Famous Fish Market Introduce
If you find yourself in the heart of Harlem, with a craving for perfectly fried seafood that’s both delicious and affordable, look no further than Famous Fish Market. This local institution, nestled on St Nicholas Avenue, has been a staple in the community since 1974. It’s the kind of place that’s deeply ingrained in the fabric of the neighborhood, a go-to spot for generations of New Yorkers seeking a quick, satisfying meal. Famous Fish Market isn't about fancy dining; it’s about serving up classic comfort food with a no-fuss attitude. The atmosphere is casual and the focus is squarely on the food—fresh, hot, and made to order. Whether you're a college student grabbing a late-night snack, a local resident picking up dinner, or a tourist looking for an authentic taste of New York, this spot delivers on its promise of a great meal at a great price. Its reputation is built on consistency and quality, making it a beloved landmark in the city's culinary landscape. As one customer noted, when you're hungry for something fried, this is the place to be, and the taste truly lives up to the name.
Located at 684 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10030, Famous Fish Market is a quintessential Harlem experience. It’s easily accessible for anyone in the New York region, whether you're coming from another borough or just around the corner. While the location is straightforward to find, a key detail to note is its unique accessibility. As one reviewer mentioned, there are two steps down to enter the establishment, which is a detail to keep in mind. Parking options include both free and paid street parking, which can be a convenience depending on the time of day. This part of Harlem is vibrant and bustling, making it a great destination for a walk before or after your meal. The easy-to-reach location ensures that whether you're arriving by public transport or by car, getting your hands on some of their famous fried fish is never a challenge. The restaurant’s strategic placement makes it a perfect stop for lunch or dinner while exploring the rich history and culture of the Harlem neighborhood.
Famous Fish Market offers a streamlined and efficient service model that prioritizes getting you your food quickly and deliciously. Their service options are tailored for a fast-paced urban environment. The primary services offered are:
- Delivery: For those days you want to enjoy their delicious seafood from the comfort of your own home, they provide delivery service.
- Takeout: A cornerstone of their business, the takeout option is perfect for a grab-and-go meal. Customers place their order, pay, and wait for their number to be called, a system that has been perfected over decades.
- Catering: For events or larger gatherings, Famous Fish Market also provides catering services, allowing you to bring their popular seafood to your party or function.
The establishment is popular for both lunch and dinner, and is particularly known for its late-night food offerings, making it a favorite for college students and anyone with a late-night craving. The menu consists of classic comfort food and quick bites, with a focus on small plates, ensuring you can get exactly what you're looking for, whether it's a full combo meal or just a piece of fish. The payment options are modern and convenient, accepting credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making the transaction process smooth and quick for all customers. This blend of traditional, time-tested service with modern payment methods ensures a hassle-free experience.
Famous Fish Market has several key features and highlights that make it a standout choice for seafood lovers in New York. The restaurant has cultivated a specific, much-loved experience over the years. These features include:
- A Historic and Trendy Atmosphere: Established in 1974, the venue has a historic charm that’s also perceived as trendy by its diverse crowd. It's a place where history meets modern-day urban life.
- A Simple and Effective System: The "order, pay, and wait outside for your number to be called" system is a well-oiled machine that ensures efficiency. It’s a no-seating establishment, reinforcing its focus on quick, high-quality takeout.
- Diverse Customer Base: The crowd is a lively mix of college students, local New Yorkers, and tourists who are all drawn to the reputation and quality of the food.
- Legendary Sides and Condiments: As one reviewer mentioned, the new potato salad is a must-try, and the tartar sauce is a fan favorite, perfectly complementing the fried seafood. The half and half, a sweet and cold beverage, is also a highly recommended drink pairing.
- Fresh and Perfectly Cooked Food: The food is made on the spot, ensuring it’s not overcooked and retains its great taste. The combo meals are particularly popular, offering a satisfying mix of fish, shrimp, and clams with fries.
The place is well-known for sometimes having a wait, which is a testament to its popularity and the fact that the food is always cooked fresh to order. This is a small price to pay for the high-quality, delicious results that customers consistently praise.
For more information or to place an order, you can contact Famous Fish Market directly. Their contact details are as follows:
Address: 684 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10030, USA
Phone: (212) 491-8323
Famous Fish Market’s phone number is the best way to get in touch for inquiries or to place an order for pick-up. Their mobile number is also +1 212-491-8323, providing an additional way to reach them. While they have a strong presence in the community, calling ahead can sometimes help with an order, especially during peak hours. The team is known for being on point with their service, ensuring your order is taken correctly and prepared efficiently, so a phone call can be a great first step in your dining experience.
So, what makes Famous Fish Market a truly worthy choice for anyone in the New York area? It's the combination of its historic legacy, its commitment to quality, and its focus on classic, no-frills comfort food. Unlike many other eateries, Famous Fish Market has a clear identity and purpose: to provide the best possible fried seafood quickly and at a great value. The menu, while not extensive, is expertly crafted and every item is a star in its own right. The price is always right, making it an accessible option for people from all walks of life. The experience is authentic—from the two steps down to enter, to the bustling environment and the delicious smell of fresh seafood. The rave reviews from real customers speak for themselves, highlighting the filling portions, the great taste, and the perfect temperature of the food. The addition of sides like their flavorful potato salad and famous tartar sauce adds to the overall experience, turning a simple meal into a memorable one. For New Yorkers seeking a piece of their city's culinary history, or tourists wanting a genuine taste of Harlem, Famous Fish Market is more than just a restaurant; it’s a beloved institution that continues to deliver satisfaction one perfectly fried piece of fish at a time.
Famous Fish Market Menu
Featured Items
- Homemade Ice Tea $2.90
- Lemonade $2.90
- 1 Piece Of Fish $2.54
- All Shrimp $15.79
- Fish, Clams, & Chips Combo $23.28
- Fish & Shrimp $21.83
- All Fish $13.25
- Bottle Of Water $1.45
- Fish Sandwich $10.47
- Fish, Shrimp, & Clams Combo $26.65
- Fish, Shrimp, Clams, & Chips Combo $26.90
- Shrimp & Chips $16.76
- Half & Half $2.90
Homemade ice tea and lemonade.
- Shrimp & Clams $24.37
- Fish, Shrimp, & Chips Combo $22.56
- Clam & Chips $12.05
- Can Of Soda $1.45
- Fries (Chips) $2.54
- Fish, Clams, & Shrimp $26.18
- Fish & Chips $11.80
Famous Fish Market Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Comfort food
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Historic
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Locals
- Tourists
Planning
- Usually a wait
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
- Parking
Famous Fish Market Photos










