**4.5 stars: Based on first impression (visited only once - but will be back!), here's the breakdown... Starting at the base of 3 stars - my baseline: Pros: + 1 star: Location, location, location. Right off the pier, which is the next best thing to being on the pier. Hence, only a positive one star and not more. + 2 stars: Large portions & not overly breaded fried seafood. Some places will sacrifice quality for quantity and, luckily, this is not one of them. Nice crispness to the fried fish. TIP: The slaw is more of a pickled cabbage salad but it goes well with the fried food. I actually liked it more than a regular slaw. But if you're looking for the traditional mayo-based coleslaw, then walk don't touch the side. Cons: - 1.5 stars: No indoor and no covered seating. Granted, you most likely won't be at a beach on a rainy day unless you're a surfer. But still. No change to star rating (due to the fact that this is common for pier-located fish shacks): It's outdoor seating so it's not the cleanest but what fish shack is clean? Price is just about the same for any fish shack. Condiments have a cubby area to dress up your food. Overall, if you're at the beach and get hungry, then just take the short walk over to this shack and get your fill. Thumbs up! read more

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Great hidden treasure under the Pier! We had the fried mahi mahi sandwhich, Chicken tenders, and calamari sandwhich. All very delicious and good portion size! Even the Cole slaw was great(wet). Now I know why there was a long line and recommend trying them. Wait was longer than stated and they didn't give any forks for our to go order. So 4 stars, but food is worth the price and wait. read more

I'm sad to say that I'm not quite sure what the hype is about for Tin Fish. I wanted to enjoy really bad, because I'm sure it's been a long standing popular food stand in Oceanside. The line was really long, so of course, another reason to think the food must be bomb! I ordered 1 fried fish taco and while it was pretty big in size and the fish was pretty big as well, the taste just was not there for me. It was just extremely bland, with no flavor whatsoever. Again, I'm really upset that I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to because I LOVE a good fish taco. Maybe I'll try something else from their menu next time! read more

Tin Fish - Fried Fish Taco - Seafood Near Me - Oceanside, California

I got the shrimp sandwich it's very nice the bread was very soft and shrimp is well seasoned read more

Tin Fish - Seafood Near Me - Oceanside, California

Food was sub par - overpriced and took quite a while. The amount of food provided was similar to a child's portion. Definitely disappointing. read more

We took a ride north on the Coaster to Oceanside for lunch. It was a short walk towards the beach, then down a lot of stairs from the street level. A few kiosks were scattered around, including henna tats, hot dogs and more. At the bottom of the stairs lies Tin Fish. From a visual, this Tin Fish seems like the Tin Fish on Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis, which was a fave for us. Go to the window to order from the menu. You can't go wrong with a taco plate, served in a basket, with spiced, yummy cottage fries and slaw. At noon, lines form. Choose your fish for the taco(s) as well as your drink. Pay. Find a table on the outdoor patio. Enjoy the delicious food and take in the activity on The Strand. Afterwards, walk up the steep ramp or take the stairs and head toward the amazing beach then stroll the Pier over the water to take it all in. Gorgeous. read more

Have to try their claim chowder and tin fish combo. They have the best claim chowder with lots of claim meat inside. The tin fish combo has shrimp, fish, squid, and scallops. They are all so fresh. I have to drive almost 2hrs for their delicious food. You should ask for hot chocolate, it's not in the menu. It's not too hot and sweet, but it's too good. They have whipping cream and melted chocolate on top. read more

Tin Fish - Seafood Near Me - Oceanside, California

This is a neat little place. Great spot to grab lunch and hangout by the pier in Oceanside. I've enjoyed their fish and chips, fish sandwiches and plates and even their hamburger is absolutely yummy. Service is a walk up window and there are tables outside of the establishment to eat at. Food comes out fairly quick, it's a tiny place and they are making it as it's order so a little patience on busy days is a good idea. Prices are reasonable considering their location. You can get one of their sandwiches with fries and a drink for about $10 or so. Friendly service and just a great spot as close to the ocean as you can get for a bite to eat. read more

The location was quiet unusual, but made sense. its litlerally on the beach.. the sad thing about it is the crowd.. the crowd that hovers over and asks for money and now you just made the whole experience so awkward. The food was good but the ambience was not my style read more

The staff is friendly but the food was very disappointing. Our $20 fish and calamari combo plate was mostly waffle fries. The bowl of clam chowder came out so hot that it almost burned my mouth. The hot chowder was probably melting the styrofoam container that it was in. read more

