4. Restaurants

The Anchor Fish & Chips

302 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN, 55413
  • (612) 676-1300
  • Store is closed

The Anchor Fish & Chips Menu

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  • Jen B.

    Stopped in last night for just the chips. Fantastic. If they are any indication of the rest of the menu, Anchor is headed for battered-and-fried greatness. Hang on, the wait is out the door? Looks like they are already there. Sadly, I'm not the type to wait an hour for fried fish.

    (4)

  • Brian H.

    Way too busy on a Friday night to wait for a table, so we got take-away (hint: place your order at the empty register at the end of the bar, about halfway through the restaurant). Everyone we talked to was really nice, and at home we discovered the food was great. One order of fish and chips could easily feed two people. We'll definitely be back - maybe to try out table service, on a weekday afternoon or something.

    (4)

  • Beverly L.

    I think that Anchor has a few things going really well for it: the food is cheap, bountiful, and decent. I tried the signature fish n' chips on my visit, and I found the fish to be kind of bland. I had a few bites of my fried fillet that seemed to be sea-salted. Those bites were good! Where was the rest of the sea salt on the other bites? Also, the location and space is tops. I love that this place is slightly off the beaten path of University Ave, but close enough to the heart of the action that you can see the lights from the Modern Cafe sparkling down 13th. The interior is cute, with vaulted ceilings and exposed timber. Another good point: $3 beers (not all of them, some). I think I had high expectations, and as a result I wasn't 'wow'ed with my fish n' chips. The Chips were quite soggy, and I enjoyed them when doused in vinegar (but not before the dousing). Granted, I'm not the type to normally order fish n' chips on a whim- I decided to order them because when you go to a place with a food in the title, you GET that food. I just wish in retrospect I had tried a pastie, toasty, or veggie burger from Mill City instead.

    (3)

  • Jess L.

    The wait that everyone has been talking about is very real, but it's also worth it! The food is served hot and delicious, and the portions are generous. Service was prompt and friendly. My boyfriend has been three times already and he loves it. The first time, he got the fish and chips, the second, the meat pastie with chips, and last night, the shepherd's pie. All three have received rave reviews from him. :) Pricing feels cheap for what you get--great food, good beer, and a fun atmosphere. Be sure to check this place out! :)

    (5)

  • Ashley F.

    I am underwhelmed. We didn't have to wait at all, but the wait for the food was pretty long. The fish was pretty good, but the areas it wasn't touching the batter tasted like Kindergarten paste. The fries were good, but not great. Service was decent, but not great. Overall..Perfectly A-Ok experience. Nothing I'd really make my way over to NE for again anytime soon.

    (3)

  • Anna L.

    Great food and drink! Nice place to have a beer. Loved the veggie burger! Even my son ate half of it!!!

    (4)

  • Mark C.

    Excellent food, great service. Nice selection of beer and wine. I've had the fish and chips. Can't go wrong there. Also had breakfast. Just as good!

    (5)

  • Alison M.

    The first time I ate at Anchor Fish & Chips, I was blown away. The fish & chips are certainly done right--gigantic crispy fish pieces to happily munch and oversized fries with matching crunch. The mushy peas which were a buttery mash of vegetable goodness in a cup. My buddy the mayor must have agreed since I saw him walk out the door as I was waiting for a seat and he mentioned "it was really good". Thanks for concurring R.T.! The second time I went to Anchor, I was a little less starry-eyed. The food was still amazing, so no fail there. The limited beer selection was...well...limiting and this time I noticed. I ordered the curry sauce (and paid an extra $3 for it I might add) and although it was what it claimed to be, the runny/chunky applesauce consistency failed to stick to any of the food I dipped in it. I'm not complaining though, since the flavor wasn't anything I'd want near my fish or chips again. Plus, the cup it comes in is much too large--probably to justify the price tag. With such a small menu, I'd imagine they would work harder on their curry sauce. Still, sitting out front at the tiny date-sized table was enjoyable enough with the decent weather.

    (3)

  • M L.

    Great fish and chips, hard to find. service was good, comfortable surroundings. Came for breakfast, but to me - yech, so waited a few min for lunch. Very limited breakfast menu, but i am sure what they do, they do well. Place did not fill up till after 1, i'm sure for the fish.

    (4)

  • Geoffrey R.

    I've had a very hard time getting a table here so I've only been once but - wow, I would say this is probably my favorite fish and chips joint stateside - I just wish it was a bit bigger and the waits (often close to an hour or longer were a bit less). My advice: put your name and go to the Peacock Lounge or the 331 Club for a drink. Come back and enjoy. Terrific fish and chips. Terrific Guiness. A really terrific experience (and ask for more tarter sauce).

    (4)

  • Bo T.

    After some raving reviews from fellow Yelpers my husband and I decided to make our way to NE Mpls for fish and chips. It was a long wait, but we decided to wait. We got our drinks and watched the room at work - people seemed to be enjoying the food in the easy atmosphere. It was super busy, but the openness of the room made it feel relaxing enough that the diners seemed to take their time - not a bad thing I guess. A good sign - I did not see anyone order anything else but the fish and chips - a very good sign that the signature dish would be good. After about an hour, we were seated at the counter. We both ordered the fish and chips thinking we could finish with our empty stomaches. Our platters came and the fish was a HUGE - we should've shared. Nicely battered, the fish cooked just right - with just a hint of salt. My only reason for giving the place 3 stars is that my fries were soggy. I have a thing about soggy fries. Yes, yes - I know they are just a side, but crispy fries are a must for me.

    (3)

  • Erin A.

    I just can't get into this place, even though the owners are friends of friends. I love the ambiance, the people, and the drinks...but the food just isn't my style. And for any restaurant, I have to really like the food. That said..... You should probably either really enjoy Irish fare or vinegar a lot before hitting up The Anchor....of which I am not a fan. It just all seems so bland. From my friends that enjoy both of the above, they claim the food is very authentic Irish food and its supposed to be bland. I've been there a few times now and have ordered breakfast (which is 4 stars) the shepherds pie (3 stars) and the fish (3 stars). I would probably be more likely to go there for a late night drink or breakfast when I'm not so hungry.

    (3)

  • Meg L.

    OK, so we hit this joint up at prime time on Friday night. We cruised in and got on the waiting list, she said 20-40 or something. Fabu. Went across the street to the 331, had a beer, (Surly in a can, rad) and came back. Server was friendly, menu was cheap, beer came fast, fried fishes and potatoes ensued. Fish was amazing and dissapeared rather quickly. I dont know where it went. At any rate, its a welcoming place, especially on a chilly night and they have Guiness and as I stated before, fried fish, so really, its a win/win.

    (4)

  • Eric J.

    Arrive early -- both times I've been there it was extremely busy. Anchor features a good range of drinks and the essential Fish & Chips favorites. My wife and I shared the Fish & Chips as I'm not sure one human should consume that much fried food in one sitting (as tasty as it is...) Would liked to have had malt vinegar with the meal and the waiting area is pretty cramped--you can't wait outside in MN winters--but overall I'm thrilled to see this place open up in one of my favorite NE neighborhoods.

    (4)

  • Kirk J.

    I went here because a friend and I were at Cooper a few weeks ago and I wanted to get the curry chips there and she said the best were at Anchor...having heard about it a few times and never been, I really wanted to go. Not a huge fish 'n chips fan, but sometimes I get the crave. So I had the deep fried sausage which is basically a sausage in the same batter as the fish. And I got a side of curry with my chips. First thing to note, they'll only sell you beers if you order food. That's fair enough, but just so you know. The beers are CHEAP. $3 - $4.50 for everything, and they have kilkenny on tap, which is delicious. Highly recommended. Not a wide beer selection, but adequate. Deep fried sausage was good...sausage had good flavor...the batter wasn't overly thick, so it didn't exactly change the profile of it much. I wish more batter would adhere to it, because that's what I love, but very tasty sausage! Each getting food and two beers (wine for my friend) we got out with tax and tip for $40. That makes me give this place two huge enthusiastic thumbs up, and I'll return for sure to try the fish and chips and the burgers... The ranking encompasses that it's not the best food in the WORLD, but great food at an excellent value and with a solid atmosphere.

    (5)

  • Elise S.

    I live near The Anchor. Everynight on the way home from orchestra rehearsal, I longingly passed its newspaper-covered windows and dreamed of having a cozy, tasty spot mere minutes from my place. After many patient weeks, they have finally opened and, if I may say so, it was well worth the wait. My husband and I ignored that it was opening night and told each other that if the wait was anything less than an hour and they would let you have a beer, we were going to eat there - come hell or high water. So we checked in with the exceptionally cheerful hostess and waited our 30-45 minutes, pints of Harp in hand. We finally get seated and order two fish and chips, with a side of gravy for our chips. Let me say this now: if the fish and chips are always this good, I will weigh 600 lbs by the end of winter. Guaranteed. Now here's the kicker where you will undoubtedly judge me as the world's most gluttonous girl. We finished our meal and realized, gosh that was really good, we're having a great time, and are both just a bit hungry. "Let's split something else." I have literally never ordered more food after eating a meal - well, save for 112 Eatery and the very occasional dessert. That is my shameful admission to all of the readers of this review. So we got the pasty. YUM! Most of the pasties you encounter are of the baked-North Shore variety, chock full of meat, potatoes, peas, carrots, celery, rutabaga, and are super dry. But The Anchor fries theirs and it ends up succulent, moist, and probably very bad for your arteries. (Trust me - I was no longer hungry after this rib-sticker!) Besides the wait, I can find very little fault with The Anchor. I know it's still finding its direction and settling in, but I was a little thrown by the portion sizes. On my fish and chips, I got a relatively small filet and about six chips; my husband got a much larger filet and more than double the number of chips; the table next to us had baskets that were practically overflowing! Brunch opens up next weekend and I'm looking forward to trying it out! Also intriguing: they do take away. I will definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Katie L.

    We love this place. It can be a headache to try and get in on weekend nights because they don't take reservations, but we didn't wait longer than 30 minutes on a packed Friday night to get seated. If there is only a party of 2 (we were 4), it's MUCH faster. But the service is really friendly, so it doesn't make the wait so bad. And there's a cute little seating area in the back with books to wait. How adorably Irish-pub like is that?!? Reminded me of being in Dublin. We have only had the fish & chips and the cheeseburger. Both are so tasty. I love that the vinegar is white vinegar and not malt vinegar served on the table. The burger was CRAZY GOOD, I didn't expect it. It's definitely in my top 3 for burgers. And the fish & chips, well, just delicious. The end.

    (5)

  • Logan O.

    Went here with the missus last weekend. The fish and chips? Above average, but not as fantastic as I was told. The fish left a bit to be desired, but the batter and chips were very good. Enter the highlight of the visit: pastie and chips. I had never had one that wasn't in a pastry shell and stuffed with cubed tubers. This one is like a mashed potato patty that is mixed with carrots and meat, battered and then deep fried. It was most excellent. To those of you that think that the (fried) food is too greasy - Where have you gotten fish and chips that aren't?

    (4)

  • Lindsey C.

    I've been meaning to eat here ever since the place opened. It seems like one of those places that you will forget about until you get there. And when you get there... you'll definitely be back! Service is friendly. We split and order of the Fish and Chips and went with a burger based on the good reviews I've read in City Pages and elsewhere. The burger was well cooked, and the Irish Cheddar was perfectly melted on a fresh-toasted-just-right bun. I love a burger where there is no need for condiments. Trust me, there is no need. The Fish and Chips were fabulous! They truly live up to the hype. Battered with just enough batter that it doesn't kill the fish, and the fish was light and flaky. Get the homemade tartar. What's 0.50 cents? Washed down with Harp on tap... 4 stars just because the hours are weird. Check online before you go. Great neighborhood joint.

    (4)

  • Keith M.

    My fish & chips experiences have been few and far between and mostly took place at some national chain. Even so, I know quality when I taste it and there's no question about the freshness of the ingredients here. The batter is fried perfectly golden and crunchy and the chips satisfy any remaining craving for fried food. The fish itself is firm: no mushy layer of fish and batter here like when you heat up some frozen battered fish fillets. Once you've had fish and chips here, you just won't be able to go back to cheaper, inferior alternatives. This is one of numerous reasons why 13th Ave is one of the best streets in the city.

    (5)

  • Tim H.

    OK. So I went back. What I'm about to say should not be taken with a grain of salt. I had the Fish and Chips and it was, honestly, the best Fish and Chips I've had since living in Dublin, Ireland. So good. Also, got a side of curry sauce and was in heaven. A much better experience for dinner than for breakfast. For that, you get another star.

    (4)

  • Jay C.

    This may change in the future when my first experience isnt a friday night, while this new place is shoulder to shoulder 1 hour wait and pushing out fried fish as absolutely as fast as the poor guys could make it. I had the burger and gladly will say WOW! Its big its new and the egg makes for a new style of burger I never had before. I would have loved a better beer selection to compliment the burger, but oh well. Now, my friend had the fish and chips...Maybe Eden Prairie H.S. had better food than my H.S., but he made the statement at the end of the meal that it was High School Fish and Fries..."At least the price wasn't bad" Is how he ended his meal?? Under the circumstances, they certainly deserve another shot...once the novelty wears off!

    (2)

  • Val B.

    I went back and didn't get sick. Anchor, you just gained a star. Also, you should try the curry sauce. Even better than gravy.

    (4)

  • Tiffiny C.

    I went in two weeks ago, and left blissfully full. I loved how the waiting area was in the back of the restaurant, and you could get a pint up front (remember: no liquor license. beer and wine only), and then stay warm in the back. Very cozy. I ordered the fish and chips ($8.50), and a side of curry ($4.00. Worth it). I loved how it was very traditional in being a full fried fillet, not pieces, and the fries were steak cut. nom nom nom. Not veg friendly at all, which the waitress was apologetic for, but said to be truly authentic they couldn't be veg (everything is friend in beef lard? yes i believe so). Anyways, the curry was FABOOSH. A bit lumpy, served in a cute ladle. I ate everything served to me that night, and can't wait to go back! Only drawback: The wheelchair accessible door button wasn't working, which was needed for our party. Also, I read everyone complaining about the wait. So in reading this, going in I knew the wait would be about 40 mins if I went in at a 6:30 on a weeknight. I was right. So just plan accordingly, and you'll be fine.

    (4)

  • Griggs N.

    What more can I say that hasn't already been said? Seriously. There's almost 70 reviews here! Look, let's make this easy. If you like Fish'n Chips. Go. Get a Guinness. Eat. Enjoy. Don't expect too much. It's fish and chips, not haute cuisine. It might be perfect, or it might not be. It might be how you remember fish and chips from your last trip to Ireland, or it might not be. It won't be like the chippy joint next to that one small pub you love in London. Have a Guinness and get over it.

    (3)

  • Sara L.

    I'm originally from NW Wisconsin... we know our fish fry. Wow. Came across this place a bit by accident. Mother's Day afternoon, got a little lost looking for the original restaurant I picked. Did a quick area Yelp and this place came up with good reviews. Thank you fellow Yelpers! My hubby & I both had the fish & chips - excellent! Their crispy light batter was delicious. My daughter had one of the tastiest, juiciest burgers I've ever stollen a bite of. There was no kids menu but our waitress was very happy to have a very simple grilled cheese made up for our 7 yr old son. So food A+. The staff... um wow. Everyone, and I mean everyone, said "Welcome" when we came in and on our way to our seat. Waitress was perfect. And on the way out - everyone of the staff we saw as we left said something - thank you for coming, hope you enjoyed your meal, have a good day. I'm saying even the bartender looked up and said goodbye. Who does that? These people must have a good, customer-service oriented boss - hires good people, expects good things. Just wow.

    (5)

  • Libby B.

    We decided to get take-out from here for our very low-key Valentine's Day. Absolutely awesome! We arrived a little earlier than our food was ready, so we had a beer in the library -- great idea for a restaurant with a small selection of pretty great books. I had a toasty with chips without ham, and the valentine had fish and chips with an additional side of fish (we're hearty eaters). Delicious, and super-affordable. The only complaint? No malt vinegar. What's with that? The atmosphere of The Anchor is awesome; I would love to return to eat in, and the staff seemed great. I also love the simplicity of the menu; I'll take a place that does a few things great over a place with a large menu of things they do okay any day of the week. Highly recommended.

    (5)

  • Kyle B.

    We went last night for dinner after reading some great reviews by local blogers. We got there about 7pm and had to wait about 45 minutes for a table which was starting to push the limits of how long I'll wait for fish and chips, but I'm glad we stayed. First of all, the ambience is great. I like the tin ceiling and the open Kitchen. I also really liked the black tiles on the back wall. My girlfriend and I both ordered the fish and chips and they were fantastic. The fish was lightly battered, crispy and flakey. The chips were hand cut, thick, crispy on the outside but creamy inside. The weirdest part was that the vinegar on the table was just plain white vinegar and not malt vinegar. I'd prefer malt vinegar. I want to go back and try other things but I'm not sure I can pass up the fish and chips. The price is fantastic too, the most expensive item on the menu is 10 bucks (a burger I think) and the fish and chips were 9 i think. Two people can go and get a meal and beer and pay under $35 including tip. I can't name too many places where you can do that, including national chains like Applebees or TGI Fridays. My only concern is winter. And that's a big concern in Minneapolis. There is only 1 door and it's very close to quite a few of the tables. Friday night it was in the 30s and every time the door opened (which was a lot that night) the closer tables (ours included) got a blast of cold air. It was fine this week but when the temp drops another 50 degrees it will really take away from the dining experience. They are going to have to do something about that, but I'm not sure what given the space limitations they have. Maybe they can have people come in the back door? There's more of a hallway there to protect the tables from a draft.

    (4)

  • Jennifer H.

    It was packed at 6:00 on a Tuesday night. That really tells you something. Had the fish and chips and was not disappointed. I actually like my fries a little on the not-crunchy side. The baby enjoyed the fries as well. And the highchair they brought out -- adorable! A real vintage highchair with a tray and everything, not just one of those chair-with-rail thingies at every other restaurant in the world. I too am puzzled by the white vinegar and the $0.50 tartar sauce. But whatever, they still made it onto my fish. The mushy peas are as amazing as everyone says they are. Almost everyone at our table had a few bites and the baby finished them off. I wish I had more to bring home.

    (4)

  • Brandon Y.

    I used to live in Ireland and I can say whole heartedly that this place has the best fish & chips and mushy peas I've ever had. I love that this place is small and intimate but hate that it's small and intimate when I'm showing mushy pea withdrawl syptoms. Best place to go when nursing a good hangover...or just because.

    (5)

  • Dena S.

    Chips? Hella awesome. But the fish landed me in the middle of bland batter land sans map. Rub some funk on it, Anchor.

    (3)

  • Steve S.

    There is nothing better than midwest dining after doing time on the east coast. I saw an article about this place under best fish joints in US and knew that I was going to be in MN, so I book marked it on Yelp several months before. The key then was just remembering several months later. I went with a party of 6 and we waited near the bar. 4 beers and a soda, or "pop" as it is called in the midwest was $20 bucks. Cant beat that. This place has a cool Irish vib to go with the fried fish theme. Some of the more unique items that we ordered were mushy peas, this wild pink cold slaw, curry fries, and a $6 dollar cup of haddock chowder with potatoes and bacon. All were yummy in their own right, but this place rolled hard with the fried fish. That is why we were there. 6 out of 6 of us ordered that. They were enormous strips of fried cod lightly breaded so it tasted of fresh fish instead of breading. You could tell that the fish was fresh by the taste, but they have an open kitchen and you can see that they bread and drop the fish to order behind the bar. Yummy. To top it all off, the final bill for 6 of us was $100 bucks. Love that midwest value for $, but I love the good food even more. Hit this place up if you are in MN!

    (5)

  • B K.

    Well worth the wait. We waited for an hour on a Sat night. If waiting - move to the back of the restaurant - make sure you get your name on the list when you arrive. The fish n chips were the best I've had in the cities - flaky and tasty and a light batter. We also tried the helicopter burger and the toasted sandwich - both were fabulous. The staff was awesome - engaging, happy and ready to serve. The manager came around twice to make sure everything was ok. I was not a fan of the mushy peas...although many reviewers are. The atmosphere is loud, so beware of that. I loved this place overall...minus one star is because of the wait and the noise. Great neighborhood too.

    (4)

  • Matthew S.

    That this place has the best burger in the TC makes no sense. Talk to me all about some fancy burger with peanut butter on it (I've had it, and it is truly great) or whatever, but when you bust it down to just meat, bun, and cheese, and you shit this out as a Fish and Chips restaurant, you've sold something to the devil. I have no idea how they can make their burgers THIS good, but they do it, and it's no joke that it's won "Best Burger" by the CP. Yes, it's THAT amazing. My wife always gets the plain burger with cheese, I prefer the helicopter burger. The fish and chips? Awesome! The deep friend ham sando is also just awesome. Had the breakfast, and like, the beans and bangers are kinda an acquired taste. The fat content on those bangers I just cannot hang with. But this is of little consolation. The dinner menu will destroy you with happiness. NOTE: When they first opened, they had a LOT of issues with seating people and handling shit. In fact, my cousin and I essentially got into it with the cook as we'd waited over an hour and a half for our meal and someone had been seated next to us after we'd been there for an hour, and he ordered the same thing as us and then got it before us. The chef said "Some things take longer than others to cook" which essentially set us off. "WE ORDERED THE SAME DAMN THING!" The lady comped our dinners, but it was pretty bad. I'm happy to report they've gotten a lot better about these issues, but it should be noted that they simply are too good and too big for their small space. This will never change unless they get new digs. So if you show up after 5:30 or so, expect a wait. If you live in the hood, I'd recommend take out, BUT, I would almost suggest bringing your own container, as they wrap things up in butcher paper, and if your fries stick in there for more than a minute or so, they turn soggy. I've just had them not wrap stuff up and the food has fared much better. But make no mistake, if you order take out and let your food sit in that paper longer than five minutes, it's going to be wet when you open it. Also, if you didn't know, you cannot just go an order a beer. Their liquor license prevents it. You have to order food. Don't go there not knowing this and get upset about it.

    (5)

  • Cindy Y.

    Had lunch at the Anchor Fish & Chips last week for the first time. Have been hearing great things about this place, and the glowing reports were all true! HUGE piece of perfectly fried and battered fish over a bed of thick cut fries. The price is also a big draw ($8.95) as there was a long line of people waiting to gain entrance when we left. I usually don't use vinegar on my fish, but it was recommended by a previous reviewer, and it was really quite tasty! Will definitely go back.

    (4)

  • Ashwini R.

    Fun, delicious, satisfying--but greasy! Of course delicious, spot-on fish and chips ought to be greasy, but I was unprepared for the large portion and in the future would split an order (keep in mind I am a very small woman so this might not apply to all). I haven't had such good fish and chips since I was in Ireland 5 years ago, so I highly recommend giving it a try. The place is always packed so plan to wait for awhile even on a weekday. Also, this is not a place to go to just have a beer--due to liquor license issues, you can only order a drink with a food order.

    (4)

  • James D.

    I finally made it for dinner at the legendary Anchor Fish and Chips! Luckily, I skipped the legendary (or infamous) line down the block, and was seated right away. The first thing I noticed was that it is NOT a dive. The place is new looking, with framed photography and a tin moulded ceiling. We got couple of Nordeast for only $3ea (regular price) and ordered the fish n chips and a shepherd's pie. The portions are huge for under $10, and the food is fantasmic. The fish is fried perfectly, and they keep it simple. Very little seasoning on either the fish or the batter, just a sprinkle of coarse kosher salt. The batter has a slight sweetness to it, and doesn't feel heavy at all. Perfectly accompanied with the clear vinegar and really tasty tartar sauce. The fries or chips were awesome with some ketchup and extra salt, too. But, my favorite part of the meal was my shepherd's pie. The best one I've had! Fluffy potato on a bed of ground beef, vegetables and gravy. Great experience here! The food was awesome and the waitstaff (who were all also drinking either wine or beer) were courteous and quick. I will be back, next time for the breakfast!

    (5)

  • The D.

    Fish n Chips Done Proper. Its hard to find a place that does fish and chips well but the Anchor has nailed it. The crust is delicate and the fish fresh, the only difficulty to overcome is the long waits to get a table, and the insufficient amount of Tartar sauce. Both times I was there and I was surprised at the ability of the staff to seat customers and get their meals to them. While being luminescent, the Mushy peas are vaguely reminiscent of something I surely rebelled against as a toddler. Next on my list would be to try the shepherd's pie or pastie.

    (4)

  • Michael C.

    This place gets 4 stars becuase they know what they do well and they do it! This is hands down the best fish and chips in the TC I have had so far. Of course, becuase I had fish for lunch earlier in the day, I ordered the battered sausage instead of the fish. The sausage was good, but the fish my girlfriend ordered was incredible. Other than the fish, the music they played was great (mostly The Clash), which always helps. The one thing they seem to be missing for a place like this is the requisite list of fried candy bar deserts. Lord knows they have the right equipment for a fried snickers or fried twinkie. Hopefully those are on the menu the next time I hit this place up.

    (4)

  • Amy S.

    I visited here on their opening night, then again six months later, then again perhaps another year later and have never gone again because three strikes and you are out. Grease bomb. All of it. The chips aren't delicious, they are greasy gutrot. The quality of the cod isn't bad, but their frying capabilities are. The batter falls off the fish every single time. It's overly battered too. Why you would eat here when you could get the fish fry at the Red Stag which is 1000% better and fresher is beyond me. It doesn't sit like a leaden blob of tummyache in your belly either. I don't know if Anchor has bothered to get malt vinegar yet, but I would hope so. They were trying some malarky about how Irish people eat it with white vinegar. Umm..yeah, because they are poor! That's why "non-brewed condiment" is so common. It's cheaper than malt vinegar. Oh and fish n chips are first an English dish before an Irish one so if you truly want to pay homage to fish n chips you would have ponied up the malt vinegar from day one, instead of getting snippy when customers ask for it. Aside from the gutrot and inability to offer condiments that the consumer requests, the worst thing they have done as business owners was leave a window unit air conditioner in an upstairs window of their building all winter and then position an employee outside to direct people away from it as it was festering with dripping icicles of death. That took the cake for me. Only the laziest of lazy humans leave their window a.c. units installed in old NE buildings over the winter. Also a trait of the stupidest of humans.

    (2)

  • Carrie A.

    Cozy heaven!!! This is my first year in Minneapolis and I have found my comfort food paradise. I had the pastie and hello it's a handful of yummy ingredients deep fried to my delight!! Our waitress was so nice to us and brought us all kinds of side sauces which I always appreciate! She made great suggestions and we felt at home. Something we really need to feel this first year! Cheers!

    (4)

  • Carolyn P.

    One of the best places in town to get fish & chips! The malt vinegar is a great added touch and I would spring for the tartar sauce too. Don't be too dismayed if there is a long line; everytime I've gone, I've been back out the door in about 30minutes from the time I sat down, so the wait shouldn't be too bad. Nice eclectic group of people eating there which makes for good people watching.

    (4)

  • Jim C.

    Had lunch here today. They allow a maximum of 6 diners outside and we managed to snag a table. Best fish & chips I've ever had. I overheard the table next to us say the same thing. We ordered a side of curry sauce to dip our fries in--spectacular. Also had a side of their unique coleslaw, which had red and white cabbage, mayo, vinegar and even some raisins. While I wasn't crazy about it, it somehow provided a good taste contrast to the other food. Will definitely return soon.

