Colorado sits a long way from any ocean, yet plenty of kitchens here take Friday fish very seriously. From a smokehouse in Loveland to a chip shop on the west side of Colorado Springs, these seven spots fry cod in crisp batter and pile it next to hot fries.
Some lean British, some lean Irish pub, and a couple make their batter with their own house brews, which gives each plate a slightly different personality. If your week does not feel finished without fish and chips, this list gives you seven solid places to end it right.
1. Hogfish Seafood & Smokehouse, Loveland, CO
Barbecue and fish fry rarely share a menu this comfortably. Hogfish Seafood & Smokehouse in Loveland splits its kitchen between smoked brisket, wings, and ribs on one side and a full lineup of seafood on the other.
The fried side is where Friday regulars land. The kitchen makes its own beer batter for all of its fried food, and the cod fish and chips come out crisp, with fish that stays tender instead of greasy.
A light cornmeal dusting adds extra crunch, and the house tartar sauce earns its spot on the plate.
Hush puppies and coconut shrimp make easy add-ons. If someone at the table would rather skip seafood, the World’s Best Spicy Brisket Sandwich is a bold name with plenty of backing.
Portions run large, and most meals land in the $20 to $30 per person range. The setting is casual, with outdoor seating, a kids’ menu, high chairs, and room for groups.
Friday hours run 11 AM to 9 PM, and Friday evening is the busiest stretch of the week. The restaurant accepts reservations, which is a smart move for a weekend dinner.
It sits at 1440 Diana Dr with a free lot. One note for planning: Hogfish is closed on Tuesdays.
2. Codswallop LLC, Colorado Springs, CO
The name is British slang for nonsense, but the fish here is no joke. Codswallop is a proper British chip shop on West Colorado Avenue, and the menu reads like a stroll through a seaside town in England.
The cod is the headliner. Fillets come out enormous, coated in a light, crisp, golden batter that opens to moist, flaky fish.
Each one sits on a big pile of skin-on chips, so nobody leaves hungry.
The rest of the menu has fun British and Irish touches. A spice bag, steak pie, and poutine all make an appearance, along with a house tartar sauce.
Ordering happens at the counter, and prices typically land between $10 and $20 per person. That makes it one of the friendlier picks on this list for a family Friday.
There is a kids’ menu and outdoor seating where dogs are welcome.
Hours are 11 AM to 8 PM Tuesday through Sunday, and the shop is closed Mondays. Reservations are not taken, and Friday evening ranks among the busiest windows.
Arriving a little early makes the wait easier, and free parking helps too.
3. GB Fish & Chips, Edgewater, CO
Few fish fries in the Denver area come with a lake view. GB Fish & Chips sits on Sheridan Boulevard in Edgewater, and its patio looks out toward Sloan’s Lake and the Denver skyline.
Inside, the place has an old-pub look with counter service. Order up front, grab a seat, and wait for fresh-battered cod that pairs nicely with malt vinegar and tartar sauce.
Fries and a cool side of coleslaw round out the classic plate.
Cod is not the only thing in the fryer. Prawns and squid get the same crisp treatment, and British comfort dishes like bangers and mash show up too.
Clam chowder is another good pick on a chilly evening.
I like this stop for its easygoing range of guests. It works for families, college students, and groups, and there is a fireplace for colder nights.
High chairs, changing tables, and a kids’ menu are all available.
Friday hours stretch from 11 AM to 10 PM, the latest close of any spot here except two. Friday evening is peak time, and reservations are not accepted, so plan accordingly.
Most meals run $10 to $20 per person.
4. Jack Quinn’s Irish Pub and Restaurant, Colorado Springs, CO
Downtown Colorado Springs has a running club that calls an Irish pub its home base. Jack Quinn’s on South Tejon Street fills that role, along with hosting sing-alongs and serving a menu built on Irish classics.
Fish and chips here mean beer-battered cod that comes out flaky and moist, with bright white fish under the crust. Thick-cut fries come alongside, plus a rosemary dip with a honey mustard style flavor.
It is a small detail that sets this plate apart from the rest of the list.
The menu goes deep on pub comfort food. Shepherd’s pie in a bread bowl, Irish lamb stew, bangers and mash, and a full Irish breakfast all have a place.
There is also a full vegan menu, which is rare for a pub.
The setting has a historic, cozy look, with a fireplace and live music on the calendar. Friday hours run 11 AM to 11 PM, and reservations are accepted.
Parking downtown can take some hunting, with paid garages and street spots nearby.
5. Farm House Restaurant at Breckenridge Brewery, Littleton, CO
A farmhouse setting in the south Denver suburbs might not scream fish fry. The Farm House Restaurant on Brewery Lane in Littleton changes that with a menu item that fits this list perfectly.
Look for the Avalanche Ale beer-battered fish and chips. The batter is made with a house recipe, and the cod comes out golden and crisp.
It sits on a pub menu that also includes Tucker’s mac and cheese, a Southwest salad, and barbecue sides.
What makes this spot stand out is the space itself. The grounds are attractive, with outdoor seating, a fireplace indoors, and room for big family dinners.
Full vegan and vegetarian menus mean mixed groups can all find something.
Service is sit-down, and reservations are accepted. Friday hours are 11 AM to 10 PM.
Saturday afternoon into evening is the busiest window, so Friday can be a bit calmer.
Plan on $20 to $30 per person. There is a free lot along with street parking, and kids are well covered with high chairs and a kids’ menu.
6. Boulder Social, Boulder, CO
Batter made from something brewed a few feet away is a pretty local way to fry fish. Boulder Social on 38th Street makes its own brews on site, and that house recipe goes straight into the coating for its Social Lager Fish and Chips.
The result is a light, crispy batter around the cod. It is a lighter style than some of the heavier pub versions on this list.
The restaurant is locally owned and set up for hanging out. A large wrap-around bar anchors the room, with dining space all around it.
Two heated, covered patios welcome dogs, which is handy during Boulder’s cooler months.
Group dinners and private events are part of the plan here, with semi-private and private options. The Social Loaded Pizza is another crowd pleaser if the table wants to share.
Friday hours run 11 AM to 11 PM, and Friday afternoon into evening is a busy stretch. Note that Thursday hours are short, ending at 4:30 PM.
Parking is easy, with a free lot on site.
7. Breckenridge Brewery & Pub, Breckenridge, CO
Mountain towns build big appetites, and a day on the slopes or trails in Breckenridge pairs well with a heaping plate of fried fish. Breckenridge Brewery & Pub sits at 600 South Main Street, right in the middle of town.
The fish and chips feature a large piece of cod in a light, crisp beer batter, with a generous pile of fresh fries. It is a straightforward plate, and the batter is the reason to order it.
The menu adds some high-country flair. Wild game meatloaf, cheese curds, soft pretzels, and loaded fries all make the rounds.
Rooftop seating gives a nice look at the surrounding town.
Hours are shorter than at the city spots. On Fridays the pub opens at 11:30 AM and closes at 9 PM, and Friday afternoon into evening gets busy.
Reservations are accepted, which helps during ski season and summer weekends.
Expect to spend $20 to $30 per person. Parking downtown can be tricky, so walking from your lodging is often the easier move.
From a Loveland smokehouse to a Main Street pub in the mountains, these seven kitchens prove the Friday fish fry is alive and well in Colorado. Pick the one closest to you, or plan a weekend around trying them all.
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