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A Salt & Battery
Category: Restaurants Fish & Chips Fish & Chips [Edit]
112 Greenwich Ave(between 12th St & Jane St)
New York, NY 10011
Neighborhood: West Village
(212) 691-2713
- Nearest Transit:
-
14 St (1, 2, 3)
8 Av (L)
14 St (A, C, E)
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11:30 am - 10:30 pm
Sun 11:30 am - 10 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
436 reviews for A Salt & Battery
Review Highlights
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"OMFG i Love the deep fried MARS bar." In 27 reviews -
"And home-made perfectly-tangy tartar sauce, too." In 77 reviews -
"Yummy, especially coated with malt vinegar." In 42 reviews
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436 reviews in English
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Review from Don J.
Chicago, IL
5/25/2012
I can only rate the Deep Fried Mars bar (I had dinner in Soho so I couldn't have another full meal) I had as good as I've had back in Ireland, England and Scotland. It cost $4 when I used to pay 6 euro in Ireland for it so I don't think it is totally overpriced like so many other people are saying.
The staff are fun, friendly and polite which isn't always the case when you go to a fish and chip shop.
I live in Chicago but I will be returning to A Salt and Battery in 2 weeks time when I return to New York. After comparing the prices of Fish & Chips in Chicago to A Salt and Batterys, it is clear that they price their food fairly. The average Fish and Chips in Chicago costs $16 so I'll happily pay $11 for an even bigger portion in New York. -
Review from Steve L.
Madison, WI
5/1/2012
Average. As others have mentioned, the place is:
- Expensive
- Crowded
- Bland
The batter is excellent, but I don't order fish & chips for the batter... Even when you pay a premium for the haddock, it's still extremely bland. I suppose that's a sign of quality fish -- you don't want to eat a "fishy" piece of haddock -- but it's just lacking something.
Everything is prepared to perfection, but the experience left me wanting more.
Great service, though - guys behind the counter were friendly and entertaining. Eating standing up while bumping elbows and butts with 15 other people wasn't quite as entertaining. -
Review from Stratos G.
Flushing, NY
4/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
Im not going to lie the food was great, but they straight up rob yo ass in the place!! It is SOOOOO pricey!!! C'mon guys, I understand there are expenses but be reasonable with the prices....ITS FISH AND CHIPS!!!!! .....not caviar and Dom Perignon, this place seems like it lost its identity!
The fish was fresh and they food was delicious, dont go there with a huge appetite because you will have to take a small loan out by the end of the meal. Stop in anticipating a small meal nothing too filling......
Def get the fried candy bar for dessert!! -
Review from Linda Y.
Brooklyn, NY
4/9/2012
Sorry to call out on the name of the fish & chip shop, but my friend and I were lol-ing about the name, but it does make it memorable though. So I made a stop at this place when it was raining outside, and weather made me think of how London weather is like, cloudy. This is my first individual experience with fish and chips. I had one experience with fish & chips as a eating choice of my dining companion. I was looking forward to the mushy peas. I ordered that with the Haddock and Chips.
Criticism, this place is freaking overpriced for their soda and water.. for $2 whereas I would expect the price to be a $1, I was kinda annoyed by that aspect. Also another aspect, wishing for better seating. Booths and by the window makes this place seem like a dive/hole in the wall.
Probably I would make a comeback trip to this venue if my sis or friends want to try this out, but one it has to be eaten at better location, and two I am going to try the Pollack. Honestly though, I am not a fan of fried fish though, it was quite a greasy fare. -
Review from Jessica A.
Brooklyn, NY
4/14/2012
Wow, I was seriously bummed out. The pollock had absolutely no flavor. I might as well simply eaten the batter. I'm originally from Seattle... maybe we just have a more flavorful fish?
The only thing that made it edible was the tartar. But they're sorta running a tartar scam, which leaves me bitter. When I got my order, I was going to ask the (yes, super friendly) counter guy for extra tarter, since I always need it. Then I saw he already put two in there, so yay! When I desperately opened the tubs to help save my fish, I found they were both only 1/3 full.
