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Categories: Southern, American (Traditional), Seafood [Edit]
170 6th AveMon-Thu. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
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Seafood
There aren't really any good and affordable seafood restaurants in Gaslamp. Especially when you are there on vacation and spending alot of money on other things. This is one of the spots that provides you with great seafood at really good prices. If only everything wasn't fried, with the exception of a few fish tacos, I would have eaten here all the time.
The seafood here is fresh and tasty. You can taste it in every morsel and every bite. I've had the fried fish platters, the fish tacos, the calamari and the fried oysters. Everything is cooked well and just right. I don't think there is anything on the menu that I could not recommend to anyone. Did I mention that I loved fried oysters? The oysters are pretty large here and are cooked perfectly.
Great value and great tasting food. Definitely a must eat again when I'm in San Diego.
I went to the Tin Fish with my favorite co-worker today. It was her birthday and she wanted to eat some seafood.
The service was excellent, prompt and efficient. The restaurant it self is very casual, more like a Rubio's style place with a counter where your order, although they do bring the food to your table. OK, maybe more like Pat and Oscars.
My food: Cod burrito, ingredients seemed fresh, the cod was a bit.....fishy. Yes I know cod is a fish, but there is a difference between really fresh cod and the slight off taste from a more vintage fish. Not way off, just enough to take away from the experience. I ate most of it because I was hungry so it wasn't horrific. The French fries were OK. the Cole slaw seemed really fresh but kind of bland.
My friend had the mixed seafood plate and seemed to really enjoy it. I will definitely go back to try again and maybe avoid the tortilla based dishes.
People thought this was:
:-|
Location. Location. Location.....
That's what they say... and I think this place has a great LOCATION.
Outdoor patios abound, beer and wine offerings, right in the heart of the gaslamp and business district, across the street from the convention center and right in front of a trolley stop. What more could you ask for? PARKING--that's what!
The food was good, but thats all... I was expecting more flavor, more "wow." It was substantial but pricey. The Fish and chips kids platter was about $6 (probably the correct portion as well.) The adult comparison was about $10 more, though you get a big basket full of deep fried goodness.
I can't put my finger on what was just so-so.. Maybe because I didn't want to put my finger on it. Who knows where its been?
The cafe style out door seating is EXCELLENT for people watching.... and I love my fried seafood. Again, perhaps its the price point. Was it worth $20 for deep fried fish and oysters, with french fries and a soda? hmmm not sure. How many deep fried oysters can one stomach before one's ass is violently retaliating?
3 Woofs.. If I were a "drinker" I might give it 4 stars.. But alas, I'm not. "Butt," and against my butts wishes, I may try this place again i love this food, but I wanna be wow'd.
People thought this was:
There's no better place to do people watching than The Tin Fish during Comic-Con. They've got a great patio that'll give you a front row seat to the pop culture costumes and oddities that comes standard with CC.
The food that I've had the Tin Fish is their standard white fish and chips with fries and cole slaw. The fish was good and it has a corn meal based batter instead of a beer batter. This was a welcome textural surprise. Another notable thing was that the cole slaw was bitter/tangy... almost spicy. I'm not sure if this is odd to others, but it was a departure from what I'm used to.
The food was alright, but it's the patio and surrounding area that does it for me. In addition to the patio, I love that they do 32oz beers and have Blue Moon on tap.
People thought this was:
Tin Fish serves a great niche for the Gaslamp. Pretty much every crowd likes it, or at least, can agree on eating there. Very few restaurants downtown can cater simultaneously to the health-conscious folk who would prefer some lightly grilled fish and the hell-bent-for-leather folk who want their meal deep fried with a beer.
And it's inexpensive -- or at least, can be -- without cheap ingredients. If you're on a budget, the good-sized single tacos (with various choices of grilled fish, even) are under $5, whereas some combination options get into the $15 range. You're definitely going to get more food than you can eat for $20.
