The catchphrase here, “You’ve tried the rest, now taste the best” is spot on. Using the traditional English technique of frying in animal fat (sorry vegetarians) while finding the freshest and finest quality fish, The Fish & Chip Shop does it up right. British bred Mick Shillingsford opened up shop in November 2008 out of a forlorn longing for the fish and chips of his youth. Brother Dave does the cooking and has perfected Mick’s recipes to the core.

This small hole-in-the-wall restaurant isn’t much from the exterior but packs a big punch in the flavor department within. Located on N. Killingsworth, with easy access off of I-5, The Fish & Chip Shop is a trouble-free destination. Monthly coupons available on their website make it another reason to visit.

The succulent, flaky inside, crisp outside, fish and chips are king here with a choice of cod, red snapper, Dover sole, haddock or halibut. The chips are authentic British fare, thick wedges of potato as opposed to thin, crispy fries. All meals are available in 2 piece regular plate ($7.50-$9.00) or 3 piece large plate ($10.50-$12.00) escorted by a pound of chips – fries to us – homemade tartar sauce and lemon. Really hungry? Order ‘The Codfather’ ($16.00), a half pound of cod with a pound of chips, or split with a friend. Sprinkle with a little salt and douse the fish and chips with malt vinegar and be ready to have your taste buds take flight.

Other English specialties on hand are bangers and mash, Shepherd’s Pie, Cornish pasty and bubble and squeak (with bangers and beans), each a reasonable $9.95. These can be downed with one of many authentic English beverages like Ribena ($2.50), a favorite black current drink, a Boddingtons ($3.75) or New Castle Brown Ale ($4.00).

Classics like the Scotch egg ($3.95) or mushy peas ($3.50) are also worthy of sinking your choppers into. Surprisingly different battered red beets are an excellent choice while anticipating the main catch. Heed the sign, “Prepared to order. Allow approximately 30 minutes for hot food to cook”. They mean it. Call ahead to place an order if time is tight or if your visit includes a lunch hour.

Shillingsford previously operated a food cart called The Great British Banger at Saturday Market and is also owner of The Portland Ice Cream Company. The cart went belly-up, lasting only one season, discouraged by his inability to keep his food as fresh as he’d like. Fortunately for the rest of us, looks like The Fish & Chip Shop will be around for a while.

The Fish & Chip Shop
1218 N. Killingsworth Street, Portland
(503) 232-3344