Bummer, all the way around. -
Review from Darwin G.
4/15/2012
The only food I liked when I was in England was fish and chips. I haven't had this stuff in almost a decade and finally a trip to Meatpacking change this spell.
It was great being served someone actually British, he was quite nice. For $12, you can get 4 oz. of fried pollock with an order of chips. Unfortunately, the place was closing down and they had to take their outside benches. Otherwise, ordering and sitting out on the bench and soaking in Meatpacking would be perfect.
Walking around and having it all wrapped up in paper got the fish and chips a bit soggy, so I recommend eating it fast. They were nice enough to throw in ketchup, vinegar, and a generous amount of the necessary tartar.
The fish was to die for. Fresh, hot, and flaky right out of the fryer. The chips portion was way too big. I threw out most of mine. I would suggest splitting a single order with 2-3 people and order more fish with the money left.
To wash it down, I also ordered an Irn-Bru, what I saw Anthony Bourdain drink when he was at a chip shop in Scotland. Apparently it's a huge soft drink there, but I didn't care for it. It was $3 for a bottle and tastes like cream soda and root beer, but lighter in flavor. In the end, a beverage that's too sweet for no reason.
They have a pretty large menu of other fried goods, fried sweets, meat pies, etc. Until next time for more delicious fish. -
Review from John K.
3/27/2012 1 photo
I ordered the fish and chips.
First, to the suprise that it was pretty steep for a piece of fish and a bunch of fries.
I didn't think it was bad, but I wasn't impressed either. And again, its pricey.
I was expecting more. -
Review from Scott S.
Manhattan, NY
4/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
Went for a late lunch on Sunday, great little shop, friendly staff. I ordered the Pollack and chips for $16, lucky to get a seat by the window............... fish was good, chips ok.
Must say I agree with the people who say they were expecting more. -
Review from Bryant R.
3/19/2012
As advertised. These fish and chips are a genuine throwback to London.
They also have a great beer selection.
The pricing is pretty high for something that you need to eat in such an uncomfortable venue. If I lived in the neighborhood I would do take out. -
Review from Ivy E.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 1/27/2012
I've been obsessed with fish & chips since I was a kid -- and now I have found my mecca. I will hence forth measure all fish & chips against A Salt and Battery in Greenwich Village, however they are so far superior to every other fish & chips I've ever had, that I my future may be filled with disappointment and longing to be back at the little shop on Greenwich Ave.
It's been 2 years since I've sworn off all fish that isn't sustainable, so I've eaten some odd battered fish, but AS&B serves pollock which tastes and has the texture identical to cod. YAY! Guilt free seafood!
Next the batter is light, flavorful in a golden sort of way and has a really satisfying crunch. Total delivery of everything you hope for in batter. The pollock was moist, tender, flakey and mild.
The Bisto gravy and the Curry sauce were a revelation. While I won't be giving up my malt vinegar any time soon, I was so warmed and satisfied by the homey warmth and perfect thickness of these 2 accompaniments. Now I've got to find out how to make something even remotely close to them at home. Once I do, they'll be my universal condiments.
Next time I go, I'll save room and get the battered beets, mushy peas and pickled onions.
The price is right and the portions are very generous so the large fish & chips for $6 served 3 (we brought a friend).
See you there!
Ivy1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/18/2011
Deliciously light batter enveloping fish and shrimp is what I frequently crave. Not only does AS&B… Read more »
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Review from Travel Bug X.
Manhattan, NY
4/25/2012
I saw this featured on Bobby Flay's Throwdown which is what sparked my interest in checking out the joint (I love Bobby Flay!). I love my fish n chips but only every so often.. the greasiness does not make me feel the best but hey-- if it's good, I'm there ;)!
