A longtime Cincinnati culinary staple is prepping for some updates after entering a new lease with Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC).
Alabama Fish Bar, located at 1601 Race St. in Over-the-Rhine, has been serving the Queen City community for nearly three decades, and will continue to do so with a fresh look and some new equipment come this fall.
The fried fish eatery entered an agreement with 3CDC after the nonprofit purchased their building. According to a release from 3CDC, the acquisition is part of the organization's $50 million Willkommen project, which includes building/rehabbing several buildings across Over-the-Rhine to create 163 residential units (with some affordable units) and nearly 20,000 square feet of commercial space.
Alabama Fish Bar will close temporarily this fall while they work on updates, which include a new storefront, flooring and paint, as well as new equipment including an updated grill, hood and walk-in cooler.
Owner of Alabama Fish Bar, Anna Fillis, explains that planning has taken a little while, but it will be worth the wait.
“Things take time, and if you want something done right, you can’t rush into it,” Fillis says. “It’s been about three years in the making, but I’m happy for the change, and excited for the future.”
According to a release, Alabama Fish Bar actually started as a pizza-by-the-slice shop (which served other bites as well), but after a successful staff meal of fried whiting became a regular occurrence in the kitchen — with a Fillis' family-recipe batter — the establishment eventually found its niche.
Alabama Fish Bar now offers three different fish on its menu: cod, whiting and ocean perch, as well as French fries and slaw.
While renovating, the eatery will close for several weeks, however Fillis' staff, some who have been with the business for decades, will continue to be paid, the release reads.
An exact closing date has not yet been announced, but follow Alabama Fish Bar on Facebook to stay updated.
Alabama Fish Bar, 1601 Race St., Over-the-Rhine.
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