The Fish House Cafe
1814 S Martin Luther King Jr Way, Tacoma, WA, 98405
The Fish House Cafe Menu
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Address :
1814 S Martin Luther King Jr Way
Tacoma, WA, 98405 - Phone (253) 383-7144
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 5:00pm
- Mon : 11:00 am - 5:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
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Leon M.
I had a taste for some catfish. The fish hit the spot. It's really 3.5 stars because the fries had a old burnt grease taste. Hopefully next time the fries will be on point.
(4)Marie J.
Only thang missin'.. is them: Turnips and Mustards. Talkin' but that "grass, pot-licka soup, salad (old-heads term)". Greens. First lemme say--I'm from Michigan (born and raised). Been here 6 years, done been to Fish House several times. My Ole crazy sister-- been here alllllllll her life and she ain't been here once? I love you sissy but you are 'adorable'. Anywayz.... When you move from yo' home (Flint and Detroit)....there IS--some losses now. Don't let them murder rates fool ya. Lets get that straight rights now. Rights. We may not have any grass, streets, electricity. We have 2 police officers, 1 fire station and we share water with 2 other cities but look here...we got a whole lotta thugs and some of the best soul food, BBQ, fish annnnnd shrimp houses on tha ' block. Don't play. And Taco Houses let's not forget that. We had this Chinese House too--'Kenjos' waaaayyyy back in tha day but...they...somebody discovered ca...t....never mind. Let's not---um talk about that right now...I get emotional. I LOVE cats. I do. But not as uh....uh fricken SNACK or a dang side-dish. Cat Snacks!!!????....Come on people. We don't have to resort to that yet...Book of Eli people. Just say no. SO--I love Washington. Love it. GOD brought me here and I praise him for that but look here....these so-called Soul-Food joints here....yeah...make me wanna fight tha owners. Just get 'pit-bull-ish' on em. It's like, like a...a substitute for real soul food. Like, like we know that Taco Bell ain't reaaal...mex...i...can food. Right? Well, most of us know that. I hope. We settle for it cause we can't all just literally run for the border for the real thing. Right?! By tha way Taco Bell is better than a lot of these so-called soul food places. Brain-Washed. Dooonn't get maaaddd...I'm jeeessst sayin'. Why am I here? I was getting ready to say something...Oh! (happens when you your fiddy...50)---This is the only place I can sit in and it reminds me of home. Ahhh... Hot cornmeal fried fish dinner, a sometimes rather 'dry' but extremely efficient lady at tha' counter, who--once she loosens up is cool as chunk uh ice. But she really don't have time to be 'moist' lol, I suppose cause she got business to take care of. A constant line of it as a matter of fact. A chick on the front lines like that--holden it down...yeah she's an owner, husbands, brothers, aunt POOKIE'S...dream. Dedicated to the golden hot fish cause. The brothers in tha back be poppin' that grease and once that order is up--you won't get it no matter what's standing in front of her until she checks for accuracy. I digs that. Digs. Tha last thing you want me to do....is have to come back because I got a cracken hamburger instead of my fish. She must've opened up a dinner and said "can I get some more Tarter... how many times I gotta keep telling you that"...if my teeth would've been false they would came out. The owner speaks to everyone like they family. I digs dat too. In touch with his people. His customer. Besides that, he and other brothers back there can fry some fish--and with C.O.R.N.M.E.A.L. Bread (Wonder Bread back home /Franz here) unless it's a slice with Durkee on it...don't belong on fish. Breaded fish is for chumps lol. Sorry. But for chumps, I think they offer that as an option for you. Shrimp was decent...small to medium. When I eat fish, I wanna envision my self sitting on my bad-wig wearin', toothless 'Aunt Willie-Maes' raggedy porch, mostly dirt and a little grass, no screen door (or door period) wit a couple of non-working Buicks in tha drive-way. Jacked up on side. Uncle J.T...yep...he sittin on the trunk--untanglin' his fishing reels. Cigarette hanging out tha corner of his mouth while he talkin'. A professional puffer...ahhh....family. Yeah......yeah...yall don't know nuthin but that there....but that's the kinna fish I like. And that's what FHC got when I need that. Oh...I had the Peach Faygo pound 'ca' (can't call it cake cause she left tha 'ke' part off. Yeah my slice was reeeal er...slim) uhhh...hm...yeah. Maybe I should told her I am greedy? Anyway--not bad. Moist. Texture though, reminded me of sweet cornbread. Not necessarily a bad thing but it's why (and I'm a heavy-duty baker) I don't bake my 'pounds' with leavenings. I like that old-fashioned, tight crumb, heavy, velvety texture. Banana Pudding. Mine murders theirs. Seriously. But not bad. I'd would buy it again. It's definitely not the traditional type which I don't make all the time myself but it had decent banana flavor...not packed with bananas persay but that may have "been to minimize oxidation for appearances. It looked fresh. Tasted good. NOT at all runny. You know we don't play with runny Banana Pudding with black bananas. Kinda made up for my tiny slice of...you got it....'ca'. 4 stars for consistent good food and 1--- for a blessing.
(5)Tera S.
I came here yesterday and got 2 fish n chips combos, mac and cheese, 6 piece wings. The mac and cheese was decent, nothing special. It tasted like KFC Mac and cheese which again is not good nor bad, just decent. My hubby got the wings, I had a bite of one and it was too spicy for me (but then again... the Taco Bell "mild" sauce is sometimes too spicy for me) but hubby seemed to enjoy it, so I'm assuming it was good. The fries were a pretty good batch. It went well with my fish. Now, the fish, I have to admit I'm a bit bias because the best fish n chips I ever ate were in Long Beach CA so I compare every place to that particular business. But here, the fish was actually very good! Good batter, not too thick, not at all super greasy, and the seasoning was delicious! The business itself was easy to find (right next to a corner gas station), but there were definitely sketchy characters roaming around the area. It didn't particularly bother me much though, being from Long Beach, I saw random people like that all the time. Not saying it's ok, just saying I'm used to it lol. The lady behind the counter was super nice and the guy cooking the food was also very nice. Will I go back there again? ABSOLUTELY!
(4)Babs B.
What a great place! I had business on Tacoma and was so happy that yelp led me here. Now that I've had this great food, I'll be looking for a reason to schlep from Seattle for more. It's just a hole in the wall with a few tables, but the service is friendly and every item on the menu looked good. I ordered fish with cole slaw and Mac & cheese for sides. The fish was hot and crispy and the sides were great. I received 4 pieces of fish, plus the sides and even some white bread for $8.99 I had enough left for dinner. Customers were raving about the hush puppies, but I want to try the okra and banana pudding next time. Loved the great jazz playing in the background.
(5)Samuel R.
Price is really good, service was really nice, and my food came out really fast. The best part though, is the food by far. It the best fish and chips I've ever had!
(5)Jared R.
This place is great! If you're in the mood for delicious fried food for cheap, fish house is the place. Also they have a very decent cheese steak. I've never been disappointed with the food or the service. Highly recommend checking this place out next time you need to get your fried food fix.
(5)Cyndie M.
I love this place. I am from Louisiana orginally and they have thr best fried fish , hush puppies and ocra i have found in Washington. And their prices are great too. ...
(5)Anny B.
Food was good but I'd say its compariable to any other fast food seafood chain like Ivars. The service wasn't so great tho. They closed after we got our food so they kicked us out. They could have told us they were closing ahead of time and we would have went somewhere else instead of eating in our car.
