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The food is a five-star experience! The fish and chips are simply the best I've had outside of Ireland. Absolutely worth a quick ferry ride from Seattle! I'm giving three stars overall because the restaurant's system could use some improvement, especially during busy times. Customers line up to order at the cash register, which is also where the only menus I saw were located. Without a menu board, (or loose menus), visible while waiting farther back in line, you're left trying to decide what to order when you reach the counter, which can feel rushed. Once you order, you're given a table number, and seating is first come, first served. There's indoor seating, a 21+ bar area, and outdoor seating, but these spaces fill up quickly. You may need to make a couple of passes or keep an eye out for diners finishing up to find a spot. When my husband and I visited, the restaurant was pretty busy. We waited in line for a few minutes and noticed quite a few people trying to find seats. As we approached the cashier, we were still looking for a menu board and didn't find one until we were nearly at the counter. The cashier was patient and friendly, but we felt rushed to place our order to keep the line moving. After ordering, we made a couple of passes looking for a table before heading to the bar area. We found a couple of empty but dirty tables and, seeing signs indicating that tables would be cleaned, chose one and waited. Unfortunately, no one came, so we eventually moved to another table after a couple left. That table was noticeably cleaner. We also noticed a staff member passing by several times carrying a tray of drinks. When there were only a couple left, my husband stopped her to ask if they might be ours, and they were! She also cleaned our table for us. She seemed understandably flustered trying to keep up with everything. Thankfully, once the food arrived, all was right with the world! The fish and chips really are that good. I wonder whether having a dedicated busser during peak hours might help keep tables cleaner and make things less chaotic for both staff and customers. Bottom line: Come for the incredible fish and chips, but be prepared for a little chaos when it's busy. With a few improvements to the ordering and seating process, this place could be a five-star experience all around.
Fun and cozy spot for fish and chips!! I've heard plenty of comparisons between the Seattle and London weather, but who knew Seattle's cuisine could also emulate our friend over the pond. This popular spot often has lines out the door, but the service is extremely efficient (and friendly!), so you likely won't have to wait for too long. Everyone seats themselves, so I'd take a quick sweep of the restaurant to see if there's a table available first before you commit to dining in, though. The fish and chips are MASSIVE, with a huge fillet of tender and perfectly fried white fish. The fish spans the entire length of the basket and then some, but it somehow manages to still be perfectly flaky on the inside and crispy on the outside. It's not overly battered, and the fish goes wonderfully with the malt vinegar or tartar sauce. The fries are pretty thick and also boast a pretty soft, tender interior and crispy outer shell.
Hands down, great fish & chips on the West Coast I've ever ate. Being a South Pacific Islander, we tend to migrate to fish and chips because of how close we are to NZ & Aussie and eating here made it close to that feeling. It was a great adventure getting and beautiful site seeing as well. Service was on point, one of the workers there greeted us in our native language and it was a cute highlight and having a beautiful conversation with her. One thing I loved was the chutney mashed peas you put on top with the malt vinegar and tartar sauce. *CHEFS KISS* it was the best bite and I took everyone's mashed peas. All around 9/10 for us. It is a super small business so try to get there when the foot traffic is low because if not, you'll be eating under the gazebo across the street.
Ordered: - British Fish & Chips - Overall, good fried fish. The tartar sauce was also good. Fries/chips are on the thicker side but they work. - Fried Oysters - I liked this one too. I was honestly a little surprised that I enjoy this one as much as I did. - Fish Sandwich - I would just skip this one if we went back and just do the regular fish and chips. Wasn't a fan of the bread. - Lobster Roll - Alright. Would probably only reorder the Fish and Chips and Fried oysters (if you like that/feeling it). I wish they let you sub out some of the regular fries in the main courses for onion rings or for the thin fries (that are available with the tacos). Also wish you could just order the fried oyster itself as a side. Got there around 2:30 ish on a Saturday, waiting in line about 30 minutes before we ordered and about 20 minutes after to get the actual food.
