Make My Fish Introduce
In the heart of Harlem, on a block that buzzes with life and community, you’ll find Make My Fish. This is a local institution that has built a reputation not on frills or fancy decor, but on the simple, powerful promise of delicious, high-quality seafood. As a dedicated seafood restaurant, Make My Fish focuses on delivering classic, comforting dishes that have a loyal following. It’s the kind of place where the food speaks for itself, and a great community feel makes every visit a pleasant experience. A customer review perfectly captures this essence, describing the staff as "incredibly friendly and welcoming" and noting that "even the customers seemed happy and easy to talk to."
The restaurant's menu is a celebration of fried fish done right. It’s a place where the classics are perfected, from a crispy "Catfish & Chips" to a savory "Shrimp Dinner." One customer review raved about the catfish, saying it was "crispy on the outside and tender on the inside." Another review praised the shrimp, calling it "lightly breaded" and delicious. The menu also features Southern-style comfort food sides like "Collard Greens," "Macaroni and Cheese," and "Candied Yams," which are often praised by customers as being as good as the main dishes. This commitment to delivering a full, satisfying, and flavorful meal is what makes Make My Fish a true standout in the Harlem food scene.
Make My Fish is also known for its simple and straightforward service model. It's a casual spot designed for a "quick bite," with both delivery and takeout options available, catering to the busy lifestyle of New Yorkers. While there is sometimes a wait, a customer noted that a long line is often a sign of good food, saying, "The line was long but that’s how you know it’s good." This willingness to wait for quality shows the high regard the community has for this local gem. The restaurant is popular for both lunch and dinner, making it a reliable choice throughout the day for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Make My Fish is located at 120 W 116th St, New York, NY 10026, USA. This address places it in a vibrant and accessible part of Central Harlem. The restaurant's location on West 116th Street, a major cross-street, makes it easy to find for both locals and those visiting the neighborhood. It is well-connected to public transportation, with several bus stops and subway stations nearby, making it a convenient stop for a meal on the go.
For customers arriving by car, the restaurant is situated in an area that offers both free and paid street parking. This is a crucial detail in New York City, where parking can often be difficult to find. This provides a practical option for those who choose to drive. The restaurant also features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that it is a welcoming place for a diverse range of patrons. This commitment to accessibility and convenience, combined with its central location, makes Make My Fish a practical and easy choice for a delicious meal in Harlem.
Services Offered
- Delivery: Provides the convenience of having delicious seafood and sides brought directly to your home.
- Takeout: A quick and efficient way to order and pick up food to enjoy elsewhere.
- Catering: Offers catering services, making it possible to bring the flavors of Make My Fish to a larger gathering or event.
- Payment options: Make My Fish operates on a cash-only basis. It's important for customers to plan accordingly to ensure a smooth transaction.
Features / Highlights
- Crispy and Tender Fried Seafood: Customers consistently praise the restaurant’s ability to fry fish and shrimp to perfection, ensuring a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior.
- Classic Comfort Food Sides: The menu features beloved sides like "Macaroni And Cheese," "Collard Greens," and "Candied Yams," which are often highlighted as a major part of the satisfying meal experience.
- Specialty Items: The menu includes unique items like "Fish And Grits" and a "Triple Play" combo, offering a variety of options for every appetite. The restaurant also has a special "seafood-only" policy on Fridays.
- Great Community Feel: The staff is known for being incredibly friendly and welcoming, creating a positive and warm atmosphere that customers appreciate.
- Cash-Only Policy: This is a notable feature that sets the restaurant apart. Customers should be aware that only cash payments are accepted.
Contact Information
Address: 120 W 116th St, New York, NY 10026, USA
Phone: (917) 388-3138
What is worth choosing
When you choose Make My Fish, you're not just choosing a meal; you're choosing a true New York City neighborhood experience. What makes this seafood restaurant truly worth choosing is its unwavering focus on the essentials: high-quality, delicious, and comforting food. The menu is a love letter to classic American fried seafood, and the rave reviews about the crispy catfish, perfectly cooked shrimp, and flavorful sides like collard greens and macaroni and cheese are a testament to their expertise. The fact that customers are willing to brave a wait, and that the place is "usually a wait," speaks volumes about the quality of the food and the satisfaction it provides.
