Famous Fish Market

- 684 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10030

Introduction / Overview: A True Harlem Seafood Institution

For decades, the Famous Fish Market has been far more than just a place to grab a quick meal in New York City; it is a genuine Harlem institution. Operating since 1974, this beloved seafood restaurant is a staple for locals, college students, and in-the-know tourists alike, all drawn to its reputation for delivering fresh, perfectly cooked, and satisfying fried seafood. Located on St Nicholas Avenue, this establishment has earned its “Famous” moniker through nearly fifty years of consistent quality, generous portions, and truly accessible pricing—qualities that are highly valued in the competitive NYC dining scene.

The core philosophy of the Famous Fish Market is simple: focus on doing a few things exceptionally well. The menu centers almost exclusively on expertly fried fish, shrimp, and clams, served with classic sides like fries (or chips). This dedication to simple, delicious comfort food has resulted in a loyal following and a vibrant atmosphere. Patrons often describe the experience as a true "grab & go" gem, a place where you know exactly what you’re getting: hot food, great taste, and service that’s on point. Its atmosphere is notably casual, but with a historic and even trendy feel, a testament to its long-standing presence and continued popularity in the ever-evolving landscape of Harlem dining. When New Yorkers crave that deep, comforting crunch of a perfectly fried piece of fish, this is the destination.

While the establishment may be small and often features a line snaking around the corner—a clear indicator of its popularity and worth—the experience of tasting their fresh, crispy seafood makes the wait a quintessential New York moment and entirely worthwhile. The emphasis here is on speed and quality takeout, catering perfectly to the busy rhythms of the city.

Location and Accessibility: Found in the Heart of Harlem

The Famous Fish Market’s strategic location places it right in the heart of the Harlem community, making it easily accessible to a broad crowd. The official address is:

684 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10030, USA

The restaurant is situated near major transit routes, connecting it seamlessly to the rest of Manhattan and surrounding boroughs for both customers and delivery services. While the dining setup is primarily for takeout—one reviewer notes that there are "no seating" options and "a 2 step down to enter"—the surrounding neighborhood provides options for enjoying your fresh meal nearby, such as the numerous park spaces or public plazas. For those driving, the area offers both free and paid street parking options, a considerable amenity for any Manhattan establishment.

The accessible location helps solidify its role as a neighborhood staple, ensuring that whether you are a college student stopping by after class, a local resident, or a tourist exploring the historic neighborhood, it’s a convenient stop for a quality meal.

Services Offered

As a classic New York counter-service spot focused on speed and efficiency, the Famous Fish Market offers streamlined services tailored for the fast-paced city life:

• Takeout: The primary and most popular way to enjoy the food, where customers place their order, pay, and wait outside for their number to be called for their freshly prepared items.
• Delivery: Conveniently bringing their famous combos and sandwiches right to your door via various third-party platforms.
• Catering: Providing an option for larger orders to feed a crowd at events, parties, or corporate lunches.
• Lunch and Dinner Service: Open and popular during both major mealtimes, consistently serving hot, made-to-order food.
• Late-Night Food: A crucial offering in New York, catering to those late-night cravings long after most other establishments have closed.

Features / Highlights

The Famous Fish Market distinguishes itself through its specific, high-quality offerings and its unique, enduring ambiance:

• Iconic Fried Combos: The menu's main attraction lies in its expertly prepared combination platters, allowing customers to mix and match their favorites. Popular choices include the Fish, Shrimp, & Clams Combo, the Fish, Shrimp, & Chips Combo, and the comprehensive Fish, Shrimp, Clams, & Chips Combo.
• The Essential Fish Sandwich: The Fish Sandwich is a must-try, offering a delicious, crispy fillet, often served with two slices of wheat bread and their signature, perfectly balanced tartar sauce.
• Signature Beverages: Patrons rave about the homemade drinks, especially the Half & Half (a mix of homemade iced tea and lemonade), which is described as being perfectly "sweet and cold," providing a refreshing counterpoint to the fried food.
• Affordable Comfort Food: The restaurant excels at providing high-value, substantial portions of authentic comfort food at prices that are right for the local community, from a simple 1 Piece Of Fish to their full platters.
• Historic Harlem Location: Established in 1974, the market carries a sense of history and community, appealing to a crowd that includes college students, loyal locals, and tourists seeking an authentic NYC experience. The atmosphere is genuinely "Historic" and "Trendy" simultaneously.
• Flexible Payment Options: Accepting Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments ensures a quick, cashless transaction process for every customer.

Contact Information

For placing orders, inquiries, or any business needs, the following contact information is available:

Address: 684 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10030, USA

Phone: (212) 491-8323

What is Worth Choosing: A Taste of Harlem History and Perfect Fried Food

When choosing a quick-bite or comfort food spot in New York, the Famous Fish Market stands out for its authenticity and time-tested quality. What is truly worth choosing here is the combination of its legendary status and the sheer perfection of its fried offerings. This is not a formal dining experience; it is an efficient, high-volume counter where everything is cooked fresh to order, ensuring the food is hot, flaky, and never overcooked—a detail highly praised by regulars. Customers consistently highlight the thin, crispy batter on the shrimp and fish, and the satisfying taste that comes with every combo plate.

New Yorkers appreciate the speed and directness of the service. You walk in, you order, you pay, and you wait a short time outside for your fresh meal. This grab-and-go efficiency, paired with their diverse combo options (like the Fish, Shrimp, & Clams Combo), ensures a meal that is both filling and deeply satisfying, whether for a quick lunch or a substantial dinner. Finally, choosing the Famous Fish Market means choosing a piece of Harlem's culinary history—a historic, casual, and highly popular spot where the promise of great seafood, a refreshing Homemade Half & Half, and a quick, excellent meal is always fulfilled. For an affordable, delicious, and truly local seafood fix, this St Nicholas Avenue landmark is unparalleled.

Famous Fish Market

684 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10030, USA