(1)Ava P.
The food is so basic but yet there is still something special about em. It's good and worth the visit. Parking sucks. It also sucks stopping by during he winter as it is is freezing cold inside. It's also not really a dine in kind of place although there are like 4 tables.
(4)Kristy S.
Wow, just wow! I work in Tacoma and when trying to decide what to get for lunch I got a strange craving for hushpuppies. (No, I'm not pregnant, I just get weird cravings.) Anyway, I googled "Hushpuppies Tacoma, WA" and this place came up. I called in an order for a southern cornmeal cod sandwich and an order of hushpuppies and headed out to get it. First off I should warn you...this place is super ghetto. Ha ha. It is the size of a shack, really old and beat up looking, and surrounded by a neighborhood I would be nervous to be in after dark. Ok, I might have even been nervous in the daylight being there :) I pulled up in a Jeep and felt WAY out of place. Anyway... The food was phenomenal! The girl working was really sweet, the food was fresh, and I am now going to be a loyal customer. The fish breading was super light and had great flavor. I hate dark breading that makes you feel gross after eating it, and here is the complete opposite. It was so good. The hushpuppies were equally as good. I ate every bite! The best part? For a fish sandwich and a order of hushpuppies it was $7.00! It was so cheap I thought maybe she didn't ring it up right, but she did. The only downside is the parking situation over there is a nightmare! Wear your walking shoes!!
(5)Anthony Z.
Came to Tacoma and came across this place on Yelp. Heard great reviews about this spot from Tacoma's very own Isaiah Thomas. A great place to go with more options other than fish. Only thing that was a downer for me was the wings not having any special sauce to them. But other than that, can't complain about the good food!
(4)Bobo J.
I was late the party in heading into this nondescript space...but the shack facade hides a hidden gem by St Joe's hospital. Locals line up and the prices are right for soul food with a seafood emphasis and tasty sides for vegetarians like me. Save room for redunk banana pudding!!
(5)David Y.
I wanted to love this little hole in the wall, especially after reading the other reviews... BUT.... I ordered the fish and wings, with fries. The only thing great was the tartar sauce. The rest of it was frozen product deep fried. You can do the same by buying a bag of crinkle fries at the grocery store and some halfway decent frozen fish fillets and frozen chicken wings. I was disappointed but still felt they were worth 3 stars. Then, we asked to use the restroom. We were told it was "Closed." What? Closed? Isn't a restaurant with a seating area required to provide a restroom? (Hint: Yes, according to WA Dept. of Health, they are required to provide a restroom and are required to close business when it is not in operation until it is repaired). Where do the employees go to the bathroom? And worse... where do they WASH their hands?!?!? Bleh.
(2)Jacquelyn C.
O my o my! I have found my new goto for Southern Fried! My husband, three year old and I went today and were not disappointed! The Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich is to die!!! My husband was shocked that it was so flavourful as he's from the east coast and didn't think it would be all that...but it was! The chicken and fries were delicious. The flavour is very satisfying! Friendly lady! Nice people, outstanding food!!
(4)Nikita A.
When in Tacoma their is a couple of must go to place this is one . Love this place such a good value. All of the food is really good. This place is so good.
(5)Cheryl Q.
The Fish House Cafe is a small shack with a lot of soul! I just love hole in the wall, ma & pa type restaurants. The location is a bit scary, actually very scary lol... but for the fish n chips here, it's worth the adventure! My boyfriend and I were eating not so great fish n chips at a restaurant in Eatonville and met an old man who said that if we love catfish then we MUST try what he called "The Catfish House"... After a little bit of research I finally found the actual name and gave it a shot. The room is tiny. There is 2 small tables and a side bar, sitting for 12 people max. The music was blaring KUBE 93 and the lady at the front counter was NOT nice. She wasn't helpful at all when asking questions about the menu and even when we left and we were trying to be nice telling her the food was great, she completely was disinterested. We had to scream over the music to put our order in. We ordered a catfish basket and I ordered catfish with wings. AMAZING! The catfish was so good it melted in your mouth. The wings had great flavor & seasonings there was no need for any additional sauces. Today my boyfriend went in for lunch and he said the experience was exactly the same. If the food wasn't good we would never come back based on customer experience but the food is hands down the best fish n chips in the area. I find myself craving some fish n chips & wings! Yum!
(4)Samantha L.
Everything my husband and I have tried here has been really good. The first time we came I had the fish and wing combo and my husband had the cheeseburger. Both our meals were really so we came back again, I got the same thing but my husband tried the philly cheese steak. I will probably be getting the philly next time we go, I kept stealing bites of my husbands.
(4)Gabe R.
Fried fish French fries fried okra hush puppies and fried oysters this place is sooo good! True gem of the Hilltop community and they have been visited by lots of local and national celebrities.
(5)Vince N.
This joint is small and old but it is big time delicious..I would say for the location and price it warrants a good 4 stars! I love ma and pa chains and this place is the epitome of what a ma and pa hole in the wall is. I love the fact that it's hella ghetto inside but you still see a line that goes out the door for the food. There is broken glass on the front door and I think it is used for ventilation. I'm a sucker for good southern food and this place serves up some good southern home cooking. Be warned this is a grease trap but it's nice to have clog your arteries type food. Seating is limited so you might want to take this to go. The only complaint I had was the fish was ever so salty..just a bit more salty than I would like on my food. The lady behind the counter is nice..
(4)Karl S.
If you're in the mood for a meal right out of the deep fat fryer, this is the place to go. There is absolutely nothing special about any of their fare.* Everything is frozen, the fries don't even rate (similar to the fries you had with your junior high lunch). There is virtually nowhere to sit. The place is not clean. They won't let you use the bathroom. The clientele is typically rough. I call in my order from the safety of my truck and dash in to get it. Advantage? Yup, it's fast and your kitchen won't smell. Sometimes it's tough to sacrifice a half gallon of oil just to get your fried food fix at home. The tartar sauce, admittedly, is quite good. *The one thing I found interesting was their banana "pudding," more of a mousse really, jammed into a carton amidst some "Nilla" wafers w/ bits of real banana. It's light and refreshing if a bit sweet.
(2)Andrew Y.
A win for Tacoma and the Black community. Not much room to sit but always busy and for a good reason. The fish is fresh, with a crisp flaky finish that is light in the stomach and savory on the pallet. Always friendly and warm reception and service.
(4)Sarah B.
First catfish po-boy I've had since moving up here, and it was DELICIOUS. Small hole-in-the wall type of place, with a great sense of community. Will definitely be coming back here. Wife got the large shrimp basket, and was huge and well worth the price! Yummy yummy yummy! No catfish up north compares to down south, but it will definitely do!
(5)Xaviant H.
Basically the Fish sandwich is what you come here for. The fries suck.
(3)San T.
Dropped by here on a Wednesday for lunch and ordered their cheeseburger with a potato salad as I wasn't in the mood for something fried. Overall, I thought it was pretty decent.. They gave two patties of meat which I wasn't expecting. Definitely a burger fit for meat lovers as the lettuce and tomatoes did not nearly compare. The potato salad tasted like standard potato salad you could get at the grocery market, nothing remarkable. I might come back to try their seafood baskets when I'm in the mood for some fried food. Bonus points for the cashier lady, who was super nice and friendly!
(3)Dave N.
