Trawler's Seafood Kitchen

May she stand forever.... Call me Ishmael. I have been going to Trawlers since I was a little boy (then Boydes) and have ordered the same thing every time: two piece halibut and chips. I could never finish it, so I'd always get dad to finish it off. It is a place where dad would take me on those "special" (boring) Saturdays when we went downtown to run errands or when I played in his office while he worked. Being a kid back then was different, I like to think my generation is the last one that truly knows the meaning of quality time. Trawlers is the place where dad and I would connect and talk about Calvin and Hobbes or why Lego is just so great. Just me and him laughing and learning over a plate of tender white halibut cocooned in a modestly deep fried batter. Crisp and tender. Like the conversations we shared.

Trawlers hasn't changed a bit. It's exactly how I remember it since the early 90s. It's fresh fish is supplied by the fishmonger (Boydes) located inside the restaurant and it is the only place I go to get lobster today. Perhaps I am biased because of the memories, sure I'll grant you that. But as Calgary grows, as new tastes come and go, and as down to earth hole in the walls fall victim to the overhyped mediocrity of Toronto imports (see Rodney's Oyster House), I can only hope that Trawlers stay around so that one day when I have a son, I can selfishly bring him to the same little temples where I learned about life, people, and family.

For those looking for something quiet, unpretentious, and simple, go here and bring your kids. Bring your friends. Leave your phones in the car and just disconnect to reconnect with those unjudgmental few. The decor is not pretty, rather it's preserved. I'd like to think it's just for me, as it's empty most of the time, but it's for you to share. Just like the two piece halibut that I can't finish to this day. I still save a little bit for him.

Good Fun. Cool place attached to the Boyd's Seafood store. Always fun.

Tasty and no frills!. This restaurant is nothing fancy, but it is a great place to fix your fish-n-chips craving. I went on a Saturday afternoon and it was nice and quiet.

I had the three piece dinner with haddock, and it was great. It wasn't overly greasy, and the fish was perfectly flaky and flavorful. The 'chips' aren't truly 'chips', more just regular French fries, but that's usually the case over here in North America. Service was quick, and friendly.

All-in-all, Trawler's is a quaint little place to grab a bite and I'll be back soon.

Very basic menu but they do it right. The dated menu and decor probably wont blow you away, but the place is bright and clean and smells like a good fish and chip joint should. This place does it right, keeps it simple and fresh. Real, big pieces of fresh battered fish and awesome house cut fries. Stayed open about an hour past close to serve us which is a total win in my books. Big portions for totally fair prices. No frills, but taste and quality are always more important. Will return.