Summary
South Beach Bar and Grille: A Timeless Fish Taco Favorite in San Diego
South Beach Bar and Grille is the crown jewel of San Diego fish taco shops… disguised as a dive bar… if you can call it a dive bar since it has wide ocean views thanks to waves lapping the sand right across the street.
The dichotomy of South Beach is what makes it such a fun, beloved place to get fish tacos. Not only are the fish tacos mouthwateringly tasty and chock full of high-quality ingredients, but it’s also a fun, laidback atmosphere in which to enjoy your meal and maybe even catch the sunset.
Located in Ocean Beach, South Beach was recently remodeled yet retains its chill, beachfront charm with a wide wooden bar next to the front windows that is an ideal place to grab a seat if there is one free.
There is often a wait for tables most nights, and you seat yourself. Do not hesitate to ask if you can join in on one of the larger tables if there are a few empty chairs. You might make some new friends, and you’ll get your tacos faster. After you’re seated, flag down one of the servers to take your order. There is a 21+ room upstairs that also has ocean views and some al fresco balcony dining.
While waiting for a table, enjoy a local craft beer from the tap or get a cocktail from the full bar; then sidle as close to the window as you can to get a view of the rushing waves and Oceanside Pier.
South Beach offers a large variety of fish tacos that fall into two main categories: grilled or fried. For grilled options, you can choose mahi, wahoo, albacore, shrimp, shark, lobster, and ceviche. Fried tacos include Baja made from pollock fish meat (a South Beach favorite), oyster, calamari, and shrimp.
Each taco comes with cheese, cabbage, salsa fresca, and the most important ingredient – the white sauce that is South Beach’s secret recipe. All the ingredients are served on a flour tortilla or you can request corn.
The happy hour menu is extremely popular since it includes a Mahi, wahoo, Baja, or carne asada taco for just $2.95. On Taco Tuesday and Taco Thursday, you can get any taco during happy hour for $2.95 (except for the lobster taco).
Additionally, South Beach has a kids menu, which is something new since the establishment used to be strictly 21 or over, but kids are now welcome on the bottom level. Though the kid menu has fish and chips, it doesn’t offer fish tacos, and kids often love fish tacos. You might surprise them by offering the Baja style one and see if they’ll try a fish taco—they could become a huge fan!
South Beach Bar & Grille Info
Address: 5059 Newport Avenue, San Diego
Phone: 619-226-4577
Hours: Open Daily 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. (21+ only after 6 p.m.); Happy Hour is from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Website: www.southbeachob.com
The Fish Shop: 3 Mouthwatering Steps at 2 Locations
The Fish Shop has two locations, one in the San Diego beach neighborhood of Pacific Beach (PB) and another in North County San Diego in the coastal city of Encinitas.
Being located in two of the most surfer-friendly communities in San Diego County influences the vibe inside the Fish Shop, which features wooden tables with beautiful finishes, partially covered patios with a bar area, and laidback indoor dining areas accented with colors of the sea.
One thing the Fish Shop doesn’t compromise on is the quality of its fish, which you can get in a plain, sandwich, or – the favored choice – taco form. The Fish Shop gives you more control over your fish taco than other establishments. It boasts a 3-step ordering process, conducted at the counter (be warned, there is usually a long line during peak dining hours) where you receive a ticket number to place on your table.
During the first step, you’ll pick your fish. The Fish Shop has plenty of choices, including seared rare ahi, shark, local halibut, albacore, shrimp, scallops, lobster, red snapper, sea bass, salmon, and two favorites—yellowtail and swordfish.
The next step is to choose a marinade. This varies from the fish taco typical norm since most places in San Diego automatically apply a white sauce on the taco. At the Fish Shop, you still have their signature white sauce option or can select from several others, including blackened or fish shop seasoning, chipotle glaze, lemon butter, salt and pepper, teriyaki sauce, or garlic butter.
Favorites include the white sauce and garlic butter. The last step is to choose the preparation style, and as mentioned, we think taco is the best choice (salad, sandwich, or plated are other options).
If the ordering steps seem overwhelming, you can simplify the process and just order the TKO Taco, which has Mahi fish, cheese, cabbage, avocado, white sauce, and a tropical salsa with a mango flavor. Although the TKO Taco may prompt immediate thoughts of booking a flight to Hawaii after eating it.
Pacific Beach Fish Shop Info
Address: 1775 Garnet Avenue, San Diego
Phone: 858-483-1008
Hours: Open Daily 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Website: www.thefishshoppb.com
Encinitas Fish Shop Info
Address: 1010 S Coast Highway, Encinitas
Phone: 760-436-4665
Hours: Sunday through Wednesday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Website: www.thefishshopencinitas.com
Brigantine’s: One Classic Fish Taco
Brigantine’s offers a delightful experience with views of the Del Mar Racetrack, valet parking, an oyster bar, and proximity to the beach. Inside, you’ll find an upbeat yet relaxing atmosphere with both a main dining area and bar section, accompanied by friendly table service.
While Brigantine’s doesn’t provide a vast selection of fish tacos, it is renowned for its Baja fish taco, officially named “The Brig’s Famous Fish Tacos.” This taco justifies its fame with perfectly fried fish, coated in just the right amount of batter, maintaining a moist and fresh taste. Topped with cheddar cheese, cabbage, salsa fresca, and creamy housemade ranch dressing, it’s a unique take that satisfies many.
The combination of cheddar and ranch (instead of the traditional white sauce) differentiates it from classic fish tacos, yet it remains so delicious that most patrons don’t mind the departure from tradition. Additionally, if you wish to stray from the common fish taco, Brigantine’s spicy grilled swordfish taco is worth a try. If you find yourself in North County San Diego, Brigantine’s sister restaurant in Carlsbad, Miguel’s Cocina, features a similar taco on the menu.
Brigantine’s Del Mar Info
Address: 3263 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar
Phone: 858-481-1166
Hours: Lunch: Monday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Brunch on Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday through Saturday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Website: www.brigantine.com
Other Locations: Brigantine’s has several other locations across San Diego County, including Coronado, Escondido, Point Loma, La Mesa, and Poway.
In conclusion, this list showcases some of the finest fish taco establishments in San Diego, offering a range from classic preparation to more creative variations, grilled goodness to fried delight. Did your favorite fish taco make the cut?