We just split the large shrimp basket and four pieces of catfish. Outstanding! A perfect dinner! The tartar and cocktail sauces are really tasty as well. Service is very good and the prices are very reasonable for delicious seafood.
(5)J S.
Delicious! My friend told me about this place and I'm glad I tried it. The breading and seasoning they use on their fish is tasty. So far I've a tried the Philly Steak Sandwich and the Fish Sandwich. Both are so d@#$ good. The Cod and Shrimp is good as well. Next time I have to try the catfish and tilapia. The place is a hole in the wall in a sketchy neighborhood. However, the food is good and the workers there are nice. Definitely worth a try. Also the menu picture on this Yelp is outdated. The prices are different along with the food selections.
(4)Delilah R.
I'm not one to dole out 5 stars without GREAT reasons!! This food is amazing. Their prices are ridiculous for how good the grub is. Fish and chips for $6.55! Two types of breading; original bread crumb or southern cornmeal. BOTH great, try the southern though....amazing. Their tarter is made in house and it's the best tarter you'll have. Ever. Oysters, scallops, crab bites, po boys the way they should be! They've got fried okra, wings, chicken strips, hush puppies, calamari, prawns, shrimp, ect. Then you got your chicken salad, potato salad....BANANA pudding, bean pies, 7 UP CAKE!? Double chocolate cake slices. The catfish is to die for. Period. There's more, I'm not putting all here. They have everything. It's a dive, for sure. It's small. Family owned. In the hood. I wish it was in my hood! I'd give anything for them to open up a shop in some area of south Seattle....owners, can you hear me? You got something here, it's amazing and I think you need to branch out. I'll support it!! Usually, I wouldn't say go out of your way-especially to HILL TOP in Tacoma. But rule broken, go here. I don't care if you're coming from Seattle or Olympia, East or West, North or South, put this bad boy in your GPS and zoom zoom. Today I had the #8, shrimp and fish. Couldn't eat it all to save my life. Got one tarter, thought I should have ordered some extra but it was enough. Prepare for a food coma. The fish sandwich is delicous and it's a MONSTER! I'd come try this place out before it becomes even more of a hit. I'll tell you one thing, they do get slammed with a line out the door so call in your order if you're just picking up for carry out. I'm stuffed to the max right now and just thinking about this place is making my mouth water again. Get er' done!
(5)Diane S.
Locally owned and operate. Best fish sandwiches in Tacoma. They do it better than any other place. Enough fish to make two sandwiches! Don't forget to get some great sides as well. You can call ahead to place order. Always friendly curious service
(4)Raicheal P.
Only been here once so far but I loved it! The fish and chips I got were great but the real shining star was the okra. Okra can get slimy and unpleasant when cooked improperly which happens more often than not. The fried okra was cooked PERFECTLY and was super yummy. The place is popular so there was a bit of a wait but the service was speedy considering the amount of people being served. I'm definitely coming back here :)
(5)Jay H.
Absolutely incredible little place. Service was very fast and so friendly. I was in and out less than ten minutes. So perfect for a quick lunch break. They have a bigger menu with more options than I would have expected. I got the shimp and fish basket with cod breaded in southern style corn meal. Other fish choices were tilapia or catfish and a regular fish batter. The fish and shimp were cooked perfectly, nothing was dried out from over cooking. The fish and shrimp retain there natural flavors. And the southern style corn meal was out of bounds delicious. The fries werr crinkle cut with a slight crunch. All just great. Really tasty food, fast and friendly service all for less than $10, don't miss this one.
(4)Ness S.
I would have driven by this place 100 times and never realized it was there. Thankfully I saw it on yelp. We went in for the first time last weekend and it was delicious! I love the batter that the fish is dipped in with the panko bread crumbs so good, and it feels lighter compared to other friend fish. It was served with cocktail sauce and tartare sauce for dipping for the fish and the crinkle cut fries. I haven't had crinkle cut fries in years I swear the crinkle cut makes them 10 times better than regular fries.
(5)LaToya S.
So the fish is tasty but the fries and okra were not. I had to wait even after placing my order over the phone 15 mins before I got there and I got lost so my food should've been ready by the time I finally got there. Nor trying to bash the place just enlightening others of my experience
(3)Queeny M.
TERRIBLE customer service. I will never give this establishment a cent of my hard earned money again. First let me start off by saying that I am not the type of person to post negative reviews about anything unless it's just that bad. I'm actually quite forgiving because I understand that people aren't perfect. The only time I will ever go out of my way to write a negative review is if the service and/or food is just that bad that I feel other people should be aware of what they are getting into. With that being said, the food is good. I have absolutely no complaints about the food. I ordered the fish and chips and the fish was perfectly seasoned and cooked. Where does the negative come in? The extreme amount of unprofessionalism and poor attitude I received. First time around the woman had an attitude with me when I asked her politely if I was charged for something. She gave me a "b***, I know what I'm doing" look and responded sourly to my question. Before I got my food no one told me how long it would be for my food to be ready and I ended up waiting, no lie, about forty minutes even though it wasn't busy. I questioned after that first unpleasant experience if it was worth ever coming back. That was about a month ago. Second experience was yesterday. I decided to give them another chance because the food was decent. I called ahead of time this time to avoid the painfully long wait I experienced last time. When I called, someone picked up after many rings and said "Hello" with SUCH an attitude it was as though I was a bill collector calling someone's home at 7 in the morning. Unwelcome and unwanted. There was no "Fish house Cafe, may I help you?" So I had to ask her if I called the right place and again, with attitude, she said "yeah". As I started to ask her about the menu she cut me off while I was speaking and said "hold please" and put me on hold. I swear on everything I love, I was on hold for 15-20 minutes. At one point I could hear the employee cackling and joking in the background with other employees as I just sat there waiting for her to remember that I was on hold. I finally had enough and hung up. When I called back, the line was busy. That was it for me. I've never been that blatantly disrespected at any establishment. They have no shame in the way they treat customers. Like I said, the food was good. The customer service and experience dealing with these people was awful. I would never recommend this place to anyone. If you want to try them out go ahead, but you have been warned.
(1)Chalu H.
The food here is tasty, amazing, and comes quickly, but the service is non-existent and the neighborhood a bit scary. But overall it's great food at a great price. Update: April 2014: Should you arrive for takeout between 550 & 6:00 when they close, you will not be served. However, the food is still very tasty.
(4)Big Dave L.
This place is a little hole in the wall that if you haven't tried yet you're definitely missing out on the best fish ever! Good prices, and oh please try the bean pie-so good!
(5)Reilly B.
Definitely the best Philly in the south Puget Sound area...and in the top 3 in western Washington! I didnt have high expectations but it was cheesy, meaty, messy and delicious!!
(5)Kim P.
YES!!! Finally made it here and to top it off, it was to fulfill pregnancy craving for some fish and chips and YES, fried okra!!! Mmmmmm, hmmmmm..... I have neglected this place for far too long especially since I have been in Tacoma now for quite some time! I think the hours deterred me and now knowing how close it is to work and how fast the service really is, I think I am in trouble!!! Ordered the fish basket and a side of okra, as I stated it was a pregnancy craving and it did not fail me at all! I actually couldn't finish the meal so leftovers too and for the price, you have to be kidding me....The fish was fried perfectly and so was the okra and it didn't do that soggy thing by the time I got back to work, actually it took me longer than 10 minutes to arrive so they re-made my order and it was fresh!!! I will definately be back, I saw fried oysters on the menu and that's another fave as well....
