Off The Hook
Onion Rings – Whiskey and Beer Batter
Vegan Sweet Potato Fries
French Fries
Cajun Catfish Bites – Cornmeal Breading, Cajun Spice
Hushpuppies
Loaded Mahi Mahi Fries – Grilled Mahi Mahi, French Fries, Cole Slaw, Pico de Gallo, Spicy Housemade Thai Sauce
Wild Caught Alaskan Cod – Gluten Free Batter
Pacific White Fish – Gluten Free Batter
Reared Catholic on the Great Lakes it was for Lent every year that Fish-frys overtook Friday night, local Churches offering up whatever random White Fish they could find after depleting Perch or Walleye, but here decades later it was for lunch on Saturday that five friends gathered at home to enjoy a freshly fried spread from Off The Hook.
Originally visited in early 2017, and prior to Easter a year later, it is just south of Flamingo on Buffalo Drive that guests will see street signs suggesting “Fish N’ Chips,” neighbor KoMex Fusion now gone but Babystacks nearby still doing brisk business even with 50% inside seating thanks to Covid-19 precautions.
Ordered in advance, GrubHub and Yelp! both offering deals on Food that is already well-priced, it was just prior to Off The Hook’s 12:00pm opening that doors were found open, the owner arriving early to prepare and package eight items that remained hot and crispy for the 8-minute drive home.
More than just “Fish N’ Chips,” laminated menus and chalkboard specials even suggesting some Vegan or Gluten-Free choices, it was with Styrofoam clamshells and cardboard boats wrapped in plastic plus paper bags that several pounds were unpacked, Hushpuppies dense but not greasy while Cajun Catfish Bites were meaty beneath a dusting of Cornmeal and just a bit of heat.
Hand-breading and frying a wide variety of items to order, line-caught Cod dubbed “Premium” outpacing Pacific White Fish that seemed a little flaccid, it was with a splash of Malt Vinegar that filets each proved bountiful and tender, though Onion Rings previously found under-cooked were this time fried a few minutes too long.
Not forgetting “Chips,” or in this case the English equivalent, it remains uncertain as to what makes Sweet Potatoes “Vegan” in comparison to Yukon Gold, but either way the Orange spears amongst Sin City’s best while the regular Spuds are available with a number of toppings, though it seems hard to believe any are better than grilled Mahi Mahi, vibrant Vegetables and Housemade Thai Sauce.
FOUR STARS: Taking all the necessary safety precautions for dine-in and take-out, Off The Hook remains a worthwhile stop for those looking for good fried Fish and French Fries while the menu offers enough variety that everyone can probably find something they’ll enjoy.
RECOMMENDED: Vegan Sweet Potato Fries, Hushpuppies, Loaded Mahi Mahi Fries, Cajun Catfish Bites, Wild Caught Alaskan Cod.
AVOID: Onion Rings were over-fried, White Fish was a bit limp.
TIP: Currently operating noon to 8:00pm Monday through Saturday, and until 6:00pm Sunday.
WHAT THE STARS MEAN: 5 World Class, 4 Excellent, 3 Good, 2 Fair, 1 Poor.
www.offthehooklv.com/
