Best Fish And Chips In The Twin Cities

Satisfying fish and chips can be hard to find in Minnesota, especially to those who have grown up loving the traditional European style. After scouring the city in search of the best fish and chips dish, here is an eclectic list of the best five spots in the Twin Cities to enjoy such a classic.

The Anchor Fish & Chips
302 13^th Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
(612) 676-1300
theanchorfishandchips.com

Price: $8.95

Just as the name suggests, The Anchor Fish & Chips is well known for its fish and chips. This busy, laid-back restaurant serves Pacific, sustainable cod fillets with hand-cut fries. It definitely does not skimp on the portion sizes either; expect to see two large fillets of cod lightly battered and fried to perfection, sitting alongside quite the handful of chips (the crispy ones are at the bottom). Not sure if you want a restaurant dining experience? Anchor also has a food truck that offers fish and chips, meat and veggie pasties and battered sausage. Click here for more information on the food truck's locations and events.

Mac's Fish-Chips-Strips
1330 Larpenteur Ave W
Saint Paul, MN 55108
(651) 489-5299
macsfishchipsstrips.com

Price: $4.99 to $13.99

Tucked away in a corner between Hamline and Larpenteur Avenues in St Paul, you will find Mac's Fish-Chips-Strips, a small little hole-in-the-wall restaurant with some of the best fish and chips in the area. This gas station turned restaurant may look underwhelming, but the quality of the family-owned spot is worth the trip. The menu allows for your selection of fish (walleye, halibut or cod) and choice of serving size (one or two fillets). Everything is "made to order," meaning that every fish and chips order is prepared and fried just minutes before it shows up on your plate. Bonus: salt water taffy is made in house daily and every order of fish and chips comes with a piece for you to enjoy.

Related: Best Irish Pubs In Minnesota

Stella's Fish Cafe & Prestige Oyster Bar
1400 W Lake St
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 824-8862
stellasfishcafe.com

Price: $12.95 to $24.95

For a more trendy scene, check out the fish and chips at Stella's Fish Cafe & Prestige Oyster Bar. While Stella's has a wonderfully-large selection of fish of every variety and preparation, it has not forgotten how to perfect fish and chips. Its Icelandic haddock is beer battered and fried, served atop a bed of chips. Have a larger appetite? Try the fisherman's platter: beer-battered shrimp and cod, fried clam strips and cornmeal-crusted oysters served with coleslaw and any choice of potato option. Once you're there, enjoy the great happy hour deals along with the beautiful rooftop deck.

Brit's Pub & Eating Establishment
1110 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 332-3908
britspub.com

Price: $12.45 to $17.45

This British pub, well known for its rooftop bar filled with lawn bowling and outdoor movie series, also has some of the best fish and chips in the Minneapolis area. The menu has a large selection of English favorites, including bangers and mash and shepherd's pie. But the ever-popular fish and chips cannot be passed by. Choose from either one, two or three fried fillets of cod along with a hearty portion of thickly-sliced potato "chips." As proclaimed by Brit's menu: "Cod Save the Queen!" Easily the best-selling dish at the restaurant, these fish and chips will not disappoint.

Merlin's Rest Pub
3601 E Lake St
Minneapolis, MN 55406
(612) 216-2419
merlinsrest.com
Price: $7.75 to $10

This European tavern is reminiscent of the British Isles and serves food that cannot be beat unless you travel overseas. You won't find any televisions or video games in this pub, and you won't even miss them once you see the wide array of British favorites on the menu, including the hefty beer list. Possibly Merlin's most impressive offering is the fish and chips. Pollock is battered and fried, yet somehow never greasy, and served on a bed of chips. Traditionally, this fish and chips dish is served with real tartar and malt vinegar wrapped in newspaper, just as you'd see in the British Isles. But if you're not a fan of malt vinegar, then ask for your order "Yankee style" and you'll receive your food un-malted, unsalted and without paper. Don't forget to pair your meal with any of the many British ales or single malt whiskey selections that are available.

Related: Best Late Night Food In Minneapolis

Alicia Stewart, a clinical dietitian at a metro hospital in St Paul, MN, has the unique role of working both as an acute care clinical dietitian, as well as an out-patient counselor. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.