(4)Ashley R.
The food here is delicious! You can't complain honestly. But the reason why I cannot give it five stars is because of their hours. I understand it's a small independent business but if you work don't work on the Hill and you are off after 5 you can kiss your chances of some delicious catfish and chicken goodbye!! It sucks because it taste so good that t u want it morning, day and night, Monday thru Sunday but that's impossible.
(4)Richard J.
So, I love the Fish House. I've been coming here since the late 1990s. This is a classic neighborhood hole in the wall. Prices are extremely affordable and they accept cash and credit. Couple of tips: 1) Order ahead. Ventilation is not the best and 10 minutes of waiting inside will have you smelling like you've been deep fried. 2) Order Tartar for your friends. The tartar is made in house and honestly some of the best stuff I've ever eaten.
(5)Tyler P.
The Fish House is a classic "Hole in the Wall" restaurant! I've been coming here for years for the Fish Sandwich and Fish & Chips. Food is excellent, as everyone else here has mentioned. Maybe I'm a fan of the deep fried food here, but definitely worth a try if you've never been here! Prices are affordable and the staff is friendly and give you a home-y feeling. The only downside is that the restaurant is small. It's located on MLK, which people often just drive by because it's there, but make sure to keep an eye out for this place, otherwise you'll miss it!
(5)Colin A.
Ah, how could I forget to review the Fish House Cafe? Haven't been to Tacoma since June and I still find myself craving their delectable southern-fried goodness in a little Pacific Northwest corner of the U.S. Delicious traditional batter, though I must also recommend the Cajun seasoned batter. Hush puppies were on point. Fish filets were gigantic, flaked apart easily, and melt in your mouth. Sides were dee-lish --- my favorite was the macaroni and cheese (with a bit of hot sauce added). The staff are utterly fantastic, though my wife says I write that just because the ladies working thought my eyes were pretty. OK, I won't deny that -- but the service was on point, and I wasn't worried about the neighborhood even though several folks warned us this was "in a bad part of Tacoma." Whatever people. Get hip to Fish House Cafe -- I will struggle to find a place similar to this back in my adopted hometown of Milwaukee.
(4)Travis V.
I feel sorry for the folks who judge a restaurant by its appearance on the outside. What this place lacks on the outside, it makes up for 10000 times on the inside. The staff is friendly and helpful. I ordered traditional and southern fish and chips and hush puppies. They were great! The fish had a fresh taste and you could taste that it had been fried in fresh oil. They were accommodating to my two year old son who loved the food as well! The tartar sauce will make you weep a tear of joy. You will need to ask for more than what they give you. This place has heart and sole in addition to great food.
(5)Wendy C.
My husband turned me on to this place and I'm so glad he did! The food is great every time we go! Best fried fish! I always get their fish and chicken wing combo...those chicken wings...something special! Also, their hushpuppies and fried shrimp are pretty fabulous too! The Fish House is one of my favorite restaurants in Tacoma. I don't get to go as often as I would like, but whenever I do, it's always a treat!
(5)Jerome S.
I was told the Philly at the fish house was a legitimate experience. Truth be told, the first time I ate the fish house' Philly, I looked like I hadn't eaten in days. It was delicious. Not just another imitation. The people were pleasant to talk with and outside of the location being slightly intimidating, the fish house is a little slice of heaven. God bless them.
(5)Abby E.
Hit the spot for all things fish! Delicious, quick, perfect temperature, kids happy. Will definitely be back!
(5)Scot R.
I would call this an excellent GO-TO for southern style fish and chips. They have all the seafood and chicken with fries done Southern style and done good. The batter fried cod with shrimp, and the fried okra was good and one of the better I've had since living and eating in Tacoma. For a small restaurant post it really puts out a lot of food. The gal taking orders was extremely busy for the 40 minutes I was their enjoying my meal. Just be ready to order and help get through the line for everyone waiting.
(4)Nathan P.
Great service great food. Yummy... I love how they make their food. I really enjoy it a lot. Cool people. And food
(5)Liz C.
I feel like this place isnt the same as it used to be. It used to be amazimg. Everythin was delicious vwhen o had gone here over a year ago. We went again and it was just ok. I actually saw the lady at the counter take already breaded frozen stuff out of the freezer and hand it to the cooks. My boyfriend grew up down the street from the fish house so he has been there more times than he can count and he said it now tastes like they are getting cheap and juat using premade already frozen food. Im really disappointed because I used to love this place. Sad...
(3)Timothy M.
A quintessential dive. Small, soulful, handmade. Traditional southern recipes, and preparation. I wanted to try everything on the menu, so we ordered a lot! Nice breading on everything. Catfish, cod, hush puppies, mac n cheese, banana pudding, okra, and more. Simple, honest down home preparation. The only thing that bothered us was it was perhaps a little too down and dirty. An 8 year old "assistant" was the one who served us, and she was playing with her gum the entire time, with her hands, and then touching all the entrees. I tried to pay for extra sides, and she tried to put my cash in the tip jar instead of the cash register. I doubt we will be back, but I'm glad we tried it!
(3)Justin P.
Fish sandwich combo been calling my name so I had to respond like any person in there rite mind would!
(5)Anuj K.
I was driving back to Seattle from Gig Harbor with my friend and we felt hungry near Tacoma. Looked up places nearby and on a whim, decided to check this place out. When we reached the place, we were not so sure due to the appearance but were so hungry that we didn't think about skipping the place. And we were SO glad that we didn't skip the place. This place has awesome seafood at prices much reasonable than other places. We were pleasantly surprised. The food was very tasty and we got chatty with the nice lady at the counter about the pictures that plastered almost every inch on the wall. I will make it a point to eat here whenever I am in Tacoma, hungry or not! Would love to taste the other things they have on the menu.
(5)Andrew Q.
The Fish House Cafe is located in probably one of the worst areas of Tacoma! It's grimey! It's ghetto! But... you'll never find another place that has the BEST fish & chips!
(5)Angela E.
Ya it's sorta a hole in the wall and they aren't open to late either. They are super friendly, the food is hot fresh and fast. It's what it is small and dive like, but its ok. They seem to do a pretty good business so they must be doing something right.
(4)Tony S.
Love the fish and chips. I crave their Cajun seasoned batter-request it. Great, inexpensive eats. Everything else looks good but I can't get enough of that fish. You might have to eat it in your car as the place is small. .
(4)Eric S.
The best cheesesteak in Tacoma, at least that is my opinion. Authentic, big, cheap, and greasy. Plus the hospital is right next door if you eat one too many. I hail from the East Coast and have had many great cheesesteaks all over the country, and this place is up there. Definitely hole in the wall, easily missed, and not necessarily visually pleasing. If you are in Tacoma, if you are from Philly and miss home, if you just want a darn good cheesesteak, this is the place!
(5)Nate F.
Fish House is a great place to have in the neighborhood. So convenient to get lunch here if you work Downtown or at the hospital. Funny I've spent so much time in this neighborhood since I was a kid and never had Fish House till recently. Well it's one of the few small seafood spots you'll find in Tacoma. Fish filets are huge and taste great. Friendly service. I would like to try more different items in the future. Only complaints are it's pretty small and parking sucks. But that's not a big deal.
(4)Mark S.
This place is super sketch, but very I was highly impressed with the food! I'm not a big fan of fish, but the fish sandwich was pretty money, and the Philly cheese steak was the bomb! The portions are huge and very filling! Don't let the sketchiness scare you! This place is your total hole in the wall that knocks your socks off!
