Chula Seafood Uptown Introduce
Chula Seafood Uptown represents a truly unique and refreshing dining concept in the heart of the desert, offering Phoenix residents a direct 'boat-to-table' seafood experience. Located conveniently in Uptown Plaza, this establishment is far more than just a restaurant; it operates as a combination fresh food market, seafood wholesaler, and casual dining spot, ensuring the absolute freshest catch makes it to your plate. The family-owned and operated business is committed to sustainability, even owning its own commercial fishing boat, the 'Chula', which operates out of San Diego and specializes in harpoon-caught swordfish and other high-quality Pacific Coast species. This commitment to sourcing is what makes Chula Seafood a standout choice for local seafood enthusiasts who prioritize freshness and environmental responsibility.
The atmosphere is casual and approachable, designed to focus on the quality of the food. It functions as a fast-casual model where customers can place their orders at the counter, allowing for quick service—a popular highlight—perfect for an efficient lunch or a relaxed dinner. The diverse menu caters to many cravings, spanning from an oyster bar experience to hearty fish & chips, gourmet fish tacos, and unique bowls. Whether you're craving raw fish items like Sashimi Platter Uptown and Tuna Tostada, or comforting plates such as the Fish N Chips and the signature Lobster Roll, Chula Seafood Uptown delivers a consistently fresh and flavorful meal.
Location and Accessibility
Chula Seafood Uptown is perfectly situated in a high-traffic, central location, offering excellent convenience to the greater Phoenix area. The restaurant can be found in the popular Uptown Plaza shopping center, a vibrant hub of retail and dining that draws crowds from all surrounding neighborhoods.
Address: 100 E Camelback Rd #172, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA
Positioned on East Camelback Road, the location is easily accessible for both local commuters and visitors. Accessibility features are robust, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests:
- Wheelchair accessible entrance and seating.
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot and restroom.
Parking is made simple with the availability of both a free parking lot within the Uptown Plaza and free street parking in the vicinity. This focus on ease of access is a significant advantage in the busy Uptown neighborhood. The proximity to major intersections and public transport links further enhances its appeal as a prime dining spot.
Services Offered
The versatility of Chula Seafood Uptown is reflected in its comprehensive array of services, catering to various customer needs and dining preferences across Arizona:
- Dine-in Service: Enjoy the casual, bustling atmosphere for lunch or dinner at the counter or seating area.
- Fresh Fish Market: Patrons can buy raw, sushi-grade fish, often caught by the family's own boat, by the pound to prepare at home.
- Oyster Bar Experience: Offers fresh-shucked raw oysters and the highly-praised grilled oysters.
- Takeout & Curbside Pickup: Convenient options for ordering ahead and quickly collecting your meal.
- Delivery & No-Contact Delivery: Full menu is available for delivery to enjoy fresh seafood from the comfort of your home.
- Catering: Provides seafood-centric catering options for local business or personal events.
- Full Bar Offerings: A curated selection of Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard Liquor, and Wine is available to perfectly pair with the menu items.
- Happy Hour Specials: Features dedicated Happy Hour Drinks and Happy Hour Food menus, popular for quick bites and small plates after work.
- Outdoor Seating: Offers a pleasant space for al fresco dining, including a dog-friendly area for pets allowed outside.
- Payment Options: Accepts Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments for fast, convenient transactions.
Features / Highlights
Chula Seafood Uptown is distinguished by its unique business model and the quality of its specialty menu items:
- Boat-to-Table Freshness: The primary highlight is the unparalleled freshness, with a large portion of the fish being caught by their family's own boat and trucked directly to the Phoenix market.
- Dual Concept: Functions seamlessly as both a casual restaurant and a full-service Seafood Market and Wholesaler, allowing customers to either dine in or purchase premium, raw fish to cook at home.
- Signature Sandwiches & Rolls: The menu features highly-praised items like the decadent Lobster Roll (available hot or cold), the comforting Green Chile Tuna Melt*, and the large Fish Sandwich.
