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Some families pick a park first and figure out lunch later. Others do it backwards, and in Columbus a growing number of them plan the whole outing around one small counter on a busy avenue.
A crowd sometimes forms before the doors even open at 11 a.m., and that alone says plenty. The building looks like it walked straight out of the 1970s, the kitchen still gets orders through a microphone, and Saturdays bring an all-you-can-eat fish deal that keeps people coming back.
Kids get a kick out of the old-school setup, while grown-ups appreciate a meal that fits a family budget. Keep reading for the story behind this throwback spot, what to order, when to go, and why plenty of Ohio road-trippers say it is worth the drive.
A Counter on West Fifth Avenue
The address that keeps showing up in Columbus family plans is 1216 W 5th Ave, Columbus, OH 43212, United States. Marino’s Seafood Fish & Chips sits right on that stretch, close to Grandview, and it is easy to spot from the road.
It is a casual, old-school counter-serve restaurant. The specialty is fried seafood, with fried chicken and classic American eats filling out the menu.
Think of it as a fast-food-style pit stop, but with a lot more personality than the average drive-thru. Orders happen at the counter, the food comes out quickly, and the focus stays squarely on the fryer.
Plenty of locals admit they drove past the place for years before finally pulling in. Once they did, many turned it into a regular stop.
The location also makes it simple to fold into a bigger Columbus outing. It sits on a main road on the city’s west side, with a parking lot right there, so there is no circling the block hunting for a spot.
For families coming in from Dayton, Cleveland, or Cincinnati, that convenience matters. A quick exit, an easy lunch, and back on the road to the next adventure.
So what makes a simple fish counter worth building a day around? The answer starts with what this building used to be.
The Arthur Treacher’s Backstory
Longtime Ohioans may recognize the shape of the building before they read the sign. The location used to be an Arthur Treacher’s Fish and Chips, a chain many people remember from their childhood.
Today it carries the Marino’s name, but the spirit of the old shop has stuck around. Plenty of guests say the inside has barely changed since its Arthur Treacher’s days.
That continuity is a big part of the appeal. For parents and grandparents, a visit can feel like a trip back to family dinners from decades ago.
The fries and the overall style of the meal are often compared to the old chain. For people who miss that particular kind of fish and chips, this is about as close as it gets.
The restaurant also went through a long closure at one point. When it reopened, fans were clearly pleased to have it back in the neighborhood.
Here is a fun bit of trivia for the car ride over. The spot has drawn attention online too, with at least one couple finding it through a YouTube video before making the trip.
History is nice, but nobody plans a day trip just for a building. The menu has to hold up, and that is where things get interesting.
Fish and Chips, the Main Event
Fish and chips is the headliner here, and it is the dish people talk about most. The fish is described again and again as crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
The batter leans on the thicker side. Some fans love that, while others simply call it a different style than they expected.
The chips get just as much attention as the fish. One person hunting for a proper fish and chips shop for a friend from the United Kingdom said these were some of the better chips found in the country.
Fries come crispy outside and soft inside. A splash of vinegar is a popular move among regulars.
Everything is fried fresh to order, which helps explain why the food arrives hot. Portions are considered generous for what you pay.
Not every plate lands perfectly for everyone. A few guests have felt the fish or the oil was not at its best on a given day, so expectations should stay realistic.
Still, the large majority leave happy. That is why so many families point the minivan toward Fifth Avenue when the fish craving hits, and the sides only make the case stronger.
Hush Puppies Worth a Detour
Here is a side dish that some people treat like the main course. The hush puppies at Marino’s are among the most talked-about items on the menu.
They are made Calabash style, which means they lean a little sweet. That twist sets them apart from the savory versions many Ohioans grew up with.
Fans say they could eat the hush puppies as a full meal. Kids tend to agree, since a sweet, bite-sized side is an easy sell at any age.
They pair well with the fish, but many people order an extra serving just to snack on. A side for the table is a smart way to keep everyone happy while the main plates come out.
Like anything fried, results can vary a little from day to day. One guest felt the oil was off during a visit, though the general mood around these hush puppies stays very positive.
For families, this is a low-cost add-on with a high payoff. Ordering a few extra for the car ride home is a move worth considering.
