Mac's Fish / Chips / Strips

Personally, I never ate at the old Mac's, but I did eat there a few years ago and it was awful. New owners... more

Personally, I never ate at the old Mac's, but I did eat there a few years ago and it was awful. New owners have changed that. The fish was wonderfu... more

I was just at MAC'S fish&chips and for 27$ the fish was cooked but the out side crust was under cooked the cole slaw was really bad and the chips where french fries and they sucked too . The tarter sauce was too sweet. I would not recommend this place to any one. The price is high and you can get better fish and chips popye's. more

I used my Groupon on a Tuesday after it had expired. When I explained the misprint on the Groupon said open Mon-Sat, but they were closed on Mondays, the owner said ""no problem."" Friendly service. The food was delicious, crispy cod with malt vinegar if you wish. Chips, these ain't no Ore-Ida. these are the real deal fresh cut fries seasoned with sea salt. \r \r Some people in other reviews mentioned they hada problem with them wrapping fish in news paper. Here's the truth: The fish is wrapped in food grade wax paper, then over wrapped in newspaper (to give it that authentic English look). The newspaper never comes in contact with the food.\r \r Good hole in the wall spot. Perfect setting for HS students to bring a date on Prom night.\r more

I went to Mac's Sat Feb. 26th to use my Groupon and I plan to come back frequently. The building is tiny, and when I saw I needed to wait for a parking spot I knew I was in for a treat. Inside was a buzz. The smell was fantastic, the employees were shouting out order numbers and joking with each other / a truly unique atmosphere. I ordered a Walleye Basket, (and got it to go because there was no room inside). Even with the crowd my food went from raw to delicious in only 15 minutes. Getting to unwrap those fantastic fillets and ""chips"" from the Pioneer Press was the icing on the cake. Highly Recommend you check it out if you haven't already. more

Disappointing. The woman answering the phone/ringing up was pretty unfriendly to me and the others who came in. The wait was also a good deal longer than estimated. When it was ready, she handed me the bag and informed me that they were out of coleslaw in this short tone, like there was to be no debate, that is just how it is. I considered asking if there was some kind of substitution or price adjustment but it was obvious the answer was no. The addition of fries and coleslaw brings the price up considerably and I felt it was kind of rude to offer no apology or substitution and to wait until after I'd waited and paid to tell me. I love local, hole-in-the-wall places, and this would not necessarily be a future dealbreaker had the food been good, but it wasn't. The one piece of fish you get is incredibly greasy and falls out of its oily shell entirely. It sits on top of fishy flavored “chips”- soggy limp stringy french fries. I have asked others who have been there, and no one likes it, so I guess it wasn't just a bad night. This happened Jan. 22, 2011. more

MAC's has changed hands. THE OLD MAC'S: In the past, the upside of MAC's was that the fish (breaded and deep fried halibut) was pretty good fish and had good sized portions, but rather expensive for what you got. The downside, besides the high price, was what came with the fish when you ordered a basket of 'Fish & Chips.' The 'Chips' were very soggy french fries. Good flavor and very plentiful, but again, very soggy. The worst part, was the tiny cup of coleslaw that was included. The sauce that covered the cabbage was an uninspired glob of sweet goo. Each time I ordered, I would try the coleslaw, and then throw it away. Eventually, I'd just throw it away with out trying it. The tartar sauce was no better! Many years ago, they included with the basket, a mushy, worthless slice of white Wonder-style bread and a can of pop. They fazed those out, but increased the price. While this sounds like a very negative review, going to MAC's was worth it because it was quick, convenient, the fish was pretty good, and while the fries left a lot to be desired, they were okay. There were better and even less expensive places to go for fish, but they were much farther away and were not a quick, take-out style eatery like MAC's. NEW MACS: A number of months ago, MAC's changed hands. The new ownership must have been aware of some of the criticisms mentioned above, because they made some improvements. Besides adding outdoor seating, they improved the french fries and the coleslaw. The fries still have good flavor, but while they might be slightly less plentiful, they are crispier with a light golden brown color. The tiny cup of coleslaw is still way too small, but I'm happy to report it is now good enough to eat (though I have not revisited the tartar sauce). Now the downside: THEY CHANGED THE FISH. The fish had been the only reason they had customers, and they changed it. The fillets are smaller and the texture is mushy and soggy. What an awful decision. I can only guess that they found a less expensive supplier. Additionally, the original MAC's used to wrap up the fish baskets in blank sheets of newsprint style paper. This worked fine. But apparently, in an effort to save money, the new ownership has changed to using actual printed newspapers to wrap up your food. This is very unappetizing! Who knows were that newspaper has been? Even worse, it simply reminds me of wrapping up garbage or fish guts! While the new ownership made a solid effort to make improvements where old MAC's was weak; they lost sight of the very essentials that had made MAC's successful for so many years. more

Mac's fish and chips looks like a small shack from the outside but their food is the real deal. It's the... more