    (5)

  • Paul L.

    Great atmosphere. Love hearing the owner's accent! The people watching is as good as the food. Menu is limited, but everything I've tried is great, not just the fish and chips.

    (5)

  • Abby L.

    Fish isn't my digs, but the chips here are impressive as are the burgers. They've also got great beer selection, and is located in a charming northeast neighborhood, not to far from the 331 Club, and Northeast Social. Ive even taken my mom here and she loved it.

    (4)

  • Sanden T.

    If Anchor Fish and Chips were a punk band they would be the Dropkick Murphys. Sure they are just trying to be something older and more European than they actually are. At first the whole thing seems contrived. But after a while you start to realize it's just good and worth rocking out to / dining out at! And like the Dropkick Murphys, this place is better after a few brews.

    (4)

  • John R.

    Fish and chips has been one of my favorite dishes since I was a kid. Depending on the restaurant, of course, it's hit and miss. So imagine my delight to find a great little place in my neighborhood that specializes in the art of the fish fry. My wife and I stopped by for dinner after a day about town and met a small wait (15ish minutes). No worries as the bar serves a proper pint of Guinness (you have to pour it half way, let it settle then finish pouring, let it settle then serve). That's the way the Irish do it and it has an impact on the taste and texture of the drink. Anyway, to the food. My wife got the burger and loved it as well as the chips. The chips themselves are worth the visit, not quite fries, not quite potato wedges (or jojos, in Montana) with a nice little season and a crumble of sea salt for kicks. I had the fish, a long slab of perfectly fried cod. The fish was flaky but not overdone, and the batter was crunchy without being burned or swimming in oil. I almost didn't want to shake vinegar over this marvelous piece of fish for fear of soggying this crunchy bugger up. The white vinegar goes well, though, and the tarter sauce ties everything up in a nice little bow. The prices, as others have mentioned, are great - we got out there with two meals and two cokes for $25. It was crowded, but what's the harm in eating elbow to elbow with your neighbors? The service was great and cheery, even though you could see everyone was working their butts off. If you like fish and chips, or fried food in general, you have to try Anchor. I can't imagine someone doing it much better.

    (5)

  • Colin D.

    Went for lunch on Saturday. Ordered the usual Fish,Chip and mushy peas or Irish Guacamole as the person next to me called it. Just amazing, the best fish and chips this side of the Atlantic. The batter on the fish was crisp yet the fish inside was moist. The chips were phenomenal cooked to perfection. The only downside were the mushy peas they were too sweet but didn't detract from the meal. If I was being hypercritical perhaps the cod is a little bland but I think that's because I'm used to haddock in my F&C. Finally if you get to sit by the bar you can watch the food being fried which is great to watch and it also shows how fresh the food is.

    (5)

  • Stacie H.

    Hankering for that perfect piece of fried fish? Do yourself a favor and get up NOW to go to the Anchor. This cozy hipster focused tavern is welcome to all types and has a philosophy do a few things and do them well - fish, chips and tartar sauce. First visited during Lent on a Friday in which the 45 min wait was actually worth it - I got to watch the guys fry fresh fillet after fillet with care and perfection - I was going to stick around! We got a front row bar seat and ordered 2 fish & chip plates, beer and a the tartar sauce. I found it odd at first that you had to pay extra for the sauce- that was because I was misguided! I would have paid for a whole tub if allowed - thus stuff is tangy perfection and helped me eat every last bite of my mammoth piece of fish. The Anchor is bar none the best piece of fried fish I've ever eaten!

    (5)

  • Kareem S.

    I'm a big fan of this place. Went a couple of weeks ago and had to wait a while. I'm not the most patient person, so that was tough. Had a couple of beers for the wait. Got seated near the kitchen and got to watch the preparation of food. The fish and chips meal was great. The fish wasn't greasy at all and the fries tasted awesome. Had an order prepared for takeaway yesterday. The meal doesn't keep very well how they package it: a couple of heavy duty paper bags is really all they use, so the fish and chips were both soggy. In all, I love the place and the food at the place. I don't think its the right place to do take out. Atmospherically speaking, it was spot on both inside and out. The place is located in a swinging North East neighborhood with plenty of entertainment options before and after the meal. 4 stars. Had we not waited so long (about 45 minutes) or had the food kept better on my last visit, I would have given it 5.

    (4)

  • Cynthia B.

    OPENING THIS SUMMER the sign read for months and months and summer was almost over. I literally stalked the place to get more information on just when this place was going to open. Did they mean next summer? Finally, it opened. This is the best fish n' chips EVER. Super fresh, and incredible batter...compare it to The Local and Cooper....no comparison. We arrived early and got seated immediately, so it can happen. You CAN get in. Granted it was a Tuesday night. The wait staff is super, too. Ok, just some design notes. I can't help myself. What's with the Red Stag red and black interior? It's like the uniform interior of NE. It doesn't work there and it doesn't work here. What's with the somber photographic portraits on the walls? Decidedly un-fun. Where's the big blue shakers of sea salt on our table? A must have. Design aside his place is still pretty damned sweet and the food was incredible and I'm happy... so very happy to have them in the hood. my review stands. however yelp seems to want to leave it out for some reason. YELP SUCKS.

    (4)

  • Brandon H.

    Anchor is a great place to grab some absolutely delicious fish and chips and a good beer. I have eaten my fair share of fish and chips around the world...this place is way up there. Make sure to get the tartar sauce. And FYI...if you order alcohol, you must order off the entre menu. Enjoy your casual night out with friends.

    (4)

  • Jillian Lee B.

    Went to Anchor the other day for the first time... It was only 4:30, so we got seated right away. I ordered the Sausage and Chips and a Mimosa. Both were really well done and the service was great. The atmosphere was really nice although I found it a bit too posh to feel like an authentic chippy. You can really tell that they spent a lot of time making the place feel like a nice place to eat.

    (5)

  • Rebecca M.

    This place is incredible! As someone who has been to Ireland before Anchor Fish & Chips has the closest fish and chips to the ones I had in Ireland. My husband also had the cheeseburger with Irish Cheddar which was also incredible. We will be going back again!

    (5)

  • Jessica K.

    wasn't wild about this place. went here based on reviews and it was just OK. we had to wait about 40 minutes on a friday night around 8pm, which was expected so i'm not upset about that. had the fish and chips. i thought the fish was flavorless and WAY too deep fried. the thick, fried coating on the fish was actually a little ridiculous - i ended up peeling off half of it and just ate the fish. i'm from wisconsin, so i know a good fried fish... this was not it. if you are looking for a bland fish that is majorly deep fried in a bland batter, then please go here. the chips were fine - maybe a little soggy for my taste, but good enough to finish! the service was great and the decor was nice - might go back to try something else, but i'll be skipping their fish in the future!

    (2)

  • April S.

    Arrived at the restaurant at around 5:00pm on their first Sunday open and was surprised to see the entrance packed. We didn't wait longer than 5 minutes for our party of two to be seated at a high top at the front of the restaurant. The wine was served in a beaker - nice. We started with curry chips - the curry was delicious and a little bit chunky which made it (kind of) okay to spoon up the leftovers when the chips were gone. I ordered the helicopter burger while my mate had the fish and chips. I ate half the burger and was full - the burger was thick as was the ham. I could have done with a bit less of ham - I just want the flavor not the whole hog, but nonetheless it was delicious. I think everyone should give the whole egg-on-a-burger a chance. The filet of fish was huge and the batter was light and golden. We got a boat of gravy for our entree chips and it was perfect. We had excellent service - she recognized that as a couple (sans kids) we were there for the food, drinks, and conversation and checked in on us a couple of times but didn't hover over us. We saw at least one turn-over while there and not once did we feel rushed to give up our table. It was lively but not too loud and the general feel of the place makes it an instant destination point for the neighborhood. I foresee a bright future for The Anchor and possibly expansion into the old Lucille's flower shop next door.

    (4)

  • Sonja D.

    We got in right away because we decided to sit at the bar. This is one of those places that you are sorta unsure what to do when you get there. Someone did greet us at the door, and that's why we decided to sit at the bar. However, we weren't really sure who to order from or if someone actually was going to come over to us because we were sitting right at the bar. The food was so good and so greasy. Our only other "qualm" was that our water wasn't being filled unless we flagged one of the kitchen staff. We will go back!

    (4)

  • Dave F.

    Great fish and chips!!!

    (4)

  • Carlos H.

    I will start by talking about the service....we arrived on a Sunday about 10:45 am and we were told that they serve nothing but breakfast until 12 noon so we told the waitress that we would come back to try their fish n chips about noon. We returned to the restaurant at 11:40am and once again the SAME waitress asked us the same question (breakfast or lunch)as if she forgot our faces in 1 hour. Once again we told her we were there for lunch and she made us wait 20 minutes for a table even though 1/2 the restaurant was empty. Once we sat, we ordered their fish and chips. The plate was made up of two fish fillets over a whole lot of fries. The fish was tasty but incredibly oily and the fries were soggy and oily as well. I was expecting better food to make up for the bad service but that was not the case. Nowhere on their website does it state they serve only breakfast or that they would only sit you for lunch right at 12 noon. Needless to say we will not going back but if greasy food with a bit of an attitude is your thing, then this is your place

    (2)

  • Stephanie S.

    Wow, the Zach review is rude. Sounds like he's promoting another restaurant in the area... The Anchor's fish and chips are great, and the staff is very friendly. I've been to England a couple of times and have eaten plenty of good fish and chips- this place is up there with the best. I loved the fish and chips!! 5 stars!

    (5)

  • Rhonda G.

    I can see why Zachary had a fit when they didn't open as scheduled. This might have to be my new Friday fish fry place. I couldn't justify coming to NE for years, but Anchor is a whole other kettle of fish. Speaking of.... the fish and chips, so light I ate it with my hands. It was plenty salted, and I was curious about the tarter sauce. One tiny dip, and it actually ruined the effect, and detracted from the fish, a first. The chips, a 2 step process, actually a third being devouring the whole thing. I generously sprinkled both with white vinegar, offered on the table. It made me forget about my friday night craving for chowder, would have been too full. We got to meet an owner, the lovely Kathryn, and asked if some Irish or British style desserts were in the works and they are. She also said they are doing a thriving breakfast business. I can't wait to get half whacked. I caught a glimpse of the Shephards, looks like it should, lots of potatoes. Another treat, crushed ice in the soda. A true fish and chips and Irish make this area doubly blessed. Every Friday at 11:00 I watch Eastenders on TPT. If I lived near here, I'd be over here at midnight for supper!

    (5)

  • Adam S.

    I'll chime with the other impressed YELPERS. Excellent fish and I like their fries. Not my favorite fries, but one of the best fish fries in the Cities. I'm slightly partial to fish fry at Groveland tap, but you can only get that on Friday. Small joint and very little room to wait and it seems to be always busy. A table of 2 is usually a 45 minute wait....I wouldnt mind the wait as much if there was a place to lounge. Nice weather isnt so bad as I can hang outside, but, I cant fault place for being popular.

    (5)

  • Nate K.

    I do agree that it is nice to have a cheaper option in this area. Even so, with a namesake like Fish and Chips, we expected it to better. The fish was very dry and bland. No sauce came with it either. The breading however is great, very authentic and fluffy. I felt like I got the bottom of the chips, some too hard to chew. We also had the deep-fried sausage, which probably wasn't the best choice. It's salty compounded by the breading and frying. A vegetable side would have been nice and just a couple more things on the menu. Beer selection isn't bad and service was not special, but not bad either. We could have used a follow up a few times. Meh and a-OK pretty much sum up the experience.

    (2)

  • Jessica W.

    Stopped by on a Friday evening, close to 9 pm and still had a bit of a wait. Well worth it! The open kitchen is really cool, it's a cross between an old-time open kitchen diner but has a buzzing bistro feel to it as well. Very friendly staff, the prices are super reasonable and I was beyond happy with the food. I love the simplicity of the menu and it was hands down the best fish and chips I've ever tasted. Sooo good! I also tried the fried sausage with chips and that was the best sausage I've ever had. I realize this is quite a statement, but I am confident in it. They are definitely doing something right here!!

    (5)

  • Cindy P.

    Let's start with going at 5pm on Good Friday is probably not the best idea. This was my first time. Wait time 1 hour. No problem, I don't mind waiting for something I've heard is delicious! Then I see tables left open, bar not filled, hostess snapping at people/waitstaff and people standing around in the kitchen. What's going on here aren't you trying to make money? I tried to ask the guy by the beer taps, he basically shrugged his shoulders. The hostess couldn't even read the wait list SHE wrote. She was a ticking time bomb. How could the owners watch and let this happen? I just don't get it. I will repeat, I don't mind waiting, but watching incompetence makes for the worst experience ever. The fish and chips were great, but if I see that hostess there again, I will keep driving.

    (3)

  • mathias m.

    Ive been to Anchor once before and it was just fine. The second visit was lacking. Firstly, they wouldn't sit my (pregnant wife) til I arrived. Then when they finally did seat us, we ended up at the bar. That's just the way it is I guess but a few minutes later they squeezed in another chair between me and the guy to my left -- even though there really wasn't enough space. We bumped shoulders and elbows the whole meal. Last of all, the chips were not fully cooked....I suspect because they were rushing to fill so many orders. Their signature dish: limp, flimsy. Of the four eateries on 13th (Anchor, Northeast, Modern, and Erte) this is by far bringing up the rear.

    (2)

  • Marguerite S.

    Decided to wait till I'd been twice to review, and I must say that the long anticipated wait for this place seems to have payed off. After driving by so many times, to and from work only to find that the opening was delayed yet another month was quite excruciating. First time had the fish, a nice big fillet that arrived promptly, lightly battered and was really spot on. The chips were pretty good, but some were soggy. Second time had the meat pastie, was deeeelish, cannot wait to try the veggie, but alas they were out when I went. Also had the fish the second time, which was unfortunately not as good as the first time, came a bit soggy and rather heavily battered. Cannot wait to try the banger, Sentyrz's makes them special for them. I'd try to make it for an early dinner or late dinner on a weekday because otherwise as previously stated, there can be quite a wait.

    (4)

  • Tracey D.

    The fish and chips is amazing here! I lived in the UK when I was in middle school and this is the closest I have tasted to the real thing in the US. The waitress talked us into a pastie, which was delicious as well. It's like Brit's but less pretentious.

    (5)

  • Becky L.

    Simple and fresh!

    (5)

  • Nelson S.

    It was okay, but not great. The texture of my fish was pretty good, but i wasn't crazy about the white vinegar. I felt like it was really hard to get any flavor on my food. Pretty bland.

    (2)

  • L. S.

    Two stars means "meh, I've experienced better", which I haven't. But I also think "A-ok" doesn't do it, as I could feel the grease sweating out of my pores for two days after eating here. So... I'll go with two and a half stars and say, "Glad I experienced, but won't be going back".

    (3)

  • Erin H.

    Look, I have been to the Anchor several times and I love their fish and chips. I've even met the owner who has been absolutely wonderful to my friends and I. Which is why I took my parents there on Good Friday, which was a terrible idea. Standing on top of other people while waiting for an hour with the door open and a line forming outside. I know that the service industry isn't easy, but I think that customer service is important. The "hostess'" behavior that evening was absolutely inexcusable. Not just to me, but to others waiting. She was yelling at people waiting in line and continually put her hand in my face, inches from my nose, to tell me to "Wait! I'll take care of you in a minute!" Telling people that she was the boss and that they wouldn't be able to eat if they crossed her. She was awful! That experience alone was enough for me not to go back ever again. The only reason I gave this review 2 stars is because I still enjoy the food.

    (2)

  • Higure F.

    The Toastie is MAGIC IN SANDWICH FORM. I love it. I've never had the fish and chips (not much of a fish eater) but my family all loved it, even my picky little brother. Awesome prices! A bit crowded and both times I've been there I had to wait a few minutes, but even though both times we had 5+ people, we only had to wait like 10 minutes and it was totally worth it.

    (5)

  • Lindsay C.

    Hmmm what to say that hasn't already very recently been said. Yes it's true the mushy peas and fish and chips are amazing. All of the cooking is done right behind the bar so you see the fresh (never frozen) cod fillet being breaded and fried before your eyes. Loved the cheap and delicious Chilean organic wine. Order the half carafe for more bang for your buck (which comes in a fun beaker!). Had to wait about 40 minutes on a Saturday night but it was OH so worth it. There isn't really a "waiting" area so it gets a bit tight and congested on these busy weekend nights but if you can shimmy over to the bar the wait flies by. Friendly service. I'll be back again, and again, and again.

    (4)

  • Cory R.

    Simply put, great fish and chips and pasties! Its an affordable dining experience worth the wait. The size of the fish is ENORMOUS!!! Why only 4 stars? The only complaint I have is that the batter on the fish needs more salt. I am sure they keep it light so people can accommodate their own tastes but it does need more salt. The pastie was perfect and just a delight in the mouth. Other than light seasoning in the fish batter, I had an amazing meal and can't wait to go back again and again!

    (4)

  • Amy C.

    If you're in the mood for fish & chips, go here. One word: yum. I'm not a big fried foods eater but when I'm in the mood, I want my guilty indulgence to be damn worth it. The menu is rather small but plentiful at the same time -- a variety of deep fried delights from Alaskan Cod to pork and sausage, even curry. There's shepherd's pie and $3 beers, including Old Style, Guinness and Harp--and the steak fries are deliciously addicting (fat free too, I'm sure). I went on a Tuesday night and it was packed, I even had to wait for a table. But it was worth it and the atmosphere was lively, the space filled with character and the NE Minneapolis neighborhood just right. I highly recommend this local spot to satisfy that fish & chips craving. One note, you have to ask for tartar sauce and they charge for it but the main meal only costs $8.50 and you get a huge portion.

    (4)

  • Kelsey K.

    Went here on a random Tuesday night (around 8pm) at a friends suggestion (due to yelp I had high expectations of this place). I thought the menu was amusing and interesting that it was so short (not a ton of options). So I ordered the fish and chips (plus tarter sauce-add on price). It was a great time and the meal was outstanding. I don't think I have ever really enjoyed deep fried cod as much (and even better with what seems like homemade tarter sauce). Happy time! Will be heading there again soon.

    (4)

  • Addy F.

    Anchor hones in and perfectly presents tasty, sustainably fished fried goodness. Served atop a bed of fried chips, the fish portion was generous, without being ridiculously large and most importantly it was delicious. Even before I entered the tastefully discrete restaurant, I could tell through the window that it was busy. In spite of the entry being crowded with folks waiting for a table, I was immediately noticed as a newcomer and seated at the bar (I was by myself). The bartender was handling many diners and drinks for all tables and still managed to attentive, friendly and competent. I would say that the tea offered could be upgraded, especially at the cost, but my standard for tea is very high. I immediately started to tell friends that the next time they were craving fish and chips, there was no other place to go and I've been back once already. P.S. Two private, gender unspecified and immaculate bathrooms make this the cleanest and most gender open I've seen in the Twin Cities. Way to go!

    (4)

  • Tricia B.

    The food made me miss Ireland so much!!! I ordered take out and it was BRILLIANT! Even saved some for the next day and put the fish and chips under the broiler and still as brilliant!

    (5)

  • Michael V.

    French fries were undercooked, fish was dripping grease and bland. and they refuse to serve malt vinegar, saying that's how its done in Ireland. I've had fish and chips in Ireland - always served with malt vinegar!

    (2)

  • Sarah P.

    I LOVE The Anchor!! Seriously. They have the best fish n' chips I've ever had! Be sure to order the curry gravy to dip your fries in! They are usually very busy, so you should expect to wait, and their seating capacity can be a little awkward if you have more than 2 people in your party. I am very fortunate to live 3 blocks away, so we frequently walk over there, put a name in and walk home to enjoy a cocktail before walking back and indulging in delicious greasy goodness and an ice-cold beer. Not a fan of fish n' chips but still love deep fried deliciousness? Try the toasty or the deep fried sausage... everything on the menu is incredible and affordable! The weekend breakfast menu is amazing as well, black and white pudding, bangers and rashers! YUM!

    (5)

  • Aaron W.

    This place never fails to make me happy. Eating in you'll need to wait...but it's a lively atmosphere, and there's plenty of Guinness to keep you occupied. Taking away, the fish can get a bit soggy, but hey, it's still the best Fish 'n Chips in town IMHO. A personal favorite is a side order of mushy peas...probably more than one person needs, but perfect to share between 2-3 people. The Anchor will remain a staple of my casual dining choices...and I can't wait to try the weekend breakfast.

    (4)

  • A P.

    If i could give it 10 stars i would!! Closest meal to being across the pond that I have ever had!! Chips & gravy I could eat everyday and never tire of them, the owner / staff are very friendly. Best fish & chips in the city, I dare you to try to find anything as remotely close to as good!!

    (5)

  • Chris R.

    Great Guinness just as everyone stated. I had the fish and chips (naturally) and it was just was i was expecting and hoping for. Very delicious but probably not too healthy by the looks of my oil covered fingers. Nice quiet area, we sat outside and it was very pleasant we just had to move inside at 10pm due to a zoning issue. Also no liquor, only wine and beer.

    (3)

  • Jeff A.

    Yep I'm a total fan of the Anchor. Best place in town for Fish and Chips and thank god its in my beloved Northeast neighborhood. For the reviews that mentioned the white vinegar, well... Its an Irish thing

    (4)

  • Jorge S.

    First I used to work at an Irish restaurant , so of course I order the Fish and Chips and Shepperd's pie, both OK, good service, love the ambient (the open kitchen), reasonable prices, I'll be back some day!

    (3)

  • caitlin n.

    Return trip with the boyfriend & his pops. The wait made tolerable with a visit to 331 Club just down the road for a few drinks (the wait time estimate of 45 minutes was luckily accurate). The food seemed better this time (read- more to drink?). The fish was just as tasty as the first visit, but the tarter sauce seemed to have more flavor. Still too packed and the tables too close together for comfort. You can't help but feel rushed to eat that giant piece of cod. The star is for the tarter sauce!

    (4)

  • Michael S.

    My wife and I went for a Sunday afternoon dinner at the Anchor. We both had the fish and chips and a few diet cokes. The fish was great coming in large slabs of lightly battered cod. I was a bit taken back by the extra charge for tartar sauce. The batter could have been seasoned more so you needed to have the sauce for added taste. I was also put off by the chips as they were quite soggy. Is this normal? We were offered a side of mushy peas as one of our tables was needed to seat a large party (I loved them). We did like the place, the server was good and the other guests were very friendly. Over all it was a four star experence and we will be back.

    (4)

  • Steve G.

    Went on busy night and had to wait an hour. Didn't know anything about Anchor, we were just in the area and figured if it was busy it must be good, and we got a good vibe from peeking in the door. We were right, well worth the wait! Perfect fish & chips, great service, nice "neighborhood" feeling to the place.

    (5)

  • Rachel L.

    My friend and I went here before Sunday night trivia at the 331. It was about 6pm, and although it was busy, we got a table for 2 right away. The server was so friendly and patient with us. My friend got the fish and chips, and I got the cheese toasty (basically a ham and cheese with tomatoes and onions). Both were delicious, and came out pretty quick for them being so busy. Prices were definitely fair, too. My only complaint: I wish they'd given us more chips/fries. Can't wait to go try their weekend breakfast!

    (4)

  • Clinton L.

    Fish & Chip perfection.

    (4)

  • maria m.

    This place is great. The fish is incredible, service is friendly, and atmosphere is lively. Gotta wait for a seat though, so don't come famished.

    (5)

  • Darragh M.

    for real authentic fish and chips this is as good as you'll get around the TC area... they also do a great breakfast menu and take away service

    (5)

  • Liz S.

    This is in regards to a to-go order. I ordered fish and chips. They asked if I wanted tartar sauce. I said yes as either that or vinegar is a must for me. I was surprised when they charged extra for tartar sauce when I paid for it. But then when I got home, no tartar. They said I could come back and get some when I called. Well, yeah, but I'm home already. They said to make sure it's included in the bag next time. I asked to speak to a manager. She apologized but that's it. No extras. No compensation. The fish was bland as other reviewers have reported. So with no extra sauce or vinegar it was like choking down rubbery bits. I don't much feel like going back for I don't feel they really cared about the fact that I wasn't happy. In addition to talking to two employees, I put feedback on foursquare, twitter and facebook. The facebook comment was removed right away. No response. Ah well. Looks like I would have to be sitting in the crowd, waiting for a table, to be really cared about.

    (2)

  • Brant B.

    I finally got to try Anchor Fish & Chips and it was well worth it. It was on a busy Saturday evening after my son, daughter, & I had been at Art-A-Whirl. We walked about 10 blocks to get there and, as expected, there was a long wait. Knowing my kids would not make it and that I don't get a chance to get to NE as much as I would like, I asked about a to-go order. She said it would take 20 min. I said perfect and ordered 2 F&C dinners to go. To our surprise there were 2 picnic tables to wait at out back so I got pop for the kids and was able to have my first Grain Belt Nordeast - super cold in a frosted glass - perfect! We pulled a fast one when we got our order and just ate at the picnic tables in the back - my kids were HUNGRY. The portions were generous to say the least. The fish was very tasty and piping hot. The planks were flavorful and meaty and well worth the trip. My only wish is that the batter was a little crisper, but I guess that's just my preference. My son loved the fish, but I found out that my daughter is not a big fish fan. The fries were good, but a bit soggy from being under all of the fish. Since we got the order to go, we did not have a server, but the waitress I ordered from and the bartender were very nice and helpful on a busy night. I want to go back with my wife to try it again and get her take on it. Overall, I thought it was solid and want to do a return trip!

    (3)

  • Holly P.

    I love the Anchor in all it's battered glory. There is still always a wait when we go, but it is totally worth it. In fact, so worth it, I have eaten there 3 of the past 5 weekends. Even better than the food is the price. It is so inexpensive. You can roll out of there, stuffed to the gills, for $10-$12 each. The fish you receive (when ordering the Fish & Chips) is quite large. You also get a substantial basket of fries underneath your battered fish. I highly recommend ordering a side of the Curry Sauce. It is so fantastic for dipping! For you veggies out there, I highly recommend the Veggie Burger! It is packed with black beans and flavor. I recommend adding a fried egg, for a semi-helicopter veggie burger. Veggies, there is also a Veggie Pasty (Past-E), but I am not a big fan. This is only because of the batter and grease quotient. I've had some really tasty pasties in Michigan, and these were not even on the same level. The inside of the Anchor's Pasty was yummy, but the fried batter was overwhelming and it holds onto way more grease than the fish do. The Helicopter Burger is awesome. My friend ordered it and I was drooling over it. It's a hamburger with ham, cheese, and a fried egg. It is beautiful! The Shepard's Pie is tasty for your comfort food fix, but the Local still houses the better version of this dish. Great service every time, and live music if your lucky! The one thing I wish they would change immediately is their super lame white vinegar. I have never been to a place that serves well made fish and chips without the malt vinegar option. It's craziness, and I do not understand. If it's money... we will all pay a side fee. They seriously need malt vinegar... it's like the missing link.

    (4)

  • Lucy P.