Famous Fish Market Location
Famous Fish Market
684 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10030, USA
Famous Fish Market Reviews
fried fishfish sandwichtartar saucebatterwhiting90'shalf and halfdouble parkteenagerperiod
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1If you hungry for something fried this is it!I had both fish and shrimp and there new potato salad for just 2.00 and a half and half that was sweet and cold, It was so filling great taste not overcooked made on the spot and you get 2 slice of wheat bread! I love the tartar sauce too!
August 14 · Becky BooSometimes you just want a place that takes your order (a grab & go).. well if you are in Harlem, this should be your go to place. The price is right, the service is on point and your meal is soooo good. It’s a 2 step down to enter, no seating, order, pay and wait outside for your number to be called. It’s been around since 1974. Trust me, you will be fine… It’s fish, shrimp & fries (the combo) get the ice tea, you won’t be disappointed. 😎
May 30 · Marian BoullonThe food was phenomenal. Everything was cooked to order and cooked perfectly. I hadn’t eaten all day today, so I couldn’t until I got home. I devoured it on the bus. LolI ordered fish, shrimp, and chips combo. Everything was delicious. I don’t know what kind of fish that was, but it was fresh and flaky. The shrimps were perfect. The batter was thin and crispy. The chips were nice, some were a bit moist and cold. It even came with 2 slices of breads, and I made a nice fish sandwich with their tartar sauce. The sauce was also nice, and the flavor was very balanced. A little sweet, and a little sour. It was a good meal.The only thing was that the service could be nicer. The restaurant was clean, but watch out those stairs.
July 03 · Bradley CLiterally the best fried whiting period. And I’ve been eating fried fish my whole life, even better than my grandma or Auntie back down in the country in North Carolina back in the 70’s. I’ve been coming here for 20 years and it’s been consistently delicious every time.
August 12 · Craig McDowellThe hand battered whiting and shrimp are outstanding and fried in the cleanest oil of any fish shack in town. The clams are just ok, but everything else is extraordinary—there’s a reason for the lines on the sidewalk. Not much in the ways of sides and veggies, but that’s not the point.You don’t hang around 40 plus years uptown without knowing what you’re doing and doing it better than your competition.There’s no seating in the shop, but it’s easy to find a picnic spot or grab a bench at St. Nicholas Park just across the street. Adjacent to two express trains if you need to take it home.
July 07 · Daniel Grimes
More Best Restaurants Near Me

348 W 145th St, New York, NY 10039, USA

348 W 145th St, New York, NY 10039, USA

346 W 145th St, New York, NY 10039, USA

344 W 145th St, New York, NY 10039, USA

695 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10030, USA

398 W 145th St, New York, NY 10031, USA

398 W 145th St, New York, NY 10031, USA

300 W 145th St, New York, NY 10039, USA

741 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10031, USA

302 W 144th St, New York, NY 10030, USA

300 W 145th St, New York, NY 10039, USA

2733 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10039, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites






Trending Bites & Banter Posts





