11 California Friday Fish Fries That Locals Can’t Get Enough Of
When Friday rolls around in California, many locals know exactly where to head for that perfect plate of crispy, golden fish and chips.
These beloved fish fries have become weekend traditions across the Golden State, drawing crowds from San Diego to San Francisco.
Whether you’re craving British-style cod or something with a California twist, these spots serve up seafood worth standing in line for.
1. Shakespeare Pub & Grille’s British-Style Bounty
Walking into Shakespeare Pub feels like teleporting straight to England. The authentic British atmosphere complements their perfectly battered cod that breaks apart with a satisfying crunch.
Their chips are thick-cut and potato-forward, exactly as they should be. My family has made this our Friday tradition for three years running – my daughter won’t eat fish anywhere else now!
Pair your meal with a pint of ale for the full experience.
2. Blue Wave Bar & Grill’s Waterfront Wonder
Nothing enhances fish and chips like an ocean view, and Blue Wave delivers both spectacularly. Situated at the Best Western Plus Island Palms, this hidden gem serves up lightly battered fish that maintains its flaky interior while staying crisp outside.
The seaside location means ultra-fresh catches daily. Their homemade tartar sauce contains a secret ingredient that has locals speculating wildly.
Visit during sunset for an unforgettable dining experience with San Diego’s harbor as your backdrop.
3. Ye Olde King’s Head’s Royal Treatment
The line stretching down Santa Monica Boulevard every Friday tells you everything about Ye Olde King’s Head’s fish fry reputation. Their cod is flown in from sustainable fisheries and prepared using a 50-year-old family recipe.
I once waited 45 minutes for a table and would gladly do it again – the first bite made me forget every second of that wait!
Their malt vinegar is imported directly from England, and the mushy peas side dish completes this authentic British experience.
4. The Codmother’s Wharf-Side Wizardry
This San Francisco food truck has grown legendary status among locals for good reason. The Codmother serves beer-battered fish so light it practically floats off your plate.
The husband-and-wife team behind the counter brings their native UK techniques to California’s freshest catches. Their chips come wrapped in paper cones, making them perfect for strolling along Fisherman’s Wharf.
Their homemade curry sauce option transforms the classic dish into something truly special.
5. Hook Fish Co.’s Sustainable Seafood Sensation
Sustainability meets scrumptiousness at this Outer Sunset spot where fishermen-turned-restaurateurs serve what they catch. Their commitment to local, hook-and-line fishing means the menu changes daily based on what’s fresh.
Back in 2019, I brought my Boston relatives here, and they declared it better than anything on the East Coast!
The beer-battered fish & chips comes with fries and house-pickled vegetables that cut through the richness perfectly.
6. Basa Seafood Express’s No-Frills Nirvana
Don’t let the simple storefront fool you – Basa Seafood Express serves fish fry that keeps Mission District residents coming back weekly. Their counter-service approach means you’ll be enjoying your meal within minutes of ordering.
The fish portions are generous enough to satisfy the hungriest appetites. The batter is crisp and well-executed, delivering consistently flaky fish. Their spicy aioli is a customer favorite.
7. Camelot Fish & Chips’s Coastal Classic
Pacifica locals guard this shoreline treasure jealously, though word has inevitably spread. Camelot’s fish arrives in massive portions that hang off both sides of the plate, with a golden-brown crust that audibly crunches with each bite.
The family recipe hasn’t changed since opening day in 1969. I’ve been coming here since my surfing days, when nothing beat their fish fry after catching waves!
Their coleslaw deserves special mention – creamy but light, with just enough tang to complement the fish perfectly.
8. The Olde Ship’s Authentic Anchoring
Fullerton might seem an unlikely spot for outstanding British fish and chips, but The Olde Ship has been proving skeptics wrong for decades. Their North Atlantic cod is beer-battered using a recipe the owner brought directly from Yorkshire.
The dark wood interior creates the perfect atmosphere for enjoying this comfort food classic. Regulars know to request extra pickled onions, which are imported directly from the UK.
Their Friday special includes a side of their famous curry chips that shouldn’t be missed.
9. Bay Fish & Chips’s Silicon Valley Standout
Tech workers flock to this Sunnyvale spot when Friday rolls around, often forming lines that stretch through Civic Square.
Their unique selling point is the choice between traditional cod, local rockfish, or calamari – all fried to perfection. Their chips are double-fried for that perfect texture: crisp outside, fluffy inside.
Their homemade tartar sauce contains capers, dill, and lemon zest that elevate the entire dish.
10. Union Jack Fish & Chips’s Orange County Gem
Fountain Valley residents have a standing date with Union Jack every Friday. Their claim to fame is a particularly light, airy batter that somehow stays crispy longer than seems physically possible.
The menu offers both traditional British-style and California-style preparations. When my British in-laws visited last summer, they declared it the best fish and chips they’d had outside the UK!
Don’t skip seasoning the chips – the malt vinegar is a perfect complement.
11. Mossman’s Westchester Coffee Shop’s Hidden Treasure
Bakersfield might be inland, but Mossman’s proves great fish fries aren’t just for coastal towns. This unassuming coffee shop transforms on Fridays into fish fry central, serving Pacific cod in a buttermilk batter that creates an exceptional crunch.
The family-run establishment has maintained the same recipe since 1955. Their coleslaw balances the savory fish perfectly.
Locals know to arrive early – they frequently sell out before closing time despite making increasingly larger batches each week.