The Codfather

I hate cod. I also hate peas. My husband insisted we dine at his favorite fish joint in town. I was less than thrilled but marriage is about letting your other half teach you a thing or two about life. Well, somehow, this tucked away dive in the rib of North Charleston managed to serve cod so good and peas so good that I actually enjoyed my meal. The quality of the fish, the oil, and the breading were so good i finished the hunk of cod my husband generously shared with me. The mushy peas? Genius! So genius that my toddler, who is the fiercest food critic in town, ate some. Good eats!

Adam is amazing. His fish is amazing. The Codfather is amazing. It’s in my neck of the woods, so the hipster in me is kind of bummed out that it’s getting so popular, but it definitely deserves the publicity! The fish is large, usually too big for the little paper boat.
My only complaint is the takeout. If it’s busy and there aren’t any seats in the restaurant, sometimes I like to go over to Riverfront Park to eat. As of this writing, they don’t use takeout boxes, but just wrap the fish up in the boat with kraft paper. Get gravy on your fish (which you definitely should) and next thing you know, the gravy and fish are peeling off and stuck to the paper.

Fantastic fish and chips… Great atmosphere… Had a nice talk with owner Adam… Solid guy… Mushy peas are the best I ever had… This place is the real deal… Definitely going back

Talk about a little restaurant that could. The Codfather produced some of the best tasting fish I have had in Charleston.
Wife and I stopped by during some not normal hours to avoid a crowd, we both got a basket with a side of gravy and peas to taste. The portions at this place are pretty insane, you really get a huge pile of chips one big olé piece of cod.
The cod was perfection with a crispy batter that wasnt greasy at all. The flaky fish underneath was tender and flaky with a fantastic buttery taste.
I actually hate garden peas, so the mushy peas were a surprise hit for me. These things taste nothing like garden peas and have a good peppery seasoning. The fish and the peas paired really well with the gravy.
The chips were plentiful, but im not a huge fan of really thick cut potatoes like these. I also found the chips to be a little on the bland side, but thats nothing a dip in some gravy couldnt fix.
I look forward to coming back and getting some more of that tasty fish.

I’m halfway tempted to leave a bad review so that I can keep this hidden gem all to myself… But that is some bad karma I don’t want coming my way!
The is a no frills no fuss outstanding fishnchips joint and that is more than it needs to be. The mushy peas are fantastic and the gravy with the fries is devine!
If I did have one complaint it’s that I couldn’t get a frosty mug of any English ale… But on my lunch break it’s probably for the best!

All I have to say is believe the hype! We had a great lunch here and will definitely be back. The service was fast and friendly. The mushy peas and gravy are non-​negotiable.

Loved this place! I got mine with the mushy peas and the gravy and it was fantastic. I love the batter on the fish, as it’s nice and crispy without destroying the inside of my mouth. I wasn’t sure how I was going to like the peas (anything described as «mushy» has a negative connotation, doesn’t it?), but I was pleasantly surprised, as they were delicious. The fries were also delicious (although mine were a little cold by the time I finished the fish. Maybe I should eat faster?)
Can’t wait to go back!

It’s been my goal recently to eat at the Codfather and now that goal has been accomplished. If you’re thinking about checking this place out, stop thinking and allow your taste buds to take over. You’ll thank me later.
With two people, I heeded the advice of others and ordered one fish and chips and one only fish. We both got mushy peas, gravy, and a drink. The whole deal was about $ 30 for two people and we took home leftovers as well.
The mushy peas were new to me and now I could never pass them up. They’re basically the consistency of mashed potatoes, but made out of peas instead. You could really taste the black pepper and for something that looks so bland, they were surprisingly flavorful.
Growing up in the northeast had spoiled me on white fish. It’s not the same down here and I’m often disappointed when ordering fish and chips in SC. Not with this fish! You get a gigantic piece of perfectly battered, flaky white fish that hangs over the edges of your cardboard boat… perfection.
Normally I would be dipping my fish and chips in tarter sauce (found out that tarter is available on request), but the Brits do it with gravy… who am I to break tradition. If you think it sounds strange just go for it. The gravy adds a great flavor to the fish and the chips as well. I would recommend it on the side though so you can dip as you please. Mine was poured all over the fries, but none on top of the fish so it gets all soaked up underneath. Also it’s easier to take it home if you can’t finish. And by the way, I didn’t think it would heat up well, but I threw the leftovers in the oven that evening and it was round two of delicious-​ness!

