This review is late but I want to say the food here is great! My family and I ordered the fish and shrimp combo with mac and cheese, fish and hot wings with fries, Philly cheesesteak, hush puppies and banana pudding. The food was amazing but definitely recommend eating it as soon as possible as the fries, fried fish, hot wings, and banana pudding was pretty soggy when we arrived home. But besides that, the food was good but as someone who hates soggy texture, definitely will be eating it right after I get it. This is also where I first tried a Faygo and I was hooked as it complimented the meal so well, I got the red pop flavor. The service here during when I arrived was friendly. They seemed to be busy too so they were trying to get orders going and out, not much conversation. Although understandably so as they seem to be a local favorite and have many regulars coming in. As for the ambiance, it is just a small restaurant that is primarily take out but they do have a small table and also a counter to put on hot sauce(s) or seasoning salt. They also have a bunch of community posters and pictures of current events and community people throughout the restaurant. It's clear that they love the community and the community loves them in return. read more

Ambiance is great for Tacoma Hilltop culture and diversity. Easy to locate street parking. Friendly customer service food is good but previously frozen nothing fresh but as soon as you walk in the grease smell is so overwhelming. The food is very greasy personally I'd question how often the grease is switched out. But if you have a good stomach to overlook the grease and a nose to handle the heavily burnt grease smell. Enjoy the food it's decent and not bad at all. Personally I'm calling it safe with the lemon cake my stomach can't handle all that grease. Maybe when I was younger but no gallbladder later my tummy ain't having it. read more

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The food here is incredible! If you are looking for good food at decent prices, you have found it here. They have multiple fish and chicken plates. However, they also do a fantastic Philly cheesesteak sandwich. There are a variety of dishes for you to choose from. I normally get a combination of their catfish, wings, and shrimp. All of their items are cooked to order. The food is fresh and hot. Additionally, they are really nice people. The service is always outstanding. They help the elderly and the disabled. The ambience is kinda cool. There are no tables. It is strictly takeout. There is always something good to eat here. It does get busy at lunch, and they do close in the early afternoon. So, it's best to be there when they open or just after the lunch rush. Enjoy this little gem steeped in the history of The Hilltop neighborhood. read more

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This is a hidden gem. It's been around since the 80's. I got the fish and chips and let me tell it's the sh*#. Generous portions and breaded and seasoned perfectly. The service was great. The young lady that greated me was very friendly and smiling. The building is small with limited parking but that's fine. Inside it's just great with photos on the walls of people from the neighborhood. Groing up in the Hilltop I recognized several faces. Do yourself a favor and stop in to enjoy some great food and support a black owned business. You can't go wrong. read more

The Fish House Cafe - Fish and chips - Seafood Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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I always come back to this black-owned business. I love the decor, but the seafood is why we are here. Good food, great people!

The food is delicious. I have been eating here for 15 years. It only gets better with time.

The Alaskan whitefish was primed in Cajun spices and served up as were the last to order. Authentic food with a light, flavorful coating and I was in heaven. A little spicy for some maybe bilat just right for me. Recently reopened I have been trying to remember they were just at the top end of the Tacoma Trolley line on MLK Jr way and finally slid in just under the wire. Ordered up fish for me and okra on the side. I'm going to get the Philly cheesesteak next time if I can convince myself not to get fish again. Only a few blocks from home, it was a reasonable dinner investment. read more

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The food and service is great! I ordered the wings and fish platter and a side of okra. Everything was soooo good and very well seasoned. I will return read more

Hidden jem. Nothing is fancy but if just want some crinkle fries and a traditional fish sandwich with tartar and pickle than yes. Only downside is they close early so have to remember to go early. Love this place for some pickup and time at the park with my daughter! Spring couldn't come soon enough so I can come by more often read more

Great service and some great food! try there number 8. Comes with fish and shrimp also a side of fries taste wonderful.

