Arizona might sit far from any coast, but that hasn’t stopped a handful of restaurants from mastering the art of battered and fried cod. Golden crunch on the outside, flaky and moist on the inside, with fries and tartar sauce on the side.
From tiny British counters in Flagstaff to Old West saloons near Tucson, these seven spots take their fish fry seriously. Whether you want an all-you-can-eat Friday feast or a quick basket by the counter, here are the places worth knowing about across the state.
1. Evans Fish and Chips, Flagstaff, AZ
Craving proper British-style fish and chips at midnight in Flagstaff? This small spot on South San Francisco Street keeps unusually late hours, staying open past midnight most nights and until 3 AM on weekends.
The cod comes wrapped in a light, crispy batter over flaky, moist fish, and the chips are cooked fresh. Beyond the classic cod and chips, the menu runs deep with shrimp and chips, steak and ale pie, battered sausage, and a Scotch egg.
Sauce lovers get options too, from tartar and curry to a spicier cocktail-style dip. There is even a full vegetarian menu, plus vegan chips, mushy peas, and sticky toffee pudding for dessert.
Keep in mind it runs as counter service with no table service and no restroom onsite, so it leans toward a quick bite or takeout. Dogs are welcome inside and out, and street parking is your best bet.
Reservations are not accepted, and there is usually a wait during busy Friday and Saturday evenings.
2. Danny B’s Fish and Chips, Chino Valley, AZ
Right along AZ-89 in Chino Valley, this unassuming stop has built its reputation on beer-battered fried cod and a side of hush puppies that regulars come back for.
The menu stretches past the classics with panko fish and chips, grilled shrimp tacos, and even all-you-can-eat king crab legs. There is also walleye and a lobster roll for anyone wanting to branch out.
Malt vinegar on fresh battered cod is the kind of old-fashioned touch that makes this place feel authentic. Service tends to be quick, and the atmosphere stays casual, cozy, and quiet.
Unlike some quick-service fish shops, Danny B’s offers full table service, a kids’ menu with high chairs, and it accepts reservations. Parking is easy with a free lot and street spots, and dogs are welcome outside.
Hours run daily from late morning into the evening, with Thursday through Saturday stretching to 9 PM.
3. Oscar’s Pier 83, Glendale, AZ
Nautical touches fill the space at this Glendale counter-serve spot, where seafood baskets and plates come made to order.
Icelandic cod is a standout here, praised for its texture and crispy batter that stays light rather than greasy. The kitchen keeps things fresh, with fries served hot and unsalted so you can season them your way.
The menu covers a lot of ground, including a Cod Fish-Wich, a Jumbo Cod Taco, Shrimp Louie, New England clam chowder, and a sourdough bread bowl. There are all-you-can-eat fish specials, plus happy hour food and healthy options mixed in.
Families do well here with a kids’ menu, high chairs, and plenty of parking. There is free Wi-Fi, a bar onsite, live music at times, and it works for watching sports too.
Dogs are allowed, outdoor seating is available, and reservations are accepted. Hours run daily, with Friday and Saturday open until 9 PM.
4. CRISPY’S FISH N CHIPS, Tucson, AZ
Cornmeal batter sets this Tucson eatery apart, wrapping large chunks of cod in a crunchy, well-salted coating that fries up fresh while you wait.
Along with cod, the counter turns out moist catfish, juicy shrimp, shrimp tacos, and fish tacos. The hush puppies are made fresh and flavorful, and the fries come out hot and crispy.
Portions run generous. The cod arrives as large filets, moist inside with that signature crunchy exterior, and the shrimp are big and crisp.
The vibe is unpretentious and easygoing, exactly what you want from a neighborhood fish shop on East Fort Lowell Road. It runs counter service with no table service, but there is seating, a restroom, and outdoor spots where dogs are welcome.
Open daily from 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM, it keeps consistent hours all week. Reservations are not accepted, though parking is plentiful with a free lot and street options.
Friday evening is the busiest stretch.
5. Cattletown Steakhouse & Saloon, Tucson, AZ
An Old West theme greets you at this Tucson steakhouse, where the colorful, historic decor sets the stage for something a little unexpected: a serious fish fry.
The all-you-can-eat Fish Friday is the draw, piling generous portions of hand-battered cod alongside crisp salad and fries. The fish comes out golden brown and crispy, and the breading carries real flavor.
While cod is the fan favorite, the menu is built around steak and comfort food. Think Cowpoke New York Strip, half rack baby back ribs, famous chicken fried steak with gravy, and a fish and shrimp combo for anyone who can’t decide.
Vegetarian starters like fried mozzarella sticks and breaded mushrooms round things out. The atmosphere is casual, cozy, and family-friendly with a kids’ menu and high chairs.
Reservations are accepted, parking is free and easy, and there is a private dining room for groups. Open Monday through Friday from 11 AM, Saturday from 2 PM, and closed Sundays.
6. Prescott Junction, Prescott, AZ
Comfort food is the whole point at this family-friendly Prescott restaurant, where the Friday fish fry shares the spotlight with breakfast plates and home-style classics.
Friday brings all-you-can-eat shrimp and fish, featuring Icelandic cod. Pair that with the all-you-can-eat salad bar and it is genuinely hard to leave hungry.
The rest of the menu leans hearty and familiar, with Junction pot roast, Rocky Mountain trout, chicken broccoli alfredo, and the Wild West bacon cheeseburger. Portions run generous across the board.
Breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner are all served, so this is a flexible stop no matter the hour. There is great coffee, dessert, and a strong tea selection too.
It stays casual and cozy, with a kids’ menu, high chairs, and room for groups. Reservations are not accepted, but parking is plentiful.
Hours run 7 AM to 8 PM Monday through Saturday and 7 AM to 7 PM Sunday, when it gets busiest.
7. Mandy’s Fish & Chips, Avondale, AZ
Homemade sauces make a quiet difference at this Avondale spot, where fried cod, crispy catfish, and shrimp arrive with crinkle-cut fries, cocktail sauce, and a well-loved red sauce and tartar.
The batter stays light and lightly seasoned, letting fresh-cut fish do the talking. You can get cod, catfish, or tilapia, and the cornmeal catfish is a favorite for its moist, tender inside and crunchy outside.
The menu keeps it approachable with clam strips, hush puppies, buffalo chicken wings, and a cheeseburger for the non-fish crowd. Portions are cooked to order, and the fish comes out well seasoned and properly breaded.
A drive-through sets Mandy’s apart from most fish shops, making it handy for takeout on a busy day. Catering is available too, along with delivery and dine-in seating.
It stays casual, quiet, and family-friendly with a kids’ menu and high chairs. Parking is easy and free.
Hours run daily, with Friday and Saturday open until 9 PM.
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