Pete's Fish & Chips

- 3920 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85040

For generations of Arizonans, the name Pete's Fish & Chips has been synonymous with fast, affordable, and deeply satisfying comfort food. The location at 3920 S Central Ave in Phoenix is not just another eatery; it’s an institution—often heralded as the original location—with a history stretching back to 1947. Operating as a classic combination of a fast-food restaurant and a specialized seafood and fish & chips venue, Pete's has cemented its status as a local treasure, providing a unique and casual dining experience in the Valley.

The concept is simple but flawlessly executed: high-quality, deep-fried fare served quickly and at exceptional value. While the star of the show remains the classic Fish & Chips, the menu expands to include a broad range of other fried favorites like shrimp, scallops, and chicken. This focus on quick, breaded, and fried items makes Pete's the ultimate destination for a satisfying "quick bite" or "small plate" meal. Customer sentiment repeatedly highlights the incredible value, noting that you can receive a "glutinous amount of food and a massive drink for a couple bucks more than a McValue Meal." This commitment to generous portions and low prices is a core part of the Pete's legacy.

Pete’s embraces its "old school" identity, which is part of its charm. It operates as a cash-only establishment, a detail customers often cite as a reliable sign of a great, no-frills local spot—a "pro tip" for first-time visitors, though they thoughtfully provide an ATM on site for convenience. The atmosphere is authentically Casual and Historic, attracting a diverse crowd ranging from College Students and Groups to Families and long-time local patrons. This location is popular for both Lunch and Dinner, and importantly, offers Late-night food options, ensuring that Phoenicians can satisfy their cravings well into the evening. The fast service is a guaranteed highlight, making it the perfect choice when time is of the essence.

Beyond the classic Fish & Chips, the menu features a variety of options designed to appeal to everyone. Families appreciate the specific Children's Menu, which includes kid-friendly classics like Chicken Nuggets and Hot Dogs, all served with fries and a soda. Adult patrons can explore the wide array of Sides—from classic French Fries and Onion Rings (or the popular "Frings," a mix of both) to individual pieces of Fish, Shrimp, and Scallops for custom orders. For those less focused on seafood, the Chicken Nuggets and Chips are proudly advertised as "the best in town," and the selection of Sandwiches & Burgers, including the popular Steak Sandwich, ensures that every craving is covered.

The Pete's Fish & Chips at 3920 S Central Ave holds a special place in the hearts of Phoenix locals as the original and most historic location. It is situated in the South Mountain area of Phoenix, making it a familiar landmark easily accessible to residents throughout the central and southern parts of the city.

The official address is:

3920 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85040, USA

Accessibility is a key strength of this location, making it welcoming to all patrons:

• Parking: The restaurant provides a Free Parking Lot for vehicles, along with the availability of Free Street Parking nearby.
• Entrances: The facility boasts a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance, ensuring ease of access for customers with mobility needs.
• Seating and Space: Accessibility is further enhanced with Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot and designated Wheelchair Accessible Seating.
• Pet-Friendly: In line with its casual, outdoor-focused dining structure, Dogs are allowed outside, accommodating pet owners who wish to grab a quick meal.
• Atmosphere: While located in what customers describe as an "industrial area," the "old school" and Historic nature of the building is part of its unique, authentic, and Casual appeal.

This location’s convenience, combined with its accessibility features, makes it an easy stop for a quick lunch, a family dinner, or a late-night bite, solidifying its status as a highly popular and well-trafficked Phoenix institution.

Pete's Fish & Chips offers a streamlined, high-efficiency service model designed for maximum speed and customer comfort, reflecting its identity as a premier fast-food seafood restaurant. The services are built around quick turnaround and easy ordering.

