These 14 New York Restaurants Serve Fish And Chips Worth Driving Hours For In 2026

Serious question. Why does fish and chips taste ten times better when it’s crispy, golden, and worth a long drive? New York has some spots serving this classic dish so well, people are happily spending hours in the car just to get a plate.

These New York restaurants are drawing crowds with fish and chips so good, fans say the drive is part of the experience.

We’re talking flaky fish that breaks apart perfectly, crunchy batter that stays crisp, and fries that disappear way too fast. Some places keep it old-school and simple. Others add their own twist.

Either way, these spots turn a casual meal into a full road trip adventure… and honestly, stretchy pants might be a smart move.

1. Dame — New York City

Consider timing your visit because walk-ins are limited and the fryers sing at peak hour. Dame’s fish and chips arrive with a lacquered, glassy crunch that crackles like a firework, then gives way to flaky, pearly cod. You will want to squeeze the lemon lightly and listen for that tiny hiss of steam releasing.

In Greenwich Village, the room hums at 87 MacDougal St, New York, NY 10012, where British technique meets New York swagger. The batter is delicate, almost lacy, fried in oil that tastes scrupulously clean, and the chips lean thick, with soft middles and toasted edges. It comes with tartar that whispers dill and capers while keeping the mayo brightness in check.

Ask for malt vinegar and a side of curry sauce if available, then take a beat between bites so the crunch does not disappear too fast. Service is warm but brisk, which suits the style here. If you think fish and chips cannot feel elegant, this plate flips the script without losing pub soul.

2. A Salt & Battery — New York City

Bring an appetite and an opinion, because you will be debating cod versus haddock the entire subway ride home. At A Salt & Battery, the batter wears a proper British crunch that stays crisp even after a liberal rain of malt vinegar. Chips come chunky, fryer-steamed inside and bronzed outside, ready for salt and possibly a squiggle of HP sauce.

This beloved chippy sits at 112 Greenwich Ave, New York, NY 10011, and it feels deliciously no-nonsense in the best way. Order at the counter, claim a seat, and watch baskets dive in and out of the oil like synchronized swimmers. The cod is mild and buttery, while haddock delivers a firmer, slightly sweeter bite.

Do not skip mushy peas if you like comfort in a scoop, and consider a pickled onion for cheeky tang. Portions are honest, pricing is fair, and the fry is textbook. You will leave perfumed in nostalgia and fryer bliss, which is basically the London souvenir without the plane ticket.

3. Jones Wood Foundry — New York City

Start with a pint because the beer list here syncs beautifully with a hot, crunchy fry. Jones Wood Foundry does a beer-battered fillet that fractures cleanly, revealing steaming, snow-white fish that flakes at the nudge of a fork. The chips are hand-cut and proudly potato-forward, salted with a generous hand.

You will find it at 401 E 76th St, New York, NY 10021, tucked into the Upper East Side like a neighborhood secret that everyone knows. The room feels like a proper pub without the fuss, all dark wood and murmured conversation. Ask for extra lemon and try a dash of malt vinegar followed by a sip of bitter for the classic one-two punch.

The tartar sauce balances tang and herb, and the kitchen keeps the oil immaculate, which you can taste. Portions satisfy but never feel heavy, thanks to batter that skims rather than smothers. This is the plate to order when you want tradition polished but not preened.

4. The Shakespeare — New York City

Think linen-napkin pub vibes with a wink. The Shakespeare turns a humble classic into a refined centerpiece, presenting fish and chips with crisp contours and a flaky, bright interior. You will notice how the batter clings lightly, never swampy, letting the fish stay the star.

Slip downstairs to 24 E 39th St, New York, NY 10016, and settle into a room that whispers old-school comfort. The chips here are tidy spears, evenly bronzed and terrific for scooping tartar or pea puree. Ask your server about which ale pairs best because the staff knows their malts and hops.

Malt vinegar arrives without pretense, and salt is encouraged like good gossip. The plate reads elegant but remains hearty, leaving you full and oddly proud of your choices. If you need reassurance that pub fare can dress up and still be fun, this is your proof.

