fin – your fishmonger

Looked for a place that had lobster roll. You can get fish here to go or eat in at one of the tables. It’s a long ways from RED’S EATS in Wiscasset (my favorite lobster roll), but FIN is good and the best we have. Nice clean place with great New England chowder and a very good lobster roll.

ETA: I had to bump up my review given the owner’s very nice reply to my review (please read her response to my review below). Apparently I caught them on a shrimpless day. This is not a large store so call ahead. The customer service was top notch so give them a try. I know I would if I lived in the area.
Maybe I am missing something but I wasn’t impressed… at all. I was in search of fresh shrimp for a New Year’s Even dinner and I found a store that sold mostly frozen seafood. There were no fresh shrimp to be had. My choices were between a $ 30.00 bag or a $ 16.00 bag of farm raised shrimp from India. I could have just saved the trip and bought the same old frozen blah from Hannaford and paid a lot less for everything. Frozen seafood does not a fish monger make. The little neck clams were .60 cents more per dozen at Fin. I will say the clam chowder was really tasty although I bought a cup for a friend who was not all that impressed. The owners were nice and I really wanted to like this place but I’m just not impressed. The Off Shore Pier in North Greenbush has a far better selection at much better prices and… FRESH SHRIMP!

I ordered a lobster roll and it was overcooked. And it’s a fish place.

Four for the fish counter — relative to Albany — and a weak three for the dine-​in experience.
The fish: there is every evidence that the claim of daily shipping in from Boston/​NE ports is correct, as both times we’ve been there we’ve found North Shore catches that have been both fresh and tasty. The prices are inflated a bit, but that’s just the inland pricing to cover the transportation charges. And when I can get _​good_​bluefish, out of season, that really catches my attention and patronage.
Now for the sad part: I can’t recommend the eating in that highly, based solely (no pun inteneded) on our lunch. My date had a kind of cool kimchi «taco», and I had broiled scallops on greens, and they both suffered from the same problem: hot food on icy cold food does not make for a pleasant experience. The «taco» was chilly and if you take a bite into food that’s supposed to be hot and you get a cold layer, followed by a tepid layer, followed by a sort of hot layer, it’s a jarring experience that really detracts from being able to taste what’s going on. My scallops were nicely braised, but the greens were very cold from the fridge, and as such were both underflavored and similarly jarring to the palate — may I suggest actually wilting them slightly on the grill, to bring out the flavor? The seaweed salad also could have benefited from being closer to room temperature when served out of its little plastic cup.
With the entrée prices at lunch hovering in the mid-​teens, I’m not sufficiently motivated to come back and try the fare again. There’s no wine available, so it’s hard to really treat this as haute as it would liek to be. We may give the evening take home dinner a whirl, though, since I like the concept.
The seating is also awkward — only two sort of «community» tables with somewhat uncomfortable seating. It’s OK for a lobster roll shack, which I don’t think is the aspiration of this place, which is otherwise decorate to appeal to the gourmand.
I do wish this place well, as I want the fish counter to stay in business, and having a slightly high end place to grab something oceanic is a nice option at lunch.

Very respectable showing of seafood offerings. Lots of fresh and appropriately frozen options of both fish and shellfish.
The intention of my visit was to find some very fine salmon, which I did. They had three very healthy looking options. I purchased some wild coho I intend to grill this evening.
While I was there I tried the lobster roll– a bit of a calling card it would seem– which came with a choice of three sides– I chose traditional coleslaw.
My favorite thing about this lunch was the homemade garlic roll on which the lobster sits covered in flavored butter. The roll tasted very fresh, and had the perfect balance of lightly toasted outside and creamy flavorful inside. The lobster meat was overlooked for my taste. I think $ 15.50 is quite reasonable for a good lobster roll, but mine was hardly bursting at the seams with meat. The coleslaw had nether flavor nor seasoning.
I doubt I will eat here again, but do plan to return to purchase seafood to cook at home.

I have always struggled with seafood in the Albany area. Unlike larger cities with Japanese populations, where I could buy sashimi grade fish, I never found anything equivalent in the area. That meant, that instead of searing my fish, or eating it as sashimi, I was always forced to cook it to the point where I no longer enjoyed it as much.
Luckily, Fin came to the rescue. Their sashimi grade fish and raw shellfish allow me to get my craving without laying out my paycheck at the local raw bar or sushi joint. I’ve had a couple different oysters from there, with Malpeque being my favorite. I’ve also sampled a couple types of salmon, herring, seaweed salad, etc… Everything that I’ve had here has been top notch, and worth every penny. In addition, everything they source is responsibly harvested and sustainable, meaning I do no have the guilt hanging over my head as I enjoy the seafood. This is now the only place in the Albany area where I buy seafood. They may not be the least expensive, but after you’ve tasted what fish should taste like, you’ll not be able to go back to buying fish from your local supermarket.

