The Tin Fish

I bike here a lot and eat here. It’s pretty good. I like their gluten-​free grilled fish tacos. Now, now… I’m not allergic to gluten-​free, but their gluten-​free tacos are a lettuce wrap instead of your typical tortilla wrapped tacos. I am also not a diet nut, but it makes biking back home easier when I don’t feel like I need to take a little siesta afterwards. Their waffle fries are delicious. My daughter is slightly obsessed with them.

My boyfriend and I were visiting our friends from Chicago and heard great things about this place. When we went to go get in line we were informed that they closed early in the later summer months. It should really be listed on their Unilocal page.
I understand that they close early, but having someone stand in line telling hungry people they can’t even eat is a little unprofessional.

Really four and a half stars, reluctantly rounded down because I’ve only visited once and the lack of indoor seating. Basically, The Tin Fish is an upscale fried food kiosk. What sets it apart is the selection and the location.
I had a scallop taco. Pricey, for one taco, but huge and delicious. Also had the calamari ala carte (you can get it as a plate w/​fries and cole slaw). Well above average for fried calamari and, again, pricey but delicious and a huge portion.
The selection of fish dishes is very large, but mostly fried. Seating is outdoors, which offers a great view of Lake Calhoun. Some seating is under the roof, and when it rains they can bring down some storm doors. But still, a place to go when the weather’s nice.
Hard to find parking, but worth the walk of a block or two if the weather’s good, which is when you’d want to go anyway. Probably a great place if you’re biking around the lakes or around Uptown.

We love this place and for several reasons. #1, you’re on the shores of lake Calhoun. Right in the middle of the action. The food is fine — a bit pricey but it’s so enjoyable being there you forget all about it. Parking is a pain — take your time. Don’t go too late. The lines get real long… it’s window service, staff brings your food to you. No table wait staff. Get your beer /​wine is a cup made from recycled corn. The Tin Fish is über-​cas peeps… love it and will keep going back!

Food: ⁴⁄₅
Service: ³⁄₅
Cleanliness: ⁴⁄₅
Décor & Style: ⁵⁄₅
The overall concept is good, not great. I would actually rate this place less than 5 stars, however, it’s the only restaurant with plenty of outdoor seating at this lake! So this is the only place I can grab a snack and good beer to hang out at the peer as there is no other competition.
Mahi Mahi Taco was good and large, and they had a good selection of beer (they had IPAs).
Biggest complaint is that service is very slow. The line was very long since, as I said, there are no other places to grab food and drink directly on the lake.
Overall a very fun place to sit and relax. We even went out into the dock at sat for hours listening to music on our phone and watched the sunset. So because of that it deserves a ⁵⁄₅ overall (due to location).

I had heard about this place for a while from my brother who lives in Minneapolis. So the last time I was home we dropped by with my boyfriend for lunch. I was anticipating a long wait to order, but it wasn’t as bad as i thought it would be; maybe 15 minutes or so however I can see how the place can fill up on a nice weekend or evening. It is Minnesota after all and come warm weather we love our patio and rooftop dining.
My brother ordered the tilapia taco, while I got the Mahi Mahi version. Being the nice girlfriend I am, I bullied my boyfriend into trying something with walleye (state fish and all) which ended up being their sandwhich. The food took about 20 minutes to come out and have them call our name. I’m not sure how this system works when they’re super busy or if you’re having an in-​depth conversation with people. I’d rather they give you a number but maybe that doesn’t work with the crowds. Anyways, the food arrived still warm and the fries weren’t sad wilted things. Each taco order comes with one taco fixed up with tomato based salsa (would’ve been amazing with mango salsa) and some ranch that has a bit of a kick. Although the tacos were good, by far the best was the walleye sandwhich. The flavor was yum with just a touch of melt in your mouth-​ness.
Seating is outdoors on a patio overlooking Lake Calhoun, rain or shine. There are no umbrellas at the tables so make sure to bring your shades on sunny days. I like that you can get a bite to eat while at the lake rather than walking to one of the nearby restaurants. I do feel like the food is maybe a bit over priced but it’s a nice place with a fun and friendly atmosphere to come every now and then (meaning I’d rather give this a 3.5 but because I can’t, I’m rounding up).

