Village Inn Fish & Chips — Restaurant in Long Beach

Hidden Gem Alert! This place feels like the last of a vanishing species: the true mom-and-pop shop. The moment I walked in, I felt that familiar pang of recognition: something only children of immigrants might understand. There's a look to it, unmistakable: the storefront window with its slightly uneven finish, the fridge in the corner where you're trusted to help yourself to a drink, the owner who is both cashier and cook, moving seamlessly between roles with the ease of someone who has built their life around this place, the old manual register till that doesn't suggested tips starting at 20%.... Just incredible food served on a humble dixie plate. And, of course, the quiet generosity; this is the kind of business that sponsors the local little league team without forms, applications, or committees. Just heart and an honorable plaque with the team picture to show for it.

When my fish taco arrived, I surprised myself by tearing up. The batter was perfectly crisp, the vegetables freshly cut by hand.... each piece even only in the most human way, and the fries golden and crunchy. The food was more than good; it was grounding, nostalgic, even moving. It tasted like care, like memory, like a small miracle served on a plate at a price you can actually afford. CASH only!

Shops like this are disappearing, but this one is still here, and for as long as it is, I'll keep...

Certainly no masterpiece. Funny someone had said the lady had a little of a not so nice disposition. Some personalities just do not seem very friendly, but husband was the opposite all smiles and eagerness to please. Ordered only the fish, was told it was Pollock?, and fried zucchini. Around $40 plus for 15 pieces of fish and side order. Probably the fish 🐟 came pre packaged, since all pieces were very similar. Batter was oily, and fish crispy if eaten immediately, but soggy if not, happens with most fried foods. Tartar sauce not home made, either. Zucchini always a nice addition, better than fries for us. Food to go, was finished in one sitting by four of us. Owner a nice guy, food slightly above...

The owners of this place are very nice. It makes it hard to not write a great review. The batter they put on the fish and zucchini is a bit heavy and chewy instead or crispy. When you order the zucchini, you get a TON for the price.

It's not like this place is bad, I just rather go to England Fish & Chips which is about 2 miles away.

The trade off is that England Fish in Chips is a bit more "ghetto" in it's location. Village Inn is a lot...