Always great tasting food and friendly people. Small but worth the drive to visit and try. Love the music and the display of love for the community it shows. read more

The Fish House Cafe - Ordered fish and chicken wings. - Seafood Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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A couple months ago a friend and I visited this spot. We got two fish plates added shrimp, got the fries and okra two calypso drinks, pound cake and bananna pudding. It was all so good. I tried to go back today but they were closed they're on vacation and I hope it's good. I'll try again next month check it out if you haven't been you won't be disappointed. read more

Food was good but a little high priced but good must try the turkey leg stuffed and seafood with the fish and shrimp fried

Parking sucks, not a place to sit down and eat. Pricey for fish and chips. Not any better than others here.

The Fish House Cafe is AMAZING! Everything I drive thru, work in or around, or have to make a Mad dash, I stop in for a Fish sandwich combo meal. This place CAN'T BE BEAT! Their Oyster po boy, the Philly and the hush puppy's are a must have. Good thing I don't live in Tacoma, I'd be broke and visiting the Fish house daily. Thankz for being an Outstanding Eatery read more

My wife and I seen this place a few times passing by and it always looked good so today we finally tried it. The line was out the door but moving at a good pace. The staff were super friendly and even the cook said goodbye to us on our way out which shows they care. The food was delicious nice spicy battered fish and the fries were fresh seasoned and delicious. Not many places carry Faygo soda but they had a big fridge full of it which is cool and unique. Lastly the atmosphere was really nice you can tell everyone in the neighborhood eats there and loves the place which is really cool! We will definitely be adding this place to our favorite restaurant list and I can't wait to try other menu items. read more

It is a "hole in the wall" but the fish and batter is delicious. We had the catfish plate which comes with two sides - I chose okra and zucchini. The catfish (2 very large filets) and okra both were fabulous. Zucchini had a different, thicker batter and I would skip it in favor of trying another side. We also got the fish n chips (cod) which were also delicious. Fries were crinkle style and just okay. Tarter sauce and ranch sauce were tasty. read more

Today I had came here and this would be July 10,2025. My husband was excited about treating me to some lunch. But we were greeted by some guys just hanging around the place who told us to check website for opening of business. Yes we came at around 11am and it was closed. It had a sign that said: Gone Fishing. And another that said On Vacation. Well I guess business owners take vacation but don't they have people to be left in charge? I guess not. Boy was we disappointed! I can not rate it really any star. I have looked at the Fish House on Yelp and based on mixed reviews, we decided to come today for lunch. But sadly we could not eat here and had to go to lunch somewhere else. Maybe next time but definitely do not want to make another trip without calling first. I Grubhub a lot and I do not see it listed there. But if it was good, it would be worth taking a trip here regularly for to go orders. Well hope to come again. On Yelp it gives hours as if it is open. So if it is not going to be open, it is worth posting on Yelp too. Then people can save time from wasting a trip. read more

In a word, The Fish House Cafe was EXCELLENT! We ordered Fish, shrimp, wings, potato salad, Mac & cheese and banana pudding. We waited 15 minutes so our food was the freshest. Everyone was friendly and helpful. We will be returning! With the exception of one small table outside, this cafe is strictly a take away (food to go) establishment. read more

Food is seasoned great. This is one of those places that you would see on national TV as a hidden surprise. Do your taste buds a grand favor and absolutely check it out..worth the drive!! read more

Food is amazing great customer service too. Awesome banana pudding with big portions of food!

The food is quality! They take pride in their craft and it shows. 10/10 my fav local spot!