I've been all over the menu, (well, not the burgers and chicken, I mean, why?) and have yet to hit a bad piece of fish. The sides are good -- nice vinegar slaw, not the creamy stuff. During games or convention
season Tin Fish will fill up completely, so arrive early if it's just a part
of your evening plans.
People thought this was:
I must have been on a seafood kick when we stopped in to Tin Fish. Have always walked past it because it's so crowded on game days at Petco. Finally got there on an evening before lines formed, so I tried their salmon fish & chips. Delicious! The batter did not overshadow the fish, which was still moist and tender. Generous portion of fish and chips, and it all came swiftly. My first impression of Tin Fish was definitely a good one, and I can't wait to go back again.
People thought this was:
I've been here just once, and I CAN'T WAIT to go back again!!!!!
I'm a fish taco fanatic, so that's always the first item I try on any menu....
Holy hell, wait til you see the size of these bad boys. Yes, these aren't the "traditional fish taco", but please, don't give a damn! The grilled salmon taco is the way to go. I was ecstatic to see salmon as an option and crowned it winner over my other fried fish taco, which was nothing to frown upon. Both tacos are the size of your arm, with lots of toppings and generous portions of fish. Killed both and I was good for the day.
Two things that place Tin Fish in the elite:
- The outdoor patio has an inviting open and relaxed feel with great views of the landscape and strollers
- Make sure to ask for a bottle of their hot sauce and drench your tacos in it!!!!! Adds a memorable element to the salmon in particular.
- CHEAP FOOD ALWAYS A PLUS!!! I was stuffed for under $10 after tip
Ok, so I heard the fish tacos were GREAT but the real stars are the the crisscut fries. OMG! Just the right amount of spices to the gigantic size of a fry. I've gone back to just get the fries. I've had the fish tacos, which is not that great (shredded american cheese? yuck!) The fish was ok. Good place to chill and people watch before a baseball game.
Located litterally across from the convention center in Gaslamp, you'll see an informal taco place that has some of the freshes fish around. No fried fish here..a healthier version for fish tacos. A definitely must try...
Highs: REALLY good seafood for the price. The portions are nice too.
Lows: Don't think they have Hush Puppies!!!
Review:
A. Gotta have Hush Puppies with fried fish. If you do have them, then I apologize. GREAT blackened salmon sandwich!!! Nice views of the patrons checking into the Hard Rock on a Saturday afternoon..... ;)x
Wonder if they have a good happy hour.... Hummm.....
People thought this was:
Stellar food! Highly recommend the Garlicky Shrimp burrito. Add lemon and their in house hot sauce, coupled with an Iron Hammer IPA, and stick a fork in me I'm done! The cross-cut fries with added spices do not need ketcup; all done midday on the patio and you're set!
I recently visited San Diego and found the Tin Fish. This place is awesome. There is plenty of patio space to relax outside in the beautiful San Diego weather and enjoy your food. Petco Park is right next door. Although there wasn't a game in town when I was there a lot of people have told me it's the place to be when the Padres are at home. The food was great and was well priced and the portions were a very good size. When I visit San Diego again I will definitely go back there. Fish tacos, a beer and sunshine.....not much better.
Having been there twice, I am pretty wowed by their menu. Not that it's unique (it's a Californian-Mexican style food), but the service is good and the grub is quite tasty. It is a surprisingly fun and kick-back place near the San Diego Convention Center/Gaslamp District.
I've tried their their chicken and salmon taco and burrito. The portions were big, flavorful, included a lemon wedge, criss-cut fries and a small portion salad. The salmon was flakey and somewhat juicy. The chicken was tasty, too!
This place can get packed during convention days, but it's worth the wait. It's conveinently located across the trolley island and the convention center, so you don't have to drive anywhere to get food.
I would absolutely recommend this place!
People thought this was:
This place is great for the gaslamp district. I ordered two fish tacos and I was completely satisfied. The line was long at first (not surprising) but someone told us we could order from the bar also, which sped up the process. They had 4 different football games playing at the same time which was great since some of the games were not all that interesting, I could watch a different game. My girlfriend ordered the fish and shrimp and they tasted great. Portions are perfect for the price and it's a great place to have a beer before a Padre game.