- Gourmet Seafood Bowls & Tacos: Known for inventive and flavorful bowl options, including the Hawaiian Poke Bowl and Korean Poke Bowl, as well as exceptional Crispy Fish Tacos and Grilled Tacos.
- Acclaimed Comfort Food: Customer reviews frequently highlight the Grilled Oysters and the rich, comforting Lobster mac and cheese (often a special), as 'MUST TRY' items, offering elevated takes on seafood comfort food.
- Health-Conscious & Diverse Offerings: The menu provides numerous healthy options, including the Tuna Tataki Bowl and various salads, alongside classic comfort food and small plates for a quick bite.
- Family-Friendly Environment: A dedicated Kids' Menu features options like Kids' Fish N Chips and Kids' Poke Bowl, making it a great destination for families and tourists alike.
Contact Information
For current hours, daily fish market updates, or to place a takeout order, please use the following contact details:
Address: 100 E Camelback Rd #172, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA
Phone: (602) 354-3599
What is Worth Choosing
For any Arizona local seeking the highest standard of seafood, Chula Seafood Uptown is the definitive choice because it dismantles the myth that fresh, high-quality fish cannot be found in the desert. It is worth choosing for the following reasons, which extend beyond the typical restaurant experience:
- Unmatched Quality Assurance: The vertical integration of owning the fishing boat (Chula) and handling the distribution and preparation ensures a transparency and freshness that is virtually impossible to match in a landlocked state. When you order the 'Pick Fish' plate or buy fish from the market, you are getting a true 'daily catch'.
- Menu Innovation and Variety: The restaurant creatively merges Californian, Baja-style, and global flavors with classic American comfort food. Whether you want a spicy Korean Poke Bowl, a Grilled Taco, or a decadent Lobster Roll, the menu is designed to satisfy sophisticated seafood cravings.
- Flexibility as a Seafood Hub: It's the perfect destination for multiple needs—a quick lunch, a sit-down dinner with a cocktail, or stocking your kitchen with premium, raw fish. The dual role as a restaurant and a wholesaler provides exceptional value and access to superior ingredients.
- The Social and Happy Hour Draw: With its casual, trendy setting and dedicated Happy Hour drinks and food specials, it’s a favorite for solo dining or gathering with friends to enjoy freshly shucked oysters and small plates, making it a lively social spot in Uptown Phoenix.
Chula Seafood Uptown is more than just a place to eat; it's a destination for high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood, bringing the taste of the Pacific directly to your table in Arizona.
Chula Seafood Uptown Menu
All Day Menu - Starters
- Clam Chowder $8.50
- Shrimp Cocktail $25.00
- Sashimi Platter Uptown $27.00
- Tuna Tostada $16.00
All Day Menu - Bowls / Salads
- Hawaiian Poke Bowl $25.00
- Korean Poke Bowl $25.00
- Mediterranean Bowl $18.00
- Caesar Salad $17.00
- Tuna Tataki Bowl $26.00
All Day Menu - Sandwiches / Plates
- Green Chile Tuna Melt* $22.00
- California Burrito $27.00
- Fish N Chips $17.00
- Grilled Tacos $17.00
- Fish Sandwich $25.00
- Crispy Fish Tacos $17.00
- Lobster Roll $35.00
All Day Menu - Pick Fish
- Pick Fish $25.00
All Day Menu - Kids
- Kids' Grilled Cheese Sandwich $10.00
- Kids' Fish N Chips $12.00
- Kids' Cheeseburger $12.00
- Kids' Chicken Strips $10.00
- Kids' Poke Bowl $12.00
All Day Menu - Sides
- Side Chips And Salsa $5.00
- Side Potato Chips $5.00
- Side Brown Rice $5.00
- Side White Sushi Rice $5.00
- Side Caesar Salad $7.00
- Side Simple Salad $5.00
- Side Fries $5.00
- Side Coleslaw $5.00
- Side Broccolini $7.00
- Masago $5.00
All Day Menu - Drinks
- Tropical Green Iced Tea $5.00
- Diet Coke $5.00
- Coke $5.00
- Limeade $5.00
- Sprite $5.00
All Day Menu - Meal Upgrades
- Shrimp Skewer $18.00
- Poke Scoop $15.00
- Tuna Tataki $25.00
- Lobster $28.00
