H Salt Esquire Fish & Chips

My wife is from the UK so she knows British food when she has it…
…and this place ain’t it. Its good, but not authentic.
Now, onto the review:
Our first impression from the inside is that it needs to be cleaned badly. There’s warming windows in the front that looks like it hasn’t been cleaned in a few days. The walls look like they haven’t been cleaned in decades. Lots of grease and food particles. The Asian woman running the place also uses one of the very limited seating areas as her rummage sale. Everything from dishes to clothing to keychains can be bought here too. Not professional.
The fish was tasty; not cod like it should be but good. The chips were also good but again not authentic English.

I came here for their fish and chips for two reasons — 1. Childhood nostalgia; 2. Southbay guide coupon deals. How this place still stays in business is beyond me. The H Salt franchise is pretty much dead but after all, it is still a chain, right? The lady working behind the counter was definitely not happy to see a new customer. She was robotic and seemed borderline miserable. The food tasted nothing like what I remembered– either I had really bad taste growing up or the owner decided to change the recipe to something completely generic. The batter was bland and even the tarter sauce tasted awful. I swear the frozen battered fish I bought from Trader Joe’s tastes better than these. On top of that the place is filthy and rundown, absolutely no pride in ownership whatsoever. It’s just sad that this was my first visit and it will be my last.

I have a weakness for fried food & all things crisp & crunchy. I especially enjoy hot, fresh, crisp fish n’ chips. I prefer a firm, meaty, juicy fish (a soft, tender fish is too delicate for this type of preparation). My father used to take me to H Salt when I was young & I have wonderful happy memories of their fish. So, I tracked down the closest H Salt.
The various items available on the menu sound really appealing (shrimp, calamari, onion rings, mushrooms, eggplant,…). In addition to the 3 piece fish n’ chips, I also ordered fried zucchini & cole slaw.
I found the fish acceptable & better than average; I feel the quality is reasonable for the price. The zucchini pieces are large & seemed very fresh; so fresh & juicy the batter didn’t stick & it ended up cooked zucchini on a fork. However, it is an extraordinarily reasonable price to find for fried zucchini. The cole slaw is probably the only thing on the menu not deepfried; I was pleased it was not thick, rich, & heavily mayonnaised but, it is otherwise not especially noteworthy: it is vegetables/​roughage & the healthiest part of the meal– Be good: order it & eat it.
*The fried fish is above average but, I think the best things may be the other items available– although I haven’t tried them yet.

This is the last time we will «ever» eat here!!!
Ordered the fish & chips, 4 hours later all I taste is the grease!!!
Way under cooked! When we got home we had mop up the grease from the fish!!!
The fries were hard and cold!!!
Out of the 8 pieces we could only eat 2!!!

horrible horrible horrible order a big order over $ 100.00 just horrible! greasy cold, & groose! warning never go there

Well, I wanted to like this place, BUT… the physical restaurant needs a major facelift. It’s an ancient relic, I expected the old pirate from the Simpsons television show to hobble out on his peg leg and whisk us in.
As we sat waiting for our food, I looked around and took it all in, despite the ‘A’ grade they have posted, this place is suspect. Just looking at the ceiling you can tell things have not changed since the Carter administration, no joke. What owner with pride stacks cooking oil containers in the open (eye soar) right on the counter. The interior is a direct reflection of the pride, or lack of, that these people have for their establishment. People, take a day, one day, and give this place a good DEEP cleaning!
As for the fish & chips, not bad. We ate everything and had no complaints, it was far from fresh, we witnessed the fish being shaken out of the big brown freezer bag. Can’t that be done discreetly? I’d only go back if I knew the place got a facelift.
To be fair, the people working were all very nice and polite, but with so many food choices, I’m one and done.

The location is nothing to write home about, being a little run down. The Chinese lady running the place even even added a few Chinese decorations and trinkets for sale. Fortunately, we didn’t go there for the décor. The food itself was very good. The fish was light and flaky; the mini shrimp wasn’t bad either. We had mushrooms and zucchini, also, which were fine. The «chips» were as good as any other french fries. What really surprised me were the hush puppies! They were great! I will be getting a double order next time. I hadn’t eaten at H Salt in a couple of decades; but my next time will not be near as long. Just keep in mind that everything (and I mean everything!) is deep fried there, so prepare for a grease overload.

