8 fin-tastic spots to get your fish and chips fix around Denver
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Heaven is served atop a basket of fries at Fish N Beer. Photo: Alayna Alvarez/Axios
For those who think finding quality seafood in landlocked Colorado is a fish tale, we're here to drop the anchor: You're floundering in falsehoods.
Why it matters: The first Friday in June marks National Fish and Chips Day — and although we don't make the rules, we're happy to follow them when they call for fried food.
Zoom in: I risked my artery health to round up eight fin-omenal places in and around Denver to get your golden, greasy fix:
Fish N Beer
This bad boy comes encrusted in an ultra-airy, bubbly batter so light you can see through it. A signature part of this RiNo restaurant entree is the mini-lager served with the cod, the same beer used in the batter. ($17.50)
- Pro tip: Grab a half portion for just $8.25 during happy hour Tuesday-Thursday from 5-6:30pm (though it doesn't come with a mini-beer).
Water Grill
Thick is the theme here. Just look at this stocky slab of wild Icelandic cod and side of chunky tartar sauce. ($29-$36)
- Pro tip: Come to this LoDo destination for a more sophisticated, downright delicious dining experience.
The Burns Pub
This family-owned joint in Broomfield greets you with a sign pointing to "authentic British food" — so you know you're in good hands. When you visit, be sure to come hungry because the Icelandic cod is literally the size of a small child's arm. ($22)
- Pro tip: You'll need two hands to handle, or a fork and knife if you're classy like that. And don't forget to go to town on the hand-cut fries to really give your cholesterol levels a run for their money.
Yorkshire Fish & Chips
This no-frills, family-owned restaurant on Pecos Street near U.S. 36 has been serving authentic homemade English fare for more than 50 years — and quite possibly the longest fish sticks in the city. ($9.85-$17.95)
- By the numbers: The beer-battered cod is cut into roughly 9.5-inch-long, 1-inch-wide strips that outstretch their humble paper tray containers.
- Yes, but: The fries fall flat and could use some serious salt.
GB Fish & Chips
It's hard to go wrong with anything you order at this laid-back local chain, which serves baskets of sizzling deep-fried fish fillets from your choice of cod, pollock and tilapia. ($8.25-$27.25)
- If you go: GB has four locations, including two in Denver, one in Edgewater and another in Arvada.
The British Bulldog
This dark and woody neighborhood pub near Five Points, which specializes in comfort English food, serves super solid and piping-hot beer-battered cod with cold coleslaw — both of which pair perfectly with a soccer game on a summer afternoon. ($16)
Blue Island Oyster Bar & Seafood
For an elevated and unique experience, enjoy this Cherry Creek or Lone Tree location's flaky, wild Atlantic cod fillets covered in a cracker-crusted coating that sets them apart. ($28)
- The intrigue: Also unlike most other seafood spots, Blue Island's entree comes with rosemary-flavored shoestring fries, which are scrumptious albeit untraditional.
The 49th Food & Spirits
Don't let the strip mall location spook you. In fact, that's where many culinary gems tend to hide — and this Alaskan-inspired spot is no exception. Both the cod and the fries get dipped in batter, resulting in crispy, fried flawlessness across the board. ($16)
- The intrigue: You can also order the fish and chips with salmon for $2 more.
- If you go: Lucky for all of us, there are now two locations: South of Lakewood and in Littleton.