All Day Menu - Monthly Special
- Double Tuna Smashburger $29.00
- Swordfish Schnitzel W/ Spaetzle $30.00
Chula Seafood Uptown Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Curbside pickup
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Chula Seafood Uptown Photos










Chula Seafood Uptown Location
Chula Seafood Uptown
100 E Camelback Rd #172, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA
Chula Seafood Uptown Reviews
clam chowderpoke bowlfish and chipsburritosashimilobster rolltuna meltswordfish tacosgrilled oystersfish market
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Im a stingy critic but I have to go all stars for this one. Top notch food which felt fresh! I spent a lot, but it was worth it. Grilled oysters and Lobster mac and cheese are MUST TRY!We tried a lot of dishes:Crispy fish taco 4/5Raw oysters: 3/5Grilled oysters: 5/5Lobster mac and cheese: 5/5Chowder: 2/5Fish and chips:4/5Hot Lobster roll: 3.5/5Ceviche
August 04 · Pramukh BelamTried this spot for the first time. Atmosphere and service were wonderful!We ordered the grilled fish sandwich, fish California burrito + a happy hour taco al pastor!• The fish in both the sandwich and the burrito tasted a bit dry, really needed the side lemon/lime to help.• The sauce in the fish sandwich was great, and the pickles were amazing - sliced super thin and crunchy!• The burrito was super heavy on the sauce, but overall a good choice.• The salsa that came with the chips + salsa side was great - perfect amount of tang.• The taco al pastor was SUPER spicy, needed additional water to wash it down, and my nose was running - just wish we would have been given a heads up on how spicy it was.Overall 6.4/10! We would still like to come back though and try additional things! ◡̈
September 08 · Kathryn McCarthyI crave seafood often, but I'm not always wanting to go spend big, and I'm not too trusting of a cheap seafood spot in the middle of the desert. So, stumbling upon @chula one day was the best surprise!Chula started in San Diego and eventually realized that other desert dwellers, like me, wanted fresh seafood too. Chula has three locations in AZ. I stumbled upon the Uptown locatio, but they are also in South Scottsdale and Grayhawk. This upcoming Saturday their south Scottsdale location, called Rosie, is celebrating 8 years. Stop by for two buck shuck oysters, prizes, and more. The other two locations will be doing the two buck shucks as well!Check out their website for the daily menu at each location. My sister enjoyed her poke bowl and I took the suggestion of trying the popular California burrito with shrimp. It was amazing!!! The freshness and flavor was mouthwatering. The burrito is huge so it can easily be shared. I enjoyed a side of clam chowder as well and a tasty cocktail. It's a great value for delicious seafood, and I will most definitely return.
October 23 · msbusyblondeOne of the hidden gems in Central Phoenix! We all had the California burrito with shrimp and a cup of chowder. Burrito is packed and delicious, great sauce and their salsa adds a little extra. Chowder was thick and flavorful. Staff great, didn’t wait too long for food. Definitely in the rotation!
September 18 · JCurtis LongStopped in after a long time this restaurant was on my list and decided to go for it. I’m so glad I did!We participated in the AZ Restaurant Week event and ordered 2 appetizers and 2 entrees - Tuna Tostada & Cup of Clam Chowder and Shrimp Burrito & Tuna Melt. All the items were really tasty, fresh, and flavorful! I thoroughly enjoyed all the food and enjoyed how high quality it was.We also ordered a regular menu item - 3 pc fish & chips which were good! The fries ended up being a bit soggy because of the oil from the fish on top. The easy fix is to keep them separate instead of stacked.Ambiance is very cute and casual like a coastal cafe. I would come back when I’m craving quality grade and fresh seafood.
May 17 · Amanda
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