13 New York Takeaway Fish Fry Windows Locals Praise For Crispy Perfection

Follow the scent of hot oil and sea breeze and you will find New York’s finest crispy secrets tucked behind tiny windows and busy counters. I spent weeks chasing that shatteringly light crust, the kind that crackles like a good joke and leaves a lemony sparkle on your fingertips.

You’re coming with me now, block by block, borough by borough, to the spots locals defend with the intensity of a last fry in the bag. Bring napkins, a playful appetite, and a promise to order extra tartar sauce.

1. A Salt & Battery – Iconic British-Style Fish & Chips

Greaseproof paper crackles, a squeeze of lemon hisses, and the cod snaps under the fork with a clean, glassy crunch. That batter is feathery yet sturdy, the rare combo that stays crisp on the walk home without turning sulky.

You taste vinegar in the air before you even order, which feels exactly right for a London-by-West Village daydream.

The counter sits in the West Village at 112 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011, a tiny nook where patience is rewarded. Ask for haddock if you want a slightly meatier flake, and do not skip the thick-cut chips with malt vinegar.

Tartar here leans tangy, bright enough to keep you chasing the next bite.

Insider tip: order an extra piece and stash it for a late-night snack, because this batter reheats beautifully in a hot pan. If you like a bit of theater, listen to that fryer sing during the rush.

You will leave with salt on your sleeves and a grin only crispy perfection can explain.

2. Devin’s Fish & Chips – Harlem Classic Fish Fry

First bite and the catfish flakes like confetti, seasoned just right, with peppery edges that remind you of family cookouts. Shrimp come out snappy, tucked into boxes that travel like champs.

When locals say it rides well, they mean you can hop a bus and that crust still talks back.

You will find Devin’s at 2481 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10027, where the line tells the story before you taste it. Whiting, catfish, or a fish and chips combo make simple decisions feel momentous.

Grab hot sauce plus lemon for the double-contrast that keeps each mouthful alive.

Try a side of mac and cheese if you like a creamy foil against crisp edges. The staff moves fast, but there is a friendly rhythm that makes waiting easy.

Bring a friend, split a platter, and debate which piece wore the batter best. Spoiler: it is probably the catfish, though the whiting makes a persuasive case.

3. Make My Fish – Hidden Harlem Gem

Seasoned flour whispers garlic and paprika the second the lid pops, and the whiting shows off fine, juicy flakes beneath a whisper-thin crust. Nothing greasy here, just a tidy crunch that breaks cleanly.

When a spot nails oil temperature like this, you keep a mental map for future cravings.

Plan your route to 2190 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026, because the narrow space fills quickly. Catfish lovers get a peppery, soulful fry that carries well, while whiting stays delicate and bright.

Add coleslaw for cool crunch and a squeeze of lemon to sharpen each bite.

Pro move: ask for extra seasoning on the fries for a smoky kick. The team moves briskly and calls orders with a smile, making the tiny wait feel like part of the show.

This is a takeout-first joint, so come ready to stroll and snack. One box, and you will understand why locals guard this secret.

4. Famous Fish Market – Uptown Favourite For Crispy Fry

Whiting here is the people’s champion, light as confetti and fried to a delicate, glassy crunch. Salt kisses the edges, and a lemon wedge finishes the thought.

Portions run generous, like someone’s aunt packed your box and said you looked hungry.

Head to 684 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10030, where the family-run rhythm hums along. The batter is whisper-thin, letting the fish speak, and the oil stays clean.

You will want extra tartar and hot sauce, because both bring their own kind of truth.

Lines move quickly even during rushes, and takeout boxes keep the crust from steaming out. Order whiting for classic comfort, or grab shrimp to add crisp snaps between bites.

This is the kind of fry that makes a subway ride feel shorter. Walk out hugging the bag, with warm perfume trailing like a promise of another visit.

5. Fishmarket Restaurant – Seafood & Fried Fish Combos

Just off the waterfront breeze, this spot tosses out fried platters that crunch like a high-five. The fish stays juicy, with batter that clings without turning heavy.

It is the sort of fry that convinces you to order a second lemon before you finish the first.

Find it at 111 South St, New York, NY 10038, tucked near the Seaport’s clatter and gull calls. Combos let you chase textures, pairing fillets with shrimp or calamari.

The fries are sneaky good, especially when they catch drips of tartar and lemon juice.

For takeout, ask them to crack the lid to preserve that first-bite crunch. A cold beer pairs perfectly if you linger nearby, but the boxes travel like champs.

When the wind picks up, the salt in the air feels like seasoning. You will swear the harbor makes the batter crispier, and honestly, it just might.

6. GG’S Fish & Chips – Brooklyn Fish Fry With Crunch

Brooklyn’s rumble fades when a box opens and steam rolls over peppery batter. The fillet breaks in clean, thick flakes, while the exterior crackles like a crisp dollar bill.

You will want to chase each bite with a vinegar snap and a fry dunk.

Make your way to 502 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11218, a humble storefront with serious technique. The oil tastes fresh, the timing precise, and the seasoning quietly confident.

Whiting or cod both strike gold, though the cod’s heft holds up best on longer rides.

Request extra lemon if you are taking the Q home, because acid keeps the crunch lively. The pace is swift but friendly, and the menu reads like a greatest hits tape.

Add a side of corn fritters for sweet contrast. One bag, and you will be planning the next excuse to pass this corner.

