The TIn Fish On Imperial Beach Pier In San Diego, California
Written: Oct 22 '09
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Pros: Really fresh food. Great view.
Cons: Costs a quarter to use their restroom even though you're dining there.
The Bottom Line: For 'the only game on the pier', the price isn't too high here and the food is very fresh. On a clear day, the view is to die for.
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| smorg's Full Review: The Tin Fish |
When the latest heat wave scorched downtown San Diego I hopped on bus #901 (and then connected to #934 at Iris Trolley) south to take refuge at Imperial Beach fishing pier about 30 minutes drive southwest of downtown San Diego. On a clear day you can supposedly see the high rises of Downtown's Columbia District from here, with the red roofed Hotel Del Coronado perking up the view in front of it. Alas, I dropped in on a foggy day, and, after spending 2 hours on the pier waiting for the stubborn curtain of gray mist to lift (to no avail... the thing was still hovering over Coronado when I finally gave up and left at 3PM!), I got hungry and decided to blow my budget on some good fish and chips. Well... when you are marooned more than half way out on Imperial Beach Pier, the only game in town when lunch pang knocks on your calories-deprived tummy is The Tin Fish, the only eatery located at the very tip of the pier.
(see a photo of the place at http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2519/4035363585_b284712f32_b.jpg )
The specialty of the house, of course, is fish and chips, though this Tin Fish has a larger menu that what you'd expect. It even has a full breakfast menu including anything from New York style bagels ($3.50), French toast ($6.95), varieties of omelets ($6.50-10.95), breakfast burritos or quesadillas ($3.95-5.95), biscuit & gravy! ($6.50), to even the hearty steak & eggs ($10.50). Breakfast is served from 8-11:30AM, but you can have their New England clam chowder at any time.
It was noon when I arrived looking for lunch, though, and the menu in effect was simpler. For $10.95 you can have a full order of fish and chips: 10 ounces of lightly breaded and deep fried North Atlantic cod with crisscut fries, tartar sauce, and cole slaw.
I had a half-order (children's portion) for $7...(see a photo of it at http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2790/4035363351_9caae973b8.jpg ). If you've ever wondered why we Americans are always struggling against obesity, have a look at it! I felt like a stuffed pig ripe for slaughter finishing that thing... and I have outgrown my childhood for....er....nearly two decades already! It was good, mind you. Very fresh off the sea and the frying pan (watch out with that first bite into the fish or you'll end up subjecting your taste buds to a rather horridly scorching death). The fries are really good! They put some paprika-like spice on it along with salt, a winning combination especially if you are one of those who like Doritos chips. They don't give you a lot of cole slaw, which is a shame since it is quite good (and I like this leaner vinegary version better than the sweeter mayo-ish type you get at KFC).
$3.95 may sound a bit stiff for a 4 oz crab cake, but theirs' wasn't voted #1 by the San Diego Readers' Choice Poll for no good reason. Instead of the usual cod, you can also have swordfish, salmon, or halibut fish and chips. The entrée being actively pushed at the moment is the $13.95 fish & shrimp combo platter. The picture looks very inviting, but I'm currently quite broke and, at the time, wasn't hungry enough to think that I could finish 5 bricks of fried cod and 4 fried shrimp... and still manage to walk the 1491 feet back to land from the tip of the pier (well, that really wasn't much of an excuse since the restaurant has a 'Tin Fish Shuttle' service... an extended golf cart that you can catch a ride on back to mainland).
This is a no service restaurant. You order at the counter, pay, and then are called to pick up the food when it is ready. The folks here are really friendly and keep the place remarkably spotless. The dining facility is rather small (no room inside for big party, but the weather is good most of the year here for pier party!). There are plenty of stools and tables both indoor and outside with good view of the ocean. The place is surrounded most of the time by local fishermen and their rods... along with the flocks of pigeons and gulls that won't hesitate to steal live fishing baits and well cooked fish & chips when you aren't paying attention.
For those who mean to arrive here with your fishing rod, The Tin Fish also sells tackles, baits, and other fishing odds and ends... and might just buy your fish (their walls are covered with photos of locals and their catches... Some are quite impressive!).
The only gripe about this Tin Fish, for me, is that the restrooms are coin-operated. You have to deposit a quarter (25 cents) for the door to open even though you are buying something.
The Tin Fish on Imperial Beach Pier: 910 Seacoast Dr, Imperial Beach, CA 91932. Tel (619) 628-8414.
Hours: 8AM-7PM daily. Major credit cards accepted.
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: No
Vegetarian Friendly: No
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations Big serving. If you aren''t a glutton, try ordering just half order of Fish & Chips. It''s cheaper and better for your arteries.
Best Suited For: Friends
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Epinions.com ID:
smorg
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Member: Smorg
Location: Southern California, USA
Reviews written: 208
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