Seemor
Fish MarketB+Worth Trying
111 South St, New York, NY 10038
· Sports bar, Asian fusion restaurant, Bar & grill
· 4.5/5 Google (963 reviews)
Takeout
Rowdy Seaport dive with surprisingly great Malaysian-leaning bar food and cheap drinks, but service can be hostile and rules rigid; go for wings, laksa, and vibes if you fit the scene.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Fish Market delivers exceptional food quality—ginger wings, drunken fish soup, and curry laksa that exceed typical bar standards—and captures authentic dive-bar character that draws loyal regulars across town. However, inconsistent service, cleanliness concerns, and occasional execution lapses prevent a higher grade. It's a hidden gem for adventurous eaters seeking affordable, flavorful Malaysian-leaning comfort food in a rowdy waterfront setting, but expect unpredictable service and a deliberately rough environment.
Restaurant Summary
Step through the handle-less door into a room that feels warm and bustling with sports on TV, cheap pours, and locals who swear by the kitchen. One diner put it best: "Looks rough outside, but dinner landed like a hidden gem." Expect rowdy dive-bar energy and the occasional free whiskey shot when the staff is in the mood. The cooking leans Malaysian-inflected comfort—think ginger wings, drunken fish soup, curry laksa, and rendang—served alongside bar staples like fish and chips. It is hearty and satisfying rather than fussy, with off-menu specials if you ask. Most find portions fair for the Seaport, though a few criticize the lobster roll for being light. Families can do fine here early: kids may like chicken fingers, mac and cheese, pasta, and fish and chips. During big game nights it gets loud and crowded, so come off-peak if you need calmer energy. No kids menu spotted, but there are several simple, familiar options.
At a Glance
- Malaysian-leaning bar food is far better than expected (wings, drunken fish soup, laksa)
- Lively dive vibe with affordable drinks and occasional free shots
- Strict restroom/ID rules and confrontational service reports
- Bathrooms and overall cleanliness draw complaints
- Loud on game days; not ideal if you want quiet
What Sets It Apart
- homestyle_malaysian_in_a_dive_bar
- occasional_free_whiskey_shots
- beloved_regulars_culture
What People Love
- Ginger wings cooked perfectly
- Comforting soups that cure a rough day
- Regulars-first culture with personality
- Value drinks for the neighborhood
Points of Concern
- Service can be confrontational when enforcing house rules (IDs, restroom use)
- Bathroom cleanliness and dive-level grime noted by critics
- Lobster roll portion/value inconsistent per multiple mentions
- Very loud during sports; arrive early or avoid peak times
- Review patterns show strong polarity which may not reflect every diner's experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$40-$58 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- If spice-averse, choose fish & chips ($18), penne pasta ($12), or chicken fingers ($16).
- Vegetarians: scallion pancake ($11), yummy noodles ($13), bok choy (S9/L16), penne pasta ($12).
Perfect For
- Game-day hangs with spicy wings and beers
- Locals seeking a gritty Seaport institution
- Casual date that does not mind noise
- Solo bite at the bar with a hearty soup
Location Insights
Area: Historic waterfront zone mixing tourists, office workers, and locals; lively nights and game days.
Safety: Generally safe, high foot traffic; bar-level grime reported by some reviewers inside.
Nearby: Near Seaport attractions, East River, offices, and transit at Fulton St; heavy weekend crowds.
Financial DistrictThe Financial District is characterized by a bustling daytime population of office workers and tourists visiting landmarks like the World Trade Center and Wall Street. Dining options range from quick casual eateries catering to busy professionals to upscale restaurants and trendy bars. The area has seen increased residential growth, adding a more diverse evening and weekend dining crowd.
South Street SeaportSouth Street Seaport is a historic waterfront area within the Financial District known for its maritime heritage, cobblestone streets, and a concentration of seafood restaurants and casual dining spots. It attracts tourists and locals looking for scenic views and a relaxed dining atmosphere near the East River.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday16:00–00:00
Tuesday16:00–00:00
Wednesday16:00–00:00
Thursday16:00–00:00
Friday16:00–00:00
Saturday14:00–00:00
Sunday14:00–00:00
Available: Takeout
View full analysis on Seemor →