12 Arizona Carryout Fish Fry Counters Known For Hot, Crispy Favorites
Let’s get one thing straight: I didn’t grow up eating Arizona carryout fish fry with a side of nostalgia. I grew up thinking “fish fry” was something that happened when the local lake caught lightning.
But then I moved to the Valley, stumbled into a little roadside shack with flaking blue paint and a handwritten “FISH TONIGHT” sign, and-bam-my taste buds filed a formal complaint against everything I’d eaten before.
Crispy, golden-brown fillets that crackle when you tap them, fries that could make a potato weep with pride, and coleslaw so creamy it should come with a warning label: “May cause sudden cravings at 2 a.m.”
From hole-in-the-wall legends to family-run joints where the cashier calls you “hon” before you’ve even ordered, Arizona’s fish fry scene is low-key, high-flavor, and packed with personality.
So I hit the road (and my stretchy jeans) to track down 12 carryout counters where the fish is always hot, the coating is always crisp, and there’s definitely a secret family recipe involving love, lard, or possibly a little magic.
These carryout joints run on bubbling oil, local loyalty, and the unshakable belief that great fish doesn’t need a dining room.
1. Ed’s Fish & Chips
Thick, golden batter meets perfectly flaky fish at this Avondale gem that’s been frying up happiness for years.
Ed’s Fish & Chips at 306 N Central Ave has mastered the balance between crunch and tenderness, wrapping each piece in a coating so satisfying you’ll hear the crackle before you even take a bite.
The fries here deserve their own fan club. Extra-crunchy on the outside and fluffy inside, they complement the fish without stealing the spotlight.
Portions are generous enough to share, though you probably won’t want to.
What sets this counter apart is consistency. Order on a Tuesday or a Saturday night, and you’ll get the same piping-hot quality every single time.
The carryout packaging keeps everything crispy during the drive home, which is no small feat.
Locals know to call ahead during dinner rush because word has spread about Ed’s reliable execution. This isn’t fancy seafood with complicated sauces.
It’s straightforward, honest fish fry done exceptionally well, proving that sometimes the simplest approach wins.
2. Mike’s Fish & Chips
Tucked along the Beeline Highway in Payson, Mike’s proves that small-town counters can absolutely compete with city spots. Located at 516 S Beeline Hwy, this unassuming place turns out fish so hot you’ll need to wait a minute before digging in.
The portions are ridiculously generous, making it a favorite among hungry hikers and families passing through.
Payson sits at a higher elevation, which means the air is thinner and frying requires extra attention to detail. Mike’s has figured out the science, delivering perfectly cooked fish with a crackly exterior that doesn’t get soggy.
The coating clings to the fish like it was meant to be there.
Regulars appreciate the no-nonsense approach here. You order at the counter, wait just long enough to work up your appetite, and leave with a bag that smells absolutely incredible.
There’s no pretense, just solid execution.
The value is outstanding too. For what you pay, you get enough fish to satisfy even the heartiest appetite, wrapped carefully so it stays warm during the mountain drive home.
3. Oscar’s Pier 83
Fast takeout service meets serious crunch at Oscar’s Pier 83, where the Glendale location at 18589 N 59th Ave, Ste 111 has become a go-to for crispy cod and shrimp baskets.
The name hints at coastal vibes, but the execution is pure Arizona efficiency. Orders move quickly without sacrificing quality, which is exactly what you want when hunger strikes.
Cod gets the spotlight here, fried to a gorgeous golden brown that photographs beautifully but tastes even better.
The shrimp baskets offer a nice alternative, with each piece coated evenly and fried until perfectly crispy. Both options come with sides that complement rather than compete.
I grabbed takeout here after a long day running errands, expecting decent but not spectacular. The first bite proved me completely wrong.
That cod was restaurant-quality, wrapped so well it stayed crunchy all the way home, which is basically magic in the carryout world.
The counter setup makes ordering simple and stress-free. Staff members know the menu inside out and can make solid recommendations if you’re torn between options.
It’s become a reliable weeknight solution when cooking feels like too much effort.
4. Sue’s Fish & Chips
Tucson knows good food, and Sue’s Fish & Chips at 2500 S 4th Ave has earned its reputation as a local staple through years of consistent, classic execution.
The fried fish plates here are wrapped with care and ready to travel, making them perfect for picnics at nearby parks or quick dinners at home. There’s a comforting simplicity to what Sue’s does best.
Classic preparation means no weird twists or unnecessary complications. The fish is battered traditionally, fried until golden, and served hot.
