Original Halibuts

09/29/09

Perfect fish, perfect fries, and I love the cocktail sauce

by Melody97210

Went on a Tuesday with a co-worker for lunch, it was the only place I could find chowder not on a Friday....neighborhood was quaint, I loved the relaxed but nicely decorated vibe, medium sized place was cozy. Service was quick, friendly, and the recommendations were spot-on. My friend had the chowder (excellent and scalding hot) and I had halibut and fries. Came with fresh lemon, great tartar (dill, not sweet) and a side of cocktail sauce that was so perfectly spicy with horseradish (and I wonder if there was a pinch of wasabi?) that it made me add a shrimp cocktail to my order. Oh, the fries were really crispy, and thick-cut at the same time. Super good. I don't know why everyone complaining about prices, I went on CitySearch and looked at several places seafood prices, and all were comparable. Seafood is expensive. If you want beef or chicken, go elsewhere. I was 100% satisfied with my order, the atmosphere, and yes, the "overbearing, cynical, brash owner" was there and served us, which was a nice touch, by a nice gentleman. Some of those 2 year old reviews need to be taken with a grain of salt. Seasoned, prefer

• Pros: Cocktail sauce, tarter sauce, fish perfect, fresh and hot!
• Cons: Seafood is expensive EVERYWHERE in town, not just here

08/11/09

Great Prawns & Chips.

by DancingButterfly

The place has great prawns and great long island iced tea. Great blues music. Although the interiors can use some remodeling or buffing up. It is somewhat dark and it does not look that clean. Maybe change the paint and the flooring.

12/19/08

Best local fish & chips

by WisconsinBoy

I have been searching for decent (not even great, mind you) fish and chips in Portland for over a decade and, with the exception of some English pubs, have been sorely disappointed. My wife and I stumbled in to Halibuts for lunch during a recent winter storm (we needed to get out of the house, even if just for lunch) and enjoyed one of the best meals of fish and chips I have had in a long while. Yes, it is a little more expensive than McM's or a pub, but the quality of the fish along with the light, crispiness of the batter make for much better fare. We had a great conversation with the owner and quickly sensed his passion for what he does and the pride he takes in doing it well. We will defintely be back.

• Pros: Quality of Food and Service
• Cons: none.