I liked that you can pick what kind of fish you wanted and tartar sauce was good. Chips I was not so crazy about though..
I thought it was kind of overpriced for what you're getting and overall mediocre. Would I go back though? If I was really having a craving for it, possibly.. -
Review from Sean R.
2/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
I finally made it to A Salt & Battery! And to the disappointment of Sunny Anderson I did not order a fried candy bar. The Pollack was awesome and the mushy peas were good. I was not a fan of the chips but that is just me being picky. If you eat inside be prepared to leave smelling like a fry daddy.
HOT TIP: If you need to use the restroom, they do have one but its next door at Tea and Sympathy. -
Review from Creighton H.
Florham Park, NJ
4/8/2012
Finally a place to get good fish and chips. As close as you can get to true English pub fish and chips. Prices are a little high and very limited seating. Perfect for take away. Staff is friendly and is now a regular stop for a quick meal.
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Review from Les S.
1/2/2012 3 photos
This is your British fish & chips place that pretty much would fry up anything if you asked them to. I'm not big on fish & chips because they are usually too bland and boring without malt vinegar so I opted for a fried Mars bar instead. While this was good, it wasn't anything over the top. I was hoping the batter would be fried to a crisp but was somewhat soggy. I felt like I was just eating a warm brownie.
I think this place is more of a tourist spot than anything. The name is pretty clever, and being featured on the Food Network sure helps. It just wasn't a place for me. -
Review from Sue U.
New York, NY
3/27/2012
Very good fish and chips, good selection of Londonish beverages, the only thing I really do hate about this place is it really smells to much oil; and the smell sticks to your clothes and even your bag which is really disturbing. They should work on their AC!!
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Review from Alexis K.
When my husband said let's go to A Salt and Battery, I thought, "I don't like fish and chips, but what a clever name! I will try it just because the name makes me laugh."
Arrived at 2:00, well past a lunch rush I figured, but yet still the place was packed and I thought, "Damn it! Another 'hole in the wall' sized restaurant with sparse, uncomfortable seating!" After a week in NY I was really beginning to miss my big Vegas restaurants with, you know, ample seating and available bathrooms. I ended up grabbing a seat much to the dismay of someone else who was also waiting, but my husband had to eat standing up and hovering over me to use the counter.
I ordered fish and chips and found out they were sold separately! Clever ploy to get more money, but this time it's not clever in a good way. Who wants just the fish? I also was at a loss for what to order because being a fish and chips novice, I had only had it made with cod and they do not serve cod there (I think for sustainability reasons, so hat's off to them). I don't even remember what fish I ended up getting, but I will admit I enjoyed the fish. The batter did not get soggy and had a nice crisp to it. The fries were a bit soggy and bland for my liking, but a splash of malt vinegar did the trick.
Their door is broken and they have a leak in the roof from the shower above them. Don't worry, they post a sign to warn you that you might get wet (see pic).
Overall, I liked the food, but didn't love it.Listed in: New York, New York
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Review from Amar S.
New York, NY
2/15/2012
Like many people, I first found out about A Salt & Battery through the Food Network. Thus when I finally moved to NYC, I made it a point to make ASB one of my first stops.
Having been raised on fish and chips, I thought ASB was top notch, and quite fantastic. The restaurant, while spartan (no tables, and just 6-8 counter stools) gives off the vibe of a place that simply wants to focus on the food.
While I was dismayed at the relatively high price ($16 for a large haddock and fried) I was extremely happy with the fish that was presented. It was perfectly cooked and beautifully moist. I easily took down the 10oz Large and almost wanted to order more afterwards!
The chips however left me disappointed, and I felt that ASB must have been trying really hard to be an "authentic" british fish and chips shop by having crappy chips.
I love ASB mainly for the fish and the desserts. If you live close by, then I'd recommend just getting the fish to go due to the small size of the restaurant. -
Review from Lauren K.
