Fredie’s Fantastic Fishhouse
Restaurant: Fredie’s Fantastic Fishhouse
Address: 8 Oland Court, Halifax
Date: June 25, 2010
Fish: Haddock
Cost: $7.49 special (regularly $8.65)
There are so many great places in our city where you can order fish and chips… it’s pretty well impossible to be aware of them all. However, quite a number of our readers have made it clear about one restaurant we needed to review… Fredie’s Fantastic Fishhouse in Bayers Lake, located just behind Jungle Jim’s (they also have a location in Tantallon).
None of us reviewers had heard of Fredie’s before beginning this odyssey, but after receiving glowing comments from everyone, we made a point of checking the place out.
And are we ever glad we did.
To make this visit just a wee bit extra special, we were followed by Jill Matthews of the local news team, CTV Atlantic, for a Live at Five piece (check out more pictures at the end of this review). The pressure was on… we are now official TV food critics!!! (As in, we’re going to be featured in a short news spot on television… not that we’re now going to critique tasteless frozen TV dinners which we thought were so cool as a child but would now shudder to eat as a semi-discerning adult.)
Fredie’s is not a very big place; no tables or booths – you either order take out, plop your carcass down at the counter on one of about 10 retro bar stools, or, if the weather is nice, you can sit at one of five tiny tables outside.
Since the weather was gorgeous today, we snagged two tables side by side and ate outside… which was a good thing, because the place was hopping with people coming for their noon fix of fish and chips. This place may not be on one of the main drags in the park, but the locals certainly know all about it.
They had a special price for a two piece fish and chips today. Normally it’s $8.65, but today it was on for $7.49! That’s a great price… one of the lowest we’ve encountered so far. Plus they boast (rightfully so) that their food is prepared in trans-fat free oil.
Great tasting… friendly staff… convenient location… in our minds this is the best place for classic F&C we’ve reviewed so far (as compared to a restaurant experience with non-traditional presentations).
We just discovered a great new place to indulge in our favorite meal!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Fish and Chips Score: 85.5
FCP Review Crew
Rachel’s Thoughts
On a sunny Friday afternoon we rolled up to Fredie’s Fantastic Fishhouse for a taste of their fare, as it has been recommended by numerous people.
It did not disappoint.
Although it is a tiny spot – only stools at a counter and a few small tables outside, I didn’t let that affect my taste test.
The fish was very fresh and flaky – it was so fresh it just fell apart on your fork when eating. The batter was thin, but had a very nice, mild flavour. The portion was more than fair for the price whether it be the regular $8.65 or the special price of $7.49.
The fries had a very good taste – home-cut and seasoned nicely… and they don’t use salt!
If coleslaw and homemade tartar sauce came with the meal, Fredie’s could have gotten my top score. As it is, I would definitely recommend this spot for fish & chips.
Fish
Batter
Fries
Grease
Portion/Value
Condiments
Rachel’s Final Score: 85
Poochie’s Thoughts
I can’t imagine how many times I’ve driven past Fredie’s and never realized a deep fried goldmine was sitting just back off the road. I shudder with horror when I think of how often my wife and I ducked into Wendy’s, Burger King, or… alas… the Golden Arches… and missed out on Fredie’s awesome fish and chips.
You can’t change the past, but you can plan for the future, baby!
The fish was real nice, obviously fresh, and very tasty. There was a slight seasoning to the fish – I wouldn’t call it salty, but it was a hint of something. It tasted great. This seemed like about the freshest fish we’ve eaten so far. The batter was thin, crunchy and tasty – there was a nice seasoning to it.
I would say there was slightly less grease than average, and it was very clean and light tasting. It didn’t sit like a sodden lump of unpleasantness in my gut, which has happened to me at other places. In fact, Fredie’s prides themselves on being trans-fat free – my doctor (and my arteries) will appreciate that!
The fries were home-cut and really good. I had to toss some salt on them because there didn’t appear to be any added to them. They were a perfect size, and perfectly cooked.
No coleslaw came with the meal, but you can get it for an additional $0.75. I got some and it was decent. Certainly not homemade… once again it tasted suspiciously like what you’d get at the SuperStore deli. I personally wouldn’t get the coleslaw, choosing rather to save up those three quarters to get a free meal on my 12th trip. The tartar sauce was little packets of Kraft.
The ladies waiting on us were very friendly. I am so glad to have learned about this place. Yes Fredie… your fish is FANTASTIC!
