Mel's Fish Shack

This place USED to be excellent but it just doesn't have that star quality as before! Change of ownership perhaps? Not as good! Disappointed!!!

Changing the name won't help. They can't cook sand dab at all. It was the grossest experience of my life!!! The fish was slimy and it reminded me of eel! It was disgusting. Buyer beware!

What happened Mel? This place of fried fish and shrimp used to hit. I used to order from them on the regular a few decades ago and the fish used to hit. The shrimp were always tasty and succulent and their dill tartar sauce was the perfect accessory. I ordered two dinners, the Catfish and the shrimp. They were just okay.. And when I say just okay, I mean, I won't order from them again.Shrimp were dull.Macaroni salad and potato salad were throw aways.Onion rings were limp and soggy. Fries were limp and soggy.Three pieces come with Catfish dinner.These pieces have bones.I enjoyed my Shasta black cherry sodas.That is all.If you want good fried Catfish, get it from Ralph's. Mel's ain't it anymore.

1st time here; Fish Town on LaBrea was closed (11/24/23); day after thanksgiving. I was the 1st customer at 12:11p.Ordered Filet of Sole & Red Snapoer; Fish was hot & good! Also, the man that took my order was Super Cool.

I've always loved this place. You used to be able to sit inside but that wasn't exactly spacious to begin with so I can see why they'd close off the entrance especially during Covid. It was nice being able to watch them make your food though.

Fish was decent, the sides, not so much. There is no ambiance because it's a walk up window, but the service was ok. Good for something quick and inexpensive if you're in a pinch.

Okay. I ordered the Fish & Shrimp Combo. With a side of Fries and Red beans and rice. Really expensive for it not to be that Crispy and seasoned. It was okay. I got Snapper I wish it was a lil more crispy they gave me seasoning salt for the fries hot sauce and tartar sauce on the side. I can tell the tartar sauce was homemade it was really good and the hot sauce wasn't water down. THe red beans and rice was so good too. But not worth the price Honestly.

WOW! Now, THIS is the authentic (but not overseasoned) soul food I've been craving. I saw Mel's Fish Shack on an LA Times article, listing 200 black owned restaurants in Los Angeles and had it bookmarked to try. I randomly passed it on my way home from a work event today, and decided to stop. It's for sure a shack, so prepare to order from the takeout window and head home to eat. I was greeted warmly by Georgiette who chatted me up and answered my questions about the food and the way the sides were prepared. I ordered the catfish dinner which comes with two sides and bread. After deciding to try the hushpuppies and potato salad, Georgette said my order would take 10-15 minutes, which was an accurate estimate. The car ride home was torture because everything smelled SO GOOD! Thankfully, I stopped myself to snap a few pics before digging in. The portions are good for the price point and everything is so flavorful without being too salty. I will absolutely be back for more! Highly recommend.

I've been going to this location for decades, along with the rest of my family. The last 3 visits have been terrible- this is not in reference to taste, it's about quantity. Mel's use to be the spot that you could really get a bang for your buck. Beware if you order from a delivery app- you will get way less food, but they still up charged the prices on the apps. My last 3 orders were pick up and a Delivery app (twice)- we barely got any food, and for my pick up order, I got a dinner combo ($30 +tax) half the plate was filled (literally - half the compartments, my catfish wasn't even a full filet- the filet was cut in half. I got a few shrimp. For my delivery items it was worse. Mel's get it together, I'm done, my family and I have all experienced the same thing. There are other fish market places that are just as good and give you your money's worth.

I come to Mel's a few times a year when I'm craving fried fish. Service is ok, and there really isn't any ambiance. You order at the front door and you food is giving to you when done. I will try Collin's next to see how they compare to Mel's.