Behind The Counter Of The New Jersey Market That Sets The Standard For Fresh Seafood

What’s the secret to seafood so fresh it practically winks at you? Step behind the counter at Peter’s Fish Market and you’ll find out.

The lobsters look like they’re ready for a boxing match, the clams are shouting “pick me,” and the shrimp? Fresher than my last bad joke.

Locals pack the place like it’s a Springsteen concert, only the oysters are the headliners. The staff moves faster than I do when someone says “free samples,” and the smell alone had me rethinking my grocery list.

I swore I’d just grab salmon, but somehow I left with three pounds of scallops I didn’t even know I needed.

That’s the Peter’s effect… you don’t shop, you get swept up in the frenzy. Honestly, if New Jersey crowned a seafood king, Peter’s would already be wearing the crown.

The Unmistakable Freshness That Draws Locals Back Every Week

Walking up to the counter at Peter’s, the first thing that strikes you is how the seafood looks almost alive. The fillets glisten under the lights, the shrimp are firm and translucent, and the scallops sit plump and ivory-white in their trays.

This isn’t the kind of fish that’s been sitting around for days.

Freshness here isn’t just a selling point. It’s the entire foundation of what Peter’s does.

Regulars mention in reviews that they’ve been coming here for over twenty years, and that kind of loyalty doesn’t happen by accident.

You can see it in the way the staff handles each piece, the way they talk about where things come from, and the way they recommend what just came in that morning. Salmon, swordfish, cod, flounder, scallops, shrimp.

Everything is rotated and restocked constantly.

One customer who works as a professional chef at a country club said Peter’s makes his job easier because he never has to worry about quality. That’s a huge endorsement.

When someone who cooks for a living trusts a place with their reputation, you know it’s legit.

Even if you’re not a seafood expert, you can tell the difference. The texture is firmer, the color is brighter, and there’s no weird smell.

Just clean, ocean-fresh seafood that makes you want to cook something special that night.

The Cash-Only Policy That Keeps Things Old School

Peter’s Fish Market operates on a simple rule: cash or check only. No credit cards, no Apple Pay, no tap-to-pay convenience.

At first, this might seem like a hassle, especially if you’re used to swiping your card everywhere. But once you understand why, it actually makes sense.

Running a small, family-style business means keeping costs down wherever possible. Credit card fees eat into profit margins, especially for a market that’s focused on quality over volume.

By sticking to cash, Peter’s can keep their prices fair and their operation lean.

There’s an ATM right inside the shop, and another one just a block away if that one’s out of service. Most regulars know the drill and come prepared.

It’s become part of the experience, a little throwback to the way things used to be done.

Some people find it inconvenient, and that’s fair. But others appreciate the old-school approach.

It keeps things personal and direct. You hand over your money, they hand over your fish, and that’s that.

If you’re planning to visit, just make sure you stop at an ATM first. Once you’re there, the cash-only thing becomes a non-issue.

You’ll be too focused on picking out what to cook for dinner.

The Knowledgeable Staff Who Actually Know Their Seafood

One of the best parts about shopping at Peter’s is the people behind the counter. These aren’t just cashiers or stock clerks.

They know seafood inside and out, and they’re genuinely happy to help you figure out what to buy.

Whether you’re planning to make ceviche, sushi, or a simple grilled fillet, they’ll guide you to the right choice. One reviewer mentioned how the staff patiently helped them pick the perfect fish and portion size for sushi night at home.

That’s the kind of service you don’t get at a big-box grocery store.

They’ll answer questions about preparation, cooking methods, and even storage. If you’re not sure how to tell if scallops are done, or whether you should rinse shrimp before cooking, just ask.

They’ve heard it all and they’re not going to make you feel silly for asking.

The guys working here move fast, especially during busy times, but they still take a moment to make sure you’re getting what you need. Even when the line is long, they stay efficient without being rushed or rude.

It’s clear they take pride in what they do. That energy is contagious, and it makes the whole experience feel more like a conversation than a transaction.

The Selection That Goes Way Beyond Salmon And Shrimp

Peter’s doesn’t just stock the basics. Sure, you’ll find salmon and shrimp, but you’ll also find sea scallops, bay scallops, swordfish, cod, flounder, and a rotating selection of whatever’s fresh that week.

The variety is impressive for a local market.

If you’re tired of cooking the same few types of fish, this is the place to branch out. Maybe you’ve never tried swordfish steaks or fresh flounder fillets.

Maybe you’ve only ever had frozen scallops from the grocery store. Peter’s gives you a chance to explore.

They also carry prepared items like seafood salads, cocktail shrimp, and other ready-to-eat options. Some people grab these for quick weeknight meals or last-minute appetizers.

The quality is just as solid as the raw stuff.

You can also call ahead and request something special if you’re planning a dinner party or holiday meal. They’ll set it aside for you and have it ready when you arrive.

That kind of flexibility is rare and really appreciated by regular customers.

The selection changes based on what’s available, so every visit feels a little different. It keeps things interesting and gives you a reason to ask what’s new each time you stop in.

The Sushi-Grade Options That Home Chefs Love

Not every fish market carries sushi-grade seafood, but Peter’s does. That’s a big deal if you like making sushi, sashimi, poke bowls, or crudo at home.

The quality has to be next-level for raw preparations, and Peter’s delivers.

Customers rave about the tuna and salmon in particular. One person mentioned using the scallops to make crudo, and they turned out amazing.

Another said they always grab the tuna for homemade poke. These aren’t just good fish.

They’re clean, safe, and delicious enough to eat raw.

