Fish & Chips in Tempe, AZ

The Best Fish and Chips in Tempe, AZ

Great fish and chips in Arizona feels like a unicorn — the landlocked desert isn't exactly known for its seafood spots. But FishPop at Tempe Eats Food Hall has quietly become the answer to the question: where do you go for fish and chips in Tempe? The answer: 85 E Southern Ave, every day of the week except Monday.

Fish and chips done right is actually a precision exercise. The batter has to be light, airy, and golden without being greasy. The fish inside needs to be properly flaky and moist. The fries have to pull their own weight — not just an afterthought. And the tartar sauce? The difference between a mediocre fish and chips and a memorable one often lives entirely in the sauce.

What FishPop Gets Right

FishPop nails the batter. It's golden, crispy, and stays that way long enough to actually eat — not the kind that goes soggy by the time you've walked from the counter to your table. The fish inside is flaky and mild, the kind of quality that makes the batter the vehicle rather than the distraction.

The fries are seasoned and satisfying — not the frozen-bag kind, not the kind that exist just to fill the plate. And the house tartar sauce is genuinely good. Creamy, tangy, with enough character to complement without overpowering. FishPop offers two versions: Original for the classic experience, and Spicy for those who want a kick alongside their crunch.

Fish and Chips Paired with a Cold Pint

There's something deeply right about fish and chips with a cold beer. At Tempe Eats, you can grab your FishPop order and head straight to the 42-tap Outlaw Beer self-pour wall to pour yourself exactly what you want. A crispy pale ale or a cold lager against golden battered fish is one of the better flavor combinations in the food hall. During happy hour (3–6PM daily, all day Tuesday), you can pull a house beer for $3 and make the whole meal feel like a steal.

Why FishPop Stands Out in Tempe

Finding a dedicated fish and chips vendor in the Valley is genuinely rare. Most restaurants throw it on a menu as an afterthought — something battered in the back and handed over without ceremony. FishPop is the opposite: a focused concept that does one thing and does it exceptionally well. The menu doesn't sprawl. The product doesn't suffer for it.

Being inside Tempe Eats Food Hall means FishPop benefits from the communal atmosphere and shared energy of the space. You're not eating in isolation — you're part of a larger scene where other vendors are doing great things nearby, the tap wall is humming, and the general vibe is exactly what a Friday or Saturday evening should feel like.

Hours & Location

FishPop is available at Tempe Eats, 85 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282, Tuesday through Thursday noon to 8PM, Friday and Saturday noon to 9PM, and Sunday noon to 8PM. Get directions and plan your visit →