Did someone say The Best Fish in Town? Oh yeah...that was me :) The Anchor is a quintessential neighborhood staple serving Irish Pub vibes for decades. Some lot parking behind, but mostly street parking in this walkable foodie neighborhood. The moment you walk in you smell the beef tallow, malt vinegar, and gravy that makes you smile! The staff are hustling around the space making sure you have everything you need! Order at the register and then get sat in the dining room! It's a tight fit, but it makes for a more cozy and communal feel! The fish and chips is a SIZEABLE serving, and oh so tasty! I've also been known to go for the Fish Bap, their take on a fish sandwich, with a slightly smaller portion of fish, for when I'm a bit less hungry. The poutine is top notch, with salty gravy, creamy cheese, and an appropriate assortment of crunchy and drenched chips (fries for us Americans). I haven't ventured away from the fish because it's so good, but they do have other pub grub, like burgers and Shepherd's Pie, for those looking to avoid our fishy friends! Gather up a few friends, get in the mood for a Guiness, and head on over to the Anchor! read more

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Great Friday dinner! Lovely crispy fish with homemade tarter sauce And fries so yumny read more

While the person at the counter was friendly, having to order in a slow line instead of table service is a bummer. That process also negatively colors the tipping experience--the tip comes after service, not before. The more significant issue was that I was disappointed by the fish and chips--the whole point of coming here. The meal was...ok, but pretty bland. This is not the best fish and chips in the Twin Cities. The Local is better. read more

Fantastic fish and chips - probably just as good as I've enjoyed in the UK! Great vibe, good service. Poutine was amazing with excellent gravy. Also enjoyed the mushy peas and curry sauce, the latter of which was perfectly fruity. Gigantic fish pieces which come out piping hot. I prefer malt vinegar to the clear vinegar they provide on tables, but the tartar sauce was nice. Can certainly get crowded and was quite stuffy and humid indoors on the night we visited. Definitely not a place to miss!! read more

Updating my review sadly. Came back this year on my annual holiday roadtrip. Visited The Anchor for the first time in 2024 , where I basically declared it the best fish and chips I've ever had, so yeah expectations were high. The food still hits. That first bite? Immediate crunch. Hot, and right out of the deep fryer. Even after hauling it back to the hotel it still held up, which honestly felt like some sort of sorcery. But this visit... whew. Service was a completely different story. I walked in to what can only be described as chaos. Line out the door, packed wall to wall inside, and it's somehow -24 degrees outside like Minneapolis is personally testing your commitment to fried fish. So I pivoted, went back to my car and ordered online for pickup. The app gave me a 20 minute pickup time, cool, NBD. 20 minutes later, I go in. I check with a server who is very clearly drowning and get told to just wait. So I stand there... awkwardly... unintentionally blocking traffic like a human traffic cone while people are trying to order. After 10 to 15 minutes of that, I finally notice a huge sign hanging from the ceiling pointing to the pick up section, move over, and wait another 20 minutes. At this point we're pushing 45 to 50 minutes total. I finally ask someone at the pickup area what's going on, and that's when I find out the kicker. The app doesn't start your order when you place it. It schedules when the order gets sent to the kitchen based on how busy they are. So that "20 minute pickup time" ? That was actually when my order started. um...sir... To their credit, once the order actually went in, it came out in about 30 minutes, which is fair given how slammed they were. But the communication? Nonexistent. The process? Confusing. The experience? Definitely frustrating. What made it sting a little more is that last year I got to sit inside at that tiny counter by the kitchen, packed in like sardines, freezing cold outside, hot food flying out. That was the vibe. This year, I ate it alone in my hotel room. So yeah, food is still phenomenal. Truly. But if you're doing pickup, just know what you're signing up for. This place is still a gem, just a slightly chaotic one. read more

The Anchor Fish & Chips - GET THE PEAS - Fish & Chips Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Dare I say the best fish and chips in the US (even though I only had the dish a total of three times in the US, lol!) Fresh fish, crispy fries, and lovely ambiance. Even though I went there like 30 minutes before closing, it still felt like I was being taken care of! Would definitely go again if I'm in the area. read more