The fish and chips are as good as everyone says. Go support this guy’s passion to serve you simple, delicious food.

My BF and I were on our way out of Charleston back to NC when we decided maybe we should stop somewhere for one last meal. Found The Codfather through Unilocal at the last second and made a detour for it.
I had no idea just how packed this place gets! We were lucky enough to swing through right at opening and were able to beat any lines and secure a seat. However, within 15 minutes there was a line out the door and no seats left.
This place deserves my 5 stars for its quality and price ratio. For $ 10 you get a crazy large piece of North Atlantic Cod and «chips» (fries). You can also opt to get JUST the fish or JUST the chips. For a little extra charge, you can the mushy peas or gravy on top of your fish. Drinks are $ 1.
The fish is fried right then so it’s definitely freshly cooked and fried to perfection. Perfectly crispy, steaming hot. Texture is great, no rubbery fish. Just nice flaky fish. I did not care for the mushy peas at all, I’ve never had that before and I don’t think it’s my thing, but I hear its done well here so if you enjoy that, try it!
The fries are cut large and also fried perfectly. These guys know how to fry! They offer several condiments at the table for you fish and chips. Malt vinegar was my favorite, but they also offer usual ones like ketchup.
This is a great lunch spot, especially if you’re a local.

Phenomenal. Run, don’t walk, to the codfather. Unassuming hole in the wall with the best damn fish in chips I’ve ever had stateside, and frankly better than most I’ve had in London. We split an order and got an extra order of fries and I wish we’d done it the other way around and gotten two orders of fish and one of chips. While the chips are fantastic, the fish is the star and we couldn’t come close to finishing the chips but I found myself (even though I was stuffed!) wishing for more fish. The batter was perfect and the fish fresh. Massive portions so come with an appetite even if planning on splitting.

The hype is real! This place has seriously changed my life forever. I love everything about this place! The menu is simplistic. Fish, chips, mash, gravy. The end. That is what they do and they do it amazingly well!
When I went there for the fist time I wasn’t even really hungry. I got the regular fish and chips, and my husband got his with the mashed peas and gravy. I really didn’t know what to expect and once I got my food the portions were gigantic! I thought that there was no way that I could finish all that, but then I took a bite. Hot, flaky fish, crunchy, light batter, top it with a little salt and vinegar and before I knew it all my food was gone! The mash and gravy addition is on the heavier side but if you are really hungry it is a must try! I had no idea you could make battered fish so airy and light. This is seriously one of the best things I’ve ever had. I know this is totally unorthodox but, I totally want that perfectly battered fish in a taco. I might have to do that for myself one day.
The owner is so friendly and very attentive to his customers. He makes sure that all the ingredients he uses are fresh and the best quality. This truly shows through in his food. It is a smaller place but there is a ton of fun British décor on the walls, and clean tables inside and out. I am so hooked, and will be back again and again!

Off the swanky Spruill Ave on Reynolds Ave is British eats… Huh, what?
That’s right, categorize this under super random, but they make it work!
My bias for restaurants is to not over populate the menu. Know what you do well and hit it hard. Menus that are novels to avoid the veto votes usually just end up having everything just so-​so…
Anyway this place? The menu is short and sweet. Fish, Chips, Peas, and Gravy — See? But the important thing is they nail it.
The huge fish was crispy and juicy! Super good and by the looks of a couple actually British dudes ordering,… pretty authentic! It’s nice to see the food scene expand beyond another Southern-​Style.
A great spot for lunch, unless you’re more comfortable with the area.