The community-focused and friendly atmosphere is another compelling reason to visit. In a city that can sometimes feel impersonal, Make My Fish stands out with its warm and welcoming staff. This creates an environment where customers feel like they are part of a community, not just a transaction. The convenience of takeout and delivery services is also a huge plus, allowing New Yorkers to enjoy this delicious food from the comfort of their own homes. The restaurant’s clear communication about its cash-only policy and special "seafood-only Fridays" helps set expectations and adds to its authentic charm. For anyone in New York looking for a simple, satisfying, and delicious seafood meal, made with care and served with a friendly smile, Make My Fish is an exceptional and highly recommended choice.
Make My Fish Menu
Bundles
- Shrimp And Fish Combo Bundle $22.75
Includes fries. Served with your choice of coca-cola product.
- Shrimp And Chips $17.25
Served with your choice of coca-cola product.
- All Shrimp Bundle $15.50
Served with your choice of coca-cola product.
Whiting Fish Fillet
- Fish And Chips $12.00
Four pieces.
- Fish Sandwich $11.00
four pieces.
- All Fish $13.75
Six pieces.
- Fish And Grits $14.50
- Fish And Shrimp Combo $23.00
Includes fries.
- Fish Dinner $19.75
Six pieces. Includes two sides.
- Fish And Shrimp Dinner $26.00
Catfish Fillet
- Catfish Dinner $20.50
Three pieces. Includes two sides.
- Catfish Sandwich $12.75
Three pieces.
- Catfish And Chips $14.75
Three pieces.
- All Catfish $15.75
Four pieces.
- Catfish And Grits $15.50
Three pieces.
- Catfish And Shrimp Combo $23.75
Includes fries.
- Triple Play $26.00
Two catfish, four whiting, seven jumbo shrimps, and fries.
- Catfish And Shrimp Dinner $27.50
Shrimp Jumbo
- Shrimp And Chips $17.00
- Shrimp And Fish Combo $22.50
Includes fries.
- All Shrimp $15.50
- Shrimp And Grits $18.50
- Prime Time Shrimp $15.50
- Shrimp Dinner $23.00
Includes two sides.
Side Orders
- Collard Greens $6.50
- Macaroni And Cheese $6.50
- Candied Yams $6.50
- French Fries $4.50
- Grits $4.50
- Potato Salad $6.00
- Mac And Cheese $5.00
Beverages
- Lemonade $2.50
- Ice Tea $2.50
- Fruit Punch $2.50
- Half And Half $2.50
- Canned Sodas $1.25
- Bottle Water $1.50
Make My Fish Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
Planning
- Usually a wait
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Cash-only
Children
- Good for kids
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
- Parking
Make My Fish Photos










Make My Fish Location
Make My Fish Reviews
catfishmac and cheeseseasonedcollard greensfried fishpotato saladwhitinggritscandied yamssoul food
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I had the catfish & chips at Make My Fish and it was great. The catfish was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the chips were good too. The staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming, and even the customers seemed happy and easy to talk to. It’s got a great community feel.Two things to note: only cash! And no chicken on Fridays, so plan accordingly if that’s what you’re after. But honestly, with how good the fish is, you won’t miss it!
August 05 · Lisa KimWe came on a Friday, but they only sell seafood that day, so I couldn't get any chicken. But the crispy fish, fries, and shrimp! Banana pudding, and the Red Velvet Cake are out of this world! I will be making a second trip, just not a Friday so I can get everything!I will say that the lightly breaded shrimp and fish does not have much in the way of seasoning, they didn't add any cocktail sauce, just some very hot Hot Sauce!
June 26 · One VenusThe shrimp and yams were really good. Didn't have the chance to try the greens or potato salad, as they were out.The whitening was crispy, but the catfish was bland and could have been cooked longer. Didn't care for the mac & cheese at all.*DISCLAIMER * I am from the South so this may effect my opinion.
June 08 · Shantel RidleySolid Spot for Fried Fish Lovers!Stopped by Make My Fish and was impressed by the portion sizes and flavor. I had the catfish sandwich, and it was seasoned perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and definitely filling.I also tried the whiting fish and shrimp dinner. The whiting was flavorful and cooked just right. The shrimp had a nice sweet and seasoned taste to them, which was a pleasant surprise. The yams were rich and tasty, while the mac and cheese was decent nothing too special, but it did the job.Overall, a great spot in Harlem if you’re craving classic fried seafood with solid sides. Will definitely be back to try more!
May 15 · kasheem danielsLine is way too long on the weekends so I stopped by on a Thursday afternoon. I ordered immediately and it took about 20-30min for the food to come out but it’s bc it’s fresh. The fish is PHENOMENAL!!! Highly recommend and will be coming back asap!
May 29 · Mac Chuck
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