Captain Mike's Fish Fry

Seafood restaurant · Costa Mesa

Captain Mike's Fish Fry

Seafood restaurant · Costa Mesa

1

815 W 19th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627

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Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null
Captain Mike's Fish Fry by null

Highlights

Seafood, chicken, fried zucchini, onion rings, affordable prices  

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815 W 19th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 Get directions

$10–20

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815 W 19th St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 Get directions

+1 949 645 2875

$10–20

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Last updated

Sep 1, 2025

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An Eater’s Guide to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula | Eater Detroit

"A cash-only food truck serving standout fish tacos made with fried Lake Superior whitefish; customers often bring their orders over to the neighboring brewery to enjoy with a beer." - Amanda Ponzio-Mouttaki

https://detroit.eater.com/23025094/best-restaurants-michigan-upper-peninsula
View Postcard for Captain Mike's Fish Fry

Todd D Newkirk

Google
Gonna have to give it 3 stars. French fries tasted like the fryer oil needs to be changed.. $8.50 fish and chips. The fish is really good. Not the chips The kitchen and tables look really clean.. today I had the fish and shrimp combo. Okay 4stars on the fish and shrimp combo. Yummy and delicious

Simon Kaulius

Google
Basically a Mexican Long John Silver's. Quality fried fish, shrimp, and chicken at affordable prices. Excellent fish and chips!

Djarki Djarki

Google
When I got home my order was wrong, and when I came back to get it corrected they gave me a hard time even though I had the receipt.

tom pecora

Google
My wife an I have been going there for 40 years … best fish n chips bar none … the chicken blows away polo loco a major restaurants a the fried zucchini is crazy good …. This is a very old deeply rooted in the fabric of Costa Mesa an hope it’s there another 40 years …

Gee Mail

Google
You'd never expect the food here if you never went in. Fish, rice, beans, tortillas is perfect to make 4 tacos with spicy salsa. The fish is quality fish n fried perfectly every time. I've tried the friend zucchini n it's perfectly just sliced n breaded too.

Ben Bertacchi

Google
Great chippy spot.

Estefany Calderon

Google
We have been coming here for years. The chicken is great and the onion rings are amazing. We really love the fried zucchini too. There have been a couple of times where the food hasn't been as great as other times but it happens, every place has its hits and misses. Overall our experience here has been very positive. It's been a favorite place of mine since I was little. The tortillas are not my favorite but that's about it. I love everything else.

Mike Breedlove

Google
The fish and chips are fantastic. They also serve chicken , that was really good too . Comes with beans , tortillas, I like it better than El polo loco. In fact , I’ll be having lunch there today . Captain Mike’s is definitely worth a try . BYW the fries have always been perfect in all the years I’ve been going there.
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James S.

Yelp
Great food and great service I got the chicken plate with the 2 sides! Food tasted great and portions were pretty good.

Mario C.

Yelp
The chicken is amazing, so flavorful and never dry. The pico they give you with the chicken is also tasty and unique. Shrimp and chips are to die for! Older guy in the front could be a little nicer however always seems to be in a bad mood but food is great!
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Simon K.

Yelp
Basically a Mexican Long John Silver's. Quality fried fish, shrimp, and chicken at affordable prices. I got the shrimp and fish and chips combo. The fish and the batter were very light, although they definitely needed salt. I wouldn't get the shrimp again as it was slightly overcooked and didn't wow me. I also got a side of deep fried mushrooms. They were so juicy and flavorful.
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Ruth D.

Yelp
Some weirdo called me from this business claiming they didn't know they had called me. It was the strangest encounter, I will never eat there, especially after seeing the pictures, LOL.

Mike R.

Yelp
Well food was good the onion rings were pretty bad. So always makes me unhappy is a place that nickels dimes you. 3 bucks for what they call a large soda. Then after spending 23 bucks he wants to charge me a dollar for my refills. No thanks I just won't be back ever. For 3 cents worth of soda I hope Captain Mikes runs a ground.
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Lucy M.

