Oh, Fiddlefish!

On a recent trip to Alabama's beautiful beaches, I was a bit dismayed at the price of eating out on the Gulf Coast. It seemed every restaurant we went to, all the old favorites, had increased prices dramatically from years past. We rarely found anywhere that was under $100 for three people. The prices had escalated, but I did not think the quality had increased to the same level. So, it was a happy discovery to find a new restaurant in Orange Beach that was not only reasonably priced, but the food was very good, too. 

Fiddlefish, in the San Roc Cay shopping center, is located in what was originally a deli. It is a laid back, casual little place with a beachy personality. I especially loved the rustic wooden fish decorating the restaurant on the inside and outside. Another happy discovery, because the place is fairly new, we did not have to wait forever for a table. I am sure this will change when vacationers get wind of Fiddlefish.  Hmmmm...on second thought, perhaps I should stop right here!  Oh, ok...I'll share my secret!

We were seated in a booth and quickly given menus and drinks. After studying the menus, JD's buddy Rhett, who was extremely happy to find something besides seafood on the menu, chose the Fiddleburger. This burger was decked out in a fried egg, cheddar cheese, bacon, lettuce and tomato. Rhett was one happy fellow when this monstrosity was delivered. It was huge!  He told us it may have been the best burger he had ever had. The Fiddleburger came with a side of crinkle cut fries.

JD couldn't resist the Fiddlefish shrimp poboy when he discovered the fried shrimp were covered in Fiddlesauce, Fiddlefish's version of bang bang sauce. The big sandwich roll was split and over flowing with lots of big shrimp, lettuce, sliced tomato and red onion. JD said this was definitely the best shrimp poboy he had ever had.

While the boys made their selections quickly, I had a much more difficult time deciding. My inclination was to go with the shrimp taco, because that is always a safe bet for me. On the other hand, I felt the name of this blog might have to be changed to Three Friends and a Taco, if  I didn't branch out.  It was a bit late, and I really was wanting something on the light side, so the next thing I did was completely bewildering. I asked the waitress for suggestions and let her talk me into this behemoth of an overstuffed baked potato.  I still do not know why I did, because it was the direct opposite of small and light! 

The thing was huge, stuffed to overflowing with grilled shrimp, cheese, green onions and covered in crab and corn bisque. The dang thing would have fed a family of four! It was rich and tasty, but there was no way I could finish the whole thing. 

The best surprise of all came when the waitress brought out the bill. I could not believe how reasonable it was to eat at Fiddlefish. The total bill for all three of us including our drinks was under $40. We had lots of food, the seafood was fresh and expertly prepared, we didn't have to wait forever and the staff was friendly and helpful. This place is a bargain! Do not fiddle around! Go to Fiddlefish on your next trip to Alabama's Gulf Coast!

Three Friends and a Fork give Fiddlefish 3 enthusiastic Yums UP!