Anchor Fish And Chips brings a bit of Britain's best
Screw winter—hunker down with some crispy fish and hand-cut fries instead.
As much as outdoor enthusiasts may tout the benefits of skiing or snowshoeing, the fact is that winter kind of sucks. So a cozy bar that serves delicious deep-fried food can be a hibernation paradise, and the recently opened Anchor Fish & Chips in Northeast Minneapolis can be that oasis. The A.V. Club serves up the reasons for checking it out.
In the kitchen: Partners Luke Kyle, Kathryn Hayes, and Jenny Crouser just wanted a go-to neighborhood place that served proper homemade British food. Kyle, who hails from Belfast, is the kitchen whiz. (He's also the brother of local musicians Ben Kyle of Romantica and Robin Kyle of Valet.)
The name: "The Anchor" aims for the jaunty, English feel of familiar pub names like "The Rose And Crown" or "The Fox And Goose." Also, referencing an anchor this far from the ocean is kind of ironic.
Eat this: The place has "fish and chips" in its name, so although the egg-laden burger and shepherd's pie are both tasty, go for the fried fish. It's flaky, tender, perfectly cooked, and fulfills all your hopes and dreams.
Drink up: There's some organic wine, and even mimosas for the weekend breakfast crowd, but opt for the beer for that full-on pub feel. Bonus: Old Style on tap.
Mom, date, or pal?: The place is busy and lively, so either take your significant other (past the dating stage, in other words), or a group of friends. The atmosphere isn't exactly stellar for intimate flirting.
Fellow gourmands: It's in Northeast and there's a chef wearing a porkpie hat, which usually indicates an insufferable hipness quotient. But its warm vibe and delicious food draws in a breadth of neighbors as well.
Economic impact: Recession-friendly: You can get a meal and a beer for about $15.
Vital stats: 302 13th Ave. NE, 612-676-1300, theanchorfishandchips.com. Closed Mondays. Tuesday to Friday, open 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday open 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. On-street parking usually isn't difficult.
