15 New York’s Must-Try Fish Fries That Define Friday Tradition
Friday fish fries are more than just a meal in New York, they’re a weekly ritual that brings communities together over crispy battered cod and golden fries. From Manhattan’s quirky spots to Buffalo’s legendary taverns, each place serves up its own spin on this beloved tradition.
Whether you’re a lifelong New Yorker or just visiting, these spots will change how you think about fried fish forever.
1. A Salt & Battery, Manhattan
This place drags London straight to Greenwich Village and dunks it in hot oil. A Salt & Battery serves up authentic British fish and chips that make you forget you’re in New York for a hot second.
The batter crackles like bubble wrap when you bite into it, revealing flaky cod that practically melts. They nail that perfect ratio of crunch to tenderness that most places only dream about.
Their mushy peas might sound weird, but trust me, they’re the sidekick your fish never knew it needed. Skip the fancy stuff and go straight for the classic cod with malt vinegar.
2. The Chippery, Manhattan
Where most fish fries lean traditional, this spot flips the script with a modern twist that actually works. The Chippery transforms humble fried fish into something Instagram would lose its mind over.
Their halibut comes out wearing a tempura jacket so light and airy it defies physics. The hand-cut fries arrive hot enough to burn your fingertips but too delicious to wait.
They offer wild dipping sauces that range from sriracha mayo to truffle aioli. The portions are generous without being ridiculous, which means you can actually finish your plate without needing a nap.
3. Bed-Stuy Fish Fry, Brooklyn
Though Brooklyn has a million fish spots, this one hits different because it brings serious soul food energy. Bed-Stuy Fish Fry serves up whiting that’s been seasoned like your grandma’s been whispering secrets to the chef.
The cornmeal crust has a gritty texture that grips onto every bit of flavor. Each bite delivers a punch of spice that wakes up your taste buds without setting your mouth on fire.
Their hot sauce selection could fill a small library, and the mac and cheese side dish might steal the show. This is neighborhood cooking at its absolute finest.
4. Sea & Sea Harlem, Manhattan
When Harlem wants fish fry with a Caribbean heartbeat, this is where locals go. Sea & Sea Harlem brings island flavors to the Friday tradition in ways that feel both fresh and familiar.
Their snapper arrives whole and fried to golden perfection with scales that crunch like potato chips. The escovitch sauce drizzled on top adds tangy heat that makes your tongue do a little dance.
Plantains come as a standard side, and honestly, they’re mandatory. The vibe is casual, but the flavors are anything but, making this a must-visit for anyone tired of basic fish fries.
5. Smokin’ Joe at Urban Hawker, Manhattan
How does Southeast Asian street food meet New York fish fry tradition? Smokin’ Joe at Urban Hawker shows you exactly how it’s done with zero apologies.
Their fried fish gets coated in a batter spiked with spices that smell like a night market in Singapore. The sambal on the side brings enough heat to make you reach for water, but not enough to make you quit.
This isn’t your typical Friday fish situation, but that’s precisely why it belongs on this list. The crispy shallots on top add a textural element that changes everything you thought you knew.
6. Devin’s Fish & Chips, Manhattan
Are we sure this place isn’t hiding a secret portal to the best chip shop in Yorkshire? Devin’s Fish & Chips operates like they’ve got something to prove, and honestly, they’ve already won.
The haddock here is thick enough to make you question if it’s even legal. Batter clings to every inch like it was born there, creating this shield of crispiness that shatters beautifully.
Their coleslaw isn’t an afterthought but a crunchy, tangy masterpiece that cuts through all that richness. You’ll leave satisfied but already planning your next visit before you’ve even paid the bill.
7. Gene McCarthy’s, Buffalo
However you feel about Buffalo, you cannot deny that they take fish fries seriously as a heart attack. Gene McCarthy’s has been slinging fried fish since forever, and they’ve perfected the formula down to the last crumb.
Their haddock comes out piping hot with a beer batter that’s thick without being bready. The rye bread on the side is a Buffalo tradition that makes perfect sense once you try it.
Portions here could feed a small army, so bring your appetite or a friend willing to share. This is old-school Western New York at its most delicious and unpretentious.