The corn meal batter made the fish fillet really crispy n just the amount of crunch...the description stated 6 pieces of fish but we came 30 minutes before closing so ended up with 4 small fillets and popcorn bites of fried fish...$15 later...can't beat the great location of being right on the beach tho... read more

Tin Fish - Seafood Near Me - Oceanside, California

2/20/23 @ 2:45. Ordered fish and chips for my wife and I to share. The total amount came to $19.11(remember that) When I was called up to pick up our food it was only a half order. I explained this to the employee who then stated the ticket said half order. I further explained I had just paid $19.11 for the full order, which I only knew because I just paid it (never been there before) Rather than give the customer the benefit of the doubt, and a lousy three more pieces of fish. This employee chose to say I was wrong and basically too bad for me. Seriously??? read more

Tin Fish really hit the spot after a day at the beach. Our group got hungry and decided to head here because it was so close to the beach/where we were at (and a couple had already tried it out before and recommended it). It was a very solid choice. I got the Mahi tacos (double -- comes with two tacos, slaw and fries) to share with another person and it was PLENTY. I thought the tacos would be normal sized or a little small because of this new tiny taco trend thing going on, but I was 100% wrong. The tacos were huge and stuffed with meat, lettuce, tomatoes, etc. and I was immediately full. But obviously I also still ate some fries, which came with the best seasoning on them, and it was an absolutely perfect meal. I overdid it but highly recommend it. read more

Tin Fish - Double order of Mahi tacos (came with slaw and fries). So. Much. Food. Split between two hungry people and we were both full. - Seafood Near Me - Oceanside, California

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This place is amazing. We live on the Strand and can walk here in less than 5 minutes. The location is fun (under the pier by the beach so very SoCal) and the food is always delicious. We've tried the fish sandwich, mahi mahi and chips, and shrimp and chips. Portions are large and the food is fresh, consistent, and yummy. GREAT local spot! read more

I wish I could have gotten her name but the young woman who was working the front was absolutely amazing. Seriously, her genuine customer service was amazing and for such a short interaction she really made my day. She had really pretty eyebrows and tattoos and she was awesome!!!! I live on the strand and I love this place. The food is always good and the cooks always take care of you! read more

The service was amazing, my cashier was Kyle and he really helped me out deciding what to get since it was my first time and he was so nice and friendly and the food came out super fast I was really surprised since there were so many people and then when I tried it I was even more please as it was the best fish and chips I've ever had and the beach ambiance was really amazing read more

Love this place, one of my favorites to visit when I go to San Diego. The only bad thing is they close pretty early, at 6pm, so I've missed out a few times. read more

Went for a walk on the pier and when we came back decided to give the Tin Fish a try. It is right at the beginning of the pier. A little pricy but worth every penny. I had the burger and honestly it might be the best burger I have ever had. So big you could actually share it. My husband had the fish and chips and they were delicious too. Give it a try if you are in the vicinity. read more

Can't go wrong with a nice and easy stroll on the beach....so, here I am and a whiff of seasoning fries hit me head on, therefore leading me here. (Tin Fish) First time here and got the crinkle cut waffle fries with extra seasoning and extra crispy....Very nice!!!! Very tasty, fresh, and hot. Very nice and friendly folks there... Thanks to the chef...and the nice gent on the mic. And thanks to Emma, very nice lady, charming, friendly.... Haven't eating anything else here, but if you want good seasoned waffle cut fries...this is a great spot, and plus it's on the beach! read more

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I love their food!!! Their food are off the hook!!! Great portion, great price, nice and fresh!! I come here every time I m in the area. I never disappointed. Very convenience steps away from the ocean! Can't beat that!! read more

Tin Fish - Grilled Salmon sandwich!! - Seafood Near Me - Oceanside, California

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Delicious and very convenient as we waited for the AmTrack. Fish Tacos were pretty good. read more

Typical busy day at the pier...the line for ordering took way longer than actually getting our food. Tasty and fast...

