Everyone has that one food they secretly crave, the dish they indulge in despite knowing it’s not exactly health food. For Phoenix locals, Pete’s Fish & Chips often tops that list. It’s the kind of place you might feel a little guilty about loving, but the craving always brings you back for more. Forget fancy dining; Pete’s offers a straightforward, deep-fried experience that has become a beloved local tradition.
What is it about Pete’s that keeps generations coming back for more? It’s certainly not pretending to be health food. This is classic, unpretentious fast food at its finest. While the menu includes hamburgers, the real draw is, unsurprisingly, the fish and chips. But it’s more than just fried fish; it’s the whole Pete’s experience.
One key to Pete’s enduring appeal is their commitment to frying food fresh to order. In a world of fast food restaurants where items sit under heat lamps, Pete’s offers the simple pleasure of food that’s piping hot and crispy straight from the fryer. This makes a huge difference in taste and texture. Whether you opt for their namesake fish, hand-battered shrimp, oysters, scallops, or even crab sticks, you can expect a satisfyingly crunchy bite every time. Don’t overlook the onion rings either; they are a seriously underrated highlight of the menu and stand out as some of the best in Phoenix.
Alt text: Pete’s Fish and Chips restaurant exterior, showcasing its vintage signage and inviting atmosphere, a local Phoenix favorite for classic fried seafood.
But perhaps the most talked-about element of Pete’s Fish & Chips is “the sauce.” This isn’t your average tartar sauce. Pete’s signature sauce is a tangy, slightly spicy concoction that closely resembles cocktail sauce but with a unique twist. Many speculate that chili sauce provides the subtle heat, setting it apart from typical horseradish-heavy cocktail sauces. For decades, this sauce was the only condiment offered, a testament to its central role in the Pete’s experience. While tartar sauce and ranch dressing are now available at some locations due to customer demand, the original sauce remains the true Pete’s purist’s choice. It’s the perfect complement to the rich, fried food, cutting through the grease without adding extra oiliness like tartar sauce sometimes can.
Alt text: Delicious Pete’s Fish and Chips meal, featuring golden-brown fried fish and their signature tangy sauce, highlighting the crispy texture and flavorful condiment.
Beyond the food itself, Pete’s Fish & Chips is a local institution with a history stretching back to 1947. This family-run business has been serving the Phoenix Valley for generations, becoming ingrained in the community’s culinary landscape. Supporting Pete’s means supporting a local business with deep roots in Phoenix.
So, is Pete’s Fish & Chips a healthy choice? Probably not. Is it incredibly satisfying and a Phoenix guilty pleasure worth experiencing? Absolutely. Sometimes, you just need to indulge in that deep-fried craving, and Pete’s Fish & Chips is the perfect place to do it. Embrace the guilty pleasure and discover why Pete’s has remained a Phoenix favorite for so many years. Next time you’re looking for a classic, no-frills, and undeniably tasty fast food experience in Phoenix, head to Pete’s Fish & Chips. You might just find yourself becoming a regular.
