Best Fish and Chips at the Jersey Shore 2026
Crispy battered fish and golden fries. From British-style pubs to boardwalk classics.
8
Spots
2
Waterfront
5
Outdoor
Fresh & Crispy
There's nothing quite like fresh fish and chips at the shore. Whether you prefer traditional British-style with malt vinegar or classic American boardwalk fried fish, the Jersey Shore has you covered.
Fresh is everything. The best fish and chips starts with the catch of the day. Cape May restaurants often serve fish straight from their own boats. Ask your server what came in that morning.
Cape May
Fresh-off-the-boat fish at the southern tip
The Lobster House
Cape May · Cape May Harbor
Iconic waterfront restaurant with fish straight from their own fleet. The fish and chips are made with the freshest catch.
Try: Fish & Chips Platter
- ✓Own fishing fleet
- ✓Waterfront dining
- ✓Fresh daily
- ✓Cape May institution
Lucky Bones Backwater Grille
Cape May · Cape May
Casual spot known for fish tacos and solid fish and chips. Great outdoor seating.
Try: Beer Battered Fish & Chips
- ✓Casual atmosphere
- ✓Good portions
- ✓Outdoor seating
- ✓Local favorite
Wildwood
Boardwalk classics and local favorites
Duffer's Restaurant
Wildwood · Wildwood
Wildwood institution serving classic shore seafood including generous fish and chips platters.
Try: Fish & Chips
- ✓Wildwood staple
- ✓Generous portions
- ✓Family-friendly
- ✓Good value
Boardwalk Fried Fish
Wildwood · Wildwood Boardwalk
Boardwalk stand serving hot, crispy fish and chips to eat on the go.
Try: Fish & Chips Basket
- ✓Boardwalk location
- ✓Quick service
- ✓Hot and fresh
- ✓Classic experience
Atlantic City
Historic restaurants and casino dining
Dock's Oyster House
Atlantic City · Atlantic City
Legendary AC seafood restaurant since 1897. Traditional fish and chips in a historic setting.
Try: Fish & Chips
- ✓Est. 1897
- ✓Historic landmark
- ✓Classic preparations
- ✓Old-school service
Kelsey's
Atlantic City · Atlantic City
Another AC institution with excellent fried seafood and fish and chips.
Try: Fish Platter
- ✓Local favorite
- ✓Good portions
- ✓Classic seafood
- ✓Reasonable prices
LBI & Barnegat Bay
Island dining and bay-side spots
The Chicken or the Egg
Beach Haven · Long Beach Island
Beloved LBI spot known for breakfast but also serves excellent fish and chips.
Try: Fish & Chips
- ✓LBI institution
- ✓Fresh fish
- ✓All-day dining
- ✓Local favorite
Mud City Crab House
Manahawkin · Manahawkin
Casual seafood restaurant with excellent fried fish platters and bay views.
Try: Fried Fish Platter
- ✓Bay views
- ✓Huge portions
- ✓Fresh seafood
- ✓Family-friendly
Fish & Chips Tips
Ask What's Fresh
The best fish and chips uses whatever fish came in that day. Ask your server what's freshest.
Try Malt Vinegar
Skip the ketchup and try malt vinegar for an authentic British experience. It's a game changer.
Go Early
Fish and chips is often a lunch special. Early diners get the freshest batches.
Share a Platter
Shore fish platters are often huge. Split one between two people or take leftovers.
Don't Overlook Boardwalk Stands
Some boardwalk fish stands are surprisingly good. Look for ones that fry to order.
FAQ
What kind of fish is used for fish and chips in NJ?
Most Jersey Shore spots use cod, haddock, or flounder. Some use locally caught fish like sea bass or bluefish. Ask your server what's fresh that day.
What makes British-style fish and chips different?
Traditional British fish and chips uses a beer batter that's light and crispy. Chips are thick-cut fries, and malt vinegar is the traditional condiment. Mushy peas are a classic side.
Where can I get authentic British fish and chips at the shore?
Several pubs serve British-style fish and chips with proper malt vinegar and mushy peas. Most seafood restaurants offer an American take on the classic.
Are fish and chips gluten-free friendly?
Traditional battered fish is not gluten-free. Some restaurants offer grilled or broiled fish as an alternative. Always ask about cross-contamination.
What sides go with fish and chips?
Classic sides include coleslaw, tartar sauce, malt vinegar, and lemon wedges. Some spots offer hush puppies, onion rings, or corn on the cob.
Is boardwalk fish and chips good?
Boardwalk fried fish can be hit or miss. Look for places that fry to order rather than holding food. Fresh is always better than fast.
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