By The Curious Epicurean
Seasoned travelers worldwide all tend to ask the same question when visiting a new location…”Where do the locals eat?”
I am sure there are a number of answers to that question here in town, but my go to answer is always Off The Hook Bar & Grill, because it ticks all the boxes. It is definitely popular with the local crowd, the food is great and it’s got a natural beach vibe, even though it’s not technically on the beach.
I first visited Off The Hook when vacationing here a few years back. It was Christmas Day, the sun was shining, we were all in shorts and flip flops and no one was in the mood for turkey. So, we stopped for a Bloody Mary and some Boom, Boom Shrimp. The water glistened on the lagoon as the pontoon boats bobbed in the water. And Christmas carols with a district Caribbean rhythm played melodiously in the background – “Ah, so this is what it’s like to live here!”
Indeed it is, and now I do. And whenever I get the chance, which isn’t often enough, I stop by to soak up the vibe and remember why we moved to town.
It’s an all outdoor dining experience, casual and fun. The staff are the best, always friendly and upbeat (even in the summer heat!). And while there are tv monitors discreetly positioned around the bar for die hard sports fans and news junkies, when it’s not Christmas, soft rock classics fill the air, setting just the right mood, gently soothing all your troubles away.
Their kitchen is a lean, mean machine that only turns out, fresh, made-to-order dishes. So kick back, relax and enjoy an ice cold beer or one of Lisa’s specialty cocktails while the chefs work their magic.
Come for the seafood, the wings or the burgers, they’ve got it all.
Their shrimp and local grouper are served blackened, fried or grilled, any way you like it, including in tacos and po’ boys, or as most locals like it, with an extra side of signature Boom Boom sauce. Trust me, it’s the bomb (ok, now you know how old I am).
Wings are another specialty, get as few as 5 or as many as 100, served with your choice of BBQ, Teriyaki, Garlic Parmesan, Medium, Anaconda, Mojo, Hot, Honey Sriracha, Habanero or Flamingo dipping sauce.
Their build your own burger bar puts every craving to rest, with nine different toppings to choose from. But for me it is all about the Philly Cheese Steak, definitely the best I have ever eaten (and I have been to Philly).
They will be open Christmas Day and I will be there, so maybe I will see you there.
