I asked AI for the best fried fish in Cincinnati, but I had stipulations: I don't like freshwater fish and I don't like thick, hard breading. Google Gemini suggested the "Alabama Fish Bar" and it was absolutely right. SIX giant, thick Atlantic Cod filets with light breading, crinkle-cut french fries, cole slaw, peppers and onions and two slices of white bread later, and I am stuffed. The fish was GREAT! read more

Food was good. I ordered 2 cod plates for my party. I wish they had other sides besides fries. It would be good if they offered other things like fresh fried okra, fried green tomatoes, or Mac n cheese. Service is meh because they don't accept call in orders. It was my first time ordering g so not sure if ordering online is available. But if you don't order online, you order there and wait. It's just a stand and wait or go back to your car and wait place. Not impressed. The cod was good, but for all the fish they give you, they give 1 tartar sauce. If you want more, you have to pay for it. I'd honestly trade fries for more tartar sauce. I went on a day that wasn't busy so the wait wasn't long. I would avoid peak times if you're in a hurry. read more

Alabama Fish Bar - Seafood Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I finally had the chance to try the fish here, and it's definitely a great value for the price. For $16, we received 6 pieces of perfectly fried cod. The fish was absolutely delicious--crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The peppers and onions added a nice touch to the dish as well. While the fish was the highlight, the sides didn't quite measure up. We didn't end up eating the bread that came with the meal, and the fries were soft and lacked seasoning. We did visit on opening day, so the high volume of customers might have affected the overall experience, but the fish alone made it worth the visit. I'll definitely be back to try it again! read more

Alabama Fish Bar - Cod Fish - Seafood Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

There's no substitute for this hometown favorite. I remember coming here as a kid when they used to give our free fish dinners on your birthday. Everytime I'm back in town, make it a point to get that piping hot whiting with spicy hot peppers & onions. Must try! read more

I am not one who normally is a fish and chip gal, but Alabama Fish bar blew me out of the water. The battered fish was exactly what you want if you're looking for classic fish n chips. They are a small walk up counter that is serving delicious meals to Cincinnatians. I will be back for more!! read more

Alabama Fish Bar - Seafood Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

This is the 3rd time that I've been here. (And there's about 2-5 years between visits. ) Usually Lent. Busy at lunch. I've always gotten the cod dinner and it has been consistently great! Cod- 6 generous pieces. HOT. Golden and crispy. Delicious Tartar Sauce- Very good- worth getting an extra for 6 pieces. Onions and peppers - spicy! I pick at these before the fries. I usually put them on the pieces of white bread that are at the bottom of the fries. Fries. These are good. But not the star of the show here. I've read recent yelp reviews about this place going downhill. Not the case. It's very very very good. Find a place to park. Wait in line Treat yourself. read more

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Best Damn Cod Fish in Cincinnati Ohio. Please stop by and enjoy the best 6 piece cod dinner with fries (I alway ask for extra tartar sauce) no peppers. read more

Oh em gee this place is legendary for a reason. Bring your cash and stretchy pants and get ready for the best fried fish with peppers, onions, hot sauce and tartar sauce. Take out only but chef's kiss! Unpretentious amazing food. read more

A nostalgic trip for me always as i've been eating here since i was a kid! The fish with the bread and peppers is a staple for me. The fish is so crispy and flaky when biting into, a pro tip i do is make a little sandwich out of the fish, bread and peppers (top it with tarter and hot sauce). The inside is a quick order and go, love taking it and going to the park to eat in a picnic fashion. highly recommended seriously. read more

Alabama Fish Bar - Seafood Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Delicious fried seafood with excellent value! On my recent ride around Cincinnati, my Lyft driver took the time to recommend this restaurant to me. When I saw the long lines at the counter, I knew I had come across a local favorite! Located on Race Street, this is a take-out only restaurant. Only on street parking is available, but it appeared limited. However, there is a cable car station close by. Uber/Lyft is usually available in under 5 minutes. For the menu, there are only three options available. Each fried fish entree is served with fries, bread, and various condiments, and the serving size is very generous. I ordered the 5 piece Whiting piece, and it was very delicious. Each piece of fish is lightly breaded and fried to perfection. It was crispy outside, and the fish was very tender inside. The fries felt generic, and I would recommend skipping it if you like to save room for the fried fish. As for the service, it was fast, and I received my order in under 3 minutes. My total came to $13, which was a steal given the generous portion of fish. Overall, it is a must try if you are a seafood lover! read more

