Alabama Fish Bar
1601 Race St, Cincinnati, OH, 45202
Alabama Fish Bar Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Cincinnati for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Cincinnati for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Cincinnati for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
1601 Race St
Cincinnati, OH, 45202 - Phone (513) 241-2255
- Website https://alabamafishbar.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : No
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : No
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Divey
Noise Level : Loud
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
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Steve A.
The fish is great! Especially the Cod. Service was nice until I took a picture for Yelp and they yelled at me saying I could do that. Weird! Located in a less than desirable let of town and there are always people standing out front begging or trying to sell you stuff. Creepy. I only stop in of I happen to be passing through. Cash only! Carry out only!
(3)Caroline K.
I was really excited to try this place out. Normally I don't crave fried fish, but I heard good things about this place. I shared the Whiting with a friend, and the amount was more than enough for us. If you are a dude, you could probably eat one whole order. The food was nothing short of ah-mazing. When in OTR, try this place out! It's a very casual place and the food comes out quick!
(5)Todd R.
Alabamas is the best fish and chips you can get in Cincinnati bar none. Grab some lunch from Alabamas and walk over to Washington park for a perfect afternoon.
(5)Rachel H.
This place was a challenge... Finding parking, we didn't have cash the first time, lol but we came back and tried the whiting and cod... and the cod was my favorite. Perfect fish. I didn't add vinegar or too much hot sauce because we were driving to eat it. But next time I will. Peppers and onions mixed in really top it off! I'm going to make a stop here every time I'm in cinci!! Sooooo GOOD
(5)Patrick J.
Hole in the wall but very good fried fish. I had the cod which was delicious. They only serve three types of fish cod, whiting, & cod. They serve fried onions ms peppers with each other which was weird for me because the two just don't go together. However great fish
(5)Eugene K.
Not allowed to eat here anymore because my cholesterol... The only time I've had better fried fish was at a random Irish pub in Victoria island canada. Doesn't get any better than Alabama fish! I prefer all the sea fish vs lake fish. Bring cash and get extra napkins!!
(5)Jay O.
This small fish house sits on the corner of Race and Liberty. There isnt much room inside and all orders are to go. There's usually a line out the door for service, give it a minute and wait, its worth it! I actually found out about this place by a co-worker the night before I was heading to Cincinnati. He grew up in OTR and said I should stop by and try it out, glad I did! Grabbed the Cod dinner, took about a minute and the order was ready. Little hot sauce on the fish and a little ketchup on the fries. (Condiments are on the counter just to the right of where you place your order) This fish was cooked perfectly, flakey and hot! Batter was awesome, just enough to give the fish a good coating and golden brown. 2 slices of white bread somehow transform the fish into a magical creation when you wrap them in it. This will be a go to the next time im back in Cincy, simple and delicious!
(4)Khiemo S.
Hands down the best fried fish in Cincinnati! Definitely a great value for the price and amount of fish! Not too greasy and full of flavor. The onions and peppers bring a mellow sweetness and crunch that compliments the fish very well. Whiting is the best and cod is 2nd. Im not a big fan of the perch. The Whiting tastes the best with the type of batter that's being used. Whiting is also the cheapest and the pieces are a lot bigger than the perch and cod. If you can eat quickly, dress it with ketchup, mustard, hot sauce and maybe vinegar. Doesn't sound very good, but that's how the veterans roll. The place is small and cash only. Don't wear nice clothes because you will reek of fish. I suggest putting it in the trunk of your car when you take it home because you can't dine in. Parking is also limited to the streets.
(5)Santeri P.