    Really nice staff, cute kitchen guys, well decorated - love the wood on the bar. Delicious food, cold beers, totally reasonably priced. I will definitely be coming back, but hopefully the cranky guys who thought the hostess was lying to them won't.

    (5)

  • margret m.

    I can relate to this place. Genuine and not totally perfect and not trying to be anything other than what they are-or it least that is what it seems. The fish and the chips were crisp and simple and perfect. They weren't too salty or too greasy, however, I do find some good grease rather comforting in Minnesota. I thought the pricing was a bit weird. I hope they are charging enough? I mean, the place is small and it is not really a drinking destination and I just hope they make it. I would raise the price of almost everything by $1 except the burger which was priced correctly. I am a firm believer that what you pay and the experience you receive should be in alignment and I just feel they could charge a bit more, because I want them to stay around and the pricing is too low. Maybe I am just warped from paying downtown and uptown prices. Again, I wish I lived in Northeast. I think I may move soon because Uptown sucks.

    (4)

  • Benjamin C.

    i liked the shepard's pie. i enjoyed it much more than the fish and chips, but that's because i'm not a big deep fried fish fan. order the shepard's pie. you won't be disappointed! kathryn is very nice and friendly.

    (5)

  • John W.

    Anchor is to fish what Brasa is to chicken! FRESH Wild Alaskan Cod deep fried in a crispy batter. Key word FRESH. You can simply see the freshness in the product. Their beef is local grass fed beef and their eggs (they have a great breakfast) are free range organic eggs. Sides are also very good. Coleslaw is the wet variety which I love. The mushy peas have a great flavor. Solid beer tap selection. Patio seating for 6 people. Servers are very friendly. Food is 4.5 stars. The fact it is local and mostly organic bumps it right to a 5 star place for me

    (5)

  • Dan Q.

    Can success be criticized? It can at the Anchor. I've tried to get a seat here too many times with no success. The only time I DID get seated still had me waiting about fifteen minutes - and it was a weeknight. The food and service is good, no doubt. The Anchor itself fits the neighborhood's working class, streetcorner-oriented history very well at a time when Nordeast is being overrun by hipsters (condos to follow). And who's clogging up the entrance and making you wait waaaaaay too long to get in? Those very same hipsters. In short, get here *early* or don't come here at all.

    (2)

  • Stacy G.

    Cool, yummy local fish & more restaurant. There's typically a wait to get in to this NE gem. Once you see the staff cooking the huge filets of cod, you'll be amazed. Once you taste it, you'll totally understand the crowds. If you like craft beer, you can also go to the nearby Dangerous Man Brewery/Tap Room (1 block) and order your food to be delivered. There are lots of delivery people and Dangerous Man allows you to bring your own food into their tap room. Enjoy!

    (5)

  • Elizabeth M.

    1 good food item and 3 not so good = not coming back. First off, the fish is awesome! I'm not a fried fish lover, and it was delicious! On to the rest of the food: The meat pasty is just a fried patty of meat with potatoes and veggies. Where's the pasty? The chips are soggy. I'm all for big potato-y fries, but soggy? No thank you. The service however was prompt and friendly! Still I do not feel the need to go back for mostly sub-par food (except the fish) when the menu is so limited to begin with.

    (2)

  • Chris B.

    I've been wanting to go here for a while (didn't think the spouse would be interested). What was I waiting for?! I love fish & chips, so I went in with pretty high expectations. Anchor did not disappoint. The fish was hot and flaky with a melt-in-your mouth texture while the crust was nice and crunchy. The tartar complimented the flavor without taking over. The chips were good, my wife really liked them. She had the helicopter burger which was cooked to absolute perfection. I must say a fish place has no business doing a burger that well. I want to go back tomorrow!!

    (5)

  • James R.

    A buddy of mine that owns a food truck here in Tulsa (Lone Wolf Banh Mi) recommended this place, said it was hands down the best fish and chips he'd ever had. At that point I was sold because it is difficult, if not impossible to find good fish and chips in Tulsa. I read a few reviews so i knew to expect a wait but when it comes to good food that's not a dealbreaker. Got there about 6:30ish waited about 5min then got a seat at the counter. A woman took my order for beer and fish and chips and shortly thereafter I was eating. The fish was of high quality and good size but it's the batter that stands out. Watching them cook the fish you would figure it going to be a heavy greasy batter but it was exactly the opposite. The batter was light and fluffy tasting. The chips were fries which is cool. They serve it with a homemade tartar sauce and there clear vinegar there as well. I like the clear for my fish but I prefer balsamic for the chips. Anyway as my friend said it easily the best fish and chips I have had. If you in Minneapolis do yourself a favor and try them out.

    (5)

  • Chris W.

    Yes... Just as everyone else says, "the fish and chips are delicious!" The service could be a little better. I will be back again soon.

    (4)

  • Greg B.

    This place is seriously great. Worth the wait in my opinion. And yes, you will wait. Expect that. The fish and chips were off the chain! And the severs were really cool. Loved the vibe of the place too. Reminded me of a real London pub.

    (5)

  • Mara O.

    We got the fish and chips to go because the wait was going to be an hour or more. We had to wait 25 minutes for our order and then had a 15-20 minute drive home. The meals were still warm enough to dig in when we opened the wrapping. The fish was amazing and the chips were still yummy even though they were soggy. We loved the tartar sauce too.

    (4)

  • Tiffany C.

    Best fish and chips I've ever had. The servers are a bit gruff, but they serve quickly and it's always been delicious.

    (5)

  • Benjamin R.

    I have a manager at work from Ireland. She's always talking up how The Anchor is the only legit Irish fish n chips around.. So of course I had to try it out.. SO GOOD SO SO SO GOOD. Huge slab of Alaskan Cob cooked to perfection with perfect breading. The tarter sauce is so good I dip my fries in it. My only complaint is I wish they gave you more tarter for the .50 charge.. but whatever it's enough for the fish and some fries. To put it into perspective I had the fish n chips at The Bulldog.. TERRIBLE compared to what you get at Anchor, and I've never been disappointed with my food from the Bulldog. I feel spoiled.

    (5)

  • BK J.

    I love the Anchor, but today I coordinated a very bad thing. I got two orders of fish and chips TO GO. After ordering and waiting a few minutes I was handed a brown paper bag, headed out to the car and drove off to shove some fried and battered fish and beef tallow laced chips in to my pie hole. Oh what a shame had occurred. The fish and chips were wrapped up in plastic lined paper and taped shut. In the five minute drive everything that one could love about the Anchor was ruined, steamed to death in its own vapors. Considering that the Anchor does such a great job serving up the same food on its truck, you would think they would mimic how the food is served up from the truck. If they could do this one thing, they could redeem themselves. Unfortunately, while they may follow the way fish and chips are served up for take away in the UK, the result is anything but appetizing. Recommendation to the Anchor, don't seal the food up for orders to go, let it breathe. The only redeeming part of this event is that I have a cat that likes fried cod. She has a lot of it to enjoy after this.

    (2)

  • Lisa H.

    The fish and chips were delicious! A good size piece of fish with great chips accompanied with a Magner's Cider, so good.

    (4)

  • Bruce L.

    My second time here and it was still awesome. Not a very big place and they tend to fill up quickly so get there early since they don't take reservations. The fish is fried to perfection with a light breading and the service is quick and efficient. Maybe the best fish n chips in the city? Return visit in the near future

    (4)

  • Michael P.

    A very, very long wait with no where for the patrons to really wait for a table. the food is good though. But seriously, have a better system.

    (3)

  • Sara W.

    I REALLY LIKE FISH (plus chips). Good thing Anchor has both of those, and many more, making anyone a very happy camper if you're into a simple, yet tasty meal. There wasn't a wait either time I have gone, as some yelpers were talking about-- the hype must have cooled off a bit since opening day. However, the food is still kicking, the service is top notch, and they newly launched a food truck! The fish and chips here is quite the value, and a large portion. The fish is crunchy, and fresh, yet not a ton a flavor (leave the tarter sauce for that extra zip)! I recently had the veggie pastie, a mix of potatoes, lentils, and veggies.. THEN DEEP FRIED. This was a surprising item, that I will be coming back for in the very near future. If it's nice out you can sit outside-- yet this only seats 6 people, so may require a little wait indeed. Catch you soon at the food truck, Anchor!

    (4)

  • Matthew H.

    Very overrated. It's like nobody has ever had good fish and chips.

    (1)

  • Brody L.

    Fries and curry! I wish every place in life gave you curry to dip your fries in! The fried fish is good and I really want to try the blood pudding but I always chicken out and never order it.

    (4)

  • Tom S.

    This spot is must if you have a penchant for fish n chips. The atmosphere is bustling, casual and very pubbish/sports bar (large screen TV's) but it retains a classic vibe true to the heritage of architectural throwbacks in the area and euro pub vibe with its tin ceiling and small tables. I wouldn't want to do a big group here but for 2-5 people, its considered pretty safe. Although, depending on when you arrive and what day of the week it is, you may have quite a wait as the lobby fills quite quickly with lines going out the door onto the sidewalk around the business should you just walk in during peak. The price is right for the portions you receive. The only problems with the food that I noted were when the fish batter gets penetrated by hot oil and you get a burned/blackened portion on your order. (and it can get sizable) Sometimes the oil can be a bit on the hot side or the cook might be a bit off and you'll get a slightly more well done portion than you might see on the neighbors side. Its a judgement call at that point if you want to send it back if thats the case as you'll have to sit there waiting while you watch everyone else enjoying the food. They have breakfast too, so you can enjoy some bangers and mash or eggs n hash should you want to go that route.

    (4)

  • Justin M.

    The food here is outstanding and the servers are all amazing, friendly people... the location fucking suuuuucks, I can't stand waiting nuts to butts in their lobby with a bunch of goddamned hipsters (thanks to dangerous man it has actually gotten worse). I wish they could just take over that shitty cafe next door to them and bust down some muthafuckin walls. 4 stars anyway because the food is so goddamned good, I was tempted to take away another star for them jumping on that dumbassed food truck trend but I'll try to restrain myself to an honest a review as possible.

    (4)

  • Kristin H.

    With the chilly temperatures settling in to stay, there is nothing more crave-worthy than a piping hot plateful of comfort food. For the last few years, my go-to for a delicious, satisfying, comforting meal has been The Anchor Fish & Chips on 13th Avenue NE in Minneapolis. The waitstaff at Anchor are welcoming and hospitable. Phillip and I probably dine here once every couple of months and usually end up with a server who remembers us and sometimes even what we like to order (two orders of fish, one order of chips to share, two tartar sauce sides). That personal touch truly lends Anchor a neighborly atmosphere that people return for again and again. The delicious food doesn't hurt the return business either. Atmosphere Blood-red walls displaying a rotating cast of local art, hammered-tin ceiling with black-painted exposed pipes, portholes, dark wood and black tile accents. I'll call it "hipster-fisherman industrial-chic." Service Fast, friendly, and personable. Presentation The crispy-golden batter is a beautiful sight, even when served simply on wax paper in baskets or on simple white dishware. Taste Delicious, and almost everything used is locally sourced (except the Alaskan cod, of course). It's not for nothing that Anchor was the only Midwestern restaurant to be named one of "America's Best Seafood" by U.S. News & World Report. Value for Dollars Almost everything on the menu is less than $10; very reasonably priced and absolutely worthwhile.

    (5)

  • Joseph E.

    So i'm usually not the biggest fan of fish and chips. Wasn't raised eating it, and when i did have it it always tasted like a huge fish stick or something. My first bite of the alaskan trout at The Anchor was like seeing the end of fight club for the first time. HOLY SHIIIIIIII! Yea, this place is wonderful and the chips are amazing too.

    (5)

  • Carolyn A.

    I never thought myself a fish and chips fan...until I ate at Anchor and dreamt of the delicious basket of yumminess for days to follow. I've been back more than a few times and it's always been consistent. I've heard great things about the burger, but I really can't bring myself away from the crispy combo of fish and chips. I don't like tartar sauce, so I eat mine with vinegar sprinkled on top. I've ordered the curry to dip fries, but I don't really feel like I need it. I've also had breakfast at Anchor -- it's your typical English/Irish breakfast complete with rashers, bangers, puddings, etc. and the servings are plentiful.

    (5)

  • Beth W.

    We had carry out and it was faster to order by calling from outside than to make out way in to a server. Not sure if we had a bad batch, but our fish was beyond greasy. I won't need to battle the Anchor crowd again.

    (3)

  • Willian T.

    Why, cod, must you ruin my experience here at Anchor? I love fish in basically every form. The only thing I don't like is cod. So, when saw that it was cod that they use, my heart (ok, more like stomach) did a mini whimper. Cod is just so tasteless to me and lacks the lightness and flakiness that I feel fish should have. Even with the wave of doubt, the reason for venturing into Anchor was to try their fish and chips. So, tried I did. The value is amazing. My piece of fish was huge and they give you a generous amount of fries. The cod, though, ruined it for me. I couldn't eat more than half of my fish (which says a lot because typically I am a food fiend eating everything in sight), but I will add that the person I came with happily devoured my leftovers. I wouldn't mind coming back and checking out something other than the fish and chips.

    (3)

  • Kee V.

    I arrived at 9:30PM thinking the crowds would have died down a little. Nope, full house with about 15 people waiting. Luckily I was by myself (business trip) and the waitress let me sit it the empty seat at the corner of the bar/counter without having to wait. I was told that the helicopter burger was really good but I love fried cod and that's what I ordered. After about 20 minutes, I watched my fish comes straight from the fryer, into a basket, sprinkled with sea salt, and served immediately. It was sizable piece of fish. I wear a 10 size shoe, this was a 10 1/2. It only comes with delicious fries. Tartar sauce is extra which I thought was unfortunate but not a reason to gripe. I was disappointed that the vinegar that is on the countertop was white vinegar and not malt vinegar. The bartender told me it was white and I frowned. The fish was great though. The fish was hot (so hot I burned my mouth!) and salted properly. The batter was nice and didn't fall off from the fish like some reviews have stated. The fries are good but were a tad too greasy because the fish sat on top after coming straight from the fryer. When I'm back in town, I'll be back

    (4)

  • Disco X.

    The food is good, especially the fish. The fish & chips comes with a large fillet of cod. However, I can't say for sure whether the fish & chips are really better than anywhere else. The lack of malt vinegar was puzzling; it appeared to be simply colorless cider vinegar. No thanks. The service is a different story. We were seated at the counter. The person serving us (I wouldn't say waiting on us because she just set the food and drinks on the counter in front of us) appeared completely disinterested. We asked for the bill to be split, but she said, "Well, I already ran it." Well, run it again!! It baffles me that in 2013 splitting a bill would be at all difficult or unusual. Because of the lousy service, I doubt I'll return. And no, I'm not paying 50 cents for your tartar sauce. Nowhere else charges for that; what makes this place so special??

    (2)

  • James B.

    Good fish and chips, nice beer selection, and good service. Kind of chintzy to charge for tartar sauce and my lady's burger was waaaaaaaaaay overcooked but I would definitely come back again if I had a hankering for a pile of deep fired goodness.

    (4)

  • Mandy J.

    Just the mention of Anchor Fish & Chips makes my pupils dilate and mouth water. I am not exaggerating when I say that this place is far better than 5-star. My hubby and I walked in on a Friday night, expecting from other YELP reviews it to be crowded. Was it ever... With a 1 1/2 hour wait, we had a serious discussion with the couple we had met on whether to stay or go. We grabbed a glass of well-priced wine and geared up for the long hall. The minute the salty crust of that steamy white fish touched my lips, I forgot about the crowded 1 1/2 hour wait and was engulfed in the delight of this delicous meal. Every person in our crew let out a "Mmmm" when they began eating. Within minutes, all our plates were clean and we were planning our next visit. Don't miss this Minneapolis treat. There is a reason you have to wait -- it is just worth it. The fish is perfectly fried and larger than life. The chips are tender and tasty. The tarter sauce is a perfect accompanyment. Just go, don't be detered by the crowded non-lobby waiting area, I promise, it will be worth it!

    (5)

  • Benjamin S.

    Simple tasty food! The fish is tender and flaky, and the breading has just the right amount of grease. The house tartar sauce is definitely worth the extra 50 cents, and there's free vinegar (it seemed to be distilled white, not malt) available on the tables. The seating is fairly limited, so get there early.

    (4)

  • Rose M.

    I know everyone loves Anchor, and I want to! But the food was so greasy last time I was in that it made me nauseous. Hearing that a friend's party of 7 all got food poisoning on their last visit put the nail in the coffin on Anchor for me.

    (1)

  • Rachel F.

    Cheap, authentic, cozy, and ohhh soo delicious! But also oh-so-salty- was a little overwhelmed by the salt, but managed by having a few Grainbelts along with my fish and chips. We thoroughly enjoyed this place and will certainly be back. Come early- there was a line out the door by 5:45pm on a Wednesday night!

    (4)

  • Gary L.

    I ate here for the first time a few weeks ago and I agree with everyone that the fish is excellent. The chips, were, to my taste a bit soggy, but I admit I'm more of a fan of thin and crispy than the typical British chip. They were flavored very well with a nice bite of salt and very tender insides. Service was excellent and the Guiness some of the best I've had in Minneapolis. The music is VERY loud, and that is probably my only complaint after one visit. I'll go back and try some of the other items on the menu. Two quirky aspects: They charge for the tarter sauce, and provide white vinegar rather than malt. Interesting.

    (4)

  • Ronnie G.

    You can talk all you want about what they're good at but that's not what I'm writing about today... Anchor is clearly known for their fish and chips and I won't refute that. The Filet of Cod deep fried to perfection was amazing. Crispy and crunchy on the outside, buttery on the inside. The portion was gigantic and for $8.50, a deal in my book. Instead...Anchor blew me away by how much they cared about their patrons. Today wasn't about customer service, it was about compassion and going the extra mile to be more than the average restaurant. We walked in at 11:15 waiting for fish and chips. We were hungry after visiting the local farmer's market. Unfortunately, the restaurant only served breakfast until noon. Our bad, we didn't know. We went walking around NE for about 40 mins and came back. We placed our order around noon and waited patiently as the fish and chips started churning out of the kitchen. Since we sat at the bar, we were even more intrigued by the systematic way they pushed these delectable entrees out. After the first batch came out, they surprised themselves by making an additional order of Fish N chips. Not knowing where it should go, the chef said "hey these guys are tired of waiting..give it to them". So I graciously accepted my order early as we waited for Mrs. G's Burger to arrive. Then a startling moment arrived. When the burger was done, I got ANOTHER order of Fish N chips! I asked him why and he said..we had extra. Whoa. To say the least, the burger was incredible, the fish awesome, and chips needed crisp but still very good. Second Startling moment came when we got our bill. We were pleased to discover that they also took off Mrs. G's burger for making us wait a merely extra 5-10 minutes! Another Whoa. So for two Fish N chips and a burger, we only paid for one Fish N chips order because they cared about our business. Needless to say, I left them a tip big enough to make up the difference. Well deserved. It's businesses like these that give the little guys a great name. I'll gladly come back due to their kindness.

    (5)

  • Siobhan W.

    Last year I was obsessed with trying every 'fish n chips' in the metro area. I heard of Anchor Fish and Chips and was hella excited. Went there 3 times before I managed to ever get in! They have Mondays off or something and don't open before 4 or 5pm on their weekday schedule! Finally, I got in one day, and ordered the fish n chips. So fresh! So good! And I so want to go back again for more! Service is excellent, friendly & neighborly. I enjoyed sitting by the windows to look out into the street. Don't think I'd be interested in the booths though, seemed too dim and there's this huge awkward space, almost like a dance floor space between the bar and the booths.

    (5)

  • Rob H.

    Decently busy when I came in but we were quickly able to get food and head back out. Some of the best fish and chips I have ever had! Breaded fish but still with great flavor. The Fries were pretty damn good too. Great pairing with Dangerous Man!

    (4)

  • Tim R.

    The Anchor couldn't be simpler, authentic fish and chips served quickly and surprisingly cheaply. I've stopped into the anchor 8-10 times in the past 18 months and it's always delicious. The fish and chips is the star, but the menu does have a lot of tempting options like shepard's pie and bangers and mash. I love the fish and chips too much to try anything else, but when someone I'm with orders one of the non-fish items they always seem satisfied. It's not a very large space and it's quite popular, so there can be a wait around dinner time, but the service is blazingly fast. They also have a liquor license which doesn't allow them to serve you drinks if you don't have food, so there's not a lot of lingering after the meal for one more beer, which can be a bummer but also helps move people out the door. They will let you order your food to go, just be sure and re-heat it in an oven to crisp everything back up otherwise it can go a bit soggy on you.

    (5)

  • Don P.

    I've been to The Anchor on several occasions and each and every time it has been a great experience. The food is flavorful with nice sized portions and the price is great. The restaurant is often very busy at dinner times so plan accordingly. The restaurant has a dimly lit ambience, which I like, but it's a smaller restaurant and can get pretty loud in there. A high recommend because the food is great (had several items on the menu) and the price is excellent. My favorites there are of course the fish and chips but am always torn because their Shepherd's Pie is amazing and is a good helping of food. The Meat Pastie is excellent too. They don't have the largest of menu offerings, but what they do have is all good and well worth the visit.

    (4)

  • Molly R.

    Wholly cod this place was great! The staff was friendly, the atmosphere was casual. The unisex bathrooms were clean and hey! No waiting for a bathroom. We ordered a couple of local beers, and the best fish and chips I have ever had. The only thing that would make it better would be malt vinegar instead of white. We will be back for sure.

    (4)

  • Mike E.

    It's difficult to add much to the volley of reviews already posted here at Yelp!, but I will join the chorus in granting 5 stars to Anchor Fish & Chips. Truthfully, I'm not one for fish and chips, but Anchor made me a believer. It was quite clear I was eating something special -- I don't normally even like tartur sauce, but at Anchor, I went gaga over the stuff. Did I mention it's a great value?! I will be back.

    (5)

  • Alexis S.

    Stopped here on the Saturday before St.Patrick's Day. It was fairly busy but we were seated quickly. Ordered the fish and chips. Awesome! Giant piece o fish and lots of chips. Love their tartar sauce and the chips were phenomenal. Everyone working was super friendly. We were informed that February and March they are participating in eatiply, a meal-for-meal donation project. Eating with a cause. I like it! Will definitely go back. Heck if they were open right now I would go get me some fish and chips for breakfast.

    (4)

  • Dave A.

    Cozy little place, with good music. Food is greasy-perfect for one of those days you need a good fill. HOWEVER, there are usually 15 people crammed at the door if it's after 5:01 PM. (The restaurant probably seats 40?) It's probably just me, but when I eat here I can't relax, because I feel those people at the door watching me, bite-by-bite, waiting for their turn to eat. I would pass up any seats near the door for this reason. Get IN the restaurant, away from the hungry eyes of the awaiting customers. This way, you won't have to pretend you're eating swiftly. Last time when we were seated near the door, the crowd from the lobby swelled to near inches from the back of my chair. I just can't tune-out this type of logistical stuff. I tell ya, if the place was expanded, or rearranged, I'd give it 5 stars. But no matter how good the food is, atmosphere is King!

    (3)

  • Luke W.

    Some of the best fish and chips that I have ever had. Really good sides, like whirled peas and coleslaw. Great casual dining experience.

    (4)

  • Paige S.

    Great fish, great chips. The tartar sauce was the best I've had. Prices were perfect, in an interesting neighborhood. The atmosphere was friendly and worth the trip.

    (5)

  • Chance E.

    This is kind of a response to S.W. Not sure if I'm using the proper etiquette but here goes... The Anchor's freid fish is the best I've had in the states, by a good margin. It's better than almost any I've had in Ireland and Britain... I totally think the dissociation between the fish and the breading you experienced was an anomaly. I've had the Anchor's fish about a half dozen times in their shop in Northeast and twice from their food truck and the breading has adhered to the fish every time. I'm definitely not invalidating your experience. It happened. But I'd bet if you give them another shot it won't happen again. That said... the cod they use at times has the texture and flavor of good crab meat. Kindof miraculous, really. And the breading is a nice balance of crisp and tender. The mushy peas stand up to those found anywhere... authentic and creamy and fresh-tasting. The chips are pretty good, too. The oil they are fried in is stellar, though the potatoes could be a little less mushy inside. I'd've actually ticked down my rating to 4 1/2 stars for this if that were an option on Yelp. And I've had a perfect burger there believe it or not. Rare and flavorful, nice roll, the works... The pastie was also pretty good... but if you go, get the fish and chips... really. Surprisingly good for the upper midwest, and certainly up to snuff on a global scale. One criticism: they only had white vinegar on hand the times I've been there... malt vinegar for the fish and apple cider vinegar for the chips are by far my favorites... please add them to your options if you haven't already... Oh, and good friendly, non-intrusive service and a pleasant atmosphere. Give 'em a shot.

    (5)

  • Elizabeth B.

    As a frequent Ireland visitor I must say, very authentic Irish food with the best irish beer taps in town!

    (5)

  • Terri B.

    Went on a weeknight around 6:30, several tables turned over so got seated fairly quickly. Ate at the bar. They cook everything right behind the bar. I liked the Irish feel of the place. Service a little slow, which totally reminded me of Ireland too. They didn't come back for drink refills. There's one little spot at the bar where you can order beer while you wait for a table. Laid back, casual atmosphere. Fish and chips were good, but not great, kinda blah tasting. I like Claddaugh in maple grove better. Will try anchor again though.

    (3)

  • Heidi H.

    We had decided on sushi, but after a quick review of our budget, we decided, "what could be better than deep fried fish goodness!?" Turns out deep fried fish goodness is pretty darn good. I got the signature fish and chips and my husband the shepherd's pie. I'm pretty sure my husband had food regret, for my fish was a giant piece of perfectly golden fried... well... goodness! This is not complex food. The batter was nice and crunchy and the fish juicy. The chips were pretty good. Personally, I like my chips a little crunchier, but that's fairly subjective. 50 cents extra for tartar sauce, which seems odd, but whatever...it was worth it. I didn't think the shepherd's pie was anything to write home about. It really wasn't very flavorful. Just a bland mix of ground meat, peas and mashed potatoes. Even a tablespoon of tomato pasted making the gravy would have perked it up a little. It made me cry a little inside remembering the shepherd's pie at Sherlock's Home. Now that shepherd's pie was something to holler about. Tasty business. Our server was personable and attentive without hovering, quick with our food and quick with our tab when we requested it. We'll definitely be back.

    (4)

  • Elmer R.

    Yowza! Now that's what fish & chips is meant to be! Grease...what grease? Nope, just a beefy hunk of fish (can we say that?), a delicate but meaningful coating, and stupendous chips. Splash on some malt vinegar and you could be in one of the better chip shops across the pond, mate (sans the newspaper wrap). So good that we...almost embarrassed to say...ordered another one. Yes, two servings, one person, one sitting! It's that good.

    (4)

  • kyle t.