Alabama Fish Bar - Menu - Seafood Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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The magic is gone! I went to get a cod meal after being in exile for so many years, and it was undercooked. Not to mention the lady taking orders was snippy and kind of rude... there was 1 guy with cool locs that was very kind. I tried to advise them of the misspelling of Tartar (it's erroneously spelled tarter) and she got upset stating that it is on the menu that way! I'm looking out for you all! It looks dumb to have something misspelled that is so simple. read more

BEST FRIED FISH in Cincinnati! Run, don't walk here! We got their Cod Dinner and it was sooo much food! The servings were GENEROUS - big pieces of fish in crunchy batter (not too thick), toast, and fries. We got a side of coleslaw too to break up the greasiness. There's really no space to eat in the joint itself, which is a bummer since fried fish is best fresh, but there's plenty of places nearby to pop a squat. Highly recommend! read more

Food great- service not so great. Hopefully the service is better. I haven't been in a while.

Ii:30 to 7:30 why they closed at 6;01 that's crazy as hell . I'm complaining about the hours that's posted. I hope the owners look at my comment, respond back this isn't right their fish bar is closing early . I tried to put n a order thru door dash , they said it was closed. read more

This review is about the whiting dinner only. I used to love this place but not anymore! Alabama's " as we locals call it has been a downtown Cincinnati staple way before I discovered it in 2000. The quality, quantity and price of the food was so exceptional, it was worth standing in long lines only to leave smelling like old gym socks ( dad and 3 brothers) from the onions. They even gave you a free dinner on your birthday! Flash forward- Not sure what happened other than the owners got greedy and forgot who made them so successful. Yes, this restaurant is in an under marginalized area aka "the hood." This is not about color but rather class. Alabama's has forgotten about the working class people of ALL colors that helped make their restaurant so successful. Of course, since it's in a predominantly black community that's who frequents it most but through word of mouth it spread to other communities becoming popular throughout Hamilton Country and beyond. People would bring their coworkers from Ford, GE and Stanley Steel downtown to partake in the awesomeness. The USPS ( who I work for), CPD/Fire , City workers, hospital and abundance of schools/colleges near the surrounding area has made the owner's rich I am sure. WORKING class people! I'm not upset about the price hikes and how things changed since Covid. I understand we all have to adapt to a different world. What grinds my gears is the lack of quality and quantity in the food. They used to give you whole pieces of fish, so much that it would overflow the paper tray thingy that they put it in. The fish was nestled on top of a mound of french fries and under the fries were two pieces of bread that soaked up all the goodness for a nominal fee. It was truly a sight to behold. Now they're filleting the fillets to the point you're only getting fish skin with a bit of meat. Today, when I purchased my whiting dinner I was hugely disappointed with everything especially with the bits and pieces of french fries that were hidden under my fish. Absolutely ridiculous. read more

So I moved out of Cincinnati years ago and my Memory of Alabama Fish Pulls me back. Actually wanted to see if they were still in business. Seems so. Talk about a lasting impression. Wow. The Fish? Just Incredible. Done to perfection served with fries on top of white bread. Get The Onions and peppers. The store was on a corner and *Take Out was never easier. Don't call. The place is really too small to fit dining tables but trust me. It's Not a deal breaker at all Walk Up? Order-Pay. Wait outside till they call you. Then try to resist pulling off the road to eat it all. Actually planning to drive back to Cincy JUST for this. read more

I'd heard that Alabama Fish Bar is a Findlay market institution, so could not resist checking it out. The inside is small, basic, and efficient -- it's take-out only, and the interior is basically a closed-in take-out counter, with a small waiting-room lobby. It seemed to be consistently crowded, even at 3:00 p.m., though the staff there is very efficient about taking orders and getting people their food and on their way. The menu selection is basic -- fish. Fresh, lightly breaded whiting, cod, or perch, with french fries. I immediately walked out when I first saw the menu on the wall, because I was expecting that they would have other side orders, like maybe greens or cornbread. I changed my mind and turned around (and was generously given my place in line back by another customer) because, well, it's Alabama Fish Bar, and I didn't want to miss the experience. I'm glad I did. I only waited about 10 minutes from walking in to walking out with a hot steaming bag of freshly fried cod. No special flavorings here -- just lightly breaded fresh fish with accompanying tartar sauce that was surprising warming and satisfying. My take-away (besides the fish) is that Alabama fish bar generally does only one thing -- fresh fried fish -- but does it better -- and faster -- than anywhere else in the city. read more

