11 Washington Fish And Chip Shops Where The Cod Hangs Off The Paper
One Tacoma cafe serves cod in a cornmeal coating, and the fillets have been known to stick out of the carrier by a few inches. That detail made me laugh out loud.
It also sent me looking for more places like it.
And Washington delivered. One Spokane shop fries its cod fresh while you wait, with a full meal big enough to feed two.
A tiny fish shack sits right beside a working fishing terminal.
I love that these spots skip the fuss. Most of them are casual counters, harbor patios, or picnic tables near the water.
The fish is the star, and it shows up oversized.
So grab extra napkins and a friend who shares. Some of these baskets might need a second pair of hands.
Which one would you drive across the state to try first?
1. Proper Fish
A ferry ride from Seattle can end with a very British lunch. Proper Fish brings that classic chip-shop style to Bainbridge Island, and it takes the name seriously.
The star here is the British Fish and Chips. Expect a huge piece of fish in a light, crispy batter that stays flaky inside.
Thick-cut, golden chips come alongside, and they’re hand cut. You can also add a side of mushy peas, which feels just right with this style.
Seafood fans have plenty more to explore. The menu covers fish sandwiches, lobster rolls, and a crab cocktail loaded with crab meat.
Ordering happens at the counter, and service moves quickly. That’s handy if you’re timing your meal around a ferry back across Puget Sound.
Families will feel at ease too. There’s a kids’ menu, high chairs, and a relaxed, casual room that suits groups and solo diners alike.
Got a four-legged travel buddy along? Dogs are welcome at the outdoor seating, so your pup can sniff the island air while you eat.
Reservations aren’t accepted, so plan a little flexibility. Saturday afternoon tends to be the busiest stretch, while weekday evenings usually run calmer.
Parking is free in the lot and on the street, which makes a stop easy. It’s an island day trip that ends with a very full stomach.
Address: 112 Madison Ave N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
2. Salty Blue Fish & Chips
Australia sends its regards from a strip of S 3rd Street in Renton. Salty Blue Fish and Chips serves Aussie-style seafood with a crunch you can practically hear.
The cod fillets are massive, wrapped in crunchy batter that gives way to flaky fish. It’s crispy outside and tender within, exactly how you want it.
Here’s a fun twist you won’t find everywhere. Potato cakes show up on the menu, battered and fried, which is a classic down-under chip-shop treat.
Halibut fans get their turn too. It comes cooked spot on, paired with a house sauce and a tartar worth dipping into twice.
Not feeling fish? The lineup includes shrimp and chips, a chicken schnitzel burger, and the Salty Deluxe Burger.
Sweet potato chips make a nice swap for regular fries.
Save room for something sweet. A pineapple fritter waits on the menu, and it’s a fun way to end an Australian-themed meal.
Service is quick at the counter, and kids get their own menu. There’s outdoor seating, and dogs are allowed outside.
Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons get busiest. Weekday afternoons tend to be quieter if you’d like an easier visit.
Address: 601 S 3rd St Ste D, Renton, WA 98057
3. Fish House Cafe
Cornmeal makes all the difference at this longtime Tacoma counter. Fish House Cafe coats its fish in a crisp cornmeal crust, and the pieces run long.
How long? The fillets have stuck out of the food carrier by a few inches.
That’s the kind of portion that inspired this whole list.
The cafe is tiny and proudly no-frills. You order at the counter, grab your food, and focus on what matters most.
Beyond cod, the menu leans into comfort classics. There’s a catfish dinner, a fish and wings combo, and a fish and chips and shrimp platter.
Crinkle fries come along for the ride, adding a nostalgic crunch. The batter is well seasoned, so the fish stays flavorful down to the last bite.
Leave room for dessert if you can. Banana pudding sits on the menu, and it’s a sweet, old-school finish to a hearty lunch.
This spot keeps daytime hours, opening at 11 AM and closing at 4 PM. It’s closed Sundays, so plan a weekday or Saturday stop.
Parking can be tricky to find, so give yourself a few extra minutes. Takeout works well here if the room fills up.