5. The Clam — New York City

Order like you mean it because The Clam treats frying as an art form. The fish arrives encased in a finely bubbled shell that shatters neatly, delivering steam and ocean sweetness in the same breath. Chips lean golden and uniform, perfect for dipping into a citrusy tartar you will want to steal for home fries later.

This West Village favorite anchors the corner at 420 Hudson St, New York, NY 10014, a stroll-friendly spot that practically begs for a pre-dinner wander. The room is bright, the energy easy, and plates look crisp enough to audition for TV. Ask for extra lemon and a pickle if available, then taste before salting because the seasoning is confident.

Portion sizes feel generous without tipping into food coma territory, which means dessert is still in play. Service is upbeat and quick, and the fry stays lively to the last bite. If coastal elegance with serious crunch sounds right, you are in the pocket.

6. PJ Clarke’s — New York City

Bring a friend who loves stories because PJ Clarke’s serves nostalgia with the crunch. The fish and chips here are reassuringly classic, with a sturdy batter that protects flaky fish like a golden overcoat. Chips are straightforward, salty, and built for dunking, which is exactly what your inner child wants.

Head to the landmark at 915 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022, where the wood, mirrors, and clatter set a timeless scene. The menu skews pubby in the best way, so pairing with a cold lager feels mandatory. Ask for a side of coleslaw to cut the richness and create that crisp-creamy rhythm bite after bite.

Service keeps things moving, and the plate remains hot to the finish, which matters more than any trend. You will not find tricks or twists, just solid execution and that cheerful vinegar sting. When comfort calls, this is the number to dial.

7. The Churchill Tavern — New York City

Arrive hungry and maybe a little chatty because this room loves conversation. The Churchill Tavern plates a burly fillet with brawny crunch, the kind of batter you can hear across the table. Chips are thick and proudly rustic, excellent with curry sauce if you are feeling playful.

You will find it at 45 E 28th St, New York, NY 10016, where the decor salutes British history without slipping into museum mode. The fish flakes in generous slabs, not wisps, which makes each bite feel satisfyingly substantial. Ask for extra vinegar, then chase with a sip of bitter to keep things old-school.

On busy nights, the energy spikes in the best pubby way, so pace your bites and enjoy the hum. Tartar leans herbal and bright, cutting right through the richness. For a plate that feels both celebratory and familiar, this one delivers with gusto.

8. The Frying Pan — New York City

Trust the view to season everything. The Frying Pan serves a sun-soaked basket where crisp fish meets river breeze, and suddenly you are grinning like a tourist in your own town. The batter stays crunchy even outside, which feels like culinary wizardry on a humid day.

Moor your appetite at Pier 66, W 26th St, New York, NY 10001, aboard the historic lightship. The chips are rugged, salty, and dangerously snackable, the kind you eat absentmindedly while pointing at boats. Grab a table facing the water and ask for extra napkins because this is finger-food territory.

Is it the fanciest plate? No, and that is the charm. With a cold drink and sunset, the simple fry tastes dialed-up and carefree.

For summer nights or first-date nerves, this basket is pure confidence with a side of skyline.

9. London Lennie’s — Queens, New York

Bring the family and your appetite because portions here do not play. London Lennie’s plates a generous fillet with an even, well-seasoned crust that protects tender fish like bubble wrap. Chips skew substantial and arrive hot enough to make you do the little shake-blow dance.

Set your GPS to 63-88 Woodhaven Blvd, Rego Park, NY 11374, and prepare for the warm, old-school seafood energy that keeps regulars loyal. The menu runs deep with clams, chowder, and crab cakes, but do not skip the fry. Ask for lemon, tartar, and a splash of vinegar to tune your exact crunch-to-tang ratio.

Service feels neighborly, prices fair for the quality, and the fry oil tastes spotless. Leftovers reheat surprisingly well in an air fryer, should you somehow have restraint. For the classic Queens seafood comfort hit, this is an easy yes.

