Fish Tacos

[msk720]

Where are the best baja style and grilled fish tacos in the santa monica area, with a great outdoor view of the ocean and ice cold beers. Is there such an oasis in southern california. Also are there any other beach communities with these tacos and a great views. Thanks. Michael

[pezworld]

South Beach has the view and the best fish tacos.

Unfortunately that's South Beach Bar and Grill in Ocean Beach (San Diego), by the pier, but that's still Southern California.

I recommend the mahi mahi -- the fish is marinated. But they have many different kinds if I recall. It's a pitcher of beers kinda place. Not only can you see the ocean, but some tables have a nice view of the tattoo parlor across the street. :-)

But I've been a fan of Wahoo's since it was just one outlet in Costa Mesa. Cheap beer on special for the month, and they used to have Taylor's Mom's cookies to boot. I like their black beans and rice, too. Yum.

[Will Owen]

I think the best fish tacos I've ever eaten were at South Beach, taken there by my niece. Oddly enough, I think the second-best were in the SD area, too, at a local chain in the big shopping center in La Jolla.

I do like Wahoo's, and Señor Fish as well...in fact, I'd be hard-pressed to think of ANY fish tacos I've hated!

[2ndAvenue]

No ocean view, but I think the grilled fish tacos at the Fish Grill on Wilshire by Bundy beat the hell out of Rubio's or Wahoo's. The quality of fish is much better. Take 'em to go and sit by the ocean.

[chowhound chloe]

Even though their places are mostly takeout. I have to mention Chronic Tacos in Huntington and Newport Beach. They have the best Mahi Mahi tacos. The fish is fresh with a tasty, spicy baja sauce. http://eatchronictacos.com

They don't have any views, but you can take a short walk to the beach from their locations.

[Das Ubergeek]

Never had the fish tacos -- I'm always seduced by the potato tacos.

[chowhound chloe]

I'll have to try the potato tacos on my next visit. Thanks for the suggestion!

[perk]

Duke's Barefoot Bar in Malibu has very good fish tacos--you can get them grilled or with a batter. The tables are right on the sand, the waves come crashing up against the flexiglass barrier...and the food is good and the beer cold. Hard to beat.

[CinnamonKitten]

Malibu Seafood is the last word in fish tacos.

[whatsfordinner]

The fish tacos at Ocean Ave Seafood are pretty good and there is an ocean view.

[glutton]

Screw the view... go to Tacos Baja Ensenada in East LA. The fish taco is so good that you'll forget that you have no view.

[liu]

Affectionately known as TBE -- I second this rec! They have great tacos and great everything else. I especially love their ceviche and their yellow peppers at the condiment bar...oh, and did I mention their tacos??!!!

[epop]

as this is chowhound and not view hound, a question: any great fish tacos, w/o views, on the west side? santa monica?
i've had the ones mentioned below but can't recommend them (like gladstone, duke).

[Das Ubergeek]

In two words, not really -- nothing to the level of El Taco Nazo, Senor Baja, or Tacos Baja Ensenada... there's a Rubio's in WLA on Wilshire...

[rickym13]

i second taco nazo! not grilled fish but....

[epop]

rubio's is ok

[Das Ubergeek]

Yeah, it's OK. TBE, ETN and SB it's not, but for the Westside, it's not horrible.

I seem to remember that Tia Juana's on Olympic and (?) Barrington had fish tacos that weren't bad. But I haven't been there in pushing five years so I can't say for sure.

[Servorg]

Don't recall TJ's ever serving fish tacos. Good calamar steak in garlic butter though.

[JBC]

There is an old saying "The nicer the view, the worse the food!" Gladstone's would be a good example. Anyway, you're looking for all of the below in ONE location:

1) Santa Monica
2) Killer Ocean View
3) The Best Baja style fish tacos.
4) Ice cold beer.

I doubt all 4 exists at any one spot. You could try Mariasol's at the end of the Santa Monica Pier & get 1,2 & 4. They do have on their menu:

"Tacos de Pescado - Three tacos with lightly breaded fresh fish and vegetables, wrapped in corn or flour tortillas, served with guacamole, rice and beans."

I've never eaten there so how they rank under #3 is a mystery to me. But after 3 beers, and a bunch of chips and salsa? If you were to go today on the 4th, it should be a major PAIN! (Go early).

http://www.mariasol.com

Option 2 - There's a Wahoo's Fish Tacos at 418 Wilshire Blvd. [phone]. No Beer (I believe), no View, but 1 block from the 3rd street promenade with plenty of beer, and 3 blocks from standing next to the railing overlooking all of Santa Monica Bay.

http://www.wahoos.com

[PaulF]

They definitely have beer at Wahoo's.