I came around 2pm on a Sunday and there was a small line. The restaurant isn't too big, so we had to wait a little for seating. The food took around 30 minutes to come out. Both the fish and the fish sandwich were great - the fish was crisp and light and the tang from the tartare sauce paired well with the fish. The fries were good fresh, but as they cooled down they started tasting like cardboard. It felt like some of the fries weren't fully cooked through because they were so thick. The cod chowder was disappointing. I was really looking forward to it because i prefer cod to clams, but it tasted just like unseasoned cream. If i was to rate the soup alone I would give it a 2.
The BEST fish & chips in Seattle confirmed. I've heard so many things about Proper Fish and had to make the trip out to Bainbridge Island to see for myself. We got the British Fish & Chips, Baby Gem Lettuce Caesar, and Chowder. The fish was WOW. Great batter that stayed crispy. A HUGE fresh cut of cod. Thick cut fries that were perfect in every way. Safe to say my mind was blown. Hands down the best fish & chips. Everything else we ordered was just ok. Stick with the fish & chips.
Commuted 2 hours just to get a taste of the fish and chips here! (Through the link, ferry, and walking...) So worth it! Got an order of the fish and chips, plus their lobster roll. Super tastyyyy and great! The fish was incredibly crispy and the lobster was delicious. I'd pass on the mint green peas LOL, just my personal opinion. Very odd much interesting. Service was great, and I was glad to see this place busy! Interior is nice, cozy, and inviting! Thanks a lot!
No one answered the phone even after spending the whole ferry ride calling, including all the waiting before and after boarding It did sounded like someone just picked up and hung out the phone, multiple times though. After a round of golf, we tried calling again, still no one picked up the phone, after 20 minutes, we decided that this is our last try before going to a pizza place. Then magic happened, someone actually picked up the phone, we decided to order to go since we figured it might be packed. Turned out the whole place was empty when we arrived to pick up our order. What?! Finally, the food, yes, it is actually the only fish and chips that is worth trying in Seattle. Fried fish, tender and juicy on the inside, thinly or lightly batter on the outside, although some area are starting to feel soggy because it was steamed in the Togo bag. But overall, still good. Fried oysters - so fresh and delicious, I can totally skip the fish and eat this all day long. We traded the fries/chips for the mashed peas and loved it. Hopefully, they improve the ordering system in the future. Otherwise, it can get quite frustrated.
We were headed to the water for a lunch view but saw this place in a whim & stopped in. It was packed inside & out! The fish & chips were tasty. I enjoyed the fresh Alaskan fish. The fries were just ok. It's served with a dollop of puréed peas that my husband tasted & said it had a sage flavor. My husband ordered the lobster roll which was stuffed full of lobster. He subbed a salad for fries that was fresh. I also ordered a peach bourbon smash. It was so good. I was kind of knocking because of the size but the taste factor totally made up for it. The place is very small with limited seating but we were able to sit at the bar & watch these amazing cooks in action. I took pics of the sandwiches & tacos as they were being made. I would definitely order one of these next time! Happy Eating!
During peak times, the wait is over an hour to get your food. You may stand in line for about 20-30 minutes, and once you pay, you get your food in about 40 minutes. Be prepared to wait. The fish and chips were... proper! Batter was fantastic and the fish and . The fries were great. Well season and crispy, but with a nice chew. For the price and large portion, I'd say it's not bad! Recommend going with a friend to grab a table and someone else order so you have a spot to eat. Great place for fish and chips!
