224118 Mon Jul 04 08:53:34 -0700 2005 42 18 Manhattan 0 1191885 Hi Chowhounders, This being summer, I'm on my best-fish-taco quest. Any votes? This past week, I have had a chance to try CAFE DE LA ESQUINA, the Mexican food outpost on Lafayette and Kenmare, as well as MERCADITO on Ave B. They were very different. Esquina's were grilled fish with just a hint of creamy sauce and some cabbage. Mercadito's were fried with more generous with their sauce. The cabbage and sauce blended together better at Mercadito's. I think, overall, I prefer grilled fish to fried. But Esquina was too stingy with the sauce, causing the overall effect to be blander than Mercadito's. I thought with Mercadito's tacos, I could detect different spices -- more of a concept involved. Anyway, I'm not really into trekking all the way to 10th Ave and 47th to ltry DELLE VALLE's version. So if there are any other fish-taco options that aren't so far out, please share! P.S. Is PAMPANO'S TACO OUTPOST worth a try? For those of you who have been there, how would they compare to the versions I described above?? HAPPY 4th of JULY TO ALL! Mon Jul 04 08:53:34 -0700 2005 0 Fishheads 1 1191893 Barrio Chino 253 Broome St New York, NY 10002 2122286710 Cross Street: Between Orchard Street and Ludlow Street Directions: F at Delancey St I had fish tacos here about six weeks ago when I was very hungry so can only say that I remember them as delicious and only disappointed by the size of the order relative to the price, around eight dollars. Mon Jul 04 13:20:06 -0700 2005 1191885 0 dan o'connor 2 1193626 i concur on both the quality and taste, again though not authentic. Wed Jul 13 18:07:07 -0700 2005 1191893 0 chris 1 1191896 Love the fish tacos as Alma in Brooklyn, they are on the brunch menu, not sure about nightly. Mon Jul 04 13:26:55 -0700 2005 1191885 0 Bill Strzempek 1 1191900 There is (or was) a Mexican-Japanese fusion place (yeah, sounds weird, but lots of good food) that had fish tacos.....it was on either Ave A or Ave B and 12th st.......I haven't been in a year or two, and have forgotten the name. Does anyone know what I am talking about? Mon Jul 04 16:21:17 -0700 2005 1191885 0 Peter Flom 2 1191911 Gone. Closed a bit ago. Mon Jul 04 20:20:53 -0700 2005 1191900 0 EV Andrew 2 1191912 Was it Komodo? Mon Jul 04 20:26:17 -0700 2005 1191900 0 HamsonNYC 3 1191989 Yup. Komodo was it. Is it still there? Tue Jul 05 12:51:29 -0700 2005 1191912 0 Peter Flom 1 1191903 Don't think anyone mentioned Miracle Grill... I think fish tacos are on the menu at both locations, and they are good. Mon Jul 04 17:04:03 -0700 2005 1191885 0 LK 2 1191907 Try TORTILLA FLATS on Washington and West 12th(?). They always have a fish taco entree. Also, worth a try is Mi Cocina on Jane and Hudson. AMAZING! Mon Jul 04 19:07:00 -0700 2005 1191903 0 kimi 2 1193590 I second the recommendation for catfish tacos at Miracle Grill-- def. not for Baja purists but crunchy crust and the asian slaw that comes on them are great. Wed Jul 13 16:26:58 -0700 2005 1191903 0 ann 3 1800091 i had the fish tacos at miracle grill in park slope recently -- disgusting. not at all the right place to go for fish tacos, in my opinion. Thu Aug 10 19:37:58 -0700 2006 1193590 24954 catherinejones 1 1191945 The mini red snapper tacos at The Stanton Social are worth ordering. Link: http://www.bigapplediningguide.com Tue Jul 05 10:09:39 -0700 2005 1191885 0 dkstar1 1 1191961 Sadly, you are out of luck. Definitely, don't go to pampano's. The "fish tacos" are terrible. Flour tortillas for a fish taco? That's heresy. That's something I'd expect from somewhere like Taco Bell. The flavor/texture/ingredients don't even resemble a baja fish taco. Let me embark on my diatribe on real baja fish tacos this part of the country. Simply, they don't exist. Period. I know that there are a lot of places that sell something they like to call fish tacos. And I'm sure they all have