10 Surprisingly Affordable Seafood Spots In Ohio You Need To Try

Seafood cravings always seem to show up when I’m trying to spend less on eating out.

I used to assume that finding a good fish dinner in Ohio meant paying a little more than I’d planned.

Then I came across a Cincinnati spot serving seven pieces of perch at a price that made me look twice. Naturally, I started wondering how many other affordable seafood places I’d been overlooking.

As it turns out, Ohio has quite a few pleasant surprises waiting for seafood lovers. I found ten spots where a satisfying meal doesn’t have to come with a hefty bill.

And if you think good seafood always costs a fortune, a few of these places might change your mind.

Alabama Fishbar, Cincinnati

Seven pieces of fish for around $18 sounded like a typo to me. It was not.

Alabama Fishbar has been feeding Cincinnati for a long time, and its fried fish dinners are the reason people keep coming back.

I ordered the seven-piece ocean perch dinner on my first visit. The box was so heavy that I checked twice to make sure nobody slipped in an extra order.

Each dinner comes with fries, bread, onions, and peppers. The onions and peppers add a little bite and crunch that cut right through the rich, golden breading.

If perch is not your thing, the five-piece whiting dinner costs about the same. Whiting is mild and flaky, which makes it a smart pick for kids or anyone new to fried fish.

The place keeps things simple, and I mean that as a compliment. There is no fancy decor, no long menu to puzzle over, and no waiter trying to upsell you.

You walk up, order, and leave with enough food for lunch and probably dinner too. My tip is to grab extra napkins, because this fish is gloriously crispy and wonderfully messy.

Plan to share, or plan to nap. The portions honestly leave you little choice.

Address: 1601 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Marino’s Seafood Fish & Chips, Columbus

My grandfather had one rule about fish and chips. The batter should crackle when you bite it.

Marino’s Seafood Fish & Chips in Columbus would have passed his test with flying colors.

This classic seafood counter feels like stepping back a few decades. The setup is straightforward, the menu is easy to read, and the smell of fresh frying hits you before the door closes behind you.

The fish and chips are the star here. The fillets come out hot and crunchy on the outside while staying tender inside.

I also tried the fried shrimp and the clam strips, and both disappeared from my plate faster than I would like to admit. Clam strips are hard to find done well in the Midwest, so I was happy to see them here.

Do not skip the hush puppies. They taste homemade, with a slightly sweet center that pairs nicely with anything salty on your tray.

A typical meal runs around $10 to $20, which leaves room for a second basket if your appetite wins the argument.

Families will feel right at home, and solo diners can grab a quick, filling lunch without any fuss.

Grandpa would have ordered seconds, and I did exactly that in his honor.

Address: 1216 W 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43212

Rusty’s Wharf, Pataskala

Nobody plans a beach trip to Pataskala. Seafood lovers should still put it on the map.

Rusty’s Wharf is a family-friendly spot that takes its batter seriously. The fish is hand-battered, and you can taste the extra care in every bite.

The prices are what really got my attention. The published menu lists a two-piece fish basket for $9.50 and a shrimp basket for $10.50.

Both baskets come with chips and hush puppies, so you are not paying extra just to feel full. That kind of deal is rare these days, and I treasured every crumb.

I went with the fish basket first, then stole shrimp from my cousin when he was not looking. He noticed, and I owed him a hush puppy, which felt like a fair trade.

The menu also offers clam strips and seafood combinations for anyone who struggles to choose just one thing. I am that person, so the combos were a lifesaver for my indecisive brain.

The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, which makes it a solid stop for families with hungry kids after practice or a long day.

Bring the whole crew and a big appetite. Rusty’s Wharf will happily handle the rest.

Address: 7256 Hazelton-Etna Rd SW, Pataskala, OH 43062

Thimmes Fish Shack, Lancaster

Small places often hide the biggest flavors. Thimmes Fish Shack proves that point beautifully.

This family-run spot in Lancaster is tiny, and most of its business is takeout. Do not let the size fool you, because the kitchen turns out serious seafood.

The fried fish sandwich is the item locals rave about. It is simple, crunchy, and filling, the kind of sandwich you think about on the drive home.

I also spotted oysters on the menu, which surprised me in central Ohio. Fried shrimp and traditional sides round out the lineup nicely.

A friend of mine from South Carolina, who grew up near the coast, tried the shrimp and gave a slow, approving nod. Coming from her, that is basically a standing ovation.

Because it is a takeout-focused operation, I suggest calling ahead or showing up a little early on busy evenings. Fresh fried food is worth a short wait, but nobody loves standing around hungry.

Thimmes has earned a reputation for affordable meals, making it a smart choice for anyone trying to stick to a budget without giving up on good food.

Grab your bag, find a nearby bench, and dig in while everything is still hot. Patience is overrated when fries are involved.

Address: 619 W Fair Ave, Lancaster, OH 43130

Steve’s Fish & Chips, Steubenville

A fish sandwich for about $6.25 is not a dream. It is a Tuesday in Steubenville.

Steve’s Fish & Chips has been around for years, and it has stayed loyal to the idea that a good meal should not cost a fortune.

Complete fish dinners on the published menu run about $13. That makes Steve’s one of the strongest value picks on this entire list.

The breaded fish is the classic choice, and it lands on your plate golden and crisp. I squeezed a little lemon on top and was instantly in a better mood.

Catfish fans have plenty to love here as well. The kitchen also serves shrimp and seafood combination dinners for anyone who wants a little bit of everything.

What I enjoyed most was the steady, unhurried feel of the place. It felt like a restaurant that knows exactly what it does well and sees no reason to change.

