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The Codmother Fish & Chips
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
The Codmother Fish & Chips
8.0
Long-running fish-and-chips truck anchored at the Wharf serving crisp fried cod, shrimp, and tacos. Lines move quickly and prices stay friendly for the area.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cod fish & chips, Shrimp & chips, Fish tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Beloved Wharf staple for textbook-crispy British-style baskets.
Who should go: Casual seafood fans on the go
When to visit: Mid-afternoon between lunch and dinner rushes
What to order: Cod & chips; shrimp; tacos
Insider tip: Grab sauces on the side to keep the batter crisp.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking nearby or paid lots along Beach Street; best to park before 11am or after 6pm when turnover is higher.
Dress code: Totally casual—shorts, hoodies, and sneakers fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate; it’s an outdoor food truck setup with steady Wharf traffic but easy to chat.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes at peak times; line moves quickly with multiple fryers running.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait before noon; short line mid-afternoon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—fries, coleslaw, and veggie tacos are available.
Vegan options: Minimal; only plain fries qualify, as batter and sauces contain dairy.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated fryer or GF batter—cross-contact likely, not ideal for celiac diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a fun, low-key outing than a romantic date—think shared baskets and casual park bench dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are outdoor picnic tables on a first-come basis, and turnover is quick thanks to counter service.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—kids love the fries and fried fish, and it’s an easy stop before or after Pier 39 activities.
Best For
Better for: Classic, inexpensive fried seafood done right—fresher and crispier than nearby tourist traps.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down seafood dinner with wine service or indoor seating.
The Codmother Fish & Chips
7.9
Beloved Wharf food-truck-turned-fixture frying crisp, golden fish, shrimp, and calamari to order. Picnic tables, quick service, and generous portions make it an easy, affordable seafood stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cod & Chips, Fried Shrimp Basket, Fish Tacos
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: No-frills, high-turnover fry station delivering hot, perfectly crisp seafood.
Who should go: Budget seafood fans on the go
When to visit: Mid-afternoon to skip lunch lines
What to order: Cod & chips; fried shrimp; fish tacos
Insider tip: Grab sauces at the window and eat immediately for peak crunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Beach and Jefferson Streets; nearby paid lots fill quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Completely casual—think T-shirt, shorts, and sunglasses.
Noise level: Moderate outdoor bustle from Wharf crowds but conversation-friendly at off-peak times.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on tour groups and cruise traffic.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before noon; short line by 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—fries, coleslaw, and a few sides only.
Vegan options: Very limited—fries are the main option.
Gluten-free options: No dedicated fryer, so not suitable for strict gluten-free diets.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re after a laid-back, beachy vibe—it’s picnic tables and paper trays, not candlelight.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, all seating is first come, first served at shared picnic tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—kids love the fries and fish baskets, and outdoor seating makes it easy for families with strollers.
Best For
Better for: Quick, freshly fried seafood without tourist-trap prices—perfect for casual Wharf dining.
Skip if: You want indoor seating, table service, or upscale seafood presentation.
The Codmother Fish & Chips
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Fisherman’s Wharf’s long-running fish-and-chips truck fries to order—light batter, hot chips, and picnic-table seating that keeps things casual and quick. It’s a crowd-pleaser for families who want value and speed near the piers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Classic Cod & Chips, Fish Taco (Baja style), Calamari & Chips
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Made-to-order British-style fry shop with speedy counter service.
Who should go: Families needing fast, affordable Wharf bites
When to visit: 11:30am–12:15pm or mid-afternoon lull
What to order: Cod & chips; shrimp taco; tartar-loaded calamari
Insider tip: Grab nearby benches on Beach St for extra seating during rush.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking nearby on Beach and Jones Streets; limited spaces fill by midday. Public garages within a 5-minute walk at Anchorage Square and Pier 39.
Dress code: Completely casual—shorts, tees, and sandals fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively due to outdoor seating and Wharf traffic; conversation possible at quieter side tables.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during peak afternoons; dinner crowds thin after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically 5–10 minutes, though rushes hit around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—fries and slaw are main options; no dedicated vegetarian entrees.
Vegan options: Minimal—chips and basic salads only; shared fryers used.
