I.D.J. Fish and Chips Review

A Hidden Gem for Fish and Chips Lovers in Jersey City

I've been on the hunt for a place that truly knows how to fry up fish and chips bursting with flavor, and I finally found them. I.D.J. Fish and Chips is an outdoor gem located at Arlington Park in Jersey City, nestled between Grand Street and Arlington Ave. They set up shop every Wednesday and Saturday from 11 AM until they sell out, run by the talented team of Chef Ira, Dwayne Butler, and James Robinson.

The Fish: Perfectly Fried & Full of Flavor

Arriving with an appetite, I dove straight into the Swai fish sandwich—and wow, was I in for a surprise! Instead of the usual bun, it came on whole wheat bread, stacked high with three massive fillets. One glance told me I wouldn’t finish it in one sitting! Each bite was perfectly seasoned and cooked fresh on the spot, just like all the food at the tent.

Whiting or Swai, are both deep-fried to golden perfection. I went with Swai to take home—one of my personal favorites—and was again blown away by Chef Ira’s technique. He avoids overcooking, achieving a light golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside perfectly flaky and seasoned just right, without overwhelming saltiness. Though I didn’t try the whiting, I have no doubt it’s prepared with the same skill and care. To make the experience even better, I ordered three full plates—one for Crystal, the cake pound lady who introduced me to the park, one for Lauro, and one for myself—because a meal this good deserves to be shared.

Shrimp & Fries: Well-Cooked & Crispy

Shrimp is one of those ingredients that can easily be overcooked, but here, it’s done just right and perfectly cooked. A touch more seasoning would make them even better. The fries? Crispy and satisfying, a great complement to the meal.

Worth the Visit

If you're craving quality fish and chips, I highly recommend stopping by. In addition to sandwiches and fries, I.D.J. Fish and Chips offers seafood salads and full platters to go.

Final Verdict: A Well-Deserved 10 out of 10!

The entire setup is clean and well-organized, with house music playing in the background to set a relaxed, welcoming mood. What really stands out is the dedication and hard work of Chef Ira and his team—not only do they serve up great food, but they also greet customers with genuine warmth, making the experience even more enjoyable. I loved watching Chef Ira in action, along with his sous chef, as they worked smoothly behind the counter.

While waiting for your order, there’s even a small setup where women can browse and buy bracelets and other items. Once your food is ready, you can head over to nearby Arlington Park to sit, enjoy your meal, and maybe even place another order to take home for friends. That you'd want to do to take some home for friends and family.

If you're in Jersey City, don’t miss the chance to enjoy this fantastic meal. I.D.J. Fish and Chips is absolutely worth the trip!