Fish
Batter
Fries
Grease
Portion/Value
Condiments
Poochie’s Final Score: 86
Minnie’s Thoughts
I heard really good things about this place, and it did not disappoint. The food was excellent, and the staff were very friendly.
I liked the fish… it had a very good taste, but one of my pieces was a bit larger and the batter was a touch doughy on the inside. It was about average for greasiness.
I really liked the home-cut fries, but I felt they needed a bit more seasoning. They promote the fact that their food is cooked in trans-fat free oil, which is a really good thing.
The tartar sauce was Kraft, and Poochie got some coleslaw for an extra 75 cents, but it didn’t overly impress me. I personally think they get it from the SuperStore.
For me, this is the best place we’ve eaten for traditional fish and chips so far.
Fish
Batter
Fries
Grease
Portion/Value
Condiments
Minnie’s Final Score: 84
Skippy’s Thoughts
Couldn’t tell if it was the batter or the fish each on their own, but when you put the two together and bit into it, this was some fine (dare I say… fantastic?) tasting fish. The fish was literally falling apart when my fork touched it – a good sign of fresh fish. And there was just something about it all that made me want to ram it home as fast as I could (because it tasted like more), but it was definitely worth eating slowly, to savor that flavor.
It’s tough to be near-grease free when you you’re dunking the whole meal in it for a short time, but Fredie’s did a great job, with a slightly above average score on the grease factor.
Very good portion / value for my tastes, and where I’m a ketchup-only-for-condiments guy, my scores were pretty high there.
The fries were also very nice. With just a little extra seasoning before they hit the plate, you could call this place Fredie’s Fantastic Fish & Fries House.
It’s easy to see why many of our readers insisted we review Fredie’s Fantastic Fishhouse. I’m already craving another order.
Fish
Batter
Fries
Grease
Portion/Value
Condiments
Skippy’s Final Score: 87
CTV Cameraman Carl Pomeroy.
Rachel getting interviewed by CTV’s Jill Matthews
Rachel… once again hogging all the limelight. :-)
Jill Matthews (L), Carl Pomeroy (R), and the Fish and Chips Please review crew (in between).
Jill enjoying a plateful of Fredie’s fish and chips.
Carl enjoying Fredie’s fish and chips AND their half seafood sampler plate!
Sherry… I’m curious as to which restaurant you are hinting at. Based on our twitter account (@fishandchipspls) we mentioned the Chickenburger and Willman’s.
Based on our recently posted review of the chickenburger, I can only imagine you are refering to eating at Willman’s. Our review should be up soon.
As for the grease at Freddies… all four of us found it to be a bit less greasy than the average f&c joint. But perhaps it varies from day to day.
We just tried Freddies today. The fish was fresh, but we found it was quite greasy compared to the place we had tried immediately before heading to Freddies. The batter was good, not great, only crispy on one side, and was wet inside on the other side. Maybe it was because they double fry their fish. The fries were good as well, but it almost seemed like the oil needed to be changed. We definitely liked it, saying it was good value/food for the money, but it was not as good as the f & c we purchased on the way there. I see that there is a review of that place waiting to be uploaded to this blog, so I’m interested in what you all think of it. We gave Freddies a 7.5 or 8, which is good, but gave the other a 9.5.
The fish is outstanding and the best in Halifax, but higher praise goes to the staff working June 11 for showing such love and concern upon a mishap I had in their parking lot. Thank you for being treated like family. A family feeling is what you will receive from the moment you enter this jewel of a shop.
I have been going to Fredies since they first opened. We dine out a lot, at least once a week. We have tried almost every fish & chip place in the city of Halifax, and we finally found Fredies and don’t go any were else to have our fish and chips. We also love the seafood chowder. They best in town. They are not scarce with there lobster, which I love. The pieces of fish are large, and the fries are so delicious. Not greasy at all. When we walk into the restaurant, we get the biggest welcome from all the staff. I feel like they are family, and I am going into there kitchen. I can’t believe any one could have a bad comment about Fredies. The ones that do, don’t know what they are talking about, or they better have there taste buds checked. I will be visiting Fridies for as long as they are in Bayer’s lake. I want to say to the girls , that we love you , and don’t change a thing. I give you 100 Percent on your seafood. Thanks again for the hospitality.
My neice and her husband bought fish and chips at Fredies and also some of that delicious lobster and took it to our house for supper and it was absolutely the best fish we have ever had. Even though she made the trek from Bayers Lake to Eastern Passage it was still crispy and definitely more fish than batter. The fries were fantastic. Also brought some chowder for us to try…delicious!! Can’t wait to have it again!! Definitely #1 for us!!
