Where To Find the Best Fish and Chips in Atlanta

Craving crispy, golden fish and chips in Atlanta? Even though we are hours from the coast, Atlanta has quietly built a strong lineup of spots serving everything from classic British-style cod to Southern catfish with fries.

This guide walks through some of the best places for fish and chips in Atlanta, what style each one does best, and how to choose the right spot depending on where you are in the city and what you’re in the mood for.

What “Best Fish and Chips” Usually Means in Atlanta

When people in Atlanta talk about the best fish and chips, they typically look for:

• Crispy, light batter that isn’t greasy
• Moist, flaky fish (cod, haddock, or catfish are common)
• Hot, well-seasoned fries (thick-cut “chips” or thinner American-style)
• A good tartar sauce or malt vinegar on the side
• Consistency – it tastes good every time, not just on a lucky visit

Because Atlanta doesn’t have a huge number of traditional British pubs, many of the city’s best plates mix British pub traditions with Southern seafood influences. You’ll see cod and haddock, but also catfish and whiting, plus sides like hushpuppies or coleslaw.

Quick Comparison: Top Fish and Chips Options in Atlanta

Use this simple overview if you just want a fast short-list.

Below are specific types of places and what to expect from each in Atlanta.

Classic Pub-Style Fish and Chips in Atlanta

If you’re looking for something close to traditional British fish and chips, Atlanta has a few pubs and taverns that deliver a familiar experience.

What to Expect at Pub-Style Spots

Typical features:

• Beer-battered cod or haddock
• Thick-cut pub fries instead of skinny fast-food fries
• Sides like tartar sauce, lemon wedges, coleslaw, sometimes peas
• Casual, cozy interiors with plenty of beers on tap

These are often found in neighborhoods like Midtown, Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, and Decatur, where pub culture is strong. A lot of locals go in the evening for a drink and a plate of fried fish, but many pubs also serve fish and chips at lunch.

Tips for pub-style fish and chips in Atlanta:

• 🔎 Ask what fish they’re using – cod and haddock usually give a more “British” feel, while catfish or tilapia will taste more Southern or American.
• 🍺 If you enjoy beer, pairing a light lager or pale ale with fish and chips is common and tends to work well with the fried batter.
• 🧂 Many pubs will offer malt vinegar if you ask, even if it’s not on the table already.

Southern-Style Fried Fish and “Chips” (Fries)

In Atlanta, some of the best “fish and chips” experiences aren’t labeled that way at all. Southern seafood and fish fry restaurants often serve:

• Fried catfish, whiting, or tilapia
• A generous portion of French fries
• Sides like hushpuppies, coleslaw, and baked beans

If you’re okay with a more Southern twist on fish and chips, these spots can be an excellent option, especially on the Southside, Westside, and around the airport.

How Southern Fried Fish Differs from British-Style

• Breading vs. batter: Southern fish is often cornmeal-breaded instead of beer-battered.
• Fish type: Catfish and whiting have a different texture and flavor than cod or haddock.
• Seasoning: Southern fish is usually more heavily seasoned with spices, giving it more heat or savory depth.

For many Atlanta locals, this style is their go-to “fish and fries” dinner, whether or not it’s called “fish and chips” on the menu.

Sports Bars and Casual Restaurants with Strong Fish and Chips

A lot of sports bars and casual American restaurants in Atlanta keep fish and chips on the menu as a reliable, crowd-pleasing option. You’ll find these near:

• Midtown and Downtown (for pre-game or post-event meals)
• Buckhead and Perimeter (near offices and malls)
• Cumberland / The Battery Atlanta (around Truist Park and I‑285)**

These plates are usually:

• Beer-battered white fish (often cod or pollock)
• Standard fries, sometimes waffle or steak fries
• Served with tartar sauce and lemon

This style works well if you’re going with a group and want:

• A place that takes reservations or call-ahead seating
• Multiple menu options if some people don’t eat seafood
• TVs, casual seating, and a come-as-you-are dress code

Sports bars are also more likely to offer fish and chips during off-peak hours, late nights, or on game days when pubs get crowded.

Chain Restaurants vs. Local Spots in Atlanta

Across metro Atlanta, especially in suburban areas like Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Marietta, and Stone Mountain, you’ll find national and regional chains that serve fish and chips or fried fish with fries.

Why Some Locals Choose Chains

• Predictable taste and portion sizes
• Often kid-friendly with simple menus
• Usually easier parking than in-town neighborhoods
• Many offer takeout and family-size platters

If you live in the suburbs or are staying near a highway exit, this can be a practical option for a quick fish and chips-style meal, even if it’s not the most distinctive plate in the city.

