Detroit: Scotty Simpson’s Fish & Chips
While there are a number of places that serve fried fish, especially during lent, not many have stood the test of time like Scotty Simpsons. Scotty’s is located in Detroit’s Brightmoor neighborhood, at 22200 Fenkell, 2 blocks west of Lahser. While the area has seen better days, Scotty Simpsons is still going strong after nearly 75 years. Teresa and I grew up in Redford, down the street from each other in Redford, at 5 & Beech. She says Scotty Simpson’s was a Friday night tradition at their house.
Scotty Simpsons Fish & Chips has been a Detroit Landmark since 1950 when James (Scotty) Simpson opened and started serving his much desired Fish & Chips.
Through the years things have not changed much, other than ownership, and that has only happened twice. The first time from Scotty to Sean Gilmore (who went to school with Teresa’s mom) and from Sean to the current owner Harry Barber, who started working at Scotty’s in 1966. The place isn’t flashy . . . it has a lot of the original décor with paneling, carpeted floors, old tables and chairs and lots of maritime memorabilia lining the wall. All this adds to the ambiance and shows the deep history this place has. So, if the decor hasn’t changed, it stands to reason that the food hasn’t changed much through the years either.
When you walk in, if you want carryout you go to the right. If you are dining in you turn left and walk into the small main dining area.
They seat around 40 people, but for when they are busy, there is a 2nd dining area through the double doors, that seats an additional 70-80.
They have an open kitchen, like a small diner, where you can watch your food being cooked. Dining in will take you back in time as you look at all the memorabilia on the walls . . . and they are always playing 1950’s music.
Scotty Simpson’s offers more than just fried fish. They also have homemade clam chowder, shrimp, frog legs, baked fish, burgers, and chicken. They even have Sizzler steak sandwiches, which definitely brings back memories for us.
You can get your fish baked or grilled, which is served with a baked potato and sour cream, but they are best known for their Fried Fish and hand cut fries.
We ordered the fish and shrimp combo, which came with 3 pieces of fish and 3 pieces shrimp plus fries and coleslaw, with a side of onion rings. Our neighbor Denise had the standard fish and chips dinner, which came with 3 pieces of fish, fries and coleslaw. The fish fresh out of the fryer was so much better than we remembered. It was super delicate fish with a perfect crispy coating. The shrimp and onion rings were delicious as well. There is not much more to say other than that.
I guess being around for 75 years says so much more than we can say here.
It is important to know that they only take cash or check…no credit or debit cards.
And don’t forget to ring the bell on the way out!
You can dine in or order carryout. However, if you get it to go, ask for extra tartar sauce. They never give you enough. They are open T-W-Th from 11 AM – 7 PM Fri 11 AM – 8 PM and Sat 2 PM – 8 PM and closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Until next time . . . live well, eat well and enjoy life!
-Keith & Teresa Becker
