Pete's Fish & Chips

- 2628 W Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85009

Pete's Fish & Chips is not just a seafood restaurant; it is a true Arizona institution with a rich, local history dating back to 1947. Situated prominently at 2628 W Van Buren St in Phoenix, this location is part of a small, family-owned chain that has become synonymous with affordable, hot, and satisfying fast food. The founder, Peter McLane Grant Jr., brought the concept of English-style fish and chips to the desert, creating a beloved staple that has served generations of Phoenix families.

Often affectionately referred to by locals simply as Pete's, this restaurant is renowned for its signature breaded and deep-fried items. The simple menu focuses on quality and value, offering everything from the classic Fish & Chips to delectable breaded shrimp and the gigantic Monsterburger line. However, the true cornerstone of the Pete's experience, and what keeps customers coming back, is the legendary Pete's Special Sauce. This tangy, slightly spicy condiment is considered mandatory by long-time patrons and is the perfect accompaniment to the crispy fried goodness.

The atmosphere at Pete's is decidedly casual and boasts a Historic, old-school feel that stands out in the modern dining landscape. While the location on Van Buren may be in a little bit of a rough part of town, as noted by local visitors, the friendly service, clean outdoor seating, and the quick, efficient operation ensure a pleasant experience. It’s an ideal spot for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a late-night food run, catering to everyone from solo diners to entire families and groups.

The Pete's Fish & Chips location we are exploring is found at 2628 W Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85009, USA. Strategically placed near the intersection of Van Buren Street and 27th Avenue, it is a highly convenient stop for those traveling through the West Phoenix corridor. The restaurant is perfectly set up for quick access, emphasizing speed and efficiency for customers who are on the go, which has been a major factor in its long-standing popularity.

The establishment makes accessibility a priority for all its guests. It features a Wheelchair accessible entrance, dedicated Wheelchair accessible parking lot spaces, and Wheelchair accessible seating areas within the outdoor dining space. The primary mode of service is counter service, designed to be swift and efficient, whether you are utilizing the convenient Drive-through or ordering at the window for Takeout or Dine-in.

Parking is readily available, with a Free parking lot on site and options for Free street parking nearby. This ease of parking, combined with the quick service model, makes it a hassle-free choice for a fast meal. Customers should be aware that the restaurant maintains a CASH ONLY payment policy, a tradition upheld since its founding to keep prices low. To mitigate any inconvenience, an ATM is conveniently located on site. While the food is meant to be eaten with your hands (no plastic ware is provided), the outdoor seating is typically clean and tidy for a comfortable, casual dining experience, and the policy is Pet-friendly, allowing Dogs outside.

Pete's Fish & Chips on Van Buren is highly focused on providing fast, dependable service to its wide customer base. The key services offered emphasize speed, convenience, and a straightforward ordering process:

• **Service Options:** Features an efficient Drive-through for rapid service, standard Takeout options, and a casual Dine-in experience via Outdoor seating.
• **Payment Policy:** Operates on a strict CASH ONLY basis, with an ATM available on site for customer convenience.
• **Dining Service:** The primary method is Counter service, ensuring orders are placed and received quickly, which is highly Popular for Lunch, Dinner, and Solo dining.
• **Operating Hours:** Caters to those with late cravings by offering Late-night food.
• **Menu Variety:** While specializing in seafood, the menu includes a full range of Comfort food items like burgers and sandwiches, providing options for all tastes in the Family-friendly crowd.
• **Children's Offerings:** A dedicated Kids' menu is available, including popular items like the 4pc.chicken Nuggets and Hot Dog, making it a great destination Good for kids.
• **Beverages:** Offers a selection of fountain Soda Only drinks, various Teas, Bottled Water, and the traditional Mexican beverage, Horchata. Cocktails are also noted as an offering, providing a more grown-up pairing for your meal.

The unique features of Pete's Fish & Chips are what have cemented its status as an Arizona landmark. The business philosophy centers around the original owner's motto: Pete's sells three things, price, quality, and service, a philosophy still upheld by the family-owned operation today:

• **Historic Arizona Staple:** Operating since 1947, Pete's is a truly Historic location, deeply ingrained in the local culture, giving it a nostalgic and Trendy atmosphere among long-time Groups and local Families.
• **The Special Sauce:** The most iconic highlight is the famous Pete's Special Sauce, a secret recipe that many consider to be the defining flavor of the entire menu and is highly recommended by regulars.
• **Signature Burgers:** Home of the Monsterburger, a line of large, satisfying burgers (including double and triple options) named by the founder after his four daughters, whom he called his little monsters.
• **Freshly Cooked Food:** Food is consistently praised for coming out quick and hot, a key feature of the fast-food experience where items like the breaded fish and shrimp are cooked fresh when ordered.
• **Value and Affordability:** The restaurant is known for its excellent prices and great value, which aligns with its original mission to be the Biltmore for the common man.
• **Collectibles:** Regular visitors look for the iconic bumper sticker, a small piece of memorabilia that proudly signals one's patronage of this long-standing local favorite.
• **Small Plates and Sides:** In addition to main courses, the menu features a wide range of satisfying Sides & Misc. Items like Frings (a mix of fries and onion rings), Deep Fried Burrito W/ Sauce, and 2 Fish Tacos.

For general inquiries, to place a phone order for pickup at the front window, or to learn more about the menu, you can contact the Van Buren Street location directly.

Address: 2628 W Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85009, USA

Phone: (602) 278-3351

Choosing Pete's Fish & Chips, particularly this historic Van Buren location, is about embracing an authentic piece of Phoenix's culinary history. For Arizona users seeking a quick, incredibly satisfying, and wallet-friendly meal, the choice is clear. The food is addictive, and the unique dining format—fast, friendly, and served hot—makes it a standout in the local fast-food scene.

What is most worth choosing are the classic deep-fried specialties. If you are a first-time visitor, you must order the crispy, breaded fish or the hand-battered shrimp. Loyal customers note that they always get exactly what I came here for: Delicious fish and chips and sometimes shrimp. The quality and consistent preparation of the breaded items are the primary draw. Do not, under any circumstances, forget to order extra of Pete's Special Sauce. It is the non-negotiable component that ties the entire experience together, transforming simple fried food into a local delicacy. Patrons are often advised, When in doubt, order extra sauce.

A second thing worth choosing is an open mind when it comes to the payment method. While the CASH ONLY policy can be a surprise to some—and has unfortunately led to service issues for a few—the restaurant proactively addresses this with an easily accessible ATM on site. Planning ahead by bringing cash ensures you avoid the small frustration of having to use the on-site machine. Finally, by choosing Pete's, you are choosing to support a multi-generational, family-owned Arizona business that has been committed to providing the best to the common man for over 75 years. It’s an essential Phoenix experience.

Pete's Fish & Chips

2628 W Van Buren St, Phoenix, AZ 85009, USA