The best fried fish in Los Angeles! They are still operating just out of a ghost kitchen and through DoorDash!

I should've reviewed this place a few years ago because it was a lot better than. It would've gotten four maybe five stars for me then I went last week and ordered some food and the prices I've gone up and I know the prices of everything is going up I got that, but I honestly didn't feel like I got the value for the money like when you're charging me for condiments that I should be getting for free with my fish. It's a problem like it's gotten out of hand like if I'm asking for extra I get it but like Just ask me if I want it because so many people throw those things away so just ask people if they want it cause there's people that'll say no OK but there's people that will say yes and if they want more charge them more than so I mean it's just a ordering place that you order to go. There's no place to sit down, so there's nothing I can say about the ambience, but What I can say is if I can get it 3 1/2 stars I would but I can't give any half stars so three stars it is the portions have become smaller more expensive and it's I don't know if it's a new owner or what but that the taste isn't the same. It's not as good as it used to be, but it's not bad it's just used to be better read more

What happened Mel? This place of fried fish and shrimp used to hit. I used to order from them on the regular a few decades ago and the fish used to hit. The shrimp were always tasty and succulent and their dill tartar sauce was the perfect accessory. I ordered two dinners, the Catfish and the shrimp. They were just okay.. And when I say just okay, I mean, I won't order from them again. Shrimp were dull. Macaroni salad and potato salad were throw aways. Onion rings were limp and soggy. Fries were limp and soggy. Three pieces come with Catfish dinner. These pieces have bones. I enjoyed my Shasta black cherry sodas. That is all. If you want good fried Catfish, get it from Ralph's. Mel's ain't it anymore. read more

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I can't wait until yall come back . Please message me when yall reopen. Love yall so much. The best fried fish always clean never have a fishy smell. Love the option of how we want it fried. Good people too read more

I truly enjoy the fried fish and how sweet the customer service is. I have fun, dining in. I hope they come back.

WOW! Now, THIS is the authentic (but not overseasoned) soul food I've been craving. I saw Mel's Fish Shack on an LA Times article, listing 200 black owned restaurants in Los Angeles and had it bookmarked to try. I randomly passed it on my way home from a work event today, and decided to stop. It's for sure a shack, so prepare to order from the takeout window and head home to eat. I was greeted warmly by Georgiette who chatted me up and answered my questions about the food and the way the sides were prepared. I ordered the catfish dinner which comes with two sides and bread. After deciding to try the hushpuppies and potato salad, Georgette said my order would take 10-15 minutes, which was an accurate estimate. The car ride home was torture because everything smelled SO GOOD! Thankfully, I stopped myself to snap a few pics before digging in. The portions are good for the price point and everything is so flavorful without being too salty. I will absolutely be back for more! Highly recommend. read more

Mel's Fish Shack - Fried catfish and hushpuppies - Fish & Chips Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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1st time here; Fish Town on LaBrea was closed (11/24/23); day after thanksgiving. I was the 1st customer at 12:11p. Ordered Filet of Sole & Red Snapoer; Fish was hot & good! Also, the man that took my order was Super Cool. read more

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Fish was decent, the sides, not so much. There is no ambiance because it's a walk up window, but the service was ok. Good for something quick and inexpensive if you're in a pinch. read more

I've always loved this place. You used to be able to sit inside but that wasn't exactly spacious to begin with so I can see why they'd close off the entrance especially during Covid. It was nice being able to watch them make your food though. read more

Mel's Fish Shack - Outside order window - Fish & Chips Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Okay. I ordered the Fish & Shrimp Combo. With a side of Fries and Red beans and rice. Really expensive for it not to be that Crispy and seasoned. It was okay. I got Snapper I wish it was a lil more crispy they gave me seasoning salt for the fries hot sauce and tartar sauce on the side. I can tell the tartar sauce was homemade it was really good and the hot sauce wasn't water down. THe red beans and rice was so good too. But not worth the price Honestly. read more