(4)Jason M.
Love the fish house. Get the southern batter. They also have the best philly cheese steaks in town. You won't be disappointed
(5)Jacob P.
Best fish and chips I've ever had! This place is a Tacoma gem that is easy to miss but it's one of a handful of places this town that I really want to succeed and maybe even open a new location.
(5)Katie O.
Delicious! I got take out from here yesterday for the 1st time and it was so good. I got the fish & shrimp basket, mac and cheese and fried okra. It was all very well prepared. Perfect amount of spice, salt and their tartar sauce is really good too. Being that it is all fried, I was concerned it would have a heavy grease flavor but the oil was nice and light. Flaky fish, tender shrimp and crinkle cut fries that weren't very impressive. They also have a special sauce you have to ask for that is awesome. It tastes like a blend of Frank's Red Hot, bbq and maybe liquid smoke and it is wonderful on pretty much everything in my opinion. It is tiny inside so don't expect a table for a large group or anything. Parking on the street is kind of obnoxious. I parked at the convenience store next to it, bought a soda to be a customer there and went over and picked up my food order. I won't say the customer service was stellar. They aren't mean but I surely didn't hear any hello's or thank you's.. that sort of thing. It is definitely a gem in the ruff and I will be going here again.
(4)Christine A.
I'm all for an adventure in greasy deliciousness. I have seen elderly men in scooters come in to pick up their orders on visits to the Fish House. Yes, it is that good and addicting. I can say confidently that they offer the best fish and chips in Tacoma. The shrimp tastes like it's been dipped in butter, and both the traditional and the cornmeal batter are fantastic. On my first trip to Fish House, I ate an entire order of fish and chips and shared some large shrimp. This place is small, so I normally get my order to go. Service is quick and friendly enough. Discounting the average fries (you can get something else), this place is fast food perfection.
(5)Archie P.
The (frozen) fish is so salty that you can feel your tongue drying out as you eat it. They charge you for tartar sauce that hasn't been kept refrigerated and the dining-room ceiling is covered in greasy black cobwebs. Really, I'll forgive a lot for decent fish & chips but this wasn't it. Not by a long sight! If I had looked up at the ceiling before paying for my order, I would have walked out then and there. The place looks like it hasn't been cleaned since the day they opened.
(1)G H.
I love this place! I'm glad I live within walking distance of it. The fish is amazing! The fries were bland. Seating sucks! And yesterday, the "lady" behind the counter forgot to give us two tartars we had paid and asked for. We sat down to eat and about 20 minutes into our meal, SHE ASKED MY FRIEND AND I TO GIVE UP THE TABLE FOR ANOTHER CUSTOMER ! WE STILL HAD FOOD IN FRONT OF US. How rude! This was someone I had invited to come and try out TFH . His first time. I was truly hurt by that gesture. That "lady" could take a class in customer service. That's not the first time she has gotten under my skin. She seems oblivious to people in general. As much as I like the food , I'm really seriously thinking about not ever going back after that experience (except to take them this complaint). The seating is crappy as is the parking around it. The neighborhood is alright. Nothing to be scared of. I love the Hilltop. The prices are respectable. The music can be loud, but yesterday it was pleasant. Will I be back? Not for at least 3 months and I will not recommend them in that time frame. That's all.
(4)Ed-Tre M.
Great Dive For Fried Food! A must try by all! Catfish & Shrimp are on point!
(4)Allen K.
I come here very often because of living about 5 blocks from it. It's great. I haven't had anything I don't like, and I intend to try mostly everything on the menu eventually. I really reccomend this place. Believe it or not, they also make a mean cheese burger.
(5)Fuzzy B.
I dont have a bad thing to say about the fish house cafe. I am a big fan of the southern style breading I think they use corn meal. Everyone is really nice and the service is friendly. I normaly get the fish and chips and the hush puppies are the best Ive had in wahington state. People keep calling this place ghetto, which futher proves people in western washington dont know what ghetto is, yes its in what used to be a house and the area is not the best however I have seen the owners sweep the sidewalk and pick up trash in front the there bussiness and everyone takes pride in the food they make. Ergo its not ghetto
(4)Mikal W.
Oh, WOW. This place is awesome! I absolutely love places with such a tight knit following. The Fish House is almost like stepping into a family joint, you get what you came for and you get great service. This place can get busy at times, and yes, it is very small. However, I have eaten inside a few times and it is not so bad. I first tried the Catfish, it was divine, I had it fried with southern style, and panko, the southern style was the best. The next time I had to get the wings. I have to say, they make an amazing wing and sauce combination. The wings itself is pretty simple, pair it with their secret sauce and you are in HEAVEN. The fries are amazing, they are fried but have no residue of oil, the inside has a baked potatoey goodness. My favorite thing to get is the wing and fish combo, best of both worlds. Feelin like a Philly? They have a great one, not the traditional kind but still pretty amazing. Why do I love this place so much? It's all about quality, the fish is so good, it has the perfect balance of flavor. You don't get that muddy catfish here! Do yourself a favor and go to this local spot and bless your taste buds with its glory. Have you ever wanted to see the movie Training Day? Well they have it playing 24/7, don't worry, no audio so you want have to hear the vulgarities of a gangsta Zel (that's short for Denzel for you white folk) WARNING: Do not park at the quickie mart next to it. Those fools will call the towing company on you, even if you go in their first and buy stuff, they do not care.
(5)Shawn B.
Hands down, the absolute BEST seafood and fries on the planet!!! The service is always excellent, but would be nicer if they had 2 registers sometimes because they get pretty busy at times. In spite of what other reviews say about the neighborhood, my mom and I (both white) have never felt intimidated here. In fact, even the customers here will make us remember that we are ALL the same color on the inside. And hey, I've eaten here for years and never heard a gunshot yet! They offer some awesome side dishes too. Who else has hot, fresh mac & cheese or freshly-made potato salad on their menu that cooks fish this good? I didn't think you could answer that one! Yes, Fish House is by far the BEST place to get the BEST fish at the BEST prices! And huge portions. Don't ask for "extra" fish pieces because you might not be able to finish the standard order! Good luck finding a place to park! And as others have mention, do NOT park in the store's parking lot next door. Apparently they get jealous of all the customers The Fish House gets compared to them. I don't make it here as often as I do to Ivar's, but still they're worth the drive from anywhere!
(5)Kevin G.
Hear this place has best Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich.Went there for lunch.Finally have a place I can go to when feeling like a Philly.Food was great and fresh.Service was excellent and really friendly.My son said the shrimp was really good.Good breading on shrimp.My family will be making this place a regular place to eat.Great mom and pop place.Only complaint place is small so we got food to go and ate at are car.
(5)Judy M.
People have suggested that they move. I disagree. Food should be dangerous sometimes, it adds to the excitement! This place is iconic and a must go to. The fish is not beer battered, it's not parmesan crusted, it's what you'd expect at a Southern fish fry. The fish is crisp and tender, and the bread is soft, white bread. Dash a little hot sauce, and you're good to go. The banana pudding is pretty good too. The food is appropriately priced.
(4)Bob K.
Bad neighborhood...yes. Dingy looking place yes. Friendly service YES. And wow... The sandwiches were GREAT!! We had the two fish sandwiches and the Philly cheesesteak. There was noting but humming going on while eating each of the sandwiches. Cheese steak sandwiches seem to only be made right in Philly. I have had them all over the country and they are never as good. But these guys have the secret.... It's like I was transported back to PA...... The food is great here.
