(15th Street Fisheries Restaurant entrance off of the marina)

The weather was perfect in Ft. Lauderdale today.  It was the perfect time to finally try the 15th Street Fisheries Restaurant off of SE 15th Street and Cordova Road (off of 17th Street).  It's located right on the fishing docks in the marina at the end of 15th Street.  Parking was free too.  There are two parts to this restaurant.  The downstairs is more of a bar and grill feel and serves lunch and dinner.  They also have an outdoor patio right on the docks.  The outside seating is great...not only do you get to see some great water views and boats, you get to see the giant Tarpon fish swimming right below while you eat.  You can even buy some fish food and watch them jump out of the water a bit.  (See the short video of the Tarpon at the bottom of the post.)  The upstairs dining area is more for a quiet meal and is only open for dinner with a slightly different menu with more of an 'upscale' feel.

(View of 15th Street Fisheries Restaurant from the docks.)

We sat at one of the tables outside and the server was right there to great us.  One thing to note...it's 'seat yourself' so if the weather is nice...get there by noon for a great seat right at the edge by the water.  There are also flat screen TVs to entertain...if you enjoy the TV more than the water and boats.

(15th Street Fisheries Restaurant outside dining on the docks.)

(View from the patio dining area 15th Street Fisheries Restaurant - Dockside.)

The Dockside menu specializes in seafood, but also has salads, sandwiches and steak.  If you are not a seafood lover, you will definitely find something you'll like here too.  We went the seafood route.  We started with the Louisiana Bayou Fried Alligator.  I ordered the Traditional Fish & Chips platter and Jeff ordered the Coconut Shrimp and Chili Pineapple Sauce.  Both were served with steak fries.

(Louisiana Bayou Fried Alligator appetizer.)

The Fried Alligator came out hot and crispy.  It was so meaty and tasted great.  I think this was probably the best alligator steak I've had in South Florida.  While it wasn't freshly caught here in the Everglades, it still tasted fresh and the portion was pretty large as well.  The cost for the appetizer was $8.95.  They also have appetizers like Calamari, Green Turtle Cay Conch Fritters and Raw Oysters.  You can even opt for just Cheesy Bread.  Prices for appetizers range from $2.50 - $15.95.

(Traditional Fish & Chips.)

The name of the dish is a bit misleading.  For those Fish & Chips 'purists'...this is much different.  This version is made with Talapia fillets (rather than Cod) and the breading is more of a 'crumb' type (rather than a light batter).  While this dish wasn't as 'traditional' as it leads you to believe, it was really good.  The fish wasn't too greasy and the coating was nice and light.  The fish tasted fresh, which is always good to see (and taste).  Talapia is a mild fish and it kind of reminds me of a better quality catfish.  The steak fries were crispy and hot with a fluffy inside.  The dish is served with tarter sauce and malt vinegar (on the side).  The cost for this entrée - $11.95.

(Coconut Shrimp and Chili Pineapple Sauce.)

Now this shrimp dish was GREAT.  You get six HUGE shrimp that were perfectly done.  Now, I like coconut shrimp, but I usually have my fill after just one...the coconut can get a bit overwhelming.  15 Street Fisheries had just the right amount of coconut on this dish.  You just get a hint of it really.  I'm glad to see that someone actually thought this dish trough.  The Chili Pineapple Sauce is a bit sweet, and if there was too much coconut flavor, it would have overpowered the shrimp.  They work great together and you still can taste the shrimp.  I will definitely order this the next time I go.  I'm so glad to see a place here in Ft. Lauderdale that has fresh, meaty, tasty shrimp.  (Yeah, I'm a shrimp lover).  It makes me want to try the peel and eat shrimp appetizer next time.  This entrée was $12.95. 

(15th Street Fisheries Dockside patio - Tarpon fish 'entertainment'.  See short video below!)

Soup and Salads range from $2.95 (House Salad) to $12.95 (Lauderdale Marina Salad).
Sandwiches range from $7.95 (Ted's Tuna Salad) to $13.95 (Chef's Fish Sandwich - mahi mahi or salmon).
Dockside entrées range from $7.95 (Chicken Tenders) to $14.95 (Seafood Kabob - lobster, shrimp, scallops, veggies).

The total for our big lunch was about $40.00 (not including tip.)  That was for the appetizer, two entrées and two soft drinks.  If you are on a tight budget, skip the appetizer and choose a sandwich.  The freshness and location is well worth the price.  We looked at this lunch as our 'big meal' of the day...so the $40 price tag wasn't that bad.  Definitely stop in and try lunch at 15th Street Fisheries...we're glad we did.



15th Street Fisheries Restaurant  is located at:
1900 SE 15th Street
Ft. Lauderdale, FL


FTLToday's restaurant grade: A


See the next post for a short video of the Talapia fish.