Sushi-grade means the fish has been handled and stored in a way that makes it safe to consume without cooking. It’s frozen at a specific temperature to kill parasites, then thawed properly and kept at the right temp.

Peter’s takes that seriously.

If you’re nervous about preparing raw fish at home, the staff can walk you through it. They’ll tell you how to store it, how long it stays fresh, and what to look for.

It’s not as scary as it sounds once you know what you’re doing.

Being able to buy sushi-grade seafood locally is a luxury. You don’t have to order online or drive to a specialty store.

Just swing by Peter’s, grab what you need, and you’re set.

The Holiday Rush That Proves How Trusted This Place Is

If you want to see just how popular Peter’s is, stop by before a major holiday. The place gets packed.

Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, you name it. People line up out the door to get their seafood for family dinners and special meals.

This can be a little overwhelming if you’re not used to it. Some reviews mention that the market could use better crowd management during these times.

The number system helps, but when it’s really busy, things can feel a bit chaotic.

That said, the fact that so many people choose Peter’s for their holiday meals says a lot. These are the meals that matter most, the ones where you want everything to be perfect.

And people trust Peter’s to deliver.

The staff works hard to keep things moving, but it’s still a good idea to plan ahead. Call in your order a day or two early if you can.

That way, you can skip some of the wait and just pick up what you need.

Even with the crowds, the quality never slips. You’re still getting the same fresh, beautiful seafood.

It just takes a little patience to get through the line. Most regulars know this and plan accordingly.

The Prepared Foods That Make Weeknight Dinners Easier

Not every trip to Peter’s has to involve cooking from scratch. They offer a nice selection of prepared foods that are perfect for busy nights or last-minute gatherings.

Cocktail shrimp with sauce, seafood salads, coleslaw, and other ready-to-go items line the counter.

These aren’t afterthoughts. They’re made with the same attention to quality as everything else in the shop.

One reviewer mentioned grabbing the shrimp with cocktail sauce regularly, calling it amazing. Another tried the chickpea salad and coleslaw, though opinions on flavor varied.

If you’re hosting a casual get-together and need an easy appetizer, the prepared shrimp is a lifesaver. Pop it on a platter, add some lemon wedges, and you’re done.

No cooking, no stress, just good food.

The seafood salads are also a solid option for lunch or a light dinner. Toss them on a bed of greens, stuff them in a sandwich, or eat them straight out of the container.

They keep well in the fridge and taste fresh.

It’s nice to have these options available, especially when you’re short on time but still want something better than fast food. Peter’s makes it easy to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen.

The Freezer-Friendly Scallops That Stock Your Kitchen

Scallops are one of those ingredients that feel fancy but are actually pretty easy to cook. Peter’s carries both sea scallops and bay scallops, and customers love them.

One of the best tips from regulars is that these scallops freeze really well.

If you see a good batch, buy extra and toss them in the freezer. That way, you’ve always got something special on hand for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dinner.

Just thaw them in the fridge overnight and you’re ready to go.

Sea scallops are the larger ones, perfect for searing in a hot pan until they’re golden and caramelized on the outside, tender on the inside. Bay scallops are smaller and sweeter, great for pasta dishes or seafood stews.

The quality at Peter’s means you’re starting with a product that’s already top-notch. When you freeze them properly, they retain that quality.

No freezer burn, no weird texture, just good scallops whenever you need them.

One reviewer mentioned using the scallops for crudo, which is a raw preparation similar to ceviche. That’s a testament to how fresh and clean they are.

You can eat them raw or cooked, and either way, they’re delicious.

The Local Convenience That Feels Like A Neighborhood Gem

Peter’s sits right on Godwin Avenue in Midland Park, tucked into a quiet neighborhood. For locals, having a fish market this good within walking distance is a huge bonus.

One customer mentioned being able to walk there from home, which is pretty rare these days.

It’s the kind of place that becomes part of your routine. You stop in on your way home from work, grab what you need for dinner, and you’re done.

No big trip to a specialty store in another town, no settling for mediocre grocery store seafood.

The location is easy to get to, with parking right out front. It’s not fancy or flashy, just a straightforward shop that does what it does really well.

That’s part of the charm.

Being a local spot also means the staff gets to know you over time. They remember what you like, they’ll let you know when something you’ve bought before is back in stock, and they treat you like a neighbor, not just a customer.

For people who live nearby, Peter’s is a genuine asset to the community. It’s the kind of place that makes a neighborhood feel a little more special, a little more connected.

You’re not just shopping. You’re supporting a local business that cares.

The Long-Term Loyalty That Speaks Louder Than Any Ad

When people say they’ve been shopping at Peter’s for over twenty years, that tells you everything you need to know. This isn’t a place you try once and forget about.

It’s a place you come back to, again and again, because it consistently delivers.

One reviewer said they’ve never been disappointed in all their years of shopping there. Another mentioned driving half an hour out of their way because the quality is worth it.

That kind of loyalty doesn’t come from flashy marketing or big sales. It comes from trust.

Trust that the fish will be fresh. Trust that the staff will treat you right.

Trust that you’re getting good value for your money. Peter’s has built that trust over decades, one customer at a time.

Even professional chefs rely on Peter’s for their kitchens. When your reputation is on the line, you don’t take chances with your suppliers.

The fact that country club chefs and home cooks alike shop here says a lot.

This is the kind of place you tell your friends about, the kind you recommend without hesitation. It’s earned its reputation the hard way, by showing up every day and doing the work.

That’s the foundation of a business that lasts.

Address: 190 Godwin Ave, Midland Park, NJ 07432.