Leo Burdock Fish & Chips, Dublin

This place was on the top of my list to try, as I am a die hard lover of fish and chips; however, when we went in I looked at the people's plates and saw that the the outside coating was limp with oil and mushy looking, not crisp as I would want.
Clearly this place is a tourist trap, not what it is reputed to be....a great fish and chips place!

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While planning our trips, I'd learned from friends and VT members that Leo Burdock's was the place to go for lunch. I was told they had the best fish and chips and I just had to try them, so they were of course on the top of my list of places to eat. Our first full day in Dublin we lucked out with an absolutely gorgeous day. Mild weather and blue skies. Since I was well aware that Leo Burdock's has no indoor seating, I knew it was our day. So after some exploring we made our way over there (with some directions from a really nice lady), picked up one order of Haddock and Chips and headed over to Christchurch. We sat on a bench outside of the Cathedral enjoying the delicious food and the fantastic weather. If you're a fish and chip person - Leo Burdock's is a must! The fish was great and the chips are cut nice and thick.

The location we visited near Christchurch is really tiny, with only enough room for a few people to stand inside and order. I've been told the line is usually pretty long (we lucked out with only two people in front of us), but it's well worth the wait. The best part is that after a full Irish Breakfast, one order was enough for both of us for lunch!

My 1st meal in Dublin was from Leo Burdock's, a well known fish and chip shop near Christchurch, the wall inside is covered with the names of all the famous people who have eaten here. You'll want to save this restaurant for a day when you have nice weather as it's take away only and unless you are staying around the corner, you will want to find a nice sunny spot to eat your meal in. They directed me to St. Patrick's church about 5 minutes away which has a lovely garden and benches, be sure to get napkins and a fork from them. Turn right out of the shop and you will see the church yard.

Favorite Dish: I only needed to look at the top menu item to know what I was ordering, fresh cod and chips (8.90€). They also had smoked cod, ray and haddock, I think they may have had other items like burgers but why would I want to order that from a fish and chip shop?

They handed me a bag with what seemed like 5 lbs. of fish and chips and I headed down the street to eat my meal. I made pretty good work on the fish but the chips eventually defeated me, I'm not sure it's even humanly possible to eat that many chips.

Leo Burduck's is said to be an institution in Dublin, perhaps because it has been around for a long time, while some argue it has the best fish & chips in town. Because it is a chipper, it is pretty straight forward. You can choose the number of pieces you wish or order a set plate. There were other items on the menu such as soups, fried shrimp, and several sauces. I ordered a "fish special plate" which was a large piece and a half of fried fish with a decent portion of chips. At first, I did not think the taste was great, then realized that I had a thin piece that was mainly skin. As I reached the thicker portion of the fish, it turned out to be much better. I like fish & chips, so was pleased by the meal, but would not rave that it was the best food I had. The fish & chips plate was plenty for a meal and cost about 8EUR. It seems to be a popular place, as there was a line at the original location.

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As Ferni and I were exploring the Christ Church area we happen to come across Leo Burdock. We were feeling quite hungry at the point and decided to walk in and check it out.

The place is super small with only take out service, but with the weather being nice, we decided to order the Sole and Chips to share and sit at one of the benches at Christ Church.

The fish was so good and fresh and the chips were the large steak fries which happen to be my favorite. Their order is quite large, and unless you are starving or eat a lot, one order is enough for sharing.

They put the piece of fish piled on top of the chips and wrap it paper. Make sure to get napkins. We didn't get any eating utensils or napkins in our bag, so we had to eat the fish and chips with our hands, wasn't so bad and thank goodness I carry with napkins and hand wipes to clean my hands with.

Favorite Dish: We ordered the sole and chips to share which was quite good!!

This place is takeaway only. This was a disappointment to us as when we went, it was raining. So we took our picture and looked at the menu and decided not to stay.

I hear wonderful things about this place but have yet to do more than walk in and then walk out.

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Burdocks is a take-away only type establishment and I guess it qualifies as fast food but their fish is the best. I believe Burdocks uses Cod fish as their main fish supply and for not very much money you get a very large fish fillet fried to perfection with a light crust on outside and flaky white meat inside and a good supply of chips. Very good flavor. Your fish 'n chips comes wrapped in paper--no un-necessary cartons or boxes are used. The best part about Burdocks is that it's quick. You don't have choices to make.

Favorite Dish: The Fish 'N Chips! As per our taxi driver, Burdock's has the best fish 'n chips which most tourists miss out on as it is frequented mostly by locals. Also there is no place to sit and eat at Burdocks, you either eat standing up or do as we did which is walk to a nearby park and eat picnic style.

Leo Burdock's has recently announced that it intends to Franchise it's operations. It already has several sites in Dublin, although the concensus seems to be that the original one in Werburg street is still the best by a long way (it's opp. Christ Church). I certainly know that it is miles better than the English chain of 'Harry Ramsden's' which claims a similarly long heritage.

It is not unusual to find long queses ourside the Werberg street shop, and there is even a plaque on the wall detailing some of the celebrities who have duly lined up with Jo anybody from the Dublin Backstreets.

You might meet Kate Moss, Rod Stewart, Naomi Campbell or Bruce Springsteen in the queue, they have all eathen there.

I have however picked a more unusual name to illustate this tip. Edith Piaf, apparantly, loved her cod & chips from this place. Can't you just see here standing on a street corner with extra salt & vinegar and scraps on her bag of chips.

Je ne regret rien - exceot the fact that Health & safety dictate that they can't be wrapped up in Newspapers any more.