We recently dined at Proper Fish on a busy Saturday for an early dinner. As expected, the line was long. When we got to the cashier, she told us it would take about an hour for our food. There are several tables inside and outside that are casually up for grabs. We didn't have to wait long to get a really good corner table in the back near the self-serve water station which nicely offers a carafe filled with ice water with lemon and another one without lemon. After less than an hour, as promised, our food came out fresh and steaming hot. I don't know if I'm just lucky or not super picky, but I thought our food looked amazing and tasted delicious! Our fish was juicy and perfectly cooked. It was the similar long fillet size that I remember having when I visited England. A nice touch is the fish and chips are laid on top of newspaper printed food safe parchment paper. The servers were friendly and helpful. They gave us a generous amount of hand-cut fries and just the right amount of minty mushy peas and tartar sauce. Of course, I doused my fish with a generous amount of malt vinegar the way I like it, and voilà, I was transported back to jolly old England! In my humble opinion, Proper Fish is a must place to dine when you're visiting Bainbridge Island. Then, a great idea is to walk the wonderful calories off and fight off the impending food coma by perusing the various cute shops and small businesses in their charming Downtown. If you want a longer walk and photo op, walk about 25 minutes from Proper Fish to see the large, cool wooden art installation "Pia The Peacekeeper Troll" in Sakai Park.
My favorite meal in Seattle!! If you're in Bainbridge you have to stop in. Line was fairly short, but food took ~30 mins to come out. The fish & chips were soooo good. Crispy, flakey, salty. Fish sandwich was also good, but I preferred the fish & chips.
My friends and I recently checked out Proper Fish during a visit to Bainbridge Island. We weren't super hungry so between the four of us, we only shared a single order of their fish and chips and a cup of clam chowder. After placing our order, our food was quickly prepared. Although I didn't set a timer, I would estimate it only took five minutes for our food to come out. Impressive, considering we were dining at 12:00 p.m. right as the lunch rush was coming through. The battered fish is fried well -- crispy and not oily, but the batter was a bit thick, and the fish was overcooked and didn't flake apart the way a tender piece of fish does when it's delicately prepared. I appreciate that the outside of the fish is generously salted. In addition to the tartar sauce and wedges of lemon that are included, there is also malt vinegar available at the table. While the fish was dry, everything else that was included in the entree was not bad. In fact, I really enjoyed the flavor and texture of mushy peas, and the thick cut fries were very crispy. My other notable criticism is around two key items: the disappointing chowder and the general cleanliness -- of lack thereof, of the restaurant. All four members of my party tried out the chowder and we all agreed that it was incredibly bland. The chowder lacked both salt and flavor, and tasted like hot, boiled cream. Regarding cleanliness, a few of us received cutlery that wasn't clean, and there were actually a few ants crawling on the table inside as well. Some other Yelpers have brought this up in their reviews, but Proper Fish unfortunately does not have the best track record when it comes to health inspections. Do what you will with this information, but this does not instill confidence that you'll make it out of this experience unscarred.
Reviews are largely positive. People highlight the crispy fish and chips, friendly and efficient service, casual, lively atmosphere, and large portions.
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The restaurant is pretty small and stuffy inside. But I love the decor inside, even historical news about the place. And the menus were formatted like newspaper, so cute!! There's lots of outdoor seating! The service was nothing special, they weren't rude nor friendly. Just causal, normal "what would you like" and "would you like a receipt?" The wait for our food wasn't too bad, around 7 to 10 minutes. The portion size is HUGE!! I couldn't believe it! The fish was as long as my forearm. We got three of the Fish and Chips. Only one of us could finish the box. Everything was fresh, hot, and crispy! There was not enough tartar sauce for all of the food in my opinion. And definitely squeeze the lemon on the fish, made all the difference! I will definitely come back and highly recommend you check it out if you're nearby! And either come with an empty stomach or company to share the box with. read more