1/17/2012
I wasn't crazy about A Salt and Battery, even though I chucked for about 10 whole seconds when I heard its name. Going here after having recently returned from London, I was not enamored by the fish. My boyfriend and I split two dishes (of different fish) and they literally tasted exactly the same. The fry battery was too thick for my liking.
Admittedly, I didn't try the fried candy bars, which I have heard are the best part of the meal. Needless to say, for the portion size, the prices seemed a bit high... I only came here because I got a scoutmob for it.
On the bright side, the waiter who worked the counter was incredibly nice and friendly (and had an accent... sigh). Definitely a decent eat on the go kind of place, but not somewhere I would come back to! -
Review from Jen R.
New York, NY
11/23/2011 1 photo
The first time I ever had fish'n'chips was in August when I went to London. Now, i'll admit that I was more interested in making out with the English boy I was with in the back booth than really appreciating the delicious meal in front of me. Well, about a week ago, I woke up at 3am and that memory not only haunted me but i've never craved anything fried more in my entire life, which isn't usually my thing.
I grabbed my phone and looked up fish'n'chip places immediately. A Salt and Battery took the cake...or...fish cake. I texted my friend and said that if she wanted to continue to be my friend, she will meet me here at 1:30pm the next day. And she did. And boy did we feast.
They were out of haddock so we both got small portions of the pollock. She got onion rings because she's a communist and I got a side of chips and proceeded to douse them in vinegar, mmm. My favorite. I got a Woodpecker Cider and a Mars Bar as well and the cute lad behind the counter agreed not to judge me for ordering so much food. Which I deeply appreciated. My four items was roughly $20. Steep, but worth it...
I...ATE...EVERYTHING. Which usually doesn't happen as I tend to get full easily. Everything was lovely. I'm just hoping they start serving Kopparberg or Stella Cider. I'd be in there every day. Keep it up, boys. -
Review from Josh H.
New York, NY
11/14/2011
Based on a tip from a savvy, sophisticated fellow yelper, I ordered haddock (not pollock) fish and chips, and I am glad that I did. The crust was crispy, the sauce tasted fresh and blended well with the fish, which was also fresh and delicate. The fries, while a little on the mushy side, were authentic. I spent a year living in London, and I can say that the "chips" were just how they are served across the pond--cut wide, short, and perfectly dry/bland for absorbing salt and malt vinegar.
My dining and living partner got the sandwich, and it received rave reviews. Apparently, the sandwich is well-balanced and thoughtfully seasoned. Any oiliness from the fish is compensated with dry softness of the bread. Tartar sauce was "delicious." What do fish and chips require to offset the oil, salt, vinegary dry tanginess? BEER! Tetley's, to be precise--flat, bitter, and colder than'd've been served in a Camden Town pub, but still a doll.
Cheers, mates! -
Review from mad i.
Chicago, IL
2/6/2012
Went here on a weekend trip with my fiance to tour places from "Best thing I ever Ate".
Great fish, would do it again....dont know if Id say it was the best thing I ever ate... -
Review from christine l.
Oakland, CA
12/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
As much as I hate to admit it, I am a Food Network groupie. I know I am ashamed of myself as you are. That being said I remember seeing this place on a few of their episodes and thought I would try it out.
Fish AND Chips, you'd think they'd come together. You'd be an ass to assume. If I would have known the chips tasted (wait, they didn't taste like anything at all) like they did we would have forgone the chips.
I think this place seats 8... and thats if you're comfortable practically sitting on someones lap. Fine for when its cold outside, maybe not so great for summertime in the city.
Fish and batter- crispy on the outside and steaming hot and juicy on the inside. That along with the guy behind the counter being nice enough to split up our order and keep the door closed every time someone would walk out and leave it wide open is their only saving grace. -
Review from John P.
Purchase, NY
3/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great quick service. I had the pollock which was tasty. The sauce is defiantly the best. But if you want a quick tasty fish and chips this is the place. Also the staff is great.