some sort of seafood in a tortilla and call them fish tacos. However, fish tacos are a unique and particular item. I'm not one to be nazi-like crazy about authenticity of items, but a fish taco is just too sacred to screw with. the fish tacos I know come from Baja. And there simply aren't many mexicans that have emigrated here who herald from Baja. Probably some, but not a critical mass. Here is how I would describe a real fish taco: * First, the fish. It is a thinish white fillet, battered and deep fried. Grilled fish is NOT a fish taco. Sure, places like Wahoo's in California (or a lot of hip fusion-y places here in NYC) call them fish tacos, but it just ain't the real deal. The batter is light and crisp, while the fish inside is moist and tender. Almost good tempura-like... * Second, the tortilla - it HAS to be a corn tortilla... and fresh. There isn't an alternative. Flour has absolutely no stinkin' right to come into contact with fish. Period. * Third, it has to have shredded/julienned/whatever you call it, green cabbage. Fresh and crisp. The texture is everything. * Fourth, the sauce. It is a creamy, spicy sauce/salsa. Not tartar crap. Not straight salsa. Not just mayo. Best way to describe it is a spicy blend of mexican crema and salsa. * Fifth, and easiest, the accompaniments. Lime, cilantro... that is about it. Doesn't need much more, but it's gotta have them. Now, I know I haven't tried every place in manhattan that sells what they bill as fish tacos, but from everything I've read, heard and tried, I've yet to find anything that is close to a real fish taco. Please, please, someone prove me wrong and point me in the direction of a good baja fish taco East of the Mississippi. Until then, forgive me if I'm not too excited to run to the latest place in NYC that has decided to sell "fish tacos." Tue Jul 05 11:51:52 -0700 2005 1191885 0 adamclyde 2 1191968 I agree with everything in your diatribe. No fish tacos around here--period. That Pampano place is wildly overrated. Tue Jul 05 12:00:19 -0700 2005 1191961 0 tweedy 2 1191976 green cactus, a small owner/operator owned chain out in Long Island, serves the closest thing to Baja style fish tacos that i've had.. in Grand Central, the mexican place with a Z serves something that's decent, and in a pinch will help to quell a craving for a few days, but for the real deal you've got to head out of the city.. Tue Jul 05 12:17:00 -0700 2005 1191961 0 jesse 3 1191985 yes... out of the city and on a plane... Thanks for the nod to the green cactus. Tue Jul 05 12:31:36 -0700 2005 1191976 0 adamclyde 2 1192001 Adam, Thanks for the detailed description of Baha tacos. I've never had them in Mexico -- the best fish tacos I've had were at George's On The Cove in San Diego, California. HOWEVER: At this point, I don't even need AUTHENTICITY -- I just want a decent fish taco. Corn tortilla? Fine. But I won't DIE if it's a flour tortilla either. As long as the fish tastes decent. And the sauce and cabbage fresh, not stale. I'm not quite on your level of pickiness -- just searching for something tasty. Thanks again for explaining, though! Tue Jul 05 13:24:16 -0700 2005 1191961 0 Fishheads 3 1192053 That being the case, then some of the recs folks have offered (besides pampano's) would probably fit the bill for what you are looking for. My issue with pampano's isn't the quality of their fish. I'm sure it is fine. It's just that when I tried their fish taco, it didn't even resemble a fish taco. At least nothing I'd ever had. And not that it was a completely new way of doing something... it just wasn't good. Speaking of good experiences with fish tacos in Calif... the best fish taco's I've had outside of Baja were in East L.A., at Tacos Baja Ensenada, on (I think) Whittier Blvd. Man, they are awesome. Tue Jul 05 15:50:28 -0700 2005 1192001 0 adamclyde 4 1192068 Since I won't be able to get to California or Mexico anytime