Proper Fish is one of those true masters of fish and chips; they really have The Craft down. This version has a Northwest twist, which is still great overall, especially with the mushy peas served with the fish and chips--that was the best choice. You don't see that anywhere else, and this place has moved into one of my new top five fish-and-chip joints. No need to explain what I already ordered; we just happened to come here on a random trip. Figured we'd check it out before we catch the ferry to Seattle, stop over here at Proper Fish. Next time, I want to ask for mushy peas because I like my veggies. I know most people don't like veggies, I get it--I need a little more of those mushy peas. read more
Saw a lot of this place on my socials after my algorithm was completely dominated by Seattle food recommendations. Even overheard a cashier recommending this place to the people in front of us in a bookstore. But for some reason, my gut feeling kept me cautious, so when we made it here we decided to split the $33 lobster roll instead of ordering our own plates. And my dubious gut protected my wallet. The lobster roll wasn't necessarily undersized, but it's not what I would call generous either. It was a notch below satisfaction size. The lobster on it was good, but the dressing lacked any flavor or spice. The fries were over fried to being kind of a dry crunch rather than a crisp crunch. read more
The fish was soft and tender and not too greasy. The fries were made well too and were nice and crispy. The fish and chips do come with a side of mushy peas with mint which I requested to not have. My friend ordered mushy peas on his plate and he didn't like the taste. read more
3 months ago
Worth the adventure but will keep in mind to visit on a weekday. In a Saturday line to order was about 20 min, then wait for food was about 30 min. Time to view the menu for sure! You order, they give your number, you sit and wait. Dining room is farely small, but people are constantly in rotation of leaving. You will also find outside seating pretty quick also. There is a bar area, a little snug but kills some time while waiting for your food. We tried a bit of everything. Fish is meaty, cod soup was good, lobster roll also packed with meat m. The only thing I did not enjoy was their fried oysters. It was paired with this basil dip that was better than the fried oysters in my opinion. Take the trip to Bainbridge Island! read more
5 months ago
We got there near opening time and was able to grab a table before there was a HUGE line! The wait for the food was long but the portion was absolutely worth it!!! Crispy & satisfying~ The island was small and with huge traffic though so seating could be a big problem (too oily/hectic in terms of smell inside but too crowded with people waiting outside) yet I think still very much worth trying! read more
6 months ago
Overall: nice to look at food, pretty mediocre eats. The fish: the batter had a donut-y sweetness to it which was a little unusual. I kind of liked it, but definitely haven't experienced that with fish before. The fish itself, cod, was fine--not much flavor but that's cod. The tartar sauce was a standout: obviously homemade with a great lemon flavor. The fries: these tasted like they had been sitting under a heat lamp for quite a while. Warm but not crispy (except the tiny bits). Considering that there was an almost continuous flow of English fish and chips coming out of the kitchen and they were super busy, it's bizarre the fries weren't fresh. Almost flavorless. Cod chowder: I honestly couldn't tell which chunks were cod and which were potato. Super bland. read more
1 month ago
1 year ago
This is by far the best food I had when I visited Seattle. Enrique's hospitality was incredible. His positive attitude was contagious. The portions are huge and well worth the price. The fish was so crispy and full of flavor. Would fly out just to grab a bite of this delicious food. I highly recommend ordering the soup, it had the perfect amount of seasoning, and warmed you right up for the cold weather. read more
4 months ago
The wait was 45-60 minutes. The staff was very friendly and upbeat. The environment was very fast pace. I sat right at the kitchen so I was able to see all the action. I'm giving it 3 stars because honestly, I don't think the fish tacos and chowder were the best or worth the long wait. Nice to try once but I don't think I'll be back. read more
Should've seen my face when they put a fish the length of my arm in front of me. Thought there was no way I was finishing that. I did, and it was amazing. The breading to meat ratio was perfect and the fish had a solid flakiness and was not dry at all. The quality of the fish tacos rivaled those of Southern California for sure. read more
3 months ago
Enjoyed our final full day in Washington state by going to Bainbridge Island. I have seen video reviews about this spot and wanted to give it a try, and will say it did live up to expectations. Portions were great, the fish sandwich was super delicious and fresh as well as the size of the fish and chips. The place is a bit crowded during the afternoon, so keep that in mind, and if you do not have kids/teenagers along with you, sit over at the bar portion of the place, better luck finding a spot to sit at. It's a whole vibe there. If me and my partner get the opportunity to go back, this will be our go-to spot. The chowder without the clam is actually so divine. A must try place! read more