I really hate that I can only give it a 3 outta 5 stars, since the food tasted SO good, but I was so disappointed in the amount of food for the $ 19 I spent. Granted, I get that sea food is expensive, but for $ 19, I assumed it would be enough to fill two tummies. Sadly, it would have barely been enough to fill one. We got two small pieces of salmon, two small pieces of some other type of fish, two scallops, and three pieces of shrimp. With my disappointment out of the way, I want to explain that it was, by far, some of the best shrimp I’d ever had, and the scallops were cooked perfectly. I just wish they could do something about the portion or the price.

I love fish, and a place you can get some without doing the fishing, scaling and cleaning yourself is lovely. My love and I went here with our pup after an evening on the lake and it was packed! This was my first time here and it was hoppin’!
I ordered the walleye taco which is priced per one taco, however the portion size is huge so don’t fret. My boo got the walleye platter and given the close of walleye season in Mile Lacs, I think that menu item will go out fast. It took a while for our food which given the amount of folks isn’t surprising by we probably waited 20 minutes. I wish the server would have given us a heads up on that point. The fish was perfect crispy perfection and the taco overflowing with goodness. The walleye platter was also delicious and the cole slaw amazing because it’s vinegar based instead of mayo, which is much overused in my opinion.
I enjoyed the meal and even Moochie my pup got a couple treats from the counter-​puppy treats not people food. I don’t play when it comes to stuffing my face with goodness. No amount of puppy dog eyes will change that.
I would certainly go back here but at price points of $ 5-​beer, $ 6-​walleye taco and $ 12-​walleye platter, it can be more expensive than your average taco restaurant. It’s definitely a go here and try me place though. I can’t wait to try the ice cream.

Before I start, let me say the food Is very good, sitting by the water Is an awesome experience as is the whole scenery, and the lady who took my water was pleasant.
Now for the bad, I waited for 45 minutes in line. I know that’s not their fault as it was Saturday nearing sunset. I was fine spending 20 bucks for seafood but I still felt for 20, that the portion was very small. I actually left hungry.

Being from the East coast I am very particular about my seafood! But this place was actually pleasantly tasty. The setting of the Resturant reminded me of your typical coastal Atlantic Ocean Resturant you find on the beach. I wish there was more food for the money you spend but overall not a bad place.

I finally took the time to stand in line for Tin Fish and it was worth it! It was a great night to eat overlooking the sun setting on Lake Calhoun.
The experience definitely outweighs the quality of the food in my opinion, but I would definitely still go back. Having a beer on a nice summer night makes standing in line down right enjoyable. It’s a good mix of people of all ages, with a positive vibe.
There are separate lines for ice cream and snacks/​beer so if that’s all you’re after, don’t waste your time in the long food line.
If you want a similar outdoor dining experience, but want higher quality food — you have to check out Sea Salt on the east side of south Minneapolis. The fish tacos at Tin Fish were average, and nowhere near the fish tacos at Sea Salt. It would also be even better if they could get live music like they often feature at Sea Salt. Overall good experience though!

Usually a line and Worth every minute the view is beautiful as the lake is full of sailboats parked the food is fresh and cheap! Fish tacos are my favorite fried is delicious lightly fried so done well you can order a glass wine or a beer no liquor awesome place to enjoy a beautiful walk around the lake and a late dinner yum!

This is the perfect place to unwind, people watch, take in the sunshine, and eat a delicious soft taco. Much like Sea Salt over by Minnehaha Falls, the destination is part of the charm.
I love the grilled Mahi Mahi soft taco. It is $ 6 and big enough for a meal. I enjoy whatever spices they use. It is a tasty balance of savory and spicy.
If your dogs don’t go crazy (like mine), you can bring them. My dogs just tend to get excited when they smell seafood — so they’ve only gone once. ONCE.
The waffle fries are a great way to carb up for that big walk around the lake. If you like beer, they have plenty of choices.
It’s a busy place so don’t be afraid to ask that party of two if they are using the entire table. I know it’s scary for Minnesotans to share a table, but you can do it without feeling obligated to engage in a Minnesota nice conversation. This will be especially easy when you’ve stuffed your mouth full of waffle fries.