Address: 1814 M.L.K. Jr Way, Tacoma, WA 98405
4. Twiggy’s Fish and Chips
Patience pays off in Spokane, where the cod hits the fryer after you order. Twiggy’s Fish and Chips cooks its battered fish fresh while you wait.
The result is a big, thick cod fillet in a light, crisp batter. A full-size fish meal can feed two, so sharing is a smart move.
Trying to keep it lighter? A half fried fish and chips basket is on the menu, and it still comes with plenty of food.
Here’s where this British-style shop really stands apart. You get signature curry sauce alongside the tartar, a pairing that’s beloved in UK chip shops.
That tartar is made fresh rather than poured from a bottle. The chips taste properly potato-ey, which is high praise for a side.
Eastern Washington doesn’t have an ocean nearby, yet this little shop proves you don’t need one. Good fish travels well when it’s cooked with care.
Mind the schedule before you head out. Twiggy’s runs Tuesday through Saturday, with a lunch window and a separate dinner window.
It’s closed Sundays and Mondays, and it shuts between 3 PM and 4:30 PM. Free parking in the lot and on the street makes the stop simple.
Address: 1505 N Ash St, Spokane, WA 99201
5. Bennett’s Fish Shack
Fishing boats bob just outside the windows at this Westport favorite. Bennett’s Fish Shack looks right out over the marina in a small coastal town.
Huge portions are the rule here. The cod and chips come out perfectly cooked, and the fish ‘n chips keep things classic.
The shack also features a fresh catch of the day. Clam chowder is another strong pick when the coastal breeze turns cool.
Crab lovers should take note. The Dungeness crab and cheddar melt is a standout, and the famous crab cakes earn their nickname on the menu.
Need something beyond seafood? There’s an applewood bacon cheeseburger, a prime rib melt sandwich, and onion rings to round out the table.
The space has a fun, funky feel, with outdoor seating for sunny days. Dogs are welcome, so the whole crew can come along.
Families get high chairs and a kids’ menu. Sunday opens early at 9 AM, which gives you a jump on a beach day.
Saturday afternoons and evenings get busiest, so arrive early if you can. Parking is free, and there’s usually plenty of space.
Address: 2581 Westhaven Dr, Westport, WA 98595
6. Castaway’s Seafood Grille
Long Beach is famous for its stretch of sand, but the fried cod here deserves its own fan club. Castaway’s Seafood Grille keeps things informal and upbeat.
The cod and chips come in big pieces that stay crispy and juicy. A great batter gives the fish plenty of flavor without hiding it.
Prefer halibut? The Halibut ‘N Chips is on the menu, served with a tartar sauce that pairs nicely with either fish.
Chowder gets serious attention at this grille. The menu proudly lists its Award Winning Clam Chowder, plus a chowder bread bowl for extra-hungry visitors.
Other seafood choices make it tough to decide. Look for seafood lasagna, cioppino, steamer clams, and fried oysters.
Burgers and steaks round things out for anyone in your group who skips seafood. Kids get a menu of their own, with high chairs available too.
The Long Beach Peninsula makes a great weekend getaway. A hearty meal here fits right between beach walks and kite flying.
Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons draw the biggest crowds. Free street parking is available nearby, so park and stroll.
Address: 207 Pacific Ave S, Long Beach, WA 98631
7. Hook & Line Pub
Gumbo and fish and chips on the Olympic Peninsula? It works better than you’d guess at Hook and Line Pub in Port Angeles.
The Pacific cod fish and chips come with coleslaw, and the pieces arrive in huge chunks. The batter is light, letting the fish take center stage.
A unique tartar sauce adds its own personality. Pair the plate with a cup of authentic gumbo for a Northwest-meets-New Orleans lunch.
Halibut fans have a treat waiting too. An all-you-can-eat option has featured large, hot pieces of halibut, perfect for big appetites.
The menu wanders in fun directions. Seafood gumbo poutine, New Orleans po’ boys, and smoked salmon chowder all share the page.
Gluten-free clam chowder is available, and there’s a full vegetarian menu. That makes it easier to please a mixed group.
Families can relax with high chairs and a kids’ cheeseburger. Dogs are allowed at the outdoor seating as well.
Check the calendar carefully before visiting. The pub is closed Wednesdays and Thursdays, and it opens at noon on other days.
