Scotty Simpson’s Fish & Chips
Scotty Simpson’s Fish & Chips, 22200 Fenkell Ave., Detroit, MI 48223
www.scottysfishandchips.com
When you pull open the creaky door at Scotty Simpson’s Fish and Chips, you instantly know you’re part of a tradition. Generations have crossed this threshold seeking satiation and the unique hominess and comfort the place offers in droves.
Guests are greeted by a bizarre dining room arrangement (by today’s standards) that is actually both sensible and functional. A wood paneled half wall adorned with miniature tall ships makes a little hallway running the length of the room to the kitchen counter for take out orders. To the left, past the cash register, on the other side of the wall, is a dining room that is pure nautical and nostalgic charm.
Main dining room
HISTORY
Situated in an otherwise desolate part of Detroit’s west side Brightmoor neighborhood, a 20-ish minute drive from downtown, Scotty Simpson’s is known for serving the best and freshest fish in the region. Their speciality is cod. Never frozen, the flakey white fish has been flown in fresh each day since the eatery opened in 1950.
Remarkably, in its 73 year run, the restaurant has only changed hands twice. It is currently owned and run by Harry Baker, who has worked at the west side eatery since 1966.
Scotty Famous Fish & Chips Combo ($14.95)
Detroit Digest’s Carlos Parisi has a wonderful segment and interview with Baker that’s highly recommend. In the YouTube video, the owner is clear that not a single thing about the restaurant or recipes has changed since he learned them from Simpson himself as a teenager.
As he tells it, the Brightmoor neighborhood rose due to the post-WWII benefit of returning GI's. Simpson started his culinary trade with another business in Downtown Detroit. However, at the urging of a friend, he opened the now famed fish and chips restaurant to appease those who had served in London, developing a taste for the U.K. staple. Fish and chips weren’t yet popular or readily available in the States, much less in Detroit. The plan worked.
Simpson brokered a deal with an Eastern Market vendor who flew fresh caught, packed in ice but never frozen cod filets in from Halifax, Nova Scotia each morning. The relationship stands to this day, and after nearly three-quarters of a century Scotty Simpson’s still gets the best and freshest fish in the region.
FISH & FOOD
Scotty Simpson’s unique batter is a thin, crispy accent to the light and flakey fish inside. Combos are served with a roll, fries or onion rings, and coleslaw.
The fish is the star of the show because it's not your typical battered and fried filet. As someone who generally prefers a light dust or thin batter, the process at Scotty Simpson’s seems a bit thicker than I’d normally prefer. However, the crispy coating here is unique, it’s not overly bready like a beer batter, and compliments but doesn’t overpower the light and delicate flavor of the fish. Rather, it is thin, has a beautiful sheen, and acts more as a flakey shell encasing the cuts. At once, the batter sticks to the fish but also flakes and falls away allowing the lucky eater to take in a blend of bites that vary in taste and texture.
The cod is among the best you'll have anywhere. Tender, flakey, and buttery, it tastes so fresh and is perfectly prepared to melt but not without the satisfaction of a fleshy bite. For those who can’t have or don’t prefer a battered fish, it is also available baked or grilled with seasoned options including garlic pepper, cajun, or lemon pepper. We tried the cajun seasoned grilled option and it was one of the most delightful fish entrees I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying. The bites were so light and almost creamy as they melted in the mouth with just the right hint of garlic and spice complimenting the flavor.
Cajun seasoned cod with coleslaw ($14.95)
Scotty's is known for their cod, but eaters are welcome to a number of options, including mix and match combos with perch (which is fantastic!), as well as shrimp and frog legs. Eaters are welcome to order any option with light batter. A small handful of sandwich options are also available, including hamburger, steak, chicken, and grilled cheese.
All dinner combos are served with a choice of fries, onion rings (Parisi swears they’re the best in Detroit), a delightfully pillowy roll (fresh baked locally), and one of the most unique and tasty coleslaws I’ve had. Fresh chopped in house, not creamy at all (huge bonus for me), the slaw has a slightly sweet but sour vinegary flavor that’s refreshing. No matter the season, it’s like a dollop of pure summer on the side of your plate.
Coconut cream pie paired with craft ginger ale
Banana cream pie paired with coffee in an adorable cup
If that weren't enough, Scotty's long-time servers, most of them family who have worked there for decades, make all of the restaurant's pies in house. These are must have sleeper hits on the menu. I'd argue they're among the best pies in the region (next to Schmucker’s in Toledo). A rotating cast of fruit and cream pies make the rounds weekly. I most recently opted for the coconut cream and banana cream, paired with coffee served on vintage plate ware. The restaurant also offers a selection of local and craft pop and beers.
ATMOSPHERE
The kitchen overlooks the often bustling main dining room. Meals are prepared fresh to order on site.
The restaurant is a fun little local museum collection of memorabilia. The walls and every available surface are filled with photos, stuffed fish, model boats, and hand written notes all documenting the history of the restaurant, its staff, customers, and really the history of the community that has made Scotty Simpson’s much more than a great fish joint. It has the distinct homey feeling of an adventurous grandparent’s kitchen or basement bar. Admittedly, that vibe isn’t for everyone. However, there is an undeniable wonderful whimsy and nostalgia just being in the place. Here the past is alive and working its ass off over the fryers sizzling and steaming right in front of you.
Knick knacks, treasures, and keep sakes adorn the walls and shelves through the restaurant, adding to a delightful, homey charm
Through the kitchen in the main dining room, and through the backroom storage behind the adjacent dining room which can accommodate larger parties, you’ll find the kind of bathrooms they just don’t make anymore. Dinky, odd as you work your way past the busy staff and enter their domain. The bathrooms probably should be creepy but are actually quaint and charming, adorned with little frills and decor that remind you are in a place that is thoroughly loved and so glad to host you for a meal.
Additional dining room for larger groups
From the moment you enter, you can feel that you're in such a specific place that it's important just to be there. It cannot be replicated or replaced. Should it go away, a slice if time captured would simply cease to exist. For that, you can't help but feel a bit lucky and special. You’re not just a customer or a patron seeking a meal, you’re part of a tradition.
Know before you go: Scotty Simpson's Fish & Chips is cash only. Parking is available across the street and well marked in both grass and gravel lots. Be sure to ring the bell by the door on your way out!