3.25 stars. Came here to spend a whole late afternoon at the Pier after finished some business in Vista. Today, I ordered 1/2 size Fish and Chip, but I got only 3 small pieces of fried fish, some fried, a small cup of coleslaw. Forgot to ask them my chip: -Fried fish: too oily; fish wasn't a cod as claimed on menu. -French Fried: OK. -Coleslaw: good. Price: over 10 bucks which was a little pricey for 3 small pieces of fried fish, several slice of fried potatoes, 1 small cup of coleslaw. Cashier: friendly. read more

Grilled shrimp tacos and sweet potato fries were enjoyed. The tacos are more like small burritos, I appreciate the portions! Great ratio of meat to extra stuff and the flavor was perfect. Fun environment with everything you would expect from a food stand by the pier. My fav choice for food if spending the day around the pier/ strand. Enjoy s nice long walk down the pier and finish with some grilled seafood tacos! read more

Tin Fish - Seafood Near Me - Oceanside, California

We had decided to go to Oceanside for a few days for our 24th anniversary and my wife was really in the mood for good New England clam chowder. We tried two other sit down restaurants but really weren't impressed. While we were walking on the pier, we decided to try the Tin Fish restaurant (it's below the pier) and that was the best decision we made all weekend! We had the fish & shrimp combo and, of course, the clam chowder and they were both fantastic! We went back for dinner which was their Big Burger (delicious!), some fried fish, and a house salad (which came with dried cranberries, slivered almonds, and tangerine slices, so good.) and an acai bowl to split. Again, it was all so delicious! The food was so good, we decided that we were going to have Tin Fish for our anniversary dinner. This time we ordered the fish & shrimp combo, the house salad, more clam chowder (the wife had to have it again), and both an acai bowl and their Pina Colada bowl, then took them up to our hotel room to celebrate. It was also great that the staff remembered us each time we went back. I wish we had gotten their names, but there were three young people (well, young to me) and the blond girl even decorated our dessert bowls for our anniversary. You don't see such great customer service very much, but you see it here! I highly recommend to anyone to stop there and try their great food! read more

Came for some fish tacos Wednesday evening. Not crowded& semi clean area to sit down. Wish I knew the tacos were more like a burrito. Huge "fish taco".. one would have been perfect for me. Order their nuggets for the kids...they were alright. read more

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Didn't expect much but the food was actually decent! We had the breakfast burrito, fish and shrimp and a cheeseburger. Would visit again!

Me and my friends got sick here eating their Fish and Chips plate I should have known when I took that first bite it was very fishy smelling and if your fish smells fishy that means it is not fresh and of course most restaurants can't sell fresh fish they are usually frozen and thawed out but we will never go back to this place. read more

food was okay. Felt it was breaded not battered so it felt a bit dry and wasn't substantial pieces of fish for the fish and chips. Overall, ate here due to the location and convenience of the pier. But felt overpriced and probably wouldn't recommend or go back. Clam chowder was fantastic and best thing we ordered off the menu!! read more

Oceanside Pier is open for businesses! Actually the whole downtown area was hoppin on a beautiful Sunday afternoon! My husband and I were in search of Fish and Chips within a 5 min walk from the pier. Tin Fish is right under the pier with plenty of semi shaded community picnic tables. The line to place an order was about 8 people deep (1:00pm) but it moved quickly. Prices are not cheap - but also not gouging based on the prime location and tourist draw. We ordered the large Fish N Chips plate ($16) and 1 Grilled Mahi Fish Taco ($5). Serving size was generous! Plenty for 2 to share. Fish and Chips came with a tangy - red wine coleslaw (seriously yummy) 10 pieces of breaded Cod (fingers) and a pile of hot seasoned salted waffle fries. The fish taco had a nice portion of tender and buttery grilled mahi that melted into the cabbage and tomato mix. The "white sauce" was a taste of Baja and surprisingly light, tangy, garlicky and sweet at the same time. The only quibble I had was the breading on the cod. Seasoned bread crumbs that were more of a crust consistency than a lightly battered filet. I didn't see any "beer battered" items on the expansive menu - but was hoping for that type of fried lightness. Oh well! The tartar sauce was generous. Lemon wedges fresh and juicy! We were very happy with our choices. Tin Fish was definitely worth the wait (30 mins) and felt like a taste summer in February! read more

Exactly what we needed after spending a day at the beach. Great food, not too long of a wait!

Not fancy, but great food in the most amazing setting! Fish tacos were great!!! Get them to go and walk in the pier!

The girl at the counter just didn't seem like she enjoyed her job. Besides that the food was OK. It seemed like everything tasted the same from the Red Snapper, Shrimp and Scallops. It all tasted decent though. The biggest disappointment was they ran out of oysters :( Next time I'll try a variety of things. read more

Grilled Mahi mahi tacos x2 huge pieces of fish. Best part. Wait time after order, noon Sunday, 40 minutes. Wasn't crazy busy.