My wife and I shop at fin in Guilderland nearly every week. We usually get two nights worth of stuff, one night invariably salmon, and the other whatever catch of the week looks good. The quality and freshness of the fish is invariably excellent, but as other reviews note there is a bit of premium price. But the quality is there to warrant it. The staff are friendly and seem to be better trained and knowledgeable than when the shop first opened. I really highly recommend the place. You will not find better fish in the Capital District. Here is the part, though, where I say that my wife and I do have one major complaint …
The one — and really only — continuing issue that my wife and I have with fin is that the do not scale their fish properly. We invariably have to finish the de-​scaling at home. It is not a fun job to do when you are trying to make a quick week-​night din din, and not what you expect when you are (sometimes at least) paying nearly $ 20/​pound for product. I have mentioned the deficient de-​scaling issue to the fin staff on numerous occasions and have been greeted with blank stares or a «would you like me to take the skin off?» question. The skin, at least for something like salmon, is one of the tastiest and most nutritious parts! Why would I want it removed?
I want the skin on and the scales off. Skin on, scales off. Skin on, scales off. It’s not complicated, or at least it shouldn’t be for a self-​described «fishmonger.» Sorry to be monomaniacal on this point but it drives my wife and I crazy how such an otherwise excellent operation can be so deficient on a basic point of quality-​control. Honestly, every time we open the wrapping paper on a piece of fish we hope against hope that it will be properly scaled, and it is invariably not. It turns what should be a moment of food glory in to a moment of defeated deflation and resignation to the dirty and un-​fun job of de-​scaling. I am surprised I do not see others complaining, as I have certainly purchased enough fin product to know that I am dealing with a trend and not a fluke (fishy pun). The fish counter at the Honest Weight co-​op properly scales their fish. It can be done, and the Mediterranean blood in my veins demands no less.
SO, the bottom line is that I highly recommend fin, but on the caveat that you may have to do some de-​scaling yourself. Which is maddening.

Always the best seafood in the capital district. Fresh, of course, environmentally friendly, for sure, but they know the best way to prepare and serve it as well. Clams on the grill! Who knew that the simplest way to prepare clams was the best? Oh, and did I mention they are the nicest people too!

To be fair I want to disclose I am only reviewing the lobster roll but will provide an updated review once I get to taste other goodies from this place.
I came here with intention to taste their brown butter vinaigrette lobster on their homemade herb butter roll. The lobster was succulent and I really enjoyed the butter and vinaigrette blended together. The herb butter roll was also hearty and had a good texture. I was surprised to get this for slightly under $ 16 (incl tax), as it also came with a side salad (I was given a choice from 3: seaweed salad, potato salad, or couscous). The side salads change each week I was told! I chose the seaweed salad to go with my roll. It was no difference from the kind of seaweed salad you’d get ordering at Japanese restaurants… which I usually like. So for that price I consider it a pretty sweet deal since the rolls I’ve gotten in the city are closer to $ 20 – 22.
They are surely fishmongers as their shop offers daily fresh fish, oysters, clams, shrimp and much more. If you don’t care for lobster you can try the crab cakes, shrimp cakes, broiled scallops, salmon sweet potato burgers, new England clam chowder, ect.
But back to the lobster roll. It was bursting with flavor and definitely loaded… worth every penny! Some people prefer theirs cold with mayo and lettuce. I like both, but this combination here is really a party in my mouth!

I am finally getting around to writing this review. I have been buying fish from their Wilton store before it closed, and now in Guilderland. This location is a bit of a drive for me so I don’t buy as often. This was a solid 4 star place but I think it has been going down. Fish selection has gotten smaller, and prices higher. They have great oysters, and I really like their cod.
Specific to the cod — I pan fry thick cuts and their cod stays firm the longer allowing you to cook it better. it comes out more delicious.
Their other fish I dont find to be much different from other high end stores.
Note on shrimp. Maybe it was bad luck but they used to have good shrimp. There are only like 2 – 3 places in Albany to get good non-​mushy shrimp. They charged a premium for this and I was ok with that. I dont feel it has been as good last few times. Better then frozen crap, but not the same.
All being said I do recommend this place. I want them to survive. They are nice and have good prepared food. They have a new chef and I hope this will change my opinion. All their seafood can be used for sushi which we trust and make.

The lobster roll here is unique and for the most part better than other lobster rolls offered around. Don’t really have the urge to go here that often despite enjoying the roll. Maybe it’s a 3.5?

The new england clam chowder was heated milk with
very little clam or potato. the fried cod was a previously
frozen fillet and very small with the taste. less than impressive. won’t be going back ever.

While this is a fish market, it also has a small eat-​in area where you can enjoy such items as a Lobster Roll ($ 14.50), Broiled Scallops ($ 13.50), Shrimp Salad ($ 9.50), Shrimp Cakes ($ 7), and a Salmon — Sweet Potato Burger ($ 6).
My experience, so far, has been with purchasing fresh pieces of fish to take home to cook (Arctic Char $ 14.25/lb) or a Take-​Home Supper ($ 9). I’ll be cooking the Char later tonight, and it looks, smells and feels fresh. The Take-​Home Supper I previously had was a Cod en papillote — they place the cod in parchment paper along with wine, butter, lemon zest, herbs, and crème fraiche. They fold the paper to seal everything inside and all I had to do was place the closed paper package in my oven at 400 degrees for 15 minutes. It was easy, delicious, and perfectly steamed. A great way to cook dinner for my wife when she comes home from work!
Now I need to stop here for lunch some day to try a few more items.

