Roberto Gonzalez

Boston’s Fish House

6860 Aloma Ave., Winter Park | bostonsfishhouse.com
Don’t Miss: Lobster Sandwich

“Fresh New England-style seafood” was the promise made and delivered when Stephen Gresek opened Boston’s Fish House on the outskirts of Winter Park in 1988. Thirty-three years later, in a farther-flung, more expansive Aloma Avenue location, Boston’s continues to draw seafood lovers with affordable fish platters and homespun hospitality.
On a recent visit, the sports- and nautically-themed dining room and takeout counter were buzzing; outdoor seating was also available for guests ordering house specialties such as Coconut Butterflied Shrimp, haddock and mahi mahi fillets and more. I ordered my favorite Chilled Lobster Salad Sandwich—fresh lobster tail chunks mixed with mayo and served on a grilled hot dog roll with shredded lettuce. Sandwiches and platters come with two sides; choose from a long list of veggies and starches like mac and cheese, rice pilaf, baked beans, broccoli salad, onion nuggets and more.
Northern climes will beckon when you choose a pound of steamer clams with drawn butter or a bowl of New England Clam Chowder. Shellfish allergy? Boston’s will pan sear your fresh fish and avoid any shellfish cross-contamination. Most platters run in the $15 range. You’ll pay $20 for the lobster sandwich and sides—well worth it! -J.H.

Poke Hana

1225A E. Colonial Dr., Orlando | poke-hana.com
Don’t miss: Ono Nachos with Spicy Tuna

We were this many years old when we learned taco shells could be made out of rice! Enter Poke Hana, a Hawaiian-themed fast-casual spot in Mills 50. The owners of Poke Hana wanted to share their love of the Hawaiian Islands and their delicious food, relaxed lifestyle and the spirit of ALOHA with Orlando. There are so many great items on the menu, so make room! Try a signature poke bowl, like the Haole Style ($13), shoyu ahi and salmon, seaweed salad, edamame, cucumbers, mango, crispy noodles and shredded nori, or the Kalua Pork Rice Plate ($10). We also love the tacos ($3.75 each), and the sliders on King’s Hawaiian Rolls ($10 for three sliders, rice and macaroni salad). It’s a Hawaiian roller coaster ride! -C.W.

Mad Crab Seafood & Wings

325 W. Kennedy Blvd., Orlando | madcrabseafoodandwings.com
Don’t miss: $28.95 family pack

Before there was Mad Crab Seafood & Wings, there was Molene George, a young woman passionate about making delicious, high-quality seafood and wings that were available and affordable to everyone. In 2004, during her downtime, Molene (Moe) began cooking and selling seafood and wings from the kitchen of her home to her community. Moe has since opened Mad Crab Seafood & Wings, a single, family-owned takeout restaurant in Orlando. Their seafood is beyond amazing, and the portions are larger than the Atlantic! For an entire family meal, get one of their signature Mad Crab Specials. We love the half-pound blue crab, half-pound shrimp, half-pound sausage special with potatoes, corn and eggs ($28.95). Don’t forget to order their signature sauces, like Mad Crab Savory (butter sauce), or the Shotgun Sauce, which offers a fair amount of kick. -C.W

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