The Anchor Fish & Chips - Fish and chips, and draft beer (I forget what I had lol) - Fish & Chips Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

If you haven't been to this place, get moving because it is absolutely delicious!! Here are some things to know: *There is a small free parking lot on the back. Otherwise free neighborhood parking. *This is a small joint. Either plan on waiting or go during off times (Earlier/later in the night or weekdays) It is worth it to wait to eat it fresh! Don't do it to go! *This is not the place to squat. Meaning, eat your food and move out so others can eat! Be aware of how many people are waiting to sit. *The portion of fish and chips is HUGE!! Very shareable! Then you can try other items too! The chowder was perfection!! The service here was spectacular! Tim is worth noting! He made everyone feel welcome and truly made the experience amazing! You really feel like you are apart of something special! They do have outdoor seating in the summer and it looks like they also have a food truck! I will absolutely be back and hyping this place up to everyone! read more

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Great fish and chips in Minneapolis. Sizable portions, tasty fries and good mushy peas. Hidden gem is the cole slaw. Wish I was hungrier as the BLT, fried sausage and curry looked good. Service was great - served with a smile read more

The Anchor Fish & Chips - Fish and Chips - side of peas - Fish & Chips Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Terrible front of house service. I know it's giving 'dive bar' vibes but for the price of the food, the staff should be knowledgeable in what they are actually selling. The staff telling me 'I don't drink, so I don't know what beer to serve is CRAZY and not the cross contamination of the order taker drinking his coffee and then immediately pouring beers. The food was terrible this time around on top of all the other things that were not great. I look forward to coming here every month for work... sadly I can officially take this place off my rotation and hopefully find a new place to fulfill my need for fried fish.... The bar is set very low. read more

My favorite fish and chips i ever had. It's so big and super salty. They're always very kind here and the vibes are good!

If you're in the mood for comfort food, come by for a bowl of beef stew. It's rich, hearty, and perfectly paired with buttered toast. Not exactly waistline-friendly, but it definitely hits the spot when you're craving something warm and homey. The big piece of fish was also solid. I would've liked a bit more seasoning, as I found myself reaching for the ketchup (not a tartar sauce fan), but the crispy batter and tender interior made it worth it. I'd stop by again if I'm in the area. read more

The Anchor Fish & Chips - Beef stew (L) Fish and chips - Fish & Chips Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

If you're craving some fish and chips, this place isn't a bad choice at all. The fish was super fresh and cooked perfectly, even though the fries were just okay. They have a decent beer selection, and I left feeling happy with my meal. Just a heads-up, the seating can be a little tight since it's a bar and pub, but that's part of the whole vibe. The customer service was also great! read more

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Enjoyed the fish and chips. Fish is served hot and fresh with a crisp, crunchy and airy batter. I like to doctor it up with a lil vinegar and hot sauce to go with the tartar. Tartar is thick and fresh. Fries are delicious. Welcoming, attentive and fast service. It's a small place for a quick and casual dining experience. Prices are good. They serve beer and wine. Guinness on tap paired nicely with the fish and chips. read more

The Anchor Fish & Chips - Fish and chips - Fish & Chips Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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It's the real deal. Came with a buddy who grew up in England and he said it brought him back. Portions are very large. Space is limited inside so be considerate. I recommend bringing your own malt vinegar as they only serve white which is too mild for me. Be prepared though for a bit of light hearted ribbing if you do decide to bring in the 'devils sauce'. read more

The Anchor Fish & Chips - Fish & Chips Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

It's been a few years since I've been to Anchor so the fast casual pre-ordering before you sit was new to me, but worked as expected. The food is always a 10. The fish & chips filet is huge and I love their tartar sauce. The outdoor dining spaces are nice, but it was way too humid so we sat inside. read more

The Anchor Fish & Chips - Fish & Chips - Fish & Chips Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

