Unearth The Voyage
Craving golden fish and chips that crunch louder than Big Ben at noon? Massachusetts delivers plates that could make a Londoner blush, with flaky fillets, briny sides, and tartar sauces you will want to swipe. From dockside shacks to polished gastropubs, the Bay State turns classic fry-ups into destination meals. Grab a napkin, because these picks might just dethrone your UK favorites.
1. Row 34
Boston’s Fort Point hums at Row 34, where fish and chips arrive shatteringly crisp with a seaside whisper. The batter is delicate, almost tempura-light, wrapped around snowy fillets that steam when you break them. You will dip, squeeze lemon, then wonder how the fries stay so hot.
House pickles and tangy slaw keep bites bright, while local drafts cut the richness perfectly. Sit at the raw bar for briny theater and watch boats nose the channel. If England had access to these boats, maybe the rivalry would be closer.
2. Yankee Lobster
Steps from the harbor, Yankee Lobster keeps things simple and wildly fresh. The fish tastes like it jumped from the water to the fryer, wearing a craggy, golden jacket that crackles. Fries are salty, honest, and perfect for scooping up runaway flakes.
Grab a seat outside, feel the breeze, and let the seaport soundtrack set the mood. Tartar here is zippy, with just enough bite to cut the richness. You will leave with salt in your hair and a grin you cannot shake.
3. The Druid
The Druid feels like your friendly corner in Cambridge, with music, chatter, and perfectly fried fish. The batter leans pub-classic, hugging moist fillets that flake with a fork’s nudge. Fries arrive hearty and rustic, excellent with malt vinegar.
Order a stout and the whole plate sings deeper. The tartar sauce tastes house made, and the slaw snaps with freshness. You will linger, nibbling the crispy ends while the session tunes roll. England might have pubs, but this one cooks with Massachusetts swagger.
4. The Banks Seafood and Steak
The Banks elevates your fry game with precision. Expect a refined batter, glassy-crisp without heaviness, surrounding pristine white fish that tastes clean and ocean-sweet. The fries are slim, seasoned, and engineered for dipping.
Tartar brings citrus and dill, while a bright slaw resets your palate between bites. Sit by the window and watch Back Bay glide by as you devour another crisp edge. You will swear you are at a fine dining temple, then remember you are eating fish and chips, grinning.
5. Boston Sail Loft
At Boston Sail Loft, the sea practically joins your table. Fish and chips arrive in a generous basket, the batter rugged and audibly crisp. Break it open and steam lifts, smelling like tide and salt.
Pair with their legendary chowder if you are extra hungry. Fries stay sturdy, even after a bath in tartar and lemon. The vibe is unfussy, all about great seafood and harbor views. You will glance out the window, then back at your plate, incredibly happy.
6. JP Seafood Cafe
JP Seafood Cafe surprises with fish and chips that bridge comfort and flair. The fry is light, almost airy, sealing in juicy fillets that flake beautifully. Fries are golden spears, great with a squeeze of lemon.
Expect bright sides and occasional Asian inflections, like a crunchy slaw that wakes everything up. It feels neighborly and relaxed, perfect for weeknight cravings. You will find yourself planning a return visit before the plate is empty. Jamaica Plain shows real range here, and it works.
7. Courthouse Seafood
Courthouse Seafood is where Cambridge locals go when they want zero fuss and maximum freshness. The market setting means fish is pristine, fried to a righteous crunch. Bites taste straightforward and honest, with flaky interiors that feel almost buttery.
Grab malt vinegar and go to town on a mountain of fries. The tray service pace is brisk, the value terrific, and the satisfaction immediate. You will leave with that happy, salty glow only great fry shops deliver. England, take notes.
8. The Dubliner
The Dubliner nails the pub classic while giving it Boston polish. The batter crackles with every bite, revealing tender fish that flakes like snow. Chips are hearty and satisfying, brilliant with a shake of malt vinegar.
Order a Guinness and the pairing becomes magic. Tartar sauce balances tang and cream, and a lemon wedge keeps things bright. You will feel transported without leaving downtown. It is comfort food with a confident accent.
9. Salty Dog Seafood Grille & Bar
Right in Faneuil Hall, Salty Dog serves fish and chips with festive energy. The fry is crackly and golden, encasing fillets that taste ocean fresh. Fries are plentiful, ideal for sharing or hoarding.
Between street performers and clinking glasses, you will feel vacation vibes even on a Tuesday. Tartar has zip, and the lemon cuts through beautifully. Grab a patio table and watch the city swirl while you crunch happily. It is classic Boston, on a plate.
10. Red’s Best at Boston Public Market
Red’s Best brings the boat-to-basket pipeline straight to your hands. The fish is traceable, impeccably fresh, and fried to a rugged, addictive crunch. Expect clean flavors and zero greasiness.
Grab a basket and wander the market, lemon wedge ready. Fries travel surprisingly well, staying crisp as you browse honey and cider stands. You will appreciate the sustainability story as much as the taste. It is fast, flavorful, and proudly Massachusetts.
11. The Fish Shack Bar & Restaurant
Rockport’s Fish Shack pairs postcard views with craveable fish and chips. The batter delivers a satisfying crunch, hugging sweet, flaky fillets that taste like sea spray. Fries are sturdy and plentiful, perfect for dunking into creamy tartar.
Sit by the window or on the deck and let the harbor do its thing. Gulls wheel, boats bob, and your basket disappears faster than planned. You will plan a day trip just to repeat the ritual. It is coastal comfort done right.
12. Mile Marker One Restaurant
Gloucester’s Mile Marker One sits right on the marina, so freshness is a given. The fish comes encased in a crisp shell that stays snappy to the last bite. Fries are golden and generously seasoned.
Between sips and sea breezes, you will demolish the plate without noticing. The slaw is bright and crunchy, and the tartar has enough zip to keep things lively. Watch the boats glide and feel time slow. This is Massachusetts seafood joy, pure and simple.