I stopped by Tin Fish for a drink before a game on a Friday night, but as I was starving, I ended up ordering a mahi mahi taco as well. I was a little worried that, given the crowd, it might not come fast enough and that it would delay heading over to the game, but despite being slammed, they served it up in less than 10 minutes. That was one seriously tasty taco and was way larger than standard size, verging on baby burrito. Beware over ordering!
The outdoor space is pleasant, but very crowded before games. There was a guy playing bad acoustic covers of highly recognizable rock and pop songs, which I could have done without, but it wasn't too loud. We could still talk without shouting. Although it was crowded, people seemed to move through pretty fast, so we didn't have to wait long to grab a table. For a larger group on a game night, though, I'm not sure it would've been so easy. (There were 3 of us.)
I will certainly be returning for more of their food!
People thought this was:
Had lunch here for the first time while taking a much needed break from Comic Con. As expected, the line was long and out the door, but the staff was super friendly and efficient and I was ordering before I knew it. I ordered the fish and chips and a tall Blue Moon beer. The fish was a breaded fry, rather than a batter. Served with criss cross fries (delicious and well seasoned and a nice slaw. Everything hit the spot!
What a prime location for people watching outdoors on their patio, most of which is under shade. Easy to get to, right off the Gaslamp Quarter stop on the trolley. Maybe we will start eating here before the games now!
SAN DIEGO
Great location as it's right by the convention center and ballpark.
It's a very casual atmosphere with decent food and fast "delivery" of food to your table. Here's how it works:
You order your food. As you pay for it, the cashier hands you a small steel table stand with a number on it. You go outside and find a table or seat at the bar. Sodas are self serve.
When your order is ready, a server tracks you down and places your food tray at your table. No fuss.
The crab cakes are small but excellent. The fried fish tacos are large (2 pieces of north atlantic cod) and are wrapped in a flour tortilla, shredded cheese and diced tomatoes. Their waffle cut fries are well seasoned and taste great with a shot of malt vinegar.
Cheers!
N
Great location but the fish tacos are never warm enough. Good sauces though!
Thought it might be too touristy by the ballpark but served up some quality fried foods. 4.5 stars
Cost to worth it rating: 3
Highlights:
- Fried batter: on everything from onion rings to oysters to fish tacos, the batter was stellar. Nicely seasoned with coarse cornmeal intertwined with the overall crust.
- Fish tacos: both grilled hallibut and fried were fantastic. Huge portions and plenty of shredded cheddar cheese. Fried version has 2 large chicken strip sized pieces
- Drinks: if you are in the mood for an adult version of a big gulp, get a 32 ounce draft beer. If not, there's bottled beers (I like Corona with lime myself) or go all out with the full bar in back
Lowlights:
- Flour tortillas: good for the larger size, but as a wanna be wheat free girl due to allergies, I'd prefer corn.
- Bird invasion: if you're seated outside, you may get winged visitors at your table.
Satisfied my fish taco craving and I'll be back.
People thought this was:
Since we were in San Diego (see last review of the Hotel Salomar), we decided to let the kids play in the pool, while a few adults ventured over to get dinner (ps: you are not allowed to bring outside food to the pool there ... oops)!
We went over to Tin Fish, since I checked out the reviews on Yelp. OK, guys, what the heck were you thinking? This restaurant has a bar (ask for Christian), and small area for inside seating. There is, however, a nice area to sit outside.
We checked out the menu and ordered (for the kids): a quesadilla (average size, served with salsa), and chicken fingers (again, average portion, served with waffle fries). NOTE: The menu on their website did not reflect the menu they had at the bar. For the adults, we ordered: New England clam chowder (good, not great), crab cakes (these should be called crab checker pawns - they were incredibly small for an appetizer (2)), a mahi mahi taco (this was good), and grilled shrimp (this, also, was tasty).
After spending $50 for the above, my family was satisfied, but not full. I don't think we'll be going there again.
NJCHICK says, "Kick the tin can to the curb!"