Yelp
From the outside one would not think that such delicious fish and chips would be found, but it was delicious! Light, airy, non greasy batter and thick fries to top it off. If you don't want "chips" you can substitute beans and rice! I highly recommend!
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Debra L.

Yelp
best good old-fashioned hand-made fish n chips and chicken ever. I live in Vegas but am here once a week and always save time for one meal here. Usually get food to go, but have enjoyed an occasional beer and watched soccer with the locals

Luke J.

Yelp
Best Fish in town! The chicken is great if you're in the mood for it too. The prices are very fair too. Nice decore.

Lydia V.

Yelp
I don't understand how this place doesn't have a higher rating! Got the fish and chips, fried zucchini and mozzarella sticks. Everything was delicious and will be coming back.
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Rommel E.

Yelp
Don't waste your time or Money. Although parking and service was good. The food had no taste, it was purely cheap bland whatever fish. The breading was ok, and the fries too. But the fish which based on the name suggest a great place. Well I believe the effort in the kitchen was mediocre and it felt as if I got a bag put together crap from people that don't care about your tastebuds. Due to covid, eating outside or in the parking lot is a norm now. But they shove your food in a paper bag, but yet they allow 2 people eat inside their establishment right there in front near the cashier. So they broke local rules and law. They serve tasteless fish, but they got good parking.
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Albie Z.

Yelp
I was waiting for my moms procedure to be completed at the hospital, so looked around for a grubby place. Drove by and thot this is about as grubby as you get. After reading the reviews I almost went across the street to In-N-Out, but was really craving fish... So I got the fish and chicken combo, and altho I thot the chicken was just ok, the FISH was really really GOOD! Hot and flaky tender, and not bland at all. The batter was Light and Crispy, and seasoned with just enough salt... I still love me some In-N-Out, but boy am I glad I tried out Captain Mike's cuz now I am Hooked! :D
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Glenda L.

Yelp
Worst fish and chips I ever had!!! Ordered to go and when I got home this is what I paid for over $10 plus $2 tips! No flavor and batter taste like old frying oil that was used many times! Please go to Hook and Anchor and you will get a good plate of fish and chips for $9 and good service too! I will never go back to this place ever again! What a waste of time and money!!!
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keekz e.

Yelp
Good, smooth and flakey fish tacos! Needed a bit more seasoning but still good overall. Lemons provided were oddly plain but everything else was surprisingly delicious. Price was super fair but i would appreciate more quantity, service was fast. Fries needed more salt but shrimp was soft inside and crunchy outside just how I like it; tartar sauce was delicious and really added more to the meal. Place was pretty small inside in a cozy way, easy to find and nice to eat in.
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Dave F.

Yelp
I read the reviews on Yelp for this place, which has been in my vicinity for years, and thought I would give the chicken a try. It was AWESOME! The skin is crispy and buttery! The chicken is very tender. It is better than Pollo Loco or at least just as good. I have had the fish here once and thought it was good but nothing to write home about, so to speak. But, I would go there and order the fish again. I don't know of another place in the area that makes the fish as well for the price. Plus, I usually eat sushi if I am craving fish. Anyway, it's a bit of a dive, but the chicken is SO good and a great deal! Dave, Costa Mesa
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Scott K.

Yelp
"O Captain (Mike)! my Captain (Mike)! our fearful trip is done, The ship has weather'd every rack, the prize we sought is won..." Tonight, that "prize" was the 3 piece fish and chips for $8. The batter was divine - golden and crispy - the perfect consistency. It was on par with the best of the best. It's located in a strip mall - no frills. You can get rice and beans instead of fries. $4 beers. Until my next visit, bon voyage. "The ship is anchor'd safe and sound, its voyage closed and done, From fearful trip the victor ship comes in with object won..."

