Joe Jack's Fish Shack Review in the Dining Out Guide
Where can a British ex-pat find some good pub-style fish and chips in this town? I want the real McCoy—battered, deep-fried and served with salt and malt vinegar. Long Live the Queen!
Dear LLQ,
Joe Jack’s Fish Shack, newly opened this year, offers a Friday night fish fry that would make Dickens proud. Although the template for this two-story eatery originated in California, the fish and chips served at Joe Jack’s are every bit as light, crisp and delectable as any I’ve had in London. In lieu of cod, most commonly offered in Britain (“Thanks be to Cod!”), Joe Jack’s old fashioned fish fries feature our local dense and delicious red snapper (all you can eat) served with French fries and coleslaw for a mere $99 pesos.
Other local fish entrees include mahi mahi, skate (steamed in a banana leaf), mackerel, whole red snapper and shrimp (sautéed in garlic chili sauce). For a bit lighter fare, consider ordering the fish tacos ($75 pesos for three) served topped with coleslaw and radishes on corn tortillas, or the chef’s salad with grilled fish, string beans, tomatoes, eggs, potatoes and olives ($95). Should you care to expand your culinary horizons try the Ceviche ($65-$85), assured in the knowledge that ingredients are fresh and hand-selected daily. After one or two of Joe Jack’s refreshing mint-laden mojitos or a homemade white wine sangria anchored in fresh fruit, you might even be up for Octopus Pozole (traditional hominy stew with a not so traditional twist).
Not to worry, mate, if your dining companions do not share your love of sea creatures. Joe Jack’s also offers barbecued chicken, grilled steak, and burgers. However, if ever one wished to convince a nay-saying friend that quality, fresh fish doesn’t taste “fishy” and is, in fact, a delectable, healthy departure from meat, Joe Jack’s would be the place to begin the conversion. For those who love a bargain, Joe Jack’s has a Tuesday two-for-one special on mojitos ($55) and domestic beers, along with a complete Dorado dinner (filet plus salad, rice, beans, tortillas and rice pudding with fresh tropical fruit all for $222).
The cozy street level bar, where one can dine as well, is a fine cocktail-hour choice for savoring a kick butt Mai Tai ($65) or a hibiscus cosmopolitan, while munching on complimentary peanuts and schmoozing with the friendly wait staff. Upstairs amidst umbrellas and strings of mini lights, the open-air terrace offers a refreshing respite for weary shoppers in need of a break and revitalizing sustenance. Rumor has it that Joe Jack’s owner/namesake will personally lead interested patrons on a trip to his favorite fish market to show them how to choose fish/seafood and the differences between good and poor selections, in order to generate much deserved excitement about his culinary specialty.