The food is okay, but the menu on their website isn't updated, the pictures on the reviews aren't clear. Tried calling to place an order over the phone, it's a hit or miss with this restaurant. Sometimes, they answer and sometimes they don't. Customer service on the phone needs serious help! For the price we pay here, it'd be nice to get some food that's made with love. read more

they don't offer a online ordering the lady said I have to come in to order I'm disabled I told her thanks I have to have some one go pick it up n pick it up read more

i love their fish bro. the chicken, everything tastes like how it does in my hometown on the east. i have specific food cravings few places out here satisfy. love love love these guys' food. would buy from everyday if i could. read more

Fish and chips was excellent everything tasted great and crunchy! Love the fish and onion rings were both cooked well. I recommend it! Only draw back not enough tartar sauce get an extra one. read more

The Fish House Cafe - Fish and chips - Seafood Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

The best fried okra I've ever had! Also delicious hush puppies. I had the fish sando but after a few bites I realized it was catfish and catfish does not need a bun. It was really good though. The service is so friendly and helpful and we got our food quickly. I love the vibe in the restaurant and couldn't help sway to the music a bit. read more

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We got the wings, fish, shrimp, fries, and onion rings! #5, #8, and #9! Was the best fish and chips I have ever had, the wings were so crispy and juicy! Shrimp was super good and their onions rings the best! Great fries and service as well! My new favorite spot here! Looking forward to coming back. It's a cute little shop as well, easy parking, with tables and chairs with view of street and city. read more

Great food... But horrible service... never experienced anything like it..if I could get food from there and not have to go inside.. would be great. read more

Good fish and chips, (and crinkle fries) Comes with one tartar sauce, you might want to buy one more. Nice people working there AND parking right in front.. I want to try the fish sandwich next time. No real seating area, but a stand up "bar" like thing outside if the weather is nice. read more

The Fish House Cafe - Seafood Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

So good! I visited for my first time today and can't wait to go back. It's a small restaurant but really has such a nice community feel to it. I got the fish n chips. Okra, zucchini, and hush puppies. Loved it all! read more

I am a regular customer and noticed that they have been closed since Memorial Day; are they permanently closed?

Let's start with the ambiance. I love the look of the place. Maybe shabby chic? They have materials promoting their community and it's all down to earth. The music is unapologetically classic hip hop and R&B. Service is spot on. They know many customers by name. You can't go 5 minutes without a friend popping in to say hi and grab a bag of food. If you aren't smiling by the time you have your food you aren't doing it right. The food is as amazing as the people who stop in to say hi. The PNW has a standard for good seafood, but beer batter can get pretty boring. The fish house has the crispiest and most flavorful cornbread breading I've tasted this side of the Mississippi River. If you want to taste real soul flavors and get a Coke and a smile this should be your first stop. . You can feed 2 people a decent box of food for about $22. Chicken? Oh yes. Shrimp? Yes please. Fish? Can't be beat. Can't choose? Get an #18 and you will be alright. Don't forget the extra tartar sauce. read more

This is the real thing. Hope to find street parking, get in line inside this small shop and carry out delicious fish, etc. It's a neighborhood place, not fancy. read more

this is a very small hole in the wall Café with no seating. We had the fish and chips and it was fantastic. We ordered an extra tartar sauce from reading the reviews and we were glad we did. The service was fast and friendly and we will be back! read more

Used to work right across the street from here and we would eat here often. They know their catfish! Shrimp is good too. A lil pricey but if ur on a budget, the fish sando is a great choice. I usually get fish, shrimp and zucchini fries in place of regular fries. Love it! Tiny place, friendly staff-- usually standing room only. Can't wait to go back as I no longer work near there and I miss my fish lunches! read more

I had a taste for some hot fried fish and that's exactly what I got at this place! I ordered the fried whiting fillet with French fries and it comes with a Can soda for $12 after tax. It was hot, fresh, and delicious. I highly recommend this place if you're in the mood for some good fried fish read more

The Fish House Cafe - Fried fish. - Seafood Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Fish and chips were killer big fan, service was friendly and quick. Highly recommended!

The customer service is always excellent the food is fire! Love that it is always done with the right texture and taste. Inusualybgetbthe fish sandwich combo or the catfish dinner with hush puppies. And hot sauce after Highly recommended read more

Not normally one to review, but this place was amazing. Breading on the okra and fish was fantastic, crispy and seasoned super well. Prices are beyond reasonable, I would pay more. Vibe was great and they were extremely nice. I will be going back this week and am so looking forward to it! read more