After hearing about The Depot Restaurant from a couple co-works and reading the reviews, I decided to give it a shot. My boyfriend, our daughter, and I piled into the car and drove over around 5pm. Our initial impression was "Oh, man, maybe we shouldn't have taken the kid - it looks like a dive bar!" Once inside though, it was very "coasty" feeling. Ship and sea memorabilia, a fish tank, the scent of tartar sauce and clam chowder. The smallish booths were just enough to seat myself and BF on one side, and coats, purses, and the kid on the other. It was clean and warm though (snow and sleet falling outside), with lots of interesting things to look at. There was no wait, and we were able to seat ourselves where we liked. Our friendly waitress was over immediately to take our drink orders; soda, water, and the ever present coffee order for the BF. After the initial shock of menu prices, we placed our orders. The Havarti fried cheese was alright, the dipping sauce helping to add some flavor. The clam chowder was also just alright, I've had better, and worse. Our main dishes came without too much of a lag after finishing the starters. The Medium Fish and Chips ($17.50 each?!) my BF and I ordered was fried in more of a Shake'n'Bake style coating rather than a traditional beer batter, which was fine. In my opinion, it lacked a bit of flavor that may have been helped by adding the malt vinegar, however I only used lemon. The fries were thick homestyle cut, and needed a dash of salt as none had been put on. Small salads filled out the rest of the plate. Our daughter decided on the Calamari appetizer for her main course, and her only statement was "It's chewy!" I don't eat calamari often, and did not feel like sampling it, so I can't comment. I'd say this is a fair place to get a decent lunch, but not for the price. When two fish'n'chips, and 3 appetizers (counting the calamari the kid had for her dinner) costs just over $60 . . . we would have gone elsewhere. It is doubtful we will ever return, based more on the prices than the food or service, which were both adequate. read more

1st time in... very simply menu, friendly and helpful staff...fresh cut fries and the fish was nice cod... chowder was best part... I will be back read more

This is probably my favorite fish & chips place anywhere!! The fish is always fresh tasting with minimal batter & just the right amount of spices. They cook the fries on the brown side which I really like. Or you can get salad which is always very green, fresh and served with a healthy portion of bay shrimp on top. Nothing beats The Depot in Albany!! read more

Stumbled onto the Depot on the way to Corvallfi, and being famished we decided to take a chance. Glad we did! Funky decor, very and quick service, and very good food made it a winner. Yes its a bit expensive, but where isn't good fish and chips? Helping offset the price is the great idea of making it available in 3 sizes (small =2, medium = 4, large = 6). Plus, it comes with an excellent shrimp salad. We ordered two medium fish and a medium combo and left very full--and with enough left over for our teen son to have breakfast. Also enjoyed the selection of beers. As others have said, the batter is not the heavier English style beer batter, which I prefer, but that's a personal preference. I still thoroughly enjoyed it, and the fish was excellent (and I'm not a fish lover). The shrimp and scallops were also excellent, but my wife found the oysters to be quite fishy (but my son loved them, and he's more of an oyster fan). The chips were soggier than I prefer, but again that's a personal preference (and another reviewer says you can ask for them to be cooked crispier)--and they were definitely fresh. We're from Denver so probably won't be back (unless the son decides to attend OSU)--but I'd certainly recommend the oddly-named Depot to others. read more

Good quick served food. My husband ordered the fish and chips. They were so hot he had to wait to eat them. They make their own French fries which I always consider a good sign. They were both great he said. I ordered the pesto salad. It was creamy with lots of pesto and with shrimp on top. Generous portion and yummy. Friendly service and cute place. read more

See all

Had Fish & Chips. The breading was a bit heavy - perhaps lack of seasoning made the fish taste - meh. Tried this place because of reviews - our experience was different. Maybe just an off day for the Depot. read more

