FishMongers — Restaurant in Warrenton

I have been wanting to try Fishmongers in Hammond OR for a long time, based on all the good things I had heard. I finally made it in one cold, rainy PNW day…and they weren’t packed, like all the other times I had driven by and opted not to wait. This little joint did NOT disappoint!! I chose their sampler which included a piece of all the fish they offer. Tuna, salmon, cod, rockfish, fries and some slaw. Truly the BEST fried fish in the area! Numero Uno!! The batter is crispy and light. So crunchy, and not dripping in grease! I think the cod and rockfish were my favorites, but the tuna was also good. I’m not a fan of fried salmon, but that’s my tastebuds. That had nothing to do with the quality of the fish or cook. I just like my salmon grilled or baked. (My husband liked it.)The fries were also fried to perfection. If I had a complaint it would be the food isn’t seasoned much. But, I kind of like that cause it allows the customer to salt it as liberally or minimally as they want. A good thing for those watching their sodium. Just make sure to ask for a salt packet if you like salt. The slaw is a savory, vinegary kind, not the sweet stuff you get at KFC. On top of the delicious fish, the fellows cooking are truly sweethearts. Very nice, and informative when this nosy customer was asking questions about their establishment. It was a slow day so they had time to engage in a nice conversation. The portion of food was perfect for a big appetite, too. I wanted to eat it all, but honestly could not….which made my husband happy when I surprised him with the equivalent of 2.5 pieces of fried fish and fries when I got home. (I tried all the fish and left portions for the spouse! lol!) It reheated well in the air fryer and he now wants to try this place the next time we’re in the area together. There is outdoor seating. Nothing fancy. Some picnic tables under an awning. It was too cold and wet for me to take advantage of the area, so I consumed the goods in my car. Do not overlook this little gem of a dive. Truly. The BEST fish and...

Ordered the fish sandwich with coleslaw and fries. Atmosphere was incredible. Beautiful wood picnic tables covered in dirty red plastic under a covered patio furnished with lovely American flag decor.

There was bottled water available inside, which was nice to have as an option because there aren't many things I hate more than having access to free water. The only thing I hate more than that is access to a bathroom, which they also luckily didn't have. There was a small hand washing station though outside, which was upsetting but I'll let it slide.

When the food came, I was once again incredibly impressed. Perfectly warmed fries cooked to slightly soggy perfection. There was also coleslaw, which can be tricky to do correctly. I could tell they knew what they were doing by the way it tasted kind of like how sweaty socks smell. Absolute Perfection.

And the sandwich. Oh man this big beautiful sandwich. It was absolutely drenched in tartar sauce, with no surface of the fish untouched. The fish was also covered in half melted cheese and pickles which was a nice touch, since I don't really like the taste of fish. It was perfectly covered up by all of the other flavors. And it was served between two perfectly soggy buns.

I will be telling everyone...

Best fish and chips on the coast! We had the combo. Enormously generous portions (combo fed two of us amply for ~$20), perfectly fried fish, crispy ridge cut fries and great not too sweet slaw with a little horseradish and vinegar kick.

We've had several favorite spots, with Bell Buoy in Seaside our "regular". Recently they raised prices, reduced sizes and changed the fries, so we decided to try this slightly out of the way new spot.

I really doubt we'll get fish and chips anywhere else again. Worth the drive from Gearhart and definitely worth the short drive off the 101.

Edit: Google wants me to update this less than two months after my original so, ok: fries were wedge cut today and have been a little darker, but otherwise unchanged. We've eaten here nearly weekly since discovering it.

Update 18 months after first review: combo is now $25, and has even more fish. Two of us couldn't finish it. Still the best deal on the coast, and every other...