RIGHT ON THE WATER
The fried grouper is excellent everytime I visit. This is southern cooking at its finest with acceptably reasonable prices. When you sit at the window tables it appears you are right on the water (intracoastal waterway); the view is excellent. Nothing fancy about this restaurant but it is clean. Waitstaff is friendly and service is prompt. If you are lucky you will meet the tame heron who hangs around outside waiting for handouts. While you are in the area visit Ponce Inlet and the great lighthouse.    [03 May 2001 14:43:56]

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Recommended Dishes: fried grouper

     ­valentine, Denver, CO   

Best Seafood in Florida
If you like fresh fish, this is the place to get it. I have never had better seafood anywhere.

The location is lovely, and just far enough off the beaten track.

The atmosphere once you get inside is a bit industrial. Its a big place that attracts big, noisy crowds. The staff is efficient and friendly. Its amazing that the can serve so much high quality food so quickly. This place is about good food at fair prices, not candlelight and soft music.    [24 Jun 2001 18:04:23]

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Recommended Dishes: Broiled Grouper

     ­Tom   oxmix at aol dot com

A Real Seafood tradition
My family and I have been visiting Down the Hatch at least once a year for over 20 years. We look forward to eating the captains special even more than we look forward to walking on the beach. You must try the delicious cheese and shrimp spread on a captains wafer while you are awaiting your meal.    [15 Jun 2002 18:37:06]

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Recommended Dishes: The catch of the day (captain special)

     ­Anonymous   

Rainy day on the deck
Found this place just driving around Ponce Inlet on recent vacation on a rainy day. The rain was infringing on the tables closest to the water, but I got as close as possible to take in the incredible view. The outside bar area is very relaxing, the setting on the intercoastal waterway mesmerizing. Just had some bar food the 1st visit and a beer. OK, two beers.
Took the family back with me and enjoyed a table surrounded by large picture-glass windows which afforded a better view than the deck. I had the Captain's Platter and a cup of clam chowder, left totally satiated, fat and happy.
Needless to say, I highly recommend this place.    [18 Jun 2003 02:02:23]

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     ­simp   

Watch the Dolphins and Have Some !
Sorry - I had to give you a Headline Grabber! If you're lucky enough to get a window table, you may very well see Dolphins swimming and playing in the river. The second part of the headline is that you should also enjoy the Atlantic Dolphin(Mahi)- (fish, not Flipper!)-which can be prepared several different ways. When we go to Down The Hatch for Speed Week, there seems to be an abundance of Mahi, and this reflects the portion size. The Food and Folks are terrific! If you're lucky, you'll get there early enough to enjoy the crab soup....mmmm. I can't say enough, the crackers, the dip(grouper I think),and of course...the Main Course are always wonderful. Park your car across the way, and walk in for a fine experience.    [08 Jan 2004 18:22:03]

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Recommended Dishes: Any - they're all good !

     ­Doug   gmcardoc at aol dot com

The Real Florida Still Exists
The best way to describe the Hatch is "Great Seafood and a Great View" all wrapped up in an authentic Florida setting.
You ain't going to find a place like this anywhere else but on the water in Florida!    [15 Nov 2005 11:54:48]

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Recommended Dishes: Fried Shrimp

     ­Anonymous   

Our family recently discovered Down the Hatch on a Saturday outing and ended up staying all evening. The Crab Soup and Grouper is to die for! Enjoyed watching the boating and waterway while the kids fed the fish. Great outdoor bar and live band music to dance to. Have returned several times and enjoyed each time. A place for all ages with good memories. Highly recommend. Pictures on the wall show the history and nostalgia of the area.    [10 Aug 2006 00:41:36]

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     ­Anonymous   

horrible
Everything about this restaurant was great BUT the food. Heard great things about this place, but when we got our crab cakes and onion rings we were greatly disappointed. We hoped the meal would be better, but it was actually the worst food i have ever gotten in a seafood restaurant. Blackened chicken Alfredo pasta, fried shrimp, mashed potatoes, and the shrimp basket were all horrible. In my opinion they charge way too much for that food. We have had way better food at long john silvers; bad to say but true.    [09 Dec 2006 23:18:22]

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Recommended Dishes: none

     ­Anonymous   

great place for 20+ years
I have been dropping in for at least 25 of my 36 years. Superb location -- reliable food -- fry it and it tastes wonderful with beer. An Old Florida joint -- won't be nice to "foreigners and northerners" so don't bother!    [19 May 2007 16:44:47]

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Recommended Dishes: anything fried

     ­mmmramming   mhramming at hotmail dot com

WHAT HAPPENED?
4 of us dined there 8/25/07. We are locals who hadn't been there in a few years.

What a disappointment! Shrimp scampi was popcorn/salad shrimp. Grouper DeLeon (stuffed grouper)was overdone(prob. due to the small thin piece). Fish dip and salad were still good, but service was very slow and it wasn't busy at all on a Saturday during dinnertime.

Great view still.    [27 Aug 2007 17:46:20]

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Recommended Dishes: Fish Dip

     ­Local