Oscar D.

Yelp
The chicken is really small Spenseth and they don't give you the whole chicken Capt Mikes
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Luke U.

Yelp
Cool spot I found as driving by. Very good fish and chips. Definitely stop by get your daily protein here!
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Julian B.

Yelp
Close at 7:30 pm and they refused me at 7:00pm really looking to try the food for the first time
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Sandy F.

Yelp
Cheap, well prepared, good food. I made sure they serve cod for their batter fried fish, because pollock and tilapia are not acceptable. Ample portion and cooked perfectly. Nothing fancy, everything good.
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Ben W.

Yelp
The Good: I was in the mood for some fried fish and I always drive by this spot so I thought now would be the best time to try it. The fish was meh to me, you know a bit soggy and oily and not seasoned very much. I don't know if it was because I took it to go or if my taste buds were off this day but I thought it was pretty average. It came with a small boat of fries which were on the soggy side as well. Maybe next time I should eat it there and see how it is fresh. The Bad: On the small side and above the price I would expect to pay. There are so many great food joints around this area that I would hit first. The Ben: It felt like a old school place with a few people in the booths and a tv playing some sports, I believe it was soccer.
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Eric K.

Yelp
Total hole in the wall in kind of a dumpy shopping center, but super good! Or at least the Fish n' Chips was. Crispy on the outside and nice meaty chunks of fish inside with steak style fries also crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. Delicious!
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Francisco Juarez L.

Yelp
I order a fish taco every time I like it and In my opinion it really good with lime on it
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Carlos H.

Yelp
I love fish and chips. It is not an easy dish to be good. unfortunately Mike's Fish fry that is so close to where I live was a bit disappointing. As most of the reviews state. The two piece fish was moist but greasy. i asked what the fish was and was told Cod Fish. I know Cod both fresh and salted.. this Fish was very flaky..I hope they were honest. It was the batter and their oil temperature. The french fries was done correctly. I also ordered two pieces of chicken. Dry and not moist. less flavor than El Pollo Loco which I dont go anymore. I used to go to the original on Alvarado. What killed me was that for a drink , I was looking for something not too sweet. saw Modelo beer. as I was Paying. the bill was close to $20.00 The beer is $4.50 plus tax is almost $5.00. This is a hole in a wall place charging this type of price. Almost same price as one order of food plate. The experience does not inspire a return.
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Odie O.

Yelp
Fries are hard from frying too long tartar sauce is great but fish was not good cause it was fried too long not a nice fish fry shop feel either the mexican tv show was so damn loud its for deaf people feels like a mexican fast food place homeless guy outside crazy guy talking to himself inside
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Trang H.

Yelp
My mom was down visiting and she was craving fish & chips. A good friend suggested that we take her to this little joint called Captain Mike's Fish Fry. The fish was good and it didn't have that fishy ocean taste, which was a plus. The batter on the fish had this nice golden and crispy texture to it. The fries were alright, just like the ones you get at the bowling alley. The staff was friendly and the TV had a Spanish dubbed version of a horrible game remake of, "Dead or Alive." Which was funny enough to completely distract us from any conversation :) Overall the fish & chips were pretty good. Definitely better then any regular fast food fish and chips. But we wouldn't suggest making a drive out there just to try them.
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Bob R.

Yelp
Should have known better but thought I'd give it a try. First the breading on the bottom of the fish filets was not cooked. It was raw. Second, the coleslaw had a grey tint to it. The fried shrimp was ok. Won't return, though.
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Rodolfo S.

Yelp
Hands down my favorite chicken spot. Total hole in the wall. Chicken is always on point and tastes amazing along with the rice, beans, and jalapeño they throw on the side. Have tried other of their sides like fries, onion rings, and mozzarella sticks and they were good as well. Can never go wrong with this place.
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Trey C.