How to Judge a Good Fish and Chips Plate in Atlanta

No matter where you go—pub, bar, or fish fry—these cues help you identify a quality fish and chips meal:

1. The Batter or Breading

Look for:

• Crisp, light, and golden brown exterior
• No heavy oil pooling on the plate
• Batter that clings to the fish without sliding off

Soggy, pale, or greasy coating usually means the oil wasn’t hot enough or the fish sat too long before being served.

2. The Fish

Good fish and chips should have:

• Flaky, moist flesh that pulls apart easily
• A neutral, clean smell – not overly “fishy”
• Even cooking all the way through, not raw in the middle

If you’re sensitive about texture, cod and haddock tend to be very mild and flaky, while catfish is denser with a more pronounced flavor.

3. The “Chips” (Fries)

Quality fries in Atlanta can be:

• Thick-cut pub-style or standard fries
• Hot, salted, and cooked through (no limp centers)
• Served in a portion that matches the fish size

Some local spots will offer substitutions like sweet potato fries, tater tots, or onion rings if you want to mix things up.

4. Sauces and Extras

Good signs:

• House-made tartar sauce or at least a freshly prepared version
• Lemon wedges to brighten the flavor
• Option for malt vinegar at pubs, or hot sauce at Southern-style fish spots

These small details often separate an average plate from one that people remember.

Finding Fish and Chips Near You in Atlanta

Because restaurants open and close over time, it’s helpful to use a few reliable strategies to find fish and chips near your specific part of Atlanta:

1. Use “Near Me” Searches Smartly

In Atlanta, searches like:

• “fish and chips near me”
• “British pub fish and chips Atlanta”
• “fried catfish and fries Atlanta”

will usually surface a mix of pubs, seafood restaurants, and Southern fish spots. Checking recent photos and reviews can help you see how the fish actually looks before you go.

2. Look Around Major Hubs

You’re more likely to find solid fish and chips in:

• Midtown / Downtown – near offices, hotels, and event venues
• Virginia-Highland / Inman Park / Old Fourth Ward – strong pub and bar scenes
• Decatur – walkable square with multiple restaurants serving fried fish
• Buckhead / Perimeter – mix of upscale restaurants and casual chains
• Airport area (Hartsfield-Jackson) – convenient if you’re just passing through and want Southern fried fish with fries

3. Call Ahead with a Few Key Questions

When you call a restaurant, you can ask:

• “Do you have fish and chips on the menu right now?”
• “What type of fish do you use?”
• “Is it beer-battered, breaded, or grilled?”
• “Is fish and chips available for takeout or delivery?”

This is especially useful on Lent Fridays, big sports days, or weekends, when fried fish dishes sometimes sell out or run as specials.

Ordering Tips for Different Diets and Preferences

Atlanta restaurants are used to accommodating a range of preferences. When you order fish and chips, you can often:

• Ask for light salt on fries if you’re watching sodium.
• Request sauce on the side to control how much tartar or dressing you use.
• Check if grilled fish with fries is an option, if you want less fried food.
• Ask about substituting the fries for a salad or vegetable side at some spots.

If you avoid alcohol, you can ask whether the batter is beer-free; some places use sparkling water or a different liquid to achieve a similar crispness.

When Fish and Chips Are Easiest to Find in Atlanta

Fish and chips are usually:

• Available at lunch and dinner at pubs and casual restaurants
• More common as a Friday special, especially during Lent
• Offered as part of bar menus for happy hour or game nights

If you’re visiting Atlanta and only have a short window, evenings in Midtown, Decatur, or Virginia-Highland give you the highest chance of finding a good plate without too much searching.

Takeout and Delivery Options

Many fish and chips spots in Atlanta now offer takeout and delivery, but fried foods don’t always travel perfectly. To get the best at-home experience:

• Ask if they vent the container so the fish doesn’t steam and turn soggy.
• Eat it soon after pickup rather than letting it sit.
• If it cools down, reheat briefly in an oven or air fryer, not a microwave, to bring back some crispness.

Some places will package sauce separately and keep fries in a separate container from fish to maintain texture.

How Visitors and New Residents Can Plan a Fish and Chips Stop

If you’re new to Atlanta or just in town for a few days:

• Staying Downtown or Midtown? Look for pub-style fish and chips within walking or short rideshare distance.
• Near the airport or on the Southside? Search for local seafood or fish fry restaurants for a more Southern take on fish and fries.
• Visiting friends in Decatur, Virginia-Highland, or Inman Park? Ask them about their favorite neighborhood pub or bar with fried fish on the menu—locals often have a go-to spot.

By focusing on pubs, seafood spots, and reliable casual restaurants in the parts of Atlanta you’re already visiting, you can usually find fish and chips that are hot, crispy, and worth the calories without spending your whole day hunting them down.