Mel's Fish Shack - Fish & Shrimp Combo - Fish & Chips Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I come to Mel's a few times a year when I'm craving fried fish. Service is ok, and there really isn't any ambiance. You order at the front door and you food is giving to you when done. I will try Collin's next to see how they compare to Mel's. read more

Mel's Fish Shack - Whiting Filet - Fish & Chips Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Rarely does a restaurant earn a 5 star rating from me. My friend Ned turned me on to this fish shack. I had deep fried catfish 1 lbs with homemade tarter sauce and red hot sauce. It was so good I ran home and smacked my granny out her rocking chair just kidding... Very very good if you have never been here it is worth the drive from wherever you are. I've been saving my nickels and dimes and I'm ready for a return visit. I love the deep fried catfish!!! read more

Changing the name won't help. They can't cook sand dab at all. It was the grossest experience of my life!!! The fish was slimy and it reminded me of eel! It was disgusting. Buyer beware! read more

This place is good! First off, the service I got was great, he had me cracking up!!! He was super kind and informative when I was asking about the menu. I ordered the catfish with the fried oysters and a side of onion rings. Man, when I tell you it was good, I'm not even joking. I told my brother who was sittin with me that the fried oysters were so good, his reply was, " You ate them so fast, I didn't even know you ordered them cause they weren't on your plate no more." LMAO! I didn't realize I inhaled them. LOL LOL LOL. The catfish & red beans with rice was also really tasty, crisp and flavorful. The only thing I probably wouldn't get again is the onion rings. These were my least favorite, but I loved how each meal come with bread and pepper to make a sandwich with. Yall have to try this place though. It's really good. read more

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I would give a 4 maybe to 5 star if it wasn't due to the amount that was given Food was really good just quantity for what you're paying for not enough paid over 50 just for two combos and a peach cobbler over all it was very good flavor just come on give what your customers pay for j read more

Mel's Fish Shack - Skimpy - Fish & Chips Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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We recently noticed Mel's when walking around the neighborhood. The exterior is so cute and we normally saw a line up front which is always a good sign. We finally got around to trying it last night & so glad we did. The owner Georgette was great, it was obvious she loves what she does and she loves the community. She told us some stories about her father Mel (same name as me!) who seemed liked a beloved person in the community. Now onto the food: Fried catfish - delicious. Fried shrimp- loved it Hush puppies - my fave, soooo good! Crinkle cut fries - good Macaroni salad - ok, more of a country style The Tartar sauce was a home run. I loved it!!!!! If you don't like dill, you won't like it but if you do you won't be disappointed. Note: if you don't like fried food, you can also get everything grilled. They have a couple of salad options as well. Parking is easy on Jefferson or the side neighborhood streets. Please support your local family owned businesses!! read more

My go to spot when I get a craving for catfish. Reminds me of home. Always hits the spot. Pro tip - call ahead and order read more

This food is not only amazing but the customer service is incredible as well. I ordered from Mel's on a National Black holiday. Even though they were so busy they took the time out to profusely apologize for missing my sides and garlic roll. :(. Not only that they told me to get a refund and that my next order would be free bc they made such a huge mistake. Now that's what I call customer care. Thank you Mel's!!! Also order the Catfish, rice and beans and greens. Mmmmm Mmmmm good. read more

If you're looking for ambiance, try a local encampment. None found here. The staff are pleasant enough, as it were, taking orders from the Dutch door as the heavy Jefferson traffic drowns out your request. It's all very gritty and evocative of something that should be "cool" cuz it's "local", but it's TOO PRICEY. $40+ for two pounds of snapper and sole. Same order runs just over $30 at Collins on Adams which is still too expensive. But Collins has, get this, a parking lot! Want the best bang for your fish bucks? CW & Chris on Western. They are literally half the price of Mel's for the exact same product. Ciao. read more

The food is not nasty HOWEVER they real stingy with the portions. I mean real stingy. It's like skinny people portions. I spent 20 bucks for 8 bucks of food. I ordered the red snapper dinner and I'm STILL hungry! They give you the sides in these little cups. It's sad. Never again. read more

