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Fish With You
Master Critic Review
Fish With You
7.8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Sichuan fast-casual chain specializing in suan cai yu, a signature sauerkraut white fish stew loaded with tingly Sichuan peppercorns. Choose between basa or snakehead fish, customize the broth intensity, and add extras like sweet potato noodles or baby cabbage to this generous one-pot meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Signature Suan Cai Fish, Tomato Fish, Spicy Green Pepper Fish
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: One of 2,500+ worldwide locations of China's top sauerkraut fish brand
Who should go: Sichuan food fans, late-night diners, fish lovers
When to visit: Late night when open until 1:30 AM or later
What to order: Signature suan cai fish, add sweet potato noodles and extra vegetables
Insider tip: One large serving easily satisfies multiple bowls of rice
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - metered spots on Vermont Ave and side streets, mostly available after 6pm. Small lot behind building often full during peak hours.
Dress code: Ultra casual - workout clothes and hoodies are the norm. This is a fast-casual spot where comfort rules.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - open kitchen and communal vibe mean conversation is easy but not whisper-quiet. Fine for casual chat.
Weekend wait: 15-25 min during peak (7-9pm) - mostly for takeout orders. Dine-in seating usually available within 10 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - walk in and order at counter, seats typically open
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - the fish stew is the star here. A few veggie side dishes (cucumber salad, stir-fried greens) but not a vegetarian-friendly destination.
Vegan options: Not recommended - even vegetable sides may contain fish-based broths or sauces. Better options exist in Koreatown.
Gluten-free options: Challenging - soy sauce in most dishes, cross-contamination likely in shared kitchen. Sweet potato noodles are naturally GF but broth may contain wheat.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves adventurous Chinese food and doesn't mind casual vibes. The communal-style eating over a big pot of fish is fun but messy - better for someone you're already comfortable with. The numbing Sichuan peppercorns can also make lips tingly, which might be awkward on a first meet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they don't take reservations. It's counter-service with open seating. Show up, order at the counter, grab a table. Weekends 7-9pm can get crowded but turnover is relatively quick (30-40 min average).
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for adventurous eaters ages 8+ who can handle mild spice. The fish has small bones to watch for. You can request milder broth, and kids often enjoy the sweet potato noodles. High chairs not available - this is counter seating and regular tables only.
How spicy is it really? The signature suan cai fish is more numbing than burning - Sichuan peppercorns create a tingly sensation rather than heat. You can request spice levels from mild to extra-spicy. Even 'mild' has some kick, but it's manageable for most people who enjoy any level of spice.
Is one order enough for two people? Absolutely - the large serving is genuinely generous and designed to share. Order one fish pot, add extra noodles or veggies, and get 2-3 bowls of rice. Most couples leave satisfied splitting one order, making it an excellent value.
Best For
Better for: Late-night authentic Sichuan cravings on a budget - few places in Koreatown serve this specific suan cai yu style past midnight. Also better for solo diners who want a complete, warming meal without expensive minimums or awkward table-for-one vibes.
Skip if: You want diverse menu options (it's basically one dish with variations), need a quiet romantic setting, or your group includes picky eaters or anyone who dislikes fish. For general Sichuan food with more variety, try Chengdu Taste nearby instead.