After many years of commercial fishing, the McWha Family opened the Harbor Fish Seafood Market in 1967. Doug and his son Carl ran the boat while Sally and daughters Diana and Sue ran the market. It was during that time Sally developed her famous recipes for tartar sauce, cocktail sauce and coleslaw that are still homemade daily.
In 1981, Carl opened Harbor Fish Cafe here in Carlsbad in what was a gas station in the 1930's. Since then, Carl has continually offered great seafood with unbeatable ocean views in a fun and casual atmosphere. Important Parking Info: The lot between Harbor Fish and the Carlsbad State Beach is owned by the city/state.
In 1981, Carl opened Harbor Fish Cafe here in Carlsbad in what was a gas station in the 1930's. Since then, Carl has continually offered great seafood with unbeatable ocean views in a fun and casual atmosphere. Important Parking Info: The lot between Harbor Fish and the Carlsbad State Beach is owned by the city/state.
Reviews (27)
Robert H.
Jan 29, 2022
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Pre covid this place was wonderful. But now, not so much. They used to serve plump, real fried shrimp that were to die for. Now they serve flattened something with a tail stuck in it that tastes like paper, or like some sort of food run over by a heavy truck. There used to be real bottles of vinegar and ketchup on the table, now little hard to open plastic envelopes. There use to be real salt and pepper shakers on the table, now little paper envelopes. This cheaping out has made a wonderful location into a disappointment. The ocean is still there but the food ain't.
Sonia R.
Jan 25, 2022
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My family and I were recommended to try this place out. We drove from Escondido to try it out. As soon as we get there we wait to be seated. We noticed an older lady taking an order close by. she sees us standing there and looks up and says, "We are closed." By the way we looked this place up before driving down there and it says on their site closes at 730pm. So we waited there to ask why It states 730pm on their site. before we can even say anything she says, "I don't care! We are closed!" and walks away from us. I've NEVER EVER EXPERIENCED customer service like
Nathan Okh
Jan 18, 2022
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Haden G.
Jan 08, 2022
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Nathan Perea
Jan 06, 2022
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Vicky T.
Dec 25, 2021
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Amazing!!
Wow.... this place is a must visit.
First of All staff is friendly and accommodating. So cheers to you!!
Thank you for answering the phone on New years eve to let us know that you where open and you would wait for us. They closed at 6 that night but even 20 min before closing they took in people who walked up asking I'd they where open.
The place has a view of the ocean on one side - was to cold to sit on that side and dark. But also has a side where the wind won't bother.
Best part is the delicious food they serve 😋.
I has a grilled fish with a spicy coleslaw and just that made
Wow.... this place is a must visit.
First of All staff is friendly and accommodating. So cheers to you!!
Thank you for answering the phone on New years eve to let us know that you where open and you would wait for us. They closed at 6 that night but even 20 min before closing they took in people who walked up asking I'd they where open.
The place has a view of the ocean on one side - was to cold to sit on that side and dark. But also has a side where the wind won't bother.
Best part is the delicious food they serve 😋.
I has a grilled fish with a spicy coleslaw and just that made
Shakir Muhammad
Dec 20, 2021
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Staff was helpful and nice. Restaurant has a nice setting. Eating outside be aware that the occasional commuter train comes by. There are patio propane heaters for chillier days too. I forgot to take a picture of my food so here is a picture of a sandcastle that we found.. I told my son not to knock it down. 🏖🏰
Marc L.
Dec 17, 2021
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Fish & Chips special on Thursdays!
Nice little beachside 'chippy' in Carlsbad. Harbor Fish Cafe is as no frills as it gets... just stroll on up, take a seat, and the servers will find their way to you.
The claim to fame here are the Fish & Chips, which are massive: a regular order is a huge filet that is twice the amount of fish you'd get at most spots. They have daily specials and on Thursday their 2 piece special is $3 off, which is enough for 2 people.
I ended up getting a small Carlsbad Clam Chowder and the Jumbo Shrimp Plate ($16.49) which comes with 5 large battered
Nice little beachside 'chippy' in Carlsbad. Harbor Fish Cafe is as no frills as it gets... just stroll on up, take a seat, and the servers will find their way to you.
