Bowpicker Fish and Chips

While this place is highly recommended through word-of-mouth as a "must-eat" spot, I personally found it quite disappointing. Hygiene is often a concern with food-truck-style eateries, and although the interior here was mostly hidden from view, the state of the ceiling and the microwave was enough to show that cleanliness is severely lacking. It seems many people judge the taste based solely on how "crispy" the food is, but the fish itself lacked volume—the portions were far too small—and there was a noticeable fishy odor. While the crispiness might mask some of the issues, the fundamental hygiene of the kitchen and the quality of the oil are very poor. I have no intention of returning.

After visiting the Astoria Column, I spotted a long line by a boat on a hill, turned out to be Bowpicker Fish & Chips! The fish was crispy outside, tender inside and the fries hit the spot. Super friendly local vibe, and totally worth the wait. Felt like a fisherman for a moment 😄. Must-try when in Astoria! Come early, bring cash, and don’t be scared of the line — it moves fast and it’s 100% worth it.

BEST FISH & CHIPS! Every single time we pass by the area, it is either too long of a line or we just time it out wrong so we miss our opportunity and they are closed but we finally got lucky enough and I regret sharing the one basket and not trying it before! Haha! If you are ever in the area, please dont make a mistake and miss out on your opportunity! Park it, get yourself in that line and order yourself a whole order per person!!

Best fish n chips I've had! The tuna is just different!! Got there early so we didn't have to wait in line but just a few minutes! Our order was taken through the window, and made it to the register at the same time we did. First the portions is perfect! The fish and the chips are cooked to golden perfection! We made it to a picnic table across the street to see the line grow, and grow, and grow! Even if you're not hungry get an order and split it, it's worth the stop!

Be prepared to wait on line for the BEST FISH & CHIPS in the pacific northwest! No, seriously, it's THAT GOOD! There's going to be a line of folks but it moves steadily. Eating at some tables nearby will expose you to pigeons who don't mind getting up close & personal as they beg for scraps. Great, fast service. Soft drinks available for order. Not a bad price for the quantity you'll get. Go ahead and get the full order, 5 pieces of fish and steak fries. You won't regret it.

It is an experience eating from a boat that has been converted to a fish and chips street restaurant. Many claim it has the best that they ever tasted. I am not making that claim. Three small (1.5" by 1.5") pieces of fish and a small handful of skin on hand-cut fries, with a bottle of water cost over $11.00. So feeding a family of four will be about $44 or more. There are better options in Astoria, and other places along US-101 and Marine Drive. The owner and operator should visit the Rock of Gibraltar to see what a really nice Fish and Chips meal is.

Hands-down the best fish n chips! The fish is crispy on the outside without being oily, and tender and juicy on the inside. The chips are delicious too. Really good tartar sauce as well. There has been a line every time I’ve gone but it moves and the taste and quality of the food certainly makes up for it. You have to find street parking and I’d recommend walking across the street to find a bench and enjoy the food with a view of the water.

Really great one of a kind experience, first for the amazing light and airy batter, second for rockstar tartar sauce, third for albacore tuna fish which is the only fish they ever have in their fish and chips, so stop asking. Bonus points go to the rickety old boat that they cook in. And finally tip of the hat to the staff who seemed to be fun and friendly even though all their customers have just waited in a long line victims of their own success. LOL. And finally the price ain't bad. If you are persnickety and you have not had tuna fish and chips then just know that the fish is going to be rather firm inside. You are not allowed to complain, and this style will grow on you.

This guy's legit! They do 1 thing and 1 thing only. Don't expect table service manners, butt kiss etiquette or sympathy You are getting 1 thing and 1 thing only!!Fish n Chips! And it's out of an old wooden boat on a trailer! Do not expect a song or dance to your quips and needs. The line was long and peeps couldn't have cared less. I actually had my 1st mate set up with a chair in line so E didn't get tired. As my 1st was waiting I asked several different tables how their Fish n Chips were and they all said; the best, worth the wait, as they should be, I come once a week. You know if locals go religiously it's good not just a yelp or insta hype. Well when we got out 6 orders they were all perfect! Each and every order. They were all crispy and not too crispy and zero grease factor which is a biggie. The fish was fresh and full within the breading. The breading was spot on with a good complementing flavor. This is how Fish n Chips should be. One of the top Fish n Chops joints I've been to hands down elbows and....up!

