This Hidden Florida Restaurant Serves The Best Fish And Chips Around
I remember it was Tuesday when I stumbled on Jacks London Grill by accident, following a vague tip from a coworker who insisted I try the fish and chips.
Tucked away on 62nd Avenue in St. Petersburg, Florida, this unassuming British pub doesn’t shout for attention. But after one bite of that golden, crispy batter and tender white fish inside, I understood why locals guard this secret so fiercely.
At this restaurant, the famous British dish is out of this world.
A Quiet Door On 62nd Avenue
Nothing about the exterior screams destination dining. Jacks sits quietly in a simple storefront on 62nd Ave N, easy to miss if you’re not looking carefully.
The building blends into the neighborhood, modest and unadorned, without flashy signs or bright colors drawing you in.
Regulars know exactly where to find it, though. They slip through that quiet door and settle into a space that feels more like a friend’s living room than a trendy spot.
The whispers about the crispiest fish in town start here, passed along in hushed tones between neighbors who’ve discovered something worth protecting.
A Brit In The Kitchen, Tradition In The Pan
Jacks owner hails from the London area, bringing authentic British sensibility straight to the Florida Gulf Coast.
His approach to cooking stays rooted in tradition, leaning on methods passed down through generations of pub kitchens across the pond. Every dish gets made from scratch, no shortcuts or frozen shortcuts allowed.
The careful attention to detail shows up in the little things. Proper seasoning, correct frying temperatures, and respect for classic recipes make all the difference.
This isn’t fusion or reinvention, just honest British comfort food executed the way it should be, with patience and pride in every plate.
Why The Fish And Chips Win Hearts
This plate earns its reputation bite by bite. White, flaky fish arrives encased in pale-ale batter that shatters with the first touch of your fork, revealing tender, steaming fish inside.
The batter stays light and crisp, never heavy or greasy, fried to that perfect golden shade that makes your mouth water.
Proper thick-cut chips accompany the fish, hot and satisfying. Cool house-made tartar sauce finishes the trio, creamy and tangy in all the right proportions.
Simple ingredients, exact technique, and deeply satisfying results create a dish that keeps people coming back week after week for more.
Lunch Or Dinner Size, Same Golden Crunch
Appetite changes throughout the day, and Jacks gets that. The menu offers both lunch and dinner portions of their famous fish and chips, letting you match your order to your hunger level without compromise.
Smaller lunch size works perfectly for a midday meal, while the dinner portion satisfies heartier appetites.
Both sizes maintain the same quality and attention to detail. The batter stays just as crispy, the fish just as tender, regardless of which portion you choose.
I’ve ordered both depending on my mood, and neither has ever disappointed me. Smart sizing that respects your appetite and your wallet.
What To Order Around It
Jacks menu extends beyond fish and chips into other British pub classics worth exploring. Shepherd’s pie arrives bubbling hot, with savory meat filling topped by creamy mashed potatoes browned just right.
Bangers and mash deliver plump sausages alongside fluffy potatoes and rich onion gravy that soaks into everything perfectly.
Each dish follows the same philosophy that makes the fish and chips shine. Comfort-focused, traditionally prepared, and satisfying in that deep-down way that only proper pub food can manage.
I’ve watched tables order a mix of dishes to share, creating a proper British feast that lets everyone taste a little of everything.
Locals Call It The Best For A Reason
Reputation matters in a neighborhood spot like this. Regulars describe the fish and chips in straightforward terms, words like crisp, golden, and incredible coming up again and again.
Online reviews echo what you hear whispered at nearby tables during dinner service.
One basket at a time, Jacks has built trust with the St. Petersburg community. People return not because of hype or marketing, but because the food delivers consistently on its promise.
That kind of loyalty can’t be manufactured or bought.
It gets earned through quality, patience, and respect for the craft of cooking simple food exceptionally well every single time.
Practicals: Where And When
Jacks London Grill sits at 1050 62nd Ave N in St. Petersburg, easy to reach once you know where to look.
The restaurant opens Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 in the morning until 9:30 at night, with slightly shorter Sunday hours running 11:00 to 8:30. Monday stays dark, giving the kitchen a well-deserved break.
I recommend arriving earlier rather than later, especially on weekends when regulars fill the tables quickly. The relaxed pace encourages lingering over your meal, chatting with neighbors, and soaking in the pub atmosphere.
Plan your visit like a local who knows good timing matters as much as good food.
The Vibe: Neighborhood Pub, Not A Scene
Step inside and you’ll find an authentic British pub atmosphere without any pretense or flash.
Comfortable seating, warm lighting, and a steady hum of conversation create the backdrop for your meal. Nothing here tries too hard to impress or create Instagram moments.
The focus stays squarely on food and community rather than trends or scenes. Regulars greet each other by name, servers know favorite orders, and newcomers get welcomed into the fold naturally.
The plates tell the story better than any fancy decor or clever marketing ever could, speaking through quality and consistency that keeps people coming back again and again.