Detroit might not be a coastal city, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find delicious fish and chips here. Restaurants throughout the city have stellar, high-quality fish and chips, each served alongside their own unique menus, settings, and vibes.
To help find the best of the best, we’ve curated a list of seven spots across the city for you to check out!
Mercury Bar
Just steps away from the newly renovated Michigan Central in the Corktown neighborhood, Mercury Bar is an excellent choice for burgers, sandwiches, and of course, fish and chips! Classically served with hand-cut french fries and coleslaw and lemons, Mercury Bar’s fish and chips are fried to perfection with a crispy batter. They also have a large draft beer menu, wine, cocktails, and delicious adult shakes.
Pro tip: If you visit in the warmer months, Mercury Bar has outdoor seating with plenty of shade!
Scotty Simpson’s Fish and Chips
A Detroit staple since 1950, Scotty Simpson’s Fish and Chips is a no-frills spot that attracts people from across the city and metro region for its reliably mouthwatering seafood menu. Of course, the star of the show is the fish and chips, battered with a longstanding secret recipe and lightly fried for a flaky, perfectly cooked meal. Close runner-ups on the menu are the lake perch, jumbo shrimp, and frog legs! Scotty’s is also known for its pies, with coconut cream pie as a fan favorite.
Pro tip: The restaurant only accepts cash or checks, so be sure to come prepared!
Coriander Kitchen and Farm
If you’ve never visited the Jefferson Chalmers neighbor on Detroit’s east side, Coriander Kitchen and Farm is a perfect excuse. Jefferson Chalmer is known as the canal district, with waterways patterning the neighborhood. Coriander is located atop a former marina, making for a beautiful setting to enjoy a farm-to-table dinner. Their fish and chips are always fresh, flaky, and filling, but truthfully, you’ll be more than satisfied with anything on their menu!
Pro tip: Coriander hosts private events, so if you’re looking for a venue for a wedding, a birthday party, or any other celebration, this is a great option!
Presley’s Kitchen and Bar
For a more upscale dining experience, Presley’s Kitchen and Bar in downtown Detroit is a top-tier option. The restaurant, located on the first floor of the David Whitney Building, has a modern, sleek aesthetic, and it’s perfect for a date night or a celebratory dinner. They offer an elevated version of fish and chips, served with kale slaw and a flavorful remoulade. Their drink menu also contains unique cocktails alongside a robust wine list.
Pro tip: If you’ve got young kids in your life, Presley’s has a great kid’s menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Atwater Brewery
Well-known for their craft beers, Atwater Brewery is also an American- and German-inspired restaurant with a large food and drinks menu. From burgers to wings, salads to pizzas, Atwater Brewery has something for everyone. For the fish and chip lovers, the brewery uses their popular Dirty Blonde Ale in the fry batter, giving the fish a uniquely Atwater-taste. You can also substitute the french fries with a variety of options—tater tots, onion rings, side salads, or veggies—allowing you to create your own twist on the classic offerings.
Pro tip: The brewery is located in Detroit’s Rivertown neighborhood, so after you enjoy a meal and a beverage, you can check out all that the Riverfront has to offer!
Noni’s Sherwood Grille
Located in the historic and newly streetscaped Livernois Avenue of Fashion, Noni’s Sherwood Grille is a neighborhood restaurant with a classic, clean diner vibe. Their menu is impressively diverse: burgers, wraps, steaks, pastas, barbeque, and more. The fish and chips, along with the rest of the seafood menu, are served with fries and your choice of either soup, salad, or coleslaw, and they are always fried to absolute perfection!
Pro tip: Noni’s has an unbeatable breakfast menu as well! If you’re a pancake-lover, they’ve got you covered with options like strawberry, pecan, and banana pancakes
Zeff’s Coney Island
Zeff’s Coney Island has been a landmark in Detroit’s Eastern Market neighborhood since 1970. A classic, familial coney island atmosphere with high-quality food, Zeff’s has perfected their wide-ranging menu. Perhaps best known for their large breakfast menu, their dinners are equally appetizing with generous portions, including the fish and chips, which never disappoints.
Pro tip: This will come as no surprise to coney island lovers, but the chili cheese fries are 10/10!
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