Yelp
The chicken & fish combo is absolutely amazing ! My wife and I went here for fish and chips I decided to get the combo with chicken and I will be coming back here on a regular basis. The chicken was amazing and the best fish and chips in town.
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Raul P.

Yelp
This spot is hit or miss. Sometimes they serve small portions and sometimes they're more generous, I don't get it. Also depending on who's taking the order you can't specify if you want dark or white meat only. I've never heard of that at a chicken shop, usually you're able to select your pieces. The is tasteful, again depending on the cook.
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Ryan P.

Yelp
Paid 4.99 for a single piece of fish and fries. Tiny piece of fish. Maybe the chicken is good. But the fish meal is not worth the price.

Barron B.

Yelp
Absolutely horrible. Worst fish in my life. If you like well seasoned fish and chip this is not the place for you. I've actually never written a review of a restaurant ever in my life this is the first time that is how compelled I am to warn the general public about the bland tasteless fish and chip it was horrible you would think that the better that they do the fish and chip in would have some kind of taste I actually had to get salt and pepper vinegar just to try to liven it up and it was still horrific Jesus Christ this was bad.

Drake B.

Yelp
This is one of my favorite local eateries to get food. My Go-To is the two piece fish with rice and beans. Always cooked to perfection. It comes with delicious tortillas with tartar sauce and pico. I roll up tacos with all the ingredients and they are out of this world!! I always feel more than satisfied after eating Captain Mike's. A Costa Mesa Staple for me.
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Epic Food Adventures A.

Yelp
After reading all of the reviews about the great, grilled chicken here, my curiosity was peaked. This is a mexican style grilled chicken place. I ordered the two piece dark meat chicken entree, drumstick and a thigh, with tortillas, salsa and a jalapeño for around priced at around $5.29. Normally, these pieces or parts of a chicken are moist and flavorful. Not here. The chicken was dry, overcooked, burnt to a dark char in several places and it had the texture in many bites like jerky. The chicken was flavorless perhaps because it was so overcooked. The salsa had a bitter, strange taste. Needless to say, the chicken here was not good. Would I return? No.
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Selene S.

Yelp
This place has been hiding from me for a long time now! I finally decided to check it out. All this time I've been going to Alejandro's and passing this place, what a shame! Well Alejandro's is mostly a late night drunken food stop for me and this place is closed during that time. I have to agree with Jimmy L about this chicken being better than El Pollo Loco and Charro Chicken, but Super Pollo is still my #1 choice for chicken. My friend and I both got the Chicken Combo to go, by the time we got back to hear place my car was smelling so good, practically starving at this point! When I opened my box I was really happy to see how much chicken was part of the combo, then when I put a burrito together, I was sold even more! There was a decent amount of chicken, rice, beans, a jalapeno, and tortillas for $6.99. The service was great and quick, the place is clean, and I'm definitely coming back.
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Eric C.

Yelp
Instead of visiting Alejandro's for a nice carne asada burrito, I decided to grab some fish and chips at Captain Mike's Fish Fry instead. The service was quick and courteous and for 6 bucks you get 2 pieces of fish and fries. The fish was quite large, however, it was a little bit on the greasy side. What I should have done was order the grilled chicken which was what everyone else was eating at the restaurant. So I guess next time I go, I will order the chicken and report back. Update 5/7/08 So I finally went back and got the flame broiled chicken. It's definitely better than your chains and its CHEAP. Get the chicken and not the fish if you do decide to come.
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T F.

Yelp
Man oh man so disappointed my chicken was so so so dry and not seasoned the best thing was the jalapeño I really believe my chicken was days old. I'm not eating here ever again it was so bad!!
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Migs V.

Yelp
Go here not Pollo Loco for some good chicken just like pollo loco but with real fried, jalepenos and your beans/rice fix.
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Michelle R.

Yelp
Awesome place! Just got my meal, and left money for someone less fortunate to have a meal! I've heard of coffee places doing suspended coffee, but, suspended food is so much better! Thank you Captain Mike's! Keep up the awesome community service and spirit.
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Jesse J.

