Restaurants
Off the Hook
Off the Hook has a great name, and their fish isn't so bad either! Located on Broadview just south of the Danforth, it occupies what was once fish & chip joint Deep Blue, so not an imaginative reincarnation, but a delicious one.
I must preface this review by saying I have an overwhelming desire to pepper it (and salt it...and vinegar it) with fishy puns. I will do my best to resist, but I'm off to a bad start already.
I was to have lunch with a friend and we were faced with two choices, Off the Hook being one of them. We agreed on fish and chips. It was Friday, after all. We arrived around one o'clock, and although seating is more plentiful than say, Chippy's, the lunch rush at Off the Hook sees its fair share of hungry high school kids, so plan weekday meals here accordingly. Fortunately we had just missed the mob, so we were able to snag...I mean, get a seat up front.
Off the Hook is lacking in the ambience department, but its early stages, and it is a fish and chip joint after all. Seating is to the left alongside a mirrored wall, kitchen to the right, and a small after-thought of a bar at the back (with Mill Street Tankhouse on tap). It's function over fashion here and I wouldn't expect anything else. Service is fast and friendly, with servers explaining which of the sauces (they have seven) go best with each type of fish (Halibut, Mahi-Mahi, Red Snapper & Sea Bass).
The menu isn't focused solely (oops...that slipped) on straight-up fish and chips however. Also on offer are fish sandwiches, poutine made with duck gravy, and seafood items like crab cakes, or Panko-crusted shrimp. All items are reasonably priced considering the portion sizes with a Tilapia sandwich going for only $5 and the Halibut and a pint special for $15.
I couldn't remember the last time I had fish and chips so I went with the deep-fried Halibut ($12) served with coleslaw and tartar sauce (both homemade). For a healthier alternative, diners can have their fish served grilled instead of fried, but like I said, this was the first time in a long time for me, so I wasn't taking any shortcuts. My fish came with a decent portion of sweet potato fries (for $1 more) and chipotle mayo for dipping.
The fish was amazing. Made with organic flour (they also have gluten-free) the batter was light and crispy while the fish itself was moist and flaky. It was greasy, as all fried fish is, but it didn't taste of grease. The sweet potato fries were so-so, but the chipotle mayo kicked them up a few notches. Obviously out of practice, I forgot to douse my fish in vinegar. I remembered this on the subway ride home and was possibly more upset than I should have been.
My friend ordered the Mahi-Mahi sandwich ($8) served on a crusty bun with pesto mayo, and onion rings (for an extra $2). She chose Mahi-Mahi simply because it's fun to say Mahi-Mahi, but she wasn't disappointed. The Mahi Mahi was a bit fishier than she was used to, but tasty with the pesto nonetheless.
The onion rings however, made with red onions and covered in the same light and crispy batter, stole the show.
As it was all quite delicious, and neither fish nor fries save really well, we finished our meals instead of opting for take-out. And as if we hadn't reached out batter quota of the day, we ordered a deep-fried Mars bar ($3) to share. Not the most appealing dessert out there, it arrived at our table looking like a sugar dusted Pogo stick. The chocolate obviously melts in the deep-fryer so the Mars like quality of the bar itself is reduced, but I'm really not sure what I was expecting. It tasted a bit like a donut. A donut filled with melted chocolate. On a stick. Batter quota - reached.
Footnote: That evening each of us skipped dinner which is totally out of character, and upon waking the next morning it was unclear as to whether breakfast was actually a necessity. It was as if we had entered the first stages of hibernation... but that's a whole other kettle of fish. (Sorry... I had to)
Discussion
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Only one thing I'd suggest to them - please consider carrying a gluten free beer for us gluten intolerants to enjoy with our gluten free fish. (I recommend Nicklebrook Gluten Free, locally made and the only one that tastes close to decent)
We'll definitely be back!
1.The one that got away
2.Chippys
3.Off the hook
4. Busters
You're so right about the attitude. I guess they're going for a hip clientele, but to me, their staff make the food seem less appetizing. A greasy-haired 18 year-old in a trucker hat, covered in tattoos, with stretched ear lobes does not suggest professionalism nor expertise in the handling and preparation seafood.
Compared to places like Off The Hook, Olde Yorke and Reliable, where the staff are friendly, knowledgeable, professional and CLEAN... I can't see ever going to Chippy's again.
Great review, by the way!
I feel bad for the people that wanted take out. I saw customer stand there for close to 50 mins waiting on their food.
They need to added an extra fryer. The food was good, but the wait is ridiculous, I wouldn't go back unless it was for take out and I ordered ahead of time.
Pros:
First and foremost, the fish was delicious! So tender, and not overcooked at all!
Cons:
The bread for the sandwich was way too thick, and didn't compliment the fish at all. The coleslaw was not good - Way too much vinegar!
I agree, the wait time is sort of ridiculous. I waited almost 45 minutes for a sandwich and it wasn't even that busy that evening. I hope they figure out a more efficient system to serve customers.
The food was hot and some of the best fish in the city (especially for the price). We'll all be going back soon.
I think to improve speed it would be nice to have two cash registers and one exclusively for takeout, or make te front window open for takeout orders.