Don't get intimidated by the line this place is worth the wait if there is any. They are also fairly quick. The fish and chips are an example of doing one thing really well. Being in an old boat is super fun although you don't get much of a peak inside. This place is special and unique not just because it's in a boat because there is a lot of care put into the food and you'll taste that when you order.

Came here at 11, just as they opened. There was a small line. Someone got the prices on the signed mixed up, but they corrected it as we waited. A full order (5 pieces and fries) $15, half order (3 pieces and fries) $11. Cash only! The fish was nice and crispy. The pieces are small chunks (so don't come expecting fillets). They could definitely give you a few more fries, portions were a but small. They use tuna, so the fish is more dense than your average fish and chips. Overall a very tasty snack.

You won't be disappointed with the fish. The batter is so airy giving a delicious crunchy texture. The fries are not the best, cold and hard. I don't care for the fries. I usually ask for no fries; (bonus, they add two more pieces of fish), you'll also get a larger portion of their flavorful tartar sauce. Fish is made fresh, service is not the friendliest but understandable with how busy they get!

I did hear that fish sizes got small, but it was my first time and it was good. Now they accept credit card. There are some outdoor tables to sit at around, but it will be cold during the winter.

Fish slices were small for the price. Though tasted fresh and delicious. Line wasn't too long. Would be nice to have a bench to wait on the food.

This is a charming, iconic fish-n-chips spot, serving out of an old boat in Astoria. They have only freshly caught tuna fish-n-chips on the menu. We went there this past week and it didn't disappoint. The coating on the fish was shatteringly crisp and the French fries were nice and crispy as well. While my favorite fish is halibut, the tuna is extra meaty and has that distinct tuna texture. There are a couple of picnic tables across the street but they were full when we arrived. Fortunately we had some lawn chairs in our car so we put them in the shade of a tree across the street and enjoyed views of Youngs Bay. If you go to Astoria, be sure to get there soon after it opens. There's always a line and the close when the fish is gone. It's worth a stop!

Tried this place again while vacationing in Astoria/Seaside. Never disappoints. Though their fries are just basic steak versions. No way are they fresh cut. Period. Been to Red Robin? Same gawt damn fries. So just OK. In fact I tossed 50% in the trash they were so bland. Fish is the star, like always. Breading he claims is custom/secret but it tastes and has same crunch as Shark Bites in Coos Bay. Period. So it's not house made. It's purchased from commercial company. In fact I know the maker but won't release that here. Service always great. Line to wait is meh. Here's the NEW kicker, after all these years of cash only these sobs now take credit card! It was just a matter of time as cash is going away soon. If in the area try it out. If in Portland it's not worth the drive. Your welcome.

**CASH ONLY** Bowpicker is a MUST if you're visiting Astoria!! Fresh fried albacore served out of a fun little boat - very unique and definitely full of Astoria character. The menu is very simple - just fish and chips - but the food is fantastic. Staff are welcoming, friendly and very fast. The lines always look long but they move quick. The fish is flavorful and never greasy. The fries are soft on the inside and crisp outside - just lovely. A "half portion" on their menu is 3 pieces with fries - sometimes 4 pieces and it's always plenty for me. Their homemade tartar sauce is fabulous! Total food truck vibes - except it's a boat haha! They have some picnic tables on the grounds for you to eat at and there's street parking all around. It's a very central location around Astoria and easy to get to. You can't miss it - you'll see it just driving around.

Great food and service. There is usually a line but it moves quickly. Very affordable.

Literally the best fish and chips I've ever had. This is the gold standard. Haven't been here in a while, so glad we made the drive up from Cannon Beach. Super lite and crispy, fresh fried Albacore Tuna. Absolutely phenomenal. Got in front of the line today too!

Bowpicker takes non-FISH&CHIPS people and makes them believers! The line is worth it!

This place is great. Fish is firm and not overly fishy like some can be. The line can be long at peak meal times.

Now accepts debit and credit cards! Great albacore tuna fish and chips, with lots of condiments available. Make sure you salt the fries, they barely put any.