Definitely a great place to get fried fish. It's carryout only and cash only, so keep that in mind if you are planning on getting some food. When you enter, there is only enough room for a few people to stand and place their orders. The board above the counter tells your choices. Place your order, pay, and get your number and wait. The fish is served on top of a basket of French fries with two slices of white bread at the bottom of it all. They slide it across the counter to you and you have the opportunity to put your choice of condiments on top before they bag it for you. They have malt vinegar, hot sauce, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper available. They ask if you want cooked onions, peppers, or tartar sauce with your fish. Then they bag it for you and you're ready to go. I have tried the cod and the perch. They also have whiting. I like the cod better and usually just order that because I know I like it, but I will probably try other fish again in the future. I always get my cod with malt vinegar, hot sauce, ketchup on the side for the fries, salt, pepper, tartar sauce, onions, and peppers. I like how the white bread on the bottom soaks up everything keeping the cardboard basket from getting soggy and giving you some flavor soaked white bread to eat at the end of your meal. Alabama Fish Bar is a great place to get some quick carryout food that tastes great! I definitely recommend stopping by if you're in the area.
(4)Aspidistra D.
Amazing fried fish. Soul food. Hometown spot. Simple. Cash only. Carryout only. An OTR institution. A fish dinner with bread and fries for cheaper than a Big Mac combo. What else can a person want in life?
(5)Ashley W.
Haven't been here in in a while. But as a kid this was our dinner EVERY FRIDAY! Seriously the fam couldn't get enough of the fresh fried fish, fries soaked in vinegar, ketchup, and mustard, slice of wonder bread and the onions & peppers.
(3)Wayne W.
Cincinnati's finest fish spot in the middle of the hood! Lol I've been getting this since a child and it never disappoints!!!!
(5)Ammar H.
Walked in got three meals n enjoyed some best cod. The fish is fresh and price is right. I would recommend to any seafood lover. Bring cash no credit cards. Also take it home.
(5)Adam W.
Without question...best fried fish ever. Problem is when I now travel to Cincinnati for business I have trouble scheduling lunch meetings. The peppers and onion foil pouch of goodness...what a bonus.
(5)R E.
OMG ! This place is sooo good. The mix of onions and green pepper makes my mouth water just thinking about it! Not in the best part of town and cash only but worth the hassle of both.
(5)Chad A.
I'm going to make this simple, much like Alabama's Fish Market. If you live within 50 miles of downtown Cincinnati, you like fish, and you aren't afraid to step out of your comfort zone, you owe it to yourself to visit the AFM. I've been blessed with the opportunities to visit AFM on a frequent basis since 1998 and not once have I ever been disappointed with the food. Here is the deal: Fried COD - $8.99 Fried Whiting - $7.99 Fried Perch - $7.99 All meals come on a bed of fries (large cut, not crispy), bread, and includes a cup of tartar and your choice of sweet peppers, spicy peppers, hot peppers, and sauteed onions (or a combination of all four). Unless you are a heavy dunker in the tartar sauce, one cup is enough. The bread is there to soak up some of the greasy goodness... eat at risk as you'll all that "stuff" is going straight to your arteries. The fish - OMG - you'll leave on your first trip because your skepticism of the atmosphere... you'll come back for the fish. Go when it's nice out... if you go at lunch, chances are you'll be standing outside at some point waiting for your order but worth standing in the rain or cold. I recommend the Cod (least fishy tasting of the choices) with BOS (Bread on the Side) an extra tartar for dunking your fries in and some sweet and spicy (banana) peppers. Cover that fish in hot sauce, splash some ketchup down on bottom for your fries, and then some vinegar and salt/pepper to top it all off. My only complaint: No matter how full I get when I eat at AFM, I'm always a little sad when I eat that last nugget of delicious goodness. If you have a large order, call ahead... they'll get you right to the front of the line and out the door in no time.
(5)Magda C.
Oh my, what a place. Very specific! First the positives: the fish was indeed very good, as good as a deep fried fish can be. I tried cod and haddock, and would definitely recommend the cod. Haddock was very 'fishy' and I did not enjoy it that much. French fries were not crunchy. The onion, eeeee, not for me. Now the smell: OMG! I had to wait inside the place for several minutes, and it was enough to be completely soaked in the fishy aroma :o I had to dry clean my coat and wash everything, including my sneakers, as the smell would not go away. My car was stinky for a week. The area is far from nice. Passed it several times before actually stepping out of the car, as I did not feel comfortable in the area. Parking is a challenge and there are always people asking you for money etc. All in all, will not go back. Yes, the fish was good, but all the hassle was not worth it.
