LEO BURDOCK: COULD THIS BE THE BEST FISH AND CHIPS SPOT IN DUBLIN?
The Cost -$16
The Atmosphere – A super small fish and chips spot in the Christchurch neighborhood of Dublin, Leo Burdock is a no-frills type of place that does not offer any seating and can only fit a handful of people inside to place orders. Because of that, you often end up seeing a long queue outside the restaurant which can stretch down the block. However, at off-peak times you can usually get in to place your order without much of a wait so if you hate lines, try heading to Burdocks, as it is affectionately called, after 2pm. The restaurant is open seven days a week and on most days from 10am to 5pm. It also takes orders online, though fried food doesn’t always taste the same delivered.
The original Leo Burdock opened in Christchurch in 1913 and is referred to as the oldest Fish & Chip shop in Dublin. Named after the owners’ son, the small shop’s popularity has grown exponentially in recent years due to visits by celebrities as well as a documentary that was made about the eatery. Now with 10 locations throughout Ireland, Burdocks is one of the most well-known eateries in the country. With a menu that features five different fried fish options as well as burgers and a few other fried foods, the most popular option on the menu is, and will likely always be, the Traditional Fresh Cod and Chips. To see if the hype is justified, I went to the original Burdocks location to try its most famous dish.
The Order – The Traditional Fresh Cod and Chips and a Garlic Dip
The Fantastic – While it may not be the best for those looking for a healthy meal, the Traditional Fresh Cod and Chips at Burdocks is a must-try during your time in Dublin. The generous portion of cod fish is well-battered and excellently fried, making for an absolutely delicious meal. The french fries that come with the fish are not crispy or skinny and are very tasty. Leo Burdock does this classic dish extremely well. The only issue is that it does not come with any sauces or dips for the fish or the chips. You need to purchase each one (including ketchup) at a price of 2.5 euros so make sure you factor that into your order. I got the garlic dip and while it wasn’t bad, it wasn’t homemade and wasn’t of the quality I wanted from such an institution.
The Verdict – The hype is justified - Leo Burdock really does fish and chips incredibly well. If you enjoy a good fried meal and want to try some local food that has been served in Dublin for over a century, head to Burdocks. After you get your order, take your fish and chips right over to one of the benches at nearby Christ Church Cathedral to enjoy.