7. Bed-Stuy Fish Fry – Brooklyn Soul Food Fry Window

Golden crust with attitude, that is what this window promises and delivers. The seasoning leans soulful, with cayenne warmth and a friendly nudge of garlic.

You get that satisfying brittle crunch, the kind that keeps chatter down for the first few bites.

Look for it at 801 Halsey St, Brooklyn, NY 11233, where the neighborhood walks up like family. Catfish wears the coating beautifully, though whiting is the sleeper hit when you want something lighter.

Add collards or yams for balance, and grab extra napkins for the walk.

Ask for the fish to rest a minute before closing the lid to save the crust. The fries taste better dredged through hot sauce and tartar together.

You will probably start eating on the stoop because patience evaporates around that aroma. Every bite reminds you why this window keeps a loyal roll call.

8. Bigelow’s New England Fried Clams – Coastal-Style Fry Classics

Sometimes the road calls, and crispy clams answer first. Bigelow’s serves that coastal crunch where bellies burst with briny sweetness and the fry stays whisper-light.

Fish plates hold their own too, with a tender flake under salt-kissed batter.

Point your appetite to 79 N Long Beach Rd, Rockville Centre, NY 11570, just over the city line. The counter buzzes, boxes stack, and lemon wedges wait like exclamation points.

Order clam bellies if you love ocean sweetness, or go fillet for classic comfort with crisp edges.

Takeout is the move if you are catching a train back, and the crust handles the ride admirably. A dash of vinegar brightens everything without muting the clam’s voice.

This is a worthy detour for New Yorkers chasing seaside spirit without a long haul. One bite, and you understand why people whisper Bigelow’s like a password.

9. Red Lobster – Classic Chain With Crispy Fish Options

Sometimes you need something familiar, fast, and satisfyingly crunchy. The fish tenders at this chain hit the mark, especially with tartar and a squeeze of lemon.

Cheddar Bay Biscuits do not hurt either, soaking up stray crumbs like loyal sidekicks.

In Times Square, head to 5 Times Square, New York, NY 10036, where the energy never dips. Order the fish and chips or crispy fish tacos if you need portability.

Staff packs takeout smartly so the fry holds its personality through the hustle.

Pro tip: ask for extra napkins and a wedge of lemon on the side for the subway ride. When schedules get messy, this is a reliable crunch stop between meetings or shows.

It will not pretend to be a tiny neighborhood window, and that is fine. What you get is simple comfort in a box that behaves.

10. Lobster Place – Chelsea Market Fish-Fry Stand

Freshness hits first here, like opening a window on the ocean. The fry station turns out seafood so crisp you hear tact-tact as crumbs dance across the box.

Shrimp, oysters, and fish planks share a clean, briny sweetness beneath lacy batter.

You will find it inside Chelsea Market at 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011, surrounded by the market’s lively shuffle. Portions are perfect for roaming, and lemon slices wait in tidy stacks.

The line moves quickly, thanks to a crew that treats timing like science.

Ask for a box that vents slightly so your stroll does not soften the crunch. A cup of tangy sauce gives each bite a bright snap, especially with oysters.

This is where you grab a quick treasure between errands or gallery hops. The crisp stays honest, even after a leisurely walk up 10th Avenue.

11. Fish Cheeks – Not A Traditional Fry But Loved For Crispy Seafood

Thai flavors meet a clever crunch that keeps your fork busy. Crispy fish collars and fried soft-shell creations share bright herbs, lime, and a playful burn that teases rather than shouts.

You get texture, acidity, and heat braided together like a perfect playlist.

Book it to 55 Bond St, New York, NY 10012, where the room hums and platters gleam. While not a classic fry window, the crispy elements scratch that same itch with flair.

Balance each bite with sticky rice or a cooling cucumber side.

Takeout works well if you ask for sauce on the side to protect crispness. A squeeze of lime wakes everything up, even after a subway ride.

This is where you bring a friend who swears they do not want fried food and then steals your last piece. Expect to talk about it all week.

12. Xie Bao Crabhouse – Funky Midtown Spot For Fried Seafood Bites

Crunchy little seafood bites arrive like confetti at a parade, seasoned with scallion, salt, and a hint of white pepper. The batter stays thin and lively, letting the seafood pop.

It is snacking food with real personality, ideal for a quick grab-and-go mission.

Find it at 301 W 45th St, New York, NY 10036, just off the theater shuffle. Fried fish pieces share space with crispy crab snacks that demand a cold drink.

Ask for chili oil or black vinegar to give the crunch a sharp edge.

Takeout boxes hold up well, especially if you crack the lid for airflow. Share a mixed box if you like a little mystery between bites.

Midtown crowds come and go, but this fry keeps its charm. You will be planning an encore before the last crumb disappears.

13. Mary’s Fish Camp – West Village Crispy Seafood Detour

Oysters arrive fried to a delicate rustle, briny and bright, with house tartar that snaps like a witty comeback. Clams follow suit, tender within a lacey coat.

It is not a fry window, but the crunch absolutely qualifies for this crispy love letter.

Slip into 64 Charles St, New York, NY 10014, and you will feel the neighborhood glow instantly. Lemon wedges hit like punctuation, and a chilled white keeps the rhythm cool.

If you are roaming, the fried oysters pack neatly for a savvy stroll.

Order extra sauce on the side to keep that shell intact en route. A quick detour through the cobblestones makes the snack feel cinematic.

You will swear the Village air makes everything taste more romantic. Consider it a classy crunch break between errands or stories.