soon, another Chowhounder recommended JUANITA'S ON RIVINGTON Street. Any other positive words about Juanita's? Tue Jul 05 16:28:30 -0700 2005 1192053 0 Fishheads 5 1192138 sorry... I've personally never been to juanitas. but please let us all know how it is by posting back. Who knows... maybe it is the place that will change the fortunes of the fish taco in NYC. We'll see... Tue Jul 05 22:29:54 -0700 2005 1192068 0 adamclyde 5 1193625 i haven't had the fish taco's, but what i did have was disgusting at juanita's. barrio chino makes a great squid taco but i think their fish taco would disapoint people looking for authentic baja. Wed Jul 13 18:05:12 -0700 2005 1192068 0 chris 2 1954716 TACO TACO 2nd Avenue between 89th and 90th "Baja Style Fish Tacos" EXACTLY AS YOU DESCRIBED - except for the tortillas - Ask them for corn. They will sub it out for you. So delicious I commute all the way from Hoboken to eat them. Wed Oct 18 16:15:44 -0700 2006 1191961 16910 Diana182 1 1192157 Baja Fresh and the Cactus Fresh knockoff have great fish tacos, unfortunately you have to travel to Queens Wed Jul 06 02:10:24 -0700 2005 1191885 0 Ricky 1 1192298 Le Esquina, the new mexican retro-hipster joint on Kenmare between Centre and Broome serves up a nice version albeit not very traditional. A small fresh grilled filet of fish on a skewer served on warm tortillas with some condiments. Nice flavor but not very large for the price. Wed Jul 06 16:59:30 -0700 2005 1191885 0 Andrew 1 1192304 I mentioned it in your last post. El Parador Cafe on east 34th street. Excellent food in general, great selection of tequila, I know nothing about fish tacos and have no idea if what they serve is a "correct" fish taco, but I do know that what they serve is really, really good. Have taken all sorts of people to this reastaurant and with only one exception (my father - actully his only issue was with one dish, unfortunatly it was the entree he ordered.) everyone loved it. Wed Jul 06 17:54:07 -0700 2005 1191885 0 Jerry 1 1193436 Outer Borough Alert: Bonita on Bedford Ave. in Williamsburg. Excellent fish tacos! Tue Jul 12 22:02:12 -0700 2005 1191885 0 Redseapedestrian 1 1778467 What about Florencia 13 on Sullivan and Houston? Anyone tried their fish tacos yet? Mon Jul 31 19:46:15 -0700 2006 1191885 22144 worm 1 1800075 San Diego expatriate who is ALWAYS on the look for good fish tacos. Here are the ones I have tried: Mercadito: tiny but the best in NY. fried, like they should be La Esquina: bland and grilled Blockheads: surprisingly, not awful(for NY). fried. Old Devil Moon (Ave A and 12th): second to Mercadito, though much better the first of two visits. chopped avocado was great touch. fried. Florencia 13 - OK, nothing to write home about. everything else there looked pretty good though, I want to go back. Thu Aug 10 19:31:44 -0700 2006 1191885 13883 tatiana_nyc 2 1806961 Re: Fish Tacos..Let's give credit where it's due. Went to Mercadito, tacos okay but stingy..went to Florencia 13 Restaurant and by far they have all the right indredients for the fish tacos and have to tell you they were the best! So anyone looking for Great Fish Tacos, that is the place to go!! Mon Aug 14 17:33:38 -0700 2006 1800075 25630 GM007 1 1800095 Bonita in Williamsburg (Bedford between South 2nd and South 3rd) is the place to go for fish tacos. seriously. Thu Aug 10 19:39:07 -0700 2006 1191885 24954 catherinejones 1 1802862 Looking back on the years I lived in SoCal, it's too bad fish tacos were so cheap. If the price had been more prohibitive, I would have been forced to figure out how to make a half-way decent one on my own. I tried a few times, but my batter was all wrong. Those guys on the beach in Ensenada made it look too easy. Anybody here able to make a good fish taco in their own kitchen? Fri Aug 11 21:25:43 -0700 2006 1191885 22144 worm 1 1804344 I agree with Redseapedestrian. Try Bonita in Williamsburg. Hands