Whenever I bring up Bainbridge restaurants, I always hear about Proper Fish. People really love this place for their huge fish and chips; definitely a feast for the eyes! I've been a couple of times now, getting the fried oysters and the lobster roll, and both times for me it was okay; it just didn't have a lot of flavor. The lobster roll is small for the price. Though it could be my fault for not getting the fish and chips after the rave reviews! The staff here is friendly and kind. It can get busy when the ferry arrives, so just keep that in mind! read more
I was visiting Bainbridge island and I knew that I wanted to try fish and chips, and this establishment came highly recommended on yelp. The restaurant is cute with both indoor and outdoor seating. You place your order at the counter and you find your own table. The cashier was friendly. The fish and chips portion size was huge and can easily feed two people. The fish was well seasoned and the batter was crispy and flavorful. The fries were sub par and didn't have much flavor or crunch. The mushy peas complemented the fried food well, and had a nice hint of mint. The fried oysters were ginormous! The batter was different than the fish batter, but it was also well seasoned and crispy. The oysters themselves tasted quite fresh and were fried perfectly. The onion rings were pretty standard, but the portion size was also quite generous. My diagnosis: this is must visit restaurant for fish and chips on Bainbridge Island. Please take note that the portions are huge. read more
9 months ago
Food was so good. Portions are large even the lobster roll. It looks small but they pile on the lobster. The fish chowder was yummy but def needs salt added. Service was friendly and fast Ambience was chill and clean. Kitchen staff was working hard!! read more
Amazing fish and chips! Just a ferry ride away from Seattle is this cute fish and chips spot on Bainbridge Island, the birthplace of pickleball. Reading the other reviews of this place, they are pretty spot on, so I'll take up some Yelp review real estate to list things I learned from eating here that may be helpful to potential customers. Proper is a decent walk from the ferry terminal but totally worth it. You must get the fish and chips, but warning: it was WAY too much food for us. For context, we are a family of 4, and we ordered onion rings, fried oysters, and 2 orders of fish and chips. We could only eat about half and ended up taking the rest home. All we ate was delicious! The fish, in particularly, is ridiculously long (in length). Other than the food coming to your table, everything is self serve like finding a table, getting your own water, silverware, napkins, etc. The food is generally expensive per entree, but again, portions are huge. There are lots of little shops along the way to the restaurant so enjoy the journey there and back. We spent about half a day on Bainbridge Island and it was quite enjoyable! read more
We got there in time before the rush! Plenty of rotating seating. You order first then find seating. My husband's first time. So he went with their famous fried fish. I got the shrimp and crab cocktail with a salad. It's worth the try why on the island. read more
11 months ago
I had heard from some friends that they had the best fish & chips in the west; I had the chance to sample both the fish tacos and the touted fish and chips. The fish was perfectly battered and now has my vote as a top contender. The fries/chips seemed boring as part of the duo but still a good side. read more
Although there are a lot of options on Bainbridge Island (more than we were expecting), I highly recommend coming to Proper Fish. The staff were all very friendly and provided quick service. The building seems small at first but they use the space as much as possible to fit tables and chairs and it never feels too cramped. We ordered the fish and chips and seafood chowder and sat in the bar area. The fish was crispy and flavorful and the chowder had a robust flavor. I really enjoyed this meal and would definitely go again. read more
5 months ago
Lived up to the hype! Line moved fast but extra wait for the food - totally worth it! Enjoyed a beer while we waited. Our fave was the British fish (no chips) and prawn/crab appetizer! Mushy peas were really good too! Chowder was good but maybe not a stand out. Glad we tried everything!! read more
