If you want great seafood, Rhode Island delivers.
Our state appetizer is calamari. Our lobster rolls can rival Maine’s (if we do say so ourselves). And of course, we make a great (RI style) clam chowder.
But, this month, we want to talk about humble fish and chips. While the dish may be commonly associated with the British, there are many Ocean State restaurants that make a great chippy. We asked Instagram for readers to tell us their favorites and put them together in a bracket for you to vote in a friendly competition. There are no prizes, only bragging rights.
Without further ado, here is the first round of voting. Polls close on Sunday at 11 pm
Dune Brothers versus Escada Restaurant and Bar
Dune Brothers, 239 Dyer St., Providence, offers three types of fish and chips at its seasonal seafood shack that promotes pier-to-plate dining. Escada Restaurant and Bar, 39 Putnam Pike, Johnston, does solid fish and chips that come highly recommended.
Ye Olde English Fish & Chips vs. McBride’s Irish Pub
Ye Olde English Fish & Chips, 25 S. Main St., Woonsocket, has been around for 100 years for a reason. Everyone loves these fish and chips. Competing with them is McBride’s Irish Pub, 161 Wayland Ave., Providence, which makes a basket that will take you to Dublin.
Amaral’s Fish and Chips vs. Rhody Roots
It’s in the name. Fish and chips are quite a specialty at Amaral’s Fish and Chips, 4 Redmond St., Warren. That said, the locally sourced fish and chips with jalapeno tartar sauce at Rhody Roots, 511 Main St., Warren, can give them a run for their money.
Matunuck Oyster Bar vs. George’s in Galilee
Before talking about this matter, it is worth noting that these restaurants have an incredible view of the water. Matunuck Oyster Bar, 629, Succotash Road, Wakefield, is known for its seafood, and fish and chips are no exception. Quite an institution, George’s in Galilee has been serving fish and chips the traditional way since 1948.
Dave’s Marketplace vs. Iggy’s Boardwalk
A seasonal offering, local chain grocery store Dave’s Marketplace holds Fish and Chips Fridays during the spring with a made-to-order offering that comes highly recommended. They’re up against Iggy’s Boardwalk, the Rhode Island tradition with restaurants in Warwick and Narragansett, where they make an excellent fish and chips sandwich that can be eaten before the doughboys order.
Narragansett Cafe vs. Cap’n Jack’s Restaurant
A fixture in Jamestown since the 1940s, the Narragansett Cafe, 25 Narragansett Ave., bills its fish and chips as famous. Cap’n Jack’s Restaurant, 706 Succotash Road, Wakefield, is on the water with all the fried seafood options you might expect, including fish and chips.
Chelo’s Bar and Grill vs. Crow’s Nest
With nine locations across the state since Chelo’s Bar and Grill began in 1955, it is now the largest family-owned restaurant chain in Rhode Island. Their fish and chips served every Wednesday and Friday during Lent, is listed as the best in Rhode Island on their menu. Proving that statement is Crow’s Nest, 288 Arnolds Neck Drive, Warwick, where they do a classic fish and chips.
Monahan’s Clam Shack vs. Ocean Catch Seafood
Seafood is a specialty at the seasonal Monahan’s Clam Shack, 190 Ocean Road, Narragansett, where you can get all kinds of fried seafood. They will compete with Ocean Catch Seafood, 566 Kingstown Road, Wakefield, a seafood shop, which offers a takeout fish and chips meal for two every Friday.