The claim to fame here are the Fish & Chips, which are massive: a regular order is a huge filet that is twice the amount of fish you'd get at most spots. They have daily specials and on Thursday their 2 piece special is $3 off, which is enough for 2 people.
I ended up getting a small Carlsbad Clam Chowder and the Jumbo Shrimp Plate ($16.49) which comes with 5 large battered
Brooke R.
Nov 01, 2021
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Ellen H.
Oct 28, 2021
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Eric Moura
Oct 14, 2021
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Robbie B.
Oct 08, 2021
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Mary G.
Oct 08, 2021
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We absolutely loved this find!!! We probably spent about an hour deciding where we wanted to go for dinner. (Four families from out of town with 17 people total, ages 2-adult.) We settled on Harbor Fish Cafe, and we are so glad we did!!! We called ahead to make sure there'd be room for us, and (come to find out!) the owner was super nice on the phone and very welcoming. We ended up sitting at tables just to the right after walking in. The servers were attentive and so kind, the food was delish!!! My husband doesn't like fish, and he said the burger was AMAZING. We come down every
Brett Skogman
Oct 02, 2021
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Q. Studio San Diego Reviews
Sep 20, 2021
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It was good, not crazy over the top incredible, but definitely good. The restaurant has a great view of the town and some of the grassy yard near the beach down below the cliffs. Good for family's and fun meet ups with friends. The staff was very friendly and several people helped with our one table. I ordered the fish and chips. It was heavy on the deep fried batter and the fish was fresh but small buried deep in the crisp batter. Served hot with fries. Next time I'd get two pieces of fish not one. The do not give refills on drinks so order the large. Prices were not steep and priced accordingly
Sheromie Vittachi
Sep 20, 2021
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Great spot with delicious fish! This place is a fixture for years. Family owned.
The fish and chips are yummy. The fish taco was good but not spicy. Flavorful tartar sauce and coleslaw. The people are really nice and my view was the Pacific Ocean. 💗Covered patio dining - two clean bathrooms and best price for water bottles.
There’s parking behind restaurant and also a nice walk either up high at street level or down below at sea level to walk off those calories.
Definitely would go again!
Looks like they are expanding.
The fish and chips are yummy. The fish taco was good but not spicy. Flavorful tartar sauce and coleslaw. The people are really nice and my view was the Pacific Ocean. 💗Covered patio dining - two clean bathrooms and best price for water bottles.
There’s parking behind restaurant and also a nice walk either up high at street level or down below at sea level to walk off those calories.
Definitely would go again!
Looks like they are expanding.
Roz E.
Sep 06, 2021
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This place has been here since the 80s! So happy they are still around! They have a great location and casual vibe. They have a covered open air patio, so it's nice to feel like you're outside without the sun beating down on you while you eat! Plus you get to people watch!
I got the 1 piece fried fish plate and hubby got the Clam combo (clam strips with 1 piece fried fish). I definitely finished my plate, no problem!
I think it was cooked just right. I like that the fish was long and I just used my hands to eat it. It didn't fall apart! That's a plus! The fries were done
I got the 1 piece fried fish plate and hubby got the Clam combo (clam strips with 1 piece fried fish). I definitely finished my plate, no problem!
I think it was cooked just right. I like that the fish was long and I just used my hands to eat it. It didn't fall apart! That's a plus! The fries were done
Shainy C.
Sep 04, 2021
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Couldn't resist the fish & chips as I watched them being delivered to various tables. It wasn't a mistake
The batter is outstanding & the fries are spectacular... crispy & soft on the inside.... Best fry ever!!!
Taking my partner there next week as I want to show off my new find along with the ocean view right in front of you!
The batter is outstanding & the fries are spectacular... crispy & soft on the inside.... Best fry ever!!!
Taking my partner there next week as I want to show off my new find along with the ocean view right in front of you!
Juan C.
Aug 09, 2021
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Alisha H.
Jul 03, 2021
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This is a staple anytime I come to visit Socal. The fish and chips here are the BEST! To be honest I haven't had tomany other things off the menu because they are just so good. Fish and chips is not something I would tuypcailly order at restaurants because they don't have the right balance, but these are perfect. they are light and not overly greasy. The parking situation can be a pain, but it is worth the walk. Also, if there is a line/wait list it will go pretty quickly, the turn around time is pretty quick.