This is usually what people cite as the best fish and chips in the Twin Cities, although the two others I think of (Merlin's Rest & Mac's) are really at least as good in my opinion. The vibes here might give it the edge, since it has a retro-urban ambiance in a cute neighborhood. They now (2025) take orders from the cash register and bring your food when it's ready. Works fine. While my fish and chips have never exceeded expectations, they're good enough, and on this last visit my friends were VERY excited about the Helicopter Burger, the Chowder, and the Mussel Salad. Prices are about what I'd expect for seafood in the city. This is definitely someplace I'll return to occasionally. read more

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Top notch real deal fish and chips! After a hunt for a legit London style fish and chips we found Anchor and man they knocked it out the park! Using massive portions of cod they fried it up to perfection with thick style chips salted just right! I added in a side of mushy peas for the perfect accompaniment. If you haven't had mushy peas it's similar to baby food but warmed up, smashed fresh with a pad of butter and some salt it's fits so well with the fish and chips. The space was busy and the system works by ordering up front then finding a seat and it seems to rotate very well. The staff was super friendly and looked after the customers to make sure they would have a comfy place to enjoy their meal. All in all I can't wait to come back I will be craving this meal ! read more

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This is my go to place for fish and chips! There's nothing better than a nice generous portion of battered and fried Alaskan cod with hand cut fries. It is served with tartar sauce and they have vinegar at the table. Their menu has a good variety of different food from fish to burgers and other dishes. The service is good and the hosts are super friendly! The restaurant is a bit small so it can get crowded during dinner time and the weekends. Overall it has a good vibe with nice music. read more

The Anchor Fish & Chips - Fish & Chips Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

They have a small lot in back, otherwise plenty of street parking. If you're planning on going during peak hours on the weekend, recommend making a reservation. It's quite a small pub. Both the poutine and fish & chips were delicious! The fish was perfectly crispy and isn't overly greasy. You could, hear and feel it crunch when you bite into it followed by your teeth sinking into the tender white flesh of the fish. Surprised they had white vs malt vinegar on the tables. Poutine was a satisfying blend of salty, savory, with crispy fries, warm gravy, and slightly tangy cheese curds. read more

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Just woah - we came here on a weeknight and after eating the food - I can't believe it wasn't more busy! The fish and chips here are outstanding! It was hot from the kitchen and didn't taste or feel like a reheated frozen piece of fish. This was delicious batter with a lot of texture on a large piece of fish! Given the aesthetic the prices seem a little high but once you've eaten the food - it's an absolute bargain. They had a good selection of beers and the staff was friendly. Most of the tables are really set for 2 but they did have some nice double booth options for larger parties. We will definitely be back to try more menu items! read more

There's a reason that during the Irish Fair their food truck has a non-stop line when everyone else is dead. Their fish and chips are simply amazing, and their team are so nice! I just couldn't bring myself to stand in line at the fair, so I made my way to their brick and mortar and it was worth every mile of the trip! Few things live up to the hype, this is one of them. Moist, flakey, golden...it was everything you want fish and chips to be. Fish and chips are one of those basic dishes that you don't realize how good it can be until you have something like this! The atmosphere is very casual, with a seaside vibe to it. You order at the register and they deliver your food to your table. There are other Irish offerings on their menu, which all look and sound equally delicious. I can't wait to return to try them! read more

The Anchor Fish & Chips - Fish and chips - Fish & Chips Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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Staff is friendly, Food is mid. Ordered the cheeseburger, fish and chips, and the poutine. The burger was good, but cooked unevenly, and the onions were very thick and pungent. And didn't come with a side, which was disappointing. The fish and chips were okay. One big piece of fish. The poutine was the best, but was a little too salty. You order at the counter and basically take care of yourself: no silverware available, had to scrounge other tables to find a fork. No one asked how the food was, or checked in on us. If you need anything you have to leave the table and find someone, you aren't really being taken care of. And paying/tipping before sitting down was pretty silly. Overall, I could go to Culver's for the same service, better food, but for half the cost. read more

The Anchor Fish & Chips - Fish and chips - Cheeseburger - Fish & Chips Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Best fish in the city, probably the state, possibly the county. Perfectly fried cod loins. Chips are good. The fish chowder was also rich and delish. If you have travelled around Ireland and the UK, you know what I'm talking about. It's like that but even better than some I've had across the pond. read more