Mac's fish and chips looks like a small shack from the outside but their food is the real deal. It's the closest you can get to real british fish a... more

Probably not for the wal mart lover small quarters, tight budget and great food are what this place have to offer. The owner mike or mac as we call him has had the place for ten years and is here most every day they're open.The two beautifull fillipino girls he has there are great and always serve your food fresh. Now i was born here in the states but mom was from Ireland and dad was from England they say the fish n chips isn't exactly the way it is back home, its better. Pros: a great meal at a good price good service Cons: gets real packed during lent but not the rest of the year more

When you think of traditional fish and chips, you should think of a sidewalk stand or a dank and dark Britich pub also serving mushy peas. For me, Mac's is the Americana version of the sidewalk stand in the Midwest. I don't know how one of the previous reviewers can even dare to compare to someplace like Kincaid's...but to each, his own....you just set yourself up for disappointment that way....and, for the other reviewer who mentions halibut...are you nuts? nobody would do this to halibut..you were eating haddock. Back to Mac's.....food is fresh and plentiful. The fish is fresh, the batter light (and yes, there is a good coating of it as there should be), the cooking oil fresh (reflected in the lightness of the batter and the french fries and the nice light golden brown of both) and the portions more than you would hope for. Surroundings, however, dirty!!!! Mac needs to spend some time in his dining room giving everything a good degreasing. For this reason only.....Not for the faint at heart but if you need a good fix of deep fried joy, stop in. Only thing missing.....mushy peas and pints of Guiness. Pros: Fresh food and more than fair portions Cons: Dirty. If someone gave this place a good degreasing and a face lift, it would be one of the trendyest places in town. more

We arrived on Friday around noon and the place was packed. It was Friday and durning Lent season. The parking lot was full so we had to park at a nearby place. We came into the store and all of the 5 tables was taken. It looks like it's own by Thai or Singaporean. One woman was taking orders; another person was doing the deep frying of the food, and the third person was packing the food for the customers because there was no more seats left to sit down. \r \r The place is very small and tight. Once we got our food, fish and chips after 10-15 minutes of ordering, we sat down and shared a table with one woman. The fish pieces looked big, but in fact it was small on the inside. It was the battered that made it look big. Upon taking the first bite, it's not that great. That's comparing it to the fish that we've eaten at The LIffey's and Kincaid's. The fries portion was a lot but we threw 80% of it away.\r \r It was an experience to tryout this place because we saw a lot of cars in the small parking lot, but we won't be coming back. Cons: Small parking lot and sit-down tables. Prices was too high for the portions. more

The fish is absolutely delicious and the portions are good. Fairly inexpensive considering how fresh it is and how much you get. The dining room is very small - only three tables. But I dont come for the atmosphere - I come for the food and it is worth it every time! Pros: Food, parking Cons: dining room more

Good battered deep-fried fish is hard to find. It usually ends up being a mushy molten mass surrounded by a leathery exterior. Not at Mac's, though. The batter is a golden brown, tasty and light as air. The fish is fresh and flakes apart when cut or bitten into. The fries are hot and crunchy. The diced style cole slaw is fresh and creamy. The meal itself is nearly perfect. The only complaints are that it would be nice for a place with the name ""Chips"" in the title to actually serve authentic chips. The cole slaw ultimately dissapoints because you run out of it before long before you finish your meal. It would also be nice if they tore down the shack they ran the business out of and doubled or tripled their space. Pros: superb fish Cons: very small, no "chips", slaw serving to small more

I've only had the fish and chicken but excellent every time. She goes to the airport and picks up the fish daily. Seafood in Minnesota is expensive and considering. seems quite reasonable. With the Fish meal you get coleslaw, more fries than you can eat, and can of pop and bread (like wonderbread with a plastic container of margarine..I think its hilarious) The honeymustard with the chicken fingers (I've never seen chicken fingers like them before) is excellent. the owner is sassy so don't make her angry, like that soup guy from seinfeld of seafood. (i don't think citysearch will allow the SS reference)I live in maple grove and don't hesitate to go there when I want quality. Pros: taste, texture, quality Cons: street access, seating more

Yes, the fish is good. However, that's where it ends. ""Mac's"" advertises 'genuine British' - I don't think so... I came here from Ireland a few years ago, I know. Here they sell ""fries"" that bare no resemblance to ""chips"". Plus, their menu is severely limited. A chippy as they are known in Britain wouldnt last a week with Macs menu. Lastly, I strongly believe that over $8 for a value meal is way over priced. About $3 for a piece a fish three inches square doesnt seem to be warranted no mater how good it is. Pros: Good Fish, Easy Parking Cons: Expensive, Spartan, Small more

Mac's is a great place for no frills fried fish and chips. The portions are good, although it isn't all you can eat, it is all you need to feel well fed. The dining area is, well lets just say broken in; and not nearly plentiful enough as there are always a few people waiting for a table. Pros: Food, Price, Service Cons: Crowded more