The place is small and more of a eat in quick cafe with stools and that such! -
Review from Angel S.
Long Island, NY
Cor, blimey, mate. I say, old chap, they have some smashing good fish and chips in this here Greenwich spot. Good show, lads!
Thought I'd throw in some Brit humour just for good measure. "A Salt and Battery" is not only a clever name for this authentic Brit staple, it happens to be true, because your caloric intake from their deep fried goodies will have your arteries screaming bloody hell. Greasy and good, just the way it ought to be.
They fry the fish extremely well, with nicely battered pollock, not overly breaded, fried perfectly golden brown. They recently switched from Haddock to Pollock to keep it sustainable, and just about everything they serve is locally sourced. Righty oh!
If you find it slightly bland, as I did, then right you are, mate. Just a smidgen of the house made malt vinegar should put an end to that buggery. Actually, the moment you walk in, you'll get punched in the face with a piercing aroma of malt vinegar. It's off-putting for many, like the elderly couple who walked out, but if you could handle it, then bob's your uncle! Same goes for the fried shrimp - well fried, but the lack of taste was a bunch of malarkey.
Not a fan of the chips though, ironically sold separately from the fried fish. My chips got pretty soggy quickly, perhaps because of the oil, plus they were underfried - more like light yellow than crispy golden brown. It might help to ask for the chips on the side. But really, the main attraction is the fish, and you may not be missing much if you pass on the bloody soggy chips. Also, they give such a generous helping that the smaller size should suffice.
Overall, I can see why this place gets jam packed with Brits and tourists. It didn't quite do it for me but I can understand the appeal. The people here are also spectacular, very friendly brits who look like they really enjoy frying stuff. A good high side of a three for me.
Cheerios!Listed in: RANKED NYC BUCKET LIST
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Review from Mark M.
New York, NY
3/28/2012
A Salt & Battery.....Looking to nibble something while hanging out in Greenwich, then this is the spot. Although, a small restaurant that barely sits 7 people, it has brought West Village authentic Fish and Chips from jolly old England. Never had a fish? Guess what try this, since these guys had epitomize the way you prepare fried fish - very light battered fish with the likes of Pollock, Sole and Haddock. If you can't find a seat, sit at the outside bench or take it to go in a stroll to Washington Square or High Line. You can't go wrong with fried food.
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Review from Stacy J.
Manhattan, NY
1/12/2012
Get a smaller portion -- the "regular," I don't recall what it's called, is HUGE. Way more than I could eat! And absolutely DELICIOUS. Best fish I've ever eaten.
My girlfriend -- who studied abroad in London -- was less impressed. She says it tasted just like the fish and chips across the pond, which frankly is the entire appeal to it, I guess! I've never been over there, so the whole thing was a new experience for me.
And accents. Oh, oh, oh, accents. -
Review from Sandee L.
9/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
I feel my arteries clogging as I write this review, but it was oh so worth it!
Deep fried gooooodness at its best! 6 of us shared large orders of the haddock, the pollock, the whiting, scallops and shrimp, large fries, onion rings and two deep fried mars bars. Thanks to the 50% using scoutmob (good till 10/5/2011), it was a screamin' deal at $51 for all that food, 2 beers, a bottled water and tip.
Everything was fried to perfection. The fish was flaky and moist covered with a crispy batter. Drenched in malt vinegar with some tartar sauce: mmmmm mmmm good! There were about 5 little haddock strips to our large order, and one big strip of both the pollock and the whiting. Scallops were meaty and tender with the same crispy, crunchy batter: decent portion: there were about 7 to the order. The shrimp were fairly big, but there were only 3 or 4 in the order. The onion rings were da bomb! Fries were just a-ok: they're steak fries and not crispy. A large order is indeed large....even shared amongst the six of us, we still had 1/2 the order go to waste.
