Sure, the dish originated in actual England, but Cape Cod restaurants have made golden-fried fish and chips distinctly their own. After a long day at the beach or at a table by the water, these favorite spots for fish and chips will have you hooked.

CLASSIC SHACKS
On days when you still have wet hair from the beach and sand in your flip-flops, visit one of the Cape’s classic clam shacks for the fish and chips of your childhood summers.

The roundup: Everything about Captain Frosty’s in Dennis is classic, from the original wooden sign along Route 6A to the golden-battered local catch, plus creamy soft serve and frappes if you save room for dessert. Further down the road, you could almost mistake Kate’s Fried Seafood in Brewster for a little red schoolhouse; settle in at a picnic table and learn why this roadside seafood and ice cream shack (with occasional hayrides) has been a favorite for decades. At Moby Dick’s in Wellfleet, you’ll be tempted to order your just-hooked fried cod and chips with a side of the famous local oysters––if you don’t save room for dessert, take home an entire bestselling key lime pie. Back by the bridges, there’s a reason so many visitors make Seafood Sam’s their very first or last stop on a Cape Cod vacation. At either the Falmouth location, you’re only a short ride to the canal; share the family platter followed by a walk along the trail by the water.

BY THE SEA
The ultimate surf on the ultimate turf––on the dock, overlooking the river, or sitting by the bay, dig into fish and chips served with a water view.

The roundup: As the story goes, Baxter's Boathouse and Fish ’N Chips in Hyannis had its humble beginnings as a fryolator on the dock—60 years later, pull up to this well-loved harborside eatery by boat for a plate of golden-fried haddock and discover there’s nothing basic about tradition. In South Yarmouth, fried fresh cod and chips are a reminder why the Skipper Chowder House has earned its name since 1936, with a triple-crown champion chowder, adjoining ice cream shack, and a gorgeous view of Nantucket Sound. (As even landlubbers know, the skipper is the boss.) Just over the bridge on the Onset waterfront, the Quahog Republic is known for its “monsta lobsta” roll; bring a friend or come twice as hungry because the Quahog’s take on fish and chips—made with a buttery gold cornflake and almond batter for a light crunch—is just as over-the-top good. Finally, if torn between classic and views, the Kream ’n Kone in West Dennis is the best of both worlds: fresh fried seafood that has been a local favorite since 1953, updated with a picturesque location on Swan River.

FINER THINGS
Once upon a time, fish & chips were served in sheets of newspaper—but these outposts prove it’s a dish equally at home with a gourmet twist.

The roundup: As proven by the cod banh mi on the menu, The Canteen in Provincetown somehow achieves a cool, urban foodie vibe in a relaxed seaside setting. Bring a vegetarian friend so you can sample the mushroom and chips (yup, you read that right) along with your own lightly battered local cod, and grab a seat at the communal picnic table on the Instagram-ready back patio. On date night, head to the Fishermen's View in Sandwich for beer-battered fish and chips fresh from the dayboat and see why the combo top-rated cuisine and ultra low-key atmosphere have made this a not-so-best-kept-secret among local devotees. If you also find yourself wanting to keep the goodness to yourself, spoiler alert: you won’t be able to, either.