phil's seafood

phil's seafood is the first fish & chip place I checked out 'way back in the fall of '04 when I first moved here. I remember it being just ok but it certainly wasn't the phenomenal introduction to east coast fish I'd hoped for. that was back in the day before food review blogs had hit it big though, so I didn't write it up. for proper bish 'n' batter coverage, I knew I had to go back. and so with co-investigators smolyn, kirstie, and jim, I did. for science.

phil's seafood only offers breaded, and also features tartar sauce in squeeze tubes on the table. astute readers will recognize the eerie similarities to phil's fish & chips out on purcells cove road, but will then remind themselves that correlation is not causation and everything will be alright. we ordered a 9pc family pack with a side of onion rings and came out ahead of four separate 2pcs. note that the waitress might complain that the family pack is only for takeout, but in both times I've been there, they've been able to serve it at the table.

even though the place was jammed, once we were seated the service was quick. the fish is good! against all odds phil nails it - the fish is moist and cooked just right even with the thinner breaded coating. it's still not my favorite, but of all the breaded we've tried this is the winner. the highlight of the meal had to be the onion rings, though. for $2.50 we were expecting a small side plate with 8-10 rings on it, but were presented with a sizeable platter. the fries were ok, but the rings were superior and I would even consider substituting on future visits. lemon wedges and plenty of coleslaw filled out the plate.

the quinpool region is home to the best fish & chips on the peninsula thus far: fries & co. for battered, and phil's seafood for breaded. the onion rings were so plentiful and good at phil's that I'd be tempted to just stop for those if I was in the area and in the need of a greasy snack. however with battered available just up the street at fries & co., it's a hard sell to go to phils.

price: $24/4 + pop & onion rings & hst
food: &&&.%/5
atmosphere: &&&/5
overall: &&&.%/5

phil's seafood
6285 quinpool road
halifax, ns b3l 1a4, canada
(902) 431-3474
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