When visiting any coastal area in the country, never never never pass up an opportunity to indulge in what is considered a staple street food in coastal areas of Mexico - the Fish Taco. Said to be discovered in the Baja Pennisula, the ingredient list can counted on one hand - white fleshed fish, breaded and fried or grilled, cradled in a corn or white tortilla alongside cabbage, pico de gallo and a creamy sauce. And as foodies know, it is usually the most simple foods that bring the greatest joy. And oh boy - when it comes to Fish Tacos - this is the truth!
Although you won't find little foods stands along the road selling this tasty on-the-go, inexpensive fare, you will find Fish Tacos on menus all around South Walton. The fish used here is typically grouper, but expect to also find mahi mahi, too.
Here is where I like to go for my Fish Taco fix. Feel free to add your favorite spots in the comment section below.
Hurricane Oyster Bar
37 Logan Lane, Grayton Beach, 32459 | 850-231-0787 | www.hurricaneoysterbar.com
Hurricane Oyster Bar serves my personal favorite fish taco in South Walton as I like my fish as untouched as possible (read: no breading or deep-frying). It is kept nice and simple here. They offer theirs blackened, grilled or pan-fried (no breading) and serve them on flour tortillas with cabbage, cilantro, pico de gallo and a creamy red pepper sauce I could eat with a spoon. ($10 for two fish tacos with a choice of a side)
TACO Bar
2236 E. Co. Hwy. 30-A, Seaside, FL 32459 [MAP IT] | 850-231-4781 | BudandAlleys.com/taco_bar.php
If you are looking for authentic Baja-style fish tacos served in an on-the-go atmosphere, this is the spot to check out. A little outdoor eatery where you order at the counter and eat under a handful of shaded tables, they use Mahi Mahi served grilled or breaded with cornmeal and fried, served on a grilled corn tortilla with cabbage, pico de gallo and a squirt of avocado mayo. ($4/per taco)
Smiling Fish Cafe
37 Town Center Loop, Santa Rosa Beach, 32459 | 850-622-3071 | www.smilingfishcafe.com
Smiling Fish Cafe is a popular lunch spot (they were voted Best Ultra Casual Dining in South Walton) - they are only open for dinner on Tuesday nights - and lunch is the only time to can order their SUBSTANTIAL Fish Tacos. If there were a stick-to-your-ribs version of a fish taco, this would surely be it. Grouper is breaded and deep-fried and served on grilled flour tortillas with a spicy Southwest Slaw, chopped tomato, chipolte sour cream, cilantro and guacamole. ($9.95 for two fish tacos with a side of orzo pasta salad).
George's at Alys Beach
30 Castle Harbour Drive, Alys Beach, 32459 [MAP IT] 850-641-0017 | GeorgesatAlysBeach.com I absolutely love the ambiance at George's at Alys Beach. The offer dining on a covered porch (no bugs to swat away) and, although crowded, there is always a good and happy vibe in the place. It's the crowd that actually makes it fun! The locally famous "Senora Anna's Fish Tacos" are also served at their sister restaurant, Seagrove Village Market, down the road in Seagrove Beach. Their grouper "fingers" are battered and fried and served in ample amounts in white tortillas with a delicious roasted poblano/lime tartar sauce and pico de gallo served on the side. ($13 for two fish tacos with a side of brown rice and beans).
