Restaurant: Jamieson’s Irish-House & Grill
Address: 5 Cumberland Drive, Dartmouth
Date: May 16, 2010
Fish: Haddock
Cost: $9.99

It’s been a few years since we’ve been to Jamieson’s… for some reason we just seemed to stop going there. But since beginning this venture of finding the best fish and chips in the Halifax area, a visit to Jamieson’s was inevitable.

The atmosphere at Jamieson’s is very relaxed, and the staff are friendly, which is nice. The evening we were there they had live entertainment. One thing we didn’t expect was to be informed at the door of a $3 per person entertainment cover charge. We kind of looked at each other trying to decide whether to stay or not. I mean… we don’t want to look cheap or anything but… we do like bargains and try to avoid upsells as much as possible.

In the end we chose to stay, because our main goal is to provide our readers with the most comprehensive F&C reviews possible – and the entertainment was nice. However we’d be just as happy to pick a time with no cover charge for our next visit.

But even with the cover charge, we were glad to have dined there. It was amongst the best fish and chips we’ve tasted so far on our quest. Very nice tasting fish and batter, in a comfortable, friendly environment. You will not be disappointed eating the fish and chips at Jamieson’s. Tell them FishandChipsPlease.com sent you.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Fish and Chips Score: 86

FCP Review Crew

Rachel’s Thoughts

I love the atmosphere at this restaurant – especially if you can get in the comfy chairs in the corner by the fireplace. The staff is excellent also.

The fish and chips were very good. The batter had a nice flavour, and so did the fish – very fresh.

The fries were homecut and good, but I found them a bit salty. Tartar sauce was also very good but no coleslaw came with the meal.

I would recommend this spot to anyone… cool bathrooms too.

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Rachel’s Final Score: 85

Poochie’s Thoughts
I used to eat at Jamieson’s every so often, but for some reason we just seemed to drift apart, sorta like my first love – my grade 1 teacher Mrs. Tanner. I can’t remember having a bad meal or experience at the restaurant, and our most recent visit reminded me why I should be going there more often. Wow, their fish was GREAT tasting!

The fish and batter had a really nice flavour to it… about the best I’ve tasted so far. I will admit there was a bit of grease with the fish, but I felt it was no more than average… and you can certainly tell it was clean grease.

I loved the homecut fries… very tasty. The only reason I docked them a point was that, every once in awhile I got one that was perhaps a bit too seasoned (I hesitate to use the word salty because I think Jamieson’s uses a touch of something else along with the salt to sprinkle on their fries). So, if you don’t want overly seasoned fries I would recommend you mention that to your waitstaff.

The tartar sauce was homemade and nice, but no coleslaw came with our meal.

All in all I would have to rank Jamieson’s as my favorite place we’ve been to so far. The flavor of the fish, batter and fries was far above average. And the portion was more than generous… especially when you consider you get half as much fish (and waaaaay bad tasting fish at that) for essentially the same price just two doors down at Classic Fish & Chips.

Finally… another thing I  missed about eating at Jamieson’s… reclining in the comfy padded chairs with my meal placed on a small wooden platter. Said platter was then gently placed on my more than ample belly as I shoveled forkfuls of delicious food into my hot-dog hole. I felt like an immense, pampered otter floating down a stream eating chunks of perfectly battered fish and tasty fries placed on my furry tummy.

Seriously… try it.

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Poochie’s Final Score: 88

Minnie’s Thoughts
The fish was a bit greasy, but the batter flavor and consistency was simply awesome – best I’ve tasted so far.

I loved the fries, but found some of them a touch salty. The homemade tartar sauce was very good but, unfortunately, no coleslaw came with my meal.

I will definitely come back to Jamieson’s… even if I have to submit myself to the horror of watching Poochie act like a giant sea otter with food on his chest… that’s how good the fish and chips are at Jamieson’s.

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Minnie’s Final Score: 84

Skippy’s Thoughts

The staff, the setting, and the entertainment all made this location a treat. And that’s even before partaking of the main event.

Let’s cover the only (minor) downside first – the grease, which was average. Not bad.

The batter was beautiful. Close to perfection, in my books. Golden, crispy, not at all doughy inside, and superb flavor. Great job, chef.

The fish? Dee-lish. No complaints here.

Portion was good too. Nice hunks o’ fish.

Now the fries.

I could have made a meal on the fries alone.

Hand cut and awesome seasoning, which seems to typically be lacking in most F&C joints we’ve reviewed. Fair warning: Jamieson’s fries may be a tad salty for some taste buds (not mine). But because I am considering you, dear reader, I’m guessing the seasoning might be a bit extreme for the average consumer.

Although this has nothing to do with the scoring, it’s definitely worth mentioning that our server went above and beyond to ensure we had a pleasant experience.

Plus she had to contend with Poochie.

If you live in this area and occasionally get takeout from Classic Fish & Chips (two doors down from here), do yourself a favor and spend the extra $0.74 (that’s a whopping seventy-four cents) and be impressed. Your taste buds will thank you for it.

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Skippy’s Final Score: 88