This is two people writing this review and we both have the same rating on this restaurant with slightly different experiences as one person (Jason) dealt with the service more than I did. We both have recently moved here about 6 months ago and we like exploring by going to new restaurants around the area! So here is our tale(s) Sarita first!: I had been seeing this place as I drove around to go fishing and who doesn't love fried food, I'd been wanting to give it a try. Jason was coming to visit and we felt like going out to lunch after a long irritating day. The website seemed awesome, and we thought it was hard to mess anything up. We get there and I entered through the exit. -_- The parking lot was very small and getting in and out required quadruple point turns it seemed like. We walk in, sit at the bar, are promptly interfaced by waitress and we tell her our order is to-go but we will need a minute.....and then she stands there eager with pen and notepad in hand waiting for our order; when we didn't after thirty seconds she noticeably sighs and walks away. Finally ready I ordered a combo dinner that came with scallops, shrimp, fish, and oysters. (I'm almost POSITIVE it said PLURAL, oysters, but more on that later.) French fries, and a side salad. Food is quickly made and given to us and we leave, I ask Jason to grab extra sauce and he tells me the waitress was rude in such a way he felt dumbfounded repeating himself simply asking for extra sauce. We get home and Jason opens the boxes and shows me the fries, soggy. He then shows me the actual meal without the fries (posted) and they were menial. The flavor was lacking, and they fried the fish and oysters too much, I thought it had Cajun spice in it. No, just sorta burnt. My SINGLE oyster was a coagulated triple breaded lump. Scallops were teeny baby tiny, like pearl onions, and the butterfly shrimp was good. But all-in-all spending almost sixty dollars on a meal that I could've easily gotten at Dairy Queen if they sold seafood and still felt decently satiated if they offered it in their five buck box. I don't think I'll be going here again, I'm not a snob but I know five star food when I see it and three star and four star....annnnnnd two star. Here's a two star! Jason: Okay as she said, we love fishing, we go frequently, and The Depot tends to be on our route to the river. We always see a sign that says "Fish n' Chips" looks inviting. I love seafood of all kinds, as does she. Today we decide to check it out. We sit down, get this 18 x 24 inch menu and start browsing. Prices were quite steep but that's not the issue, we just assumed it would be worth it. We order a Shrimp Dinner(with fries) and a Combo Dinner(with fries) and two appetizers Calamari and Clam Strips. We order it to go, once we get the food we head to the car. I return to the store to grab some extra sauce, realising most places give less than you need, or none at all. We get home, open the food, fries soggy beyond belief(had to recook in the oven lol) I ordered a Shrimp Dinner for $14.00 I received 4 jumbo shrimp and the previously described (soggy fries.) She ordered the Combo Dinner for $16.00(she's skinny, gorgeous, sexy and eats more than me, but anyways) she receives the also previously described (soggy fries.) Along with a fried piece of bark posing as fish. Two fried bay scallops, and what looked like a petrified piece of shit posing as a fried oyster. It was soooo BELOW AVERAGE! I mean. No joke, the Calamari and Clam Strips were fire. But what the fuck guys?????? 2.1* read more

really nice cozy environment. if you want to go somewhere to chill and eat, this is the place. the food is average.

We are here about ten years ago and found it to be expensive and the fish and chips unexceptional. We had our second visit today. Prices were very high and the food quality was very low. Everything was so bland as to be totally lacking in any flavor. The cod came in narrow strips that had obviously been deep fried from frozen. The result was watery and tough as well as flavorless. The fries were doughy, greasy and similarly flavorless. The bay shrimp that were mandatory with the salad were also completely lacking in any flavor. Service was indifferent and knives were not even provided. The place is somewhat rundown and the booth cushions were lumpy and uncomfortable. We won't be back. There are better choices in Albany. read more

Great Food! Great atmosphere! Always on the lookout for Barbie and Ken! I have been a dining at the depot since before I can even remember! The staff is always so friendly and willing to do anything to make my meal the best! Prices are a little spendy but so worth it!! Clam munchies are seriously to die for!!! Mmmm... read more