We were absolutely stuffed from our fried fest, but still HAD to try the deep fried mars bars, and oh so glad we did! Wow! Warm chocolate, melted caramel,dipped in batter and fried? Who could ask for more??!?! The BEST dessert I have had in who knows how long.....I would come back just for the mars bars.Listed in: Food from the tube, Top Eats in NYC!
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Review from Nicole E.
Brooklyn, NY
10/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
I wanted you to be good!!!!! It's been so long since I've had really decent fish & chips. Apparently, it'll be a while again.
So bad.
It tasted like frozen fish that they just deep fried. There was no taste. At all. Seriously, put some salt on that. Please.
Chips were even worse. I hate writing bad reviews for a place that I wanted so desperately to like but I'm sorry A Salt & Battery. You were a disappointment to my taste buds. -
Review from Colleen L.
Brooklyn, NY
10/5/2011
Hmmph. I have some problems with this place.
1. The fish wasn't that good.
2. The batter wasn't that good.
3. The chips weren't that good.
4. THE FISH DOESN'T COME WITH CHIPS WTF?!
The prices are also ridiculous, especially for the sides. I went with 5 people and we all got different sides - the onion rings were fine & the beets were gross - the mushy peas were the only decent one we had. We all got the haddock, and it was seriously lacking. Mine tasted a little bit ... too fishy. What I did eat of it, the batter was not crunchy enough and it wasn't even close to stuck to the fish.
I will give them props for having imported sodas, but they have way more next store at Tea & Sympathy. Why does that make sense? They also have British beers, but because of the lack of seating inside, we were relegated to a bench outside, thus no beer.
Oh, and whoever said they wrap it in newspaper, that's not true. They don't. And they don't give you the chip pick thingys. Not legit. Make the trek out to Chip Shop, I promise it will be a thousand times better. -
Review from Florence K.
JAMAICA, NY
12/6/2011
Was drawn to the name (let's be honest, we all judge a book by its cover sometimes).
Their fish and chips were mediocre, it seems like they really could've done better for a place specializing in fish and chips.
Their deep fried Mars bar was delicious, but who wouldn't like warm ooey-gooey chocolate?
Still, cute name though... I'll stand by that. -
Review from Gina K.
9/20/2011
Fish and chips are whatevs. Their chips are actually not good at all.
What made this place worth going to was the deep fried candy bars.
As Sunny Anderson said, "It's a candy bar. And it's deep fried. It's so bad but so good." -
Review from Amy E.
Manhattan, NY
10/29/2011
This is a hole in the wall that isn't cheap - and the seating isn't great.
But it is malt-vinegar-tastic.
I've also taken British friends here and they've gone ape-shite.
Oh - and get the fish bites - it's a lot more food than if you get a 2 piece plate.
DANDELION & BURDOCK SODA! -
Review from Steven L.
Manhattan, NY
9/19/2011
Be prepared to get your arteries clogged and fingers soaked with oil.
Ordered sole with chips (fries), crispy yet very oily. Batter seems like it was tasteless. Just plain batter, not much flavor, I had to drench my fish in tartar sauce.
tartar sauce was good, but nothing too special.
Fries were soaking in oil but were okay.
Good to come here when you're craving some fried food and you don't care about being healthy. -
Review from Chad J.
Garden City, NY
9/27/2011
fish and chips fish and chips, allows you to pick what type of fish you want to have, and then makes it into great fish and chips!! excellent place the only thing it is small inside so you made have to eat your meal especially with a large group out side!
Grade : B+ -
Review from Tiffany Y.
New York, NY
9/29/2011
FRY...
ALL THE THINGS!
Points to you if you get the reference :D
This little shop is tucked away in the middle of Greenwhich Village. It's small, with only a few stools for sitting and eating. The pungent smell of malt vinegar permeates the air, so it's a bit stinky.