I heard about this place while watching a video on U tube. We drove down from the Bremerton WA. area to try them. Got there about mid day. Not real busy with 10 people or so in line. Beautiful sunny day. Found a nice shady parking place under the big tree next to the boat. The line moved surprisingly fast. Ordered the full fish & Chips. Fish very good. Batter not the average batter. Very light and not soak in oil. Did not know the fish was Tuna. Very good. Will definite stop on our way to the Oregon coast next time.

Good crispy fish and chips....long lines tell yu wats up!!! All served from and old boat! lemon juice for the fish, ketchup for the chips

The line gets long, but despite it being a two-person operation on a busy weekend in the summer, those two kept it moving along! We got t o orders of the Fish and Chips, then took our orders to eat on a nearby picnic table. The fish was good and crispy, but the pieces were small, making the coating-to-fish ratio tip a little too far to the former. The chips were long and very English. My sons didn't love them, but they were just like what you'd find in your traditional paper-wrapped order. Plus, my boys have yet to realize that it only makes sense to dowse it all in vinegar. When they do, they will realize why the larger fries are better - they soak up just the right amount of vinegar! My oldest was still hungry and loved the fish enough to stand in a line whose length had doubled since our first time through. I took a star off for two reasons - one, there were no napkins, and the tartar sauce comes with the order, like it or not. I tried not to get it so I'd waste one last piece of plastic, but that didn't happen. Also, an older woman was trying to read the partially wiped-off dry erase board menu, and when she tried to ask a question while ordering, was snapped at. Luckily another customer stepped up to kindly help her.

I arrived at 10.52 on a Saturday and was fifth in line. The service was quick once it opened at 11, so I had my food by 11.05. The fish had a nice crisp breading, but I didn't think the fish itself was noteworthy and found the fries to be average. I'm glad I tried it, but I'm not sure it's worth the wait to try again.

If you are looking for the best fish n chips, this is the place. It's sooo good. Nothing else served because nothing else is needed.

So much goodness in tender Tuna, hand dipped and fried to perfection.. Served with steak fries, tarter and ketchup. I'm only sad when when it's gone . She takes credit or debit now. If there's a line, it's worth the wait!!

We ate here back a month or so ago and everyone was quite pleased with their meal. The service was excellent too.

Finally, after so many years of waiting, I made it to Astoria when these folks were open. Was it worth the wait? Absolutely. Even at 5 minutes after opening, there was a line; definitely a good sign. Never mind the novelty of having the entire operation inside a land docked boat. Or that they only have one item on the menu. I can only describe the batter as crispy fluffy, somewhat unique in the world of fish and chips. Also that they use tuna chunks is rather different, but it works. Not sure if it's intentional, but the fries were a bit of a mixed bag, with the full spectrum of tiny thin crispies to the thick ones. I guess you end up with your preferred ones at some point. The waiting line moves quite quickly, so don't be put off by it. Highly recommend.

Real quaint place with just three folks working on this tiny outdoor place but there was a line 10 deep when I walked up. Folks, they only take cash but I knew ahead of time. I have never had beer battered albacore tuna and I will say I might never go back to cod or halibut. I can hear the cans of beer opening as they made thr fish to order! Like, who does that, apparently these folks take fish'n'chips seriously. Don't let the pictures fool you, the tuna pieces are minimum four bites. Just enough catsup & tartar sauce for this Philly Girl plus plenty of other communal condiments hot sauce, malt vinegar, & even lemon juice. Both tuna & fries nice & crispy not drenched in oil. I highly recommend when you come & visit Astoria, Oregon.

Drove the 2 hours on birthday to visit yo scenic Astoria and place didn't disappoint Thought it'd be closer to the water, but more like a boat/food truck, across the street from local MO's seafood. Only seating area was down the street and the ramp leads you on/off the counter to order. Used tuna as the base of fish and chips, so meat is firmer. Good experience

Yes, yes and yes. The best fish and chips! No joke. This place had me waiting in line for seconds. It's that good. Good sized portions and they make it to order. Look for the boat on the street. Bring cash!

My husband and I visited this gem 10 years ago. My husband had to come back on our return visit to Oregon. We love it! Reasonable prices too!

