The Absolute Best Fish and Chips in Oceanside [Updated 2024]

I've tried countless options, from the hole-in-the-wall spots to the fancier restaurants. After much research (and plenty of delicious taste-testing), I'm excited to share my top picks for the best fish and chips in Oceanside, CA.

With 13 options reviewed and my personal experience with this classic dish, you can trust that these recommendations are truly the crème de la crème. So sit back, relax, grab a cold drink (or some malt vinegar!

), and let's dive into the best fish and chips in Oceanside.

Lighthouse Oyster Bar & Grill

Highlights
Friendly service
Excellent food quality
Kitchen staff camaraderie
Generous portion sizes

Upon arrival, I was greeted with a warm and friendly welcome from the staff. The service was impeccable throughout my visit, making me feel at home.

Now let's talk about the highlight of Lighthouse - their fish and chips! The food quality was exceptional, with a crispy golden batter that encapsulated the fresh and juicy fish within. The portion size was generous enough for two people to share!

What stood out to me was the camaraderie between the kitchen staff. They worked in sync like a well-oiled machine, ensuring that each dish was cooked to perfection. It's clear that they take pride in their work.

Overall, I had an enjoyable dining experience at Lighthouse Oyster Bar & Grill. If you're looking for scrumptious fish and chips with excellent service in Oceanside, then make sure to add this spot to your list!

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Miramar Fish Tacos & Beer

Highlights
Great service
Delicious garlic shrimp
Affordable prices
Excellent shrimp ceviche
Happy hour specials

First and foremost, the service was top notch. The staff was friendly and attentive throughout my entire visit. But let's get to the real reason I came here - the fish and chips. While they didn't have traditional fish and chips on the menu, their garlic shrimp did not disappoint. The shrimp were perfectly cooked with just the right amount of garlic to give it that extra kick. And if you're in the mood for something lighter, I highly recommend their shrimp ceviche - it was so fresh and flavorful.

Speaking of prices, Miramar Fish Tacos & Beer is definitely affordable for those who want a delicious meal without breaking the bank. Plus, they have happy hour specials which is always a plus in my book!

Overall, if you're looking for a great seafood spot in Oceanside with excellent service and tasty options, Miramar Fish Tacos & Beer is definitely worth checking out. Don't forget to try their garlic shrimp and shrimp ceviche!

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The Switchboard Restaurant and Bar

Highlights
Hawaiian/Korean fusion
Signature cocktails
Chicken and waffles
Spectacular decor
Coffee flight and lattes

Firstly, I must say that this restaurant is not the typical fish and chips joint. It's a fusion of Hawaiian and Korean cuisines, making it stand out from the rest. But don't worry, they still have the classic fish and chips on their menu, which I tried and was impressed with. The batter was crispy and the fish was flaky, just how it should be.

Apart from the food, their signature cocktails are worth mentioning. They have a unique cocktail list that you won't find anywhere else in Oceanside. I recommend trying their coffee flight if you're a coffee lover like me, or one of their delicious lattes.

The decor at The Switchboard is simply spectacular! The ambiance is perfect for a casual dining experience or even a date night. You'll feel like you're in an upscale bar in Hawaii or Korea.

One thing to note is that they also serve chicken and waffles, which is another popular dish on their menu. It's definitely worth trying if you're feeling adventurous.

Overall, I highly recommend visiting The Switchboard Restaurant and Bar if you want to try something different from your typical fish and chips joint. Don't forget to try one of their signature cocktails while enjoying the spectacular decor!

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333 Pacific

Highlights
Happy Hour on weekends
Tasty cocktails and oyster shooters
Friendly and attentive service
Surf and Turf dish is great
Seasonal Old Fashion with roasted marshmallow

First of all, let me start with the drinks. Wow, their cocktails are delicious! I highly recommend trying out their seasonal Old Fashioned with a roasted marshmallow on top - it's a perfect balance of sweet and smokey. And if you're feeling adventurous, their oyster shooters are a must-try!

Now onto the fish and chips. Although 333 Pacific is known for its steak and seafood dishes, they also have a pretty tasty fish and chips option on the menu. The fish was perfectly fried with a crispy batter while still being moist and flaky on the inside. And don't get me started on those chips - they were so addictive that I couldn't stop munching on them even after finishing my meal.

The service at 333 Pacific was also exceptional. The staff were incredibly friendly, attentive, and made sure that we had everything we needed throughout our visit. Plus, they offer happy hour specials on weekends which is always a plus!

Lastly, I have to give a shoutout to their surf and turf dish - it was amazing. The steak was cooked to perfection and paired so well with the succulent lobster tail.

Overall, if you're looking for some great fish and chips in Oceanside or just some tasty seafood dishes in general, definitely check out 333 Pacific. They won't disappoint!

