoria, Oregon.
Unlike most places using cod or halibut, they exclusively use albacore tuna. The mild tuna chunks come beer-battered and paired with steak fries.
Lines form early and they close once they sell out, so arrive before noon. Cash only and absolutely worth the wait for this distinctive Pacific Northwest take on the classic dish.
8. South Beach Fish Market: Oregon Coast’s Fresh Seafood Haven
Just south of Newport, this combination fish market and casual eatery offers some of Oregon’s finest fish and chips.
The halibut version stands out as their signature dish, featuring thick fillets in a light tempura-style batter. Grab your order to go and head across the street to enjoy your meal with spectacular ocean views.
Family-owned and operated since 1995, their commitment to quality shows in every bite of perfectly fried fish paired with seasoned potato wedges.
9. Local Ocean Seafoods: Newport’s Dock-to-Dish Experience
Right on Newport’s historic bayfront, Local Ocean maintains relationships with individual fishing boats to ensure exceptional freshness.
Their fish and chips feature whatever is most pristine that day, often rockfish or lingcod caught hours before serving.
The batter includes local craft beer and pancake mix for extra fluffiness. Sustainability is central to their philosophy, so you can enjoy your meal knowing it supports responsible fishing practices.
Their house-cut fries and caper-rich tartar sauce complete this standout dish.
10. Fisherman’s Market: Eugene’s Inland Seafood Surprise
Proving you don’t need an ocean view to serve outstanding seafood, Fisherman’s Market in Eugene brings coastal flavors inland.
Their “Drunken Admiral” fish and chips features wild-caught Alaskan cod in a Ninkasi beer batter, honoring local brewing traditions.
The owner, a former commercial fisherman, ensures only sustainable seafood makes it to your plate.
Unlike many places serving pre-cut frozen fish, they fillet everything in-house daily. Their cajun remoulade offers a spicy alternative to traditional tartar sauce.
11. Ivar’s Acres of Clams: Seattle’s Waterfront Institution
Founded in 1938, Ivar’s has become synonymous with Seattle seafood. Their flagship location at Pier 54 serves what many consider the definitive Pacific Northwest fish and chips.
The wild Alaskan true cod comes in a distinctive batter containing cornmeal for extra crunch. Accompanied by their famous clam chowder, it’s the complete Seattle seafood experience.
The restaurant’s quirky founder, Ivar Haglund, pioneered sustainable seafood practices decades before they became trendy.
12. Spud Fish & Chips – Alki: Seattle’s Beachfront Classic Since 1935
Seattle’s oldest fast-food restaurant has been serving their signature fish and chips from the same Alki Beach location for over 85 years.
Their cod fillets come hand-dipped in a secret family recipe batter passed down through generations.
The charm of Spud lies in its consistency and simplicity. Wrapped in paper and served with malt vinegar, their fish and chips taste exactly as they did decades ago.
The beachfront location offers stunning views of the Seattle skyline across Elliott Bay.
13. Pacific Inn Pub: Seattle’s Hidden Neighborhood Gem
Tucked away in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood, this unassuming dive bar serves what locals often vote the city’s best fish and chips. The secret to their cult following?
A unique batter containing both beer and gin!
This unexpected addition creates an incredibly light, crispy coating around generous portions of Pacific cod.
The pub’s laid-back atmosphere adds to its charm, making it a favorite among those who prefer authentic neighborhood joints over tourist destinations. Their house-made tartar sauce has a cult following of its own.