down, best fish tacos I've had in NYC. As for fish tacos at La Esquina: if you want something healthy-tasting that's fine, but otherwise, don't bother: they're tasteless. The mere fact that the restaurant menu and staff are inconsistent in telling you what type of fish they'll be using at any given time for their fish taco illustrates just the standard of care that goes into making it. It's better than buying a taco at taco bell, but that's not saying much. I'd stick to the grilled corn at La Esquina; but definitely NOT worth your time or taste buds for the fish taco. Regards, Flaneur Sat Aug 12 21:16:16 -0700 2006 1191885 25315 flaneur 1 1935736 There is a great little taco stand on 3rd Street just west of B (between A&B) - it's called Snack Dragon and they sell $4 fish tacos. They use Sole - includes a delish red cabbage concoction on top, lime, cilantro, fresh blue corn tortilla - Superb! I'm totally obsessed with this place now. I just found it and am planning on going there once a day for the next month. :) I also had one steak taco too which was equally delish. The black beans had some sort of interesting flavor - almost floral? And the place is adorable. They only open at 6pm, but they are open late night Friday & Saturday nights until around 4am i think. Check it out! Enjoy the fish taco! Tue Oct 10 18:06:44 -0700 2006 1191885 27632 ningerma 1 1952931 Pampano's taco outpost is delicious and you can't beat their lunch special. $8 for 3 tacos including that fish taco you are craving! Tue Oct 17 21:23:18 -0700 2006 1191885 47395 Aiceegray 1 1954748 Hmmm... I love Rubio's. I'm going to SoCal in 2 weeks and can't wait! In the meantime, I like Bogota's fish tacos in Park Slope. Fried just the way I like it. Wed Oct 18 16:27:26 -0700 2006 1191885 13838 gaucho25 2 1955557 Sorry, but no self respecting San Diegan would frequent Rubios. It would be a like a New Yorker claiming that his favorite slice came from Rubio's (Steve Carell, I'm looking at you). That said I agree with the other posters from SD in this thread. A true Baja-style fish taco is tough to find here. Oh well, it's not like we don't have tons of other options. Of course, we could all move to SD and lament the paucity of decent Italian food. ;-) Wed Oct 18 20:18:29 -0700 2006 1954748 46045 jamie2742 3 4181600 How about Dos Caminos on Houston & W. Broadway. I only ate there one time, but I'm from Arizona where I can get fantastic fish taco's several places and I loved the fish tacos at Dos Cominos. Mon Nov 17 18:16:24 -0800 2008 1955557 241040 JillNoel 3 4181651 well, it's equally true that new move-ins to san diego might not know that for fast food style fish tacos RUBIOS used to be pretty good & well regarded there. yeah, that was quite a while ago. the last fish tacos i had were from GOOD in the village. they were indeed very good, but waaay too expensive. from menupages: Market Surf Tacos (2) daily catch with red onion, cabbage & lime cilantro sauce - basil creamed corn & tomato. $22.00. Mon Nov 17 18:34:20 -0800 2008 1955557 11372 mrnyc 4 4182553 Just had the fish tacos at Pinche. They are decent, breaded fish tacos. Up there with mercadito's for me. I put La Esquina's at a close second. Tue Nov 18 06:56:25 -0800 2008 4181651 209357 mcporkbun 1 4182557 I wonder about the new taco truck on 60th and 3rd. I've been reading great reviews on this board and happened to walk by Sat afternoon and was pleasantly surprised to see them working. Granted I had already eaten lunch, but couldn't resist. Ordered a chicken soft taco ($2) and it was delicious. Does anyone know if they have fish tacos? Tue Nov 18 06:58:43 -0800 2008 1191885 103140 RussianGirl 2 4182854 The fish tacos at Grey Dog's Cafe on University Place are excellent! Tue Nov 18 08:39:26 -0800 2008 4182557 65585 jackieparis 3 4183164 I like the fish tacos at Mole just below Houston. Tue Nov 18 10:21:03 -0800 2008 4182854 146162 maggiej