May 23, 2014 — Fish and chips aren’t just for Fridays in Lent — especially in SouthCoast, where the vast number of superior seafood joints can leave locals spoiled by a richness of choices.
It also leaves a guy like me — with an incurable taste for fresh seafood — the opportunity to sample some of the freshest fish on the planet. After all, New Bedford has been ranked the No. 1 seafood port in the nation for more than dozen years in a row. And I have hundreds of fish-and-chip options within a half-hour drive from my home in New Bedford.
If I were making this list 15 years ago, my top three spots would have been Yvette’s on Ashley Boulevard, Jerry’s on Nash Road, and Ronnie’s on Belleville Avenue, but unfortunately those places no longer exist.
It’s also a bit tough on the gut to eat 10-plus orders of fish and chips within the span of one assignment, so I’ve assembled a list consisting of some of my old personal favorites, along with some new spots I’ve just recently tried. I’ve also included a few places that are critically acclaimed by local experts whose word is just too good to be ignored.
So bring on the vinegar and tartar sauce; here are my selections for the Top 10 places for fish and chips in SouthCoast.
CAPE QUALITY SEAFOOD, DARTMOUTH
The one restaurant that’s on everyone’s list is Cape Quality Seafood in Dartmouth. The masses’ opinions can’t be ignored. Plus, Cape Quality’s website says the restaurant only uses local seafood, which is obviously a bonus. And at $7.99, you’re not likely to find this dish at a more affordable price.
HORTA'S, NEW BEDFORD
Next is Horta’s in New Bedford’s South End. Mention the words fish and chips to friends, and it’s always first or one of the first names you’ll hear in response. They’re just that good. “My father taught me that Horta’s was the only place to go,” said Emily Saunders of New Bedford. “And he was a reliable source for that type of info, so…”
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