If you enjoy fish and chips, look no further! I have been here several times and the fish and chips are perfect every time. Their tartar sauce is delicious and they have plenty of beers to enjoy as well. The service is quick and friendly. The restaurant is low key and very inviting for all. There's a small parking lot in the back which is a welcome addition to any northeast restaurant. read more

The Anchor Fish & Chips - Fish & Chips Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Do yourself a favor and make a reservation. It's a tight space, with very limited seating and very busy. So busy that there's a sign at the hostess station stating that you have 1hr! Got the fish and chips based on how highly an old coworker spoke of it and even paid an extra $.50 for tartar sauce, which was flavorless. Sadly it was a very bland dish, and the fish had a heavy and greasy taste. I tried drizzling some of the vinegar (placed on the table), but it also had no flavor. I wish they would have served the dish with a lemon to squeeze over the fish. Ultimately, my BF nibbled on the rest while drank the rest of his ginger ale since our drinks were never refilled. read more

The Anchor Fish & Chips - Fish & Chips Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Irish eateries in M cities - 1 of 2 I was debating with a friend who lives here where to eat and we landed on Christos. It was also a Friday night. I had eaten at Christos Greek before, it's in the Eat Streets area, and I looked to Google Maps for directions. I noticed the listing indicated it closes at 8 p.m and thought that that can't be. So I called the restaurant and that was the case. It was back to the drawing board. I found this place - Anchor Fish and Chips - that offered Irish fare, which isn't too easy to come by and probably harder to do so in the Twin Cities. I haven't been lucking out lately with shepherd's pie, so I looked at their reviews and other menu items. I saw that fish and chips is what they're mostly about and it comes highly recommended. The fish they use is cod. The Anchor isn't located downtown or even north of it, but across the river which, for a while, maintains a Minneapolis address before becoming St. Paul. It's also close to the university, but not close enough to have university students wandering by on foot. For me, that's mostly a good thing. By the time I was in grad school, I had started finding the undergrads and their hijinks pedestrian and annoying. My friend and I both ordered fish and chips. The Anchor is renowned for large portions and, on that score, they delivered. Two or three pieces amounting to 8 ounces will be set atop a bed of fries. I was fine with my meal, but my friend pointed out that they weren't uniformly cooked along the length of the fish stick. I felt fine the next day so, while the observation registered, it didn't really affect my enjoyment. With the generous portion of fish, there are many fries. My friend commented that they could cut back on the fries a little and include some cole slaw instead. I saw some mushed peas on the menu board, which are unusual and authentically Irish, and would have liked if they included a little vat of those as an option. I can't complain. The meal was very filling. Fish and chips are always going to cost a little more than a chicken burger, so these little side items would have been appreciated to break things up. The Anchor has apparently changed their business model. You now go up to the counter to order and the food will be brought to your table. I'm okay with that, but, at the price point, would have preferred table service. It could be that having a terrace in the back might spread them a little thin. The service was to the tune of 4 stars. The dining room is dark and some of the décor hearkens to the "Emerald Isle." There is parking behind the restaurant and it's beyond and next to that terrace where some people were eating. In addition to walking in from the front entrance on NE 13th Avenue, you can walk in from the parking lot and through that terrace. Anchor Fish and Chips is a solid 3-star resto-pub. If in the area, I could go back, but there are so many restaurants to choose from that I might return to Anchor after trying new ones on a long wish list and some of the 4s and 5s I've already been to and reviewed. read more

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This is for the food truck. Anytime I see the truck I'm excited to get the fish and chips. So excited I forgot food pictures. The fish is huge, flakey and delicious. The chips are obviously hand cut. They have the perfect snout of grease and oil. Service was quick and efficient. Love this place. Highly recommend read more

The Anchor Fish & Chips - Fish & Chips Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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We go to Anchors often if we're specifically craving fish and chips! Love love love their fish and chips and it's very filling. I personally love getting gravy on the side to pair with my fries and it's so delicious. We usually get magners cider with our fish and chips and it's just the perfect combo. Service is always good every time we come by -- it feels like a small town service and a very cozy and cute restaurant! read more

