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A Local Eatery Offers The Most Authentic Fish & Chips Outside The UK Right In Minneapolis

Published: July 8, 2025

Picture this:

You’re craving authentic fish and chips, the kind that would make a Brit weep with joy, but you’re stuck in the heart of Minnesota.

Before you book a flight to London, consider this hidden gem that’s been making waves since 2009.

The Anchor Fish & Chips serves up delicious Irish/American fare featuring authentic beef tallow-fried fish & chips, using wild-caught sustainable seafood, local produce, meats & dairy. This isn’t your typical chain restaurant experience.

When you arrive at this cozy Northeast Minneapolis spot, you’ll understand why people line up for what many consider the most authentic fish and chips outside of the British Isles.

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The restaurant started when three Northeast residents, missing quality fish and chips from home, decided to bring that authentic experience to Minneapolis’s coolest residential street.

Menu Highlights

The Real Deal Fish & Chips: At $17.50, you get a beautiful fillet of Wild Alaskan Cod served over hand-cut chips with tartar sauce.

The magic happens in the preparation – they cook everything in beef tallow which gives extra flavor, creating that perfect crispy exterior that gives way to flaky, tender fish inside. You’ll taste the difference immediately – this isn’t your typical restaurant oil-fried fish.

Hand-Cut Chips: These aren’t ordinary fries. The hand-cut chips are crispy perfection, though some of the chips underneath the fish may get slightly soggy from the delicious oils. Every bite delivers that authentic British chip experience that transports you straight to a London chippy.

World-Class Shepherd’s Pie: Made with Peterson Craftsman Meats Beef, veggies, topped with mashed potatoes for $12.00, this dish has earned rave reviews from shepherd’s pie enthusiasts. The base sauce has a unique semblance of French onion soup, creating a more “soupy” texture that many find irresistible.

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The Helicopter Burger: Don’t overlook the burgers here. Made with grass-fed beef and featuring Irish cheddar, this is comfort food at its finest. It’s proof that The Anchor excels beyond just fish and chips.

Authentic Irish Breakfast: They offer both “Full Whack” and “Half Whack” versions of traditional Irish breakfast, complete with Heinz beans (the proper English tomato sauce style), grilled tomatoes, eggs, English shoulder bacon, and potato bread.

Specialty Sides: The mushy peas are essential – many consider them a must-try accompaniment. You’ll also find Heinz beans, curry chips, and battered sausage that rounds out the authentic British experience.

Fresh Chowder: Their Wild Alaskan Cod and Wild Oregon Coast Shrimp chowder comes with spuds, local veggies, cream, and toast – a hearty option that showcases their commitment to quality seafood.

Atmosphere & Décor

Authentic Irish Pub Vibes: You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into an authentic Irish pub rather than a typical Minneapolis restaurant. The atmosphere captures that comfortable neighborhood bar feeling with worn-but-welcoming décor that adds to the charm rather than detracts from it.

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Intimate Dining Space: This is a cozy spot with limited seating – around 25 seats inside. The intimate setting means you’ll likely see other diners enjoying their meals and might even watch the cooks work their magic in the open kitchen area.

Bustling Energy: The restaurant buzzes with energy and excitement. You’ll often find lines during peak hours, which speaks to the quality and local following this place has earned. The electric atmosphere makes dining here feel like an event rather than just a meal.

New Back Patio: They recently added 34 more seats on their new back patio, helping reduce wait times during busy periods while maintaining that neighborhood gathering spot feel.

Other Considerations

Pricing Perspective: With fish and chips at $17.50, you’re getting excellent value considering the quality and portion sizes. The pricing falls into the mid-range category for Minneapolis dining, but the authenticity and quality justify every penny.

The fish and chips with mushy peas costs $13.75 (pricing from earlier reviews), which is actually a real deal when compared to similar quality dishes in London.

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Wait Times and Crowds: This place gets busy, especially during dinner hours and weekends. You might face a 45-minute wait if you’re dining with a larger group, as there are only a couple of tables that accommodate more than two people. The popularity is a testament to the quality, but plan accordingly.

Parking Situation: Street parking is available and generally not too difficult to find within a block or two. They also have a small parking lot in back, though spaces are limited.

Family-Friendly Environment: This is a casual, welcoming spot that works well for families. Kids will love the crispy fish and chips, while adults can enjoy the Irish beers and authentic atmosphere.

No Reservations Policy: They no longer take reservations to accommodate more guests without enforcing time limits on your dining experience. It’s first-come, first-served, which adds to the authentic pub experience.

Food Truck Option: Keep an eye out for their food truck around the Twin Cities – it’s a great way to experience their fish and chips at various events and locations throughout the metro area.

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The Anchor Fish & Chips
📍 302 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413

Writer: Alicia Verville
Contributor

I love writing and I love Minneapolis! My favorite places to explore are charming small towns, vibrant arts scene, and hidden gems anywhere outdoors. Fall foliage with a good documentary is my version of heaven.