After a massive heat wave, it looks like San Diego is getting into the regularly scheduled weather of sunshine and mild temperatures. San Diego is pretty famous for its weather, which enables outdoor dining year-round.
Beerfish opened a little over a year ago in Normal Heights/University Heights, and even though it's walking distance from my house, this visit was my first. This review was invited, but my opinions are my own.
The decor is cute and kitschy, which is perfect for a seafood place in this neighborhood. The decor mimics an old pierhouse, with floaters, prize fish on the wall, and lanterns at every table.
There is extensive outdoor seating (no air conditioning), but there are a few tables inside. However, the best seat is outside on the covered deck. Protection from the majority of the intense sun, but still outdoors in the fresh air.
Beerfish hosts a happy hour from 2:30 to 6 every weeknight, so it's a great time to go in early and enjoy a beer and some of their appetizers. Each night boasts a different special, so it's a good idea to consult the website and see what appeals.
The place is called Beerfish, so I figured -- let's have some beer and fish! I started with the The Harlot by local Societe Brewing: a crisp, Belgian blonde ale. We also fell in love with the passionfruit-flavored Passion Pool from Mikkeller, also local. The beer list has predominantly local craft beers, which should please aficionados of San Diego and beer.
I will never, ever turn down ceviche, especially with spicy shrimp. The ceviche at Beerfish is well made, with large chunks of shrimp and no filler fish. A word of warning, it's spicy, so if you don't do spicy, I would skip it. However, the flavor is so much more than simple heat, with a lot of complexity from paprika and garlic.
While we're enjoying that appetizer, can I just point out this adorable pufferfish lamp? It is evidently handmade, and just fits the decor so well!
Oh, our main courses are here! I adore fish and chips to a strange level of obsession, but I refuse to learn how to cook them. There's really no redeeming health qualities, and they are a pain to make at home, so I just savor them heartily the 3-4 times a year that I go out for them.
The fish and chips were so, so good. Crispy, with lots of salty flavor, and a firm filet. No wilty or overly greasy fish here. Just the perfect slabs of fried fish and homemade fries.
It really wouldn't be San Diego without some fish tacos, and on Tuesdays, the tacos are all discounted. Don't tell anyone, but I broke tradition and ordered my taco with shrimp instead of fish.
I have had my share of shrimp tacos, and this one was one of the best. The shrimp was plentiful, and it was messy, which means that it was good. Piled high with pico and cabbage, then finished with white sauce, it was heaven in each bite.
Beerfish has weekday specials, and is open 7 days a week. Check them out at https://beerfish.com/
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