    My god I finally get to try Anchor Fish & Chips, all the good reviews, all the waiting, well worth it I must say! OK, I have been asking myself "how good can fish and chips really be", the answer seems to be Pretty Bloody Good. Anchor has all those things that I respect, nice little location, very fresh food, cooked very well and they make their own sauces. A place that takes the time to do the little things right, two thumbs up. The fish and chips were very good. Nice large piece of fish and great chips. The chips had a nice salty edge to them and the fish was really light and flaky. Tarter sauce was great and not over the top in any way. Also ordered the Sheppard's Pie and it was piping hot and very homemade taste to it, just like it rolled out of grandma's kitchen (even though my grandma never made Sheppard's pie). Loved the feel of the place and the service was fantastic as well. Nice little joint in a corner of the city that is becoming a pretty happening place for good food. Another rip against the burbs! KT

    (4)

  • Micki C.

    Checked out Anchor on Friday night with a group of friends. The place is fairly small and trendy at the moment, so expect to wait at least 30-45 minutes (but don't worry, it's worth it!!)!. They don't take reservations and there isn't much room inside the restaurant to while away the time--331 Club and Erte are just around the corner if you don't want to stand outside or cram into the entryway with other hungry Anchor goers. You can even leave your cell phone number with the hostess to call when your table is ready! Most of our table ordered the fish and chips--amazing. Get the tartar sauce; you won't regret spending the extra 50 cents. Comments on some of the other food items--the veggie burger was good and definitely didn't taste like a frozen patty. Another friend ordered her burger medium--and it came out exactly the way it should: dark pink. Prices were cheap. 9 of us had meals, beers, tax, and tip for under $150. Atmosphere is fun and noisy. Tables are pretty close together given the small space,but part of the fun. There is a small parking lot out back and plenty of street parking nearby.

    (5)

  • Amanda W.

    This might sound weird, but I come here for the burger. I haven't even had the fish. The burger, no cheese, raw onion, and a side of chips. Might be the best damn burger in Minneapolis. The meat is fresh, and when you bite into it, you get the feeling that this is how a burger should be. No frills, no fancy sauce, just pure quality meat on a simple bun. The chips, as mentioned by pretty much everyone else, are amazing, and the portions of them are gigantic. The malt vinegar is a tasty touch, too.They don't serve liquor-just beer and wine, and they also can't sell you a drink unless you order food, which is something to know. Their beer list is small but they have Nordeast (which I think is fun to drink in Northeast) for $3, which is nice. I think this place is worth the hype, and I haven't even tried their main item. Because of that burger, though, I don't think I ever will :)

    (5)

  • Julie S.

    Still in love with Anchor. Still think it is worth the wait. Just wanted to write a quick update to say that I did cheat on the fish with helicopter burger... and I feel zero guilt! I almost made a fatal error in ordering, when I said burger and forgot helicopter. So happy I caught it! It is like breakfast and a burger had a big, messy baby. Fisher Farms ham. Cheddar. Fried egg. Burger. It is almost too much to fit into your face and it is next to impossible to try to be graceful about it. So worth killing a tree's worth of napkins though.

    (4)

  • Mariel L.

    It's a fun bar/restaurant, with free parking, catchy music and decent prices. I could really only speak for the basic fish and chips, which was good, but not phenomenal. The fish was firm, and a tad small (it kinda got lost in that cave of batter). The batter was perfect, though, and just a little bit of salt and vinegar goes a long way. Fries were the stout kind, and as long as the entire plate was piping hot when served, it's all good. That said, there's nothing super compelling about this place that I would go back here again. I could see how it'd be a nice neighborhood joint, though.

    (3)

  • Keith P.

    Quite simply the best fish and chips I've had in Minnesota. The best. I've never seen a piece of fish a more beautiful shade of gold. I've also never had a piece of fried fish that flaked so beautifully. Yes, it's a big piece of fish, but I still ordered another piece when I was done with the first. The tartar sauce is wonderful and the white distilled vinegar is unique and the perfect complement. Yep, it's a long wait but I'm so glad I did it. I will be back for many years to come.

    (5)

  • Karen S.

    Not much more to add...perfectly cooked fish with a great batter. Chips were good, just wish they had been cooked about a minute longer. Really liked the curry sauce for chip-dipping. Would love to just bring a jar of that home. A little chaotic...be prepared to wait and be in the way of the hussle and bussle. Order a beer and hang out until your table's ready. But, worth the wait for sure!

    (4)

  • Hale L.

    Wifey and I like to walk around Lake Harriet. There is no better reason for exercise then walking off a big greasy meal. We decided that consuming some good bar food will suffice. Locate in NE Mpls art district, this place feels like an old time British pub: dark hard wood floors, dark wooden seats, good beer and some savory bar food. No flat screens broadcasting cricket games. Wifey order the signature fish and chips and I ordered the burger. Personally, I like fish with a thick crispy batter. The batter on this one was light yet crispy and the fish was light and flaky. The fries...uh...chips were amazing! Let's talk about the burger. For $8.50 you get a cheese burger with fries. The meat was harvested from grass fed cows. The grass must have been laced with sweet goodness, because the beef was dripping with it. Mix that with the fries and my belly was one happy organ after that trip. And it didn't hurt my wallet. We probably should have walked 1 more lap around the lake to burn off the fat.

    (4)

  • Melissa L.

    Came here for a lunch fish and chips, since I was last thwarted a couple Wednesdays ago for dinner. While my friend and I got seating right away - it was about twelve thirty on a Saturday - we were informed that they only cooked brunch until 1, so we couldn't get fish and chips. Fair enough, so we both ordered the Half Whack - beans, potato bread, two eggs, grilled tomato, and a rasher of Irish bacon - and some tea. I also ordered Fish and Chips to go, for the boyfriend, once the lunch kitchen opened. The Half Whack was fairly good. The eggs are local and the Irish bacon was pretty much like ham. Although I really like tomatoes, these were pretty weak tomatoes. I can think of better sources for good tomatoes, like Bushel Boy. Overall, I think this would make a good hangover breakfast, since it was pretty salty. They only gave two small slices for potato bread, which seemed a bit stingy. More would have been better for sopping up all the other breakfast parts. I liked my brunch but I wasn't wowed. Service was pretty good and the waitress made sure I had extra hot water for my tea. Some sort of tea bag holder would have been nice, since I don't like having my tea bags sitting too long in my mug. She also got me some tartar sauce for the fish and chips, which came as soon as she cleared our plates. I delivered a hot package of fish and chips to the boyfriend, who was pretty hungry. The fish fillet looked pretty big, but after a couple bites, he slowed down. I tried some fish and the chips as well. Not good. The chips were limp and greasy and the fish tasted none-too-fresh, and was really greasy as well. I know that eating fried foods for take away decreases the deliciousness of fried foods, but it was only ten or fifteen minutes since I left The Anchor (I live in Marcy Holmes). But the heaviness of grease in the batter indicated that the oil hadn't been hot enough when the fish was dropped in. We promptly threw out the rest of the fish and chips. While we agreed that taking out a pasty or shepherd's pie would have been a better idea, I was not impressed with the quality of fish and the oil thing. Those are kitchen issues. There are a lot of positive reviews here so we'll probably come back and try it again, since restaurants are bound to have off days and a pint of nicely poured Guinness is always irresistible.

    (3)

  • Andrew S.

    Two friends and I had undercooked, gelatinous and tasteless fish. The batter was tasteless as well, and separated from the fish. The vinegar bottles were filled with water. Tarter sauce will cost you extra. The mushy peas were the only item with any color. Most of the seats in the restaurant are exposed to the elements, since Anchor doesn't have a vestibule.

    (1)

  • Nazgul W.

    Nice work, Anchor! I finally got over here to try this and the fish and chips are amazing. The fish is beautiful and plentiful, and you get a heaping mound of chips underneath. I actually liked the white vinegar quite a bit; it was more subtle than the malt variety, I found. The place was full of activity and vibrant and we only had to wait a few minutes (mid-afternoon on a Sunday). I didn't bother with the booze and just had the lemonade, which was good. I got a side of the tartar sauce along with it and I must say the tartar sauce was better than expected. Maybe it was because it had more of a mayo taste and consistency and less of the aroma of pickles, or something, but I liked it. The tartar sauce was hardly needed, though, because the fish was nicely battered, salted and delicious on its own. When you add some of the white vinegar, it becomes even more delicious, although I liked to intersperse bites of the fish on its own every once in a while. They give you plenty of food for your dollar. I had to really work to finish mine, and my girlfriend had to get a box for the shepherd's pie because it was so large. I tasted the shepherd's and it was very hearty and tasty, but I thought it may have had too little on the bottom (meat, veggies) covered by a mashed potato layer that may have been too thick. My girlfriend also had a cup of the mushy peas, which I think were served with a little bit of butter, and those were fantastic. I imagined someone in the back just smashing peas with a hammer or something. A very interesting side. The breakfast here sounds quite enticing and I'll have to return for that. I wish this joint were in my neighborhood but I'll be happy to come back over to check out some more selections and reprise the fish and chips. The Anchor is pretty small overall, but its bustle, charm and food is a welcome addition to Mpls.

    (4)

  • Dan S.

    I can't believe this place already has 10 reviews, its only been open for 2 weeks. Other posts mentioned the wait, but that might be slowing down a bit. I stopped in on Saturday night at about 9 p.m. and there were a couple of open tables. The waitress took our order right away and we were eating in about 15 minutes. The food was good, you get a pretty substantial piece of fried fish in a bed of thick cut fries. The fish was maybe 9 inches long and 3 1/2 inches wide. (I've got a good point of reference) Prices are reasonable, I think it was $9.50 for the fish and chips meal. Most meals were around that price. They also serve a proper Irish breakfast on weekends. $10 for the works. Bangers, mash, eggs, beans and tomatoes. They serve dinner until 12:45 a.m. They have a few decent beers around $4 a pint. Its a great space, a block off of University and 13th Street NE. Wood floors, high ceilings, minimalist design.

    (4)

  • Peter H.

    I had given up on Fish and Chips, but my friend suggested this place. This is truly the best Fish and Chips I have ever eaten, they are big beautiful pieces of Wild Caught Cod, and fried to perfection. If you get the curry sauce to go along with the fries it is quite yummy. Make sure to get there early and prepare to wait, they are often quite busy. There is parking in the back, but it is usually full, but there is plenty of parking on the street. You can get a beer from the bar if you want to be able drink while you wait.

    (5)

  • John H.

    We stopped in for fish and chips, but both were soggy and a bit greasy. On the positive side, the waitress was excellent and the food came promptly. It's an interesting place to people-watch, all kinds of characters frequent this joint.

    (3)

  • Mike C.

    The quality of the fish was par, but the fired batter coating the fish was way too greasy! Even with the malt vinegar to cut the grease and tartar sauce for dipping I thought that the fish still had an overwhelming oily taste. Anchor Fish and Chips seemed like a very nice neighborhood establishment, unfortunately I will not go back despite wanting to like it, specifically due to the greasiness of the food.

    (2)

  • Adam L.

    The food at Anchor Fish and Chips is great! The fish is always tender and has a great breading. You get a generous portion of fish that is not overly greasy like you find in a lot of fried fish. The homemade tartar sauce is a plus and should be added to your order. It's $0.50 extra, but well worth it. They have a small selection of local beer along with the usual soda and water. It's a small dining room so plan on waiting for a bit if you have a group of more than 2-4 people.

    (4)

  • Jackie L.

    The SO and I visited this place on 2/18/12 for lunch. It was busy and we had to wait a about 45 minutes for a place to sit. It was worth the wait for the delicious fish and very cordial staff. However, I'm docking one point for the chips. The batch I got were exceedingly greasy almost to the point of being inedible. I am very particular about chips/fries... they need to be crunchy on the outside, moist inside, and not sliding around in their own grease. This place is obviously very popular and if I lived nearby, I would probably get takeout fish from here often, but I hope that the batch of chips I got weren't representative of the average.

    (4)

  • Sarah G.

    Matt had a craving for a Fish Fry last week on Friday. After consulting with all my fellow yelpers - we decided to come to the Anchor. Cute little, tiny, itty bitty place. We gave our name and had to wait about 25 mins, which isn't really that bad for a Friday night. The waitress was recommending the 331 as a place to go grab a drink while we waited but she wasn't making any promises to hold our spot if we were not back at the restaurant when she was ready. We both had the fish and chips for dinner. It was well cooked and not overly greasy. Bummer that they charge $.50 per container of Tartar Sauce. At least they warn you upfront. The portion size was very good and I was stuffed. Even Matt couldn't finish his meal! Great place for a fish fry. We will be back soon. **Always remember that there is a parking lot in back! This way you don't have to scour the street and look for parking**

    (4)

  • MN D.

    It has been our goal lately to try new places in our "new hood".... Last night Ang, Kat and I went to The Anchor Fish & Chips. I was completely surprised, It was fantastic! We each got a drink and the fish and chips. The fish is a big serving that sits on top of steak fries. No not the healthiest of food but once in a while you have to have some fried food!... The service was great, the vibe is chill. I highly recommend this place!

    (5)

  • Ryan W.

    This is the best fish fry I've had in the twin cities. The first time I went was a Friday night and we had to wait a long time. It was well worth the wait. You get a really large piece of fish and excellent fish fries. I have been back several time since (I just pass on Friday nights now). Great atmosphere. It's a really cool and unique place with excellent food and amazing prices. One of the best values in the Twin Cities. If you love fish fries, you have to go here.

    (5)

  • Andrew S.

    SO GOOD! This is a great restaurant in NE Mpls. You'll most likely have to wait to get a table as it's quite popular and has a smaller dining area, but its definitely worth the wait! They have other options for food, but I definitely recommend the Fish & Chips! They have some nice organic wines as well which they serve in a carafe - its a nice touch. If they were open on Monday's I would go much more often, but I understand they need a day off too :)

    (5)

  • Jen B.

    After years of wanting to try this place, I finally did. The place is small, cute and cozy. The service was ok, there were a few times I had to wave the waitress down, which I tend to find annoying- they should be checking with you so you don't have to do this, but when she did come around, she was friendly enough. The food- we both had fish & chips. I thought the fish was fantastic!! Light and fluffy and not "fishy" tasting. The fries were good too, but a little greasy for me. My husband wasn't quite as impressed as I was, he felt the entire meal was too greasy, but he did enjoy the fish. We arrived at about 5:15 on a Sat. evening and got the last table. With 10 minutes of our arrival, there was a line. I suggest going before the dinner rush or for lunch. I will be back!

    (4)

  • Bethany B.

    The reason I love the Anchor is the helicopter burger. I may be of Irish decent, but I just need a little more flavor on my fish... the helicopter burger is amazing- 1000 hills beef with egg, ham, and cheese- I think the eggs are organic, too. They even have organic wine! I love the curry dip and sitting at the bar is fun. Kathryn is personable and of course, Irish. I love the lilt. would love to go there for breakfast some day

    (5)

  • Madge M.

    There's a LOT to love about Anchor: neighborhood joint, you can get a Guinness with dinner, hipster hangout, tattooed clientele, nice Irish owners. I could go on. But, let's talk about the food: The fish = the best. Bar none. The pastie = choice of meat or veggie. Also delish. Mushy peas = why not? Surprisingly good. And dotted with real butter. But, alas, the chips = FAIL. If they can make the best deep-fried fish ever, why can't they make the chips, well, chippier? There's nothing sadder than a basket of limp potatoes. And, one asks for "extra crispy chips" the answer, sadly, is "sorry, they make 'em like they make 'em." Which is soggy. Crisp 'em up people or accommodate a special request. Oh, the wait staff? They're great. A little sass. A little attitude. Great service.

    (3)

  • Kelly S.

    It was my first time at Anchor tonight after years of meaning to try it. Although there was a wait and we were cramped in the entryway at first, the hostess was super friendly and directed us to the bar to get beers to wait, and the time flew by. The portions are pretty big, it's well-priced, and most of all, the food was great (we both ordered the standard fish & chips). No complaints! I'll definitely go back when the next fish and chips craving hits.

    (4)

  • Titi P.

    They relabeled mashed potatoes as "shepard's pie" here. I wouldn't.

    (3)

  • Ellen R.

    What a great way to spend an "early" Sunday afternoon recovering from too much polka and beer. After a long and arduous battle with the menu, I decided to forgo the fish and chips, since two friends were ordering them - easy opportunity to snag a few bites - and ordered a grilled ham, Irish cheddar, tomato, and sauteed onion sandwich with chips. AHHHHHHHeaven! Not one morsel left in m basket. The buttery, perfectly toasted sandwich is saltily rich in taste. Loads of quality ham smothered in melty cheddar and onions. Yes, please, another. The chips, or fries, are thick cut and wonderful. They're not my favorite fries, but they're definitely a must when you're at Anchor. After cleaning house in my own basket, I managed to snag a few bites of fish. MELT IN YOUR MOUTH! You can't have a great piece of batter fried fish without quality tartar sauce. Therefore, fork over the .50 and get the tartar sauce. And you know I also tried the Heintz beans and potato bread from the Half Whack breakfast plate. I'd rather stick to the fish or sandwich plus chip combos. On top of our great meal, the service and atmosphere really sealed the deal for me. Our waitress was incredibly attentive and so helpful. The music was top notch, and the restaurant staff didn't even mind when we joined the radio and belted Dixie Chicks' "Traveling Soldier." In fact, the encouraged us and joined in the 2000s nostalgic sing-a-long. Don't judge. Can't wait to head back, sit at the tiny counter, and drink a libation!

    (4)

  • Allison K.

    EAT HERE. It's worth the wait. And I'm pretty sure there is ALWAYS a wait (even a Tuesday at 9:30pm). If you get take out, the fish & chips are usually soggy by the time you get home. But seriously, eat here. The fish & chips are so delicious and light (for deep fried fish), you'll eat more than you probably should, but you won't hate yourself because it's SO GOOD. And the simple decor really suits the place. The ceiling is gold and the walls are painted red with black & white framed portraits on the wall.

    (4)

  • Nathan P.

    What a gem! I was recommended to this place by a family member who said it was spectacular. Now up until recently, I have not been a fan of Fish & Chips. Pulling up my boot straps and taking a dive was well worth it at this place. The wait was ridiculous. 3 of us waited 50 minutes at 8pm for a table on a Thursday night. Assuming that it was really to die for we waited it out. We stood outside because there isn't a ton of standing room, while allowing other people to get their names put on the list. After being seated we promptly ordered beer and our order (they have menus you can look at while you wait). 2 of ordered the Fish & Chips, and the 3rd a Meat Pastie with Chips. The food comes QUICK! And holy cow, the fish piece was HUGE! They are not little nuggets of fish, it's one HUGE fillet. Lightly battered and fried to perfection. The fish was moist and pretty darn good. Only downside is that it is VERY greasy. Much more than than at Brit's. The "chips" are freshly cut and perfectly crisp as well! I tried a bite of the Meat Pastie, which was a mixture of ground pork, veggies, potatoes and a killer seasoning, all battered up and deep fried. Overall, I would def make it a weekly stop. Check it out peeps!

    (4)

  • Ralph M.

    I'd always meant to check out Anchor, but I kept hearing about the crowds and the lines when they first opened. Okay, I'll give that a little time. What's it been? A couple years now? My girlfriend finally insisted we go because it was criminal that I had not yet tried the place. So we went. On a Friday evening. The first week of lent. And I thought I was the dumb one. So yes, it was crowded. There was a line. There was that incredibly awkward thing of standing around almost on top of people while they eat, and/or blocking the waitstaff traffic. In other words, hell on earth for me. Wisely, we put our name on the list and skipped down to 331 for a peaceful beer. Got back, didn't lose our turn, finally got seated and could enjoy a nice beer and some damn good fish and chips. So why are the fish and chips soggy? All the hype and all the trouble and they're $^$#@ soggy? I knew they were freshly cooked, so that can only mean their oil was at the wrong temperature (too low). Based on everyone else's glowing reviews, I'm guessing that's not a chronic problem, I just won the "crowding the fryer" lottery. Lucky me. I guess my experience was atypical, but I'm still not clear what the hype about this place was ever really about in the first place. Why do people go crazy over well made fast food (I'm looking at you 5 Guys Burger and Fries)? Is that how low our standards are?

    (2)

  • Kelli R.

    Fantastic Fish & Chips at a great price, we will be back to try both the pasties and shepherds pie!

    (5)

  • Brian D.

    Just plain perfect fish and chips.

    (5)

  • Noor G.

    Just what fish and chips should be like...crispy crunchy fishy and decadent! The atmosphere is fun, bustling with people and cozy to be in. It seems a world away from the dreary street outside...it was love at first sight

    (5)

  • Erin F.

    Would highly recommend! Excellent food! Cozy space.

    (5)

  • Nicola M.

    Delicious food and great service. A good taste of 'home' for those of us from the UK!

    (5)

  • Stephanie K.

    We walked in on a Friday around 7pm and the place was packed. I ordered the burger, which was made with grass fed beef and it did not disappoint. City Pages actually named this the best burger of 2010! My husband got the fish and chips, a favorite dish of his, and he was in heaven. Both entrees came with the best steak fries or "chips" either of us had ever tried. The fries were thick, yet incredibly crispy. All in all, we highly recommend this restaurant. Just be prepared to wait if you're dining at prime time. Carry-out is also available if you don't want to deal with the crowd.

    (4)

  • Jon L.

    We had some family in town for the Holidays and decided to venture out and try this place. It was the first visit for us all. We went on a Wednesday and got there fairly early since there were seven of us. We arrived at close to 5:00pm and were the first on the waiting list. The smell of the place just walking up to the building is about enough to put you over the edge. Yum, yum! We waited for about 20 minutes to get seated. No complaints for waiting since the place holds about 50 people (and opens at 4:00pm). The wait staff was very warm and friendly as we got seated. Most of us ordered the Fish & Chips. The food arrived in less than 30 minutes and we quickly noticed the crowd gathering by the door. I guess we slipped in just in time. The slab of fish was about a foot long and fresh out of the fryer. Lightly battered cod that was perfectly done and was nice and hot from the beginning of the meal to the end. The chips were terrific as well. They were cut like steak fries, but in various shapes and sizes. I ate the fish without the tarter sauce (you need to ask) for about the first 3/4 of it. When I did try it with the sauce, it brought it to a whole new taste level. The sauce is great! A little tart and definitely not over done with mayo. We were all very satisfied with the whole experience. The inside is small but with a very cozy and warm feeling. The kitchen is right in there with you and it feels like you are having a nice family gathering with everyone there. A nice added touch was the paintings that were for sale on the walls. Very cool! We will be back!

    (5)

  • Jeremy W.

    If I could have given this 3.5 stars, I would have, as it is definitely above average, just not nearly as great as its reputation. The rumors you have heard about the long waits continue to be true...we decided not to wait after being told we would wait at least 90 minutes for a table for 7 on a Saturday night. We came back on a tuesday with similarly large group, and only had to wait a very reasonable 20 minutes for a table. Service was excellent. The prices are great. The food: The only stellar thing I sampled was the chips and gravy. the chips are good, though not the best in town, but the gravy...man, that's some good gravy. Not too salty, and with a great meaty flavor. The fish was above average, but I'm not dreaming about it--oddly, the batter could've used a little more salt.

    (3)

  • Cullen H.

    Tonight was my second visit to Anchor... I am definitely comfortable in saying it will be my last. Surprisingly, lots of people seem to enjoy the place. For those of you that like to await a table for over an hour, glance over an extremely limited menu, and polish off the night with greasy and amazingly salty items, you might be in luck. Not for me! Two stars for the friendly staff.

    (2)

  • Ken R.

    A PLANK of Cod and fresh cut fries (chips), reasonably price...I went Pac Man on this platter of food as did Mrs. Pac Man...it was a long wait for just 2 of us, but we knew that going in. Fish was excellent, nice and flaky and not greasy; chips crispy-crunchy on the outside and mashed potato soft on the sinside. Crowded? Yeah, but what the hell, we got out of there for under $30 bucks and we were stuffed. Tarter sauce and vinegar were lovely wrappings for the Cod. My only complaint is that the Cornish Pasty we ordered the 3rd or 4th time we were there was not hot all the way through.

    (4)

  • Danielle B.

    We had a great time at The Anchor! This restaurant is within walking distance of a friend's home and when visiting Minneapolis, they suggested we have dinner there. We did have to wait a bit for a table (Friday night around 7pm, to be expected), and there wasn't much space in the restaurant to wait comfortably, but luckily it was a nice evening so we went for a short walk around the neighborhood. When we were finally seated, we had an outstanding server waiting on us. He was warm, honest and attentive. Exactly what you want in a server. All of us enjoyed our food. It wasn't mind-blowing (burgers, fish & chips and shepherd's pie), but it certainly hit the spot and we really enjoyed our meal as well as the overall experience.

    (4)

  • Laura P.

    I hate fish. I love Anchor. This place has turned my fish-hatin' ways around. I ordered something...I can't remember what.... because it wasn't the fish!! I am completely sucked into the alaskan cod that they serve here!!! One of my dining partners ordered the fish and I was eyeing it through the entire meal. I had a taste of it.....ooooh words cannot express!!!! It was SO damn good! I'm going to be a fish eater once again. Seriously, I don't even remember what I ordered! I remember it was good...but that is all I remember! Hee hee :) The fish was the show stopper.

    (5)

  • Fiona H.

    I'm from New England so I have high standards for fish and chips. The Anchor's fish and chips were delicious! The meat was succulent with huge flakes of cod and the batter was crispy. The ambiance of the restaurant is very nice- cozy with an open kitchen. Surprisingly, the fryer does not make noxious fumes but adds a subtle tinge of umami to the air which really perks up the taste buds. Fish and chips for 2 people with 2 beers for thirty bucks- unbeatable! I will be coming here again.

    (5)

  • Courtney J.

    Ultimately there is no end to my praise for this place, but it's important to me to speak up when people do something right. There is not enough positivity transmitted a lot of the time so once again, I want to extol the virtues of the customer service at this place. I know people have off days when working in food service but I have yet to see evidence of this at Anchor. I took my mom here because she'd "heard so much about it" and "wanted to see how this Northeast neighborhood" was transforming. Suburban moms--gotta love 'em. She, of course, was just beside herself with how great this place was and that is saying something considering how flustered and anxious she gets in crowded places. The woman working the bar was extremely gracious and attentive, making both of us feel like in all of the chaos, our presence was still valued. The server was chatty and attentive and as always, the food amazing.

    (5)

  • Roger R.

    To start, Anchor s a small place and intimate. The tin ceiling and plaster walls are gorgeous but make the room feel slightly loud. We started with Ham Hock stew, which proved to be the best food of the night - strongly flavored, perfectly seasoned, and a great warm dish for a cold night. I would go back just for this soup. My guest and I both had the fish and chips - and were glad we did. The fish was hot, flaky, and well breaded. I was a little sad the chips were "hit and miss" - some crispy and some soggy, so was not thrilled by that. The fish was good enough that I forgave the chips. BTW ~ you can get the fish without the chips. Anchor is an awesome neighborhood eatery with a solid menu including shepherd's pie and burgers. Don't come here if you want fine dining as you will be disappointed. But when you crave a little fish, this is the best I've found so far. And they have Guinness on tap.

    (4)

  • Marsha L.

    Battered fish to die for! Nuff said! I can't wait to try the breakfast here some day. Worth every minute of the wait!! You can also call ahead and order carry-out if the wait is too long for you. Awesome place! Great ambiance too! Love seeing the chefs cooking and working their magic!

    (5)

  • Stephanie R.

    We had to wait a good while to get a table at dinner time, but the fish and chips were amazingly good.

    (4)

  • Lindsey D.

