Fish and Chips
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Barbara's Fish Trap
Barbara's Fish Trap in Half Moon Bay (actually in Princeton-by-the-Sea) is without doubt the finest fish & chips in the bay area. For real vegetarians, as opposed to occasional fish eaters like me, they also have tempura veggies. A walk in neighboring Pillar Point harbor rounds off the meal quite well, as does a drink in the wood-paneled Harbor Bar.
The problem with most fish and chips outside Britain and Ireland is that the chips are frozen and the oil is too hygienic! I'm not kidding, the best oil for frying freshly cut potatoes is oil that's been reused and reused and reused all day. True British chips are vaguely soggy, certainly not shiny and golden like you'll find in most restaurants in the US. Do remember that, soggy or not, smothering them with vinegar is a must.
Rose and Crown
In the South Bay, the only fish and chips that I've found that are adequately soggy is at the Rose and Crown British pub in downtown Palo Alto. (Trivia quiz night is Tuesdays.)
Chris's Fish and Chips
Jonathan's
Highly rated by guide books, and tolerable in my view, are Chris's Fish and Chips in Los Altos, Jonathan's on Willow in Ravenswood. Although passable, all are far too clean, and all give too few chips, and shiny golden chips at that.
Taylor's Refresher
Not exactly close, but Taylor's Refresher at the Ferry Building in SF has fantastic fish and chips. I believe they usually use mahi mahi. You can also substitute sweet potato fries, spicy fries, etc. if you have a preference. (Their ahi tuna burger is also excellent.)
Burdock's
The finest fish and chips on the planet are at Burdock's on Werburgh Street in Dublin, right beside Dublin Castle. If ever visiting, get cod and chips with bits (the bits are fried leftover bits from earlier in the day). Expect about three pounds weight of fish, batter and chips. To-go only, but round off with a beer in the neighboring Lord Edward pub.
