Smee's Alaskan Fish Bar Information

Smee’s Alaskan Fish Bar at 1160 Kietzke Ln has a refreshingly narrow mission for a Reno seafood restaurant: put wild Alaskan cod front and center and let the fish do most of the talking. The current Kietzke Lane location operates more like a straightforward seafood stop than the old downtown riverfront version, with lunch and early-dinner hours Tuesday through Friday and a shorter Saturday schedule. The restaurant’s identity comes from its Alaska connection; current business materials describe its cod as wild Alaskan fish tied to Captain Jon Smee’s fishing operation. In a landlocked city, that gives the place a more specific story than simply calling itself a fish-and-chips shop.

Fish and chips are the natural first order. The current menu pairs wild Alaskan cod with fries, coleslaw, lemon, and house-made tartar sauce, with one- through four-piece portions available. Recent diners repeatedly praise the cod for arriving flaky inside a crisp batter, and the tartar sauce gets enough enthusiastic mentions to qualify as more than an obligatory condiment. Clam chowder is another recurring favorite, with customers noting plenty of clams and a rich texture. Tempura shrimp also earns good feedback, while anyone wanting to move beyond fried seafood can find options such as pan-seared halibut, grilled salmon, fish tacos, cioppino, steamed clams, and sesame-seared ahi on the broader menu.

The main criticism is consistency, especially once fried food leaves the restaurant. Several delivery and customer reviews say the batter and fries can soften quickly, and a few diners found the cod underseasoned. Pricing is another recurring sticking point; even customers who like the quality sometimes acknowledge that Smee’s costs more than an everyday fried-fish lunch. On the other hand, recent feedback includes diners who specifically defend the price because of the fish quality and portion size. Service comments generally lean positive, with hospitality and friendly staff receiving favorable mentions, though the available feedback is varied enough that there is no reason to pretend every visit lands exactly the same way.

For a first visit, the two-piece fish and chips makes the clearest introduction, with clam chowder or tempura shrimp as worthwhile additions if you arrive hungry. Fried items also seem best eaten on the spot rather than after a long delivery ride; crisp batter has never been especially patient. Smee’s is most convincing when judged on what distinguishes it: wild Alaskan cod, a house tartar sauce customers remember, and a seafood menu with more range than the name initially suggests. It may not be the cheapest fish lunch in Reno, and the fries draw more debate than the cod, but for diners who put fish quality ahead of bargain pricing, this Kietzke Lane stop has a clear reason to exist.

Business Info

What People's Say About Place

This place is phenomenal. I grew up south of Boston and was raised on seafood, as much as I love Reno, the seafood here isn’t the same. This place is an exception. I had fish and chips and the tempura shrimp. The quality of the seafood is incredible. The shrimp has a sweet flavor, the cod flakes nicely, the batter was crispy and not overpowering. The inside of the restaurant is clean, the ladies working the front were friendly and obviously working very hard. I couldn’t be more impressed. I have a short list of favorite restaurants in Reno and this is going to the top. I literally felt like I was home in Plymouth. Come in and enjoy it, you won’t regret it. Whoever is running this business, congratulations, you nailed it and should be very proud of your food

Sorry in advance for the long review but I feel like this place deserves every detail addressed. The food is absolutely excellent. I grew up in a high-profile beach town and never had fish and chips like this. I wasn't even a huge fan of fish and chips until I tried the fish here. What really puts it over the edge, is their homemade tartar sauce. Seriously you haven't really treated yourself if you haven't tried it. Also, when I'm done, I usually dip my fries in it. The picture today in my review, is the one piece fish basket. It comes with the tartar sauce, coleslaw and the fries. I usually come here with my husband on the weekend and we get the 4 piece basket and we just share.... It is plenty of food. I also want to talk about how absolutely clean and pristine the inside is. They do have a drive through if you don't want to get out of your car. But eating inside is also a treat, it is so relaxing, they always have really good music playing. There's a large window in the front with tables that has beautiful plants hanging. When I go in, I usually just get a cup of water for my drink as they have a huge, iced water dispenser that you can just get fresh water out of, so you don't have to spend extra on a drink if you don't want to. This is also a 100% family run, and nothing feels better than supporting that. I have been here many times and it's always a pleasant experience, sometimes I feel like I'm on a mini-vacation when I sit down and have a meal here. In the past I have read some negative comments on Facebook about their "prices" so I do want to address that.... Please remember that the last time I got a large fry and a coke at McDonald's, just that was like at least $10. And that is the bottom of the barrel as far as food choices. So paying a few extra dollars for the highest quality fish ingredients, plus supporting a family owned business is really not anything you can complain about. It's just hard when people don't put that into perspective that like you're really just paying a couple dollars extra for the highest quality ingredients. Since I've been here so many times I just thought it was appropriate that I finally leave my thoughts on my review.

The service and hospitality were awesome to start! Clam Chowder is fantastic! Reminded me of New England. The Cod was so flaky, batter crunchy, and seasoned well . Chips were soft inside and had a soft crunch Needless to say, highly recommend! Freshest fish I’ve had out here in the desert and so grateful they are here!

The best fish and chips in town! Family owned and the fish is all made in store. It is a bit pricey but the quality of the fish can't be beat! Highly recommended if you want a decent fish and chips meal.

Two Fish and chips (fries) were very tasty. Got one fish as spicy, preferred regular one though. Will return for shrimp next

Nice fresh quality selection. I ordered the tempura Shrimp and Cod strips. Both very good. Light batter on both. the Shrimp were good sized and prepared perfectly, the Cod strips were the same and delicious. This isn't cheap fast food. I'll be back

Smee's Alaskan Fish Bar