Pete's Fish & Chips

- 4121 N 44th St, Phoenix, AZ 85018

Pete's Fish & Chips is far more than just a typical fast food stop in Phoenix; it is an enduring Arizona institution with roots tracing back to 1947. This specific location at 4121 N 44th St carries the torch of a long-standing family tradition, providing the Valley with a unique take on English-style fish and chips and deep-fried seafood favorites. Founded by Peter McLane Grant Jr., who was inspired by fish and chips shops he saw while serving in Europe during World War II, the establishment has grown from a humble 6' x 8' wooden shack to a beloved chain of restaurants.

The restaurant proudly operates as a quintessential fast food, seafood, and fish & chips venue, popular among college students, local families, groups, and tourists looking for a taste of Phoenix history. The philosophy that the founder lived by—selling three things: price, quality, and service—continues to define the experience. Pete's is celebrated for offering delicious, satisfying comfort food at incredibly reasonable prices, earning it the moniker of "the Biltmore for the common man."

The menu is an exercise in classic American fast-food simplicity, with a distinctive seafood twist. While the namesake Fish & Chips is the star, patrons rave about other signature items. The Monsterburger, a hearty 1/3 lb. patty named by Pete Grant after his four daughters (his "little monsters"), is a local legend. Other favorites include the shrimp and the chicken tenders, all of which are best paired with the infamous Pete's Special Sauce, a hard-to-describe, slightly spicy, tangy secret recipe that loyal customers often order in bulk.

The dining atmosphere is decidedly casual and historic, offering a quiet, non-pretentious experience. Most seating is covered outdoor seating, lending itself to a classic roadside stand feel. While it maintains its historic "cash-only" policy, an ATM is typically available on-site for customer convenience. This blend of tradition, value, and distinctive flavor makes Pete's Fish & Chips a truly unique and cherished part of the Phoenix dining landscape, where fifth-generation customers continue to return for a guaranteed, piping-hot meal.

The Pete's Fish & Chips location at 4121 N 44th St is conveniently situated in a high-traffic area of Phoenix, making it easily accessible for customers across the city. It sits just a half-block north of the major intersection of 44th Street and Indian School Road, a key corridor in the Arcadia/East Phoenix area.

The physical address for this enduring local favorite is:

4121 N 44th St, Phoenix, AZ 85018, USA

This location is designed with functionality and convenience in mind, offering several services to make visits smooth for everyone:

• Wheelchair Accessibility: The premises include a Wheelchair accessible entrance, a Wheelchair accessible parking lot with free parking, and Wheelchair accessible seating in the outdoor dining area.
• Parking: Customers benefit from both a Free parking lot and the availability of Free street parking nearby, simplifying the process of stopping for a quick bite.
• Drive-Through: A major convenience feature for the fast-paced Phoenix lifestyle, allowing customers to place and pick up orders without leaving their vehicles.

The location’s simple layout and roadside visibility ensure that whether you are commuting home, running errands, or simply looking for a quick and inexpensive meal, Pete's is easy to spot and quick to serve.

Pete's Fish & Chips focuses on providing fast, efficient, and versatile service options to meet the needs of a diverse, on-the-go customer base in the Phoenix area.

Key services provided at the 44th Street location include:

• Drive-Through Service: The primary service option for quick, efficient ordering and pickup, particularly popular on busy days.
• Takeout: Orders can be placed and picked up at the counter for those who prefer to eat at home or on the go.
• Dine-in / Counter Service: The primary service style where customers order at the counter.
• Outdoor Seating: Ample covered seating is available outside, allowing guests to enjoy their hot food immediately in a casual setting.
• Onsite Services: Customers can take advantage of onsite amenities, including access to an ATM, as the establishment operates on a strict Cash-only payment policy.
• Dining Hours: Known for offering Late-night food options, the restaurant typically maintains extended hours, especially on weekends, making it a great option for a quick bite after regular dinner times.

Pete's Fish & Chips has amassed a dedicated following over the decades due to its unique identity, value proposition, and iconic menu items. It remains one of the few independently owned fast-food chains with such deep roots in the Valley.

The most notable features and highlights include:

• Historic Arizona Fast Food Landmark: Operating since 1947, Pete's is one of Phoenix's oldest and most beloved family-owned and operated restaurant chains.
• The Famous Pete's Special Sauce: This secret, tangy, slightly spicy red sauce is considered a cornerstone of the Pete's experience and is essential for dipping fish, chips, and everything else.
• Unbeatable Value and Price: Customers consistently highlight the extremely low prices for substantial portions of comfort food, such as the Superburger ($2.45) and French Fries ($3.15), fulfilling the founder's promise of offering an affordable meal for everyone.
• Signature Deep-Fried Items: The menu's strengths lie in its deep-fried offerings, including the classic fish, savory shrimp, and the crispy Onion Rings ($4.40), often ordered as a mix with fries (Frings).
• The Monsterburger: The legendary 1/3 Lb. *Monsterburger, which can be upgraded to a Double, is a must-try for burger enthusiasts.
• Family and Group Friendly: Rated as “Good for kids” and “Family-friendly,” with a dedicated Children's Menu featuring classic kid-favorites like the Corn Dog and Chicken Nuggets.
• Atmosphere: The ambiance is authentically Casual and Historic, making it a comfortable spot that is popular for Lunch, Dinner, and Solo dining.
• Cash-Only Policy: Maintains the tradition of a Cash-only operation, a distinct feature of its old-school business model.

For Arizona residents interested in calling ahead to place an order, or for general inquiries regarding the 44th Street location, the contact information is as follows. Note that the restaurant's operational style focuses on quick counter and drive-through service, and they do not accept reservations.

Address:4121 N 44th St, Phoenix, AZ 85018, USA

Phone Number:(602) 840-0630

Mobile Phone:+1 602-840-0630

Choosing Pete's Fish & Chips, particularly the 44th Street location, is about embracing a piece of local Phoenix history while satisfying a craving for classic comfort food. It is highly recommended for Arizona locals and visitors who prioritize value, speed, and a distinctive local flavor that cannot be replicated by major national chains.

What makes this establishment truly worth choosing is the unparalleled combination of its historic status, the exceptionally reasonable pricing, and the sheer uniqueness of its star product—the deep-fried seafood paired with the secret Pete's Special Sauce. For decades, the sauce has been the cornerstone of the experience, acting as the 'secret ingredient' that keeps patrons coming back religiously, sometimes for 50 or more years, as demonstrated by the loyal customer base. The ability to grab a fulfilling combo, such as the Seafood Combo ($10.95) or a Monsterburger Combo ($11.60), for an exceptionally budget-friendly price is a huge draw in the Valley.

Furthermore, the convenience factor, with the drive-through, available free parking, and late-night food hours, makes it an ideal spot for a quick bite at almost any time of day. While some reviews may point to minor inconsistencies in the food or the casual nature of the covered outdoor seating, the enduring loyalty of multi-generational customers proves that Pete's Fish & Chips delivers on its core promise: hot, fresh-fried food, fast service, and great value. For an authentic, unpretentious Phoenix fast food experience, Pete's is the only choice.

Pete's Fish & Chips

4121 N 44th St, Phoenix, AZ 85018, USA