(3)Jordan T.
Just do yourself a favor and go! If your craving delicious fish n' chips done to greasy perfection this is the place for you. Avid fried fish fanatics traveling through Cincinnati stop into town just to try Alabama Fish. Just go. Like I said, you will not regret it.
(5)Sarah T.
Great food, happy it's still going after all these years! Great set up: get in, say what you want, add what you like, and go.. Doesn't get much simpler!
(4)Ryan Z.
Alabama Fish Bar is as simple as they come, and that's a very good thing. They make three types of fish ... Cod, whiting, and perch. Each dish is served in a take-out basket with french fries. You are then given the option to 'dress up' your fish with hot sauce, ketchup, mustard, etc. Do it. Don't be shy. Just dump a bunch of that stuff all over it. It's delicious. Make sure to ask for the grilled onions/peppers combo to go with it, and don't forget your tartar sauce. Next, go home, go to a park, go to your car, go wherever... and chow down. This is some dang good fried fish. I've always lived near a fresh water source and I'm used to having dozens of delicious fish options. That's not the case in Cincinnati or any other land-locked city aside from Vegas. The prices range from 7.95 for the perch and whiting to 8.95 for the cod. The portions are large enough to share if you're not overly hungry. I got the cod my first few times because I'm a snob and didn't think you could get good fish for under 8 bucks. Once I tried the whiting, I haven't gone back. It's their tastiest fish, IMO. If you haven't been there... and you like fried fish... go there! It's at the corner of Race and Liberty, not the best neighborhood but far from the worst. Just park on the street on Race and you're good to go. Enjoy!
(4)Niki T.
this fish is AMAZING!!!! THE BEST IN CINCINNATI!!!!! I always get the bread on the side and peppers on the side and then I make a sandwich. But you have to remember to put the condiments on the fish before they bag it!!!! Trust me you will love it!!!!
(5)Jesse F.
We need more places like Alabama Fish Bar. I love places that are what they are and make no bones about their simplicity. The fish is plentiful, tasty and comes with crazy grilled toppings. The service was fast, the fish was cheap and you get out the door and onto the taxi to Flavorburgh. I would like a little kick to their fries though. Needs a bit more Cajun flavor to the experience. Still, I salute Alabama Fish Bar for its simplicity and dedication to good value.
(3)Christopher W.
The best fried fish in Cincy. The only problem is that its a cash only joint which I hate in a bad part of OTR and they know you have cash on you if your going there, enough said. One thing though is that the fish is worth the risk.
(4)Cliff K.
Welcome to OTR. DO: -Any fried fish is good in my book. -Pickup the food and walk to Findlay Market (north up Race St). Eat there. -Pickup the food and walk to Washington Park (south down Race St). Eat there. -Extra napkins. -Walk in, you order and pay at the counter in front of you. You pickup and dress up your fish on the counter to the right of you. -Say yes to the sauteed onions/peppers. -Do not forget the malt vinegar when dressing your fishies. DON'T: -You're on Liberty and Race, pretty much the heart of OTR. Don't be rude and be all scared. Say hello, everyone is very nice. PARKING: -Street parking. -If Liberty is filled up, try going south of Liberty on Race St. towards Washington Park. I love fish and chips (Oregon coast, Seattle, Maine, etc). This is probably the best fried fish in Cinci, but because it's in a "shady" neighborhood, people are very hesitant to give it a go. Well, you're missing out, that's all I gotta say. Oh, and for those of you who decided to give it a try -- welcome to OTR.
(5)Adam H.