My wife and I went to the Depot Restaurant in Albany, OR. We split a large order of fish and chips and an order of fried cheese. The time it took to get our food was very quick. The food was very good. The service was actually pretty good. The problem came when we got our change. The change from the ticket was $11.75. The waitress gave us two fives, a one, and a quarter. As she passed by again, I asked for change for one of the fives. She was carrying some plates, took the five, and proceeded behind the counter. A young lady in the kitchen asked her a question and she handed the plates to the young lady and said, "Here, I have to get some change for these people who don't want to leave a big tip." She came back by and dropped the bills on the table and walked of without saying a thing. Well, guess what, regardless of what I was going to leave, I left 25 cents. Having worked many years in food service and hospitality, and waiting tables for a period of time, I know what working for tips is all about and I reward good service. I don't, however, reward poor attitudes. Thanks miss, we will not be seeing you anytime soon, if ever. read more

Took friends to The Depot as a special treat. I had not been for many years since I moved. Waitresses were GREAT, good salad. The good ends there. The smell of burnt old oil was so apparent. Scallops were raw, burned on outside, shrimp was almost burned, no taste. Fish burnt on outside, inside ok. Fries were so grossly burned and tasted burnt and like old used oil. I paid my bill and another table, was very embarrassed to have treated my friends to an expensive meal that was not good enough for my dogs! I seriously want to see their quality to come back, was always a pleasure, though expensive in the past. But worth it!! Do not pay if it is this bad. I wish I had not have. I wrote to the owner. We were there 11/25/15 read more

This is THE place to go when you have a hankering for fried seafood in Albany, and probably even Corvallis. Its not the typical fish fry place, since they use a cornmeal coating instead of a batter, which makes the fish more along the lines of Southern style than English. They've got fish and shell fish, all deep fried of course, and their fresh cole slaw is a pretty good accompaniment as well. I dont make it over to the Depot as much as I probably should but that shall soon change. read more

We visit the Depot almost every week. The service is awesome, and the food is good. Of course, the shrimp salad is a good one. But, oddly enough, one of our favorite items are the chicken strips. Really. Sure, the fish is good, etc. It's a great atmosphere, and done just right. Keep up the good work DR! Prices might be a bit on the high side, but I feel they are somewhat reasonable. read more

The depot is a great place! It's small, so sometimes you have to wait a bit at the bar. The biggest table seats 6 i think. They have the best deep fried havarti cheese sticks in the whole world i'm pretty sure. almost everything there is deep fried-except for the salads :) their house dressing is a creamy french that is so delicious. the bonnie's crunch salad is made of carrots, mayo, sunflower seeds, and shrimp and is one of the best things i have ever eaten! i have been going to the depot for at least 20 years and have tried everything on the menu and it's all good! read more

Food was to be expected. A lot of deep fried everything. Service was excellent, but pricing is through the roof for what it was. I felt like I was at the coast at a tourist trap. 3 stars for price 4 for service and maybe 3 for food quality. read more

What a bummer!!! Completely average seafood...fish was decent but the scallops & oysters were awful very comparable to Sizzler/Long John Silver fast food style seafood platters yuck! .... I've had better seafood at Red Lobster...! read more

Excellent food and service. Had fish and fries, shrimp and fries, clam chowder and salad. Clam chowder was delicious. Will definitely be back. read more

Havarti cheese is the best place to start. Mom loves the Bonnie Shrimp crunch salad. Dad loves the Combo and sis loves the freshness and friendliness. And I just love the cozy atmosphere and deliciousness. read more

After 30+ years of great food, service and fair prices, I've been disappointed on all 3 tonight. I really hope the lack of server attention, prices, food quality and portion size gets some management attention as the lack of a waiting line tells me I'm not off base in my assessment. read more

Lunch today, fish and chips. Fish was fresh but this is really 3/4 chips and two small pieces of fish. The shrimp and chips photo says it all. read more

This place used to be great. At this point the only thing I can recommend is their shrimp salad. Pretty much just over priced and you would be better off going to Corvallis for McGraths... I hate to say it but don't even bother anymore. read more

Did not try the food but it did look good. Clean but eclectic as the owner is a fan of model planes and boats. Staff was very nice and OK with us just having a beer. Nice variety of local brews and great atmosphere. read more