8. McPartlan’s Corner, Cheektowaga
When Friday rolls around in Cheektowaga, everyone knows where to go. McPartlan’s Corner serves the kind of fish fry that makes you understand why this tradition survived for generations.
The cod here gets treated with respect, fried in a light batter that lets the fish shine through. Their potato salad is creamy without being goopy, and the tartar sauce tastes homemade because it actually is.
This neighborhood spot fills up fast on Fridays, so get there early or prepare to wait. The atmosphere is pure local tavern charm, complete with friendly faces and zero pretension whatsoever.
9. The Fish Friar, Syracuse
Though Syracuse sits in the middle of the state, their fish fry game rivals anywhere else. The Fish Friar proves that Central New York knows exactly what they’re doing when it comes to fried seafood.
Their battered haddock sandwich is an absolute unit that barely fits in your hands. The fish stays moist inside while the outside achieves that satisfying crunch we all crave on Fridays.
Fries come seasoned with just enough salt to be dangerous, and the portions justify every penny. This is comfort food that hugs you from the inside out and never lets go.
10. Rudy’s Lakeside Drive-In, Oswego
Did you know that eating fried fish by the water somehow makes it taste ten times better? Rudy’s Lakeside Drive-In understands this universal truth and delivers accordingly.
Their haddock fry comes with a view of Lake Ontario that costs absolutely nothing extra. The breading is simple but effective, letting the freshness of the fish do all the talking.
This is the kind of place where you eat in your car or at a picnic table while seagulls plot their attack. The whole experience feels like summer even when it’s not, which is basically magic in food form.
11. Witter’s Sports Bar & Grill, North Tonawanda
Hence the name, you might expect this place to focus more on burgers and wings. Witter’s Sports Bar & Grill surprises everyone by serving a fish fry that competes with the best in Western New York.
The haddock here gets a golden beer batter treatment that crunches loud enough to hear over the game on TV. Their fries are shoestring thin and dangerously addictive, disappearing faster than you’d think possible.
The sports bar atmosphere means you can catch a game while destroying a plate of fried fish. It’s multitasking at its most delicious, and nobody’s judging your life choices here.
12. JP Fitzgerald’s, Hamburg
Where Irish hospitality meets Western New York fish fry tradition, magic happens on a plate. JP Fitzgerald’s has been feeding Hamburg locals for years with a fish fry that never disappoints.
Their cod comes out wearing a light, crispy jacket that would make any Irish chipper jealous. The fish inside flakes apart easily, revealing perfectly cooked white meat that’s never dry or rubbery.
Mushy peas make an appearance here too, along with proper thick-cut chips. The pub atmosphere adds to the whole experience, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a Friday night somewhere across the Atlantic.
13. Hoak’s Restaurant, Hamburg
Are lakeside fish fries just better because of the atmosphere or the actual fish? Hoak’s Restaurant makes this question irrelevant because they nail both aspects completely.
Sitting right on Lake Erie, this spot serves haddock that tastes like it jumped out of the water and into the fryer. The breading is perfectly seasoned with a golden color that photographs beautifully against the water backdrop.
Their coleslaw is vinegar-based and cuts through the richness like a champ. On a nice evening, eating here feels less like dinner and more like a mini vacation without leaving Hamburg.
14. Ebenezer Ale House, West Seneca
This establishment proves that fish fries and craft beverages belong together like peanut butter and jelly. Ebenezer Ale House elevates the Friday tradition without making it feel fancy or unapproachable.
Their haddock gets fried in a batter that’s somehow both light and substantial. The fish stays incredibly moist inside while achieving maximum crispiness on the outside, which is basically the holy grail.
The mac salad here deserves its own fan club, and the atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between lively and relaxed. This is where West Seneca goes when they want their fish fry done right.
15. JP’s Pub & Pizzeria, Lake View
When a pizzeria serves fish fry this good, you start questioning everything you thought you knew. JP’s Pub & Pizzeria in Lake View somehow masters both pizza and fried fish without breaking a sweat.
The haddock here comes out hot and crispy with a batter that’s seasoned just right. What sets them apart is the garlic bread that comes alongside, which is an unexpected but genius addition.
Their fries are thick-cut and perfectly golden, soaking up tartar sauce like little sponges. The casual vibe means you can show up in whatever you’re wearing and nobody bats an eye.
