Who Loves Fish & Chips? I Do!
I grew up in Seattle, and had clam chowder, fresh oysters and fish and chips as a regular part of my menu…with so much water all around me, it was a paradise!
Seattle has Puget Sound where downtown is located, plus lakes, rivers and canals everywhere…so fishing is a bit of a regional hobby that everyone does!
When we moved to New York, I was interested in seeing if I could find good fish ‘n’ chips, which led me to a small restaurant with a great name!
A Salt & Battery is located in New York’s Greenwich Village, and their goal was to bring the best of Britain’s traditional fish and chip culture of fresh lightly-battered, deep-fried fish and thick cut chips with salt and malt vinegar to New York.
As you can see, they offer a variety of fish, shrimp and even chicken options, with “chips” on the side, along with other options as well:
Their goal was to recreate the unique flavor of English fish ‘n’ chips by using traditional British cooking techniques – and of course sides like baked beans, mushy peas and more!
They have a half dozen stools for eating there, but I also saw a large number of “to go” and delivery orders while I was there…I decided to sit at the window and put their motto to the test:
“If you’re not in the UK, this is the best chippy by far!”
Let’s see!
I ordered the large portion of Cod, with a side of chips, and sat at the window, where I found ketchup as well as vinegar ready to add to the dish.
Everything is battered and cooked to order, so it was about 10-12 minutes before my order showed up:
I ordered the large portion of fish, 8 oz., and it showed up piping hot, so I spent a minute getting some shots of it:
One thing I want to mention: these are beautiful looking fish filets, and they smell good too!
After letting it cool for a few minutes, it was time to cut into it!
As you can see, it is hot! It is also a beautiful looking filet: the batter has texture and flavor, and the fish is steaming inside…
The fish has terrific flavor and it’s meaty too…the tartar was nice but I really enjoyed adding the vinegar to the fish, which really made it pop!
The chips had a nice crispness to them, but the insides were creamy smooth…as a tartar sauce fanatic I ordered an extra one just for them, along with a drizzle of vinegar as well.
This was my second trip to A Salt And Battery – on my first trip I ordered a different fish:
Haddock has a slightly more delicate flavor, but it was also delicious and as you can see it was also perfectly prepared!
The battered fish hold together perfectly, is juicy without any sense of greasiness, and the meal is very filling and satisfying as well….I’m going to go back and get a combo in order to try some shrimp – and I will probably also come back for a fish sandwich as well!
As I said, since I grew up in Seattle, fish and chips is a bit of an obsession for me:
Ivar’s is my favorite local place growing up – click here to see why it’s still iconic, and why they warn you about the clam nectar:
I’ve eaten traditional fish and chips in London on several occasions, including at this classic shop:
See my traditional fish ‘n’ chips meal there + a bonus: my fried crab and shrimp debacle!
There will be many more fish ‘n’ chip reviews as I search for the best in New York City – like the plate I had at New York’s iconic Grand Central Station Oyster Bar:
That review still to come, but remember I shared my review of their fried Ipswich Clams – have a look:
That’s what a plate of them looked when set in front of me and you can find out how they tasted by clicking here:
Eating at the Oyster Bar is so cool because of how gorgeous Grand Central station is – here is what you see when you enter this iconic building:
You can get the full tour by clicking on my story here:
Speaking of Oysters: I grew up eating them, and I love them so much that I once made them three ways!
I read a terrific book about New York Oysters, and made them three ways with the recipes included…see them here!
And if you really want a unique take on an Oyster dish, try this one:
How about some “Oyster Caviar Pasta?” Thanks to Chef Emeril Lagasse I made it and you can too – the recipe is right here!
I love making wild food like this – unique mashups that are delicious and yes, unique to be sure! And Oysters are also saving the world!
Yes, Oysters are helping rebuild the world! See that story here:
Of course, for some like me, there is the perfect way to enjoy an Oyster – so I did – check it out!
If you like what you see, please click on my link and follow this blog as well!
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Categories: Bite Eat Swallow, Bite! Eat! Repeat!, Eat This!, Food, Food Travel, Restaurants, Travel, World's Wildest Food
Bite! Eat! Repeat! 
That’s a great name! It’s funny, but we have a local bar that served a great fish & chips, and I think it’s better than what I ordered in England, Ireland, and Scotland! I can’t really figure out what the difference is, though.
Yes the name is funny! There’s a great Seinfeld episode where Elaine complains about all the “punny” names for chiropractors, and her boyfriend says “no, mine is different. It’s called the ‘Lumbar Yard’!”
funny!!
I love really good fish and chips !Sent from my iPhone
These were classic British and perfectly done! Thanks for commenting!
That looks so delicious! You make me want to head out to Ivars today for some fish and chips!
Yes I miss it!
What a great name. I have to time reading your pieces better. Now I’m starving for a great fish and chips!!!
Yes the name is funny – thanks for reading!
You grew up in Seattle, I did so in Sydney-town > both by the ocean! Methinks I reached for oysters and prawns more than fish – in the ‘historical world’ way back then oysters Down Under were served natural, fried, Mornay or, if you wanted to be ‘sophisticated’ Kilpatrick < trust me to love the last 🙂 ! Fish and chips I learned to eat on my British sojourns – yours really does look moreish! Looking forward to more of your tries 🙂 !
They certainly serve up good looking fish and chips, but the prices are fierce! Battered banger (sausage) $8? That is £6.03. In our local fish and chip shop, a large battered sausage is £3.20, which is $4.25. Half the price.
Best wishes, Pete.
New York City prices Pete!
Ah, fish and chips, my favorite cheat food by far. This looks really delicious, and the vinegar is always a must for me!
Thanks for your comment, a life long favorite of mine!
oh wow, this looks and sounds s good. I love good fish & chips but it’s hard to find in Johannesburg.