Excellent fish and chips. This is an authentic chippy as far as I’m concerned. I’m telling you, the fish was cooked to perfection — hot and crispy. You could not ask for anything more. The piece of cod you get is big, and that sits atop a big pile of fries. Just absolutely delicious!
It you haven’t tried this place out and you enjoy a good fish and chips, definitely swing by and enjoy.

Yes, you have to take a trip to North Charleston to satisfy your fried fish hunger. So we found our way there saturday afternoon, at the Codfsther which was open and serving up it’s delicious fried cod. Don’t let the location scare you, park on the side or in front. We were warmly greeted upon entering, and ready to eat. Pretty simple menu, fish & chips, mashed peas & gravy. The prices are appropriate for each.
You do get one big piece of cod, on big cut fries, and I had the mashed peas & gravy on the side. The fish portion is large, and served hot. Let it cool or you’ll burn you mouth. But it is so good! Flaky & crspy, just what we wanted. Btw, drinks are cans of soda or bottled water for a $ 1.00.
While we ate, 5 North Charleston police officers arrived to eat also. It was nice to hear that the Codfather thanked them by offering free drinks.
We left very full and suggest you make the trip too.

I’m literally writing this as we leave the restaurant. After reading all the 5 star reviews, this place met all of my expectations and then some! I can’t believe it’s taken us so long to try this place out, especially given that my bf is a cod lover. The staff was great, and the owner, Adam, is extremely friendly. He gets the fish straight from the waters of the Barents Sea — the same as you’d get in the UK. The portions are astronomically big. My bf was very happy when I gave him the remainder of my fish. The breading is incredible. Light and crunchy. Not super greasy. Really nothing short of perfection. I’ll go as far as to say it was better than what I’ve experienced in London.
Our order was taken as soon as we walked in, and the fish was breaded right in front of us. A short 7ish minutes later, and it was delivered to our table. Each table has an assortment of condiments so that you can top your fish as you’d like. I added a little salt to my mushy peas and loved it. We’ll be regulars for sure. Thanks to Adam and his team for a great meal!

It was fantastic! We went for lunch on the first day or two that they were open. The décor is perfect for a fish and chip house. The staff were excellent and helped guide us through the process of ordering and they delivered a huge piece of fish and blazing hot chips! I did not try the smashed peas or gravy because I wanted a natural first time experience and it was awesome.
I’m looking forward to going back and trying more… Soon!!!

Let’s just say if you walk into a restaurant and the person cooking is actually from the place you are eating food based on, you are most definitely in good hands. I have come here twice and loved both times. The fish portion in big and can be shared, especially with all those chips! They don’t have tartar sauce so beware. This is a legit England style fish and chips with malt vinegar as a garnish. You can get peas or gravy as a side. The peas are just split peas made into a mash with salt and pepper. The gravy is a very interesting fish and chips addition and if you are interested in trying it, get it on the side and dip your fish. You will end up pouring it all over: it is that good together. The seating is very limited so big groups might be hard to sit. But they do have a take out!

UM. HELLO NEW FAVORITE PLACE.
Holy Moly. I mean. Seriously. Some of the *BEST* fish and chips I have ever had. Don’t let the location mess with you– it’s perfect. The environment is great and something I love. It’s not anything fancy, far from it– but it works. The chef/​owner came out to check on us while enjoying our meal. I really liked talking to him. His accent made me even more happy with the authenticity of the meal/​restaurant.
Keep on doing your thing, Codfather. I will certainly be back! Fo Sho.

Walk in.
Menu has 1 item: fish.
Add chips and gravy and peas.
Served up by a British guy.
I bite in. He drops the mic. I don’t notice because fries and mashed peas and gravy and amazing fish breaded by God consume my entire being and I reach a new level of Scientology.
Go here. Spend the money, be happy you got the most legit fish and chips in the USA. That’s per the British peeps eating at the table next to me.
I’m off to the hospital to recover.