SEATTLE-After nearly a year of careful preparation and planning, Owner and Operator Steve Allen has opened the doors of Emerald City Fish and Chips-the only fish and chips take-out establishment in the South Seattle Area.  Although this fish and chips counter is new to Rainier Avenue, they are certainly beginning to build a reputation for themselves. Their doors opened New Years Day and Allen says business “Has well exceeded my expectations.”

When eating at Emerald City, patrons are offered an array of food options. Their popular choices are the halibut and Alaskan cod with chips, which starts at $5 for the cod and $7.50 for the halibut, but they also have salmon and catfish with chips as well. Allen says the key to creating great food “is fresh ingredients.” All of their fish is from Alaska and is prepared in house with their own special breading and seasonings. During my visit, I tried the Alaskan Cod and chips (fries) with a side of tartar sauce. The fish was hearty and well cooked with a tasty batter that went well with the spicy tartar sauce. The fries were also perfectly seasoned and hot, making the meal more filling.

So, maybe you have decided seafood isn’t your thing...

Emerald City Fish and Chips has a little something for everyone. Yes, their menu is essentially seafood, but there several other non-seafood items like the Gourmet Beef Burger and the Chicken Po Boy Sandwich. This restaurant also has salads and side items which are not made with seafood. Emerald City Fish and Chips features different specialty items not on the menu like jambalaya and sweet potato pie to further provide their customers with more variety and side items.

When dining in keep in mind this not a sit down eatery for large groups. Emerald City Fish and Chips has limited seating which is a reminder the restaurant is designed for takeout; however, there are a couple of tables and an eating counter with bar stools which provides the option for single or small group dine in.  Customers who choose to take out can call ahead to place their order and receive their meal at the curbside pick-up.

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with the Seattle native to find out why he chose to open a fish and chips take-out diner. He explained, “There isn’t really a primarily fish and chips place in Seattle. Most people think of Ivar’s and I wanted to change that.” While chatting with Allen, I learned he is not a first time business owner (previously, he owned a rim and tire shop), but this is his first time dipping into the food industry. He credits his grandmother for his cooking skills and explained, in the past and as a youth he spent time preparing food and cooking with her during family events.

The aspect of family is directly reflected in the customer service at Emerald City Fish and Chips. The entire business is operated by family members who have fostered a restaurant atmosphere that can make even their customers feel like they’re kin. I visited on a Tuesday evening and had the pleasure of meeting Allen’s cousin and uncle who both work at Emerald City Fish and Chips.

In addition to providing excellent service, Allen has created an establishment that debunks the myths and stigmas of black owned establishments in the community.  He says he wanted to create an eatery that “looks inviting and breaks the stereotypes” of black owned restaurants. Emerald City Fish and Chips is located on Rainier Avenue in a building with all new facilities.

Since opening day they have attracted customers of all ages and ethnicities, from Seattle to the Eastside, but Allen remains modest when predicting the future of his business. He says, “I am not one for predictions, but I hope to have one or two more [locations]. A lot of people tell me to expand to the building next door, but you have to crawl before you walk. He also explained, if granted the opportunity he would like to open a chain of restaurants’, but maintaining the same look, feel, and taste’s of the original location is imperative.

Allen says there are three ingredients which attribute to his success thus far: persistence, confidence and faith. 

Emerald City Fish and Chips is located at 3756 Rainier Avenue Seattle, WA 98144 and is open every day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Images by Chukundi Salisbury