(5)Marla T.
***If you value customer service please read*** Without a doubt the food is great and the catfish is yummy but the customer service is below than acceptable. I have worked in service industries in the past and I have always treated customers with respect even thought I have been disrespected. A co-worker wanted to treat me the Fish House for my birthday but she was running late. It was cold outside and I did not want to wait in my car so I came inside and sat at a table. Unfortunately, my cohort was running much later than expected and I continued to sit at a table. Customers were taking their orders to go and the restaurant was not full. The hostess kept looking in my direction and after about 30 min of waiting, she stood across the room and stated that I cannot sit down because I was not a paying customer. She did not ask if I have been helped or if I was waiting on someone or anything. I am fully aware of how small the place is and I know that space is limited but I believe that she did not have to come at me in such a way. It was also embarrassing because other people were staring at me as she addressed me and I wanted to LEAVE. I should have left but my guest was en-route and I did not want to further complicate the process. An older couple was in line observing the situation. The hostess expressed with an attitude that " There's a table now if you want to sit down" and proceed to take their order. They sat at the table I was sitting at and offered to share the table with me and my guest. It was a nice gesture but I felt more than disrespected at that time and I believe that they knew that. 40 min later my cohort showed up and I explained what had happened. She was upset. After we received our order my cohort wanted extra sauce and I asked the hostess. But before I could fully ask the question she exclaimed with an attitude that " You already have sauce". My cohort expressed with the same likeness that she wanted extra sauce and did not mind paying extra for it. The strange thing is that as my cohort and I finished our meals, another group came in and the guy was looking over the menu. He opted to wait on some people and proceeded to sit down but before he could, the hostess, again, exclaimed that if he wasn't a paying customer, he could not sit- so he stood. At that point, my colleague and I left and I swear that I will never go back again. I have never been to an establishment where I could not sit because I did not pay for something and I have been to much smaller restaurants where I found myself waiting on people and I still received great service nor did I get the "eye". I love supporting my small, local, and minority businesses but I can do without all of the attitude and the poor customer service. Yes, your food is great but bad service can really damage a business. I am getting my PhD in organizational psychology and I must say this was a textbook example of why people move on to places were they believe they will be respected.
(1)Justin T.
Up for some fish and chips in Tacoma, a friend and I checked out the Fish House. Location was a little bit sketchy, and parking wasn't very convenient - we parked on a street a few blocks away. But once I got inside, I knew I was in for a greasy delight. The clam strips were crispy and not overly battered. Fries were pretty standard, and the cole slaw was creamy and fresh. Prices are extremely fair, and was probably the least expensive meal I had on my trip to the Northwest. Unfortunately, seating is very limited - I think the restaurant seats maybe a maximum of 12 customers. In addition, because of the greasiness and saltiness of fried food, I really needed a fountain drink that I could refill, rather than a can of Coke. I really enjoyed the Fish House, but I think I'd be curious to try what else is out there the next time I'm in Tacoma.
(3)Steven C.
Catfish fish & chips with cornbread batter. Great flavor and seasoning. A side of fried okra rounded out this excellent meal. I would have given 5 stars, but I prefer beer-battered fish & chips.
(4)Sonia S.
After reading all the good reviews thought i would give this place a try. I had the chicken wing n fish combo. Chicken wings were basic--good n crispy. Fish was not that good--could fry better fish myself. Either the fish wasnt fresh or the grease was old--had a very fishy taste (disgusting). Fries were processed boxed variety prob from costco or cash n carry. Not impressed.
(2)Madeline C.
If your searching the city for a great philly steak sandwich, well look no further than the Fish House cafe! It is bar none, the cities BEST!!!
(5)Laurel M.
The food was terrible, cold and greasy. Twice the price as everyone else and the cashier was rude. We will never go there again.
(1)David W.
Hopefully I just caught them on a bad day but I thought the service was poor. I understand establishments do not want the homeless coming in to use their restrooms but I look far from homeless. I went in and wanted to go to the restroom because I drove from Renton and there was an accident to boot so had been in the car for over an hour. Also wanted to wash my hands. The young lady behind the counter was nasty while telling me that I HAD to place an order before she would open the restroom for me. Even after I placed the order she was nasty and tried to delay letting me in. The food was just average. Definitely not something I would be going out of my way to get to.
(3)Tim G.
Good food, very low price, extremely friendly service. Unfortunately, everyone I tell about this place comments on the neighborhood, which is sad for those who will miss out on this place for that reason. I got the shrimp with a piece of fish, onion rings and a side of mac & cheese. My brother got the philly cheese steak. Nothing I got was out of this world, and honestly, the onion rings were gross. But it was worth going back for, especially at that price. His cheese steak was one of the better ones I have had in the Seattle/Tacoma area, especially for having provolone instead of wiz. So please, don't let the neighborhood keep you away from The Fish House Cafe, you will be missing out on something good.
(4)Brooke M.
Yummmmmm! Straight up southern food, fast and friendly :) Yes, the neighborhood is not the best, but if you let that detour you from the GREAT food, then you are missing out! Fried okra mmmmm, mac n cheese mmmmmm, fish sammich with cornmeal breading mmmmm!! I will definitely be grabbing lunch here again SOON!
(4)Jay S.
The Fish House is a dying breed - a small soul shack near the center of Hilltop with some good fish. You can fit about 12 people in here, no more. The sign below the menu is hand painted and reads: THE FISH HOUSE CAFE welcome home! I love that. Today I had fish & chips with Southern breading - $5.75. My girl, Seri, had fish & shrimp, $6. You can substitute the other sides for your fries so we got mac n cheese and potato salad instead - these are store bought, but decent quality. Sandwiches here are good, reliable, and never over $6. Tacoma yelper, Benjamen J., is correct to steer you to the okra($3); I think it's the best thing on the menu. Surprise - included in the price of your food is a drink (!). I think you pay a little extra for Faygo - but they've got it! Seri, the banana pudding expert, highly recommends Fish House's version($3) and the bean pies are very good as well. My one criticism would be they need to change their oil more often - so if you are sensitive to that, beware. This is a joint for people who love soul food. It's kinda dark, needs some work inside, and not for "pretty people". Love this place up now, because Hilltop is being developed slowly but steadily.
(4)Markiss C.
People go here often for the fish but fail to realize they have some of the best Philly's around
(4)jodi h.
The neighborhood is rough. The convenience store less than a few yards away had three guys (not together, just three guys) sitting in the middle of the parking lot rocking. No parking. Broken down house for sale on the other side. But the woman behind the counter was a gem. (the one in the pictures) She was nice, friendly and funny--and to me at least, it seemed like she really cared about what she was doing. There were a lot of pictures on the walls. Like one of the earlier yelpers said, the political affiliations of this place are obvious, but it's just "there". It's part of them and who they are, but it doesn't have to be part of you unless you're interested. Lots of community pictures. Rappers, local stuff, awards and a tv. The tables are clean and there was a good selection of "supplies" Cheap. Did I mention cheap?? It was cheap and it was good. Beyond good. It was damned great. I got the number one (catfish and chips) and a side of okra, and it was the best catfish I've ever eaten in my life. I'm from the south, and this was "still" the best catfish I've eaten in my life. Half the fish were dipped in panko and half were dipped in cornmeal and they were both so good I don't know what to get the next time I'm in the area. I think the cornmeal slightly (just slightly) edges out over the panko, but that's only because after fifteen minutes of steady eating, it was still warm and delicately flaky. The guy behind the counter in the kitchen did a great job cranking out quality food. He's a wizard of deep fat. Even the fries were good, and I hate fries. The okra was fabulous and I kept eating even though I was burning my mouth. Salty, crisp, delicate. No hard bits. There's a tip jar just behind the counter, where you can just move your hand over it and drop money inside. Drop money inside and give these people a tip. This place is as good as it gets.
