Thinking about taking a trip to Galveston this winter holiday? Add Fish Company Taco to your island hit list. You’ll find its sea green brick walls and coral pink door just a short walk from the Seawall off 23rd Street…and there’s a cute family photo op in front of a “Greetings from Galveston” mural, too.
Originally opened by the talented chef Daya Myers-Hurt (now at Hotel Luciene’s restaurant, The Fancy) and closed since last October, the taco-slinging hideaway was brought back to life by new owner Raz Halili, second-gen oysterman of Prestige Oysters and the force behind San Leon’s tide-to-table destination, Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House.
Halili shares Myers–Hurt’s commitment to making the bounty of the Gulf the star of the show, highlighting seasonal ingredients and fresh catches from the island’s local fish markets. In addition to chef Daya’s beloved five-count of globally inspired tacos on housemade tortillas, the counter-service joint has added weekly crudos and oysters to the menu, along with sides from chile-kissed bok choy to fat onion ring stacks and a much-welcomed beverage program of tropical cocktails and mocktails, beer and wine. Better yet? The hours have extended to include happy hour bites and booze and dinner service.
My family and I recently visited the newly reopened island jewel, and the experience made waves for all. I went with my usuals, of course — the Dirty South taco that I had been dreaming about ever since the original FCT closed, all pretty and stacked with sweet corn relish, the world’s greatest pimiento cheese, and some Zapp’s Cajun Crawtators for spice and crunch; and the Vietnamese, which is like a banh mi riff that comes bright and punchy thanks to mint, Thai basil, cilantro and nuoc nam. I chose some impossibly crisp battered Gulf shrimp to accompany the pimiento number and the flakiest, crunchiest catch of the day for the Vietnamese; though guests can also opt for vegetarian tacos.
The kiddos devoured their fried fish tacos, a particularly impressive feat for my very picky, sweet-toothed little guy. Basically like super awesome fish sticks in a super awesome tortilla, they asked for seconds. And with little edible flowers and fresh herbs, the daily crudo special that hit our table was just as gorgeous as it was tasty. Did my husband and I have a chopstick battle over the last sliver of smoked kampachi? We sure did.
Tack on two cold beers and some curly fries and this was a damn good time. With the kids off from school and winter break just around the corner, I’d highly suggest y’all make it down to the island to pay Fish Company Taco a visit (and get the Dirty South, for me).
Fish Company Taco
1914 23rd
409-220-3245
This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2024.