The Anchor Fish & Chips - Fish and chips, magners cider - Fish & Chips Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

This place is "known" for their fish. Tried a few times to get in back in the day when it was new and never made it because lines were so long. So I was pretty excited to finally make it inside and find a seat. Changed a bit since back then--now you order at the desk as you enter, and hope there are seats by the time your order comes up. Was full but not busy when we arrived so that combined with the really long wait to get our order made finding a seat before our food was up was no issue (wait staff seated us.) Service here is incredibly friendly by the way! Unfortunately, we were underwhelmed by the fish. The batter was great--nice and crunchy, adhered to the fish very well--issue was, it was chewy -- had a rubbery tooth to it and thats compared to all the cod I have ever had eating out. Not just me, but all at our table said the same. We thought the batter fried sausage was a better choice--dense but delicious! I will say the one in our group that had the "bap" said it was great, so thumbs up on that. For the rest of us, we agreed that the fish was "just ok" over all and would much prefer the offering at one small little fish and chips place that has a couple locations in the cities that we have been to for years and years. I will say the portion here was HUGE and I felt it was a value at $18 for fish and chips. It would just not be my first choice when I want beer battered fish in future. read more

They used to take reservations and the staff used to be more friendly. The waitress was fairly rude to me explaining the new system of paying first. She used the register then asked is I wanted water, with lemon and put the lemon on my glass. There was no sanitizing her hands between touching the register and touching the lemon. read more

You will be shocked to know that Anchor Fish and Chips is known for their Fish and Chips! But do they do it well? If I had three thumbs, the answer would be three thumbs up. The batter is shatteringly crisp, the fish is flakey and tastes great. The portion is HUGE, so think about splitting it if you are with another Fish and Chips lover. The fries are excellent, as is the tarter sauce, which for some bizarre reason is fifty cents extra. The fish is wild Alaskan cod. It currently costs $16.50, but it can feel two people, which makes it very reasonable. Anchor is not a one-item menu. I highly recommend the excellent Shephard's Pie ($16) which is beef, potatoes, carrots, and peas, topped with Mashed Potatoes. For an extra $2.50, you can add a topping of melted Irish Cheddar, which we did. The quality and tastiness of the Shephard's pie is equal to the Fish and Chips and it is equally large enough to share (which my wife and I did). In addition, we had the excellent house-made Coleslaw for $5.50. Of course, the other thing about Anchor is that it is serves beer and wine and has six beers on tap, but a bunch of other beers in cans. The ambiance is perfect and if it weren't for the American accents, you might think you were in Dublin. This is a perfect date night place, as well as for a regular restaurant experience. We had good luck with the service, but this place can get very, very busy. I struggled a bit with the rating. The menu is very limited and if you are looking for a something-for-everything restaurant, this place is not the right choice. But then again, if a place does very well on the concept of what it wants to be, it should not be penalized for that. So my rating is based upon how well they do, what they do and I think that they do a great job with that. read more

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10/10 absolutely amazing fish and chips. Muat try the mushy peas. Only thing I would change would be to add malt vinegar read more

The Anchor Fish & Chips - Fish & Chips Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Just had the fish and chips which we have had many times since they opened, but not for about a year. We were so disappointed. The fish and the chips were like they were last nights left over and re deep fried. We all ended up trashing our meals :( read more

What a cute little spot. If you're looking for a cozy little bar to have some amazing fish and chips, this is the place. We also had the poutine and it was so delicious! Staff was great, parking in the back, and Guinness on tap definitely a gem of a place. read more

The Anchor Fish & Chips - Fish & Chips Near Me - Minneapolis, Minnesota

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This really is one of the best fish and chips in town The fish is definitely amazing the batter taste so good. (I prefer to have the fish itself seasoned a bit maybe just salt) (Also I prefer malt vinegar over white vinegar) but what do I know? They've been in business for 15 years The chips is great but it gets soggy pretty fast. I took some leftover home. And broiled/baked it for next day breakfast. It is very crunchy and good. Tartar sauce is proper Curry. Don't really care for it. Too sweet for my taste Mashed pea is amazing. I love this. It is great consistency Shepherd pie. Also so good. There's is some carrot inside that is somewhat al dente. I thought that makes it better texture read more

