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| Fish & Chips (Single) at Slapfish |
There's a fast-casual version of just about every cuisine in the nation's capital. Even seafood... to a degree (Buredo, Luke's Lobster) but Fish & Chips? Fat chance. Until Slapfish came along. The California-based chain debuted in Rockville last July, and just opened their first DC location (in the old Capriotti's space at 1800 M Street, NW.) We stopped by the latter today for our first-ever visit, and found something positive (and not so positive) to report.
Atmosphere: Industrial, but clean. Not much in terms of decoration (save for a big, colorful mural as you walk in.) And what's with the cheesy, fake-looking fish decorations atop the doorway & walls? They simply have to go. Good A/C and comfy, well-designed seating.
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| Street Taco (Fried) |
Food: Taco is a mess, just waiting to happen. Blame it on too many toppings, and an unpleasant corn tortilla taste (what's wrong with flour?) Nice flavors, but messy and overpriced. Luckily, the Fish & Chips ($10 for a single, $13 for a double) rights every wrong, and then some. Piping hot with a crispy/light batter and flaky, to-die-for whitefish, atop a generous mound of well-seasoned homemade fries. Amazing flavor all around + a nice (green-tinted) tartar sauce and zesty pickle.
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| View from our table |
Service: Super nice cashier (thank you Mecco) and blazing fast table service (inside four minutes) but way overstaffed, especially after the lunch rush. Reminded me of a high school classroom with a substitute teacher in charge. Too much nonsense, and (seemingly) no manager in sight.
Shazam Test: Multiple fails, despite a lack of customers. Perhaps employee chatter was louder than the music? When it did work, pleasant mix of Coasts, Milky Chance and Walk the Moon.
Value: The tacos are overpriced ($5.50) but $10 is a surprise bargain for some of the best tasting fried fish in town.
Bottom Line: The Fish & Chips is a potential game-changer, even in a neighborhood full of fast-casual choices. Bonus points for a big, deep bowl (presentation is everything) but staffing issues are a major concern. Still, looking forward to our next visit.
