A Salt & Battery provides a strong rebuttal to those who would make British cuisine the butt of culinary jokes. This tiny British Isles establishment in the West Village cooks up such a fine fish and chips that Sam Adams himself would be tempted to swear allegiance to the crown after a bite. And who could blame him? What could be better than scoring one of the six or seven counter seats for some lightly battered fish, a heaping pile of chips (there are no "fries" here, the menu notes) and a cold pint of Boddingtons? The all-British staff only adds to the charm. In the mother country, different regions are known for offering a particular type of fish, but A Salt & Battery gives diners favorite options from every area: Haddock, sole, whiting and pollock (a recent substitution for cod, which has been notably overfished worldwide) all come wrapped in newspaper. Aside from chips, sides include mushy peas and the ubiquitous (in the UK, anyway) Heinz Baked Beans. It's also received much acclaim from both the media and regular junk food junkies for its deep-fried Mars bar. Beer available. Serving lunch and dinner daily.
Where the Locals Eat Rating
Best Fish and Chips
Top 100 Restaurant, New York City
"New York's only truly authentic Fish 'n Chip shop." ... "Due to the current environmental climate and the world-wide depletion of fish stocks, A Salt & Battery is switching to locally grown sustainable produce."
– A Salt & Battery website
"Better than decent fish and chips, as well as working-class British shockers like batter-fried sausage, deep-fried Mars bars and chip butties (french-fry sandwiches and pride of the English midlands)."
—The New York Times
"Aside from the main attraction, properly wrapped in British newspaper, there are mushy peas, pickled onions, English baked beans, and the improbably edible deep-fried Mars Bars. Between orders, a relentlessly cheery staff spouts cockney slang."
—New York magazine
"...about as authentic as any non-U.K. fish-and-chips joint could be: The batter is light and crispy, the cod tender, and the chips Brit-style soggy (even before you douse them with vinegar)."
—Time Out New York
"There's not much room in the place – only a counter with a few seats – but you can take your fish out and find a spot in one of the neighborhood parks or walk over to the river and eat on the waterfront."
– Newsday.com
How Others Rate A Salt & Battery
Zagat 2008
18 Food Rating (Good to Very Good)