Key services provided at the 3920 S Central Ave location include:

• Fast Service: Recognized as a major highlight, the restaurant is known for having food "ready really quickly," minimizing wait times for patrons.
• Takeout Options: Customers can easily place their order and take their comfort food meal to go.
• Dine-in Seating: Both Seating and Counter Service are available for those who wish to eat their meal on-site in the casual, historic setting.
• Outdoor Dining: Outdoor Seating is offered, allowing customers to enjoy the mild Arizona weather while they dine.
• Late-Night Availability: The restaurant serves Late-night food, catering to the evening and post-event crowd in Phoenix.
• Children's Menu: A dedicated Kids' Menu (for patrons under 10 years old) with favorite items and a small drink is available, making it a truly Family-friendly option.
• Cash-Only Convenience: The establishment is primarily Cash Only, but for customer ease, an ATM is provided on site.
• Diverse Comfort Food Offerings: The menu extends beyond seafood to include Chicken Nuggets, Hot Dogs, Corn Dogs, and Sandwiches & Burgers, ensuring a full range of classic American comfort foods.

The unique identity of Pete's Fish & Chips is defined by several key features that set it apart as a staple of the Phoenix dining landscape. These highlights contribute to its consistent popularity and draw a loyal, multi-generational customer base.

The most notable features and highlights include:

• Historic Original Location: This South Central Avenue spot is widely regarded as the original Pete's Fish & Chips, giving it a unique Historical appeal and a special place in local Arizona food lore.
• Exceptional Value and Affordability: The pricing structure is a major highlight, consistently offering large, filling meals at a price point that is often compared favorably to much smaller fast-food meals, providing an "affordable meal" every time.
• Signature Fish & Chips: The core offering is the classic Fish & Chips, an established favorite that customers say "can’t miss with the classic." The fish can be ordered individually or in multi-piece combos at a fantastic value (e.g., 2 Pc. for $4.60).
• Pete's Special Sauce: The restaurant features its own proprietary and popular Pete's Special Sauce, which is made fresh daily and is essential for dipping the fish, shrimp, and fries.
• Focus on Speed and Efficiency: High efficiency and Fast Service are hallmarks, ensuring minimal wait times even during peak Lunch and Dinner hours.
• Diverse Breaded Seafood Options: Beyond fish, the menu allows patrons to build their own combo with breaded Shrimp, Scallops, and Crabettes, along with other popular items like Burritos and Corn Dogs.
• Cash-Only Culture with ATM: The "cash only" policy reinforces its old-school charm, while the on-site ATM provides necessary convenience for modern diners.

Customers in the Arizona region looking to enjoy the fast, affordable, and historic comfort food experience at Pete's Fish & Chips can use the following information to locate and contact the South Central Avenue location:

Address: 3920 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85040, USA

Phone Number: (602) 268-1828

The phone number is ideal for placing orders ahead of time to ensure that the food is ready for a quick pickup.

Choosing Pete's Fish & Chips is about more than just a meal; it’s about participating in a piece of Phoenix’s culinary history while securing one of the best values in local dining. What is truly worth choosing here is the combination of authentic, high-value comfort food served in a unique and historic fast-food setting.

For Arizonans, the primary draw is the unparalleled value. In a world where fast-food prices are often high for minimal return, Pete’s offers Seafood Combos and Fish & Chips portions that are described as "glutinous" and affordably priced, with large drinks included in their specials. Patrons know they can feed themselves or a small group on a modest budget—a lunch for two can easily stay "under $20." This makes it an ideal choice for College Students, Families, and anyone prioritizing budget without compromising on quantity or satisfaction.

The second compelling reason is the food itself, particularly the Fish & Chips. While the menu is extensive, the classic preparation of the fish and the opportunity to try other perfectly fried items like Shrimp and Scallops are the main attractions. These offerings, paired with the unique, house-made Pete's Special Sauce, represent the definitive taste of this local institution. The food is consistently served hot and fresh, a commitment to quality that underpins the reputation for "Great" food.

Finally, the experience of visiting the original, historic location is a draw for those who appreciate local culture. The "old school," cash-only nature—backed by an on-site ATM—adds an element of charm that modern chains cannot replicate. The fast service, coupled with the convenient accessibility (including free parking and wheelchair access), ensures that the process of getting a great meal is as smooth as possible, whether you are dining outside or grabbing a quick takeaway. Pete's Fish & Chips is worth choosing for its authentic history, its unbeatable affordability, and its perfectly executed, classic comfort food.

Pete's Fish & Chips

3920 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85040, USA