5 STARS!!! Located in probably the least ideal part of town. You are more than likely to get hit up by a panhandler, might struggle to find parking, be squeezed into the a storefront the size of a phone booth, and boy howdy will your clothes and car smell. But gosh darn it all to heckfire, IT IS SO WORTH IT!!!!! The AFB combines two of my most favorite things in the world: Lenten Fish Fries and OTR. At the AFB it is Lent all of the time. You are presented with 3 different options, large platters of fish- cod, whiting, and haddock I believe. All three will set you back about 6-8 bucks. Each platter includes 5-7 pieces of fish, fries, and two pieces of bread. You can tack on some sides and a soda for a couple of bucks more, but what you are given is at least two meals. The way it works is that you walk inside the small space, order, and you are given your ticket and one penny- for both luck and the fact that everything is 6.99 or 7.99. When your number is called out, you proceed to the counter and gaze in amazement at the large, delicious platter in front of your eyes. You then proceed to smother your deep fried bounty with vinegar, ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce. They ask you if you want peppers. You always say yes. Do you actually want peppers? Who knows, but just in case. They wrap up your catch of the day and throw it in a bag. Since there is no seating, everything is to go. Warning! Outside there are no seats and usually a person or two asking for money. You will have to transport your meal a distance before consuming. Be prepared for your breath, body, and motor vehicle to smell like delicious, delicious, yet smelly fried fish. I have been told that you get a free meal on your birthday. Mine is next week. I will relay back with more info. But you shouldn't wait for your birthday to feast on this fish.
(5)Beth F.
Ok Yelp seriously. I have lived in Cincinnati all my life and you really know how to make a girl feel like a poor excuse of a Cincinnatian. I have driven by Alabama many times over my existence and never even knew what it was, let alone that it even existed in the first place. A friend of mine took us down there a couple of weekends ago, and I didn't know what to expect when we opened that door. The lobby area is tiny and people were crowded in there waiting for their food. This is not a place for you to sit inside and enjoy your food.. Oh no, it's order, move out of the way, your food is called, move over to get it, and once it's bagged you get the heck out of there. There are too many others waiting on their tasty meal. I have to admit.. I was skeptical. It was a little expensive in my opinion, but when i put that first taste of fried fish in my mouth. HOLY CRAP... I think my brain went on overload and my taste buds started weeping..the drool was thankfully stopped by my teeth before it dumped out of my mouth. My taste buds waited for each and every next bite and when I was done my tummy was full but my brain was sad. This place is a hidden gem in my eyes. I will definitely go back soon. Even if it adds a few more pounds to my waist line....
(4)Jaden W.
So good fish never fails. I prefer the perch but the cod and whiting are also good too. I recommend hot sauce with tartar sauce. The bag comes as greasy as the fryer itself which tells you the fish is fried fresh cooked to order. know many people the love the peppers and onions to though. Definitely a Cincinnati favorite that everyone should try
(5)Alex L.
So let's get this out of the way. The area is horrible and most likely you won't want to stay there. Great thing about this place. No seating so take your food and get out of there. Nobody wants you to stay there anyways. Now that we took care of that it's time to get to the more important part which is the food. And the food is wonderful. The highlights are fried cod, fried perch, and fried whiting. What is the difference between each type of fish? No clue. I just know that some taste more fishy than others but all of them taste great. Besides, did you notice that each of the items started with the word "fried"? Winning. I'll say this though, you need to eat this food hot cuz once it gets soggy it's not as good. And also, your arteries might clog if you eat this daily since we ate this once and I'll say this, my movements were definitely slower after eating the meal. The fish comes with onions and peppers which add a nice bite to the meal, but again I'd suggest not putting with the fish as it'll just turn the breading into mush. One bite of fish, one fork of the veggies and you'll be happy. Eat the piece of bread at the bottom of the fish at your own risk. I'm pretty sure that piece of bread is there to soak up the oil as I've seen it at fried chicken places as well. Lastly, the price is phenomenal for what you get. So go down to OTR, get the food, and peace out afterwards.
(4)Dan M.
They serve 8 items here: fried cod, fried perch, fried whiting, french fries, white bread, onions, peppers, and cole slaw (4 of 8 items fried - awesome). The only thing worth getting is the fish but man it is worth it. I'd bet they drop it right when you order it, and it is promptly delivered to you steaming hot. The fries, bread, and cole slaw all suck, and the onions are ok. The fish makes it all worth it. This is one of those experiences you've just got to have. Bottom Line: I'll be back for the best fried fish you can get this side of the Ohio.
(4)Brandon H.
