Satisfying a Craving for s Grouper Sandwich at Mullets Fish Camp
Mullet's Fishcamp Grouper sandwich
Deft viddle writer Janet Krietemeyer Keeler recently wrote a piece for Edible Tampa Bay on the legacy and history of the grouper sandwich, and it left me craving. Then, David Warner, another food-knower and refined writer-editor, mentioned Mullet’s in St. Pete on Keeler's FB thread. And the venture began.
Mullet's Fish Camp & Market on 6th Street South and built on land that was formerly an oyster farm, then a fishing bed and breakfast. The structure is a 107-year-old bungalow, according to the owner. It’s called a fish camp and market, but the market part never came to fruition since they needed the space inside as a dining room. Outdoors, where most of the seating is, has a beachy, Skippers Smokehouse, tiki bar kind of vibe. Crushed oyster shells and pavers on the ground and umbrellaed pastel-colored tables make for a casual seafood setting. A long full-service bar greets guests as they arrive.
Mullet's Smoked Fish Spread
We start with Mullet’s smoked fish spread, made from “our own smoked fish” and served with a generous heap of Saltine crackers and a wedge of lemon. There’s a nice texture and smokiness here, all enhanced by a couple of drops of the table-supplied Florida Man habanero and chipotle hot sauce and a squeeze from the lemon. The 4 oz. size (also available in an 8 oz scoop) is the perfect appetizer for 2 people.
Mullet's Smoked Fish Spread with hotsauce
We move on to the main attraction, grouper sammie (Mkt. price $15.99). I would never, but the menu states, “*Mullet respectfully declines to put cheese on any fish sandwich.” Kinda funny! The decent-sized filet is served with lettuce and tomato on a fluffy Brioche bun. It arrives on a papered aluminum tray surrounded by a large portion of French Fries and a side of tartar sauce. It’s a good effort. The fried fish is coated with cornmeal batter rendering a nice crunch and flavor. But the filet could be thicker to really give a full grouper sandwich experience. The bread and veggies are dominant. The fries are the battered type and scrumptious.
Mullet’s Fish Camp Grouper Sandwich- The fried fish is coated with cornmeal batter rendering a nice crunch and flavor. But the filet could be thicker to really give a full grouper sandwich experience
They are open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Parking can be a challenge, but check the website for alternative parking ideas. Ready for a laid-back beachy seafood experience, even in the middle of the week? This is the place.
