Wrestle Up a Lunch Date to "Tackle Box" This Selection

C Says...

There’s basically one reason J and I chose Tackle Box for this month’s blog dinner – GroupOn. Sure, it was J’s month to chose, but when told that we could get $30 worth of food for $15, you can’t say no!

I’ve been to Tackle Box a few times, and it’s a great, quick option to its pricier, more refined counterpart Hook. What they lack in a wine list, they make up for in tasty food. I’m on a quasi-health kick these days, so I selected the Maine Meal (1 fish, 2 sides, 1 sauce): grilled catfish with grilled asparagus (I’m also on an asparagus kick) and mashed potatoes with the lemon garlic aioli. To start ($30 to spend kids!!!) we chose the clam strips. The clam strips, yes they’re fried, were actually very light and paired nicely with the tartar sauce.

My meal was fresh and tasty and after walking to Georgetown in 80 degree humid heat, I felt rather proud of myself for eating such a healthy-ish meal. If you’re looking for a quick seafood meal, Tackle Box doesn’t disappoint. Next time I’m going to have to try a lobster roll to see if Tackle Box’s can stand up against Red Hook Lobster Pound’s.

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J Says...

When C proposed Tackle Box, I thought we would have a sure winner of a dinner. But, sadly, I think it should stick to being a lunch place. Situated in the heart of Georgetown, the more tasty and dinner-appropriate location of Hook is right next door, begging the question of why put Tackle Box at this spot. But I tried to look past that faulty decision to the food.

I went with the crispy bay scallops, mashed potatoes and cornbread. The best part was hands-down the cornbread, which is disappointing for a restaurant specializing in seafood. I guess I'm more of a sea-scallops person...and broiled, not crispy. Though that wasn't an option, unfortunately.

The prices are pretty decent for the amount of food you get (even better with GroupOn), and the upstairs bar did have damn tasty specials and an energetic bartender, but my overall opinion of Tackle Box isn't terribly high. In fact, when we received an email the next day telling us of a new Tackle Box location opening and free food, I immediately deleted the invitation.


Tackle Box - 3245 M Street NW, 202.337.TBOX, www.tackleboxrestaurant.com