I have been a customer since seeing them at farmers markets and I have enjoyed the quality of the product I find at fin. The staff at fin is always friendly and helpful. Love Chef Katie and her creative sauces and side dish items. Kristen is always there with a smile when i visit. But my less than stellar review is completely based on my encounters with the owner, she is far less than friendly and often makes me feel like I am not worthy of her time when I ask a question or even just say hello. I spend a lot of my money shopping local and will continue to do so but I have to say it will not be at fin very often. I am not expecting a red carpet but please being friendly and polite is part of being a good business owner especially when you are a small business that needs good word of mouth to survive. I receive the newsletter and read their FB posts and often find that the snarky nature of them is beyond demeaning to the people that read them. But apparently the elitist that writes them thinks she is above her customer base. My recommendation is save yourself the extra money and shop Whole Foods… although a large chain they are much nicer to their customers!

This place is great… Great staff… Best fresh fish… Locally owned… Get er done!

I stopped at Fin at the recommendation we received recently when we ate at Athos Greek Restaurant. We are so grateful for that recommendation.
We just ate a whole Bronzini; it was delicious. What a decadent feast (unintentional) for Good Friday.
We will be regulars now; this area has few options for good fish. What a great service this fishmonger is doing for the area. I hope they are wildly successful!!! We could use something like this store down in Schoharie County… just saying!!! :-)

I love Fin. The staff is friendly and are more than willing to provide you with information like where the fish is from to suggestions about preparation.
There is a lunch and dinner menu. For faster service, you may call ahead. However, if you go in you have time to browse the small frozen section and assorted pastas, nuts and other local items.
I’ve gotten the salmon and sweet potato burger for lunch twice now. It’s delightful. For 5 dollars, you get the burger with your choice of field greens or a roll. In addition, you have a choice of a smaller side (lentil salad, potato, seaweed and etc).
That beats a Scrubway footlong anyday of the week.
They accept debit and cards card. Last time I was in I forgot to bring cash and was allowed to use my card. A lot of smaller businesses have a $ 10.00 limit. I was chatting with one of the workers about it. He disclosed that they used to but don’t enforce it anymore. The reasoning– If you let the customers pay as they can, they will continue coming back.
Service, customer minded and fresh seafood– You should go… right now.
P. S. I believe Fin is a pickup location for a CSA program in the area– Denison farm. I would call to inquire or google search to find out how to join.
They now have two tables where you can sit and eat in or wait for your order to be taken care of.
Happy eating!

I was really looking forward to visiting this shop as soon as I saw it featured on the alloveralbany blog, why? A daily variety of raw oysters.
The shop did not disappoint. On my first visit they had 4 types of oysters available. I ordered four of each type which Fin happily gave me in separate labeled baggies. The oysters were lovely, definitely will be coming back for more.
I also couldn’t help picking up a Lobster roll ($ 12.50 with choice of side, i went with a small cup of coleslaw). The Lobster roll is well worth the price. Nice big chunks of buttery lobster on a nutty toasted roll. I took it home for lunch but there are also dining tables in the shop if you want to enjoy it fresh from the kitchen.
I also tried one of their prepared dinners. That day it was a panko crusted cod wrapped in foil. Instructions were to unwrap and broil. It was super quick, easy, and delicious for dinner. Since then I’ve started following their facebook because they post details, prices, and pictures of their take-​home specials on a practically daily basis.
I could not recommend this shop more highly. Great selection, fantastic product and customer service, fair prices, and OYSTERS. I can’t wait to come back.

Fin is exactly what this area needs. I love when you can walk into a place and pick the owners brain on a variety of issues. Pete, Dora and staff are so knowledgeable about their products. They can tell you where and when your fish was caught and provide excellent recommendations for preparation. The fish is incredibly fresh, I don’t think I’ve ever had fish this fresh except on the coast.
I’ve heard there may soon be an oyster bar which is exciting. They also will sell you heads and fish parts for making your own stock (I feed it to my dogs).
Even if you like fish but are afraid of preparation, they have easy-​prep meals ready to just pop into the oven. Those change daily and you can find out what they are on their Twitter feed or Facebook page. I haven’t tried any of them yet but they always sound really tasty.

Hands down the best and most fresh fish and seafood in the Capital District. I have been several times now and have even tried fish I normally don’t buy and it has all been amazing!
You know when they tell you that fish should not have any smell and everytme you bring home fish from the supermarkets it always does? Fin’s fish is what they are talking about. Absolutely no smell!
They offer a wide selection of filets and whole fish and they know the product very well … where it comes from, how to cook it, etc … and even offer a daily prepared fish dinner.
Also, their squid rocks.
Minus one point for no credit cards but apparently this is coming soon.
Tuesdays and Fridays are when they get fresh stock.
Closed Sunday and Monday.
Never buy fish from the major supermarkets again.