    Best fish and chips I've ever had. The batter is light. The fish is huge and the fries are great. We went on a warm friday night and only waited 10 min. Small space but the service is fast so tables turnover quickly. Cheap beer.

    (5)

  • Jennifer K.

    My baby sister just moved a block away..so we checked out her new digs and her new kitten, and went out to eat here. Trying to get a table with 6 adults and a baby here on a Friday night wasn't the brightest idea in the world, so our party split up-my husband and I (with baby) went to the Anchor-the rest went to Modern Cafe. They were so helpful with the baby, the waitresses worked so hard, and the food was SO GOOD! Blew Weight Watchers to hell-but it was worth it! My husband and I both had the Fish and Chips and although I don't know why you would order anything else-my mom said that the Garden Burger there was awesome-if you are in the mood for less grease. Anyway, we'll be back again. Yes, it's crowded and cramped...but that's part of the charm. Love this place!

    (4)

  • John F.

    9-11-13: I read with interest the other reviews and was eager to visit The Anchor on my trip to Minneapolis. My assessment: UNREMARKABLE food, unenthusiastic service, and appeared to be a lethargic staff still hung over from the weekend even though it was Wednesday. Save your time and money. Two stars because they served beer.

    (2)

  • Suzie Q.

    Absolutely the best, hands-down, BEST fish and chipper in Minnesota! Large, flaky, whole cod fillet - (not pieces), handcut chips, excellent burgers and shepherd pie! Oops, I think I just drooled on my keyboard here... If you've been meaning to visit this place, I highly recommend it! They can get quite busy, so a great time to go is on the early-side of dinner, or else you may expect about a 15 minute wait on weekends.

    (5)

  • John M.

    This feels like you're actually eating real seafood when you're here. The decor is authentic and feels like you're in Cape Cod. I just had the Fish N Chips when I was there but they were some of the best I had in Minnesota.

    (4)

  • Joel J.

    Everything I've had here has been great. However, I don't understand why a fish restaurant doesn't have malt vinegar. I hope you like to eat with strangers because the tables nearly on top of each other.

    (2)

  • Jessica V.

    I really want to give Anchor 5 stars. The food is absolutely amazing. However, the service is beyond bad. On at least 5 separate occasions, I've been completely ignored or made to wait twice as long as promised for takeout orders.

    (4)

  • D. L.

    Anchor has it going on vibe-wise but I just wish their food were a little better. If you're only going to do one thing, you have to do it well and at Anchor, that thing is supposed to be fish and chips, no? I think they would benefit from three very simple things: 1) Change the oil a little more often -- I can tell from tasting my food when the oil is too old, but I know some people can't at all. And Anchor is guilty of overusing a batch of oil when I've eaten there. 2) Be diligent about the temperature of the oil -- too hot and the outside is overcooked while the inside not quite cooked enough. Too cold and the whole thing is a greasy mess by the time it has cooked through. Anchor's stuff is always way too greasy. Even for fried food. Which leads me to... 3) Drain your fried foods -- things seem to be served straight from the fryer without the benefit of any draining or oil-absorbing something or other. Take it from a British ex-pat, there's a reason why some places serve fish & chips wrapped up in newspaper. It wicks the extra surface oil away from the food. Of course if it was fried improperly in the first place, there's only so much it can do as the oil gets absorbed deep into the food. I find it difficult to taste their food through all the extra grease...and I love fried foods. Yet even on better days, the fish never seems flavorful enough on the inside while the perenially soggy chips never attain that ethereal fluffiness on the inside nor the crisp shattery outside that characterizes an excellent chip. Sometimes the chips are mealy inside, sometimes they're still hard. Always kinda flabby and greasy though. Perhaps they don't double-fry the chips? And since pretty much everything else on the menu is fried too, it's pretty much an oil-slick all-around. There's a real art to frying and if that's your specialty you gotta make sure everyone on the team is skilled at reading the oil. I really really want them to get better because they're lovely people there and Anchor is a great addition to the neighborhood and you know what, I love fish & chips...but it has to be good fish & chips. I gave them an extra star for everything outside of the food.

    (3)

  • J B.

    Amazing fish! Chips..? Meh.

    (4)

  • Jeannie V.

    I've never been to the UK but this is definitely the best fish and chips I've ever tasted. The fish is juicy, the batter fluffy/crispy/salty/melt-in-your-mouth goodness. I had no trouble finishing the gargantuan fillet. The fries are...ok. They aren't the star of the meal, unfortunately, because they become soggy from sitting under the amazing fish and absorbing its grease. I didn't eat too many, despite adding a side of brown gravy dipping sauce. I thought the gravy was a little boring and added lots of pepper, but my boyfriend thought it was superb as is. He got the helicopter burger with a runny over-easy egg - the bite I stole was delish, the meat is not what you'll find in your typical restaurant hamburger. The server we had was very helpful and friendly. The next time I'm craving fried food, I'll definitely be back and trying out that curry sauce.

    (4)

  • Ashley J.

    What better to cure a brunch craving with a side of hangover? Answer found: here! Had the half whack and it was a nice twist on an otherwise typical breakfast eggs, etc. Tried to be adventurous and give the old Heinz beans a try, but alas, not for me. But, again, nice twist. Friends had the fish and chips and that's what I'm going back for. Because I'll be back. (Adorable decor! And incredibly friendly staff! -- they endured our sing-along to one of the songs playing in our time of hangover discomfort)

    (4)

  • David C.

    I enjoyed the fish and chips and would eat there again.

    (4)

  • Danielle B.

    I'm torn. Three of us walked in here on a Wednesday night and we weren't greeted by anyone, just told abruptly that it would be about a 30 minute wait. Okayyyyyy...So we stepped outside and twiddled our thumbs for 10 minutes and were called in to a *small* round high-top table that had our knees touching. I would have moved my chair back but the lady behind me at a different high top seemed oblivious beyond belief that her chair was in my chair's space. Ugh. Nothing like a cramped meal to get me relaxed. We each ordered a beer and while I wasn't happy with what the server recommended to me, I saved it for my meal and used it to wash down the fish. Speaking of fish, this was actually some of the best fish and chips I've had. However, It. Was. So. Salty. The batter itself was salty, but there were large salt crystals on top that I actually brushed off. Yikes! I would have loved to order a water, but it wouldn't have fit on the table and there was no way I was holding it. But holy cow I've never had saltier food. Maybe I was just unlucky but I could feel my fingers and ankles swell with each bite. But it was good. So, like I said, I'm torn. Crappy (read: slow and cranky) service, salty food but the fish underneath the batter was amazing. Sigh.

    (3)

  • Mique T.

    If you're going here on a weekend get there early or prepare for a wait. The last time I went it was on a weeknight and it was pretty empty. The menu is pretty small but very direct. I have never actually strayed away from the title food and have never been disappointed. We got there after a long evening and were starving. After conveying this to the server she brought our food quickly and made sure I got the biggest piece of fish they had in the place, and it was fantastic. When she saw there was some left on my plate she challenged me to finish it. Great atmosphere, great food and great service. Probably one of the best Minneapolis has to offer.

    (5)

  • Lindsay K.

    Number one-The Guinness here is the best I've had. After talking with the owner about it, I was informed that it has something to do with a really short line. Whatever the reason, it's awesome. I realize traditionally Guinness is supposed to be drank at room temperature, but I prefer my stouts cold and milky, which is exactly what it was. Had the fish & chips, and don't have any complaints. The portion was pretty ridiculous, and I kinda prefer not to have a mountain of food sitting in front of me that I know I can't eat, but I guess it's always better to be served too much food versus way too little. Other than that, some of the fries were a little soggy, but the fish was crisp and fresh. What really blew me away was their Irish cheddar burger. Seriously, this is probably the best burger I have ever had. I have yet to eat a 112 burger, which I've heard is the city's best, but we'll see. The thing is, they really don't do much at all with this burger. No fancy truffle oil or tons of random seasonings or toppings necessary. Their grass-fed meat speaks for itself. Crazy juicy and the flavor is out of this world, especially for only being seasoned with salt and pepper and cooked in a little clarified butter. I'd go back for the fish & chips, but I'll go back often for the burger and beer.

    (5)

  • Nick C.

    I'll keep my review short and to the point, much like their menu. Gigantic portion of fish, coupled with delicious fries and tartar sauce (and vinegar if you swing that way). The fries could have been slightly more crispy, but they still ruled. Service was fast and attentive, and the staff overall seemed glad to see every customer in the place. Total cost for my meal including beer was just over $11 and I stayed full for several hours. I would highly recommend this.

    (5)

  • Tony H.

    I absolutely loved the food here. I ordered a "pastie", which turns out to be a deep-fried pot pie. Yum yum. Oh and the fries are fantastic. After our 45 minute wait, service was alright. Prices were great!

    (4)

  • Hung N.

    Got the food to-go, since I heard gets packed on weekends. Pretty frickin good. Got to try the Fish and Chips w/ curry and coleslaw. Fish, perfectly fried and great batter and cod flavor. I also really enjoyed the fries with curry. Didn't know people eat it like this. As huge curry and french fries fan, i like the cultural mixing of flavors in my mouth! Helicopter burger was also good. Thick ol' burger, good quality meat, with cheddar, thick chunks of ham, and, yes a fried egg. Only complaint was the egg wasn't runny as I usually like. Anyways, will come back to try the shepperd's pie and sausages.

    (4)

  • Ashley P.

    on another amazing sunday afternoon after drink bloodys for a few hours, we decided to take a long bike ride over to NE to try the ancors fish and chips. A friend of mine had heard that it was the best in the city, and I had to check it out. After an exausting ride, we got to the ancor and found out it was packed. ON A SUNDAY. I have never been put on a waiting list on sunday. totally weird. So we finally sat down and each decided to get something different so we could swap. My favorite idea. I got the classic fish and chips, my first friend got the veggie burger and the other got the deep fried bangers and chips. I love the menu, it's simple and to the point. They offer a small selection of beers wine and champagne. a few entres, and appetizers and a couple desserts. The interior is really cozy and comfortable. I remember them playing nice music, and the booths are really tall, so it feels like you are in a private room. When we got our food we ended up dissapointed. It was suuuuuper greasy. Like soooo greasy that you could only taste the grease and not the fish. This also made the "chips" super soggy and not very fun to eat. I have heard that this place is good since then from another friend, and would maybe be willing to try it again, maybe it was the night, the cook or perhaps how busy it was. until then. you get a two. and that makes me sad.

    (2)

  • Jon-Rachel Y.

    There's nothing better than fried Irish pub fare and local microbrews to forget my first taste of Minneapolis winter. Good call on this place Sam. Located in a quiet neighborhood north of the U with decent street parking. They have a variety of sitting options from sitting at the bar, benches, or booths. Friendly wait staff and you can watch the cooks with tats drum up all those fried goodies. From meat pasties to curry fries, there's more than just a hardy portion of fish & chips that will bring me back again. Its very affordable and the line will build as the night goes on. A definite winner What we ordered: - Fish & chips - recommend - Grain belt When: - Friday @ 5 PM Will I return: - definitely

    (4)

  • Jillian C.

    We went in to Anchor for brunch on Sunday only to realize that we had missed the boat...they stop serving breakfast at 12:30 and we got there after 1. We were disappointed but not surprised (we've done this before...just can't get it through our thick skulls!) and decided to stay. I had an "Ivory", which is prosecco and grapefruit juice, and it was delicious. I've never seen that on a menu before but it seems too simple to have been invented here...regardless I'm going to give them the credit. Try one! We were not in a hurry but it took kind of a long time to place our food order - however, our server came over and was very sweet about it, he offered to buy me another drink while we waited (he got slammed right after we got there and I think that the kitchen did too). All I can say is that he went out of his way to make up for what I didn't even consider to be a big deal. Our server's exact words were "I feel like your experience here today hasn't been up to my standards, nor is it typical of the Anchor". I really appreciated that he noticed that we had been waiting even though we didn't complain. Finally, I'd like to discuss the great Northeast sausage love connection (because I looove love connections). Did you know that Anchor sources their sausage from Sentyrz?? What a beautiful relationship. PS the food was delicious.

    (4)

  • Chris K.

    Fish n chips are great, don't get me wrong, but the highlights of the Anchor's menu aren't fried. They're grilled. These guys know how to make a mean burger and sandwich. Among the best are their "Helicopter Burger" ($10)- a killer combination of Thousand Hills beef, aged Irish cheddar cheese, fried ham and a fried egg. You should probably hit the gym tomorrow if you eat this thing, but it's worth the extra time on the cardio. Juicy, crisp, salty and fatty, this burger is heaven. Plain and simple. Next best item on the menu is the Toasty ($7.50). Basically a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, the folks at the Anchor use Fischer Farms pork (happy pigs taste better, I swear), aged Irish cheddar, fried onions and tomato to round out this classic sandwich. Remember they do take-away. Call ahead, order what you crave, then swing by to avoid the long lines. They'll wrap your order in butcher paper. A great little feast for under $10.

    (4)

  • Steve S.

    I'd been wanted to try this place out for over a year, before i finally talked my roommate into giving it a try. I of course ordered the fish & chips, figuring on my first visit I had to go for the specialty. The portion was huge, and the fish was nice and flaky and white, but it was a bit too greasy for me, which is saying a lot. My roommate on the other hand couldn't even eat hers due to the grease. The fish didn't have much flavor either. Some salt, pepper, and lemon juice helped, but honestly with out it had not much taste at all. The chips were even greasier than the fish. Half of them were too soggy to eat. I picked through them and the portion that were actually crispy weren't bad. Maybe I just went on a bad day, I'd be willing to give this place another go. I've heard the Helicopter burger is really good.

    (2)

  • Katherine Z.

    Freaking awesome. We ordered the fish and chips with the gravy and curry (didn't even mess with the white vinegar...why would you when there's gravy to be had?) as well as the shepard's pie...and of course beer. Old Style on tap? Check. Oh, my god. I waddled out of there. I literally had to unbutton my jeans by the end of my meal. The only downside was the wait and the cold air that rushed into the waiting area anytime anyone opened the door. But it was totally worth it. Plus we were drinking and chatting while waiting so it didn't seem that long. I think we waited about forty-five minutes and we got there around 8:15 on a Saturday evening. They are open until 1am so I can definitely see myself partaking in a later meal at this establishment.

    (4)

  • Chris R.

    Couple Warnings first - there's not much of a waiting area, and if you head over here on a Thurs-Sat (and possibly other nights) you probably will have to wait for a table. With that said, the wait is worth it. I went with the namesake - Fish and Chips and they were great. The atmosphere is great and welcoming. The fish tasted fresh, the breading was very solid - good consistency and great taste. By the bottom of the pile of fries, it got a little soggy, but what do you expect when you get so much. Grab a good beer and a basket and enjoy.

    (4)

  • sarah p.

    It's been brought to my attention that the reason Anchor uses white vinegar is because that's what the Irish use. The Brits use malt vinegar. Personally, I prefer malt...I don't think that white vinegar provides enough "oomph". Also, I was unaware that Anchor was an Irish joint. Hmm, who knew. Either way, I still wish they offered malt vinegar along with white vinegar. Gotta say, though, I remain a fan. Update #2: Private Investigator Andy G just informed me that the owners of Anchor are Irish (I could have found this out on their website, apparently, but thankfully AG did the legwork for me.) Still doesn't change that I would like malt vinegar available. ;)

    (4)

  • Allison E.

    I'm cringing as I write this because I already foresee people brandishing their pitchforks. So, I'll just start off by saying that I don't eat fresh water fish so no need to worry that I'm going to rag on the fish and chips. I'm sure it's lovely if you like that sort of thing. Instead, I decided to go for the shepard's pie since I'd seen some rave reviews. Yeah, not overly impressed. Maybe it was an off-night. It seemed pretty bland and basic. Not that you can expect too much from such a dish, but I still thought I might be a little more wow'd. The atmosphere was ok, our waiter was ok, the whole experience was...just ok.

    (2)

  • Anders C.

    This may not actually be a five star restaurant, but I give five stars to places I really like and I really like this place. Haven't had the fish yet, but the burger was one of the best I've had in the cities. There was definitely something special about it. Grass fed beef, aged cheddar, really nice bun, not too big. Top-notch. Fries were as good as they get. Atmosphere was really nice, open kitchen, tin ceiling, nicely lit. The servers are extra friendly. Excited to go back.

    (5)

  • Zachary S.

    There are a few places in the Twin Cities that ruins you for any other meal you may have. Take Heidi's for example. I haven't eaten a meal so delicious since being there, and doubt I will. I can't eat a burger w/o thinking: This isn't as good as the one at Vincents. And now Anchor and their Fish & Chips. Hot damn. Normally you get a bunch of small pieces of fish (you know, at Mac's, or Red Lobster) but here you get a whole friggin fillet! How do they keep the ends from being overdone (you know, those skinny parts) while the center is nice and tender? A mystery. The fries were simply the best I have had--perfectly fried, none soggy and HAND CUT. They take their time here, and it is worth the wait. Another mystery is why there aren't more chip shops in town like this one. Exactly like this one. In my neighborhood. Because honestly, I am already plotting my return to try other items. (oh, the staff is really friendly. our hostess/owner kept us posted on the wait and has a gentle touch that is made for the restaurant biz.) So even though we had to wait to sit, and wait to get the food to our table, it was worth it, despite the turbulent start...

    (4)

  • Megs B.

    This place is POPULAR! As it should be. So if you are STARVING, be prepared for a wait and bring some crackers or something. BF and I arrived around 7:45 on a Thursday and had to wait like 20 mins. The fish is just as good as everyone says it is. Its a big fillet of cod and the batter is light and crunchy. The chips are chippy and good. Our server was prompt and nice and filled my DC like two seconds after I was done with the first glass (I didn't even have to flag her down!) Awesome. My only complaint, if there is one, is that the vinegar is white. I prefer malt vinegar. I literally had to soak my chips and it seeped through the paper on the bottom...whoopse. I like vinegar, ALOT. It was great, I will be back again and again. Thank god for the Anchor. Minneapolis needed a good fish and chip place. --I think someone else mentioned that they need a curtain or something around the door area...there is no vestibule and I'm betting it could get real cold in there if they don't do something about it. In fact it was kinda chilly in there when I was visiting...

    (5)

  • David S.

    You go there for the fish and chips. It's awesome. I've always loved the fish and chips so much that I haven't tried anything else. Oh and they're launching their own food truck!

    (4)

  • Dan V.

    I became a first time customer last night and was somewhat disappointed as I had heard good things. There is apparently a Minneapolis statute that affects this establishment which states that in order to order an alcoholic beverage, you must have your own meal. The two friends I was with wanted to split an order of the fish & chips as they were not overly hungry. They were not allowed to order their own beers with a split meal, so they ended up ordering a second plate - which left in a takeout container. Rather silly rule, in my opinion. When it came to the fish & chips, the fish portion was excellent, but the batter was quite greasy. This grease soaked down to the chips beneath causing them to be along the lines of mushy and floppy rather than crispy and flavorful. Glad I went one time, but am sad to say, I doubt I'll be back.

    (2)

  • Brien G.

    Didn't live up to the hype. Love seeing new restaurants pop-up, especially with a specialty or unique point of view, but this one needs work. Staff was friendly, great ambiance, cool vibe. The Anchor could be really amazing but I thought the food was so so. I know, I know, it's Fish and Chips and it's not a five star dining experience. The fish itself was ok, but nothing special. The chips were so greasy it brought the whole meal down. They should call it Fish and Grease. IMO, you're better of getting Fish and Chips almost anywhere else in town. I'm being extra critical as I believe if you're going to do one thing, do it well or don't do it. I also tried my friend's burger and again, mediocre-city on this as well. Hope you work it out Anchor, we need you in this city....I'll try you again in a few months to see if you've progressed

    (2)

  • Constance C.

    If I lived in Minneapolis, I would go here all the time. I ate every last bite of my giant serving of beautifully crispy fish and chips. I wasn't that excited to try the gravy and curry we ordered for dipping but they were totally worth it. The gravy in particular was just...so...good. As my friend said, "I just want to order a glass of this and drink it." (Like everyone else, the absence of malt vinegar threw me for a loop but I was fine with the white. I respect the owners for sticking to their Irish tradition.)

    (5)

  • Lilly M.

    Went w/ a group o' four on a recent Saturday evening and we were not disappointed in the least. As everyone at the table ordered fish n' chips (of course I don't blame them) I had to switch it up and get a meat pastie for variety. Thankfully they shared the fish with me so I can comment about that too. It was perfection and as I read reviews about the lack of malt vinegar, I was thinking, "what? how? no malt vinegar?" but in all honestly the fish n' chips were so good that I didn't even notice that lack of malty goodness. The pastie was really good too! Overall, I would definitely return to the Anchor. Kudos to the awesome wait staff, our waitress comped our drinks because she forgot one drink and accidentally sold the last order of mushy peas after we placed our order. Good thing our table neighbors gave us a bite of their mushy peas....only in Minnesota. :)

    (4)

  • Angie P.

    "Wait... you can't just order a beer? You have to get food too?" That was my exact response to the waitress. Of course I felt bad after saying that, but I didn't realize that they can't just serve you alcohol unless you order food. Unfortunately I had already ate dinner and was looking for a place to just have a drink, but I ordered something small to accommodate my beer. I've been there twice now and each time the food is good and I always have a beer to wash it down. The only complaint I guess is the music, or rather, the volume of the music. Each time I've been there, the music is quite loud and squelchy and it is very hard to converse when you have to try to raise your voice over the echoing music. Perhaps they'll learn that they are there to serve patrons food, not create a dance club. But, perhaps it was just off nights that I happened to be there. Who knows. I definitely plan on going back for my hungry tummy needs. It is a great little place tucked back by a funeral home and duplex homes. It is a great location (a block away from University Ave. on 13th Ave.) and the food is great! Juuust, remember, you can't order a beer without ordering food!

    (3)

  • Scott B.

    I feel violated.......by grease. To be fair grease and fried food is just not my thing. However, through bad luck for Anchor I am reviewing a few weeks after eating at fish fry nirvana in Wisconsin where the fish was not greasy at all. The wait staff a Anchor was tops and other wise the visit was pleasant. If I go back it won't be for the fish.

    (2)

  • J S.

    Great service & friendly staff. Very busy - because it's small. The place has a lot to offer, they need to tweak the menu's items. Fish & Chips ~ quality cod, soggy and soggy batter in the center, crisp at the ends. The cod is a whole side filet. The ends are thin with a thick center. Very difficult to properly fry this cut. Served with a good white vinegar. Malt Vinegar would be a good addition. Chips ~ some crunchy, others soggy. Not a Pastie & Chips ~ No pastry! It's a patty of pork, potatoes, and hard carrots dropped in batter and deep fried. Little seasoning. A proper Pastie is beef, potatoes, rutabagas, carrots in a flaky pastry. No gravy included, $3 extra. This was a real sinker! Not a Shepherd's Pie ~ Bland! Made with beef not lamb, therefore a cottage pie. No baked cheese on top, just potatoes. Some of their Irish cheddar would of helped a lot. The place has a lot to offer, hope they tweak the menu items.

    (3)

  • M G.

    Fun place. Gets really busy. Limited beer selection. Great fish basket and fries.

    (5)

  • Emily S.

    Felt like a punk romance walking in -- something about it's glow in the winter evening on New Years Day and the uber quaint little sign hanging out front in the moonlight. I'm not going to knock them down for being crowded -- good for them. Kick some butt and make some moolah as a small business. I'd recommend going in a group of four. Wait may be longer but seating options are a hundred times better. Other than that, food was timely and pretty decent, and price was so totally affordable. Not your typical chain food. Veggie burger was worth every penny. And my handsome date had a log of fish with some true "chips." It just isn't a place I'd go out of my way to recommend -- if you're in the neighborhood, stop by for sure. Loved the man behind the counter running the restaurant's soundtrack for the evening. GREAT music. Xoxo Emily.

    (3)

  • Brian P.

    After reading the reviews on Anchor Fish & Chips I decided to stop by on the way home and buy some take-out. I ordered the fish & chips with both the curry sauce and tartar sauce. My thoughts are: Fish: Not the best I've ever had, but pretty darn good. Nice coating, good taste, slightly greasy. Fries: These are what I would call steak fries - the bigger, thicker version of french fries. Good. Tartar sauce: I am normally not a tartar sauce fan, but this stuff was excellent - a smooth flavor that enhanced the flavor of the fish. Curry sauce: OK. I like Indian food, and this is not a curry sauce in the sense of what you would expect with Indian food. Anchor's curry sauce is good, but I expected something different. I wouldn't order this again on a return trip. Service: Excellent! I was helped immediately by a very friendly lady. Ambience: Think dark, slightly grungy, unassuming, casual. Not in a bad sense - just the vibe. Did I enjoy my fish? Yes. Would I go back again? Maybe. Anchor Fish & Chips was good, but not great.

    (4)

  • Tim A.

    It was my first visit to the Anchor yesterday. I have wanted to try it for months now but every opportunity I had it was always packed in there or it was Monday and they are not open Mondays. I walked in and sat at there lunch counter setup which was perfect because I was alone. The menu was perfect simple and to the point. Of course I had the fish and chips and a Nordeast beer. The service was great and cheerful. I truly enjoyed watching them prepare the fish and fries and how fresh and clean everything looked back in the open kitchen. I don't think there is a seat that is more then 25 feet. from the kitchen. One point order the tarter sauce ....50 cents but it was wonderful.. I want to try some of the beers on tap that I don't find in my other haunts. The portion was nice and I was hungry from a day of hiking around the city. When i was leaving I was able to stop and talk with a member of the staff and he indicated how much he liked working there and how he took his job there very seriously. He just really impressed me. I would note the Anchor is 2 blocks east of Main st on 13 ave and I was able to take the MTC bus 11 out of downtown and it basically drops you right there in the heart of Northeast. So getting around is so easy. I am going to try to bring some more people with me next time so were can share some of the other items on the menu.

    (4)

  • Dan B.

    Ok... here's my third review on Anchor. After dealing with the lines and crowds, we learned to go early. The fish is awesome, the crew working there kicks ass. end of story. Go, go early, and go often. And hell no, they don't serve walleye. Christ people, try something new. I know a lot of people around here are scared to leave the state, but at least give your taste buds a vacation. If you've ever been over the pond, you know this is as good as real fish and chips gets.

    (5)

  • Nick S.

    I've been eagerly awaiting The Anchor for a good few months now. While the surrounding area is not lacking in restaurants, it is somewhat hard pressed for cheap options. The notion of a dinner menu with no dish over $10 and no drink over $5 sounds like some sort of scam designed to lure me into a warehouse and steal my organs. Hey, as long as I get the fish and chips first. I went for opening night and the place was positively packed. To their credit, though, the staff was doing an excellent job of keeping things moving: food and drinks were moving, tables were turning over, spirits were high, and it was generally a model example of a successful restaurant opening. The bar boasted a small but appealing selection of beers at $3-$4.50 each, including Harp and Guinness in the appropriate glassware. Their house wine appears to be served in Erlenmeyer flasks, which I wholeheartedly support. There isn't a bar area per se, but they do seem happy to serve you a drink while you wait for your table. Once we got our table, my wife and I ordered the fish and chips and found them absolutely delicious. The breading was perfectly crisp but still light, and the quality of the fish really shined through as well. The chips were equally solid. We opted to get a side of gravy to dip them in and were not disappointed; the gravy was clearly house made and delightfully savory. Since the Irish aren't much for dessert (Jameson?), we opted to split a meat pastie as our final treat. Again, it was perfectly crisp on the outside with a wonderfully flavorful filling. They obviously did their homework when it comes to delicious deep frying. There are a great many restaurants I like and would be happy to go have a dish or two at. There are a select few, though, where I make a point of spending an evening there when I do go. It takes a special combination of things -- a good space, good staff, a broad menu -- to make you stick around, keep ordering things, keep talking, and let the evening go by. So far, it seems like The Anchor has what it takes to be just that.