Amazing food with a view! Delicious snacks to go with a beer!

One of my favorite spots. I love to sit here and look at the lake and people watch. I’ve eaten here about 15 times but I have only ever ordered the fish (many different kinds) tacos. They are awesomely delicious.
The one draw back is the LINE. Oh. My. God. I have never been here when I didn’t have to stand in line for at least 45 min, then you wait for your food which doesn’t take forever, but you have already waited 45-​an hour. If they could just fix the wait time, it would easily be 5 stars.
No chance that you are going to go here for a quick bite to eat.

This place is great after a day of paddle boarding or hanging out around the lakes all day. Their fish isn’t amazing but it’s good for what it is. I’m a fan of their shrimp taco without cheese and salsa. It would be nice if they offered corn tortillas over flour.
All in all, it’s a good «hole» for a beer and taco after a day of sun. Good luck getting a table at dinner time though during the summer.

The atmosphere is what makes the restaurant good, but the food is average and a little pricey. I love Calhoun and eating next to the sailboats on the lake is beautiful, and there’s usually a gang of 15 – 20 ducks patiently waiting for scraps on the shore!
I got the «Fish and chips» and a cookie, which came out to $ 16 which was more than I would pay for it again. The cookie was fine, but the fish and chips were disappointing… As a fan of Brits, I was expecting it to be beer battered, but it’s bland wet cod fried in bland light bread crumbs. The tartar sauce helps add flavor but I couldn’t finish it all, it just wasn’t doing it for me.
I’ll be back but I wouldn’t order the fish and chips again.

After kayaking at Lake Calhoun and Lake of the Isles, we were starving and parched so thought we would try this place out. I got the tin-​tin (cod sandwich) with coleslaw and fries ($ 7.25). My friends got ceviche with chips, watermelon salad, and squid salad to share. The tin-​tin platter was delicious! My fish was freshly fried and still crunchy paired with typical tartar sauce. The fries were average. I wasn’t huge fan of the coleslaw which isn’t cream based but vinaigrette. It kind of tasted like relish (hot dog relish)… The squid salad was average to me. It is miso-​based with lot of ginger which was a bit surprising. I wasn’t. My friend had the ceviche with chips which was decent although I had better. It was just enough lime and the shrimp was well cooked and not soggy was little more sour than I typically like my ceviche. The watermelon salad was just pieces of watermelon and basil. Overall, Tin Fish is decent place to grab some food to enjoy in the sun; however, if you are willing to wait, I would definitely recommend walking back to uptown to try some of local eateries there instead.
Credit card only for $ 5 and above. Discounted drinks if you bring your own cup.

PROS: Their grilled fish sandwiches and grilled seafood platter are absolutely amazing. Very high, consistent quality. Literally better than 90% of the restaurants out there that serve seafood. Its right on the lake and a must go-​to destination for anyone visiting Minneapolis in the summer.
CONS: The wait is painful. On a nice day when you most people end up going, the wait could be as long as 45 minutes — 1 hour. The service is also subpar.
PARKING: Always difficult to find parking around Lake Calhoun.
All-​in-​all, if you’re in Minneapolis during the Summer, and its nice out, go for a walk or a run around Lake Calhoun and reward yourself with some delicious seafood.

This is a popular and overrated place so the line is long. I think their motto is «Get in Line», whoever thought of that tagline is genius. I’ll get in line, because I’m too lazy to go to Stella’s after a walk around the lake. The seafood is not spectacular for the price that you pay. (I will say that their coleslaw is scrumptious) If you don’t wanna spend over $ 10 on a meal, buy a taco for around $ 5, it’s a surprisingly decent portion, moderately tasty and you have money left for beer/​ice cream. There are two express lines that sandwich the lengthy meal line. The one on the left offers ice cream. Which we frequent with the little one. The one on the right serves beer (you have to buy a snack in order to purchase beer). Which we partake sans little one.
Service is stellar. They call out your name and bring the food to your table. Introducing you to every dish and bid you a happy meal.
The best thing about this place is actually free: it’s the view. Come here during sunset. Sit on one of the large chairs, sip on a cold one and watch the sun cast its fading rays across the water.