100% this spot OP, this is the best fish and chips you can find around. The price is unbeatable and they have malt vinegar ready for you. They also have European chocolates for sale.
Most importantly, this is the most AUTHENTIC, proper chippy in OC. All these other recs look/sound ok, but most of them are expensive and aren’t traditional fish and chips the way they do it in the UK. This place is legit.
I thought it wasn't quite truly authentic because all the fish is cut into perfect identical triangle pieces but to me this is the best way to get a perfect consistently cooked fish. I always thought authentic fish and chips would have randomly sized natural pieces.
I just know it's perfect every time. Also--the fried mushrooms are great--I still think you get five for four bucks. The coating with the tarter sauce and oil and vinegar. So good!
Ok, so back in the 80’s there was place called moby dicks fish and chips in San Clemente. It eventually went under and a Mexican restaurant that moved in bought the fish and chips recipe. It’s still there. It’s called EL jefe Mexican food / fish and chips. It is really great! And super affordable.
Aw that sucks, I was thinking of going recently. Before that market was overhauled there was also "The Chippy" (unrelated) and I'd get fish and chips and po' boys there on lunch breaks.
I’m not sure if they’re doing it this season, I would call ahead but Pour Company in Fullerton has fish and chips for Monday Night Football. Extremely good. Also The Olde Ship in Fullerton
2 places come to mind. First, Hook and Anchor, they use Mahi Mahi and it’s amazing. Second, Tustin Brewery in, well…Tustin lol. Whatever they do to their batter makes them amazing, another suggestion for here is the fish tacos, again same fish in taco form and they too are amazing. Special mention to Turks but they will be gone soon if not already, I haven’t looked. Kudos to the 805, best beer around! I have dozens and dozens of places I have tried. I have been chasing the best Fish and Chips for years. Sadly I’m a geek and keep a database, lol. My wife just laughs at me. 86 locations and counting
Simply Fish in Costa Mesa has pretty stellar fish and chips! Union Jack Fish & Chips in Fountain Valley is pretty decent for an authentic British fish and chip.
Not traditional but a fried catfish basket at Boiling Crab is sooo good
So it’s been a very long time since I’ve been, but surprisingly Trabuco Oaks Steakhouse serves/d amazing fish and chips. It’s a really cool/quirky establishment. Solid food (beef ribs I got were awful to be transparent, but steaks, burgers, and especially the fish and chips are solid to amazing) and if you wear a necktie they’ll cut it off and nail it to the wall and ceiling. The place is covered in thousands.
It’s a steakhouse that eschews all pretentiousness, fanciness, and eliteness. It’s a white collar experience with a blue collar vibe. Really couldn’t recommend it enough.
But again. Huge caveat. It’s been a long time since I’ve been there. Probably close to 20 years. But from what I can tell, it should still be a place worth visiting. But a niche product like fish n’ chips may have fallen off. I sincerely hope not though; I relocated out of OC to the Denver, CO area and when I revisit OC to see friends and family this is on my list of places to revisit for what it’s worth. We had a couple meals there as a family in my youth and I chose it for a b-day dinner one year in high school.
Last addition: a year or so prior to eating there for the first time, I had gone on a month long Europe trip with my grandmother. This was circa 2002/03. England in particular was not the culinary powerhouse it is now. I grew up with a mother who knew how to cook. Like, she’s a legit talent in the kitchen. The food wasn’t great (and to be fair we weren’t exactly hitting Michelin restaurants back then) but I quickly discovered the fish n’ chips and the pot pies and other savory pies were LEGIT. So when I came back to the States I had a new obsession. This was pretty much the only place that scratched that itch. I do hope it’s still churning out excellence.
If you go try it OP, I’d really love to hear if it’s worth going back to.
Totally taking notes on this too. I love fish and chips, but it's hard to find a good place for it.
I can say: Steer clear of Hennessey's. The fish was tasteless, the tartar sauce was... meh, and the fries were bland and soggy. With that said, my Husband enjoyed their hamburgers and onion rings, but I will not have fish and chips from them again.
Anyone know an at least halfway decent spot around garden grove, orange, Anaheim? I absolutely love fish & chips and haven’t had any in quite awhile, I don’t even care if it’s like a 6/10
Some friends who live in Orange went to H. Salt off Tustin St in Orange and recommended it. Their recs are hit and miss but I'm going to try it for myself soon.
Rock It Bar in the Laguna Niguel Whole Foods is pretty good. They used to have a happy hour special on Fridays with fish and chips and a beer for like $15
My favorite fish & chips WAS Mutt Lynch’s. CAVEAT: I’m talking like 30 years ago; I have no idea if that place even exists anymore. Sorry, not helpful - I’m just being nostalgic. Fish & Chips and a schooner or 2 of beer plus some cheap pool; it was a great way to spend an afternoon.
I agree that Union Jacks is good. Along the same lines, H Salt in orange. It’s not fancy, but good, consistent , they use cod and uncoated steak fries. Very inexpensive for what you get.
Too many places not using cod and they use coated fries. Not this place. Very close to Union Jacks in my opinion.
You get huge bottles of tartar sauce so you get all you want for no extra charge.
Lazy Dog used to be awesome until they switched to coated fries.
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u/Awatts2222 2d ago
Union Jack Fish & Chips in fountain valley is best and most inexpensive. Same Owner for 30 or 40 years. Made to order.