Tackle Box - Washington D.C.

You've got to respect the East Coast for their passionate love of two things: beach vacations and seafood. Take either one away and I think there would be a riot on our hands. And even though the Mexican food thus far has been less than abysmal, I have yet to have a fish focused meal that didn't pass muster. Needless to say, my recent visit to Tackle Box in Georgetown had me fall for the whole seaside vacay seafood thing hook, line and sinker.

Situated next to its posh sister fish eatery Hook, Tackle Box is more apropos for Old Orchard Beach or Atlantic City. The boardwalk vibe is palpable with wood planked walls, weathered picnic tables and benches and hand drawn menus signaling the catch is fresh off the lobster boats.

Upon entering the small locale you're struck by the groups of happy lobster roll eaters, stranger next to stranger, wiping up every last drop from Styrofoam plates and cheap plastic silverware. I knew this was going to be a treat.

My dinner companions and I must have taken too long in front of the massive chalk outlined Tackle Box menu as we were greeted by the sweetest staffer who came from behind the counter. He was patient and full of great suggestions. I certainly admire anyone willing to tell me honestly what they eat on break.

Fish, side and sauce or fish, sauce and two sides. Hmmmmm. Two options for the fish, fried crispy and doused in Old Bay or charred on a well loved wood plank grill. Two of us opted for the grilled catfish with garlic lemon aioli, while the other got the crispy shrimp. Both were well executed, equally moist and tender.

Tackle Box sides were plentiful including smoky grilled green beans, slightly skimpy sweet potato fries, mashed potatoes, corn bread, mac and cheese, grilled portabellos and more. I was surprised to see Spanish chorizo on offer in the "Extras" section, although if you think about what a lobster or crab boil unveils, I really shouldn't have been surprised.

The best part about Tackle Box is their prices. Two choices of fish, two sides, two sauces, the extra charred chorizo and a soda set us back $26. This was definitely on the less expensive end of good old Georgetown. I certainly want to hitch my ride to any family willing to spring for the to-go lobster pots, complete with mussels, clams, corn, potatoes, more chorizo and Maine lobster. Decadent! My only complaint would be the very pricey lobster roll ($19 ouch!) and the crappy plastic ware; both things I will heartily overlook when I return to Tackle Box next.

Out of 5 forks I give Tackle Box a solid 3 forks. This one I'd certainly recommend to friends and family looking for good seafood on the cheap.

Comments

[TMW]

Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamn! That food looks good!!!!!

[Chris]

You not only made me hungry, but you made me miss summers in New England.

I'll definitely have to try it (and get my gf eating seafood)!