10. Captain Lawrence Brewing Company — Elmsford, New York

Pairing matters and this kitchen knows its hops. Captain Lawrence pours a crisp ale that doubles as the batter’s best friend, turning out fish that crunches like a fresh baguette crust. Chips are hearty, perfect for scooping up any runaway tartar, and yes, you should get a flight.

Roll up to 444 Saw Mill River Rd, Elmsford, NY 10523, where the taproom buzzes with weekend energy. The beer-battered fillet stays airy, never greasy, and the seasoning nods to the brewery’s malt profile. Ask staff for pairing tips, then try a citrusy IPA to brighten the richness.

Outdoor seating makes the basket taste even better, which is a science I fully endorse. Portions suit sharing, though you may guard the last chip like a dragon. For a drive-worthy day trip, crisp fish plus fresh beer is the unbeatable combo.

11. The Dubliner Irish Pub — New York City

Expect laughter, sports on screens, and a plate that means business. The Dubliner’s fish and chips deliver a deeply golden crust that shatters into satisfyingly large pieces, revealing moist, mild cod. Chips are sturdy enough to ferry a heroic amount of tartar, which is how diplomacy should work.

Find it at 45 Stone St, New York, NY 10004, on a cobblestone stretch that feels like a movie set on Friday nights. The patio hums, the pints flow, and your basket lands hot with lemon and vinegar at the ready. Ask for an extra ramekin of sauce because you will use it.

Flavor runs classic and comforting, no surprise twists, just well-executed pub fare that tastes right with stout. Service is swift even when the crowd swells. If you want that after-work catharsis in a crisp, golden package, this is the move.

12. An Beal Bocht Cafe — Bronx, New York

Come for the poetry nights, stay for the fry. An Beal Bocht Cafe serves fish and chips with a gentle crunch and tender interior, like the acoustic set of pub classics. The chips are honest, salty, and comforting, exactly what your rainy-day soul requires.

Make your way to 445 W 238th St, Bronx, NY 10463, where the vibe is equal parts artsy and friendly. The menu reads like a warm blanket, so a cup of tea or a pint alongside feels natural. Ask for vinegar and a lemon wedge, then build each bite thoughtfully.

Portions land just right, leaving room for dessert or another song if there is live music. Service is neighborly, prices kind, and the fry oil tastes clean. For an unpretentious, quietly excellent plate, this cafe punches above its weight.

13. The Brooklyn Ice House — Brooklyn, New York

Sun in the backyard, basket on the table, zero stress. The Brooklyn Ice House drops a crisp, golden fish-and-chips situation that feels tailor-made for lazy weekends. The batter is bubbly and light, while the fish stays juicy, which means you will be side-eyeing anyone who asks for a bite.

Head to 318 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, and expect friendly bartenders plus a rotating cast of locals. The chips are proper pub fries, great with hot sauce or classic malt vinegar, and the portions are shareable if you are feeling generous. Grab extra napkins because you will ignore utensils after the first crunch.

Music hums, conversations overlap, and the whole scene makes the food taste happier. Prices are fair, and the backyard seals the deal in warm weather. For low-key vibes with high-crunch payoff, this one is unbeatable.

14. Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips — New York City

Lean into the spectacle because this is Times Square with extra crunch. Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips turns out snappy, golden fillets and chips that stay crisp even under a sauce parade. You will want to try the signature dips, from tangy to chili-kissed, then circle back to malt vinegar like a traditionalist.

Find it at 1500 Broadway Suite 105, New York, NY 10036, where neon and fryer perfume mingle in delightful chaos. The cod is tender, the batter tight and bubbly, and the boxes travel well if you are roaming. Ask for an extra lemon wedge to brighten every bite between photo ops.

Lines move quickly, portions satisfy, and the crunch effect endures your walk to the red steps. It is playful, fast, and surprisingly precise for a high-traffic zone. When you want a modern spin without losing the soul, this stand delivers.