What's not to love. Fish and chips that taste fresh! Love coming here on a drizzly day and experiencing something so delicious that my only regret is not getting more. Even the kids love it!

Every time I'm in Astoria there's a pretty good line so this time we decided to wait in it and glad we did all they serve is fish and chips a 1/2 or whole order it was tuna very very fresh moist and very tasty fried in a thin but crispy crust not oily either this place is possibly the best fish I've ever had the fries were good crispy but definitely not the star of the show but a good side so go ahead and wait your turn in the line you definitely won't be disappointed hope this helps and happy dining

They have great food from a simple menu and almost no overhead. The only seating is on some picnic tables but the view is amazing

Arrived with a short line. BONUS!! Fantastic fish and chips. Got the large order and added one piece. Bottle water made it $20 for the two of us. Highly recommend. Couple picnic tables across the street. Like everyone that has tried it we highly recommend.

You can believe the hype! I didn't add any pictures; I think that has been adequately covered. I stopped by last Saturday. It was a beautiful day, and there were about 25 people in line already. I ordered the full order ($14), which includes 5 pieces of fish and fries. The pieces of fish are smaller than some places, but they were great! In fact, the fish to breading ratio was excellent. A lot of times, PNW restaurants and pubs will 'over bread' their fish. They are so proud of their beer batter, that they use WAY too much. That was not the case at the Bowpicker. And they use Albacore Tuna, instead of cod or halibut! Yummm. The fries were good as well. I'll be back; I just wish I'd tried the Bowpicker sooner.

Had fish n chips there twice...was absolutely excellent, so we returned again to enjoy a good meal. This was a referral and was well rewarded with the super fresh fish. You must go while in town.

Albacore Tuna Fish and Chips was 100/10 I grew up in the islands eating fresh fish and tuna all the time. We were beyond happy coming across this place and was recommended by my SIL. Fish was not overly battered, it was perfectly fried, crisp, and juicy. Also they are opened Weds-Sat 11a-6p. We were sad we stopped by on the way back to WA today (Monday) and they were closed. Bring cash they don't do cards. We are making sure our next trip to Astoria to stop here again!!

Best fish & chips ever. Made me a fan. Using albacore seems like cheating. But it's a game changer.

Bowpicker's is a food truck-style eatery in a fishing boat a block inland from the Coast Guard Station in Astoria. There's always a line, and you can't see what's going on until you get up close (after you go through the line). But the wait is worth every minute. The fish is extraordinary. This is no ordinary fish & chips shop. What makes their fish and chips exceptional is that they use fresh albacore tuna. That's not an obvious choice, but result is incredibly good. N.B. cash only

Fish and Chips, simple but not easy. Bowpicker gets it right. The breading is fantastic--crispy, golden, and perfectly crunchy. Do yourself a favor: get up early and bring some cash, as this spot is cash-only and sells out quickly. The experience is well worth it. Enjoy, be happy.

We've been dreaming of coming back to this place and 6 years later we are here. Please understand we came all the way from Florida! Tuna fish and chips. Who knew they'd be so delicious. Nice staff. Fun outdoor beaches boat up on a hillside atmosphere. Pretty sure we'll be back again one day. Astoria is a fun town.

Delicious fish and chips! Cash only! No seating area. Here on a Friday afternoon and no wait. Street parking for us!

Bowpicker has the best fish & chips I've ever had, period. The fish is perfect, the breading is perfect, and the fries are top-notch too. Every time I want fish & chips, I don't mind the two hour drive to get there from Gig Harbor. It's on my schedule now twice a year. If you make the drive, you won't be disappointed. Dining is outside or in your car, but that's the only downside if the weather sucks. There are a couple of picknick tables for nice weather, but the nicer the weather, the longer the line. If it's a nice weather day, you can always take a lawnchair for an enjoyable lunch.

Probably some of the best fresh tuna I've ever had, NOT dry at all!!!! Absolutely worth it! The ONLY complaint I'd give, is....it could be served with more fries (chips).....but other than that, it was delicious!

