Fish and chips might sound like something you only find near the ocean, but Texas cooks have their own take on this crispy classic. From coastal towns along the Gulf to busy corners in Dallas and Austin, plenty of spots batter up fresh fish and pile on the fries.
Some places lean British, some lean Southern, and a few do something all their own. If you love golden, flaky fish with a side of crunchy chips, this list is your roadmap.
Grab your keys and your appetite, because these dozen Texas restaurants prove you do not have to leave the state to get a great plate of fish and chips.
1. Gaido’s, Galveston
Perched along Galveston’s seawall, Gaido’s has been serving Gulf seafood since 1911, which makes it one of the oldest family-run seafood restaurants in Texas.
The kitchen focuses on fresh Gulf catch, and fried fish plates come out crisp with sides that lean traditional. Because it sits right by the water, you get the seafood along with a view of the Gulf.
I like this stop for anyone road-tripping down to the coast who wants a sit-down meal instead of a quick counter order. The dining room feels dressy but welcoming, and the long history gives it a sense of place you cannot fake.
Parking is available on site, and weekends can get busy, so an earlier arrival helps. If you are already headed to Galveston Island, this is an easy anchor for the trip.
2. The Ginger Man, Houston
Fans of classic pub food will find a familiar friend in Houston’s The Ginger Man, a spot known for its laid-back, English-style atmosphere.
Beer-battered fish and chips show up as a pub favorite, served with hearty fries that hold their own next to the fish. The whole feel here leans British, which fits the dish perfectly.
What sets this stop apart is the setting. It is a relaxed hangout with a patio, which makes it a comfortable place to linger over a plate rather than rush through it.
The Montrose-area location keeps it close to plenty of other Houston attractions, so you can fold it into a bigger day out. If you want fish and chips with a proper pub backdrop, this is a solid pick.
3. Sea Breeze Fish Market and Grill, Fort Worth
Part fish market and part restaurant, this Fort Worth spot lets you see the seafood before it lands on your plate.
Sea Breeze puts an emphasis on freshness, and the fried fish plates reflect that focus. Because they sell raw seafood too, the turnover keeps things moving.
The double-duty setup is the real draw here. You can grab a hot meal or pick up fish to cook at home, which makes it a handy stop whether you are hungry now or planning dinner later.
The vibe is casual and friendly, more neighborhood counter than fancy dining room. For folks in the Fort Worth area craving fried fish without a long drive, this one earns its place on the list.
4. Fadi’s Mediterranean Grill, Dallas
A Mediterranean twist gives this Dallas favorite something different from the usual fried fish crowd.
Fadi’s runs a cafeteria-style line where you can see everything before you choose, and their fish offerings come with a fresh, herb-forward approach. The variety of sides sets it apart from a standard fish-and-chips counter.
I would save this one for when you want fried or grilled fish paired with something beyond fries, like flavorful rice or a bright salad. The build-your-own-plate format makes it easy to customize.
With multiple locations around the metroplex, it is a convenient stop for families who cannot always agree on one type of food. The mix keeps everyone at the table happy.
5. Snoopy’s Pier, Corpus Christi
Right on the water near the JFK Causeway, Snoopy’s Pier has been a Corpus Christi seafood stop for decades.
The menu centers on Gulf seafood, with fried fish plates that pair nicely with the outdoor deck seating. Eating by the water is a big part of the appeal here.
What makes it stand out is the setting. The waterfront deck gives you a laid-back place to watch boats go by while you eat, which is hard to beat on a warm afternoon.
It stays popular with both locals and visitors passing through on the way to the islands. If your road trip runs through Corpus Christi, this is an easy and scenic place to refuel.
6. Cedar Creek Cafe, Austin
Austin’s mix of hangout spots and comfort food comes together at places like Cedar Creek Cafe, a relaxed patio destination in the hills west of town.
Fried fish and casual plates fit right in with the easygoing outdoor setting. The focus here is on a comfortable place to sit and eat without any fuss.
The tree-shaded patio is the main event. It gives you a breezy spot to settle in with a plate, which fits Austin’s love of outdoor dining.
Because it sits a bit outside the busiest parts of town, it makes a nice detour on a Hill Country drive. For a laid-back fried fish meal with room to breathe, this stop delivers.
7. Pier 6 Seafood and Oyster House, San Leon
Down in the small bayside town of San Leon, Pier 6 sits right where the fishing boats come in.
The restaurant works closely with local seafood sources, so the fried fish is about as fresh as it gets in this part of the Gulf. The location does a lot of the heavy lifting here.
Its waterfront setting is the standout feature. You can watch working boats and take in the bay while you eat, which gives the meal a real coastal feel.
Getting here takes a bit of a drive from Houston, but the payoff is fresh fish in a genuine fishing-town setting. For folks who want the catch close to the source, this stop makes the trip worthwhile.
8. Water Street Seafood Company, Corpus Christi
Downtown Corpus Christi holds a longtime favorite in Water Street Seafood Company, a spot with a lively marina-district energy.
The kitchen leans into Gulf seafood, and fried fish plates share the menu with plenty of coastal classics. There is a rotating selection depending on the catch, which keeps things interesting.
What separates it from the beachside counters is the downtown location. You get a fuller restaurant experience close to the marina and other city attractions.
It makes a good choice when you want to sit down for a real meal after exploring the waterfront. For a Corpus Christi trip that mixes sightseeing with good fried fish, this stop fits neatly.
9. Tommy’s Restaurant, San Antonio
San Antonio’s love of fried seafood shows up at Tommy’s, a longtime local name for hearty fish plates.
The menu keeps things simple and classic, with fried fish and Southern-style sides taking center stage. The straightforward approach is part of the charm.
I like this stop because it feels like a true neighborhood restaurant rather than a tourist stop. You come for the fried fish and leave full, no gimmicks required.
For anyone in the San Antonio area who wants generous portions of fried fish without a fancy price tag, this is a dependable pick. It has stuck around for a reason.
10. Catfish Station, Fort Worth
Texas fish and chips often means fried catfish, and Catfish Station in Fort Worth leans right into that Southern tradition.
Crispy fried catfish anchors the menu, served with fries, hush puppies, and other comfort-food sides. It is fish and chips with a distinctly Texan accent.
The catfish focus is what sets it apart from the coastal spots. If you grew up eating fried catfish, this plate hits those familiar notes.
The casual, no-frills setting keeps the attention on the food. For a Fort Worth meal that celebrates the state’s favorite freshwater fish, this counter earns its spot.
11. Doc’s Seafood and Steaks, Port Aransas
Beach-town dining and fried fish go hand in hand at Doc’s in Port Aransas, a favorite stop for folks visiting Mustang Island.
Gulf seafood fills the menu, and the fried fish plates fit the relaxed island vibe perfectly. Everything here is built for a casual coastal day.
The location is the big draw. Being in Port Aransas means you can pair your meal with beach time, ferry rides, and island wandering.
Because it is a popular vacation town, expect a lively crowd during peak seasons. If your trip includes the ferry to Port Aransas, this is a natural place to stop and eat.
12. Liberty Bar, San Antonio
Housed in a striking building near downtown San Antonio, Liberty Bar has long been known for scratch cooking and a menu that changes with what is fresh.
Fried fish and seafood plates appear alongside a rotating lineup, and the from-scratch approach shows in the quality of the sides. It is a step up from a typical fried-fish counter.
The character of the place sets it apart. The historic setting and creative kitchen give the meal a sense of occasion.
I would save this one for when you want fried fish in a memorable San Antonio setting rather than a quick bite. It rounds out this list with a bit of style and a lot of local flavor.
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