Portions were good, but I was hoping for a smooth beer batter fried fish. Rather, it was the grainy bread batter (like onion rings and mozzarella sticks). Seating is spacious as it's located under the pier, but there were a little too much pigeon and pigeon droppings for my comfort. Otherwise, good service and ok food. read more

Fantastic gem on the Oceanside Pier. Probably some of the most flavorful fish tacos I've had! Delicious! Halibut tacos were good as well. They had cheeseburgers and chicken nuggets for our kids who weren't up for the tacos that day! Fun atmosphere with all outdoors seating. Birds were all over the place and not afraid to come up to us. A little annoying but went away. read more

The food was good, but $17 for fish & chips and a tiny cup of chowder = WoWZers!!! I expected more based on all the glowing reviews. When I see cornmeal...ish type fish batter I expect it to take me back toy roots; I instantly think "catfish". What I don't expect is "fish & chips" which is more widely known to have a beer batter vice a corn meal batter. The "Award Winning" fish & chips here are definitely cornmeal...ish battered but sadly I was not taken back to the days of family cook-outs & catfish fry's. Maybe it's just my Southern roots, but the fish was just ok. Perhaps it was the odd combination of cod being fried in cornmeal batter, but I could care less if the food is bomb. That wasn't exactly the case here. First, I prefer my fish to be fried a little more on the crisp side...or, as my mama orders it - "well done". The fried "cod" fish I had was soft and limp. The flavor was not bad, but I hate soft fried fish. The waffle fries were pretty good and the cole slaw might be one of my new favorites, but the star of the show for me was the chowder. Love love love that they make it to your preference - creamy or chunky. I opted for a "chunkier" clam chowder. Unfortunately, it was more like eating chunky mashed potatoes. The flavor was so good that I did my best to overlook the the drunken chunkiness. Next time, I'll stick with a creamy chowder in the sour dough bowl and skip the fish & chips. If I want real down home cornmeal fried "catfish", I'll stick with "That Boy Good" down the road on Coast or Felix's. They nailed it in the fried fish category. And they'll definitely take you on a down South Culinary experience. For "beer battered" fish & chips I'll stick with Harbor Cafe in Carlsbad or head to O'side Harbor. 3 stars because the food was better than expected in a tourist trap location, and the service was good, but the "Award Winning" fried fish was too soft for my liking and...meh, I've had better. read more

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PROs The location, Tin Fish is at the next best spot on the beach right under the pier a few steps from the water. After a swim in the beach, a stroll on the pier, or a hard day sunbathing it is really convenient to just walk right up to this place and order up. No shoes No Shirt No problem. It is kid friendly and accommodating to large groups. It was perfect for my friends and their kids to run around chase the birds and be as loud and free as they wanted without disturbing anyone's meal. The food was served up right away. The portions are generous. CONs It can get a bit pricy. We ordered the Cod $10 and Swordfish Tacos $14 plates which came with cole slaw, fries and 2 tacos, Shrimp App. $10 8pcs., Drinks $3. etc I do not think most people really expect to pay these prices at an outdoor walk up & order type place. Is it pricy because of the high rent or the fresh fish?? The taste of the food was lacking. We tried the Cod Tacos because that is what they were "voted best" for but it wasn't anything special to write home to your mother about or even to recommend to a friend. The Swordfish was even just A-OK. The birds can be a nuisance. Don't walk away from your plate without someone watching it or you will be sharing your meal with the feathered kind. Although the staff is good about cleaning the bird caca on the tables and chairs they can't catch all of it so look before sitting. Also do not sit directly under the walkway because you have a higher percentage of getting pooped on. Two of my friends each got crapped on twice in one sitting. I told them it was a sign of good luck. :P It was my first time here so to be fair I will go back for seconds or try a different location. read more

Tin Fish - Fish and Chips (Swordfish&Cod) & Shrimpies - Seafood Near Me - Oceanside, California

walked over here from our resort. omg amazing food. ordered their mixed grilled fish with salmon, tilapia, mahi mahi, 2 shrimp and 2 tiny scallops. came with seasoned waffle fries and ordered hush puppies too. OMG amazing food amazing flavor. split the plate as it was huge. yelp reviews did not disappoint. we will come back for other items this week. friendly fast and funny staff. :-) read more

Solid fish & chips if you're on the beach but the service is really slow - it took almost 20 minutes to get our food! Not sure if the timing was due to the lunch rush but this place needs to speed it up! Lots of seating, lots of choices for sauce as well as choices on the menu but I'm not sure if this would be my first choice place if I were on the beach getting lunch. read more

Tin Fish - Seafood Near Me - Oceanside, California