I'm the last person to ever request seafood when trying to decide what to eat. That said, I LOVED the fish from Alabama's. Their fries and bread that's given is more like decoration than part of the meal. I wasn't actually there to order (co-worker got some for everyone and brought it in), so I can't comment on the experience inside the joint, but I'm told there's "room for 6 people standing" and "have your cash ready, cause they want people to move". 4 out 5 only because the fries were below average, and I really enjoy fries. Their tartar sauce was pretty good too (but not Frisch's-good).
(4)Christina A.
I use to always chose this place on our take out night at home...not anymore. I think that over the years as the place and food bwcame more popular the quality has really gone down. Now mind you that the place isn't in an ideal part of town. At least not forme, but when the ffood was good I sure would risk it all to go get some of the best fried fish in towm lol. However, not anymore. Standing in that crowd and being shoved around on the inside just doesn't seem worth it anymore for what they are selling. Also, the prices have really gone up and they don't take credit cards. I really miss the old place, taste and value.
(2)Russell Q.
Four and a half stars. Fish: 5 stars... deep fried fish as good as I've had. Just deicious. We tried all three (perch, cod and whiting) and everyone had a different favorite. Mine was the perch. The breading was outstanding.... crunchy, spiced perfectly and perfect texture. And as a bonus, it withstood the 15 minute car ride back home beautifully. Fries: 2 stars. Limp and undercooked. Some of the worst I've had. Onions and pepper side: 5 stars... you get this automatically for each order. Cole slaw: 3 stars. Acceptable, but expensive. A bland creamy style. Price: low (by my Calif standards). You get 5 big pieces of whiting for $7.99 which is more than I could eat. Ambience: it's a take out only place in a rough area of the city.
(5)Sandra F.
The best fish fry in Cincinnati! Good stuff! Everytime I go, I get the Fried Whiting Fish. Wish this place had a private lot though.
(5)Len V.
Had to build up my nerve to go in here. Very rough part of town and is especially intimidating at night. There are no inside table There are no outside tables You either eat in your car or sit on the ground The menu consists of fried fish and only fried fish It is great
(4)La'Keyta H.
This place has been my favorite since I was a child. I remember when you used to get free fish on your birthday. Awwwww, those were the days. But I stil come back to Alabama's because it is good simple fried food. I get the 5 piece Whitting, with fries and I am set for the rest of the day. I introduced my boyfriend to it and he can not get enough.
(5)Brian T.
If you like fried fish, this place is incredible. Easily the best fried fish in town (That I have had anyways.) Their peppers and onions are amazing, their tartar sauce is really good, check under your fish for the bread so you can make a sandwich. On the down side, i'm pretty sure their prices just went up. I could eat here once a week if it wouldn't kill me in 5 years. I have taken at least 5 people here that have never had it, and every single person has loved it. Two thumbs up!
(5)Angela C.
There's a reason a famous rapper (whose name currently escapes me) gave 'bama's a shout out in one of his songs. That's how me and my former roommates found Alabama's Fish Bar. It's a wonderful hidden treasure in OTR. Simple operation with only a couple delicious options- make sure you get it with all the peppers and onions, etc! You walk up to the window and order. Feel free to bask in the greasy goodness in the storefront but be warned, your clothes will soak it the smell too, which is fine if you don't care about smelling like.. fried. I love 'Bama's and you should, too.
(5)Scot H.
crazy awesome. this is only a place for a foodie. half hearted diners will be intimidated by the neighborhood and quick pace of the order pay pickup sequence.
(4)Leisa W.
I'm updating, because I was there recently and they were out of cod so I had Whiting. I didn't like the whiting much at all, I'd give this place a 2-star rating if they only had whiting. But get the cod, and you are still at 4 stars!
(4)Jessica L.
The COD is my favorite, the PERCH is alright, and I've never tried the WHITING. I never eat the bread or fries, but the fish, with a dash of Malt vinegar, tartar sauce and hot sauce (and of course with the peppers and onions) makes the fish here perfect. Whenever visitors come from CA, they always ask to go to Alabama fish... But being a bit of a fried food snob... I only like it when it's super fresh. Luckily Alabama's is walking distance from my apartment, so by the time I get home it's still piping hot and crispy. I don't mind the price (about $6 for a basket of fish, fries, and bread), since it's a local establishment... please support small businesses in Over the Rhine!