Address: 201 E Front St, Port Angeles, WA 98362
8. The Shrimp Shack
Shrimp may get top billing, yet the Alaskan cod steals plenty of attention. The Shrimp Shack sits along State Route 20 on Fidalgo Island.
Its cod and chips arrive fresh and generously portioned. The batter is super light, and the fries hold their own.
Of course, the namesake deserves a shout. Colossal shrimp, fresh shrimp, boiled shrimp, and a popcorn shrimp basket all appear on the menu.
Feeling adventurous? Try the oyster burger, which comes with fries.
Clam strips and homemade clam chowder are also ready for snacking.
Picnic tables outside give this roadside stop a relaxed summer feel. It’s a natural pause on the way to the Anacortes ferry or Deception Pass.
Dogs are welcome, and there’s a kids’ menu for younger travelers. Curbside pickup is offered if you’d rather eat on the road.
Expect a wait during busy times. Saturday and Sunday afternoons draw the biggest crowds, so plan around them.
The shack is open daily from 11 AM to 6 PM. Parking is usually plentiful, so pulling in is easy.
Address: 6168 State Rte 20, Anacortes, WA 98221
9. Tugboat Annie’s
Kayak rentals and fish and chips under one roof? Tugboat Annie’s in Olympia makes that combo happen on the West Bay waterfront.
The maritime theme sets a playful mood. Meanwhile, the fish and chips bring crispy batter and fresh cod with a view of the marina.
Big portions are part of the appeal. Halibut and chips is another favorite, especially with a cup of clam chowder.
The menu spreads well beyond fried fish. You’ll spot a crab melt, jambalaya, seafood saute, and a shrimp and clam combo.
Burger fans can tackle The Barge Burger with fries. With a name like that, you can guess it’s built for appetite.
Kids get their own fish and chips on the children’s menu. High chairs are available, which helps families settle in for lunch.
Live music shows up here too, adding fun to a South Puget Sound evening. The room carries a historic, easygoing feel.
Weekends and Friday evenings run busiest. Parking is usually easy, and there’s outdoor seating for clear days.
Address: 2100 W Bay Dr NW, Olympia, WA 98502
10. Tides Tavern
Boaters can tie up and walk to lunch here, thanks to a private dock. Tides Tavern sits right on Gig Harbor’s bayfront.
Both cod and halibut fish and chips get high marks. The batter turns crispy and golden-brown, and the fish stays flaky and tender.
Chowder and fish tacos are strong supporting players. Look for steamed clams and a TT Lobster Roll on the menu too.
Pizza and burgers also share the lineup, including a Maui Burger. A steak salad and full vegan and vegetarian menus help mixed groups.
The waterside patio is the prize seat in good weather. Views of the harbor make lunch feel like a mini vacation.
This long-running spot has a lively, historic personality. Shirts are sold on site, in case you want a souvenir.
One key planning note for families. The tavern is a kid-free zone, so it works best for an adults’ outing.
Reservations aren’t accepted, and weekend afternoons get busy. Parking can be tough, so arrive with a little patience or come by boat.
Address: 2925 Harborview Dr, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
11. Little Chinook’s
Commercial fishing boats rest just steps from your lunch at this Seattle walk-up. Little Chinook’s sits at the working Fishermen’s Terminal.
Cod is the smart call for fish and chips. The batter is light and tasty, and the fries are perfectly fried.
Portions run generous. A three-piece order comes with fries, coleslaw, and tartar sauce, and it can satisfy two adults.
Salmon and halibut also appear on the menu if you want to compare. Creamy clam chowder makes a fine sidekick on a gray day.
Tacos are another option for eating on the go. That flexibility is handy if you’re exploring the terminal or nearby Ballard.
The setting gives you a different view of the city. Rather than skyline postcards, you see the boats and docks that keep Washington’s seafood moving.
Seating comes both indoors and outside, and service is quick at the counter. Kids have their own menu too.
Little Chinook’s is open daily from 11:30 AM to 6 PM. Free parking is usually easy to find, which is a rare Seattle treat.
Address: 3919 18th Ave W, Seattle, WA 98119