Harbor Fish & Chips

Are you a sociopath?

I have been enjoying Harbor Fish & Chips for almost 20 years. My wife for about 35+ some odd years give or take on a good day.

This place is fantastic for families, tourists, and locals. Huge mix of people enjoying the fresh O-side taste. Don't be afraid of the lines or intimidated by the ordering counter. The people up there are friendly and ready to get you the right meal experience.

The fish- mmmMMMMmmm. How else can you describe the perfect fried fish. I lived in Alaska and this is reminiscent of some the best I've ever had.

Onion rings- crunchy and perfectly cooked. (No ranch available)

The coleslaw - so fresh and dressed to perfection. Not under dressed like the people walking by. Not overdressed like being on an Amish farm.

Burgers - if you're not a fish fan they have other menu items that will make you just as happy and full.

Oceanside has more beautiful days than poor days. Enjoy a seat outside in the sun. If it's not your cup of tea then you can sit inside. If you're cold but want to see the harbor then there is a seat in the enclosed patio. Either way it's all first come/seat yourself.

You really have to be a sociopath if you can't find something you like at Harbor Fish & Chips.

Got the Friday special that consisted of one piece of very good fish, fries, two delicious shrimp, tasty slaw and a drink. The wife and I both agreed that this seemed to be a better visit than ever before. My wife said it was because of the shrimp that we had never yet tried and enjoyed. They were very good. The wife got and enjoyed her usual huge fish taco.

This trip made our Friday.

Dicks

We drove down to visit family in San Diego and got hungry on the drive down. We love Oceanside so stopped in for some local fish. Harbor Fish and chips were so very busy compared to some of the other restaurants at the harbor.

The staff taking our order was so friendly and hospitable. They make their own tartar sauce which was yummy and creamy.

Their outside seating is basic but the view is stupendous!!!!!

The fish was very fresh! Not sure if we liked the prawns or fish better.

Will certainly be back again!

We were at the nearby Mission and a local fellow recommended Harbor to us. Great suggestion! Thank you, friend. The fish is exquisite. Thin crispy batter, huge portions, and so delicate inside. And even better with the perfectly mixed tartar sauce.

The beans...oy vey. Almost had to spit it out. SUPER sweet with a brown sugar and ketchup syrupy texture. For us, totally inedible.

Super cute inside our outside seating. Service was fast and food was yummy. Be aware to fight for a parking on weekend visit!

Super huge ginormous fish and chips!

You order your meal at the front and then seat yourself and pickup at the counter. There is outside seating right in front of the harbor.

We got the captain's special to share as it was HUGE. Came with a lot of fries, 2 shrimp and 2 fish. Tartar sauce tasted super yummy with the fish and shrimp. The piece of shrimp was giant and juicy. Fish was a bit thin, but it was a good batter to fish ratio.

Super crowded around lunchtime.

The fish & chips here are really good and they're huge! Granted, a lot of is breading but the flavor is on-point and what I was looking for. This is a cute place right on the harbor so the views are stunning. There's plenty of seating inside and out and they offer beer. What's not to like?

Well there is one thing...

Prices are a bit high and when ordering they do the screen flip thing where it asks you to select a 20% tip (or other percentages). Don't love having to be guilted into tipping when you have to order your own food and pick it up yourself. So I tipped 20% which was $15. $15 for basically standing there and spinning the screen around. Ugh.

But I digress. Fish was goooood.

What a pleasant surprise! I was driving by and needed a quick lunch.
This place along the water in Oceanside is a gem!
I luckily found free parking in the lot. There are paid spots too.
You order at the counter. The service was friendly and fast. They call your number and you pick up your food at the counter.
It was a Friday, and the special of the day was $1 off the Sampler plate which is what I ordered.
It came with clam chowder which was flavorful and creamy. The Tabasco on the table gave it a nice kick.
There were two pieces of fish which were crispy, hot, and delicious. The malt vinegar on the table gave it a tangy kick.
The two pieces of shrimp were crunchy and big.
The fries were good, yet could've been a bit crispier.
The coleslaw was flavorful, yet I'm not a huge fan of coleslaw in general. It was still good and I had a few bites.
The ambiance is casual and there were plenty of clean tables to choose from either inside or the nice patio out front in front of the water.
It's a little pricey, but worth it for the view, food, and service. I'd come back if I'm in the area.

10/10 would come back here!! The fish and chips were amazing!!! Not too greasy, breading light and crunchy as it should be!

Food portions are huge. Once piece of fish was plenty. The Cole slaw was delicious. You order at the counter and pickup there too. We ate on the closed in patio which was perfect because I didn't want those birds stealing my fries! It's a very casual and comfortable atmosphere.