(4)Tony D.
My roommate took me to this fine establishment because it's right around the corner from where we live. I love the atmosphere of it. The staff is friendly and it really feels like they give a crap about what they are doing. It's a hole-in-the-wall set up, complete with old-school sports memorabilia and standing-room-only waiting area. They only have 3 items on the menu: cod, ocean perch, and whiting. Orders come with fries and bread, and you can get toppings with it. I got jalapenos and onions with some hot sauce. The food itself is nothing to scream home about. The cod was good, but it's hard to do fried cod bad. The fries were sadly lacking. You definitely need to add something to it yourself. 2 people get a order of fries, 6 pieces of cod, and 2 pieces of bread for 16.00. Check it out once if you're a fan of fish, but once is really all you need.
(3)Robert E.
The fish is great and that is all that really matters. My only complaint is that you have to order an insane amount of fish and there is no option to buy less than say six pieces, fries, and bread. Best fish in the city!
(4)Harold L.
Alabama's is delicious. For $7.99 you get more deep fried fish and fries than you could possible eat in one sitting. It's a simple take out place, and they have a simple menu of three choices - cod, whiting, or perch - all prepared the same: battered and deep fried right before your eyes. The side of onions and peppers is a great bonus. Anyone saying the neighborhood is scary is insane. It's right on the corner of Elm and Liberty (probably the busiest street in OTR), a few blocks south of Findlay Market. Alabama is the OTR neighborhood staple that the newer places opening can dream to be in a few years.
(5)Maxwell H.
It is absolutely INSANE to me that there isn't anything more written about Alabama Fish Bar here. I've got in-laws who live about an hour north of Cincinnati, and when I go see them, I make a point to haul their butts into town so that we can hit up the AFB. In the interest of getting more people to try this place, I'm going to give you a play-by-play of how it works. Feel free to print this out and carry it along as a handy reference to your first (of many) visits to Alabama Fish House. Go to the neighborhood. Park on the street or in one of the many lots located around the market. Walk down the block, keeping your eyes straight ahead. Walk in the door, and squeeze into the room. Look up at the board to see what kind of fish they're frying today. Work your way around to the counter on the left and order some fish. You'll get a number. Squeeze to the back of the room, and wait for your number to be called. (While you wait, help any confused-looking people who walk in. Pay it forward, dude.) If it's really crowded just tell one of the nice ladies what your numbers is and let her know that you're going to stand outside. Someone will yell out the door whenever your number comes up. Now's when it starts to get good . . . When they call your number step up to the counter and let the nice lady know which number is yours (there may be multiple orders up at a time). She's going to ask you if you want peppers and onions. There are two possible answers: "Yes" and "Double." You're really doing yourself a huge disservice if you don't get the peppers and onions (they're slowly sizzling away, like at the ballpark, on the grill off to the right). While they assemble your peppers, you have work to do. You'll notice that the nice lady will have, ever so subtly, slid your basket of fish toward you. Now's your chance: douse the hell out of the fish and the fries with the hot sauce, the vinegar, and maybe a little extra salt. When you're done, push it back toward the nice lady who now will have a little wax paper packet (or two!) of peppers and onions for you. They'll throw everything in a sack, wrap it up, give you one (ONE!!!) napkin, and send you on your way. You'll now be excited, and somewhat at a loss of what to do. Should you go sit in your car and eat? Should you drive it home? Should you sit right there on the curb and tear into it? No. What you want to do is walk right back up the street to the Findlay Market. Walk inside (the back door will make this much easier), and go find yourself a table. Now it's time to unwrap your prize. (Optional: stop off on the way to the table at one of the stalls to grab a drink, and while you're at it, try to sweet talk your way into more napkins.) Dump the peppers and onions on top, and start tearing that thing to pieces. You've earned it.
(5)Robert M.
Free sandwich on your birthday. Good if you like your fish fried
(3)