(5)Heinz T.
Best Philly Cheesesteak in all of Washington State! This place is in my Hidden Treasure series, HTHT (Heinz T's Hidden Treasures) go pick one up at your local Banana Republic, Ikea or 7/11. Who would ever think that a place called the Fish House Cafe would have a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich thats just out of this world and with a full meal under $8 that comes with fries and a soda. I love to get the peach Faygo, its one of those brand name sodas you dont see at every convenient store (thats if they even have any in). This philly is about a foot long, (you can have a half Philly for a couple bucks less, not worth it though), and the meat, melted cheese, onions and peppers mesh well like a beautiful symphony of flavors. The fries are okay, very ordinary. If youre on a diet, you probably wouldnt even be in the building, which by the way is very tiny. It probably only fits 15 people max in there and thats only if people are cheek to cheek. But most people take there food to go anyways. Everything else on the menu is real good too, the fried okra, fried fish, fish sandwich. Also if you want, they can fry your fish and chips with cornbread, the way they do it in the south if you just ask 'em, I believe its the same price. Parking is usually never a problem, theres usually street parking directly in front of the building or across the street. The location is in Tacoma's Hilltop, but youre also 2 blocks away from a hospital so you should feel comfortable if anything does happen, youll get fixed real quick. But ive never seen any altercations or been shot at, plus the place closes at 6pm anyway, so most deviant behaviors statistically happen in the latter hours of the evening.
(5)Ana B.
This is the best fried fish I've had in a long time! The place gets pretty busy so I always call ahead (I heard they deliver as well but not sure) and get my order to go. The lady hands you your order in a white paper bag with 2 or 3 good sized pieces of fish over hot crispy fries. The bag is stuffed sideways and handed to you open so the fish remains crispy. They have 2 recipes for the fish, regular or Southern. The Southern is breaded in a mixture of cornmeal and spices. Personally I think it's tasty but too salty. The regular is breaded in Panko and spices, it has a milder flavor but it's very crispy and light at the same time. Don't expect seating or anything fancy, the Fish House is what it is, they sell amazing food and I rather go there than any pricey 5 star restaurant.
(4)K. Andrew T.
Love this place. I have to hit it up every time I go to Tacoma. The fish and chicken are both on point. I can't resist getting the banana pudding too. Just great tasting fried goodness.
(5)Tap Sum B.
Mother F***ers don't know nothing about fish sandwiches until they come to this place. Hands down the best fish sandwich ever. And I mean EVER. The Clientele keep me looking over my shoulder to keep them from "busting a cap in my a$$" (it's in the Tacoma hilltop on MLK no less). but man I would risk my life for these awesome sandwiches.
(5)Anna L.
The cornmeal batter fish is amazing! Definitely order it southern style. The side dishes were OK - the fries were tasty, hush puppies were yummy, but the mac and cheese was cold. Get your dinner early though because they close at 6 PM.
(4)Jason C.
Very good food for very little money. I had the Southern style coating on the fish and fries, and was very impressed with the meal. For just under 8 bucks I got some very tasty fish and definately think it's one of the best values for your food dollars. The fish was light and flaky, and the coating was perfect, crisp and flavorful. Yes, the neighborhood isn't the greatest, but don't skip the place due to the lack of ambience.
(4)Kelli C.
Absolutely the BEST fish! The Cornbread batter is so delicious! The wings are the perfect blend of spices and flavor. Go and ENJOY!! :)
(5)Donald L.
I have been here a few time and it has always been Great. The place is small but if you like southern/ soul food you have to go here. It is the best that I have had since being here on the east coast. Don't let the outside fool you the food is top of the line.
(5)Mike O.
Great fish and wings. I ordered their spicy coating on the fish. Fries are an after thought. Decor is OK, it is the city. Lots of nice folk come in and take out, small dining room. Friendly staff, pop served in a can and very reasonable for fish.
(4)Cara T.
After hearing great things about this place we decided to stop in for some grub a couple of Friday's ago - it was about 5:50 pm and we were greeted at the door with a smile, but sorry, we're closed. Dang It! Ah, But Alas, a shout from the kitchen saying "nah, we got a couple of minutes what can I get you two?" I got the Fish Sandwich (broke my low carb diet for the 1st time in 3 months!!) and my man had the fish and wings with fries and slaw. It smelled delicious so I busted into it on the ride home and I will attest that it is some of the best southern style fried fish I have had, short of home cooking in Georgia. Fries were so-so and slaw seemed store made, but still pretty good.....and the price makes it all so right! We'll be back.
(4)Tina T.
Yuuuuuuum! This place is a temple of fried deliciousness although, I have to confess, I've only had the fish sandwich because it's so good that I can't bring myself to order anything else! The crinkle fries are wonderful, potato-y and crisp. These are the best fries in Tacoma! If you love friend things like fish and hush puppies or are homesick for the south...you must stop by. I hope you'll be able to try something besides the fish sandwich but you can't go wrong there either. Here is a link to the menu: onthemenu-tacoma.tripod.…
(4)Kyle H.
I work nearby and I try to come here at least once a month. The fish is second to none. Im not sure what kind it is, i have a hunch they just get whatever is freshest, but its probably sole/cod/catfish or something. Get the original breading, sub in fried okra for the lackluster crinkle fries and hold on to your socks. Its going to make you sleepy afterwords due to the inherent goodness of fried fish prepared so masterfully. But you owe it to yourself to venture into the 'hood' and give this place a shot. Its really not that bad of a neighborhood, as you are right next to St. Josephs ER entrancejust in case anything goes down! (just kidding!)
(5)Katy S.
Everything I've had here is amazing. Perfectly cooked, piping hot, absolutely delicious. This is saying something when the place is as tiny as it is, and as busy. They are fast! And still managing to put out perfect food. The place is easy to miss until you are right at the door, across from the hospital and on a block with residential houses. However, you can't miss the mouthwatering aroma drifting down the street- I smelled delicious things being fried half a block away. Yes, it's on MLK in a somewhat questionable neighborhood, but I've lived near and seen the neighborhood day and night, and I've never seen or heard anything worse than raised voices. Be prepared for a bit of a wait if you come during the lunch hour- they get busy! There are just a few tables, and a tiny checkout counter and kitchen. What I've had there so far: the cheesesteak, their fish sandwich, hush puppies, and okra. The cheesesteak is so, so good. Best I've had in the northwest. Maybe not absolutely traditional- no cheez whiz in sight- but WOW. Tender browned meat, saucy cheesiness, melty oniony peppers. The fish sandwich: again, WOW. I am estimating here, but I can't be too far off by saying they serve probably more than a quarter pound of perfect, tasty fried catfish nuggets per sandwich. It is great. The hush puppies are crispy and oniony and delicious, and the okra is almost perfect- great flavor but I wish it was a little less greasy. If I had any willpower I'd drain the pieces on a paper towel for a minute before I ate them, but they are too crunchy and salty and delicious to do that. If you're in Tacoma and you're hungry, please don't be afraid of Hilltop. Go to the Fish House Cafe.