I've been going to the Depot for many years and enjoy the consistency of the menu items. The small combo, chowder, and appetizers are wonderful! read more

The restaurant has a great atmosphere and the staff is quick and super friendly. The only complaint, and it's a big one for me, the clam chowder, while tastes very yummy, is super gritty... sand in almost every piece of clam. read more

We use to go to The Depot fairly often, but have been away for a bit. The Wife and I went in and the usual fish and chips, the fish wasn't as good as I remembered and a little smaller size. But it was still good, the price was up, but was isn't. Will be back read more

Who would have thunk it? Albany has some of the best fish and chips ever! I come here every now and then for lunch and it's solid every time. You only need to order one thing: fish & salad. The fish has a great batter on it and they fry it perfectly. Still light and crispy, not heavy and oily. Good value and friendly staff. Highly recommend. read more

Great fish and chips. Crunchy fresh salad with a generous serving of bay shrimp. Cozy atmosphere. Highly recommend and we will be back!!

This used to be one of our favorite places to go for fish and chips. Yes, it is quite a bit inland and no, you don't usually acquaint this timber town with seafood, but for years people have flocked to this little hole in the wall for fish and chips. Like some other reviewers, we had not been in many years and recently have had cause to be in the area quite often so we decided to stop in for dinner one night. As Snoopy would say, "It was a dark and stormy night," and the place was not very busy. When we pulled up the cook(s) were in the back by the dumpsters smoking (which is also where we found them when we left). We were seated and waited on immediately (as a matter of fact, since there were so few tables occupied it was kind of like we were being stalked as we ate...take one sip and the cup is refilled and so on). The salad was very good and I really could have made that my meal. The fish was meh, tasted just one step above a frozen fish stick and the chips were a little mealy. Not the place I remembered at all. read more

It's alright. Service is never really that great when I've been in there. Nice setting, quaint. Love their crackers and cheese platter :)

This is a cool, local spot. I love the shrimp salad. The small is huge. It's also a great place for a warm bowl of chowder on a rainy day. They have several healthy options as well as fried food. read more

Delicious fish and chips. The small serving was plenty big for a light dinner. It came with a shrimp salad and fries. Reasonable prices. Good beer selection. We read other reviews about greasy fries, they were a little greasy, but they were thick cut. That is how they are, they were good. Friendly,attentive, fast service. We will certainly return. One suggestion-- wish there was something posted about the history of the restaurant and the decor. If there was something, we didn't see it. read more

Have always enjoyed it here but not tonight. The salmon smoothie tasted like celery and paprika...not salmon. The crackers that were served with the salmon we're very stale. I took one bite and that was it. I sent it back. The fish and chips weren't great. The fish batter tasted too cooked or the oil was bad. The fries were just grease. I won't be back. read more

Too expensive. That being said, I'm in love with their shrimp/carrot salad. Can't. Get. Enough. And the rest of the food is good as well. Just really expensive... for fried fish & chips. So, we won't go as often as I'd like... but we'll still go. read more

Disapponting. Overpriced for what you get and service was poor that night. We put this on the "been there done that list". No need to go back read more

I've only been once but my clam chowder was amazing! My husband got an assortment of fried fish and clams and it was a bit greasy for me when I tasted it. I only get clam chowder when I crave seafood so I'd definitely go back for theirs! read more

I'm very disappointed tonight. I have always enjoyed the food and was looking forward to date night with my husband. We had an appointment in Albany and called ahead to verify the hours of operation. We were told that they were open until 8pm only to get there at 7pm and find out they closed because it was slow. read more

There are not a lot of choices when it comes to sea food in the area. But this place surprised me. Food was good for the most part. The fish was a little greasy but the clam chowder was to die for. I will be back for that. read more

Love this little fish house, been coming here since the 70's always friendly service, delicious creamy chowder, fresh tasting seafood, loaded shrimp salads & the worlds best fresh cut fries. read more

Best Fish & Chips around and been doing it since mid 70's. A goid selection of seafood including calamari