Take a fishing trip to Mukilteo
Tin Fish will satisfy diners' craving for seafood, sunshine
By Amy Daybert, Enterprise writer
Fish and sunshine are a great lunch combination and luckily, there isn't a shortage of places to catch some of both in Mukilteo.
One place to satisfy your fish craving is The Tin Fish Restaurant. The promise of "fresh fish" and "good food" on the sign outside may be all that's needed to spark an appetite but once inside, you may need a few moments to choose from a menu that boasts not only fish but burgers, chicken and a variety of 12-inch pizzas as well.
While my dining companion and I scanned the menu, the woman behind the counter happily offered her own recommendation. "Our fish tacos are really good," she said, adding that she has one almost every time she's working. Plus, we had heard that Mukilteo Mayor Don Doran, made his first meal at The Tin Fish a fish taco on opening day in April. That was enough to help us decide to try the shrimp taco ($7.50) and the halibut taco ($8.50) platters with fries and cole slaw. Upon being advised of the generous size of the house salad ($3.95), we chose to split it and each ordered a small soda ($1.50).
The Tin Fish-Mukilteo
Established: April 1, 2005
Owners: Steve and Nessia Vincent
Location: 204 Lincoln Ave., Mukilteo
Phone: 425-353-9549
Fax: 425-290-5167
Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Avg. meal cost: $4.95-$14.95
There was no hesitation when it came time to choose a place to sit. While the Tin Fish offers both inside and outside dining options, the warm weather, and spectacular view of Mukilteo Lighthouse Park made dining outside a necessity. We chose a spot under one of the big green umbrellas draped with decorative straw and sat down to wait for our tacos. Between our conversation, chirping birds, music from cars in the ferry line and the trickle of water from a fountain in the middle of the outside dining area, the backdrop for our lunch was set.
When the meal arrived, the fish tacos served on a 7-inch tortilla, held substantially large portions of cabbage, cheese, salsa, white sauce and hot sauce, none of which overpowered the anticipated taste of the halibut or shrimp. The salad arrived with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and slices of lemon appeared with each dish. The fries were seasoned and the cole slaw was a combination of sweet and spicy. More than a couple "Mmms" could be heard from our general direction as we enjoyed our lunch.
The Tin Fish is a convenient, casual and fun place to enjoy a meal. Prices range from a $1.99 mini Tin Fish sandwich to a $14.95 shrimp scampi pizza. Traditional seafood includes five to six pieces of North Atlantic Cod ($10.95) and salmon, halibut, swordfish and mahi-mahi dishes. Grilled, fried, and combo platters are also available. If fish isn't on your personal menu, a sirloin burger ($10.95) or chicken tenders ($10.95) may be more to your liking. Kids can also order quesadillas ($1.50 each).
If eating on the go is your preference, The Tin Fish also offers curbside service for those stuck waiting in ferry traffic or can make orders to go for those who call from their home or office. Remember to come hungry because you'll want to finish everything on your plate. And why shouldn't you? There's always a walk on the beach as a dessert option.
