Rumble Fish is Bringing Fish Shack Energy to Hastings-Sunrise

There’s a new reason to head to Hastings-Sunrise: Rumble Fish, the neighbourhood seafood joint now open at the corner of Hastings and Garden (right across the street from Dachi and next to Church’s Chicken). With a no-fuss approach and a menu built around local catch, it’s bringing serious fish shack energy to East Van.

The new counter-service spot from industry vet Tyson Reimer (Cobre, Deacon’s Corner, Peckinpah) is serving up fish and chips done right: crispy, golden, and built around your choice of cod, salmon or rockfish. But it doesn’t stop there. The menu strikes a smart balance between unfussy classics and chef-driven plays. Think bright and balanced tuna poke with edamame and mango; and a silky miso-glazed sablefish bento that’s refined in flavour, but served with zero pretence on paper trays, just like everything else.

When I stopped by during a staff tasting yesterday, the tables were set with the holy square of condiments – ketchup, vinegar, salt and pepper – all standing by for duty. I managed to sample a good spread from the opening menu; but the prawn roll, piled high with slaw and pickled onion, was a standout. It was bright, indulgent, and held together by just enough sriracha mayo. The Humboldt calamari was both crisp and tender, and paired perfectly with Rumble Fish’s house-made tzatziki. The fish tacos also deserve a nod for being well-seasoned, generously filled and satisfying. And, not for nothing: the fries were good. For me, fries are the giveaway at any fish and chip joint. If I spot a floppy, pale version of what should be a well-fried, perfectly seasoned, hand-cut fry, I just can’t get excited about lining up to order the fish. Reimer knows what he’s doing in the kitchen, and everything I sampled was on-point.

And if you’re in the mood to veer off the seafood path? You’ve still got a few options, including a smash burger, Nathan’s Famous hot dog, and poutine, if that’s the kind of day you’re having. There’s no bar to speak of yet, but a liquor license is in the works. In the meantime, you’ll find house-made iced tea, lemonade, and (obviously) Arnold Palmers to quench your thirst.

Rumble Fish is open seven days a week, from 11am to 10pm.

While you wait to pay them a visit, take a look at our photos below: