Wahoo's Fish Taco

If there’s one place where you should order a fish taco, it’s probably the place that’s confident enough to put “fish taco” in its name.

Inside Wahoo’s, it’s reminiscent of a dive bar from the sticker-plastered walls to the simple, friendly feel. The menu melds Asian, Brazilian and Mexican flavors and delivers a uniquely impressive cuisine. The salsa is flavorful and spicy, without the spice overpowering the taste. Other appetizers include beer battered Maui onion rings, nachos, taquitos, quesadillas and Baja rolls stuffed with cream cheese, chicken, spinach and salsa.

The Mexican-inspired Wahoo’s salad is topped with cheese, salsa, guacamole, strips of corn tortilla and your choice of filling. Whether you order tacos, burritos or enchiladas, you’ll decide on the filling. Choose from flame-grilled or blackened fish, flame-grilled or blackened chicken, braised pork, marinated grilled steak, spicy blackened mushrooms, semi-spicy Polynesian shrimp, grilled vegetables with teriyaki sauce or grilled tofu.

The combination platters are great for those that want to taste several dishes, and they range from $4 to $9. Wahoo bowls come with your choice of filling served over white or brown rice with black or spicy Cajun white beans. Wash down your rice and beans with the beer of the month, posted inside the restaurant.

Enjoy ice cold beverages and to compliment your perfectly grilled fish tacos. The menu at Wahoo’s doesn’t have many frills. You pick the meat or filling, you pick the type of rice and beans you want, and you pick how it’s served. Meals are fresh, fast and flavor-satisfying. Order at the front counter, find a seat, and from there the server will take care of you. Parents with little ones love the Wahoo kid menu, with smaller portions and cheaper prices.

Wahoo’s Fish Taco was the brainchild of brothers Wing, Ed and Mingo, who grew up in the restaurant business. Their parents owned a Chinese restaurant in Brazil and then in Newport Beach, and their shared love of surfing and the mouthwatering fish taco inspired them to start a fish taco restaurant in Orange County. Since the Wahoo’s Fish Taco opening in 1988, the brothers have received many loyal customers.

HelloMetro Tip: What type of fish is in the fish tacos, you ask? It’s normally Mahi-Mahi if you order blackened and Wahoo if you order grilled. Either way, the tacos are fresh and delicious.

- by Jessica Bates, Los Angeles Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Jessica Bates

Jessica is a freelance journalist residing in lovely southern California. She holds a bachelor's degree in English and journalism. She writes for a green living publication, which she thoroughly enjoys. Once upon a time she was an editorial board member for Steel Toe Books choosing poetry manuscripts for publication.