Fredies is like going to a Buddy’s place for grub only your Buddy learned the mastery of Fish and Chips since the last time you saw him! Beyond friendly,good price,large portions,GREAT TASTE….please come home with me you little golden temptress,lol.
I can’t imagine anyone having a bad thing to say about Fredies. Living in Moncton, I never order fish and chips because there is no Fredies here – nothing even close. The fish here is greasy, very small portions, extremely expensive for what you get, and leaves you with that dreaded upset stomach. I only wish there was a Fredies here where I could get fish and chips that are always delicious – never greasy, more fish than batter, huge portions,well priced, and guess what? – no upset stomach!! My mouth waters just thinking about it! I look forward to eating at Fredies whenever I go to Halifax. I was actually just in Halifax recently and unfortunately did not get a chance to stop in – that was the only disappointing part of my trip. For sure the next time I am down that way, I will be stopping in for sure! If you have yet to try Fredies fish and chips, I recommend that you do – you will not be disappointed!! Best Ever!!! I also have to comment on the staff. NOWHERE will you find more friendly, outgoing people who truly enjoy serving their customers. This is certainly rare in this day and age. Can’t wait to eat there again.
I can’t imagine anyone having a bad thing to say about Fredies. Living in Moncton, I never order fish and chips because there is no Fredies here – nothing even close. The fish here is greasy, very small portions, extremely expensive for what you get, and leaves you with that dreaded upset stomach. I only wish there was a Fredies here where I could get fish and chips that are always delicious – never greasy, more fish than batter, huge portions,well priced, and guess what? – no upset stomach!! My mouth waters just thinking about it! I look forward to eating at Fredies whenever I go to Halifax. I was actually just in Halifax recently and unfortunately did not get a chance to stop in – that was the only disappointing part of my trip. For sure the next time I am down that way, I will be stopping in for sure! If you have yet to try Fredies fish and chips, I recommend that you do – you will not be disappointed!! Best Ever!!! I also have to comment on the staff. NOWHERE will you find more friendly, outgoing people who truly enjoy serving their customers. This is certainly rare in this day and age.
Absolutely the best fried clams anywhere!!!!! I know the fish is exceptional also, but the clams – to die for!!
Annie… I’m afraid you are in the massive minority with your thoughts about Fredies. What you describe is nothing at all like what I’ve ever experienced while eating there. Was there again just this past weekend with friends… they absolutely loved the fish AND the fries.
Brent… 15 fries is certainly a travesty… and it sounds nothing at all like what I’ve experienced. Knowing what Fredies is like, had you mentioned the less than adequate fry total they would have topped you up. As for the price… $8.65 is certainly below average for the city. The AVERAGE price for the places we’ve reviewed so far is slightly over $10.
Jay… our own reviewer Skippy would agree with you… but many of our reviewers do like coleslaw and tartar sauce so we include it. You will notice, however, it makes up a very small percentage of our score. Plus… we give the exact details of our score so you can easily choose to ignore it if you want.
The fish here was excellent, it’s the best fish i’ve had in halifax in years. I was very impressed with the portions and the price I paid. I found that the batter was just perfect, not soggy, just fresh and crisp. The chips were delicious as well I was wondering after reading the comments from the FCP review crew if maybe you’d consider changing your website to fishandchipsandcoleslawandhomeadetartersauceplease.com because personally, when i go for fish and chips…..i go for FISH AND CHIPS.
Freddie’s is the best Fish and Chips around, we have been going there for years. We really enjoy fish and chips, so when we hear of a new place we try it out, but keep going back to Freddies.
The fries are the best, I love them. There was a comment about them being “limp”, I have NEVER had limp fries there, ever.
As for the fish, always fresh, never greasy, and no after taste at all. The prices are good, the service is awsome, when leaving you always feel like “I’ll see you soon”, is the right thing to say. :-)
Very good tasting, the fish is really good, also got a fish burger and it was great. One thing I will say is that the amount of fries is really small. I think I got maybe 15 fries that last time I went in. If the portion of fries is that small I shouldn’t be able to count them. I wish they would give more fries because they are really good. They are a bit pricey coming in just under $10 for a two piece. It is by far still the best place in Halifax.
The BEST LOBSTER ROLL in town , pure lobster meat no filler (legs etc.) the real deal a must try you won’t be disappointed.The staff there is always upbeat they make you feel great and wanting to come back again. Number One in HALIFAX.
