Hey there, fellow food lovers! Today I’m gonna take you on a tasty journey through one of Minneapolis’ most beloved eateries – A&J Fish & Chicken Inc. For over two decades, this local gem has been serving up some seriously delicious comfort food that keeps customers coming back for more. I’ve gathered some awesome photos and info about this spot, and I’m excited to share it all with you!
The Story Behind A&J Fish & Chicken
A&J Fish & Chicken was founded back in the late 1990s by two entrepreneurs simply known as “A” and “J” (creative naming, right?) While not much is known about these original founders, what’s clear is that they had a passion for serving quality comfort food with a focus on – you guessed it – fish and chicken!
The restaurant has been proudly serving the Minneapolis community for over 20 years from their location at 500 E Lake Street. The building features classic red, white, and blue signage that’s become a recognizable landmark in the area.
What makes A&J special is their commitment to fresh food. All their dishes are:
- Fried in pure vegetable oil
- Prepped and cooked at the time of order
- Made with fresh ingredients
A Peek Inside A&J Through Photos
When you look at photos of A&J Fish & Chicken a few things stand out immediately
The Welcoming Atmosphere
Despite being a small, bustling restaurant, A&J maintains a welcoming, family-friendly vibe. Customer photos often show:
- A clean, well-maintained dining area
- Friendly staff interacting with customers
- A mix of regulars and new customers enjoying their meals
The Mouthwatering Food
Let’s be honest – the food is the star of the show here! Photos of A&J’s dishes reveal:
- Perfectly crispy, golden-brown fried chicken
- Flaky, tender fish fillets
- Generous portion sizes
- Colorful side dishes that complement the main attractions
The restaurant’s signature seasoned, crispy fried coating on chicken, catfish, shrimp and more is clearly visible in close-up food shots. You can practically taste the crunch through the photos!
Customer Favorites Captured in Photos
Based on the frequency of appearances in food photos, there are definitely some standout customer favorites at A&J:
Seafood Selections
- Catfish – Available as nuggets, strips, or steaks, the catfish is consistently praised for its fresh taste and perfect fry
- Fried Shrimp – A popular choice that appears in many customer photos
- Jumbo Shrimp – For those with a bigger appetite
- Walleye – A regional favorite that many customers specifically seek out
Chicken Options
- Hot Wings – Their 10-piece hot wings special is frequently photographed
- Fried Chicken – The classic that never disappoints
- Chicken Strips – Served with fries, coleslaw, and bread
Sides and Extras
- French Fries – The perfect companion to any main dish
- Cheese Sticks – A cheesy treat that many customers enjoy
- Cheese Curds – Described as “little bites of cheesy heaven” on their menu
- Onion Rings – Golden and crispy, these appear in many food photos
- Sweet Potato – A slightly healthier alternative side
- Coleslaw – Freshly made and served with many combo meals
Sweet Treats
- Strawberry Cheesecake – A delightful way to end a meal
- 7 Up Pound Cake – A unique dessert that gets lots of photo love
Special Deals Worth Capturing
A&J knows how to draw a crowd with their special deals which are often proudly displayed in photos
Football Specials
Available Sundays & Mondays only, this massive meal includes:
- 20 wings
- 20 hot wings
- 8 PC catfish
- Fries
- 2-liter drink
- Coleslaw
Perfect for game day gatherings or feeding a hungry family!
Chicago-Style Influence
While A&J is proudly a Minneapolis establishment, they do have some Chicago inspiration in their offerings. Photos often showcase:
- Their “Chicago-Style” fried chicken
- Interior decor with art deco elements reminiscent of Chicago
- A unique blend of Midwestern comfort food traditions
Convenience Options
In today’s busy world, A&J makes sure everyone can enjoy their food, whether dining in or not:
Delivery Partnerships
Photos often show delivery drivers picking up orders from:
- GrubHub
- DoorDash
- Uber Eats
Carryout Options
Many customer photos show people picking up their call-in orders to enjoy at home.
Community Connection
What really stands out in photos of A&J is their deep connection to the Minneapolis community:
Supporting Local Teams
- Photos show A&J sponsoring local sports teams
- Trophies sponsored by the restaurant
- Community fundraisers supported by A&J’s food donations
Customer Testimonials in Photos
Happy customers frequently share photos of their A&J experience, like Lawrence Lehn who shared:
“Food was absolutely tasty and very friendly personable service. I had a cheeseburger and onion rings and it was very good. So don’t let the name fool you, there is more than fish and chicken. Next time I am in the area, I don’t have to wonder what there is around to eat. I’ll be back.”