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Local Tap House

Highlights
Clean and positive atmosphere
Beautifully plated food
Excellent outdoor patio
Tasty food with generous selection of beer and cocktails
Fun vibe and attentive servers

First off, I have to say that the atmosphere of this place is clean and positively inviting. The moment I stepped in, I felt like I was in a friend's backyard party. The outdoor patio is especially beautiful and gives a relaxing vibe.

When it comes to the food, Local Tap House definitely knows how to plate their dishes beautifully. But let's talk about the star of the show - the fish and chips! The dish was served hot and crispy with perfectly cooked fish inside. It was mouth-watering at every bite!

What made my experience even better was their excellent selection of beer and cocktails. They have a generous selection of drinks that complement their food really well.

The servers are very attentive here, they were always around when I needed something without being intrusive. The fun vibe of the place adds to its charm making it an entertaining spot for any occasion.

Overall, if you're looking for a great place to enjoy some delicious fish and chips with your friends or family, then Local Tap House is definitely worth checking out!

You might also want to check out the best fish and chips in El Cajon.

Harbor House Cafe

Highlights
Super nice and accommodating staff
Fabulous open-air seating area
Homemade from scratch crumb coffee cake
Fantastic pigs in a blanket
Quick service

First off, I have to say that the staff were super nice and accommodating. They really went out of their way to make sure my experience was enjoyable. And let me tell you, it was!

The outdoor seating area at Harbor House Cafe is absolutely fabulous. The open-air setup makes for a lovely dining experience and really enhances the coastal vibe.

Now, onto the food! While I was there, I couldn't resist trying some of their other menu items. And boy, am I glad I did! Their homemade from scratch crumb coffee cake was simply divine. It had just the right amount of sweetness and crumble that melted in my mouth with every bite. Additionally, their pigs in a blanket were fantastic - a savory treat that made my taste buds dance with joy.

But back to the main attraction - the fish and chips! They definitely didn't disappoint. The batter on the fish was crispy and light, while the fish itself was moist and flaky. And as someone who values quick service when dining out, I appreciated how efficiently they got my meal to me.

Overall, if you're looking for a delicious seafood meal or just some tasty brunch options, Harbor House Cafe is definitely worth checking out!

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Harbor Fish & Chips

Highlights
Exceptional service
Clean and fresh fish
Tartar sauce is smooth
Indoor/outdoor seating with a view
Kid-friendly staff

Upon entering, I was immediately impressed with the exceptional service provided by the staff. They were friendly, attentive and quick to answer any questions. The restaurant was spotlessly clean and I could tell that they take pride in their establishment.

The fish itself was fresh and cooked to perfection. It was crispy on the outside yet moist and tender on the inside. As for the tartar sauce, it had a wonderful smooth texture and complemented the fish perfectly.

One of the highlights of this restaurant is its indoor/outdoor seating area with a view of the harbor. It's a great spot to enjoy your meal while soaking up some sun and watching boats pass by.

As someone who values family-friendly establishments, I appreciated how accommodating the staff was towards children. They were patient and even went out of their way to make sure my young ones were comfortable.

In conclusion, if you're looking for delicious fish and chips in Oceanside with exceptional service, then Harbor Fish & Chips is definitely worth checking out!

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Hello Betty

Highlights
Fresh food & drinks
Crunchy, non-greasy batter
Friendly and fast staff

First of all, I was impressed with the freshness of their food and drinks. The fish tasted like it was caught that morning and the beer was icy cold. The atmosphere was lively and fun, with a beachy vibe that made me feel like I was on vacation.

But let's talk about the star of the show: the fish and chips! The batter was crunchy without being too thick or greasy. It had just the right amount of seasoning, making each bite a flavor explosion in my mouth. And don't get me started on the fries – they were crispy and golden brown, just how I like them.

The staff were also incredibly friendly and fast. They checked up on me regularly to make sure everything was to my liking, which added to the pleasant experience.

Overall, Hello Betty is definitely a top contender for best fish and chips in Oceanside. If you're looking for fresh seafood, delicious drinks, and friendly service, then this is the place for you!

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Joe's Crab Shack

Highlights
Spacious
Fresh seafood
Great view
Large portions
Friendly staff

First of all, I was impressed by the spacious and comfortable seating arrangements. The ambiance was lively with a great view of the ocean - perfect for a sunny day. But let's get to the important stuff; the food!

I ordered their fish and chips and was pleased with the large portions they served. The batter on the fish was just right - crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It tasted like it had just been pulled from the ocean, which is always a good sign for any seafood lover.

The fries were also cooked to perfection - crispy and not too oily. But what really stood out to me was how fresh everything tasted. You can tell that Joe's Crab Shack uses only fresh seafood in their dishes.