Yelp
Killler char broil chicken, the leg & thigh combo with beans and rice is great. Highly recommended.
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RW H.

Yelp
Absolutely awesome!!!! None of that Tilapia Crap.... You can get Fish or Chicken and beans and rice or just plain fries food all around.... definitely coming back!!!!
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Paul L.

Yelp
Best fish I've had in the last week in SoCal, by far. And that includes some much more pricey places. There's nothing fancy about Capt Mikes. It's just rock solid food with great value. If you want really white flaky fish in tasty crispy batter then this is the place. Don't dress up though.

Arnold C.

Yelp
Been coming here since I was a kid, love the fish and chips also the Fries shrimp are a favorite. Never had the chicken. Definitely recommend this place for the fish and shrimp.

Tori E.

Yelp
I was pretty excited about this because of the other reviews. Turns out it's a huge disappointment. The fish is soggy and rather gross. The tarter sauce is good though
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Brandon S.

Yelp
I'm a fan of fish. Doesn't matter what form. Sashimi, sushi, grilled, baked, smoked, or grilled. Which is fairly obvious they way it's prepared here. So when ever I have a hankering for some deep fried battered fish I come here. The fried fish is always cooked to perfection, and the batter is always the perfect mix. Never too much, never too little. Now, I'm not 100% positive, but I do not think they use previously frozen fish. If they do, I'm not tasting that nasty freezer burn you can get other places especially somewhere like Long John Silvers. That's why I like this place. For one thing it's better quality fish. I honestly do not know what type of fish it is, but it's probably a white fish of some sort, perhaps tilapia. Yes, it is a little greasy. But what kind of complaint is that for battered deep fried fish? You know it's not health food going into, so get over that already. I'm not a big fan of chain stores like Long John Silvers, but that would be a good comparison on how the fish here is prepared. The major difference is the fish is seemingly fresher, and a little cheaper (if memory serves me right). If you're a fan of the Long John Silvers style fried fish, then why not go local and support your community. Bonus Items: They have beer!! They have Jarritos Soda.
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Jimmy L.

Yelp
This place is not very well known, I only heard of it by word of mouth. The restaurant seems to caters to locals around the area, i have never seen a non spanish speaking person eat here. The flame broiled chicken here is better than El Pollo Loco, better than Charro Chicken, even the rice and beans are good. It is also dirt cheap, you can order a meal, or a whole chicken. The fried fish is good too, but very greasy. No tartar sauce serve here.
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Jasmin C.

Yelp
Every time I come here I get the chicken, so I wouldn't know how to rate their other food but their chicken is always 5/5!! Price for half chicken ~ 6 bucks
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Erwin L.

Yelp
The chicken is amazing once i took the first bite i could flavor the juicy taste in my mouth, not just the chick the rise and bean are also wonderful if anything this place is better then pollo loco
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Misty P.

Yelp
I've been coming here since I was a kid, as I'm sure most of the Hispanics in the area have too, and taste just like then. Some of the employees have been here for years. I'm a fan of their fish; I love fish and chips! Yeah it's greasy, but what deep fried food isn't? The chicken is really good too; juicy. I'm giving it a 5 based on food and attentive employees alone and not the decor of the establishment as it's pretty old looking and exactly the same as when I was a kid, a little paint goes a long way, but hey, the chicken and fish are great so who cares, right?
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Sean S.

Yelp
This review is for the grilled chicken and not the fried fish. The chicken was no better than El Pollo Loco in terms of execution and didn't even have as good of a flavor. It was dry and overcooked and bland to boot. The restaurant sits in a run down strip mall and the guy at the counter didn't even thank me for my business. This is not the type of place you would think to find fish and chips. The chicken and service wasn't good enough to warrant another visit to try the fish. Do yourselves a favor and avoid this place.