Craig Z.
Jun 30, 2021
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Bee B.
Jun 12, 2021
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Had a good experience here. Stopped here before headed home to grab some dinner and enjoy some ocean views.
Staff was attentive and friendly. They are quite efficient here . Their fish and chips were so tasty-- that batter! Hot, fresh, crispy, and tender cut of fish. Their clam chowder wasn't so bad either. Also got a salad, I remembered the menu said it was grilled shrimp salad, however what came out was more of shrimp cocktail. I didn't make a big deal out of it because they were pretty busy and the place was quite packed. So, the salad was just ok for me. I appreciate the freshness
Staff was attentive and friendly. They are quite efficient here . Their fish and chips were so tasty-- that batter! Hot, fresh, crispy, and tender cut of fish. Their clam chowder wasn't so bad either. Also got a salad, I remembered the menu said it was grilled shrimp salad, however what came out was more of shrimp cocktail. I didn't make a big deal out of it because they were pretty busy and the place was quite packed. So, the salad was just ok for me. I appreciate the freshness
Darren O.
Apr 16, 2021
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Absolutely loved this place. Outstanding fish and chips. Great crunch without being overly breaded. Mild white fish with great flavor. A capers tarter sauce that is a perfect complement to the fish.
Creamy coleslaw- really good. Crunchy French fries.
Also loved the clam chowder. Not as thick as some, but fresh, flavorful and addictive.
Next time I'm in Carlsbad guess where I will be eating again?
Creamy coleslaw- really good. Crunchy French fries.
Also loved the clam chowder. Not as thick as some, but fresh, flavorful and addictive.
Next time I'm in Carlsbad guess where I will be eating again?
Chuck M.
Mar 26, 2021
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Talk about location, location, location!!!!
Not only that but the food and service was great.
I had the fish and chips. The fish were large filets of fresh fish not some small chuck of cod. My wife had the calm chowder.She said it was hot and had the prefect consistency. They have their own label of beer that was quite tasty as well.
We will be back!!!!
Not only that but the food and service was great.
I had the fish and chips. The fish were large filets of fresh fish not some small chuck of cod. My wife had the calm chowder.She said it was hot and had the prefect consistency. They have their own label of beer that was quite tasty as well.
We will be back!!!!
O. Castle
Feb 16, 2021
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Decided to stop and finally give this place a try. They're currently doing construction on the outer eating area but allowed us to bring our pup on the patio which was really nice of them. We grabbed some clam chowder, which had amazing clam flavor and the sour dough was grilles to perfection. For my main I got the fish po boy which was very hearty and delicious. The fries were excellent and crispy. My son got the kids corn dog meal which he seemed to enjoy. My husband got the one piece fish and chips. He said the one piece was plenty!! We were very satisfied with the service and the food was fresh
Stephanie K.
Nov 24, 2020
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Great location right off Carlsbad State Beach. Good size patio for outdoor dining. Ordered the combo fish plate, spicy fish taco and coleslaw. Everything came out pretty quick. The fish and chips were well battered, crispy and tasty! The tartar sauce was also delicious. The spicy fish taco was a big portion size, also tasted great but I could have done without the huge amount of cheddar, it seemed to change the flavor. The coleslaw was ok, not with $6 as a side. Service was friendly and attentive. Overall, would come back again.
Michele M.
Aug 22, 2020
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We have driven by this place many times over the years and finally decided to stop by. The beach was packed post Covid so we ended up parking a few blocks away. They have outdoor seating but unfortunately because the weather has been so humid, the patio was very hot and steamy.
I had the fish and clams combo. The fish was good but my piece did have some silver parts. I would prefer no silver parts on my fish. The clams were good especially since I've been craving clams. My husband had the big fish taco and he thought it was pretty good.
Table service was good and the food came out
I had the fish and clams combo. The fish was good but my piece did have some silver parts. I would prefer no silver parts on my fish. The clams were good especially since I've been craving clams. My husband had the big fish taco and he thought it was pretty good.
Table service was good and the food came out