What made my dining experience even better was the friendly staff who were attentive throughout my meal.

Overall, I would definitely recommend Joe's Crab Shack for anyone looking for delicious fish and chips in Oceanside. It may be a chain restaurant, but don't let that fool you - they know how to serve up some seriously tasty seafood!

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Rockin' Baja Lobster - Oceanside

Highlights
Baja Bucket is incredible
Surprising star: skirt steak tacos
Generous portions with leftovers
Fun atmosphere and great drinks
Extensive bar with great selection

First of all, let me tell you that the Baja Bucket is not just incredible, it's mind-blowing! The bucket includes a generous portion of crispy fried fish and shrimp, juicy steak, tender chicken, and savory sausage. It's perfect for an indecisive foodie like me who wants to try everything.

But here's the kicker: the surprising star of the meal was actually the skirt steak tacos. Who would've thought that a seafood restaurant could master a land-based dish? The meat was juicy and flavorful, and combined perfectly with the fresh toppings and homemade tortillas.

Speaking of generous portions, I left with enough leftovers to feed a small army. And if you're looking for a fun atmosphere with great drinks, Rockin' Baja Lobster has got you covered. The extensive bar offers a great selection of beer and cocktails that pair perfectly with your meal.

Overall, I highly recommend Rockin' Baja Lobster - Oceanside to anyone who loves seafood or just wants to have some good food in a lively atmosphere. Don't forget to order the Baja Bucket and thank me later!

You might also want to check out the best pizza in San Diego.

Oceanside Broiler

Highlights
Top-notch service
Tasty calamari
Cooked fish melts
Longest happy hour
Great value and view

First of all, let me tell you that the service at this place is top-notch. From the moment I walked in, I felt like a VIP. The staff was friendly, attentive and knowledgeable about their menu.

Now let's talk about the fish and chips. Oceanside Broiler definitely knows how to cook fish to perfection. The fish melts in your mouth leaving a burst of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

But wait! Before diving into the fish and chips, I tried their calamari and it was absolutely delicious. It had just the right amount of crunchiness and seasoning without overpowering the calamari's natural flavor.

If you're looking for a good deal, then Oceanside Broiler has got you covered with their long happy hour (the longest in town!). And while you're enjoying your drinks at the bar or on their outdoor patio overlooking the harbor, don't forget to order some fish and chips!

Lastly, this restaurant offers great value for its price. The portions are generous and satisfying. Plus, you get to enjoy a stunning view of the harbor while indulging in some tasty seafood.

Overall, my experience at Oceanside Broiler was fantastic. If you want to enjoy some good quality fish and chips with excellent service and ambiance, then this is definitely a place worth checking out!

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Tin Fish Oceanside

Highlights
Convenient location
Clam chowder in sourdough bowl
Fish tacos/burritos
Waffle fries
Variety of fried seafood

First of all, the location is convenient and easy to find. As I walked in, I was greeted by a friendly staff and a menu that made my mouth water.

I started off with their famous clam chowder in a sourdough bowl which was absolutely delicious. The soup was creamy with just the right amount of clams and seasoning. The sourdough bowl added an extra layer of flavor that made it even more enjoyable.

Next up were their fish tacos/burritos which were packed full of flavor and freshness. The fish was cooked perfectly and seasoned with just the right amount of spice. The burrito was huge and could easily feed two people.

To accompany my meal, I ordered some waffle fries which were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They were seasoned perfectly and paired well with my meal.

Lastly, Tin Fish Oceanside has a great variety of fried seafood options such as shrimp, calamari, oysters, and more. So if you're not in the mood for fish and chips, you have plenty of other options to choose from.

Overall, my experience at Tin Fish Oceanside was fantastic! Their food is fresh, flavorful, and definitely worth trying out if you're looking for some delicious seafood in Oceanside.

You might also want to check out the best seafood in San Diego.

Stratford at the Harbor

Highlights
Harbor view
Delicious food and drinks
Local feel
Outdoor seating
Vegetarian options

From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with a stunning harbor view that immediately put me in the mood for some fresh seafood. The atmosphere had a great local feel, and I could see that many patrons were regulars who came back time and time again.

When it comes to food and drinks, Stratford at the Harbor did not disappoint! Their fish and chips were incredibly delicious with perfectly crispy batter, tender fish, and a side of tangy tartar sauce. And if you're looking for something to wash it down with, their selection of beer and wine is sure to please any connoisseur.

I also appreciated the fact that they had outdoor seating, which made my dining experience all the more enjoyable. And for those who prefer vegetarian options or have dietary restrictions, they have plenty of choices for you too!

Overall, Stratford at the Harbor is definitely one of my top picks for the best fish and chips in Oceanside. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this place is a must-visit for anyone looking for some quality seafood in a beautiful location.

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