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If you're going on Friday during Lent, you should make a reservation. Your reservation gives you an hour which is ample time because service is quick and friendly. Black and tan was perfectly poured. The fish and shrimp chowder with the perfectly buttered toast was delicious! The "cup" was a big serving. Nice serving size of fish and chips. It was cooked perfectly but the fish lacked salt as did the coleslaw. I also think it's weird they charge for tartar sauce. read more

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Have I not already reviewed Anchor? What a crime. I've been dining at The Anchor for close to a decade if not longer. For the past few years I've lived a block away so I'm there fairly often. The ambiance is casual and relaxed, depending on the time of day or day of the week. It will get busy some eves, especially Friday so expect a short wait. I do love how friendly the staff is and over the years I've gotten to know and work with a few of them. Solid people. Tip them. Favs: the fish and chips, of course. It can feed 2 with small to moderate appetites. My daughter LOVES the toastie, and I am a fan as well. I often crave their veggie burger for its deep flavor and peppery kick. Surprise hit is the mushy peas, which may not be a surprise if you're an Anglophile or from the UK. Decent tap selection which includes a few locals next to a good range of Irish brews. Earlier this year they went through some business changes, like longer hours and seven days a week, and replaced table service with food running (you order at a stand near the bar, grab your drinks and a booth or table, and wait for your food). I've heard grumbling about those changes but they seem to be fine so far. I couldn't fathom anyone complaining about the covered patio; before they only had a few bistro tables in the front, now there's plenty of outside dining space. Smart move. read more

Came here for dinner midweek and expected we might have to wait since they do not take reservations. However, we were there after 7 pm and there was no wait. We were greeted by the friendliest staff you can imagine at the door, and we ordered at the end of the bar with lots of help and suggestions when I had some questions on menu items. Then we picked up our beers and sodas right there and we got a number and found a table. The food came out fast, portions are generous, and the atmosphere is relaxed and happy. Since it was my first time, everyone suggested really the only choice was the fish and chips. However, the table next to me had the shepherd's pie and a burger which both looked incredible, so I'm definitely coming back. I loved everything about this place, including seating outdoors in front and in the back, great artwork on the walls, amazing staff and service, and delicious food. Get here! read more

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Arguably the BEST Fish & Chips you will find in Minnesota. This cozy, little, NE Minneapolis institution brings you all the feels from the moment you walk through the door. You are immediately greeted with friendly faces and the smell of Wild Alaskan Cod frying away. The Fish & Chips is absolutely fantastic. A MASSIVE filet fried to golden, crispy perfection. Inside is a beautiful white, flaky piece of fish. Laid on a bed of house cut chips (fries) and served with a delicious tartar sauce. This massive portion is a reasonable $16 + $.50 for the tartar sauce. A more than fair price in my book. Do not sleep on the burger and make sure to add the Irish cheddar. A mouthwatering Peterson Farms grass-fed beef patty cooked to order just the way you like. The food comes out quick and the service is excellent. The Anchor is a true gem in Minneapolis. read more

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3.75* (out of 5) Food: 4* Atmosphere: 4* Value: 4* Service: 3* 03/29/2024 Our son recommended this place, so we gave it a try during our Good Friday visit. There is a definite British feel to the place, starting with the building's facade and continuing inside...including the beer selection. It is definitely quite busy, so be sure to make reservations before you head over for a meal. As it was Good Friday, we all ordered the Fish & Chips (see pictures), so unlike my other posts, there wasn't a variety of foods to compare. Both the fish and chips (fries) were quite tasty. The fish was moist and flaky with a crispy, golden batter coating and the fries were above average - golden brown crunch on the outside and soft potato inside. This is a solid pub experience with good food and a good selection of tap beers at the bar. The only thing that I marked as average was the Service. While possibly caused by how busy the restaurant was, our server was very task-oriented, didn't seem all that happy and wasn't overly friendly. We also felt a little hurried and cramped. If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com read more

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