Sometimes that’s all you need, especially when it’s done this well. The coating has just enough seasoning to enhance without overpowering the natural flavor of the fish.
Regulars have been coming here for years, which speaks volumes about reliability. Sue’s doesn’t chase trends or reinvent the wheel.
Instead, it focuses on doing a few things exceptionally well, which has built a loyal following across Tucson.
The carryout process is smooth and efficient. Call ahead or walk in, either way you’ll be greeted warmly and served quickly.
Prices remain reasonable despite rising costs everywhere else, making this an accessible treat rather than a splurge.
5. Nad’s Chicken & Seafood
Well-seasoned, crunchy fried fish emerges from the fryers at Nad’s Chicken & Seafood, a no-frills Tempe counter located at 315 W Elliot Rd, Ste 108. The dual focus on chicken and seafood means the kitchen stays busy, but the fish never suffers for it.
Each piece comes out with a satisfying crackle that signals proper frying technique.
Seasoning here leans slightly bolder than some other spots, which works beautifully for those who like a little extra flavor kick.
The coating isn’t just crunchy, it’s flavorful all on its own, though tartar sauce is available for traditionalists. Portions hit the sweet spot between generous and manageable.
The counter setup keeps things moving efficiently during lunch and dinner rushes. There’s no table service or fancy ambiance, just a straightforward order-and-go system that respects your time.
Students from nearby Arizona State often swing by between classes, which tells you something about both the speed and the value.
Carryout packaging holds up remarkably well. Even after a fifteen-minute drive, the fish maintains most of its crunch, which is all you can really ask for.
Nad’s proves that simplicity and quality can absolutely coexist.
6. Mandy’s Fish & Chips
Late-night cravings meet consistently crispy fish at Mandy’s Fish & Chips, where the Phoenix location at 4130 N 27th Ave keeps frying well past when most kitchens close.
Night owls and shift workers have discovered this spot as a reliable source for hot, crunchy fish when options elsewhere have dwindled. The fries stay just as crispy at 10 PM as they do at noon.
Consistency is Mandy’s superpower. Order the same thing three weeks in a row and you’ll get virtually identical results each time, which builds serious trust with customers.
The batter recipe clearly works because they haven’t messed with it, understanding the wisdom of not fixing what isn’t broken.
Grabbed carryout here after a late movie once, skeptical about quality at that hour. The fish came out fresh from the fryer, perfectly golden and so hot I had to wait in the parking lot before driving.
That attention to quality regardless of the time impressed me enough to become a regular.
The counter staff maintains friendly energy even during late shifts, which makes the experience pleasant beyond just the food. Prices stay reasonable, and portions remain generous, making this a solid value any time of day or night.
7. Evans Fish And Chips
Hand-battered fish that travels beautifully makes Evans Fish and Chips a Flagstaff favorite at 113 S San Francisco St. The mountain town location means locals and tourists alike need food that holds up during drives through winding roads, and Evans delivers exactly that.
The batter clings perfectly, creating a protective shell that keeps the fish moist and flaky inside. Flagstaff’s cooler climate actually helps with takeout quality.
Fish stays hot longer without getting steamy and soggy, which is a nice bonus. Evans takes full advantage, packaging everything thoughtfully so your order arrives home in excellent condition.
The attention to carryout details shows they understand how people actually use their food.
Downtown location makes this a convenient stop before heading out for hiking or camping trips. Grab a couple orders, stash them in the cooler, and you’ve got a fantastic meal waiting after a day on the trails.
The fish reheats surprisingly well too, though it rarely lasts long enough to need reheating.
Prices reflect the tourist-friendly downtown location but remain fair given the quality and portion sizes. Regulars know this spot delivers reliable excellence year-round, making it a staple rather than just a novelty.
8. Hungry Hound Café
Hearty fish-and-chips baskets arrive steaming hot at Hungry Hound Café, a casual Phoenix counter at 5501 E Van Buren St that understands portion control means giving you plenty.
The baskets come loaded with thick-cut fish, a mountain of fries, and classic sides that round out the meal perfectly. This is comfort food done right, without apology or restraint.
The café atmosphere feels welcoming even though most orders go out the door rather than staying to dine. Counter service keeps things moving, but staff still takes time to answer questions and make recommendations.
First-timers often look overwhelmed by the generous portions until they realize they’re getting serious value.
Fish quality here impresses consistently. The coating achieves that ideal texture where it’s crunchy but not hard, flavorful but not overwhelming.
Each bite delivers the satisfaction you expect from proper fish and chips, the kind that makes you understand why this dish has remained popular for generations.
