LOCAL

Restaurant review: Go for Palms Fish Camp's fresh seafood, stay for the stunning views

Caron Streibich
With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, Palms Fish Camp can also accommodate larger parties. (Photo by Caron Streibich)

Situated on Clapboard Creek just off Heckscher Drive, newcomer Palms Fish Camp adds another fish camp experience to Northeast Florida’s limited waterfront dining landscape.

We eagerly polished off our shared starter, a basket of Palm’s calamari ($9.95) that arrived tableside with a piping hot marinara-style sauce. The golden-brown breading was perfectly crisp, and the calamari was abundantly portioned. Just as at any good fish camp, we knew we must also have a cup of seafood gumbo ($5), which we topped with the obligatory crunchy little oyster crackers. It was, sadly, nothing to write home about.

I ordered the pan-seared sea scallop entree (market price varies) in a special sauce, which is accompanied by a choice of two sides. I went with the sliced, breaded fried okra and the sautéed mixed vegetables, and both were excellent. Flavor was there and both the seafood and vegetables were cooked correctly. We loved this dish and I would absolutely order it again.

My fiancée ordered the signature fish tacos ($10.95) on flour tortillas with cabbage, chopped pico de gallo, cilantro and a slightly spicy sauce. We were disappointed, as there was hardly any fish. With the addition of more fish these tacos could be redeemed.

We were curious and a little apprehensive, but equally intrigued by Palm’s two-topping, 12-inch, brick-oven pizza ($10). The crust was a bit undercooked and doughy, but the pizza itself was sizable and a good selection for non-seafood lovers or kids in your group. (There’s also a hamburger on the menu.) We topped ours with tomato and jalapeños, and added grilled chicken and sausage for an additional $1.50 each.

For fun, or perhaps in lieu of a pricey tropical vacation, I ordered the special Palms pineapple ($14.95): a frozen, blended piña colada inside a hollowed-out pineapple, complete with straw. Let’s just say it went down easy. Sitting outside on the deck on a breezy afternoon, sipping one of these is what Florida is all about.

We were too full to try Palm’s homemade key lime pie, which our waitress suggested, or bread puddin’ — but maybe on our next trip.

Caron Streibich is an avid food-lover who will review restaurants every other week in the Dining section. Follow her dining adventures at facebook.com/caroneats and #caroneats on Instagram.