Fried sides are only half the story, though. The kitchen also puts real effort into a few cooler companions.
Homemade Slaw and Tartar Sauce
A good fish shop is often judged by its sides, and the coleslaw here holds its own. It is made in house, and plenty of people who usually skip coleslaw end up changing their minds.
The tartar sauce is homemade too. It gets regular praise as a strong match for the fish.
Better yet, the tartar sauce is unlimited, along with ketchup and vinegar. Families with saucy kids will appreciate not having to ask for extra cups every five minutes.
Macaroni salad is another option that comes up often. It has a honey mustard character that makes it a little different from the standard picnic version.
These sides help round out the meal without driving up the bill much. A basket of fish, a scoop of slaw, and a side of mac salad makes a balanced plate for a quick lunch.
For picky eaters, the simple choices are a safe bet. For adventurous ones, mixing a bite of slaw with the fish is a classic move.
Of course, the menu does not stop at fish. Several other seafood picks deserve a closer look before you order.
Beyond the Fish Fillet
Not everyone in the family wants the same basket, and the menu gives them options. Fried shrimp is a popular choice alongside the fish.
Chowder has a loyal following too. The New England clam chowder gets warm words, with some calling it the best they have had.
That makes it a good pick for cooler fall days, when a cup of chowder fits right in with an afternoon out.
Other seafood choices include scallops, oysters, crab cakes, and fried smelts. Opinions on these vary more, so first-timers may want to stick with the fish and shrimp.
Fried chicken is on the menu for anyone who prefers to skip seafood. It is not the star of the show, according to some feedback, but it does give non-fish fans something to order.
The restaurant also offers a different special every day. Checking the board at the counter is a good habit before deciding.
Variety helps keep a family trip smooth. Everyone gets something, nobody sulks, and the conversation can turn to the biggest deal of the week.
Saturday’s All-You-Can-Eat Deal
Saturday is the day hungry families circle on the calendar. That is when Marino’s offers all-you-can-eat fish.
The price has been noted at $15.50 in recent years. Years ago it was $11.50, so it is wise to confirm the current price at the counter.
The deal is a big draw, and Saturdays can get packed. One guest described the dining room as full without an extra seat available.
Refills come from the kitchen rather than a self-serve line. On busy days, waiting for the next round can take a while, and at least one person felt it moved too slowly.
Most people still find it a fun way to spend a lunch. Ordering the deal for a teenager with a bottomless appetite might be the best value move of the weekend.
Planning tip: arriving close to the 11 a.m. opening may help with seating. Crowds sometimes wait outside before the doors open.
All that food tastes even better in a setting with some charm. The room itself turns out to be part of the attraction.
The Famous Order Microphone
Kids may forget the name of the restaurant, but they will remember the microphone. Orders are relayed to the kitchen through a microphone at the counter.
It is a small, old-fashioned system that many restaurants left behind long ago. Here, it is still part of the everyday routine.
Children are often amazed by it. Parents tend to smile too, since it brings back memories of their own childhood trips to fish counters.
Another throwback detail is the RC Cola fountain machine. Spotting one of those in the wild is a treat for anyone who loves vintage Americana.
These little touches turn a quick lunch into a mini history lesson. It is the kind of detail that gets talked about on the drive home.
Ordering itself is quick and easy. The line moves fast, and staff are known for keeping things efficient even during rushes.
Retro gadgets are fun, but a room also needs people who make it feel welcoming. That is another area where this shop shines.
Old-School Room, Modern Comforts
From the outside, the building gives off strong 1970s energy. Inside, the throwback feel continues, and many guests describe the atmosphere as nostalgic and cool.
Cleanliness comes up constantly. People are often surprised at how tidy it is, especially for a fry shop.
The seating area is on the small side. On busy days, tables can fill up fast.
There is also some outdoor seating, which is handy in mild weather. Many customers choose to-go orders, and the restaurant seems well set up for that.
Free WiFi is available, and it is said to be fast. That is a nice bonus for parents who need to check directions for the next stop.
The old setting does not mean outdated standards. Guests praise both the look of the place and how well it is kept.