We decided to go here after seeing a Instagram review on this place. The chop is pretty cute and loved that it was dog friendly (on the patio). The service was great and had good parking around. -fish and chips: literally the size of my forearm, it was pretty huge. It was crispy but wish it had more flavor in the batter or something. The fries was pretty good. Wasn't a huge fan of the other sauces but loved the tartar sauce. Was not a fan of the minty tasting mushy peas though. -The fish chowder of the day was pretty good. We loved the actual chunks of fish in the chowder. It was pretty big as well. We wish there was more flavor in it but pretty good. -Fish tacos: it was the winner for us. Loved all the fresh tasting veggies in it, along with the skinny fries. The sauce complimented the tacos really well. It comes with two, but ordered one extra one. -the drink was pretty good, would get it again. -prices: Pretty pricey but the portions make it worth it (I think) .. the next time we come here we'd stick with the fish tacos & the fish and chips (for the f of it)!!! All in all, it was a great experience. read more
Best fish and chips in Seattle area! It is what I always hope Spud will be but isn't. The fish was about 12-14" long and so fresh. The chips were outstanding as well. Run don't walk to Bainbridge...probably an 8-10 minute walk from ferry terminal. read more
After a long day walking around Bainbridge Island, Me and my best friend decided we want to eat some seafood. Lucky for us this one is pretty close to the ferry. We ordered the Prawn and Crab cocktail and British Fish and chips. Their portion was huge and very tasty. Everything was fresh and delicious. Their tartare sauce and minty mushy peas were so good. They went so well with fish and chips We both so full and couldnt eat anything until the next day. Best Fish and chips in town!!! We would love to come back and try other stuff on their menu. read more
I tried the British-style fish and chips on a busy weekend. It took about 10-15 minutes to place our order, though finding a table was easy. The food arrived in roughly 20 minutes. The fish itself was fresh but mild in flavor; paired with the crisp batter and sauce, it tasted very good and definitely fresh. The portion size was quite large--I couldn't finish it, so it's best shared. The fries were standard but freshly made. Overall, it's a solid choice, though expect some waiting, and the ambience is simple. read more
2 months ago
1 year ago
Delicious, piping hot, super-fresh fish and chips - mostly in the British/battered style (for the fish), but if that's not your bag, the lightly-coated fish bites will hit the spot instead. We ordered the kids' portion of the classic F&C, and it was plenty for an average-appetite adult. The one downer is that it does not come with a side of the minty mushy peas, but if your kid loves those like mine does, they can always steal a bite from an uncle who purchases the full sized F&C :) read more
1 year ago
the biggest fish and chips i've ever seen!!! the size of my arm wow!!! i got the two fish tacos. i love all the fillings toppings inside. honestly the one taco filled me up. the service was nice. we ate outside so the ambiance was nice with the breeze read more
2 months ago
Finally got the chance to dine at Proper Fish and everything was amazing (for a fish fry place ). The fish was big and perfectly battered--crispy, light, and not heavy at all. The basket can feed 2 adults. We ordered more than we anticipated and portions are big. The kids loved it, and the lobster roll was delicious too. I also tried the fried oysters, which completely satisfied my seafood cravings. Their basil and orange tartar sauce is a must-try (just note there's a small charge for extra). The space is cozy with limited seating--a back table fits about 6-7 people with kids--so it's best for smaller groups. Overall, great food and a solid spot for fish and chips! read more
2 years ago
Proper Fish is beyond proper! This was our first stop in the Bainbridge area (food wise) and it probably should be yours too. This spot is located at the end of the Winslow strip so it's a great way to end your shopping day. The vibe here is easy and the prices are reasonable. The fish and chips are no joke! It is a full-size fish atop a bed of fries. It is delicious. It's definitely something that can be shared. We also ordered the fish tacos. Also great. Try the chipotle sauce! In fact, try all the sauces. They're all made in-house. Highly suggest you show up right at 11AM opening. Otherwise you might need to wait a while to get a seat. The service is top-notch. Would eat here again. read more
1 year ago
Very cute place, great fish and chips and quick service. The mushy peas were great with a minty flavour to it. The fish and chips were hugee and fresh served with tartar sauce read more
2 months ago
More info about Proper Fish
112 Madison Ave N
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
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(206) 855-5051
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https://www.properfish.com
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Ask the Community - Proper Fish
Do they take reservations? Also, are dogs allowed in the outside seating area?
They do not take reservations
Not seeing hours listed? Thanks!
if i recall correctly, they open at 11 or 12? their website lists hours at the very bottom of the…
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