I came here with coworkers craving clam chowder on a bread bowl. When I came here, the place was packed with people. It took them awhile to finally got my food out while everyone else in my table already got their food. That was a bit annoying, but I tried to be patient.
So, finally, the food came. Boy, did I over ordered! I ordered the chowder in bread bowl and one halibut taco. I think I couldn't have been fine without the taco. The bread bowl filled me up before I was able to get to the tacos. Their portion is pretty huge.
Of course, they're pricey too. My lunch came out to be $16. Seems like everything around here is rather pricey.
Anyhoo.... overall food was okay, the chowder was decent, and the tacos was okay too. It's a 3.5 stars.
The best Mahi Mahi tacos I know of - $4.95 each. The tacos have very generous portions of Mahi. One taco fills me perfectly. Directly across the street from the Hard Rock Hotel on one side and the Convention Center on the other side.
...His second time in the place and he says to me "I think i'm gunna order a chicken taco". I look at my pops and say "pops, this is not the place you come to for a chicken taco, ifya wanna good chicken taco I can take you to a place". "Aright, i'll go for the swordfish again", was his reply. Meaning, he wanted another one of the best swordfish tacos i've had in SD.....and definitely the best fish & chips in SD. So we order a swordfish taco each and a mixed fish & chips to share. The mixed fish comes with halibut, salmon, swordfish, some crisscut fries, and an excellent slaw in a "moneys worth" portion size for about $13 and there's never a crumb leftover. Upside is that it's in between Petco park and the convention center. Downside is that it's in between Petco park and the convention center, which can make for tough parking and a long line, but it's surely worth it if ya got tix to the game, or wanna chill in the bar and watch. Bottom line is, because of the standout quality, and the "moneys worth" portions, The Tin Fish is a must-hit spot whenever guests are in town.
Riding our bikes around Downtown and watching the Red-Bull Air Races, naturally gets you hungry.
Not having been to the Tin Fish in a couple years, we were excited to check it out again.
Oh man, two years was way to long to not have come back.
I had the Sword Fish burrito which was life changing good. I don't think I spoke a word till that thing was gone.
It came with cris cut fries that were really tasty and Cole Slaw that was pickled instead of full of nasty ass mayo.
I ordered a large Stone Ale not knowing I would be getting a 32 once beer, not complaining but it just made my ride home a bit harder.
My wife had a Shrimp quesadilla, that had huge shrimp in it.
We shared a couple crab cakes that were a little disappointing, they were over fried and almost flavorless.
Overall everything was pretty flawless.
Good for eating outside on a sunny day.
People thought this was:
Great food- But, I can't get a Coke here? I will be back when I can =)
People thought this was:
Stopped by here for dinner with my Aunt Mags after we went to a event at the Hard Rock Hotel. The Tin Fish looked casual and quite inviting, so we thought we give it a try. I ordered fish and chips and my Aunt Mags ordered a Fish Taco. We both thought that the fish was really good., it tasted fresh, moist, and seasoned well. The chips...hmmm...in my opinion it was overly salted for my pallete. The cole slaw was quite good...light, fresh, and well seasoned.
Overall, I would definitely come back again...it's a good place to chill with friends over good food and conversation in a casual setting.
People thought this was:
The fish taco platters are pretty good and so are their other fish sticks. Portions were big and service was great. The seating is outside and it's nice to go and watch the people walk by as you eat. It's very conveniently located across from the convention center and petco park. It's definitely one of the better food establishments in San Diego and I would come back here the next time I'm in town.
Really good food. Don't judge me because this is SO much food, but I had the clam chowder in a bread bowl (I was impressed, but don't expect it to be as good as San Fran), a fish taco (INCREDIBLE), and the cross-cut fries (pretty delicious)!!!
I think these are my new favorite fish tacos!!!
My boyfriend had the fish and chips. Fish was all right, nothing to scream about, but he enjoyed it.
My bacardi and diet was only $7.50 and it wasn't happy hour...well worth it. I'm definitely going back.
