Fredy Y.
Yelp
I googled "best restaurants in Winter Park" and Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen & Bar was in the top ten, so I decided to check them out since it looked more laid back atmosphere, I mean, I didn't want to overdress for Winter Park's casual scene, you know?
To start, I ordered a refreshing Seaside Margarita, which was infused with fresh pineapple and brown sugar. It was ok, but I couldn't find the salt on the rim of the glass, Maybe they forgot to go to the beach?
The decor was on point, with hanging portraits on the ceiling that had various fishing themes. It made me feel like I was at the beach, even though Winter Park is a little landlocked.
For happy hour, I ordered 6 oysters for $9, which was a steal. They were plump, juicy, and fresh, just the way I like them. I also tried the fish tacos with cilantro rice, which were blackened with pineapple salsa and jalapeño lime mayo. They had a ton of flavor, but they came out cold. And let's talk about the firecracker shrimp - they were fried Florida shrimp coated in a zesty aioli that had a nice crunch, spicy, and zesty flavor. Jumbo shrimp, jumbo taste!
I was feeling adventurous, so I ordered the fried okra. It was cornmeal battered and served with a horseradish dipping sauce. The portion was decent, but the taste was a bit greasy and not like the cuter, smaller pieces at Cracker Barrel.
Service was ok, but nothing to write home about. Overall, Reel Fish Coastal Kitchen & Bar is worth a visit, especially for happy hour oysters and firecracker shrimp that will blow your mind (and maybe your tastebuds).