This Unassuming Arizona Restaurant Serves The State’s Best Fish And Chips
Pete’s Fish & Chips in Arizona may not look like much from the outside, but inside it serves fish and chips that have locals talking.
Crispy, golden batter wraps tender fish while perfectly seasoned fries complete the classic pairing.
Even far from the ocean, this spot delivers a taste that rivals coastal favorites. Every bite proves that simple ingredients, cooked with care, can create a truly unforgettable meal worth seeking out.
From Humble Beginnings to Arizona Icon
Back in 1947, Peter “Pete” McLane Grant Jr. launched his fish and chips dream from a wooden shack barely bigger than a garden shed.
At just 6’×8′, this tiny stand near 31st & Van Buren in Phoenix could hardly contain the massive impact it would have on Arizona’s food scene.
Pete’s vision of bringing affordable, delicious seafood to the desert proved revolutionary. The original location might have been modest, but the flavors were anything but.
The Secret Sauce That Keeps Fans Coming Back
Loyalty to Pete’s isn’t just about the perfectly battered cod. The restaurant’s signature tangy house sauce, appropriately named “Pete’s Sauce,” has achieved legendary status among locals who can’t get enough of the stuff.
Made fresh daily according to a closely guarded recipe, this zesty dipping sauce elevates every bite to extraordinary heights.
Some customers even buy extra containers to take home, unable to enjoy fish without it.
Cash Is King at This No-Frills Establishment
Credit card lovers beware! Pete’s Fish & Chips maintains its old-school charm by operating as a cash-only business.
The original Mesa location exemplifies this commitment to tradition, though they’ve conceded slightly by installing ATMs for the plastic-dependent among us.
This policy isn’t about inconveniencing customers. It’s part of Pete’s commitment to keeping prices low by avoiding card processing fees and maintaining the quick-service approach that’s defined them for decades.
An Experience That Transports You to Simpler Times
Walking up to a Pete’s location feels like stepping back in time.
The classic walk-up windows, drive-thrus, and outdoor picnic tables create an atmosphere of pure nostalgia that’s increasingly rare in today’s dining landscape.
You won’t find fancy indoor seating or elaborate decor here.
Instead, the focus remains squarely on the food and the communal experience of enjoying it in the Arizona sunshine, just as customers have done for over 75 years.
More Than Just Fantastic Fish
Fish might be in the name, but Pete’s menu stretches far beyond their famous cod.
Seafood lovers can feast on jumbo shrimp, scallops, and unique “crabettes” (crab-flavored fish pieces that have developed their own following).
Land-dwellers aren’t forgotten either. Their crispy fried chicken rivals the seafood offerings, while their burgers and fries have satisfied hungry Arizonans for decades. Each item maintains the same commitment to quality and value that made the fish famous.
Bargain Prices That Defy Inflation
In an era of skyrocketing food prices, Pete’s Fish & Chips stands as a beacon of affordability.
Their commitment to value pricing has created generations of loyal customers who appreciate quality food that doesn’t break the bank.
Family specials offer particularly good deals, allowing groups to feast for what other places charge for individual meals.
This dedication to accessibility explains why you’ll see people from all walks of life – from construction workers to business executives – standing in line together.
Valley-Wide Growth With Unchanged Quality
Success stories often come with compromise, but Pete’s expansion across the Valley of the Sun bucks this trend.
From that single tiny shack, Pete’s has grown to approximately eight locations throughout metropolitan Phoenix.
Remarkably, each location maintains the same recipes, quality standards, and no-frills approach.
Whether you visit the original spot or a newer location, the fish tastes identical – a consistency that’s nearly unheard of in restaurant chains.