Arizona sits far from any ocean, but that does not stop its cooks from serving up some seriously good fried fish and chips. From family seafood shops in Phoenix to lakeside spots up north, this desert state has plenty of places where a golden battered fillet and a pile of fries wait for hungry drivers.
Whether you want cod, haddock, or a British pub classic, there is a plate out there for you. Here are twelve Arizona restaurants where the fish and chips make the trip feel completely reasonable, no matter how many highway miles it takes to get there.
1. The Sea Saw, Scottsdale, Arizona
Small plates and seafood take center stage at this Scottsdale spot in the Old Town area. The kitchen leans into fresh fish, which makes it a smart choice for anyone who likes their fried fillet to taste clean and modern.
The setting is intimate and casual, so it works well for a relaxed meal after wandering through the shops and galleries nearby. Parking around Old Town Scottsdale is easy to find, which is a bonus if you are driving in from out of town.
I like this stop because it treats seafood with real care in a place where you might not expect it. If you want fish and chips that feel a step above the usual basket, this is a good place to start your Arizona fish crawl.
2. Duck and Decanter, Phoenix, Arizona
Open since 1972, Duck and Decanter has become a familiar name along Camelback Road in Phoenix. The deli and cafe built its reputation on sandwiches, but its casual menu and long history make it a comfortable stop for a sit-down meal.
The shady patio is one of the best reasons to visit, especially when Phoenix weather cooperates. Regulars have kept this place going for decades, which says a lot about its steady, dependable food.
Half a century in business is no small thing in the restaurant world. For anyone touring Phoenix and wanting a laid-back lunch spot with roots, this longtime cafe fits the bill.
3. George and Dragon English Restaurant and Pub, Phoenix, Arizona
Craving a proper British plate in the middle of the desert? The George and Dragon on Central Avenue has served Phoenix diners looking for English comfort food for many years.
Fish and chips are a menu staple here, done in the traditional British style with a thick fillet and a heap of fries. The pub theme leans hard into its English roots, with plenty of soccer fans gathering to watch matches.
The atmosphere feels genuinely old-country, which sets it apart from a typical American seafood shop. If you want fish and chips served the way they do it across the pond, this Central Phoenix mainstay delivers the real thing.
4. The Rusty Spur Saloon, Scottsdale, Arizona
Housed in a former bank building from the 1920s, the Rusty Spur is one of the most recognizable spots in Old Town Scottsdale. The Western theme and live music give it a personality all its own.
Comfort food fills the menu, and the fried offerings pair well with the boot-stomping vibe of the place. It draws a lively mix of tourists and locals who come as much for the fun as the food.
A saloon with this much history makes an easy landmark when you are exploring the historic district. Come for the atmosphere and the classic bar-style bites, and stay for the music.
5. Point in Tyme, Payson, Arizona
Up in the pines of Payson sits a family restaurant that regulars have counted on for years. Point in Tyme keeps a broad menu of American comfort food that suits a mountain-town appetite.
Its location in Rim Country makes it a natural stop for anyone heading up to cooler elevations or driving the scenic route north. The setting alone is a nice change from the desert floor.
Fried classics and hearty portions fit right in with the outdoorsy crowd passing through. If a mountain drive is on your agenda, this Payson kitchen is worth building into the trip.
6. Ivano’s Restaurant, Bullhead City, Arizona
Bullhead City sits right along the Colorado River, and Ivano’s has served this river town for a long stretch. The menu blends Italian dishes with familiar American plates, so there is variety beyond the fried fish.
The riverside location makes it a convenient stop for travelers coming to enjoy the water or passing through on the way to Laughlin. Family-run kitchens like this one tend to keep things steady and welcoming.
Being close to the river gives the whole area a resort feel, and a good plate of fish and chips fits the setting. For a Colorado River road trip, this one earns a spot on the map.
7. The Filling Station, Prescott, Arizona
Prescott’s cooler mountain climate makes it a favorite escape, and this town has a strong lineup of casual eateries. A hearty plate of fried fish suits the crisp air and small-town pace here.
The historic downtown around Courthouse Plaza is easy to explore on foot, so a fried lunch fits right into a day of browsing shops and walking Whiskey Row’s sidewalks. Prescott’s walkable core is part of the draw.
Mountain towns and comfort food go together, and Prescott has plenty of both. Make it a base for a northern Arizona day trip and reward yourself with a golden fillet.
8. Crackers and Co. Cafe, Mesa, Arizona
Mesa’s Crackers and Co. has built a loyal following for its homestyle breakfasts and lunches. The generous portions are a big part of why people keep coming back.
The cafe menu covers a wide range of American comfort dishes, giving you plenty of choices beyond seafood. That flexibility makes it a good pick for a group that cannot agree on one thing.
Homestyle cooking done well is harder to find than it sounds. For a filling meal in the East Valley, this friendly Mesa cafe is a dependable choice.
9. Tempe Town Lake area seafood, Tempe, Arizona
Tempe Town Lake gives this college city a rare waterfront setting, and dining near the lake comes with views most Arizona meals cannot match. A plate of fish and chips feels right at home beside the water.
The area buzzes with students and visitors thanks to nearby Arizona State University and the walking paths along the lake. Parking and access are straightforward, which helps if you are new to the area.
Waterfront dining is a treat in a landlocked state, so it is worth seeking out. Pair a fried seafood plate with a stroll along the lake and you have an easy afternoon.
10. El Charro Cafe, Tucson, Arizona
Operating since 1922, El Charro Cafe holds the title of one of the oldest continuously family-run Mexican restaurants in the country. Its Tucson roots run deep, and the historic building is a landmark in itself.
While the menu is best known for Sonoran-style Mexican dishes, the kitchen’s long track record shows a serious commitment to quality. A century of cooking gives this place a story few others can match.
Tucson’s food scene has earned national attention, and El Charro is a big part of that reputation. For anyone touring southern Arizona, this historic cafe is a landmark meal.
11. That Brewery and Pub, Pine, Arizona
Tucked in the small mountain community of Pine, this pub sits along the scenic route through Rim Country. The ponderosa pine setting makes the drive itself part of the appeal.
Pub fare fills the menu, and fried classics fit the casual, outdoorsy crowd that stops in after hiking or exploring the area. The cool elevation is a welcome break from the valley heat.
Small mountain towns like Pine give road trips a sense of discovery. For a northern Arizona drive, this pub makes a fitting midway stop.
12. Grand Canyon Coffee and Cafe, Williams, Arizona
Williams calls itself the Gateway to the Grand Canyon, and its Route 66 main street is full of character. A stop here fits perfectly into a canyon-bound road trip.
The cafe scene in Williams caters to travelers heading north, offering casual meals to fuel the last leg of the drive. The historic downtown keeps its old Route 66 charm alive.
Ending the list in Williams makes sense, since so many Arizona journeys pass through here. Grab a hearty plate before the final push to one of the world’s great natural wonders.
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