ArChar Seafood located in the up and coming downtown business district on Hamilton street in Franklin township, Somerset, NJ. This wholesale and retail establishment has been in existence "forever" while still maintaining the highest quality of fresh "as it gets" seafood to area residents and businesses. This "multigenerational" store is now in the capable hands of Mike. As the proprietor, Mike is the guru of all things fish. The selection is fantastic when it comes to the day to day whiting, flounder, porgies, red snapper and many others. Not to mention the numerous varieties of shellfish including clams, mussels, oysters, shrimp, lobster, and crabs. (Maryland blue, King legs and soft-shell all encompassing) Talk about exotic, let's include Octopus, Squid(Calamari) and Conch. Love your salmon. include fresh hand filleted while you wait and sushi grade all at a price that is affordable. As you enter the storefront you will immediately notice the cleanliness and be greeted by Fran (aka Franny), master of the fillet and long time staff member at ArChar Seafood. The personalities of these gentlemen are great and very knowledgeable about suggested recipes and food preparation, as well as witty conversationalists. If you want something and don't see it, I tell you they can get it. Special orders are their specialty when it comes to serving their customers' needs. Fish at its' Best! read more

I had an unforgettable experience at Archar Seafood and couldn't wait to share it! This was my first time visiting this fantastic seafood gem, and I am still raving about it. If you're a seafood lover like me, check out this place! From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with the freshest, most mouthwatering seafood display I've ever seen. I picked up some snow crab legs, shrimp, clams, and oysters, and I'm telling you, each item was a delight. The snow crab legs were delicious. The shrimp were plump and juicy. The clams were incredibly fresh, and their briny taste was spot on. But the real standout for me was the oysters; they were so fresh and salty, with a buttery finish that had me dreaming of my next visit before I left. The staff and owner, Mike, were incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, guiding me to the best choices and providing excellent cooking tips. Mike's enthusiasm for seafood is contagious, and it's clear they take great pride in what they do. No wonder he has been in business for 40 years! I can't wait to come back and explore more of their offerings. If you're in the mood for top-notch seafood, Archar Seafood is an absolute must-visit. Their quality is unmatched, and their passion for seafood shines through every bite. Five stars all the way! Jen N. Princeton, NJ read more

Being an avid blue claw crab eater, I've always had to drive down the shore to get quality crabs. Most of the fish stores in Central Jersey didn't carry them. And if they did, the crabs were usually small and overpriced. Earlier this month, I Googled "seafood stores" and came across Archar's. I saw all the 5-star ratings and accolades for this Mike person. I called him and asked whether he had any crabs for sale. He was very straightforward in telling me that what he currently had were small but full (of meat). This to me was a clear example of Mike's honesty. Most seafood store people wouldn't tell you that and let you make the trip to their store for nothing and hope that you'd buy them anyway. Living 3 towns away, I made the trip to Archar's. I had a great conversation with Mike and not only bought a few dozen crabs but some dry scallops as well. All were great. I have since been back there 3 times this month. I can vouch for the 5-star reviews you see here. They are all completely true. Mike is a genuinely great guy who appreciates his customers and provides quality products. I consider myself lucky to have found this place. read more

A buddy of mine recommended this place to me a few years back. I finally decided to give it a try today. All I can say is WOW. These guys are getting stuff in that you only really see in restaurants. When you get there ask for Mike, usually he's the one helping you out at the counter anyways, but talk about service. When your here it's like your at the Olive Garden cause trust me, to him you're family. He treats you like it and everyone else there treats you like it as well. All of this is based on the store side only; on the quality of the seafood, you won't find fresher. His people are coming back from the docks and he is the first stop. Mike knows exactly how to order and knows exactly what his customers want as well. Get to know your local fish monger. It makes a difference on the table as well as at the end of the day. It's worth the time to visit, say hello and have a conversation with them. Great guy, great family owned business and to top, he's slinging some of the best bi-valves in central Jersey. read more