    (5)

  • Carissa S.

    Other than the somewhat inept hostess, Anchor Fish & Chips is great. Why she was busing tables, drinking soda, and chatting with friends while there's a 45 minute wait and people standing at the door uncertain about how to get a table was not clear to me. But, the food was great! My husband and I both the had the fish and chips. Crispy fish and good fries, especially with the side of gravy. I agree with everyone else - the mushy peas are amazing! Service was also fast and attentive.

    (4)

  • Susie A.

    Neat local place with nice atmosphere. My hubby and son LOVED their burgers. One had ham and a fried egg on top which he said was an awesome combo. I ordered the fish and chips with a Guinness and pretended we were back in England. Really good flavor and crispy fish, but a little heavy on the breading. The chips were on the super greasy side, but still couldn't stop eating them with the yummy vinegar sprinkled on. My daughter got the grilled cheese and ham that had the most amazing, flavorful cheese with real ham (not lunch meat). We will be back again.

    (4)

  • Drew D.

    Stop screwing up your life and eat everything here. Everything on the menu is good. Get drunk and leave the servers a lot of money. And wait for 40 minutes if you have to and don't complain about it, ever. It will be worth it.

    (5)

  • Suzanne F.

    I was born and brought up in Scotland, Fish and Chips are a staple in our diet. I moved here 8 years ago and have been on an endless search for authentic fish and chips, finally my search is over thanks to the Anchor. The fish is huge, fresh and crispy - cooked to perfection. I wasn't as impressed with the chips as they are blanched first and not fried from raw. I understand that this makes service faster though. If you crave authentic tasy fish and chips with an ice cold beer or stout served by a lovely Irish lass then the Anchor is THEE place in the twin cities to be!

    (5)

  • Mollee F.

    Fun atmosphere and good food. A great place to eat and drink with friends.

    (4)

  • Tracy H.

    I gave anchor 4 stars because of the size of the place, and the wait, but other than that its a 5 star eatery! The fish was delicious, the wait was absolutely worth it! If you are ever in the neighborhood you have to try Anchor out, you will not be disappointed.

    (4)

  • D B.

    I think many of us in NE have been waiting for this to open for quite awhile. Therefore, we knew the wait could be long when we arrived - and it was. The "30 minutes" turned into an hour. But we were zen about it and just enjoyed the vibe. The wait is really luck of the draw. We thought we were third on the list, but realized people had been in earlier, put their name on the list, and then came back after a beer elsewhere. That was a little frustrating, but whatevs. It's about being in the know of what your options are. The Ambiance: Spot on! Loved it. They did a great job of making this place feel like it has always been part of the neighborhood. Absolutely 100% support that the cooking area (aka 'kitchen') is right front and center. I hate comparing Minneapolis to coastal cities, because you really can't and shouldn't - but I have to say the space felt very SF with the nice intimate size, cooking area on display, cozy neighborhood feel. LOVE that there are no tv's in here. Thank you Anchor! Our only complaints - 1. We got an odd-ball-out table at the back by the 'bookshelves' where staff were keeping their leftovers, ciggies, beverages, etc. Let's get some books and NE art back here and add some charm to this area - you made the effort to make the shelves, and portholes, now use it. 2. It's really cold in Minnesota, and it was cold waiting by the front door and sitting by the back door for dinner (where everyone slips out to enjoy those ciggies). Please put up heavy velvet curtains at both entrances or this place is going to be freezing in the winter! I hate being cold when I eat. Food: Yum. I never eat fast food, am not a big fan of Minneapolis 'comfort food', and fried food is definitely not my thing. BUT I came here ready and willing to try the fish and chips and they were outstanding. Perfectly breaded and fried fish - a generous portion. Yummy potato wedges that were crisp on the outside, soft on the inside - perfectly cooked. The Guinness of course was delicious. :) When I go back (and I will) I will likely try the veggie pasty. I like that they have veggie options, and I like that they are honest on their menu that everything is going to come in contact with meat (a lot of places aren't up front about this). I also like that they call out local food sources on the menu. Interestingly - they serve the Mill City veggie burger (which has always been good). My one complaint: The ketchup. Since Heinz was featured in a menu item, I'm pretty sure the ketchup was Heinz. Granted, you don't come here to be healthy, but a home-made ketchup, or an organic, non-corn syrup ketchup would sure go better with the fare. btw - the liquor license requires one to have a meal with their drink, if it is a drink you seek, come hungry. The service: Outstanding. Everyone had a smile on their face. They knew people would start getting antsy with the long waits, and they were conscientious to call it out, keep on a smile, and say thanks for waiting. Our waitress was great. The scene: Reflective of the neighborhood. Old-time locals, artists, hipsters, 30 something married folks, singles, foodies. The table next to us was a gent who had been before, but this time came back with his parents. I heard the elderly father proclaim to the waitress "just as good as the Local, just as good as Brit's!". Indeed. Plus, free parking, and within biking distance! (they need a big Anchor out front for a bicycle rack I think...) Everyone is welcome.

    (3)

  • tough c.

    Anchor, I know your restaurant is popular and busy, but please mind the details, especially for takeaway orders. I got butter instead of tartar sauce and half my fish was not cooked. :(

    (2)

  • Tara W.

    I love this place. I have no idea what else is on the menu bc the fish & chips are so good. The servers are always great. For some reason we are seated in the same both every time we go, but that suits me just fine. Hotdish says he's sat at the counter before and that's not a bad place to sit in a pinch. I've heard the British brunch is great too, but I've not been.

    (5)

  • Tim K.

    Perfect for the Northeast neighborhood and you can always count on a damn good meal. I typically get the Fish n Chips - It is, after all, "The Real Deal". Watch them hand-batter and fry it up right there behind the counter. Tonight, I opted for the summer special burger with "rashers" (bacon), whiskey caramelized onions and Irish cheddar. Can I just say, I'll be sad to see summer come to an end.... The fries are always grease heavy, but I think that's by design. Wash 'em down with a $3.50 Nordeast draft. The good food notwithstanding, what really keeps us going back is the outstanding service we get time and time again. Jill is an absolute doll that treats us like neighborhood friends. Makes a damn good experience great!

    (5)

  • Julianne Z.

    Best fish and chips in the city! If you aren't into fish and chips, get that Helicopter burger with egg, cheese and ham on top! You will not regret this amazing place! Fresh fish and tartar sauce!

    (4)

  • Zarina M.

    Totally in love with this place and I can't believe how inexpensive it was. I sort of felt bad tipping the waitress 20% of $30 for a $60 meal. Really great quality. Try the curry sauce with your fries. You'll soon be hooked!

    (5)

  • Brian S.

    Kilkenny Ale along with the Wild Alaskan Cod Fish & Chips. Could not have asked for anything better to hit the dinner craving. A big chunk of fish perfectly fried and salted. I've found my fish & chips go-to joint in TC. Great service and hospitality as soon as we entered the door.

    (5)

  • Montessahall H.

    First, full disclosure: I love fish and chips! Even bad fish and chips are likely to get a good rating from me. That being said, the fish and chips at this restaurant were very good. My reason for holding back one star: the fish and chips are VERY greasy! To their credit, the food is prepared to order and hot. Perhaps grease goes with fish and chips. However, a recent meal I had in London was not greasy, so it can be done. Service is efficient and friendly.

    (4)

  • Catherine C.

    I absolutely love The Anchor Fish and Chips. Mr. C. and I have come here a number of times in the last 3 years. The owners are great. We had Kathryn as our server today and she also runs the bar area and she's fabulous. They are lovely people who have a passion for making real delicious food. The fish is always fresh, piping hot and crispy. The chips are thick cut and salty just the way they should be. Fish and Chips was always a staple for my family and I, and growing up, we always went to the harbor to buy the freshest crispy batter fried fish and chips imaginable, wrapped up in newspaper, doused in salt and vinegar. Finger-licking good and always a treat for supper. So coming to The Anchor is kinda like a trip down memory lane for me. 25 years later, and in a different country. Located in the Northeast Arts district, close to Erte and The Modern Cafe. Street parking can be a slight hassle, but we don't mind walking a block or two. Once inside, the space is small, and there is usually a bit of a wait. You will probably rub elbows with your neighbors when you sit down. There are maybe two booths, but mostly tables or bar seating. You won't be disappointed. The food is worth the wait! Aside from the Fish and Chips, we have also had their Toasty and Chips. A nice grilled sandwich with ham, tomato, sautéed onions and Irish cheddar. This is a sandwich that's not to be missed. If you order one toasty and one fish and chips, you can share with your dining partner and it's quite a lot of food. I almost never finish my fish, even though I set out on a mission to clean my plate and I make sure I'm a hungry horse before even coming to Anchor. Prices are extremely reasonable ($10.50 for the Fish and Chips dinner, $11.50 for the Toasty and Chips) Brews on tap: Guinness, Kilkenny, Fulton, Grain Belt, Harp, Smithwicks and delicious Magners Irish Cider. When I was in England I had some of the best fish and chips of my life. So if you're looking for authentic fish and chips in Minneapolis, this is it. Enjoy!

    (5)

  • Sarah S.

    Ahh a tough one to review!I didn't fall for it at all! The fish and shepherds pie both tasted good but nothing exceptional great about them!I prefer Sea Salts fish over Anchors! Fries were to die for!! Service was very fast, food was out in 7/8 mins. This place charges you for tartar sauce?Really?And no malt vinegar?!?

    (3)

  • Edina M.

    Hope to make it to the restaurant at some point because I've had the privilege of enjoying their fish and chips twice this past summer at their Food Truck. OMGOSH...it is perfectly crispy and HUGE! The second time I saw the Food Truck I literally ran to it. We've had the Meat Pies twice too and it is total comfort food, but not entirely huge on flavor but I would certainly order it again sometime.

    (5)

  • CA C.

    I recently visited the Anchor for my first time and I have to say it was a great experience. The Anchor is a cool little restaurant in the NE section of Minneapolis featuring fish and chips. Entering we grabbed a nice little high top next to the windows in order to watch the people scurrying about in the rain and ordered up the house specialty along with a tall Harp's. In no time at all there was a big beautiful fillet of cod in front of me, freshly made to order laying upon a bed of chips. The breading was light, the fish was delicious, and their house made tartar sauce was to die for. And it all washed down nicely with the Harp's. If you are looking for some good fish and chips in a very hip environment and at a reasonable price I would recommend dropping anchor at the Anchor.

    (4)

  • Jessie P.

    Now, I've had some fish. I've also had some chips. Never have the two of them tasted SO GOOD and been in the same setting! I came about 45 minutes before they closed this past Saturday night..... The woman behind the bar running the show was just the sweetest ever. Attentive without being hover-y. Note: I also heard the way she spoke to her employees. It was by far some of the best conversations I have heard from employer to employee. Just the most positive, affirming manner and comments. She really knows how to be a good manager, if anything else. I was proud and pleased to hear it. Thank you for letting me stop in. Really. Thank You for existing.

    (5)

  • Jessica S.

    The fish and chips are amazing here! Make sure you opt for the homemade tarter sauce too!

    (5)

  • Melissa A.

    This place is q gem. Definitely feels and tastes like a piece of Ireland in Minnesota. From the Irish cider to the HP sauce to eat with your fish and chips, you're getting the most authentic stuff this side of the Mississippi. Be prepared to wait but know that it's worth it!

    (5)

  • Ryan K.

    Simply put, The Anchor has the best fish and chips I've ever had! The fish is of high quality and is perfectly battered and fried so that it is moist, tender, and tasty. The tarter sauce is also homemade and serves as a perfect complement to the fish. They have several other Irish-inspired items on their menu, but I've only ever bought the fish and chips. As for the restaurant itself, The Anchor is a well-sized restaurant that has plenty of table seating for medium to large groups. It also has a bar that runs along its kitchen for small groups. The kitchen is in the middle of the dining room for all to see, so you know that things are kept clean, made to order, and fresh. The Anchor has a selection of 5-10 beers on tap at all times. Typically the beers include Guinness, Magnum, Harp, Grain Belt Nordeast, and a rotation of brews from Minnesota breweries like Summit and Fulton. The waitstaff is friendly and prompt and handles the large crowds that the restaurant usually attracts very well. I always have a great time whenever I go to The Anchor, and this is not a place to miss!

    (5)

  • Erin G.

    YES! To the best fish I have had in a long time. The fish portion was huge, the fries were decadent, and the cole slaw was BOMB! YES! To the fastest service every! YES! To friendly wait staff and great service.

    (5)

  • Nhi V.

    CHAOTIC & VERY CROWDED. We arrived at The Anchor Fish & Chips close to 7 PM and there was about a 20 minute wait, there was only a bench for people to sit and wait. If there was no more room people stood waiting all over the place and outside. You can barely hear the host call out your name because A) it was crazy noisy/loud in the restaurant and B) she didn't call out names loud enough. It was pretty stuffy and again LOUD in the restaurant, they didn't open any windows to get some of that to leave. Also it was difficult at times distinguishing who worked there and who didn't no uniforms, etc. We were seated at very cramped booth table, the menu is mediocre and quite bare but people do really only come here for the fish and chips. The waitress promptly took our order and was not seen again until our food came. The presentation was decent and basic. The fish was very flaky, white and fluffy BUT the batter ruined the whole experience - no seasoning, literally bland greasy batter. As for the fries, they were hand cut and decent. My husband ordered a side of their coleslaw and he LOVED IT, instead of your average cabbage, they use red cabbage! When my husband ordered his first glass of beer, right off the bat he told me "the bartender does not know how to pour beer', they filled the glass halfway letting the foam hopefully rise to top off the beer. My husband told the bartender to top off the beer and that if he was going to pay $5 for a glass of beer it should be topped off. Since the beer was poured poorly, the result was flat beer. We're pretty disappointed in Anchor Fish & Chips, overrated and crowded, but we don't feel too bad for the fare of the food - average price. What would have made this experience better? - Noise level - Organized system of seating customers/waiting area - More seating or a bigger establishment Come back spot? Probably not.

    (2)

  • Sarah U.

    BEST fish n chips in MN! fresh and large portion size. don't bother ordering anything else on the menu. house made tartar sauce only makes it better. DO NOT carry out, dine in if you can, it will be soggy if you to-go it. it's worth the wait! and fast service!

    (5)

  • Paul S.

    Great fish and chips. Be sure to try the mashed peas. Curry sauce is great on fries. Fries only ok. Service was top notch. Menu interesting. Plan to return.

    (4)

  • Scott E.

    Amazing fish and chips. Tarter sauce is the best. Place was packed. Grabbed a beer and hung out in the back lot. We also walked around the area. Beautiful night. Wait time was one hour. No complaints. I waited in line for three hours in Austin Texas for BBQ, this is worth a three hour wait too. For $11 you will have the best deep fried fish in Minnesota, excluding fresh walleye at a campground fish fry!

    (5)

  • Alexandra H.

    It's absolutely bananas to review a restaurant with "Fish" in its name and not be a fish-eater (go ahead and throw tomatoes at me), but The Anchor has an absolutely DELICIOUS veggie burger (made by Mandy's of NE) so I'm a huge fan of the place. To echo others, there's always a wait, but it's totally worth it. I've never dined there with anyone who felt their order was mediocre and the chips are also cooked juuuust right. I personally love ordering to-go and eating my meal across the street at Dangerous Man.

    (4)

  • Erica R.

    Holy fish and chips, Batman! This tiny restaurant can pack a big punch in the fried cod arena. To start, the piece of Wild Alaskan Cod set before me was almost as long as my forearm. It was beautifully coated to perfection with a crispy batter that broke away to a white, thick, meaty fillet. It was completely unnecessary to add any additional flavor, but I like to add a flavor wagon party whenever I can, so I added a squeeze of lemon and forked my way into their creamy, not so tart, tarter sauce. Seriously, I lost my words. The one I could muster was "heaven." Let's not forget the carb lovers mound of paradise found beneath the hearty Cod. The fresh hand-cut chips were a thick, crunchy, salty goodness. I left a little tarter sauce for some chip dunk time that I did not regret. Suggestion: Get here early because I heard there's always a line. I was lucky enough to find a spot at the bar right up by the cooks and the action. I would avoid having a preference on where you sit. You'll end up forgetting anyway as you'll be focusing on the tasty basket of heaven in front of you. Anchors aweigh!

    (4)

  • Kien N.

    This place gets packed, so plan accordingly! I've only had the fish and chips here which I thought was great and at a reasonable price. I'd recommend checking this place out.

    (4)

  • Mandy S.

    Easily the best Fish and Chips I've had this side of the Atlantic. The only other place that out ranks it is my favorite place in London (coincidentally called The Anchor)

    (5)

  • Justin K.

    FISH! CHIPS! Enough said? Well, ok, probably not, but you've probably heard enough about this place already to know that it serves the best piece of fried cod in the city, if not the state. You also know there's an hour-plus wait to get in to the tiny space on any given night. So let's start with what you may not know... The Anchor serves a small menu of nearly-authentic British pub food. I say "nearly-authentic" because, while the items are the same that you'd find in a typical London pub, The Anchor's food actually tastes good. If you're not into fish, there are plenty of options, like the amazing cheese burger (with Thousand Hills grass-fed beef), the shepherd's pie, or a pastie. There are even non-meat options, but vegans beware! There's a note at the bottom of the menu indicating that all food comes in contact with equipment or food that contain meat. Given the tiny kitchen, this is no surprise, so if you are so inclined, you should eat before you arrive. But even vegans can enjoy a well-poured pint of Guiness (or so I would hope, otherwise, why go on living?). Also, I bet you didn't know that The Anchor is open for breakfast on weekends! Feeling knackered after a Boot or two at Gasthof's or a few too many tiki drinks at Suzi's last night and need something to soak it up and get you through the day? You can walk on over to The Anchor for a traditional English breakfasts served from 10:00 AM until Noon on Saturdays and Sundays. From the Full Whack (translation: eggs, bacon, sausage, more sausage, still more sausage!, bread, tomato, mushrooms, and beans) to simple beans and toast, you can enjoy a meal fit for a plowman, coal miner or any other 19th Century working-man stereotype you can imagine. We went for dinner early (we're talking AARP early) on Saturday and managed to secure a cozy table for three plus a baby. They have high chairs if you must bring a child with you, but note that, while the chair has a nice wooden tray, it does not have any straps to keep the kid from sliding down or climbing out. There's also no kid's menu, but why would you need one? You're not here so junior can nosh on steamed veggies and hummus, are you? I don't know what the current guidelines are for kids and fish, but I say give him a piece of your cod and a few chips and then sit back and wait for the Parent of the Year panel to give you a call because that kind of sacrifice deserves a medal. Or maybe not; you can always order more fish.

    (5)

  • Renisha P.

    I have tried many different places to find fish 'n chips that I love and I thought I was going to have to give up but thankfully a foodie friend of mine recommended this place. I have been going here for a few years now and I still love their fish n chips, and in my opinion, it's still the best place for fish 'n chips in the Twin cities. I go there every few months and have tried other things on the menu. I also love their veggie burger with Irish cheddar!

    (5)

  • Amy T.

    My favorite place in the US to get fish and chips! They have other items too, which I'd recommend trying out after you've had their fish and chips. I'd recommend trying a helicopter burger, which has a fried egg on top. Yum! I like my meat done medium-rare and it's always done perfect! Love this place! If you haven't tried it, I'd recommend it.

    (5)

  • De L.

    It's NEVER good when you walk out of a restaurant and your Kids say, " Mom, Famous Daves was better then this. We should of just went to DQ, Arby's or McDonalds." Honestly... I am soooooooo sad! I love love love fish and chips! I have been looking forward to going to The Anchor for over a year now. Finally today all the planets aligned and we just happened to over on that side of town around dinner time. The wait staff was fantastic which is the ONLY reason I gave it even 2 stars and still tipped near 20%. The fried fish had no seasoning at all not even Salt or pepper, and the breading was so greasy and thick it literally slid off the fish and flapped limply like a dying fish when it was picked up. Not to mention everything was so oily you could practically see your reflection in the oil shine on the chips under the fish (which made them soggy). Speaking of "The Chips" they were cut all different shapes and sizes which would of been "ok" except it resulted in some being dead crispy critters and others practically raw.(and again absolutely no seasoning). So yeah, I don't get the hype! Granted, maybe it was just an off day, but, I'm not going back to find out!

    (2)

  • Kris K.

    My review will add a drop of water to the bucket, but I have to weigh in. Visiting the city for the first time this month, BF and I were sipping ales at Dangerous Man. Friendly lady across the table from us told us about The Anchor. What a catch !!!! We ambled over, sat at the counter and watched our fish get battered and fried and our chips come out and get tossed with sparkling salt. If I make it back up to Minneapolis, this place will be on the top of my list. Quaint, small town charm that belies the city address. The staff was friendly and efficient. It was fun to watch all of the food being cooked from our perch at the counter. We shared the slaw, which was quite good, but superfluous. It was really all about the fish and chips. Best I've ever had. Went to MN craving walleye, and got some elsewhere, but boy, oh boy, did this place hit the spot!!!! YUM. Go there.

    (5)

  • Barbara L.

    I hate to admit that we have never had anything other than the fish and chips. But, the fish and chips are the absolute best I have ever had. Great beer selection too. Sometimes there is a wait, but it is worth it.

    (5)

  • Sherri W.

    The Anchor serves the best fish and chips I've ever eaten, no contest. Great food, great atmosphere, great service, great prices - what's not to like? For the reviewers complaining about the wait, try going at an off-peak time. You won't get immediate seating anywhere that doesn't take reservations at 7:00 PM on a Friday, but especially not at The Anchor! It's well worth the wait, however.

    (5)

  • Vy B.

    Always a personal favorite when I'm craving some quality fried fish. The fish they use is so fresh and flaky it practically melts in your mouth and the fillets are HUGE! The chips are OK - maybe too thick cut for my preference but the fish is unbeatable. Their shepherd's pie is probably the best I've ever had in my life...its so savory and light...and the toasty...which i a glorified grilled ham and cheese sandwich is perfect when you are in the mood for some "bad for you but oh so good food." Service is fast, servers are nice, and it's cool that you get to see the kitchen staff prepping the food right in front of you. The place itself is quite small so during the peak dinner time the wait can be long. I would recommend going right as it opens or near closing time. Either way, your experience should be pretty good. There's plenty of free parking since it's located right next to a residential area.

    (4)

  • Michele T.

    This place is amazing!!!! Food is very fresh, people are friendly. Very laid back atmosphere!!! The portion sizes are huge so you will not leave this place hungry!!!! I will be back!!!!

    (5)

  • Brian L.

    (This review is based on one experience, their weekend Full Breakfast.) Holy cow. This was almost a perfect breakfast. My wife and I had to wait in line for around 15 minutes, which was not horrible except that I was starving. A party of six had just been seated, so we had to wait a bit longer once we got to our table. I ordered a beer and my wife ordered coffee, and they arrived promptly. I ordered the Full Whack, basically a full brekkie, and my wife ordered the Half Whack, a full brekkie minus the puddings, bangers and mushrooms. This took a while to get to our table. I looked up, and it seemed like there was one cook at the flat-top, and another doing prep, with a pretty packed restaurant. When our food came out, our waitress comped me another beer for the wait, which frankly wasn't that bad. Maybe 20 minutes tops. I've had worse waits at worse restaurants. This was almost the platonic ideal of a full breakfast. Eggs over medium - which must have been organic or farm-raised because they actually tasted like something. Rashers done perfectly. Black and white puddings. Really the best black pudding I've had in the states, outdoing Morrissey's even. The same recipe you'd get across the pond. Button mushrooms, grilled tomato, grilled potato bread (which was basically a thick and chewy lefse) and bangers. The bangers were the only thing less than 100% - sorta like mini-dogs, not proper sausages, but spiced nicely. Why are all the good full breakfasts in Minneapolis? I'll definitely be back. I felt bad that I couldn't try their fish & chips, which I've heard are awesome. I saw the table next to us order some, and the fish looked really crispy and yummy.

    (5)

  • Thuy T.

    Slightly on the greasy side but the portion and delicious flaky fish was great! One of the best fish n chips in the cities.

    (4)

  • Colleen B.

    To... die... for fish and chips! Is there even anything else on the menu? I really don't know because I can't bring myself to order anything else or even look at a menu in the face of what I usually go there craving. Seriously -- this is the way fish and chips is SUPPOSED to be done and the guys cooking behind the bar are fun to watch (and quite nice to look at too!). And even though portions are big and everything is served piping hot, the tartar sauce is what makes the meal. Yes, it costs a little more to add it to your meal, but it's cool, creamy, rich and spiked with just enough dill and lemon that I've actually been tempted on several occasions to just eat it on it's own by the spoonful and I'm not a mayo lover! Just be ready; since this is great stuff the place will be busy any time you go, so just be patient and you'll get your grease fix in good time.

    (5)

  • William C.

    Ok...so here it is...the fish and chips are legit...best I've ever had...no joke. I stopped at their food truck at the food truck fair in Uptown the other week. The line was LONG, waited 20 minutes, but completely worth it. We waited...and waited...danced a little...waited a bit more....watched lucky peeps walk away with tasty fish and chips. Ordering is straight forward (like most food trucks)...threw the man some cash and received my tasty order! The fish portion is ri-don-culous...the size of my arm...fried to an amazing golden brown. The batter is thick, but thin and doesn't cover up for the flavor of the fish. The fish itself is flaky and FRESH. The chips are fresh made, from what appears to be whole potatoes and lightly salted. Go for it folks, don't wait!

    (5)

  • Kalinn R.

    This place is great! I always get the fish and chips. The portions are huge, and definitely perfect for sharing unless you're super hungry. It's kind of small inside, so I always get takeout. Parking is on the street, and tarter sauce is extra! When it's nice out they also have a little patio area out front.

    (5)

  • Linda S.

    Best authentic Irish Fish and Chipper. Staff is fantastic. Friendly, fun and helpful. Love love love the food. So worth the wait for a table. Irish breakfast on the weekends a real treat. Keep it up guys.

    (5)

  • Daisy L.

    I wish this would open near me... This place is amazing. Went at night, and it was fairly empty. Staff were attentive, and the food was delicious. Would DEFINITELY go back.

    (5)

  • Tom F.

    Great fish, great chips. What more can I say?

    (5)

  • Angela N.

    I'm not a big fan of fish but my boyfriend was dying to try this place. He had the fish and chips and ordered the extra side of tartar sauce. It was the best sauce he's ever had. While I don't like fish, I agreed the sauce made it pretty good. I had the helicopter burger and was not very impressed. It was alright. Great service though!

    (3)

  • tami g.