Three stars for customer service because the staff was very friendly and personable. Decent pricing and nice portion sizes. However the fish was soaked in grease. I used a napkin to squeeze out the fish and the napkin became soiled and came through the napkin and soaked my hands as well. Will not be returning because I did not enjoy the meal one bit.

They cook it fresh every order. I dont like waiting inside 8 – 10 mins while they cook though. I come out smelling like a greasy monkey.
I prefer the guy working over the lady. They charge extra for a small sauce container of tartar sauce, said each order only comes with one. Even when we order a 4 pieces n a 2 pieces.
I do breakout immediately after every time i eat here though. Kind of greasy

Hey it’s fish and chips. Really hits the spot sometimes just can’t eat it often. They do a great job of frying it to order here so everything’s fresh outta the fryer.

Chris Kim needed his fish and chips fill and this place definitely fulfilled his needs. All this place sells is just fried fish and fried shrimp and fries and coleslaw. Chris Kim has been to many a fish and chip shops and for the price range of under 10 dollars, this place definitely has all those other places beat. The batter is light and crispy and the fish is moist. This is a perfectly cooked fish. The shrimp and fries are also done well.
Only downside to this place is lack of bathroom and internal ambiance. Chris Kim lives fairly close to here so Chris Kim pretty much eats the stuff relatively fresh out of the fryer. Try the fish with malt vinegar and salt, just ask for vinegar on the side. Just a warning, malt vinegar is an acquired taste on fish. Also, leave the bag slightly open as to prevent steaming and making the food soggy.

Super impressed that the woman at the cash register is also the cook, but I’m still figuring out if I want to go back. The interior looks like it’s under construction or maybe it’s still being unpacked, there’s no public restroom, and there was only one person working there. Food-​wise it was good it but probably would have been a lot better if I dined in and didn’t let it sit wilting in the bag while I drove home.

I like the Captain’s combo. The cod is pretty good. As a brit I like to come here every week.

Excellant fish. fried to perfrction. Batter light not heavy. I recommend it. Not much décor but food is good and so is service. Pleasant surprise.

We arrived just after closing and no customers were inside. The female owner saw us, unlocked the door, and took our order to go. She fired up the fryer and cooked us some fish and chips. The fish was delicious and the fries were okay. It’s true she’s not very outgoing, but the food is what counts!

It’s aight. I needed fish and chips when I was hungover and opted for here instead of Brewco or something. It’s what you expect. Pretty good greasy fish and chips that hits the spot and mediocre price. I actually kind of like the ambiance which is circa 1987. Three stars for keeping it real, no more and no less.

I am currently sweating up a storm writing this review as this place does not have AC. It also doesn’t have a bathroom nor Ice! Food is below average and over priced. They do not Have high chairs for kids and my son stubbed his knee while sitting on his chair. Not coming back for sure!

fish was good but i cant believe they charge extra for cocktail sauce seems ridiculous. place is run down an has grease everywhere in need of an update.

Appearance and service sucks but food is excellent:) I don’t think she means to be rude just is. Lol Tip: ORDER IN ADVANCE AND TAKE IT TO GO!!!

For being deep fried and for the price, it’s pretty darn yummy! Occasionally it’s a little oily but hey, it’s deep fried. I come here all the time now. Much better than the Carson location in my opinion. They are much nicer and they don’t charge to use your card. Not the fanciest place but that’s why I go there because I’m not looking for fancy.

I used to come here a few times a month, usually on a Friday evening. A nice family owned small chain. I’m not sure how many of them are out there. This one is located on Western Ave on the right-​hand side heading South. You can’t get to it from the North bound lanes because of the center divide. And if you’re headed in that direction and don’t know when to look, you’ll pass right by the place.
They fry the food when you order, so expect to wait if you order when walking in the door. Many people call their order in before leaving the house.
The food is good but I find it to be heavy in fry oil when I have it now (which isn’t often). The prices aren’t bad. I’ll try to post some menu information if I can.
I’ve always ordered to go. The inside is basic tables and chairs. It always seems dark in this place. And I don’t know why but tables seem to have a permanent coating of oil on them. You know how they can be wiped but there still seems to be a film? Maybe its from years and years of being close to the fryers.
When you walk in, you step up to the counter and order. Have a seat and they will call you back up when its ready. Take it to your table and serve yourself or get it to go. Simple.