This place is so good I love it so much. The fried salmon was a hit and you can't go wrong with the catfish. I love their tarter and hot sauce. I love the peppers and pickles they give you. Macaroni salad was top notch too will definitely want to try this spot again! read more

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Since Alex fish has closed I was looking for a replacement in similar price point. Mel's is a great place to grab fish on the go. We usually order the catfish or filet of sole with greens and potato salad. The order is fast and fresh. Parking can be a bit tight but worth the circling of the block to grab the fresh fish. read more

I've been going to this location for decades, along with the rest of my family. The last 3 visits have been terrible- this is not in reference to taste, it's about quantity. Mel's use to be the spot that you could really get a bang for your buck. Beware if you order from a delivery app- you will get way less food, but they still up charged the prices on the apps. My last 3 orders were pick up and a Delivery app (twice)- we barely got any food, and for my pick up order, I got a dinner combo ($30 +tax) half the plate was filled (literally - half the compartments, my catfish wasn't even a full filet- the filet was cut in half. I got a few shrimp. For my delivery items it was worse. Mel's get it together, I'm done, my family and I have all experienced the same thing. There are other fish market places that are just as good and give you your money's worth. read more

I personally love that I can get my seafood grilled instead of fried, and the sides are on point! I also recommend you phone in your meal order. Mel's is a shack a small venue no dining room read more

I haven't been to Mels since the early 2000's so, I was waiting for that fire fish. And of course, the food was ON POINT! Lightly fried shrimp, red snapper, salmon with peach cobbler on the side. Maaaaa'aan it was in full effect today. Thank you Mels Fish Shack, I'll for sure be back SOON! read more

Mel's Fish Shack - On POINT.............. - Fish & Chips Near Me - Los Angeles, California

The quality of food was awesome, but even for a lunch special, the amount of salad was ridiculous for the price. I had to end up adding some salad when I got home. Not even the taste can bring me back for lunch. read more

Mel's Fish Shack - less than a handful of salad - Fish & Chips Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I had a craving for fish and wanted to try a spot I had heard about down the street from Dorsey High School called Mel's Fish Shack. I didn't know what to get, so I got Red Snapper and Salmon with grilled veggies and greens. My wife got a dinner plate that included Salmon, shrimp, fries, and hush puppies. I tried a bit of everything with our spread, and this is my new favorite go-to spot for seafood. I highly recommend this spot to anyone with a taste for perfectly seasoned seafood. read more

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Is it me or is there a shortage of fish spots? Funny thing is that I pass by here all the time and barely notice this tiny spot. I had a craving for fish and chips (fries) and this place fit the bill and it was pretty good. I mean there isn't much to say about this place, it is really tiny and unnoticeable. read more

Mel's has some of the most delicious fish! The shrimp taste good too. Also, the salad was tasty and fresh. The food isn't over seasoned or salty. Last but not least. The Customer Service is awesome! I appreciate a business that satisfy their customers. Very caring people! Support this business! Trust me, you'll love the food! read more

Mel's Fish Shack - Red Snapper & Shrimp W/ Salad Mel's Fish Shack - Fish & Chips Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Cool little shack to come to if you're in the mood for some good fish and chips. I ordered the Red Snapper dinner with onion rings and hush puppies, I was really feigning for something fried, and the Red Snapper hit the spot. Of course it comes with hot sauce and and tarter sauce which was a delicious dill sauce, quite different from what I'm use to. However, it's a tiny cup serving so you'll definitely want to ask for two...maybe three. Like I said, it's literally a shack, so plan to order take out, and call ahead of you don't want to wait. The employees were very warm and seem like real cool people. The parking lot is tiny, but there's plenty of street parking. It's conveniently closer to the Culver City, Palms side of West LA than I expected, so I will definitely be back. The food is good and the employees make this a business worth supporting. read more

Mel's Fish Shack - Red Snapper w onion rings & hush puppies! - Fish & Chips Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Good fish. Older light skinned lady rude as hell customer service sucks. Come to find out it was the owner that was being so rude ... Charging for everything...bread, condiments, etc. If you don't want to answer questions don't work in customer service. Guess I'll be going back to Collins now. Smh. Want to support black businesses but rude customer service makes it difficult. read more

driven by this place a gazillion time going towards sc. finally stopped. had the fried oysters w red beans/rice and greens. it was amazing!! you can even ask how fried you want your fish. this place is definitely going to be in my rotation. customer service was great, too. (ugh....read my reviews....i'm anal.) read more