This spot is not the same anymore. The fish didn't have a crisp and the fries are still horrible. I purchased the cod dinner with an extra starter onions, and peppers. The total wasn't bad $19.50. But in this day and age, they need to have real fires for that price. Also, the cod wasn't fresh fish, Its frozen fish thawed out and fried. This place was better before the change. read more

The food was great and the customer service was awesome. Keep in consideration it can get humid in the building bc the lobby is small and the kitchen is going! If you can't take heat pre order so you don't have to stand in the lobby for a few minutes to receive your order. They gave me so much food that I could have shared it with someone else, but I was being greedy and ate it all. This was around $10-15. read more

Alabama Fish Bar - Whiting and fries - Seafood Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I heard about this place from a friend. I was on my way to KY, so I figured I would give them a try. The service is lightning fast! As soon as I placed my order the cashier was handing me my food. Parking is terrible, luckily I was just able to hop out at the corner and place my order. The fish was fresh and hot, I got the whiting meal. The pieces of fish were generous. Next time I go, I will try the cod meal and make sure I get extra tartar sauce, the tartar is good but I just didn't have enough for all of my fish. The fries were just okay, nothing special. I feel like if I would've had more tartar I could've dipped them into the tartar sauce and they would've tasted better. Whiting 1-5=4. Fries 1-5=3.5. Customer Service 1-5=5. read more

Alabama Fish Bar - Whiting Meal - Seafood Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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COD Fish and French Fries!! YES YES and YES again. This place doesn't need a whole paragraph to convince anyone to eat here. It's just a flat out YES. Come and order some food TODAY. read more

Alabama Fish Bar - Cod fish and French fries. Yes - Seafood Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I often forget about this place. The portions are huge and the food is delicious. Love how you place the order, stand to the side, and wait for it and chat with all the lovely customers. It's an adventure, for sure. read more

Here are the facts: Their fried fish is fire. Their customer service is not. However I'm not upset about this. Im starting to think that the poor customer is service is the seasoning that make this joint keep serving up There is a woman there that has been taking orders for 30 years that is all business and has non existent customer service skills. No smile. No, "how are you?." But you know what? It doesn't matter. Foood is great. Im not their for the ambiance or the customer service. Im just there because the fish slaps every time. Even with them jacking up the price i do enjopy coming here as a treat from time to time. Definitely not a mistake to visit Just keep in mind that this is a to go only spot. One nice improvement recently was that they now accept credit card payments and have stepped in to 2023! read more

Alabama Fish Bar - Storefront sign - Seafood Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Love it love it. Love it. Old school, fried fish and french fries. Just the basics but really well done. Several different selections of fish. And the staff look like they really know what they're doing and love their jobs. I love a place that's got it all together. read more

This was super yummy! No other words to describe it! If you go to the Cincinnati area you have to try it.

I have never been to the location as I have always had it picked up for lunch. A co worker introduced me to it and we would have it frequently for our Friday lunches. I always get the Cod and it never disappoints! One thing that they are is consistent! Always cooked perfectly! Highly recommend!! read more

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I have been patronizing Alabama's for many years - their commitment to the community by providing an above average service speaks volumes - the food is amazing - whatever you decide to order - the food will always be served hot and delicious - my friends at work occasionally chip in and order takeout - we have never been disappointed - the ambiance is pretty much what you would expect from a takeout restaurant - appearances can be deceiving - when you're ready to put the food bag on - call ahead for the grab and go - you won't get far before the perfectly fried fish starts calling out your name - bring your appetite! read more

The food was good. The service was good. My friend and I however both had major stomach issues afterward due to food poisoning. It's a small spot that has a long history and I agree that it is/was good buuuuut not worth the trouble read more

A small takeout only restaurant, and the fish is delicious! Located in the OTR, which has come a long way! Down the street you will find Findlay market and other shops. The fish is so good! They serve cod, whiting and perch. All orders comes with French fries, but I'm not a big fan of fries and really not a fan of crinkle cut, which they serve. The peppers they give with the fish is good, put some on the fish with a piece of bread and you are set! read more

