Williamstown Mussels Fish & Chippery

There’s certain times in life when only finish and chips will do. So when I found myself in Williamstown on a sunny Sunday a few weeks ago, I knew today was a fish and chips day.
I must admit when it comes to fish and chips, I immediately think of hand cut chips with a large bit of cod accompanied with salt and vinegar. That’s what I grew up on in Blighty. However, I’m not in Kansas anymore as they say, so Flake and machine cut chips it is Aussie style.
I kind of expected a bit more from this establishment. Not that the food was bad, it most certainly wasn’t. It did the job but it wasn’t great. The flake was cooked quite well and the chips were ok if a little undercooked, but although I left full I wasn’t entirely satisfied. Perhaps it could be because in Aus I always feel a bit ripped off price wise when it comes to chippies. It may also be because you like what you’re used to and when it comes down to it, Fish and Chips is probably one of the only dishes the Brits do better than the Aussies (sorry guys).
If you’re in Williamstown give this place a go. The next time I’m back here and have a hankering for chips, I’ll be trying the other establishments first. After all you’ve got to be fair.

A bit greasy and the chips were still hard but the fish and seafood is fresh and good quality — get the prawn and scallops as a extra treat

This place certainly has a far bigger menu than the smaller place right near to the harbour and the reserve almost directly across the road from this establishment, as Adam C mentioned. Because of this, I decided to try out the fish and chips here instead of there and certainly wasn’t disappointed!
~ Waiting times were brief. I observed the whole ordering process and they started cooking my order almost immediately.
~ The staff were kind and efficient. I always expect to be mistreated in fast food places. The older guy that appears to be the owner of the store seems to be well known in the community. While waiting for my order, a number of ‘regulars’ came in just for a chat with him.
~ Food was typical fish and chip quality. Nothing amazing, nothing horrible. The seagulls sure seemed to like it when I was done!
~ Salt and vinegar is provided for customers to use. This is GREAT. All fish and chip stores should have salt shakers and vinegar bottles available for customers.
NOTE: Be sure to check out their little garden out the back. It has a couple of tables and chairs for you to sit out there if the beach isn’t your thing!

Great place to get fish’n’chips in Williamstown with a bigger menu and range of fish than the little place right next to the harbour and reserve. I’ve been here twice and had different experiences as far as waiting times, though.
The first time was a sunny Saturday arvo and it was absolutely packed and we waited about 40 – 50 minutes for our relatively small order, so we were starving and cranky by the time it came. The second time was on a less-​sunny Sunday and there was barely anyone there and we waited around 10 minutes so we were pretty darn happy.
Last time I got fish with their signature tempura batter, which was sweet and crispy if a little greasy. I’d definitely recommend it if you like battered fish, but if it sounds too fatty then go for grilled fish, which they do well. I also had some excellent calamari and the chips were great too. I was FULL.