Carryout packaging uses sturdy containers that don’t get soggy or fall apart during transport. Even the fries maintain decent crispness, which is always a pleasant surprise.
Hungry Hound has clearly thought through the entire takeout experience from fryer to front door.
9. Longshots Bar & Grill
Crispy fish baskets available for easy carryout make Longshots Bar & Grill at 13610 N Scottsdale Rd a popular choice when you want quality without the sit-down commitment.
The grill reputation extends beyond typical bar food, with the fish baskets earning genuine respect from seafood lovers who know the difference between frozen and fresh, lazy and careful.
Scottsdale location means competition is fierce, so Longshots can’t afford to phone it in. The fish comes out golden and crunchy every time, with a coating that suggests someone in the kitchen actually cares about the result.
Baskets include solid sides that complement rather than just fill space on the plate. Stopped here initially for something else entirely but noticed everyone around me ordering fish baskets.
Curiosity won, and that first basket converted me instantly.
The fish was restaurant-quality, fried perfectly and packaged so well it survived the drive home with most of its crunch intact, which felt like winning the takeout lottery.
Easy carryout process means you can call ahead, swing by, and be back on the road in minutes. The efficiency appeals to busy families and professionals who want good food without the time investment of full-service dining.
10. California Fish Grill
Fast-casual seafood with reliable fish-and-chips made specifically for takeout defines California Fish Grill at 1855 S Stapley Dr in Mesa. The streamlined menu and efficient kitchen setup mean your order moves from fryer to bag with impressive speed.
This is seafood designed for modern life, where time matters but quality can’t be sacrificed.
Reliability might sound boring, but it’s actually incredibly valuable. Knowing you’ll get consistent results every visit builds trust and keeps customers coming back.
The fish-and-chips here don’t vary wildly from week to week, which means you always know what you’re getting. That predictability combined with solid execution creates a winning formula.
The fast-casual format works beautifully for takeout. Order at the counter, wait a few minutes while everything gets fried fresh, and leave with food that’s still crackling.
No servers to flag down, no waiting for checks, just straightforward efficiency that respects your schedule.
Prices hit the sweet spot between cheap and expensive, offering good value without feeling like a splurge. Portions satisfy without overwhelming, and the packaging keeps everything organized and contained during transport.
California Fish Grill understands exactly what takeout customers need and delivers it consistently.
11. The Spice Sea
Golden, crunchy fried fish with a slightly elevated touch arrives at The Spice Sea, a Phoenix counter at 3345 W Greenway Rd that brings a bit more refinement to the fish fry game. The elevation here isn’t about pretension but rather about thoughtful preparation and quality ingredients.
You can taste the difference in the first bite, where the coating shatters perfectly to reveal tender, flaky fish underneath.
Spice blends here show creativity without going overboard. The seasoning enhances the natural flavor rather than masking it, walking that fine line between bold and balanced.
Presentation looks a step above typical takeout, though functionality remains the priority. Everything still travels well and stays hot.
The counter atmosphere feels more polished than some other spots on this list, with attention paid to details like packaging quality and condiment selection. It’s still casual and approachable, just with a bit more thought put into the overall experience.
Customers appreciate the extra care without paying significantly more for it. Carryout orders here feel almost like a treat rather than just convenient dinner.
The quality justifies making this a destination rather than just a quick stop, though the location and efficiency make it work for both purposes beautifully.
12. Blu Burger Grille
Surprisingly solid fish-and-chips for takeout emerges from Blu Burger Grille at 32409 N Scottsdale Rd, proving that grill spots can absolutely nail seafood when they put in the effort.
The casual atmosphere doesn’t hint at how good the fish actually is, which makes discovering it feel like finding a hidden gem. Expectations run toward burgers, but the fish holds its own beautifully.
The surprise factor works in Blu Burger Grille’s favor. People come for the burgers, try the fish on a whim, and end up ordering it regularly.
The batter achieves excellent crunch, and the fish inside stays moist and tender. Portions match the generous burger sizes, which means you definitely won’t leave hungry.
Casual grill environment makes this approachable for families and groups with varying tastes. Someone can order a burger while another gets fish, and everyone leaves happy.
The kitchen handles both proteins with equal skill, which isn’t always the case at places trying to do too much.
Takeout packaging works well for both burgers and fish baskets, keeping everything contained and relatively crispy during transport.
Scottsdale location offers convenience, and the parking situation makes quick pickup actually quick. It’s become a reliable option when you need good food fast.