(5)Kathy G.
Don't let the outside of the place scare you. This hole on the wall has the best fish and chips. One had the #8 shrimp and fish. The other had #1 fish and chips. Giant portions of fish! Excellent spicy batter. The only reason I gave 4 stars was the chips/ fries were just meh.
(4)Greg Y.
I have eaten here several times and the service and food is always good. I tried the chicken wings the last time I went they were great.
(4)C N.
We ordered take out and sampled several seafood items. They were all delicious. We will definitely go back.
(5)Matt E.
OK, been meaning to go, finally did. Hush puppies are GREAT; zucchini too. Fish fillets are HUGE and tasty! Fries, made better at home. Onion rings so-so. Big portions, overall very good. Coulda done w/o "Training Day" playing for the kids to watch. Customer service, etc: look, it's a friendly, laid back place. I liked it! Not good for ya, ya better take some fish oil capsules and yer 81mg. aspirin after eating here, but it's worth it once in a while!! Stop in!
(4)Larisha S.
This place has only one downside... it is too small! Such a fantastic place should not be this small. My roommate and I stopped in here for lunch, I had fish and wings and my roommate had the fish sandwich. Both of us opted for southern style fish. Delicious delicious delicious! my fish was served in a generous piece, and with delicious tartar sauce and hot sauce, my wings weren't too bready, too spicy but had good flavor. my roommates sandwich looked delicious too! was glad to see it was busy, when we first arrived there were 2 people inside finishing up eating and 2 people waiting for their orders. we ordered, sat down to wait (not a long wait at all), and then there was a line.... and then another line, and then another line! everyone seemed to get their orders in a timely fashion even though there was a restaurant full of people now. I definately want to come back and try their other items. but this place is fantastic for fish and chips. though if they made their own fries... oh man oh man. ah aside from a larger place... a little later hours... ah but who am i to complain. definately definately worth coming to! and easy on the wallet
(5)Courtney A.
O...M...G I know that people rave and rave about the Southern Kitchen, but i think this place had got it BEAT!!! It was absolutely perfect. I had the Catfish dinner Southern style ( being a Southern Girl and all ^-^) + a side of okra. Def will be going back! My only con: was the lack of seating! Call ahead and pick up or you may be lacking a table. Be sure to go before six, they close early.
(5)Giovanni D.
This place is great and unlike I found elsewhere, the food is tasty and authentic. A must go for any southern lover! The service is super friendly, always a smile and being such a small place...only 5 tables i think, they STILL come and check on how ya like the grub. Fish was awesome, not overly breaded either...just right. The seasonings they use are very tasty and the okra and hush puppies were better than I have had in a very long time! I will definitely be a repeat customer here! Keep up the good work!
(5)Linda D.
Their fish and chips are AMAZING! However whatever I score them highest on is their hushpuppies! Haven't had hushpuppies this good anywhere but in the south! Give them a try - even if you don't eat fried foods (which I don't) they are worth the splurge!
(5)Peggy T.
Love their chicken wings, clam baskets! Just make sure you get there before six, when they close!
(4)Yipren S.
fish and shrimp basket was AH-MAY-ZING!
(4)Chuck L.
A true Hilltop dive. My coworkers found their meals to be a real value. I got the fish and wing special which was just ok. While SK is more expensive, I think its worth it. Perhaps a good option for the hospital.
(3)Justin M.
Best hush puppies I've ever had. The fried okra was great too (I recommend hot sauce). The fish sandwich had great fillets. Unfortunately, there were multiple photographs of Louis Farrakhan in the building, along with copies of the Final Call. I won't be going back. Four stars for good food minus one for bigotry.
(3)Veronica S.
Love Love Love this place. Catfish is right! The cook Ahmad is so hot and is so nice. Always greets you with a smile (with his pretty eyes). Ok so do I come to this spot just to look at him every once and a while? Sure. But the food is great too. I always tell people to visit this spot. Nice family owned business in the hood :) Nothing like it. They have Seattle's Catfish Corner beat any day!
(4)Michael C.
This place is crazy good, but let me warn you that you will become addicted their amazing fried foods. You won't find a better place with similar cuisine. Whatever you get will be well worth your journey to the Fish House.
(5)James S.
This lil spot gets my dime whenever im in t-town! The fish sandwich is awesome and never soggy.(I dont like soggy bread). Everything is basically fried here but for fish sandwiches I would have it no other way.. The neighborhood has cleaned up a little bit but I still watch my back whenever im in tacoma anyway! Tacoma is our arch enemy!!
(4)Jay B.
I liked the fish and chips. Nice people behind the counter too. That's a big plus. I will definitely go back to try something else.
(4)Savory S.
i can't say enough nice things about the fish house cafe. friendly service, low prices, and delicious seafood. almost everything here is deep-fried, but they do it so well it doesn't feel heavy or oily. i've eaten here twice, both times having the fish and shrimp combo: light, flaky cod fillet in a gently salty/spicy southern crumb crust, served with a pile of succulent shrimp in a different batter, rendering them a smooth, crisp shell. these shrimp are white and creamy on the inside; a beautiful contrast to the crunchy coating. they also serve butterflied, crumb-coated shrimp, which are equally delicious. if i have one criticism, it would be leveled at the fries. although they're crinkle-cut, probably frozen, they seem to favor cooking them a little soft. normally, i prefer a crispy fry. this place is a gem, and i plan on trying everything on the menu. they really understand flavorful food, and i suspect (from reading fellow yelpers' reviews) everything they make comes up to the same standard of preparation. keep up the good work, fish house. tacoma thanks you.
(5)Ian C.
jesus f-n chist, I was blown away at this little treasure - hidden from me for all thse years. This is the kind of place you'll go, and feel the need to go the next day, and to take someone else, just to prove it reallty exists. I had a great food, huge fillets. Obviously they are not super healthy, as everything is fried, but this is some good soul food, and it's on MLK, which solidfies it in my book, like so much cold rendered pig fat.
(5)Pete K.
had the fish and shrimp meal, southern style. very good and at a good price.
(5)Chip B.
Not much to look at but the food is great and the prices are amazing. I had the fish sandwich which was everything that I had hoped for...very tasty. My wife had the philly cheese steak which was HUGE...mmm, leftovers for me! We are hoping that the Mariner's game tomorrow gets over early enough that we can head south and make it to Tacoma so we can grub out. I love this place!!
(5)Meegan N.
ABSOLUTELY the BEST FISH ANYWHERE!! Yeah, the place looks a little scary, but when you enter you are greeted as if you are family:) Everyone might not know your name, but I guarantee the gal behind the counter does, and if you go there a few times she pretty much knows what your gonna order! Fries are decent too! I've ordered the bean pie, it's ok, sorta like pumpkin, I hate pumpkin pie, so I'm not a good judge. But the Fried Fish in Southern Breading is absolutely to die for!! Our kids go to LCA school and every BB game we stop by here for dinner taking our order to go and eat eat at the game! Can't tell you how many times I've given other parents a piece of my fish:) The fish is always fresh, very white, and perfectly done1 Doesn't even taste fried to tell ya the truth ~ Absolutely amazing! Not a lot of space for eating here, most customers get their orders to go, and they get huge orders too! YOU GOTTA TRY IT!!
(5)