This review is long overdue. This past December, I had been looking for a honest fish market where I could by quality seafood for Christmas Eve dinner. I am so glad I remembered Archar in Somerset. I had been there years ago and since my husband passed had forgotten all about them. Everything about Archar is top notch. First off, Michael has the patience of a saint. When I called, I wasn't quite sure what I was going to get, and I asked so many questions. Michael was so helpful in helping me decide. I ended up with lump crabmeat, crabcakes, lobster and oysters. The lucky limes were suggested so I added those to my blue points... and oh my gosh they were incredible. I could eat them all day every day. Everything was so fresh and clean! The crabcakes were amazing, loaded with lump crab, yum! Everyone in the store was so pleasant, I felt like family, and very helpful. They also insisted someone help me carry my order to the car. I will never go anyplace else. Thank you to Michael & his crew! read more

I recently placed a bulk fish order with Archar Seafood, traveling from Somerset, New Jersey to Coastal North Carolina. I couldn't be more impressed. The fish was well packed and when I arrived three days later, it was incredibly fresh and still bursting with flavor. This is a true testament to Archar Seafood's commitment to quality and freshness. The owners at Archar Seafood, Michael et al, were exceptionally helpful and attentive throughout the entire process, ensuring that everything went smoothly (during the order placement process) and that I was completely satisfied. Their outstanding customer service and passion for seafood made the experience exceptional. If you're in need of top-notch seafood and a remarkable customer experience, Archar Seafood, in Somerset, NJ is the place to go! replied ELH read more

found this place on the internet. i was a little hesitant since it was over 30 mins from me but it was worth it! the clams were phenomenal, the scallops delicious and the shrimp amazing. everything was very fresh and the help there were wonderful and helpful. we had the pleasure of meeting the ceo and owner and his customer service skills are just outstanding. he welcomed us like he knew us forever and offered up many great suggestions for some of the seafood. he not only shook our hand and was a happy soul but he thanked us for coming all the way in with some extra clams! i was blown away by our experience and will definitely be back! he carries the freshest of everything and if you need something special just give a call and he will make it happen! enjoy we sure did! read more

I've been a customer of Archer Seafood for about a year now. I usually just buy the whiting fish, which has always been fresh. Today I purchased my usual order of whiting, but then I decided I wanted to make a seafood bisque and I wanted to try adding mussels to my recipe. I've never tasted mussels before, let alone cooked them. I asked Mike to give me 6 mussels and he asked me what I was going to do with 6 mussels and he said that's not enough to make a dish with. He was very nice and gave me several more mussels at no charge. That was very nice of him, He and his employees are so pleasant. I can't wait to taste my mussels and I will make sure I let him know how it came out. If you like seafood, stop by and give Archer Seafood a try, I promise you won't regret it. read more

I went to Archar based of the reviews on Yelp. I was a bit skeptical...not thinking it could be as good as everyone on here says - but it IS and maybe even better. The owner knows everything and anything about fish, knows what he has in stock at all times. He is eager to talk to you about the seafood and eager to make you happy. He really is wonderful and clearly loves what he does. I went in just to peak....and came out with oysters, fluke and he even threw in some scallops for free. I got to admit - I have never liked scallops but these were fantastic! I want more. They were caught yesterday and so fresh and yummy. I definitely will be going back! Will never go to a supermarket ever again. This place is worth it - price, quality, service. read more

My boyfriends dad called Mike (the owner) to see if there was tuna available for us to make sushi for the first time. At first, Mike wasn't sure if he would have enough because we did call last minute. He went as far to call us back to tell us he was able to get us some for the next day! Once I arrived to Archar Seafood, I was greeted by Mike and he was so personable ! We talked for a few minutes and he cut a few pieces off for us that he had recommended we remove. I got home with the fish & we had made the sushi and it was delicious!!! The next day mike even reached out to us to ask how it all turned out and if we were satisfied with our tuna. Thank you so much Mike ! It was an all around great experience , we would definitely recommend read more

I have always shopped at Archar Seafood but finally got tired of the attitude and personality of one of the owners. Every time I wanted to order, he gave me a hard time. He would say things like he didn't know if he could get them, it depends on the weather or he didn't want to promise me anything and that he would have to see. I told him I've been ordering these for 25 years when I lived in New York and never had a problem. Every time I wanted to order he gave me a song and dance. Eventually, he told me to leave. The quality of the seafood was good but the customer service from that one owner, Frank or Mike, made the whole experience frustrating. I guess when you are the only game in town, you can become independent. read more