I was craving for fish and chips and this is our only Local Fish and Chips franchise.
I came about 1 pm the place was not so busy. I ordered the fish and shrimp combo. It took about 15 minutes. As I waited in the restaurant there is a couple things that bugged me. The place needs some serious renovations. It looks like it got sunked in by a tsunami and never got it fixed. The place also is really dirty in the back.
On to the food, The shrimp and the fish was ok it was too oily. When you hold the fish the oil drips to your hand. Def not fresh.
Will I eat here again?
No Thanks.

Much better value then Long John Silvers.
Heck, what do you expect, it is fried fish and chips

Unassuming shop in a small strip mall, because of that I often passed it up for a local lunch choice. Pleasantly surprised when I finally gave it a try. I went for the ‘Manager’s Special’ ($ 6) includes 2-​pieces of fish (most likely Pollack), coleslaw, fries, and soda. Awesome deal! The fish are made to order, fried crispy with a tasty (a little salty) batter. The fish itself was nice and flaky. They also offer up a good assortment of fried veggies, and home made clam chowder. I’ll definitely go back.
Rating more a 3.5, but I’ll round up.

This location has been here as long as I can remember. It’s cash only and better fish ‘n chips than the Whale & Ale.
You can usually score some discount coupons in the newspaper so you can enjoy your fish and chips at a discount.

The fish and chips here is just fantastic! The price is good compared to other places that serve fish and chips and seafood overall.
I’ve tried many items on their menu and what gets it done is… THE FISH AND CHIPS! lol. I may change my lineup once in a while and go with their shrimp or calamari, but mainly the fish. Add some vinegar and salt to it and it becomes very tasty. Plus the fish usually comes with a free tartar sauce, it will cost you for extra though.
On the side I usually get a cole slaw or clam chowder, both are very appetizing. The best cole slaw I’ve ever had! I’ve tried KFC (Too sweet!) and El Pollo Loco cole slaw was just DREADFUL. No flavor, it didn’t even have a vegetable taste at all. The clam chowder is great too, lots of clams!
Get your fish here! Reccommended!

You may be in for some surprises here:
Besides the familiar Fish & Chips (cooked to order, delicately battered, served hot and crisp) they have so many good choices, you could make even a well varied Vegetarian meal.
Think Veg Tempura: Mushrooms, Zucchini, Onion Rings, Sweet Potato, Eggplant, and Fries. They even have Cream Cheese Wontons now. When I’m ready for my once in a while deep fry treat, I have lots to enjoy here.
Of course there are many fish and seafood choices as well (and combos) Scallops, Clams, Oysters, Shrimp, Mini («popcorn») Shrimp, plus the thick cut Cod or Halibut for the regular Fish & Chips.
The Fish pieces are generous, and cooked perfectly: moist and flaky inside, light and crispy outside. Not overly greasy like many fried chicken places. Same for the other seafood. Only the eggplant tends to be greasy, since eggplant is just naturally like a sponge (still tasty though)
Friendly, quick service (10 minute wait for freshly cooked meal — or call ahead) Peck Park is right across the street, should you want to picnic there.
Recession Fighting Tips:
Managers Special 11am — 2pm: 2 pc Fish, Chips, Cole Slaw and a Soft Drink for $ 5.59.
You save when you get Veg menu items in place of fish or seafood, and most of these are generous enough to share.

i drive by this place every time i visit my grandparents in san pedro, and it has been here FOREVER so i decided to check it out. there was an asian lady working all by herself. props! i wasn’t feeling fries because i’ve eaten fries almost everyday the past couple weeks so i got 3 pieces of fish only for about 6 dollars to go. the fish was cooked after to order and was hot with a crispy crunch to the exterior. the fish inside was just okay. it was meaty but kinda fell apart like canned tuna. when i got the bag with the order inside, with the fish loaded with malted vinegar, i had my friend open the bag so i could take a picture and she yelled because the vinegar overwhelmed her eyes with its strong punch! the tartar sauce was free and good too, even though i’m not a big fan of tartar sauce.
inside the joint it feels a bit greasy but its quaint. there are little pictures of vegetables/​stuff which are cute and so random. they serve clam chowder too!