Alabama Fish Bar - Perch fish and fried - Seafood Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Alabama's is a must when in Cincy. We always get the Whiting and Cod with all the fixings. The grilled onions and peppers take this meal to a different galaxy. Always remember they are a cash only joint. read more

Alabama Fish Bar - Cod! - Seafood Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Great fish with choice of extras. Good selection of fish fairly priced . Good sides And extras. Easy to feel like Alabama in Cincinnati . You will think you were back home in Birmingham for Sunday Family Dinner. read more

It's always been a good Cincinnati staple and treat for as long as it's been here! The fried fish, fries, bread and onions are a good, tasty combination for a good price. It would be nice if the waiting area was bigger but that's how it's always been...crammed up waiting in line for your order or standing outside. I would definitely take visitors here for a quick, good carryout of fried fish! It's a no nonsense kinda place with straight to the point quick ordering and pickup lines. No big smiles and no great customer service. The people who complete the pickup line orders are always very pleasant though! The person taking the orders don't hardly look up, it's all business no smiles. Although the location is not the best, it has gotten much better and feels safe. I was very pleasantly surprised to have access to the parking lot directly across the street that offers free 15 minute parking! That's just enough time to get in and out with your order! No more double parking hoping not to get a ticket or get your car hit tryna get a fish dinner! The fish and fries are cooked fresh and the whiting platter is $13.99. I saw cod and perch fir few dollars more. They used to give you more f8sh and more fries though so it seems. Heck, years ago, the price was half what it now. But, these prices are still pretty reasonable for what you get and how it tastes. read more

First time. loved their food! I will return. They get busy so be prepared to wait sometimes. It will be worth it.

A Cincinnati Staple. It doesn't taste the same way it did before COVID, and the prices have increased so much that it isn't really worth battling for a parking spot. Eh read more

I never leave Cincinnati without stopping here first. The fish is hot and fresh. The fries are crinkle cut and could be crispier, but they are still tasty. The food comes with bread and a bag full of toppings including: ketchup, mustard, vinegar, and pickled peppers & onions. There is also a little container of tartar sauce that tastes homemade. The fish is delicious on its own without toppings. The portion is enough for two meals. They DO accept cards as payment. My only complaint about this place is the hours. They are not open on Sundays and they close relatively early (before 7PM) on any other day that I've visited. I have to admit that I have been approached by panhandlers while walking to or from my car here, so that may be why the hours are as such. You can't go wrong with Alabama's. read more

I brought my 10# service dog (mini poodle) with his vest on and both people at the counter we're LITERALLY screaming at me. Which I showed them his service dog vest... waited outside for my food. When I heard my number called I went back just to be treated so so so so very rude. I am blown away! And there is a sign on the door saying service animals only. read more

Food is always delicious! It is always cooked to order! I go there after I go to the Findlay Market!

Love Alabama. Been coming here since they was giving away free dinners on your birthday. Came in yesterday evening (5/10/24) to pickup 4 fish dinners. Right when I stepped up to order, I looked in the back of the restaurant (right behind where you pick up your food at the counter) and what do I see, a RAT. He dropped down onto a bag of what looked like it could've been flour or something. I was SHOCKED. Said oh my God, & simply walked out. I am all types of sad. Smh. read more

When I heard this place opened back up and the line was down the block, I knew I had to get my hands on some of their crispy perfection immediately! I made plans to go the next day on my day off. I grabbed my fold up chair and hit the pavement. Glad I did because the line was long. Once inside I ordered what I always do, the cod! I dug into it once I got home and oh man it was good! Now I wouldn't lie to ya, the onions and peppers needed a little more seasoning on them but the taste was still the same for the fish. DELICIOUS! Hands down the best in the city! read more

Alabama Fish Bar - a person holding a plastic bag - Seafood Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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we were looking forward to visiting Alabama. I am from Cincinnati but live near Lexington Ky. We had not had the fish in several years as in November the line was long I called to ask if they took credit cards and if we could order over the phone The woman answered loudly and rudely they had been taking credit cards for 4 years and we could order inside or over the phone Once inside there were only 2 people but everyone had to wait 15-20 minutes. my number was in the 80 something and the were on 25. I asked about my number and was rudely told I would be called by name The man taking money threw someone's money on the counter and she was upset outside There was no onions and peppers and the fish was average I was so disappointed in the food and service read more