Single Serving: Fish and Chips at Bait Shop

So this is what single people in the city sometimes do during the holidays. We get bored sitting around our studio apartment bingeing crap on tv and feel the need to get out in search of food no matter what the weather. Here in Seattle, going out no matter the weather is really an everyday thing. On this particular Christmas Eve it is rainy but mild which is a giant change from the sub freezing temps and sheets of ice the previous day. Ahh, weather.

Since I could get out easily without worrying about falling and breaking something, I spent some time surfing the internet to find out what was open since I have made the mistake of just heading out and then being disappointed when I had my stomach set on something only to find out they was closed. This time, the place I set my sights on not only was open but was doing a special Christmas Eve/Day menu with a few things that caught my eye like collards with bacon. How can I pass that up? I could not of course and managed to pull myself together and get out the door in thirty minutes without having to overly layer up since it was only in the upper 40s.

Things seemed to be on the up too as I stepped out the door and voila! No rain either! Luck on this eve seemed to be on my side. I wasn’t the only one out and about. Not a lot of folks but a fair city number of us city dwellers wanting to be somewhere else this evening. As I reached my destination it seemed fortuitous it wasn’t that busy as it had just reached the dining hour. As a single diner I could just sidle up to the bar and use the QR code to pull up their menu. Something I actually hate but seems to be the thing now so I just go with it. As I peruse the menu there seem to be things missing. Hmmm, I mutter to myself as I flag down a wait person. “Excuse me, wasn’t there some special menu for these two day?” “Oh yeah, sorry, that has been delayed, they are hoping to have it ready to go for Christmas Day. But we still have our regular menu.” “I see, okay then.”

Best laid plans for me and restaurants are not always on order or in this case, the menu either. I sit there for a few minutes debating to stay and pick something of what they got, but then I’m like, no. I was all set for one thing and if it ain’t gonna be that, I’m not really interested in the everyday stuff. With that I put on my coat and am back out the door into the night to find something else. This is where it gets tricky because I have to totally rewire my stomach and figure out what else I might want. It’s why I ended up circling around several blocks of the hood trying to make up my mind. Yes, the kind of thing that always drove the SO crazy. (In the interest of not talking sh*t about some place I may go back to eventually, I am forgoing the name of the delayed menu restaurant—for now. If my next experience there falls through then all bets are off)

Thirty minutes later I get this thought that people eat fish on Christmas Eve right? It is a thing as it turns out with some phone internet sleuthing. Something called feast of the seven fishes it seems. Lots of religious connotations that I’m like, yeah, yeah, yeah. But I have committed to my search for some good fish and chips in this town and why stop now. It can be my new Christmas Eve tradition in Seattle. One has to start somewhere right. Another little internet search and I remember there is the place in my hood that supposedly does a really good fish and chips and quick look tells me their are open this eve till midnight. As a heavy mist begins to fall, I’m like lets do this before it really starts to rain. A short seven minute walk up Broadway later I find myself in front of Bait Shop.

It is a neighborhood bar which really is quite apropos for those with no plans to have a place to go and hang out for a bit. Upon entering, the small space is festively decorated, lit and bustling with folks who seemed to have the same idea of getting out on this mild, misty eve. I was able to snag a tall table by the window so I could people watch both those in the bar and those passing by outside. They have a menu of other things but I am here for a specialty and was able to order up the fish and chips, side of slaw and a beer pretty quickly even with all the hubbub.

fish and chips with a side of slaw

I am greeted with two large pieces of cod, beer battered and served with a decent helping of what their menu calls “world famous hand-cut fries.” First impressions are this is the kind of fish and chips basket I have been looking for. It is a classic old school fish bite that hits all the notes one looks for. Super crunchy crust, slight beer in the batter taste and light flaky fish underneath. The tartar has a mild tang without being sweet working as a compliment to the fish without covering the taste. It was kind of like comfort food. Bite after crunchy bite washed down with actual beer, like being in a UK pub. The only thing that would have made it more perfect would have been some Christmas music emanating from the speakers but alas, one can’t have everything.

The fries were good, not sure I can say world famous but they were thick cut pieces with nice salting. I will say some bits were a tad over done but overall the majority were moderately crisp on the outside and steamy soft inside. Since this was a screw carb day I ate them all so we will say the fries were pretty good if not earth shattering world famous. Which, considering I have eaten many a fry around the world, I can accurately attest to.

I ordered a side of slaw as I felt I need something to offset all the deep fried stuff. Interesting it was all purple cabbage and carrots. Some green would have been nice but their “house made with secret sauce” had a slight sweetness and tang without being cloying and drench in mayo. I could have used a little black pepper and a dash of salt but those are personal choices and somewhat based on the my grandmas recipe for slaw. Overall it was a nice side dish compliment.

This was a darn fine basket of fish and chips and it really did hit the spot for my taste buds and stomach. And while it sounds like there is a but coming, there is. My biggest issue is the price. While it is the biggest of the ones I have had here it is also the most pricey, coming in at $18 plus an add on of $6 for the side of slaw. When one is eatin’ single for the holidays, price kind of is an issue. Splurging every once and a awhile is nice for self treating your psyche, but moderation is the key. It’s too bad they don’t have like a one piece with fries for $10 or something for the solo bar patrons. And maybe add just a tiny side of slaw while they are at instead of as a side only. If I think about it in broader terms, this basket and side are definitely made for sharing. The pieces of fish are big enough and the ample supply of fries and slaw make it ripe for splitting with friends or dates, even if you throw in a beer each. Such is the world of solo dining, balancing good food, affordability and the occasional spending spree to eat what is out there.

In the interest of the holidays and treating oneself I am gonna say open the wallet and head on down to Bait Shop for what is so far, the best of the fish and chips I have had in my short tenure in this city. Whether you do it on your own, with friends or that “special” friend it is worth the trip and expense. I guess if I somehow turn this into a Christmas Eve tradition of sorts while I am here this can count as one of those food splurges you should not feel guilty about or put yourself on the naughty list for. Who knows, maybe your Christmas gift wishes will come true, and if not, well, at least you will be well fed.