We took a small weekend trip to Astoria and this was one of the highest rated spots in the area, so we knew we had to give it a try! - PARKING - Street parking along the sides where the boat itself is located. - SERVICE/ENVIRONMENT - It's a small order window, where you walk up the boat, and pay at the pick up section. There's small picnic tables across the street from the boat, but we decided to take it home. The man made sure to pack our orders neatly and stacked them with paper towels in-between so the food wouldn't get stuck to the bottom of the other plates. He also gave us generous amounts of tartar sauce which is greatly appreciated! - FOOD - Whole Order (5pcs - $14.00): 5 palm sized pieces of fish laid on top of a bed of steak fries. The fish itself had a SUPER crispy outer breading, and even after the drive home it was still extremely crunchy! The steak fries did get a little soggy, but everything was delicious nonetheless! - OVERALL - I would absolutely recommend this spot if you're ever in Astoria or the surround thing area! Delicious food at a reasonable price!

Fish & Chips 4.5/5 overall. Crispness 4/5. Batter 4/5. Fish quality 5/5. Flavor 5/5. Fries 4/5. Size and value 5/5. Excellent Fish & Chips, very good quality Tuna. Good homemade tarter sauce and portions. We always try to stop at the Bowpicker every year or two when we visit Astoria. Worth the wait!

Every time we visit Astoria the line here is ridiculously long so we pass it up. I think it added to the hype and made me want it more. Today we waited in the heat and got the three piece fish and chips. It didn't suck. I don't think I will ever need to eat there again. I'm not sure what the buzz is all about. It's decent but not wait in a long line kinda good.

I'm sure you can see the many five star reviews this place has gotten. When you are in Astoria, you will also see the long line forming, waiting for their delicious fish and chips. Both of those should tell you that this is a place not to be missed. It's fish and chips served out of an old boat. The boat is a bowpicker. That is "bow" as in ship terminology, not "bow" and arrow. It's a type of boat where they used to pull up the catch at the front, hence the name. It's been modified to work as a kitchen, but it's still a really cool way to get your food. They keep the line moving as fast as they can, but wear sunscreen and a hat for the wait. You can get a three piece or five piece order. If you're a party of two, you can get the five piece and add a piece of fish... or each get your own. It will come out real quick. Enjoy it on the picnic tables nearby or take it in the car down to the water, whatever your preference. These fish and chips are damn good. I'm not sure how to describe it other than they're possibly my favorite fish and chips out of any I've tried, and that includes going to the UK. I will absolutely stop by here every time I am in Astoria.

Not much to say, and as you can tell by the reviews, the Bowpicker is a great place to grab some fish and chips. A friend who travels a lot recommended the Bowpicker to us, so we decided to try it. It was delicious, and I would eat here again. We arrived at about 10:45 for opening at 11 am, and there was already a line. However, as soon as they opened, the line went quickly, and we were eating about 15-20 minutes later. The setup is in a small boat with a mini kitchen which makes for a fun story. One thing that stood out to us and set this place apart from any other fish and chips spot is that they serve tuna instead of cod or halibut--made for delicious fish and chips. The fish is fried to crispy, juicy perfection without being greasy. My daughter even enjoyed it, and she's 11. One thing to note is that you need to ask for a lemon or grab it yourself at the window. They didn't offer it automatically; not sure why. But we didn't know this and wished we had some while eating. Don't be fooled by the line, as it goes by quickly and is worth the wait!

The line was deep but the fish was hot and fresh. Worth the wait. There was a sign that said cash only but I was told you could pay with a card. Probably the best fish and chips I've had.

Cash only. Food is always fresh and tasty. Generous portions. Fish is not too greasy. The line moves fast. This is a must stop when we are in Astoria.

Based on the Yelp reviews, we stopped at Bowpicker to get some fish and chips....The food is delicious...the fried fish was nicely fried on the outside, moist on the inside. They don't have a large menu, they don't have burgers nor nachos...they have fish and chips and that's what you can delight yourself on. The line was not bad to get to the little window, but the food was definitely worth the wait. Check it out if you are in the area.

Absolutely incredible! We didn't realize the fish was tuna. I knew it was too firm for cod and not white enough for halibut, but I never would have guessed that tuna could make the best fish and chips. I loved the little vinegar packets! There was a bit of a line, but it moved quickly enough.