We got a small haddock, a small combo (fried pollack and shrimp) and a small order of chips. Everything came out to a bit under $20. The haddock came in a rather small 4oz fillet; it was tender, flaky and very moist. Maybe..too moist? The crust wasn't crunchy - it was crispy, soggy in some areas, and rather greasy. It still tasted pretty good after a sprinkle of salt/malt vinegar and a slather of the home made tartar sauce. I looooooved the sauce - creamy, tangy and an interesting pale yellow.
The combo basket was more filling, with its chunks of pollack, but only came with 2 shrimp =(. The pollack was more firm and meaty than the haddock. I appreciate that they serve pollack, a sustainable species, instead of cod, since cod has become overfished. The batter was once again, very greasy and undersalted. Still tasty.
The big disappointment were the chips. I don't know if this is how they eat chips over in England but they were soggy, under-fried, and lacked any sort of crust (or salt! again! is this place afraid of salt??? It's call A SALT for crying out loud!).
All in all, not bad. I would come here again if I were in the area. Perhaps I'll try asking for my chips "well-done". -
Review from Phil H.
DEEP FRIED MARS BAR!
DEEP FRIED MARS BAR!
DEEP FRIED MARS BAR!
Recommended by 9 out of 10 cardiologists!
Fish and Chips done just right. Crunchy batter and tasty fish. Moist. Flaky. Yummy, especially coated with malt vinegar. Chips are also good and taste even better with the malt vinegar on it. Do you get the feeling I like malt vinegar? I can put it on everything!
Deep Fried Mars Bar - yes we have all heard about this. Battered and deep fried crunchy gooey goodness. Don't know how better to describe it. Just a perfect dessert to have here after the fish and chips.
Actual place is small and the size of a walk-in closet with some counter seating and stools. Just good enough for a quick bite and on your way. Other British delicacies on the menu board to sample too, but overall limited options. Who cares? You come here for the Fish and Chips and Deep Fried Mars Bar. Deep Fried wonderfulness on top of Deep Fried tastiness on top of Deep Fried craziness.
Hmmm....why does my chest hurt? Is there a doctor in the house? -
Review from Alan G.
Brooklyn, NY
9/19/2011
A Salt and Battery is bloody brilliant, Guvnah! (I should add, that if you use your best British accent while ordering, it obviously makes for a truly authentic fish and chips experience!)
After a minute sussing out the menu, my girlfriend and I tried the small Pollock and Haddock with chips. We were chuffed as nuts with our selection! The fish was fried to perfection, it was completely mental! Often times American fish and chips joints are absolute tosh, their soggy fish and fries make me want to throw a wobbly. That's not the case with A Salt and Battery. The batter was golden and crispy. The chips are the bees knees! The small order was more than enough food for one person! I would recommend going with the beastly order of fish and small order of chips and share with somebody else. Overall, I felt we didn't splash out. 32 quid for the two of us including Tetleys!
Don't be a useless knob, pop over to A Salt and Battery today and stuff your gob with their fish and chips! It won't give you the trots! -
Review from Jonathan B.
Brooklyn, NY
10/5/2011
How can you under-deliver on fish and chips?
Ordered the "Fish Combo" (pieces of pollock and shrimp, battered and fried) and chips (which you order separately). Both the seafood and the chips needed salt in a serious way. After I added that, the seafood wasn't bad. The chips, though, are more like potato nibs and were really unsatisfying.
My disappointment was blunted by the fact that I had 50% off through Scoutmob. Without that, my bill would have been about $20. Ouch. SELL.
Smart money goes to one of the two ChipShops in Brooklyn, where you can actually sit at a table or bar and be served a better meal for less dinero. -
Review from Jia J.
7/7/2011
It's not like the dish didn't exist in the U.S., but it was always just fried fish and french fries on a plate in a middling seafood joint. I wanted the real thing, and dreamt of scrumptious chunks of flaky cod in a nest of thick fries, overflowing from a greasy cone of newspaper.
