Joe Jack’s Fish Shack Celebrates 15 Years in Puerto Vallarta
The restauranteur Joe Jack ran successful eateries in California for years before opening Joe Jack’s Fish Shack on Basilio Badillo. His years of experience are clearly on display at this local favorite. From the friendly and efficient team to the beautiful rooftop terrace, Joe Jack’s is the perfect place for lunch or dinner.
The cuisine is the star here with a menu focused on seafood with plenty of meat and vegetarian options too. On our most recent visit, we started with a delicious passion fruit mezcalita, so refreshing with just the right balance between smoky, sweet, and tart. My dinner companion opted for a dry Vino Verde, conveniently offered in three different pour options (from “I just want a small sip” to “I need the entire bottle”).
We started out with the tuna poke which was heavenly. Delicious chunks of fresh-from-the-sea tuna mixed with a savory and salty sauce were perfectly paired with crispy, fried wonton chips to scoop it all up. We then moved to a sublime green papaya salad with shrimp, fresh herbs, and peanuts. The delicate salad was light, fresh, and flavorful with just a hint of heat.
For the main course we opted to share the grilled, whole Huachinango (red snapper). It was out of this world. The dish was presented tableside where the server expertly deboned the fish to perfection. Served with tortillas, frijoles de olla, and some spicy sauce, this plate is not to be missed.
Other menu favorites include the pumpkin seed hummus, portobello mushroom quesadilla, and Baja-style tacos (shrimp or fish). On Sunday and Thursday, they serve their famous fried chicken which is so delicious, that people make it their first stop when visiting Vallarta.
Whether sitting at the bar for a refreshing drink and light bite or a celebratory dinner in their private dining room with friends, Joe Jack’s Fish Shack is always a good idea.
Joe Jack’s Fish Shack
Basilio Badillo 212, Puerto Vallarta