Steubenville sits right along the Ohio River, so a fish lunch here feels fitting after a stroll through town.

My advice is simple. Order the sandwich as a snack, then admit defeat and get the dinner too, because you will want both.

Address: 233 S 4th St, Steubenville, OH 43952

Bertha Mae’s Kitchen, Toledo

Southern cooking is always able to make you feel welcome. Bertha Mae’s Kitchen in Toledo serves that feeling with a side of catfish.

The menu leans into Southern-style fried fish, and the catfish is the headliner. It arrives with a seasoned crust that has just the right amount of kick.

Here is the part that made me grin. A catfish-and-fries boat costs about $7, which is perfect for a quick, satisfying lunch.

If you are hungrier, the three-piece catfish meal with two sides runs around $15. The sides taste homestyle, the kind that remind you of a big family table on a Sunday.

Bertha Mae’s also serves perch and walleye, two fish that Ohio folks take very seriously. Having those choices next to Southern catfish makes the menu feel like a friendly meeting of two regions.

I picked collard-style comfort sides with my meal and had zero regrets. Every bite tasted like someone actually cared about how it turned out.

The vibe is casual and easygoing, so there is no need to dress up. Just bring your appetite and maybe a friend who will split a few sides.

Leave room, though. Second helpings tend to sneak up on you here.

Address: 840 N Summit St, Toledo, OH 43604

JJ Fish & Chicken, Dayton

Dayton gave the world the airplane. It also gives hungry locals some seriously crispy catfish.

JJ Fish & Chicken is a casual spot where the fryer works hard and the prices stay friendly. The catfish fillets are thick, crunchy, and seasoned well.

The online ordering menu lists catfish dinners around $12.99. That price includes fries, coleslaw, and bread, so you get a complete meal in one box.

I love a good coleslaw, and this one does its job by adding cool, tangy crunch next to all that hot fried goodness. It balances the plate in a way that makes you keep eating.

The menu goes beyond catfish, too. You can order ocean perch, whiting, fried shrimp, or a combination dinner if your stomach cannot make up its mind.

I went with a combo on my second visit, and it was a wise decision. Getting to taste shrimp and whiting side by side helped me pick my new favorite.

Ordering online makes things quick, which is handy on a busy weeknight. Your food is usually ready soon, so you are not left waiting forever.

Pick it up, head home, and enjoy a dinner that tastes much pricier than it is.

Address: 1926 Needmore Rd, Dayton, OH 45414

Nephew’s, Akron

Every family has that one relative who can really cook. In Akron, that relative might as well be Nephew’s.

This neighborhood restaurant mixes Southern-inspired dishes with a strong lineup of seafood. The menu feels warm, personal, and full of flavor.

The perch sandwich costs about $10, and it was my first order. The fish was flaky and lightly crisp, tucked into a sandwich that was easy to hold and hard to put down.

The shrimp basket with fries runs around $12. Fish-and-fries meals come in at roughly $14, which is a fair price for a plate this generous.

The salmon bites caught my eye right away. They are bite-sized, fun to share, and a nice change from the usual fried fish routine.

Fried catfish is also on the menu, which makes sense given the Southern influence. A buddy who once lived in South Carolina said it reminded him of the fish fries he loved back then.

Nephew’s has a laid-back, neighborly feel. You get the sense that regulars know the staff and the staff knows their orders.

Stop in once, and you might just become part of the family too.

Address: 1675 Diagonal Rd, Akron, OH 44320

DeMore’s Offshore Bar & Grill, Sandusky

Lake Erie perch is a local treasure. Sandusky is one of the best places in the state to taste it.

DeMore’s Offshore Bar & Grill focuses on regional fish, and it shows. Perch and walleye take center stage here, served the way Lake Erie folks like them.

Perch is small, sweet, and delicate. When it is fried just right, the fillets almost melt as you bite into them.

Walleye is a little firmer and very mild. I tried both on separate visits and still cannot decide which one I prefer, so I simply keep ordering both.

Shrimp combinations and fish sandwiches are also available for anyone who wants variety. The sandwiches make a great quick lunch before heading out to explore the area.

The online menu lists several seafood dinners around $18 to $19. That is not pocket change, but it is a fair price for real lake fish without fancy restaurant markups.

Sandusky draws lots of summer visitors, so lunch can get busy. Ordering pickup is a smart move if you want to eat by the water instead of waiting for a table.

Grab your perch, find a lakeside view, and enjoy a true taste of northern Ohio.

Address: 302 W Perkins Ave, Sandusky, OH 44870

The Juicy Seafood, Warrensville Heights

Plastic bibs are a sign of a good time. The Juicy Seafood hands them out for a reason.

This lively restaurant specializes in Cajun-style seafood boils loaded with shrimp, crab, and mussels. The spicy, buttery sauce gets everywhere, and that is half the fun.

Now, I will be honest with you. The big premium boil combinations cost more than most stops on this list.

The good news is that the menu also includes less expensive options. The two-piece whiting fillet basket costs around $18, while an eight-piece fried shrimp basket is about $19.

For a simpler order, the fried shrimp basket is an appealing pick. Eight pieces of shrimp and a side of fries make it an easy way to sample the seafood without committing to a premium combo.

The whiting basket comes with two pieces of fish and fries. It is the least expensive full seafood basket listed on the current online ordering menu.

Fried tilapia and catfish baskets are also available for anyone who likes things crunchy. The energy in the dining room is upbeat, which makes it a fun spot for groups.

Save the giant boil for a special night, and choose a whiting or shrimp basket when you want to spend less. Your wallet and your taste buds will both stay happy.

Address: 26100 Harvard Rd, Warrensville Heights, OH 44122