This year, while searching for venues to view and celebrate the Royal Wedding, A Salt & Battery (what an awesome name) popped up in a special feature about assorted English fascinations. How naive I had been to assume that a restaurant solely devoted to fish and chips could not exist on this side of the Atlantic!!
My visit happened quite naturally after a stroll through the Highline with a friend. It was dusk and still pretty much 90 degrees out. Shunning the gastropubescent Meat Packing District, we headed East on 14th, finding nothing. A right turn towards Greenwich revealed some ludicruosly overpriced French eatery. Merci, no. Next door to this graceful atrocity was A Salt and Battery! My friend probably wanted anything else, but I couldn't help making us go there. It was hot as an oven inside, save for weak flutterings of AC that made me grimace for the wasted energy flowing out the open door.
This shack was tiny, and pungent with food grease - just how it ought to be. I only wished it were freezing cold and drizzly outside to set the mood. Better yet if there had been a pebbly shore instead of store fronts across the street...
The fish prices on the cafeteria-style menu (http://www.asaltandbat...) actually impressed me. Four ounces is plenty filling, and while some people might not be able to understand paying $6 or $7 for something fried, this is quality fishmeat we're talking about. There was haddock, whiting, and nothing avant garde like salmon. Notably, no cod, which is actually a good thing, as the species is practically extinct (read their "cooking with a conscience" section: http://www.asaltandbat...). Anyway, people routinely pay way more for fried fish in unsustainable U.S. seafood troughs, and the only difference is a sprig of parsley on the plate and your admission to hell for your contribution towards the depletion of the world's fisheries.
The sides are where they haul in the big bucks ($6 for a large chips order!), but I had no problem paying $4 for what turned out to be a huge cup of real mushy peas with some hemispheres of their husks still visible. They also had pineapple fritters ($4), the oft-heralded deep fried Mars Bar ($4), curry sauce ($2), battered beets ($5) and the like for the adventurous (or traditional?).
Along with a stable of tempting beers and stock sodas, there was Dandelion & Burdock - a root beerish elixir made of the flower and a kind of leaf, according to the chipper bloke behind the counter. Definitely got one of those.
"Sign your life away," he joked, placing down our receipts (Mastercard and Visa accepted, yay). Well, I don't know about that, but gave my last buck away to the tip jar.
Our ice cold sodas arrived with a plastic cup. The D&B tasted faintly of licorice, grapes, and greens, and wasn't as sweet as an American soda. Savored it while staring down the girls who were deliberately taking their time to vacate the scant seating by the window. The fish was hot hot hot, and I stole several of my friend's chips, and we still couldn't finish them, sadly. They tasted like real potatoes, and were slightly undercooked, giving them a vegetable texture in parts.
A little cup of with a dab of pinkish cream sauce was there for the dipping, and a bottle of malt vinegar was on hand for me to douse the fish with so much of the liquid that it penetrated the wax paper and dribbled through the weave of the plastic basket. The staff was quite understanding about this, and took it out back for a wash, hopefully. Then, I rode the underground - I mean, subway - home with the scent of fried food still in my hair.
I have a conviction for A Salt and Battery. With everything from cute tee shirts to choice fish to fried confections to exotic bevs, one could camp out here for all three meals, as I did on a 25 hour layover in London once when I realized all their other food blows. No offense; the upside is that fish 'n' chips rule the waves! -
Review from Althea A.
10/1/2011
Authentic British fish & chips!
OK, I'm still saying the best fish & chips I've ever had were in Whitby... but I've got to say that, don't I?
These were pretty damn good.
Unfortunately, there aren't any tables here, just a little tiny counter - but you can get your order to go and eat in in Jackson Square, right across the street.
I got a "small" (it was huge!) order of haddock & chips, with a side of cole slaw. The fish was fresh and flaky, and the chips were just about perfect - nice and thick and flavorful. The tartar sauce was delicious. The cole slaw was a bit too heavy with mayonnaise, but tasted really good.
Add a can of Strongbow cider to that, and I almost felt like I was in England....