What Makes A&J Stand Out in Photos
When browsing through A&J photos, there are some consistent themes that show why this restaurant has thrived for over two decades:
Quality Food
- Fresh ingredients
- Consistent preparation
- Generous portions
- Distinctive seasoning
Excellent Service
- Friendly staff
- Quick preparation
- Accommodating to customer needs
- 4.2/5 average service rating
Value for Money
- Affordable prices
- Combo meals that satisfy
- Special deals on specific days
- $ price point (budget-friendly)
Practical Info for Your Visit
If you’re planning to visit A&J Fish & Chicken (which I totally recommend!), here’s what you need to know:
Location & Contact
- Address: 500 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407
- Phone: (612) 822-1111 or (612) 825-7000
- Website: www.ajfishchicken.com
Hours of Operation
- Monday-Thursday: 11am-11pm
- Friday-Saturday: 11am-12am
- Sunday: 11am-11pm
Ordering Options
- Dine-in
- Take-out
- Delivery through GrubHub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats
The A&J Experience Through Customer Reviews
Looking at photos and reviews together gives us a complete picture of the A&J experience. With an impressive 4.1 overall rating from 264 reviews, customers consistently praise:
- Food quality (4.3/5 rating)
- Service (4.2/5 rating)
- Atmosphere (3.7/5 rating)
A whopping 69% of reviewers give A&J a perfect 5-star rating!
Tips for First-Time Visitors
If you’re planning your first visit to A&J, I’ve got some insider tips based on customer photos and experiences:
- Try the combo meals – They’re a great value and let you sample multiple items
- Arrive early during peak times – The restaurant can get busy, especially on weekends
- Don’t skip the sides – The coleslaw and onion rings get lots of praise
- Save room for dessert – The 7 Up Pound Cake is a unique treat
- Check out their specials – Especially the Football Special if you’re feeding a group
Beyond Fish & Chicken
While the name might suggest a limited menu, photos reveal that A&J offers much more:
- Italian Beef – Served with fries
- Steak Burger – A hearty option that gets great reviews
- Okra – A standout vegetarian option
- Various desserts – Including their famous 7 Up Pound Cake
My Personal Take
I gotta say, after looking through all these photos and reviews, A&J Fish & Chicken Inc. seems like one of those authentic local treasures that really represents the heart of Minneapolis dining. The combination of Chicago-style influences with local Minnesota favorites (like walleye) creates a unique food experience that you probably won’t find anywhere else.
What I love most from the photos is seeing how diverse the clientele is – people from all walks of life coming together over a love of good, honest comfort food. That’s what makes local restaurants like A&J so special and worth preserving.
Final Thoughts
A&J Fish & Chicken Inc. isn’t just a restaurant – it’s a Minneapolis institution with over 20 years of history serving the community. The photos tell a story of delicious food, friendly service, and a business that has become woven into the fabric of the neighborhood.
Whether you’re a Minneapolis local who somehow hasn’t tried A&J yet, or a visitor looking for authentic local eats, add this spot to your must-visit list. And when you do go, don’t forget to take some photos of your own to add to the visual history of this beloved eatery!
Have you been to A&J Fish & Chicken? What’s your favorite item on their menu? Drop a comment below and share your experience – I’d love to hear about it!
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A good establishment for good ole fried food. Service was great and got recommended the chicken and catfish combo. I got there right before 12 and would advise you to do the same as there was a…
Yes had a few things. First time there Had the cat fish chicken wings Nice to get a slice of bread with it Your tater sauce and Cole slaw will be under it Cat fish was ok but did like the…
They told me that they would deliver within 30-45 minutes. Took them over an hour and a half. Pretty sure they used to extra time to buen the sh!$ out of my chicken, cuz every piece was burnt….
I am in Minneapolis for a kiwanis international convention and was wondering what local cuisine to sample. Most people suggested walleye. I yelped it and A&J popped up. The walleye was…
Deep fry anything and it will be good…right?Well this is not necessarily the truth and A and J was a prime example.I love me some fried chicken and growing up on the Islands, fried chicken is a…
What are they hiding.. #podcast #joeroganexperience #joerogan #joeroganpodcast
FAQ
How many locations does JJ Fish and Chicken have?
Through his love and dedication of fresh and delicious food, he turned his small store into the very successful restaurant business it is today! In less than 20 years, JJ Fish had expanded into more than 130 restaurants – with 90 restaurants in Chicago alone!
Who founded JJ’s Fish and Chicken?
THE HISTORY OF J&J FISH AND CHICKEN On March 8, 1982, James J. Green went in search of the American dream, he founded JJ Fish, a small store where he sold fresh fish to his customers and then charged $1.00 to fry it for them in his secret batter.
What is the JJ’s Big Appetite Special?
Big Appetite Special (Fish, shrimp and chicken)
A Choice of 2PCS Fish, 2 Wings, 10 Shrimp, Coleslaw and fries.
Is JJ’s fish and chicken gluten free?
All JJ’S food is gluten free. Meaning of food is any thing enter your system contains mineral and vitamins that help your body to survive.