Mel's Fish Shack - Fish & Chips Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I enjoy their grilled salmon salad. A huge serving and full of flavor. I recommend this place for anything fish and seafood. read more

Mel's Fish Shack - Fish & Chips Near Me - Los Angeles, California

So the place looks like a mom & pop shop. COVID safety signs everywhere and a hand sanitizer on the wall. I ordered 3 meals: 2 catfish filet lunch combo (2 pieces of fish, 1 side and 2 slices of bread) 1 fish & shrimp combo (2 pieces of fish and from what I can tell 4/5 pieces of shrimp) Totaling to $41 So catfish, shrimp, red beans and rice, potatoe salad. Overall consensus the fish and shrimp delicious, great seasoning and cooked crispy. The sides which is why one star was taken was a no bueno. Lacked seasoning! The beans and rice was not the concept of what you think it should be and the potato salad was ok. read more

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Mel's Fish is not what used to be. My order of fried shrimp and hush puppies were overcooked and oily and the french fries were undercooked. I won't be back nor would I recommend this place. read more

Mel's Fish Shack - Shrimp by the pound. Overcooked, oily and disappointing. - Fish & Chips Near Me - Los Angeles, California

On last Tuesday I ordered from Mel's. My food was horrible, the hush puppies had been cooked again after sitting (an old trick in the fast food industry they do to old french fries just dropping back in grease) those puppies were so hard you could have used them as a BASEBALL, I kid you not. To make matters worse my fish was full of bones, I could not enjoy it scared I would swallow a bone. That's not all. The collard greens were gritty being from the South I know dirty greens and those were it, I called and spoke to a gentleman who assured me management would be calling me to address my issues TO DATE A WEEK LATER there has been no call. Next time I will take my son's advice and keep COLLIN'S FISH were the food and customer service is good nah COLLIN'S IS GREAT no more Mel's for me EVER! I tried them again and I must pass trust me and do the same. TEAM COLLIN'S FISH!!!!!!! read more

I eat a lot of Catfish (so much in fact I decided to capitalize the word). Time and time again, I find myself captivated by the taste of Catfish from Mels. All the other restaurants have too much fat and fried breading on the fish, which ruins the taste of the fish. God knows if you look at Catfish after biting into it at one of these restaurants, it'll take out whatever deliciousness you think your experiencing. Mel's fish is fried perfectly, but it also manages to retain its freshness of the fish. Every bite is so delightful and toe-curling to the taste, that I find myself thinking I can live off this for weeks, (which has been done before in my younger years, but not recommended if you live a fit life like myself). Shout out to the MVP of customer service Cleashae! What an incredible guy, this man's winning personality and his outlook on taking care of his customers and making them feel appreciated, make Mel's Fish Shack an enduring and delectable spot for the ages! read more

We ordered the Shrimp. Catfish Fillet, Red Snapper, and Hus Puppies for 30 guests. The order was on time and packaged properly for travel. Our guests gave rave reviews on everything. WE WILL ORDER AGAIN!!! Connie Bass for David Bowdre read more

I ordered the fried sand dab, shrimp and oysters combo this Friday. All tasted like last weeks grease. Change your fish frying oil on a consistent basis. Back in the day this was the go to spot for fresh fish. Unfortunately that is not the case anymore. Choose another spot! read more

Filet of Sole I ordered a pound of fillet of sole, I received these three pieces of fish. I order from Mel's at least twice a week. Sometimes the fish is cooked and seasoned perfectly and sometimes it's extremely undercooked and I have to throw it in oven. I usually get around 8 or more pieces, but today I received three pieces and this is supposed to be a pound of fish. Looks like it's time to find a new fish spot read more

Mel's Fish Shack - Filet of sole - Fish & Chips Near Me - Los Angeles, California