Lazy Joe’s Fish & Chips: Haddock & Hummus

Lazy Joe’s Fish & Chips is a quiet kind of place. The kind of restaurant where you don’t have to rush, dress up, or overthink what to order. It’s tucked along Rainbow Blvd & Robindale Rd, a no-frills neighborhood joint with a simple promise: good fish, friendly service, and a relaxed atmosphere.

When we visited on a random Wednesday afternoon, the shop was calm and almost empty. My brother had been here before and was the one who recommended it.

Inside, it was cozy, comfortable, and unpretentious. A small space with basic decor, tidy booths, and counter service. Nothing over the top, and nothing trying too hard.

Catch of the Day: The Haddock Plate

We ordered the #1 Haddock Fish and Chips, one of the few fish options on the menu. You can pick between Cod, Haddock, Catfish, or Tilapia. That’s a nice touch, since many spots only give you one or two choices.

We went with haddock, on the recommendation from one of the staff members working the counter that day. He told us it was his favorite, and we trusted him.

When the food arrived, it was brought out to our table, even though we ordered at the counter, the presentation was clean and straightforward. A golden, generous fillet sitting atop thick-cut fries.

The fish wasn’t the extra-crispy style you might expect from a pub. It was softer, but still flaky and flavorful. The texture was almost buttery. There was something really satisfying about it. No bells or whistles. Just well-cooked fish done right.

“It was softer than expected. Not crunchy, but tender and rich. Kind of the opposite of over-fried fish. I liked it more than I thought I would.”

The fries held up too. They were warm, not soggy, and a perfect match for the tartar sauce on the side. There was no shortage of seasoning. Everything had that just-right balance of salt without needing extra table shakers.

In addition to the fish combos, you’ll find options like fried shrimp, chicken tenders, sandwiches, and an entire section of Mediterranean dishes.

Mediterranean Menu Full of Eastern Cuisine

Alongside our main, we also ordered the hummus appetizer. This is where the Mediterranean side of the menu starts to show. The hummus came with warm pita triangles and, at our request, a handful of veggie sticks. We got carrots, celery, and some fresh cucumber slices.

The hummus itself was thick, creamy, and clearly handmade. There was a little bit of oil and seasoning on top. It had texture, not that whipped store-bought smoothness. It felt like something made in a home kitchen. Hearty, garlicky, with a subtle citrus note.

“You can tell the hummus wasn’t from a tub. It had weight to it, like they actually made it in-house. Even the cucumbers looked like they were chopped minutes ago.”

It’s not often that a fish and chips shop surprises you with solid Mediterranean food. But Lazy Joe’s pulls it off. The menu includes items like shawarma, falafel, and even gyros. Even if you skip all that, the hummus alone is a reason to order beyond just fish.

Some other standouts on the menu:

• Fried Catfish Plate – Another fish option that offers a different texture and taste
• Gyro Sandwich – Wrapped in soft pita, loaded with flavor
• Falafel Plate – A vegetarian pick that balances the menu well

Hospitality Fused With Home Love

What stood out most, beyond the food, was the vibe of the service. There was just one guy working, and he handled everything smoothly.

He greeted us with a quiet smile, offered a recommendation without being pushy, and made sure we had everything we needed without hovering.

It’s a laid-back kind of hospitality. Like someone who works here because they actually like the food, and they’re happy when you do too.

You order at the counter, take a number, and choose your seat. No pressure. No awkward table service gaps.

Come for the Fish, Stay for the Feel

It’s easy to overlook a place like Lazy Joe’s if you’re looking for flash. There is no big sign calling attention to itself. No trendy branding or curated Instagram vibe. But what you get is consistency in every laid-back meal.

A straightforward local spot where the food holds its own and the service makes you want to come back.

“It kind of reminded me of the places we used to go to growing up. Just solid food, served with care. No distractions, no gimmicks.”

Sometimes, the best meals are the ones that don’t try too hard. Just a clean plate of something warm and familiar, in a setting where you can actually have a conversation without music blasting or crowds buzzing around you.

If you’re in the Rainbow area and craving something simple but satisfying, give it a shot. You might not even need the menu. Just ask the guy at the counter what he recommends, and go from there.