    Ahh, well after eating here at least 10 times and always very happy ,today was really bad. The fish and chips were dripping with grease, the fries were undercooked, limp , just full of grease, I was unable to eat the fish. I did ask if they had a new cook?? We were told they did and one of the fryers wasn't working properly, they did not take the fish and chips off our check, which I think they should have, but did give us a1"$10.00 coupon for next time. We will go back and I will let ya'all know!!!

    (2)

  • Ryan H.

    The food was superb. I had the cod which was definitely greasy, but a clean, tasty grease if that makes any sense. It's what I was expecting. My gf ordered a hamburger with Irish cheddar. The combination of cheese and beef was amazing as well. Perfectly cooked to order as well.

    (4)

  • Josh K.

    The girlfriend and I went here for a date night, after we had both heard about how great it was - and chose to spend one our cheat meals together getting fish and chips. We were not disappointed in the least bit. It's a small place, so I can see how you'd normally have to wait (we went on a Tuesday night, and didn't have to worry about this). The staff was very attentive and made sure the meal was on point. You will be kinda snuggled up to your eating neighbors, so if you REALLY enjoy your personal space, you might be a bit freaked out about this. Be warned with that. (I don't care, I'm there to mow down delicious fish and chips!) The food, just incredible. A very light batter on the fish - which are massive fillets. It's just a great batter where you get that beery-buttermilk kind of flavor without it completely overpowering the fish. The housemade tarter sauce was awesome, and I hate tarter sauce normally and still haven't had any other tarter sauce since. The fries, or chips, were just perfect - especially with the malt vinegar sitting at the table. Easily a top 2 fish and chips place (VFW in Crystal is still the tops for me after a decade or so of doing their Friday fish fry) in the metro.

    (5)

  • Kevin O.

    I was going to the IRS center at Marquette & 2nd and saw this huge food truck serving fish & chips. Man did it look wonderful and I was sooo hungry, but I was to late leaving the IRS Center, so I waited for weeks, until they returned. I am so glad I finally got a nice big piece of fish and some really good fries. I will definitely return to this food truck in the future for more, and more FISH & CHIPS!!!! YUMMY!

    (5)

  • Breanne K.

    An Anchor stop is usually a result of bar-hopping through NE. After a few drinks at Dangerous Man, a stop at Anchor is inevitable. The fish and chips are good, but my favorite is their veggie pastie. It's a delicious pastry with knockout filling. I love the mushy peas too! Really, I think most of their food is tasty. Anchor's wait is never really too long, so give it a try. Their beer menu is a little lacking though. If a good beer is a must, you can always grab as take out and head to Dangerous Man to eat.

    (4)

  • Dennis E.

    Fish and chips were fine. Some reviews seemed over the top! It was good but I mean, it's just fish and chips! We did take away service; the place was crowded. We were served promptly and the price is good for what we got. The cole slaw had raisins, like a church potluck cabbage salad. I recommend but I can't really rave about it.

    (3)

  • Brandy D.

    Best place in town to get fish and chips! Super friendly staff and adorable atmosphere. Not a bad date spot either. I had the Toasty, which is ham, melted cheese, and fried onions on toasted bread and it is to DIE for! And the fries are those awesome thick potato ones. Great unknown place!

    (5)

  • Jen R.

    The best fish & chips! The atmosphere is awesome and the service is great. This place is always busy, so do an early dinner if you want seating right away on the weekends. Everything is fresh (although most everything is fried). Recommend their top rated burger with fried egg in it - delish!!!

    (5)

  • Kablia T.

    Yummy, yummy, yummy! If you are looking for a great meal for an amazingly reasonable price the Anchor is definitely a great choice. I went here with a 5 group posse and everyone enjoyed their meal. 2 of us got the fish. Which was perfectly breaded and deep fried. Brace yourself, possibly the best fried fish I have ever had. This fish was huge and came with freshly mixed tartar sauce. It was the perfect combination of fluffy, light, and buttery. My sister got the meat pie, per recommendation by a huge guy at the next table. He was possibly a food angel because this meat pie was ridiculously delicious. The meat pie was slightly crispy on the outside, moist and delicious on the inside. Super flavorful. Lastly, we also had the Helicopter burger. super good. The fried egg in the burger was a perfect addition, adding wonderful complexity to a traditional burger. The Helicopter burger is juicy, filling and definitely won't disappoint. Not only is the food great, but the ambiance of the place is fantastic. It is rustic and casual. The staff is friendly and laid back. I knew I would love this place because above the door was an exit sign and above the exit sign was a small picture of Spock from the original Star Trek. Random and awesome! The only other thing is that the Anchor has some great local brews and the staff is very knowledgable and give great suggestions. However, you can only order a drink if you order food because of how their liquor license works. The Anchor definitely a NE Minneapolis gem.

    (4)

  • Jay G.

    Easily the best fish in chips in town. A place that I highly recommend whenever they are opened and you have a hankering for something delicious. Outside of having amazing first and chips (truly world class), they have the best mushy peas. The waiting staff has been nothing but pleasant. Whenever anyone visits me from out of town I definitely make this a place we have to stop and indulge. The neighborhood it is located in also has great bars to compliment the food.

    (5)

  • Karl H.

    Lots of opinions of the anchor, it's gotten a lot of attention. I'm going to make it short. This place is always busy so be warned. I went at 3pm on a Saturday and I still had to wait almost 10 minutes for a table. Is that worth removing a star, no. Had the fish and chips of course. I can't lie, I haven't had a lot of fish and chips but as far as fried fish goes, this is excellent. Crispy on the outside nice and moist on the inside. I don't typically eat fries, try to stick with sweet potato fries but I had to try them here. After a long day of hitting up all the northeast taprooms these were gone in about 2 minutes flat. They are good. I can't say I'd be as big a raving fan if the circumstances were different but they sure left me satiated. Things I've read in the reviews that people hate on. Charging or tartar sauce - It's homemade but that's still lame man. No malt vinegar - Also lame. Normal vinegar is not quite the same. Not sure if this part has been mentioned or not already. The eatiply thing they do where they are part of a program who donates a meal whenever you buy one. I'm not a fan. Call me an a-hole republican (which I'd punch you in the face for btw) but I'd rather have some free tartar sauce and malt vinegar instead of this. Or make my fish and chips and tartar sauce not $9.75. I prefer to donate locally to my own choosen org or family and don't appreciate these types of things when I go out to eat. That coupled with the other 2 things is why the lack of extra starage. I'm not holding it against them, it's only a friggen star. I'm sure I'll be back. P.S. The making it short thing was a joke... OK, I can't lie, I just couldn't make it short, gawd.

    (4)

  • Keith S.

    The fish & chips. They really are quite good. Also tried and would recommend: Helicopter burger. Deep fried sausage & chips. Felt like I was at the state fair in a much better way. Shepherd's Pie. Bringing me back to Mom's recipe. All damn good. All pretty heavy. I really enjoy the atmosphere, it feels far more like a bar that serves food. That said, important to note that you can NOT go here and order a beer alone. City zoning ordinance or some such thing. You can order a beer and fries though. Whew. I would recommend coming here anytime other than typical Fri/Sat dinner times. Still a pretty long wait usually.

    (5)

  • Paul F.

    Not much to say here that hasn't been said--these fish n chips are the tits. Fried goodness that might be a bit too greasy for your average prude, but perfect if you grew up in the Midwest and love feeling like a fat kid. The Helicopter burger is also amazing, along with that meat pie thing (forget what it's called) that's filled with mashed potatoes. I'm kicking myself for missing out on their poutine, which was made from a guest moonshine they were featuring. Oh, and did I mention beer? Please ignore all the dum-dums on here complaining about wait time. You should have to wait for good food, you privileged, self-entitled non-tipper.

    (4)

  • Stephanie O.

    As long as you know what you're in for, Anchor Fish & Chips will most likely satisfy. I chose this as an early Tuesday night dinner spot for my mom, stepdad, grandmother and I to meet before touring a nearby event venue. The menu is small and almost entirely limited to fried food. This makes it a bit harder for the calorie-counters...after all, the closest thing to a side salad is the coleslaw. They *did* have a special that was salad-like, with scallops and some greens, but it also involved bacon so I had to pass. However, my mom chose this as her entree and loved it. My grandmother and stepdad both opted for the classic choice, Fish & Chips, but neither of them were able to finish due to the enormous portions. In fact, my grandmother pried the fish out of the batter and hardly touched the french fries. I ordered the Veggie Pastie & Chips and we got a side of the curry sauce to share for dipping. I'd had the pastie from the food truck previously and enjoyed it just as much this time. It was even better with the addition of the curry sauce which tastes a bit like a curried lentil soup I make when colder weather strikes...I was tempted to ask for a spoon and eat it all on its own. I shared some of my fries with my mom who compared the curry dipping sauce to Japanese-style curry (we lived in Japan when I was a baby so my mom enjoyed a lot of authentic Japanese cuisine). Slightly odd but also impressive for an Irish fish & chips joint! The decor was attractive and I loved the tall booths. Service was decent and we had no trouble finding seating but we also arrived around 4:30 on a Tuesday which seems a tad on the early side for dinner. In fact, we arrived 5 minutes before my grandmother and the server said normally they cannot seat until all members of the party arrive due to the typical rushes they encounter. I'm guessing perhaps that's why the A/C was on full blast...expecting a huge influx of customers? In any case, it was extremely cold so if you come during the hot months, don't forget to grab a sweater. One last note to fellow patio-lovers: They have VERY limited outdoor seating in front. If you find yourself waiting for a table, however, you have the option to order a drink and enjoy it on the *back* patio. No food served out there, but at least you can enjoy some sunshine while you wait to be seated!

    (3)

  • Tee K.

    Went On a Friday during Lent..At 6pm the wait was an hour and a half, but that makes sense. Thankfully they have this awesome food truck out back cooking food to go, so we grabbed some fish and chips and sausage and chips and went across the street to Dangerous Man and ate our delicious food paired with some tasty suds! Fish pieces are huge and well battered, the chips are awesome. It's greasy, but not in a bad way. Can't ask for anything more. My husband thinks this is the best fried fish in town, can't say I disagree!

    (5)

  • Rick T.

    Love this place to death! If you like fish and chips and like to get drunk while doing so come here. The curry chips are amazing and the shepherds pie is quite nice too. Always have local MN beer to wash down these tasty fish and chips. Lots of places close by to if you feel like hopping around pubs and bars and all together fun things to do.

    (5)

  • Melissa A.

    Perfect choice for a night of gluttony! The fish is an epic size and has this great crispy batter. The chips are salted ever-so-perfectly and have the slightest hint of fried fish essence to them. The vibe of the restaurant is pretty laid-back. It definitely gets crowded and loud -- if this happens, I recommend calling in for a to-go order and then bringing it to a nearby brewery like Dangerous Man. Also, I have to highlight that the staff here is really nice and accommodating. I have been to Anchor with someone who has hearing difficulties, and the staff was happy to place us at one of the outdoor tables where there were better acoustics. On another visit, I brought my dad who likes to chat with people at length -- he happened to talk to the owner, who was really sweet and answered all of his questions about the food and the business! With delicious food and friendly staff, this place is ideal! If the food wasn't such a deep-fried indulgence, I would be here all the time.

    (5)

  • Emily V.

    Yes, you're going to have to stand and wait for a seat like everyone else if you've got a hankering for Friday night fish fry in NE. It's unavoidable (unless you're ordering takeout), so just roll with it. We were offered seats at the bar, and the woman bar tending treated everyone like old friends--definitely that NE Minneapolis feel. Love it. The fish is high quality and prepared with care--flaky yet firm with crispy golden batter. The chips are also hot and crisp. I ordered a side of coleslaw because there's only so much deep fried richness I can handle without something sweet/vinegary to cut it. I was expecting a traditional style coleslaw, but this one was made with purple cabbage, green onion, and raisins. It also had a salty mayo sauce rather than a sweet sauce, so I was a little bummed. Still delicious, just not what I was expecting. Anyway, if you're industrious like me, the problem can be easily solved by ordering a sweet, tangy hard cider! At first I thought there was no way one piece of fish would fill me up, but I was so full 2/3 of the way through that my husband had to finish mine (I don't think he minded). We'll be sure to add the Anchor to our rotation and hit it up a few times a year!

    (4)

  • Steve S.

    The restaurant is small and busy but they get you your food pretty quick. I had a burger and fries for 11 bucks. It was a good price and a decent amount of food. I have no complaints about this place.

    (5)

  • Benjamin J.

    Always had a good meal. It used to be open late as I recall. Tried to go for lunch today and it was closed. I'm confused why a chippy wouldn't be open late or for lunch!?

    (3)

  • Richard Y.

    The Anchor is an exceptional place for a few reasons. 1. I was pretty surprised to learn that a fish & chips place even existed in Minneapolis (the reviewers who are ho hum about it must live in the UK?). A lot of British pubs serve fish and chips, but as an afterthought and that is what they taste like. 2 That it was AMAZING. Their signature basket is really great and even the veggie burger was top notch. Add some mushy peas and a Smithwick's and you have a great meal. This place is relatively small and pretty busy. To avoid lines you might want to go a little before or after the rush hours.

    (5)

  • Hannah T.

    Since I was at Dangerous Man, and never in this area, it only makes since that I finally take the small trek to Anchor. I would really like to give 3.5 stars and 4 for the fish. I knew that there is alway a long wait, I didn't know it would be jam-packed at 2pm, but not a problem for me, the bigger the crowd the better the food right? Luckily the boy and I were seated within minutes, sometimes it helps to adventure as a pair and not be picky about sitting at the bar. Since so much has been said about Anchor, I'll keep it short. The fish awesome, crispy outside, super moist inside, and just good. period. Fries, oh fries, I don't like fries, I tried them, I can see why other people like them, but I can't handle the grease. If you eat healthy and live a mostly grease free lifestyle, this might gross you out (especially watching the lard being cut), it's good, but my body just can't handle it, so just a healthy tip! Ordered the coleslaw, which was a pretty purple color I believe with raisins, fresh, and slightly sweet, a much needed bite in between the fried stuff. This is a huge, ginormous portion, there is no way I could eat the whole thing by myself, (well, maybe the fish minus the chips) so luckily being at the bar we saw the size and decided on one. Again, greasy food fills me up super fast, so maybe you are able to eat the whole thing. I really don't care that they charge for the tartar, I thought it was delicious! I also don't care that it was normal vinegar, I thought it worked really well with their batter. Overall, its a great spot, I probably won't be back and if I do I'll stick to just the fish or try a pastie, but that's just me, I can see why other people love this place, it's a hit!

    (3)

  • Irene D.

    I can't get over how reasonable the prices are here. I love that the prices include the tax so anticipating how much you are going to spend is simple as dividing by 10 and multiplying by 2 for tip. I think after years and years of trying it over and over, I think I have come to the conclusion that I'm not that big into fish and chips. There doesn't seem to be a balance. We have fried fish on top of fried chips. Oil, oil, oil, everywhere. I've been to famous chip shops in other US cities that are actually near the ocean. I always think the fish at those places always tasted...musty to me. To the point where the tartar sauce was mandatory to kill the taste. Not at the anchor though, their version is worthy of almost having me change my mind. The portion was very generous. I got 1 medium-ish fillet and a smaller one, which is probably the best deal because MORE SURFACE AREA for crunchy fried nubbins! num num num. I thought the batter could use a little more salt, and the kosher salt on the table did some to remedy this. The fries were good, nice and chubby though I couldn't finish all of them. Also, I understand that they are trying to stay true to your Irish roots, but PLEASE have malt vinegar per request. I found the white vinegar too mild and by the time I put enough on my fish to give it enough tang, the batter got really soggy. I resorted to ketchup to add that vinegary zip to my fish. Is that sacrilege?

    (4)

  • Mary R.

    Be prepared to wait for a table. Grab a drink and enjoy the company of your dinner companion. The food's amazing. It's hard not to order the fish and chips since that's what they're known for, but the burgers are also absolutely scrumptious. I'm not kidding. I want to love the curry and chips, but the curry isn't fabulous. The chips! Oh Francine the chips... I could eat until I need the vomitorium.

    (4)

  • Jennifer F.

    Yum! I've been to Anchor 3 times now. The first time two years ago we happened to stumble in there with our friends after the Autumn Brew Review. There was a wait, so we went out the back and hung outside until our table was ready, which didn't take long. I think we all ordered the fish and chips, and I recall I got the curry sauce instead of the tartar. Everything was delicious, and as others have noted, huge portions. Props to the staff for tolerating the raucous men in our party (they had cowbells...). 2nd time, my husband and I decided to have an impromptu date night, so we headed over, around 8pm on a Wednesday. The wait for a table was long, but we were able to snag a couple seats at the "bar" after only about 5 minutes. We preferred this over sitting at a table anyway. They had a mussel dish special that we split for an appetizer, and wow it was good. We both went the boring route after that though and both got the fish and chips. Last time was just a couple weeks ago, once again with a group of friends after the ABR. We had imbibed a bit more this time around, but fortunately no one had cowbells. There was a wait again but we didn't mind, gave us a good half hour to sober up a bit. While most of us got the fish and chips, one of our party got the meat pastie and shared. I wasn't quite sure what to expect but it was surprisingly good. Nice and crisp outside with good flavors inside. I look forward to coming back (hopefully outside of ABR) and trying something new, like the shepherd's pie. I tend to be one of those diners who only orders the one thing she knows she likes and is leery of trying other menu items. The pastie showed me that fish and chips isn't the only thing they do well!

    (4)

  • Monica L.

    I have had a lot of fish and chips and I personally think it is mediocre here. Their burgers here are great though since they use GF beef. Shepherd's pie is so-so.

    (4)

  • Karah K.

    Ah, The Anchor. There is not much to say that hasn't already been said. That being, the fish and chips are fantastic and the best I've had anywhere, period. What I would also point out is that their entire menu beyond fish and chips is also spectacular. Seriously, everything I have ever tried here has been insanely good. Do: -order curry as a side for your fries (chips) -come on Saturday morning for an Irish breakfast -order the burger and chips (or even better, the lamb burger) with Irish cheddar. My personal favorite burger in the TC. -delight your tastebuds with the refined hard cider Magners, which is a staple in various European countries. -try their rotating special, such as the Mussel Salad -if there is a line, order a drink while you wait near the taps and sit outside on the benches

    (5)

  • Rob C.

    I think this is the best Fish & Chips place in town. I love going here for (of course) the fish and chips. I can't say I've tried anything else on the menu other than a nice local micro-brew or a Guinness. Highly recommended. The only reason I didn't rate a 5 is that it is SO popular that you better be prepared to wait 30 minutes to an hour or more to get a table on a weekend night. However, you can always get takeout. Last time there, rather than standing around waiting to be seated, we got takeout and ate in our minivan which was fun for the hungry kids. Ask for the "brown sauce" with your Fish and Chips if you'd like to try something other than ketchup.

    (4)

  • Annie D.

    It took me far too long to get my ass back to Anchor, but I did and I give them much respect for their craft. It's authentic, it's awesome and I think I just generally LIKE fish and chips more now than I did three years ago. I grabbed some takeaway fish and chips with curry to take to Dangerous Man the other night and it was fast and hot. It was portioned so generously that I had a whole piece of golden-fried fish left over for later (and that's even with my friends snacking on it too). The chips are so fabulous that I wish I a mouthful of them right now. And the salt, aaaaah the salt. It's those big sea flakes. Heaven. The only thing that was challenging with takeout that isn't going straight home to the coffee table is that they don't have to-go utensils, so I had to eat my paper-wrapped fish packet neanderthal-style.

    (4)

  • Ashley S.

    Amazing fish and chips. Plain and simple. My favorite place in the twin cities! If you go on a weekend, be prepared to wait - but it's always worth it.

    (5)

  • Eater M.

    Food/Drink: It's fish and chips... done well. Glad to hear there's at least one quality joint to be able to serve it up. We ordered three sets and a battered sausage to boot. The fish was done well and the batter was pretty good. The chips were perfectly greasy and stood up to fish well. And don't skip the tarter sauce, dip all the food in it. Ambiance: All right, I'll admit, we went here on the way to a brewery. So to-go it was, but while we're waiting you can absolutely get a vibe for this place. It seems like a real pub, just a little brighter. I'd say it's a good place to bring a date, just be careful of the noise and closeness to other patrons (they pack it in) Service: Got in and directed to to-go area. Got a menu and ordered quickly. The waitress told us what's what (first time: order the fish and chips) and away we went. Waited less then 15 minutes and got everything we ordered. Remember to ask for napkins though if you're getting it to go (though a ripped paper bag will MacGyver just as well) Overall: I'd go back here again, but try to find a less busy time to try to get a seat and sink in with some friends. I might also be adventurous enough to try a non-deep fried dish at a restaurant where you know what to order before you get in.

    (4)

  • Jenny S.

    I'll join in on the chorus, the fish & chips are mouthwateringly delicious. My husband ordered a pasty-but wouldn't order it again. It's not the typical English dough pocket, but a mash of potatoes, veggies & some meat formed into a patty & deep fried. If you ask them, they'll remind you that the aren't an English place, they are Irish- so you won't find malt vinegar for your chips & they do't make English pasties. There are't a ton of places to sit in the restaurant, but you can take it to go & bring it over to Dangerous Man & enjoy your fish & chips with a pint.

    (4)

  • Jonathan E.

    It sure took me long enough to visit The Anchor. Ive dined in mobile fashion at their food truck, but until this year had never visited their Northeast restaurant. I had initially seen this small pub-like joint on Food Network (I believe the show was called 24 in 24, or something to that affect). I was intruiged by the fact that this was an actual UK-style establishment with authentic pub fare. The restaurant itself has a great atmosphere. If you have ever eaten and had a beer in a pub overseas, youll feel right at home here. It's a little dark and minimal, but I think that adds to the appeal. I know the area fairly well, and I dont think there would be any issues finding street parking unless there was some event taking place. On this occasion, I parked directly across the street and walked in with no wait--during dinner hours. Additionally, the server was prompt & courteous, and the restrooms were clean & easy to find. The food brought me back to dining in London. The fish & chips are the closest Ive seen to what Ive had over there. Of course, if I understand correctly, the owner is Irish and came to the States over a decade ago. If you are a first-timer, you have to get the fish & chips... But, Id recommend sharing it with someone because the portion is actually really large. Save space in your stomach for a masterpiece called the Helicopter Burger. Irish aged cheddar and ham on top of a beef patty. It's rich, dacadent and just plain tasty. Overall, Id definitely recommend The Anchor for anyone craving an authentic fish & chips experience. It is one of those places everyone should have on their Minneapolis restaurant to-do list. Pros: authentic pub food, the Helicopter Burger, easy street parking, good service, large portions, breakfast Cons: Not a huge fan of the pastie, they only serve breakfast on weekends

    (4)

  • Jodell R.

    I miss going to London-I miss mushy peas, I miss the cozy pubs. Had been wanting to go to Anchor for quite some time. Went on a rainy cold Saturday night right before closing and had a cold Boddington's and chips and gravy. Awesome Brit Pub atmosphere, so many authentic dishes, and the owner is a delight!

    (5)

  • Tom G.

    If you get something besides fish and chips at Anchor you've wasted your time. Ok, I'm exaggerating. But their fish and chips is easily the best I've ever had.

    (5)

  • Tony B.

    I went to Anchor Fish and Chips on Saturday. It was raining, and I had the cheeseburger with cheddar and my fiancée got the fish and chips, and we both had beers. I got fries, or, chips, as well. We really enjoyed our meal and the nice people. There is a picture of Spock above the exit sign. I almost ordered the shepherds pie, but I got a cheeseburger instead. We had lots of leftover fries and ate them the next morning. It would have been nice to sit outside but it was raining. Sent from my iPad

    (5)

  • Travis D.

    My boyfriend had been wanting to take me here for years! Once we finally moved to Minneapolis, it was time to go! I got a burger that was amazing, and we both split an order of fish and chips and everything was great! This place is great with good, friendly service and if there's a wait when you arrive then it's worth the small wait!

    (5)

  • Rachel E.

    I cannot believe it took me so long to go to Anchor. The boyfriend has been ranting and raving about it since we started dating, but it wasn't until last Friday that we finally went. Considering he's British, I trust his reviews on fish and chips. Anchor is one of those restaurants that makes you love the Twin Cities. 1) Awesome food: any bar can serve the fish and chips, but not all can do it well. Anchor specializes and kicks ass at what they do. 2) Good portions: my eyes actually bogged when the waitress brought my basket with a fish filet overflowing on top. The best part? It doesn't break your bank. 3) Small, local feel: Anchor reps Minnesota. They have a ton of fans, and deserve all the hype they get from around the MSP area. Can't wait to go back many, many times!

    (4)

  • Andrew K.

    Been here multiple times with friends and/or family everytime I'm in Minneapolis/St Paul, but this is my first time reviewing it. I have been eating fish and chips my entire life and I have been to England and eaten Fish n Chips and this is better than England. I've had friend who didn't like Fish N' Chips at all and I brought them here and they became huge fans. This takes the dish to a new standard hands down. It gets busy fast but the service is nice and cool. Definitely a must-go in the Northeast Minneapolis area.

    (5)

  • Marianna G.

    I stuck to the fish + chips or the banger + chips for every meal I ate at The Anchor for months on end. Now, I've expanded my taste-bud horizons! The shepherd's pie is a new fave. The potatoes are creamy, and engulf a delicious mass of fresh-cut veggies (peas, celery, carrots) and grass-fed beef. Contrary to its greasier cousin, the fish + chips, the pie feels like comparatively lighter far, with just enough seasoning to make it interesting while staying pretty much universally appealing (no fancy flavors - just good, down-home cookin'). The coleslaw here is blow-your-mind insane. It's not just mayo and cabbage anymore, folks. We're talking chopped purple cabbage (which turns the dressing into a delightful magenta hue), raisins, a little cayenne pepper, and what I'm going to guess is a little bit of onion. Whatever the mystery ingredient is, it does the trick. If you order the side, be prepared for a generous bowlful (let's be honest, The Anchor just doesn't do small portions); also, be prepared to eat all of it before you even have time to realize what you're doing. SO good, seriously popping in flavor, and not at all reminiscent of the mayo-doused weeks-old cabbage we're all used to? Yes, please. Bottom line: The Anchor is worth whatever wait time might await you. Don't be afraid to venture off the beaten path and order something totally unrelated to their namesake.

    (5)

  • Genna A.

    Food is fab. Place is always packed! Went at 6:45 on a Friday with a party of 3 and waited about 20 mins. But totally worth the wait! Had their signature fish and chips- so great:) Breading on the cod was crispy and the fish was done perfectly. The chips were crunchy and and a tip: always get their tarter sauce, it is phenomenal! My group split an order of their slaw which is cabbage with garlic, onions and rasins. Service is attentive, prices are very reasonable and they have a petite but well rounded beer list too.

    (4)

  • Ketan K.

    This place is great for fish and chips, but they were pretty rude as far as accommodating 3 people. They turned a table for 2 and made my in laws sit there. Both were sitting shoulder to shoulder and barely had a table to them. When asked if we can use the other table and join, answer was "No, we don't so that here. It's just our policy. Kindly adjust, sorry". I think that's rude on how people should be welcomed at a restaurant. If you're gonna pay bunch of $$ for fish and chips, least you can expect is a table in front of you. I was surprised we got such a treatment here. If you are a party of 3, don't go here!!