A clean, retro room sets the stage. The people behind the counter are what make families want to return.
A Family-Owned Welcome
Friendly faces are a recurring theme at this Fifth Avenue counter. Marino’s is family owned, and many people say that local touch is obvious right away.
The owners and staff are described as welcoming, patient, and kind. Guests often say they felt appreciated during their visit.
Service stays quick even when the room is crowded. One guest called the operation a well-oiled machine.
That speed matters for families with young kids. Shorter waits mean fewer meltdowns and more time for the rest of the day’s plans.
Patience matters too. First-timers figuring out the menu, or kids taking their time choosing, are met with a calm attitude.
Many people mention the owner by role, noting that the people running the place are friendly and hands-on. It adds a personal feel that chain restaurants rarely match.
Warm welcomes are great, but families still watch the budget. Luckily, the value side of the equation is strong too.
Good Food at a Fair Price
Budget-minded families can relax a little here. Price is one of the most praised parts of the Marino’s experience.
People regularly describe the cost as fair, hard to beat, or simply great for what you get. Portions are considered generous.
The Saturday all-you-can-eat fish, noted at $15.50, is the clearest value example. For big eaters, it can stretch a lunch budget a long way.
Free extras help too. Unlimited tartar sauce, ketchup, and vinegar mean no surprise charges for add-ons.
Consistency is another part of the value. Regulars say the food quality stays steady from visit to visit, which is reassuring when you are driving in from another city.
Since prices can change, checking the website or asking at the counter is a smart idea. That way, there are no surprises at checkout.
Value gets people in the door once. Planning the timing right gets them in smoothly every time after that.
When the Doors Open
Timing is everything for this one, because the schedule is short. Marino’s is open Wednesday through Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
It is closed Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. That catches some first-time visitors off guard, so plan around it.
Opening time can bring a rush. There have been days when a crowd was waiting at 11 a.m. for the doors to open.
Friday afternoons bring a steady flow of customers. Saturdays tend to be the busiest thanks to the all-you-can-eat fish.
Families who want a calmer meal may find Wednesday or Thursday easier. Those days can be a good fit for anyone wanting more elbow room in the small dining area.
Arriving early in the window also leaves the afternoon free. Lunch first, then the rest of the Columbus itinerary.
With the calendar sorted, the last puzzle piece is getting there and parking. Thankfully, that part is refreshingly simple.
Easy Parking and a Simple Drive
Nobody wants a day trip that starts with a parking hunt. The good news is that this spot is easy to find and has good parking.
It sits on West Fifth Avenue in Columbus, close to Grandview. Many people mention that they drove past it countless times before stopping.
For families coming from elsewhere in Ohio, the location works well as a lunch anchor for a bigger city outing. Toledo, Dayton, and Cleveland folks can treat it as a planned stop rather than a random detour.
Takeout is popular, which helps on crowded days. Grabbing an order to go and eating elsewhere is always an option.
Calling ahead is possible through the restaurant’s listed contact options, and the website has more details. It is worth a quick check before setting out.
Some guests travel across town just for this meal. A few even admit they were planning a return trip before leaving the parking lot.
That kind of loyalty says a lot. So does the final question: is the trip worth it?
Is It Worth the Drive?
Ohio road-trippers ask one question about every stop, and this counter answers it well for most people. Marino’s Seafood Fish & Chips holds a 4.6-star average across more than 1,600 Google ratings.
The appeal comes from a mix of things. Crispy fish, sweet hush puppies, homemade slaw, fast service, and a room straight out of another decade all pull in the same direction.
It is not perfect for everyone. A few people have had off days with the oil or found certain items, like crab cakes or chicken, less impressive.
Still, the overall picture is clear. This is a casual, family-friendly spot that delivers a solid meal at a fair price.
It suits nostalgic grandparents, curious kids, and anyone who misses the old Arthur Treacher’s style. It also suits families who just want an easy, affordable lunch in Columbus.
Plan for Wednesday through Saturday, arrive near opening on busy days, and save room for extra hush puppies.
Some places are just a pit stop. This one has earned a spot as the reason for the trip, and plenty of Ohio families are happy to build a whole day around that basket of fish and chips.