My husband and I went there tonight – was very disappointed with the fries – dark, greasy and limp. The fiish was o.k.but not outstanding, had a definite aftertaste as did the fries. In fact, hub and I had to douse the bad aftertaste of the fries with the fish which had a milder bad (greasy?) aftertaste. The ‘outgoing’ staff could tone it down a little – if they had a volume control, I’d take it down a couple of notches. Doesn’t matter to us, we won’t be going back. It’s all a matter of taste, for sure – and for me and the spouse, it’s Willman’s and the Sheilagh outside Truro, in no particular order.
I will, however, give credit for this restaurant carrying Heinz and tartar sauce.
Tammy… we were glad to come review your place for the CTV Atlantic piece. Your fish is, as Skippy would say, delish!
Keep up the good work you do for the community. Next time my wife and I are there we’re ordering that seafood platter thingie.
I just want to thank everyone. I hope I never get sooo big that I forget what its like to appreciate what I have. I have my feet planted on the ground. Im very greatfull for all the support, I have had in five years. I love what I do!!!!!!
best fish an chips in halifax
I am not one bit surprised at the reviews or comments! Its an amazing place, with wonderful food and staff! Keep up the good work ladies its being noticed for sure!
Wow… there’s quite the fan club out there for Fredies! I don’t know if it’s because we were on Live at Five for that review… or the increased site traffic due to the television spot focused on our most recent review… or the Fredies people have a large circle of influencers.
I will say that the first poster… Scott… has a last name which is suspiciously similar to the owners last name… Frederick.
:-)
Regardless… as @TheSandyWalsh said it… Fredies is excellent. If you haven’t dined there yet, you need to.
Went there today on your recommendation … you are correct, this is the current winner for best Fish & Chips in Halifax. Nice thin and crispy batter, non-greasy and tasty fresh fish. Homemade fries.
Excellent … will be going back there again!
Keep up the great work y’all!
I will never eat fish n chips anywhere else…always disappointed somewhere else…I love fredies!
oops… I didn’t think the first comment went through. lol by the way, have you tried Freddies yet???? haha
The BEST food you will EVER eat along with the BEST staff you will EVER meet. that is a FANTASTIC combo. Do yourself and your belly a favour…. TRY IT
the greatest food you will ever eat and the greatest people you will ever meet. there is no better combonation than that. do yourself and your belly a favor….try it
This is the greatest down home fish experience in the maritimes, delicious food and Fredie is nothing short of fantastic !
My husband and i have tried many places for fish and chips and there is NONE that compare to Freds Fish and Chips.
My daughter is here from CA and thats where she wants to go for her fish and chips…
THE BEST IN HALIFAX .
my husband and i eat at freddie’s quite a bit and being a newfoundlander i loved my fish,chips, dressing and gravy..freddies is the only place around that offers “newfie fries” that is the closest to being like home. its amazing when i need a lil taste of home..its all in the savory..i recommend you try this with your fish next time you go you won’t be dissapointed.
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i agree with scott!….there is NO doubt that fredie’s is the bestest place to eat the freshest fish around, with the lightest batter, like tempura..can’t wait to eat me come fred’s!
It’s the best kept secret in Bayers Lake….Fantastic food and the service is above and beyond….
The best there ever was……Tammy is fantastic…..Fish and chips are awesome….
Anne… I didn’t know there was a Tantallon location until a friend recently told me about this great place he always gets fish and chips. In the same conversation he told me about this new local website which reviews fish and chips… he didn’t know it was us. It was sorta surreal.
Barb… I hear you. I’m trying to do more and more exercises to help deal with this new “hobby” of mine.
Sherry… we’ll have to check that wagon out. We’re getting more and more people tell us about fish and chip wagons around town. It’s funny, some people tell us we’ll probably run out of places to review. Not in my lifetime.
Scott… I’ve got to agree with you.
I totally agree Fredie’s is #1. Delicious fresh fish with a just right batter, done to perfectiion home fries. I go to the Tantallon outlet most often and the staff there are delightful providing excellent service along with the most delectable fish and chips in the area.
My husband and I eat there quite often, as a matter of fact, we had to cut back a bit. The fish is always fresh, the chips excellent! We have never been disappointed.
I have to agree with you that Freddies is the BEST place for fish & chips in Halifax!!
My next fav place is the fih & chip wagon that used to (maybe still does) park outside Dartmouth Surplus on Akerley Boulevard in Dartmouth!!
The very best around, no doubt about it!!!!!