There’s usually a wait at Devin’s and that’s for good reason: The food’s tasty, the servings are generous and the prices hard to beat. Located in Harlem on St. Nicholas Avenue, down three steep red-tiled steps, this funky-but-popular, little neighborhood take-out (which opened six years ago) is the perfect destination for those with large appetites but small budgets. A filling, three-piece fish sandwich can be had for $4.50, while $6 scores the standard three pieces of deep fried fish with a large serving of chips (fries), plus two pieces of bread and an assortment of condiments to choose from (including a scorcher of a hot sauce). A feast of fried calamari (never greasy) comes stacked upon a mountain of chips ($7.50) and could easily satisfy two people. For the same price, order fried whiting with two side dishes: choose from steamed broccoli, okra or plantains, or Spanish rice. Steamed mussels with butter, garlic and wine sauce are just $6. Even the priciest entrée comes in at only $12 for salmon and scallops plus two sides. I also recommend the homemade lemonade (a large for $1.50) from the small choice of beverages. The claustrophobic space, coupled with Devin’s less-than-warm counter staff, makes the choice to eat out an easy one. Luckily for those from beyond the neighborhood looking for the best bargain on fish and chips, nearby stoops and a couple of parks are close by to chow down on your chips while they’re still hot. 

747 St. Nicholas Ave. (betw. 147th &148th Sts.), 212-491-5518.