    (1)

  • Nate N.

    I've been excited to eat at Anchor since I saw a story on the place on Food Network. I'm not a big Fish & Chips fan, but I will start by saying the Fish & Chips at Anchor are excellent. The Fish is perfect, not too greasy, the Chips are delicious. Of the 6 in our party, 5 ordered the Fish & Chips are all agreed it was excellent. We also had a Burger, with Irish Cheddar, and it was also very good. Unfortunately, the service was not good, and even though the food is excellent, I'm leaning towards not returning again. We arrived with 4 of the 6 in our party. We were put on the waiting list. Other parties arrived, were put on the list, and seated before us. When asking what the delay was in being seated, the grey-haired server told us we could not be seated until all 6 of the party arrived. OK, no problem, as this is a small, VERY busy location. But how about tell us that first? We ordered drinks from the bar and waited for our 2 remaining guests to arrive. We were early, so we knew we had probably 30 minutes before they arrived. Now a new hostess/server came on (pink shoes, short dark hair) and took over the wait list. I showed her my name on the list, and told her "I'll let you know when our 2 remaining guests arrive, so you can seat others before us." She looked at me like I was from another planet and said "I don't.....understand?" I said "We know you won't seat us until all 6 are here. Only 4 of us are here, I'll tell you when the others arrive." Why the hostess was confused I don't know, but more annoying was the rudeness in which she addressed me. In a catch-22 Anchor may want to review, there was a family of 6 who had finished their meals, but sat at their table for at least 20 minutes chatting. They ordered nothing further, and were not at all concerned for the growing # of guests waiting for a table. I know it was at least 20 minutes, as I looked at the clock, it was 4:300 PM, and our 2 remaining guests ETA was 5:10. The family left right about 4:50PM. We now were the only party on the wait list, and the table for 6 was open. Had we been seated, we would have ordered an appetizer or 2, at least another round of drinks, while we waited for our last 2 guests. That is revenue Anchor lost. Why is it OK to allow a table to sit for 20 minutes and chat and not order anything, but not seat a party that is 66% there and ready to eat and drink? My guess is the restaurant will always be full, so customer service is not a priority, there will always be another customer. Our 2 guests arrived at 510PM. I told the short, dark-haired, pink shoe hostess "Our last 2 guests are here." She looked a us, and saw 5 of us (the 6th was through the door but behind another customer) and rudely said "Where's the 6th person?" Did she think I was tricking her? I was so shocked by her rude response--it's as if she would do anything NOT to seat us at this point--I actually laughed. I pointed out the 6th guest behind other waiting customers, and we were seated. "Cashier 32" was our server (according to our receipt). We ordered more drinks and our food. The food came and we were all extremely pleased with the results. We ordered more drinks, and it was a good 10 minutes before they were brought over. We saw them sitting on the bar, all poured, and almost we to get them ourselves. But it was busy, so that is forgivable. Some ordered more drinks, then our tab. We got the tab, but 4 of our 6 had drinks which were mostly full. The other 2 decided to order another drink each, and then our tab again. We handed the tab to the server, and said "We're sorry to do this, but we'll have 2 more drinks and then the tab again. The server was apparently not OK with this, took the tab back, gave a sigh and said "OK." She came back to fill our water glasses. One friend, who had not heard the request for more drinks & adjusted tab said "Did you guys ask for our tab?" The server snapped "I heard you already." which immediately silenced the table. We all looked at each other like "Why is she being so rude?" We only wanted to make sure she knew we were ready for the tab, so we could finish our drinks and pay, to get our and open up the table again. The adjusted tab came, we put in our cards, the server came back with our copies to sign. We had all finished our drinks at this time, signed our receipts, and got up to leave. We were standing, putting on our jackets, and the server and bus boy came over to clean our table. Neither one said "Thank you" or "Have a good night" or "Come back again." We left and immediately all said "What the heck was up with that service?" Between the server and the 2 hostess we encountered, the overall combination of hospitality we received was non-existent. It is not fun to eat at a restaurant when you feel like you're an annoyance to the employees, no matter how great the food.

    (2)

  • Paul J.

    Something about The Anchor Bar Fish & Chips makes me want to be a regular, but I don't think anyone actually is. It has a warm atmosphere that feels energetic without being too loud to talk. The menu is good from top to bottom, and the service is quick and friendly. That being said, I can't escape the feeling of hipster-esque manufactured cool that seems to make all of patrons feel like visitors instead of regulars. Parking is scarce in the residential neighborhood that is home to the Anchor. So is waiting space that seems crowded regardless of when you go to eat. Try to snag a drink at the bar while you wait, though prep yourself for some awkward milling about. The wait should be quick - the result of an efficient though, at times, frenetic dining experience. Despite the pile up at the door, I have never felt pressured to leave. I come back to the Anchor for the food. If you have functioning taste buds, it would be hard to go wrong with the fish and chips. The batter is light enough with a savory, salty taste that does well with flaky, but mostly tasteless Cod. Splurge on the tartar sauce. The fries underneath are crunchy, and will stay that way if you want them to. They're thick enough to soak up the excess if you prefer your fish swimming in vinegar. Don't overlook the menu items that didn't make it into the restaurant's title. The Meat and Veggie Pasties are worth their own trip, as is a separate order of the battered sausage to share if your group is big enough. The prices are also very reasonable when compared to Downtown, Uptown, or Grand Ave. The Anchor Fish & Chips has arguably the best of its product in town and they've got a system to keep it flying off the shelves. The underlying manufactured feel keeps this from a 5th star, though this should be on the radar for any Twin Cities food lover.

    (4)

  • Sam M.

    "Give me fish now, and keep nassty chips!" The immortal words of Sméagol live on. The fish here was in a word AWESOME. Crisp, hot, tender and lightly breaded. That made it all the more disappointing when the fries were slightly undercooked, soggy, and limp. Nowhere near as good as on my last visit. There is a small upcharge for the tartar but it is worth it for two reasons. First its a nice recipe (is that a hint of horseradish in there?). Second they have a clear vinegar and not a malt - boo hiss. I found it to be a poor substitute for the malt. A 30 minute wait for a table at 8pm on a weeknight. Busy place. The servers are friendly and prompt. "Maybe next time we brings our own vinegar, won't we precious."

    (4)

  • Freeradical P.

    This is the most Excellent fish n chips in the entire metro. Excellent service-- warm, chatty, truly interested in you an your experience and eager to accommodate. Fish batter is perfect texture. Fish flavor is Wild fresh clean -- No farm raised fish filth here. They are quit strength in Irish food cooking. Be sure to try several menu options. The quality of there burgers and meat pies are no less grand. The Irish fair should beg them to join as representative of the metro finest Irish tradition.

    (5)

  • Leah G.

    What can I say that hasn't been said? HELLA good Fish & Chips. You get a huge, perfectly fried piece of fish a top a bed of thick cut fries. Oh, and guess what, it's only $8.75! What a steal! Even if you aren't a vinegar person, please please please try some of the white vinegar on your fries and your fish, its like life altering good. Anchor is the best. 'Nuff said.

    (5)

  • Johanna C.

    walked in on a saturday night at 8pm with no wait. Good but nothing special. This was the first fish & chips place that i've been where they fry the entire fish giving it a super fresh feeling and look to it - so kudos for that. 3 stars because a) charge 50 cents for tarter sauce when the sauce just seems like normal tarter sauce (i'm cool if you charge extra if it's some type of unique sauce) b) no flavor or saltiness to the fish c) average fries it was a fun place to try out (who doesnt love a place that specializes in fish & chips??) but i wouldnt go back on my own.

    (3)

  • Dustin P.

    I used to live in Minneapolis and this is by far the best fish n chips I've ever had. I'll come to the cities two to three times a years and the anchor is always a must. I usually like to try something different at a restaurant I visit often but sadly the fish is so good I can only comment on it. The guy that works there with face tattoos is the best; never says much but makes a mean plate. If you can get more than two sentences out of him I'll buy you a summit!

    (5)

  • Megan E.

    I've been here a few times and love it! The decor is really fun and the atmosphere is energetic. The food is amazing. I haven't had a better order of fish n chips in the cities. The fries with the curry sauce are also really great. I just wouldn't recommend coming here with a group of over 4 people.

    (5)

  • TW G.

    They are losing the golden touch. I've eaten fish and chips here 5 times over the past year. Last month our serving was not the usual golden, flaky, piece of fried fish. It was brown and hard and oily. They are like about any other place that serves fried fish.

    (3)

  • Franesco M.

    Firstly this is an Irish Fish and Chip place, and it's not Malt Vinegar as the server points out - because this is Irish Fish and Chips! Also they do not have traditional English HP (Brown Sauce) again possibly because this is the Irish version of a great dish. Be prepared to wait an hour plus if you arrive at a busy time. Also expect to sit on a very cramped table, 3 around a table for 2 is company policy I found out. So the food - expensive sides, expect Irish version of mushy peas, curry sauce is okay. My fish was raw but I don't think that is normal as the other 2 people I was with was fine. My issue is the white Irish vinegar, expensive sides (for the size COGS), weird brown sauce, fact it is being a little pretentious - this is only fish and chips and the lack of space at a table. There are other alternatives I will report on soon - i will not be rushing back to the anchor, unless I a) Bring Actual Malt Vinegar b) Bring HP c) go alone or with 4 people to get a table with space

    (2)

  • Sarah S.

    After skimming the reviews, it seems that most people are talking about dinner at the Anchor, specifically their fish and chips... I get that that's a thing here. BUT. Just hold on a minute. You're perhaps missing something! The anchor does a fabulous, greasy, calorie-laden almost totally traditional fry breakfast! It is glorious. Don't be a chicken, get the Full Whack. Try at least a bite of your black and white pudding, and then you can dive into the rest. My husband is originally from Northern Ireland, and this is the place we go for breakfast when he's homesick for Irish food. Yeah, it's not the same as his hometown in NI but it's as close as we've come in the US. (And yes, if you're going to be annoying about it, the line is mildly blurred between Irish and British food in this particular restaurant...) And yeah, someday I'll have to try their fish and chips.

    (5)

  • Troy M.

    By far the best fish and chips I've ever had. It's in a great neighborhood, laid back environs and good beers on tap. Worth the trip to the North side for this South Mpls boy. The food is the best Irish/English pub food you will find in the Twin Cities. The place is smallish, so be ready to wait.

    (5)

  • Randy K.

    Fish and chips done right. Nuff said, but I'll gladly say more! This place is a catch and worth every penny spent. I love coming here with friends as the atmosphere is warm, cozy, and the waitstaff is super friendly. The portions are huge, thank God I was on land for this meal. The food coma this place induced would've for sure meant falling asleep at the healm and capsizing the ship. If you get the fish and chips (as you bloody well should), you must get the homemade tartar sauce. You'll be hooked. Friends who hate tartar sauce generally, love the sauce at Anchor. Bet your booty, this is one of my favorite spots. Anchor, there's a million fish in the sea. I hope you catch and fry them all.

    (5)

  • John D.

    Small neighborhood restaurant that has some of the best fish and chips in town, as well as one of the best burgers to be had in Minneapolis. Seating is often limited, so be prepared to wait if you go on weekends or during the dinner rush. Portions are good-sized, and the beer selection is good. Decor is nothing fancy, and it's rare to see kids there.

    (5)

  • Patricia R.

    What makes this fish so good? They buy flash frozen cod from Alaska, thaw it out, dip it in flour and a thick batter. The result is a crispy, chewy batter that when cracked open reveals a flaky moist white fish. For $9.25, a bargain, you get a large piece of fish and more meaty steak fries than you can eat. Order the tartar sauce for an extra 50 cents. It's dressed up Hellman's and definitely complements the meal. Add the coleslaw for $3.50. It is a delicious non-traditional recipe made with red cabbage and raisins in a creamy dressing that made me feel like I was getting my veggies along with the splurge of the fried food. For the full review and more pictures, visit: freshfoodinaflash.com/20…

    (5)

  • Dawn S.

    We arrived around 6pm on a Friday and only waited about 10 minutes. The food comes out fast and the tables turn around pretty quickly. The fish and chips come with about a 12" piece of battered deep-fried fish and a average portion of fries. The tartar sauce is really good and worth an extra 50 cents. They do have two vegetarian options, their version of a veggie patty and a veggie pastie; however, everything is deep fried in tallow (rendered beef fat). So, in my opinion, vegetarian options are worthless if you're going to cook them in tallow.

    (4)

  • Michael G.

    A wildly popular neighborhood spot typically with long lines, this was our third time to Anchor but the first time we've actually eaten here. Coming from a play at the Guthrie late on a Saturday night proved to be the charm; we were seated immediately and the ambinace was conducive to a disection and analysis of the play. We both had the fish and chips accompanied by a shared side of slaw. Excellent! A generous portion of pefectly fried fish served atop really "chips" that were among the best fried potatoes we've had. The slaw included raisins which added another texture and flavor to the slaw. Very good! I'm going to make my own that way from now on! Rock on Anchor!

    (4)

  • Kristine O.

    First of all I went with a group for HH starting at 4 that were going to filter in throughout the night so I told the hostess that we would have a max of 6 but 4-5 should be here shortly. He refused to seat us. We had 3 out of the 5 of us there ready to order drinks and food but he would not seat us until around 445 and we just said its only going to be 3 of us now (even thought the others were coming just currently stuck in traffic.) Its not like they were super busy or anything there were only maybe 6 people in the whole place at the time. Just a jerk with a horrible attitude! Once we were finally seated in the freezing restaurant we waited 15 minutes till the waitress came to ask us if we wanted drinks. (please note the place maybe had 15 people so not super busy) Our other 2 members showed up and we squeezed into the table. The waitress took our food order and once we received our food she maybe checked on us once even though we were out of drinks multiple times. I have to say the only thing that saved this place was the food. Best fish and chips though I don't think its right that they charge you extra for tartar sauce and they charge $3 if you want the curry sauce! it fricken sauce! I would like to go back for their breakfast but not excited about dealing with the bad service again.

    (3)

  • Daniel R.

    I was telling my co-workers that I really needed some fish and chips for Good Friday. 3 of the recommended the Anchor. Having read the reviews we got there early and were prepared to wait. We got there at 5 and waited 45 mins. The hostess was right on her estimates. The food was good. Yes order the tarter sauce.

    (5)

  • Rachel F.

    veggie pastie

    (5)

  • Terry Scott N.

    I am a huge fan of all things fish and beer related, so this review may be a little bias; however, I find The Anchor Fish and Chips enchanting for its atmosphere and the kitchen setup. This place is a trendy and intimate spot to get your fish needs satisfied, I am fascinated by the idea of watching your meal being cooked before your very eyes. I went a few weeks back with my girl, when it was really cold out, oh wait, that is right now, and we had an excellent time. We took a taxi and were greatly in need of a fish fix. We decided on The Anchor Fish and Chips; I had fond memories of my first visit and wanted to go back to get more of that steamy fish fillet wrapped in flaky batter. Both times I have ordered the fish and chips, classic, and both times it was worth it. This decision wasn't to be safe, or an accident, it was because the fish was that good. Haven't been disappointed thus far. The service was great, however, we had to wait for seating (about 20 minutes) as the place was completely packed on this Friday night and we didn't have reservations. The hostess was cool, our server was cool. The only draw back as Angie G. stated is there is no beer without food, yet I can see why: the limited seating and emphasis on buying food, I don't necessarily agree with this rule, but C'est la Vie. (Also, I'm not a huge fan of restaurants without liquor licenses; however, the beer list here sufficed.) We ordered, drank some beers and waited for our food. The food came posthaste. The portions left me satisfied and the quality was, as expected-great. The fish was batter fried and done right, the chips and vinegar were solid as well, for staples of a fish dinner. My girl got some Cheese and Onion sandwich thing apparently, she completely enjoyed it, but could not finish. We left full and brought some left overs home with us. Pros: They have fish, they have beer, and you feel like a sailor when you are here. Cons: The place is kind of small, kind of packed, and they don't serve beer without food, and that's kind of wack. To sum things up, you have to go here if you enjoy fish and chips and beer. If you enjoy boozing and aren't that into fish maybe don't go. End of story.

    (4)

  • Meg C.

    We have been coming to Anchor for the past several years, even making it a point when out of town guests visit to go as the food has historically been delicious (and well worth the wait). That awesome experience worth the up to 90 minute wait was not what we experienced last week. Fish was bland, fries were soggy, curry sauce was almost flavorless and the tartar sauce was nothing like it's been in the past. Such a disappointment for a waistline splurge. We won't be hurrying back and hope the management/kitchen staff bring back the flavor!!!

    (2)

  • Adam C.

    I really wanted to like the fish and chips. But was just an oil slick. Very disappointed.

    (1)

  • Adam W.

    Subtitle this review, "Me too." Great fish, great service, major crowds and a fantastic bargain. Hint: takeaway is a good option if you can't/won't wait for table service. There's a nice park just a few blocks away...

    (5)

  • Kim R.

    I met two of my best girlfriends for dinner at The Anchor last night. I've been wanting to try this place for awhile, after hearing rave reviews. The place was packed at 6:30 on a Tuesday. We had to wait at least 20-30 minutes for a table (note: there is not much waiting room and it gets pretty cramped). Unfortunately for us, only two of us were there and they would not seat us until our entire party was present, so we got passed up a few times before we were actually seated. The decor here is great, and it really looks like a traditional pub you would expect in England or Ireland. The menu is fairly small and consists of fish and chips (of course), a few burgers and sandwiches, pasties and shepard's pie. I couldn't resist the fish and chips that they are known for. The food came out piping hot, it actually burned my mouth. I don't know that I have ever ordered fish and chips before, but these were great. The batter had an eggy flavor to it and was nice and light. The homemade tartar sauce is a must (but I think it might cost extra). The chips were also pretty amazing. They are thick cut and tasted very potatoey and homemade.

    (4)

  • Ben K.

    I love this place! The wait can be very long, but it's worth it! The fish is terrific, the fries are great and the mushy peas are a great side item. The beer on tap is a great selection as well. Highly recommended! Show up early and grab a beer while your wait.

    (5)

  • Marla H.

    On November 16 I ate here about 9 pm with a friend. We both had never been there and he wanted to try the veggie burger he saw on TV. As we stood waiting for our table, we saw all the fish that was being battered and fried and it looked SO good. We thought maybe we were crazy to have the veggie burger when obviously the fish could potentially be awesome. Once we sat down we found out the veggie burger was unavailable, it was seasonal. So we ordered the fish. Now to set the stage, the fish is flowing in from Alaska and is fillet of Wild Alaskan Cod and they are served with hand-cut chips. Once we received our order, which was pretty fast considering the place was packed. All our conversation consisted of was "wow" "oh my" "This is awesome." The owner came over and asked what we thought and I told him I was I Edinburgh, Scotland in July and this fish is WAY better than what I had in Scotland. If I lived in Minneapolis this would become a weekly stop. You won't go wrong with ordering the Fish & Chips. I recommend checking this locally owned restaurant out. Very neighborhood feel and the workers were really nice.

    (5)

  • S W.

    I'm supposed to love this. I've lived in Dublin. I'm really supposed to love this. I can eat my body weight in fish - ANY kind of fish. I love fried things as much as the next glutton. But the best thing on the menu - the peas. Something ain't right here. What's not right is the way this fish wriggles out of its fried jacket like it never wanted to be there in the first place. Oh, it's a niiiice piece of fishy all right, but I feel as though I could enjoy this little mofo grilled and squirted with lemon and saved myself about 1200 calories and not been sad. Just a little more heat and a little more adhesion would make SUCH a difference, sad. Purpose of fried fish = defeated. Hibernophiles, Anglophiles, Cambriaphiles, and Caledoniaphiles wandering around needing a fix, mark your calendars for Sea Salt. Just be sure to ignore everything there but fried fish, or you'll hate me.

    (3)

  • Raffi M.

    Vinegar, salt, chips, fish, savor, savor, repeat. I am by no means a fish and chips regular, but Anchor does an unbelievable job at hitting a home run in the department. The batter is out of this world, the slab of fish is enormous, and the chips are thick cut and salty. I started with a knife in one hand, but the fish was cooked so dang well that the knife quickly found a home on the side of my basket. The fish here is absolutely melt-in-your-mouth and delicious. I don't know how they get the batter so crisp and the fish so tender, but I enjoyed and savored it from start to finish. Walking in, you're hit with the aroma of frying fish, and after you're greeted and shown a seat, your mouth will start watering and the anticipation builds. No worries though, orders are served quickly and come out piping hot and crispy. The atmosphere is super laid back, and the napkins, silverware, salt, and vinegar are at the tables. It's surprising, but this little gem hidden amongst neighborhood houses does such a fantastic job on their nice and simple menu. The service is quite friendly and the prices are fair; it's no-frill and definitely "The Real Deal". You'll without a question get your money's worth.

    (5)

  • Meghann F.

    This place is good, as much as i love the fish and chips, I don't love the greasy fried stuff all the time. The curry gravy is effin' amazing. The sheperd's pie has been my go-to for this place the last couple of visits - and it is really good. And I love sheperd's pie and frequently order it. So - if you don't want to get down with the fried fish and chips - sheperd's pie is on time - and i hear that the burgers are pretty ballin' here as well!

    (5)

  • Paola M.

    We came on a Saturday night and I expected a much more crowded, small place. I found a crowded, but relatively big space, definitely more welcoming than other reviewers' description had me imagine. We liked it very much. We had Shepard's pie and of course fish and chips. Both were great. The fish and chip was huge. The filet is probably close to a pound and it comes with great fries. I loved it with the vinegar, while I found the tartar sauce good but not exceptional. I would save the calories and stick to the vinegar. The chips were great. I love the European style french fries, And those are excellent chips! The Shepard's pie was amazing! If I were to go back I'd probably have the Shepard's pie. Not that I didn't like the fish and chips, but I'm not a fish gal and I get sick of fish quite easily while I think I could eat 5 Shepard's pie (and then explode). Anyway, great fish and chips but also the other dish on the menu are not to be overlooked!

    (4)

  • Rhea S.

    The best fish and chips I've ever had. I would recommend sharing a basket with someone; it is A LOT of fried fish. Very casual and friendly place.

    (4)

  • Tony V.

    Do yourself a favor and don't even look at the menu...just get the fish and chips. They are damn good. Heck...after your meal head over to Dangerous Man brewery afterwards for a good "after dinner" beer (right down the street)!

    (5)

  • Anna F.

    So so good! The fish is so moist and the breading gives it this really amazing, rich flavor (rich is the only word I can find to describe it). Their fish never EVER has that strange fishy flavor. I seriously can't enjoy fish and chips anywhere else after having it here (but really though--I just don't bother ordering it anywhere else because it pales in comparison). The chips are thick cut and I always devour all of them (I'm usually one of those "don't finish all your fries" people, but these are way too good to waste). I also like to get the mushy peas, which are delicious and creamy, with a hint of garlic. I'm usually there during lent and the wait is REALLY long (60-90 minutes usually) but I usually get take out, which only ever takes about 15 minutes. You can also call ahead and place your order. Also, dangerous man is right down the street and its BYOF (you can bring outside food in since they don't sell food, and have a really excellent beer alongside your fish and chips) so I recommend that highly, especially in the winter if you're really hungry and can't just sit on the curb to nom your takeout fish without getting frostbite. Even when I get it takeout and the breading isn't at the height of crispiness (due to sitting in one of those tightly-wrapped waxed parchment bundles) its still way better than any fish and chips I've ever had. Seriously worth the wait.

    (5)

  • Amy C.

    The Anchor must be one of the best food values in the entire Twin Cities. Took the family and showed up around 1 PM on a Sunday afternoon and were told to expect a 40 minute wait. Fortunately, the crowd whittled down sooner, and I doubt we waited even 15 minutes. The place smells amazing, and as I watched the efficient staff prepare bushels of fish, I couldn't believe the size of the cod planks. Impressive! You could easily split a basket with someone and still get plenty to eat. My husband, son and I all had the fish and chips, my daughter got a burger since she won't eat anything that swims. Service was swift and efficient. My daughter declared her burger amazing. The fish was cooked perfectly, but was a little bland...though based on other Yelp reviews, that's the norm for authentic English fried fish...I'll take their word for it. Like others, I'm going to have to point out the shortcomings of the chips. I had higher hopes since they had a beautiful golden brown color, but instead of being fluffy inside they were firm. Not undercooked, just not cooked properly. The cut was perfect. Shout out to our server. I ordered an Ivory, a different take on a Mimosa using Prosecco and grapefruit juice instead of champagne and orange juice. It was very tasty, and hubby asked the waiter for another after sampling mine. The waiter forgot it when he checked back a couple minutes later and comped it for us. Nice gesture, and it scored major points in my book since it wasn't a big enough oversight to warrant the comp. Classy move. The tab came to $50 before the tip, and we had fish to take home. I couldn't purchase that amount of cod at Byerly's for much less than that and make it at home. Outstanding!

    (4)

  • Sara G.

    I have been here twice now and both times were amazing. This place is highly recommended. I have only ordered the fish and chips, and will probably always do so since it is what they are known for. I have gotten lucky both times with not having to wait for a table but I have heard that the wait can be pretty long and have witnessed it as I was already seated. Definitely an urban feel inside and a casual atmosphere. Seems best to go with small groups or as a couple.

    (5)

  • Joe H.

    I was really excited to try this place because everybody loves to rave about how great it is. Unfortunately, it ain't. The service is abysmal. I've never felt as unwelcome in a restaurant as I did in the Anchor. I sat at the bar and the servers and cooks kept flinging debris at me as they wiped the countertop. It was extremely unpleasant. I ordered the fish, which was generic and lacked seasoning (really disappointing because they claim to be "authentic." Maybe authentic means flavorless?). My wife ordered the helicopter burger which was supposed to have ham, cheese, and an egg on it. The egg was cooked to oblivion, the ham was dry and the cheese was missing. When my wife asked about the cheese, they claimed it was on there. Come on now, we're from Wisconsin. We're not going to miss cheese. After that, we just left. The whole experience was enraging. How can there be a restaurant where servers obliviously (and repeatedly) fling stuff onto the patrons? I did not enjoy this place.

    (1)

  • Andrew C.

    Way too much batter, extremely greasy crust and dry overcooked interior to everything. Based on my experience, It blows my mind how this place stays in business and how ppl like it.

    (1)

  • Alex M.

    Anchor... if I had sum up this place with one word, it would have to be "authentic". This place does the best fish and chips in the traditional sense that I've had in the Twin Cities. You could literally be in a Irish pub and not get served fish this good. The fish is classically battered and flavorful, leaving you eager to feast on the perfectly cooked cod at a rapid pace. One tip - like anything fried, the longer the fish sits, the less appetizing it gets. For me this isn't a problem; once it hits the table it's gone in a matter of moments, salt and vinegar goodness still lingering on my lips. The chips are good too. If you're wanting to try something new, I recommend ordering either the curry or the gravy for the table, both plenty big enough to share. Although the other food on the menu is pretty good, it doesn't leave me with the same nostalgic effect of the fish. Stick to the fish and chips, and you'll be a happy camper.

    (5)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Tue

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Dinner
    Parking : Street, Private Lot
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : No
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Average
    Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
    Outdoor Seating : Yes
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

The Anchor Fish & Chips

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