Gluten-free options: Not ideal—batter and fryers contain gluten; safe options limited to coleslaw and drinks.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves street food and outdoor vibes—it’s casual, fun, and lively but not romantic or quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Order at the counter and grab a picnic table or nearby bench; turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—great for families with kids ages 4 and up. Outdoor seating, fast service, and mild flavors make it easy for young eaters.
Best For
Better for: Freshly fried-to-order fish and unbeatable casual Wharf energy at a fraction of sit-down restaurant prices.
Skip if: You want indoor seating, craft cocktails, or an extensive seafood menu—opt for Scoma’s or Fog Harbor instead.
The Codmother Fish & Chips
8.4
Long-running Wharf food truck serving British-style chips that stay crisp under malt vinegar and sauces. Locals queue for generous baskets and fast turnover that keeps fries hot and fresh.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thick-cut chips with malt vinegar, Curry sauce fries, Garlic aioli fries
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Classic chip-shop technique yields shatter-crisp fries with proper seasoning.
Who should go: Fish-and-chips fans craving serious fries
When to visit: Weekdays 11:30–2 for shortest lines
What to order: Chips with curry sauce; garlic aioli; cod & chips combo
Insider tip: Ask for extra salt-and-vinegar toss right out of the fryer.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking nearby; best bet is the paid lots on Beach or Jefferson Streets within a 2–3 minute walk.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are, often tourists and locals in shorts or hoodies.
Noise level: Moderate outdoor chatter from Wharf crowds, but conversation is easy in off-peak hours.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on tourist traffic; the line moves quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before noon, brief line mid-day.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – fries, mushy peas, and curry sauce are solid non-meat options.
Vegan options: Limited – chips and sauces like ketchup or vinegar only.
Gluten-free options: No – shared fryer with breaded fish; not safe for celiac guests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than formal dates—fun, lively, and quick with a picnic-table vibe ideal for easy conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations; picnic tables are first-come, first-served, and turnover is fast even during peak times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—great for families with kids of any age; open seating and simple menu make it an easy stop before or after Wharf attractions.
Best For
Better for: Crispier, more authentic British-style chips than nearby tourist fry stands, with faster service and better seasoning.
Skip if: You want indoor seating, full bar service, or gluten-free frying—this is strictly a casual outdoor setup.
The Codmother Fish & Chips
8.0
Casual Wharf staple for crisp, beer-battered fish and hand-cut chips served fast from a walk-up stand with patio seating. It’s a quick, satisfying stop when you want British-style fry-ups without the frills.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish & Chips, Fish Tacos, Fried Mars Bar
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: British-style batter with a light, consistently crisp fry.
Who should go: Grab-and-go fish-and-chips fans
When to visit: Early lunch before noon to skip lines
What to order: Fish & chips; fish tacos; fried Mars bar
Insider tip: Add malt vinegar and request extra-crispy fries at the window.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking nearby along Beach Street and Jefferson Street; limited spots fill quickly, but nearby paid lots at PIER 39 offer easy access within a 5-minute walk.
Dress code: Completely casual—T-shirts, shorts, and sneakers are standard. It’s an outdoor stand, so layers help on windy Wharf days.
Noise level: Moderate to lively due to the tourist foot traffic and outdoor setting—expect background chatter but easy conversation at picnic tables.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak Wharf rush; lines move fast but seating can be limited.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait before noon; expect 5–10 minutes at peak hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—fries, coleslaw, and sides only; no dedicated vegetarian mains.
Vegan options: Very limited—chips are fine but fried items share oil with seafood.
Gluten-free options: Not suitable—batter and fryer cross-contamination make it unsafe for gluten-free diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for casual and playful—more of a fish-fry-in-the-sun vibe than a sit-down meal, but fun for a walk along the Wharf after.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Seating is first-come, first-served at outdoor picnic tables; expect some turnover even when busy.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—kids love the fries and fried fish portions. Outdoor seating keeps it easy for families, though seating can get crowded midday.
Best For
Better for: Fast, crispy, no-frills fish-and-chips with outdoor seating—perfect for casual Wharf eating without tourist-trap prices.
Skip if: You’re looking for indoor dining, table service, or a broader seafood menu—try Fog Harbor Fish House for that.