Summerhays Halibut and Chips — Restaurant in Holladay

We were in the mood for fish and chips, so we tried Summerhays for the first time. I decided to write this review as constructive criticism. We ordered the fish and chips plate with a clam chowder bread bowl. On the positive side, the pieces of fish were thick and meaty, and they were more filling than you would expect. The fish was obviously "real". The breading and frying were okay with a relatively thin batter. It could have been more crispy. The fish itself was on the dry side, and it lacked flavor. I do not like it when seafood is overwhelmed with seasoning, but this needed more salt and maybe a little seasoning. The tartar sauce was mostly mayo and needed more pickle, so it did not help the fish taste much better. The coleslaw was just chopped cabbage with a sweet vinegar sauce. They really need a better coleslaw recipe. Considering the plate was $19.50 without a drink, it could have used something extra like maybe a couple of hush puppies. The fries were nice and thick, but they also could have used some salt. The fry sauce was also a little bland. The fries probably would have been better with ketchup, but I did not see any out, and I did not feel like getting up and asking for it. The clam chowder was okay, but it was a little too salty. It was warm but not hot like you would expect. If you are indulging in unhealthy fried food at this price, it should really taste better than this. I really hope they make some improvements because it looks like the place has been there a long time. Until things change, we will have to go to Culver's...

First and foremost, the staff was exceptional! Even though there were only two of them working the counter, they still took their time with everyone and were very accommodating and cordial. The cooks were paying close attention to the counter and knew what to start doing without being told, this is a very well-run operation in my opinion of over 40 years in the food service industry! And then let's talk about the food. I guess the only word I have to use for it is absolutely amazing! You do not get charged half of what you should to get a plate of food from these people! I had the fish and chips Junior platter, cuz as I've gotten older I know I don't eat as much as I used to :-) and my wahini got the fish and chips with the shrimp, and we couldn't help ourselves so we ordered the rice pudding, which is absolutely amazing by the way, and we also got a bowl of chowder to go so we could split late night tonight! When they told us our total, I have to admit it was about 20 bucks under what I thought it would have been, and nowhere near what it's worth! I would strongly recommend that if you love good fish and chips, you show up...

You get fast food quality, atmosphere, and service for restaurant prices. I got the 2 piece halibut fish and chips. It looked good in the little plastic basket, like the batter would be crunchy and yummy, but the batter was soft and limp. Not at all enjoyable to eat. The fish was probably frozen and heated up in a microwave. That would explain the limp texture. Fries and sauce were good, until I found a black hair in the sauce. Didn't mention it to them because I didn't want to look like I was trying to get a free meal. Couldn't eat any more fries. Very disappointed in this place. I absolutely would have enjoyed a $1 Wendy's fish sandwich more than this $12.50 after tax garbage! I've had okay and good fish and chips in England and New Zealand, this place wouldn't survive a week in those places. Not even a close comparison. Will never return.

It seems like they may have done better in the past. Old reviewers say it was good, so either things have gone downhill, or most people have never experienced good...