Fried goodness. I order the fish taco platter and it was huge! its made for 2
For a little dive place... Prices are way high...10.00 for a beer, 12.00 for fish n chips...
But the food is good and the location is clutch. By the trolley. My homie Big Wayne would always come here before games (But not now considering that Wings Pizza n Things is open) But this place is good. They have tons of apps that will make you want to eat everything.
People thought this was:
Came here for a quick bite before partying at the Hard Rock Hotel. Nice outdoor dining. Had the swordfish sandwich and beer. Something like $16. The criss cross fries was some of the best. The swordfish was tasty. Do yourself a favor and order your food at the bar instead of waiting in the long lines like a sucka! Besides, you gotta order your beer from there anyways.
People thought this was:
For a tiny fish & chips type of diner in a really good location, I thought Tin Fish was okay. We were starving so we ordered the ceviche, which came with really good chips. We could have stopped there but we also got 2 bowls of clam chowder (decent...I've had better but it did the job) and a 1/2 order of fish & chips.....that was okay too. Nothing special, but again, it did the job. For all of that plus 2 drinks, it came out to about $35 including tax and tip.
We ordered our food at the bar and ate in the bar area. There were several sports games playing (there were like 5 or 6 flat screens on the walls). There's also an outside patio, but because I was slightly hungover, I didn't want to sit outside with a bunch of loud families. The service was really good....so that gets a whole star on its own.
People thought this was:
I used to really like this place, but somehow it has let me down twice in the one week time span that I've been there. Not in the way that service sucked or the food wasn't fresh, but just that the taste didn't jump out anymore.
First visit: fish taco and garlicky shrimp taco. Man those tacos are oversized! The fish was a-okay. Nothing special. The garlicky shrimp was much better than the fish, but the accompaniments (cabbages, etc.) just didn't dazzle.
Second visit: calamari, fish & chips. Definitely not a british style fish & chips. Honestly, that fried fish tasted like it was frozen. Maybe it is. The calamari was just okay. No tentacles, which is a shame because that's the best part.
For fish tacos I think you'll get a better bang for your buck if you go to Fred's. If you must got to Tin Fish, I probably would suggest the garlicky shrimp.
Was not expecting much food wise because I thought this place was more a bar than a place to eat. The grilled salmon tacos were delicious and huge, glad I only got one. The fries were mighty tasty and soaked up my vodka tonic very nicely. If you're lucky you'll get flashed by some girls staying at the hotel behind you.
- Great Location and lots of outdoor seating
- If you're looking for huge amounts of food this isn't the place for you (Great portion control... you won't be full, but you won't be hungry)
- Food is decent... not the greatest in the world... but just good
Great pre game meal spot for a couple fish tacos and a beer or two or three! Sometimes its PACKED and sometimes its super slow, but its a great place with good food for a fair price.
went here b/c needed food and couldn't stray too far away from comic con. it was pretty good... got the halibit taco and the chicken taco, both were good, but i should just stuck with both being fish... then my b/f got a salmon fish and chips and that was pretty good.
it wasn't the most impressive food for what we paid but it was good, and we went there again while we were at comin con. ^_^
My secret hangover cure???? Tin Fish fried fish taco's. So huge, you only need one.
Try the chips and salsa, too. The chips are kind of soft and flaky. so great. And the hot sauce they have is outta this world.
I love you, Tin Fish.
People thought this was:
Sort of surprised to see such raving reviews. Sure, it was a pleasant place but no better than a number of other Mexican-style restaurants in the area. The big plus is location - walking distance to Petco. Friendly staff, ok food - I've had better fish tacos. Nothing to get super excited about.
We came in during a Padres game-- playoff against the Rockies.
It had a great crowd inside, I really couldn't have cared less about the game (being a Cardinals fan) but it was a lot of fun to be a part of the action. Sure the home team lost, but people where still having fun and I met a few other people from Missouri inside.
We ordered tacos and calamari and was very happy with both. The bartender was a lot of fun and I shared a beer with fellow Cardinal fans in a neutral zone!
It did make me gulp when we got the bill.
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