In search of Delaware’s best fish taco

Filed in National by on March 28, 2013

I have a new thing. Whenever I see “Fish Taco” on a menu I order it. So far – after an infinitesimally small number of tests (3) – Dogfish on Rehoboth Ave is in the lead. The fish was great, and the cabbage salad had a nice tang to it. And yet, this fish taco is easily beatable by anyone who combines nice fresh fish, a decent tortilla and and some imaginative savory/sweet salad.

Fins on Rehoboth Ave was pretty weak – but at least the fish was good. That same can’t be said for Mango’s in Bethany which was a train-wreck wrapped around a few Mrs. Paul’s fish sticks. The fish taco appetizer at Iron Hill was equally weak but for more for lack of trying than crappy ingredients. Had I known that I was going to be doing this feature I’d have paid more attention to why I didn’t like it.

So hook me up. Bookmark this post and let me know if you find a good one.

Thanks!

About the Author ()

Jason330 is a deep cover double agent working for the GOP. Don't tell anybody.

Comments (31)

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  1. Joanne Cabry says:

    Striper Bites in Lewes

  2. Aoine says:

    El Dorado in Rehob0th on RT 24 next to Grey Hare Tavern

    great hot sauce too!! the fish is firm and flaky – the taco AWESOME!

  3. cassandra m says:

    Does it have to be in Sussex? El Diablo Burritos in Trolley Square has killer fish tacos. They may be the best thing they serve, and they have plenty of other great items too. El Diablo is mostly take out (but there are a few tables in the place) and the fish tacos are not available all year. But they are making them now!

  4. Jason330 says:

    This is a Delaware-wide search, so thanks for the tip.

  5. anon says:

    The best fish taco in Delaware is at El Dorado behind the McDonalds on Rt. 1 in Rehoboth. Traditional Baja style, not some mucked up Bobby Flay New York style garbage, the real deal. The owner is also one of the nicest people you will ever meet.

  6. geezer says:

    anon: Baha style as in mahi mahi in batter with white sauce? How do they stack up against the real West Coast version?

  7. Aoine says:

    Geezer – I have had the best fish tacos in San Diego and El Dorado is (dare I say it) better…..

  8. Aoine says:

    and yes – mahi mahi in batter!! YUMMY!!

  9. anon says:

    Geezer I’m a fan of the mahi, less toxins. Everything is fresh and crunchy.

  10. John says:

    I second El Diablo – also, they now have a location in Branmar Plaza on Marsh – much large than Trolley with lots of seating. I also recommend Santa Fe in Wilmington – great fish taco (and awesome salmon, if you want to branch out).

  11. geezer says:

    Aoine: For a second I thought you meant dorado as in the fish, which is just the Spanish name for mahi mahi.

    Now I’m torn, because I’ve sworn not to spend any money in Sussex County until Jeff Christopher packs his bags and leaves.

  12. V says:

    How about The Border Cafe (affectionately known as EAT) over by churchman’s crossing? Delicious.

  13. geezer says:

    I’m getting the feeling that fish tacos are like sex: Even the worst is pretty darn good.

  14. Aoine says:

    @ geezer- thants OK. THEY HAVE BEEN been making great fish tacos for years and will continue to

    It is EL DORADO- like the fish- that is their logo actually

    But they use dorado. Mahi mahi too

    If you buy on no one will telll. 😉

    Or wait just 18 months and the carpetbagger will be gone

  15. meatball says:

    Pickled Pig Pub on route 1, Rehoboth has pretty darn good ones on the app menu for $8.50/pair. Battered Mahi, pickled red onions, jalapenos, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, cilantro & chipotle sauce. Pretty nice beer selection to wash them down with, too.

  16. j marie says:

    Feby’s Fishery has really good ones.

  17. Michelle M says:

    3rd on El Diablo. Everything on the menu is great.

  18. Don A. says:

    I 2nd Pickled Pig Pub, and the beer selectionis top notch as well.

  19. Aoine says:

    But it’s kinda pricey too… The pickled pig pub

  20. Valentine says:

    Arena’s and Pig and Fish in Rehoboth both have tasty fish tacos, as does Big Fish.

  21. Geezer says:

    Aonie: Eighteen months is a long time to wait for fish tacos. Heck, 18 minutes is a long time to wait for fish tacos.

  22. jason330 says:

    El Diablo – Branmar Plaza
    Santa Fe – Wilmington
    The Border Cafe – churchman’s crossing
    Feby’s Fishery – Wilmington
    El Diablo Burritos – Trolley Square
    Striper Bites – Lewes
    Pickled Pig Pub – Rehoboth
    El Dorado – Rehoboth
    Arena’s – Rehoboth
    Pig and Fish – Rehoboth

    This has been wildly successful. I have a full plate, so to speak.

  23. Joanne Christian says:

    Good Heavens jason, are you a waterman with a delivery truck? Or the “Secret Diner”?

  24. Aoine says:

    Then geezer, we will keep it our secret…..I guarantee you the guy that owns El Dorado does NOT support the sheriff.

    Those opposed to his wild and woolly ways need a means to support themselves too…..think of it as funding the good guys

    And have a GREAT FISH TACO too

  25. SussexAnon says:

    El Dorado has a great fish taco. They also have great shrimp tacos, guac, ceviche and the cancun burrito.

    Fresh and authentic.

  26. anon says:

    Yes, El Dorado’s ceviche is awesome!

  27. Susan says:

    The best fish taco I have ever had is at Cafe Luna on Rt 54. I am in search of one on this end of Delaware and the closest has been El Diablo in Trolley Square.

  28. bordercrosser says:

    Sovanna Bistro in Kennett. A little outside DE, but worth the drive. Fresh fish makes a big difference.

  29. liberalgeek says:

    I think the Border Cafe has taken the fish tacos off of the menu. It used to be my go to menu item.

    Geezer, I might suggest that a good modification to your Sussex vow might be to only go places that speak Spanish. My understanding is that Christopher has made “immigrant-looking people” a target of his faux law enforcement.

  30. V says:

    you guys i couldn’t help myself i had to go over to El Diablo today.

    HOLY CATS were they good.

  31. TC says:

    Lettie’s in Hockessin…but they’re not on the menu full time.