Tackle Box Costa Mesa

oh my goodness...Chef Brian, open up one of these in the NW please!! I dined here while visiting Fountain Valley on a work trip. After our training, 10 of us came to Tackle Box around 5pm. Most of us were from out of the town, but for the handful of locals it was also their first time here. I don’t know how to explain but it’s kind of; fast-casual-local-fresh-innovative? lol. You order at the counter and seat yourself. There are at least 2 that I saw, water stations, so you can help yourself. After ordering a drink at the counter, they bring it to you. The interior is bright, and exciting and comfortable. There is some outdoor seating as well as low and high seating inside. The 10 of us were able to fit at one long high table. We ordered for the table; chips and salsa (homemade chips and super fresh, light salsa), grilled half artichoke (not much meat on the leaves but amazing flavor!), wings (crispy, juicy, tender, everything you want in a wing), and baby back ribs (fall off the bone tender!). I had a hard time choosing what to order as literally the entire menu looked appealing! I eventually settled on the fried catfish sandwich, Y U M! Perfectly crispy cornmeal fried catfish which was moist and flavorful, fresh tomato and shredded lettuce, vinegary remoulade that packed a punch!, and soft yet somehow also firm bread that held together all of the goodness! The homemade chips were awesome, and I’m always a fan of the addition of a pickle spear ;) 10/10 would recommend you try Tackle box!!

Amazing food, fun atmosphere. The blackened salmon burger was delicious. Lots of great craft brews on tap. The owner was on Top Chef, super friendly. You gotta go!!!