EXCELLENT! EXCELLENT! EXCELLENT! Michael and his staff were so accommodating! I stopped in on the day before New Year's Eve and it was near closing time. I wanted extra special crab legs for someone that I know appreciates them. Michael pulled out a fresh box and had me point out each one I wanted. Since I bought 5 clusters, I had to have two for me. The person I bought them for (and me) LOVED THEM! They were huge, meaty and sweet. We did not have to work too hard to get the meat from the shell. Thank you Michael and staff. You went out of your way for me and I will be forever grateful and a FOREVER CUSTOMER!!! Happy New Year to all of you!!! Carol D. (North Brunswick) read more

We cannot recommend Archar Seafood enough! We went for the first time last week, and from the moment we walked in Mike and his team took such amazing care of us. They welcomed us, asking if we had been there before. When they learned it was our first time, they asked us what we liked and helped us pick out an incredible meal. We ended up with sushi salmon, sushi tuna, cod fillets, oysters, and scallops. This was some of the most fresh and delicious seafood we've ever had. We are excited to return, and have told a lot of our friends and family about our great experience here. Mike and his team are extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and genuine. Thank you guys! read more

I stumbled upon this seafood gem when I got a craving for crabs during a drive from Delaware to NYC. Having grown up in Delaware, I'm a blue crab connoisseur, and I can say without hesitation that these were the BEST crabs I've ever had. Truly. They were fresh and HUGE. Biggest claws that I've ever seen. Enormous lumps of meat. Michael, the owner, was absolutely wonderful. For New Yorkers who love crabs, I highly recommend stopping at Archar Seafood on your way in/out of the City. Call ahead to order and Michael will have them waiting for you. The store had a lot of other seafood options as well and plenty of parking. You won't be disappointed. read more

Looking for seafood, fish market, fish monger in Somerset County, New Jersey? I purchased Sushi grade Ahi Tuna (aka Yellowfin Tuna) & Live Lobsters from Ar Char. The tuna steaks were cut right in front of me & to my specified thickness. The owner (Michael) is an awesome guy who loves to educate you on what you're buying & what to look for. I pan seared the Tuna Steaks & they were amazing. The lobsters were hard shell, cold water lobsters. I boiled these bad boys as I usually do and they too were amazing and sweet. I will never, ever buy seafood from a supermarket again. BTW... they have been there 37 years!!! read more

Archar is my "go to" place for hard shell crabs every summer, and it never disappoints! A Maryland native who grew up eating blue claw crabs with Old Bay, I was thrilled to find them again at Archar. The owner, Mike, is always friendly and personable, greeting customers as if they are family. He's been in the business a long time, and his enthusiasm for sharing his love of seafood is contagious. The steamed crabs are consistently delicious - heavy, meaty and full of flavor; Mike always seems to toss in a few extra - a nice touch. It's not summer until I get my seafood fix at Archar read more

I've been in this place twice, first time incidentally, second time I already knew, that I want to return to this place. Great place, amazing fresh fish, great service. Mike (the owner) and his assistants are very friendly, knowledgeable, favorable. It was a pleasure to come to this place, and it was a great pleasure to have family dinner Prepared from excellent fresh fish. The place is small, simple, without fancy futures. But I really care about quality of fish, so this place is for me, I will definitely going to use it in my future fish shopping. read more

I have been going to Archar Seafood for a couple years. The owner, Michael, is friendly and kind. He is always willing to go the extra mile, literally. On New Years Eve I picked up my order, when he saw that I was not completely satisfied, he offered to make more shrimp for me, and even called me later in the afternoon , to be extra sure that I was happy . And he offered to bring what ever I wanted/needed to my house. Today I picked up some shrimp for the SuperBowl. They a the largest shrimp I have ever seen. And by the way they were delicious. read more

I've been purchasing Seafoods from Archar for quite a while now . The fish is always the freshest. Also they clean the fish like . I have never seen fish cleaned before. being a Black professional Male I know a lot about fish. I use too go deep sea fishing with my Dad when I was a little boy & Teenager . My Dad had a fish store in Newark Nj around the early 1970 until around 1990. Mike is the greatest knows his fish stuff lol lol . I will continue too buy all my fish from here. Tony 8/29./ 2012 read more