Question: What could possibly be better than soaking in the sunset while relaxing on a bench, glider, or “lizard lounge” swing on the glistening bay at Fish Tales Bar & Grill? Answer: Doing so with a stomach full of the freshest, most scrumptious seafood in town. Not only is Fish Tales home to the liveliest and most welcoming atmosphere in Ocean City, but also the restaurant serves a delicious menu that satisfies the whole family, especially seafood lovers. This week, my Coconut Times coworker, Cathy Germann, and I met for a delightful lunch at Fish Tales. As the temperature climbed past 90 degrees, we were cool and comfortable at a high top table in the shade. Meanwhile, sun worshippers were soaking up the rays at the outdoor tables on Fish Tales’ bayfront, sandy beach dining area.
    The staff at Fish Tales goes above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to friendliness and attentiveness.  Full of wise recommendations, Canise was our knowledgeable server, and she was training a lovely new addition to the staff, Genevieve.  Together, they recited the daily specials, which included Soft Shell Crab, Grilled Shrimp over Rice, Tilapia Tacos, Smoked Scallops, Sea Bass Wrap, Corn Chowder, and Maine Lobster Bisque.
    We started our three-course lunch with a seasonal Fresh Fruit Bowl. Exceptionally refreshing on a summer day, the fresh fruit assortment includes strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, watermelon, and pineapple—all of my favorites. For our second course, we placed one order of Smoked Scallops. The scallops are smoked to perfection, and the texture of the scallops is optimum. We dipped each bite in zesty honey mustard. I couldn’t resist placing an order for my favorite appetizer at Fish Tales—Chilled Tuna Dip. I highly recommend this recipe, which consists of chunky tuna blended with celery, onions, and bell peppers, served chilled in a bread bowl with plenty of stone wheat crackers.
    Other irresistible “Teasers” on Fish Tales menu include Calamari, Jumbo Oysters, Conch Fritters, Wings, Chicken Fingers, Fries, Onion Rings, Nachos, and more. Try the Mini Crab Quesadillas for a taste of cheese quesadillas topped with jumbo lump crabmeat and homemade salsa. Also, order the Thai Shrimp for popcorn shrimp breaded and tossed in a sweet-and-spicy pineapple chili sauce. Of course, every good seafood restaurant needs a smoker on the premises, and Fish Tales meets the qualification. Try the Smoked Seafood appetizer for an assortment of fresh fish.
    Dinner at Fish Tales is served from 5-11 pm, and is always family friendly. The best thing on the menu is Whole Snapper. A perfectly seasoned red snapper fish, lightly grilled, flash fried, and served whole in a green curry sauce, it is large enough to share. Another one of my favorite dishes is Rock & Roll Dinner. A large rockfish filet, broiled or fried, is seasoned with lemon thyme and basil, and served with potato of the day and corn on the cob.
    Ready for some down home cooking? Order the Fried Chicken & BBQ Ribs with corn on the cob and cornbread. Or, try the Lobster Mac N Cheese—penne pasta tossed with white cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, and lobster. Colossal shrimp baked in a bread bowl with a house blend of shrimp and crab dip and cheddar cheese comprise the Jumbo Stuffed Shrimp. The Surf & Turf dinner is a 6-ounce beef tenderloin with jumbo shrimp and a jumbo scallop. Meat lovers may also order the Garlic Sirloin—twin filets of center cut sirloin steak topped with roasted garlic. Donna’s Doormat Dinner is twin filets of flounder, and the Seafood Mixed Grill includes two jumbo grilled shrimp, two jumbo scallops, and fresh catch of the day.
    For our main course, I selected the Tale Wrap from the “Sandwiches & Stuff” menu, and Cathy ordered the daily special, Sea Bass in an Old Bay wrap. Also served in an Old Bay wrap, my sandwich was overstuffed with gulf shrimp salad. And the size of the Sea Bass in Cathy’s yummy wrap was simply colossal. We highly recommend both sandwiches. Other notable sandwiches at Fish Tales are Tuna Steak, Chicken Salad, Fish Tales Reuben, and Crab Salad Roll. The Turkey Cobb Wrap is a sensational combination of black pepper smoked turkey breast with crumbled bleu cheese, bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and honey mustard in a sun-dried tomato wrap. Fish Tacos and Seafood Burrito—shrimp, crab, scallops, cheddar cheese, enchilada sauce, and sour cream in a sun-dried tomato tortilla—are both flavorful options. Also, try one of several cheese steak, burger, chicken breast, hot dog, and Italian sandwich selections.
    Fish Tales also offers a variety of salads, including Scallop BLT, Spinach, and Caesar Salads. The Sesame Shrimp Salad consists of sesame grilled shrimp, green onions, mandarin oranges, crispy wontons, and sesame dressing. The Ahi Poke Salad is a delicious concoction of fresh Ahi tuna, scallions, toasted sesame, crispy wontons, and sweet and spicy plum sauce.
    Fish Tales’ “Lil Skippers” menu keeps the kids happy, along with a pizza menu and clams, mussels, and shrimp fresh from the steamer. The sandy, bayfront beach is usually crawling with laughing children who delight on the pirate ship playground and in the kiddie arcade.
    Adults find plenty of entertainment, too, including arcade games for grown-ups and a full line-up of events and tournaments. Next on the calendar is the 3rd Annual Hot Dog Eating Contest on July 4. On July 25, Santa will arrive at Fish Tales on a jet ski for the annual Christmas in July Party. Over 500 “bike only” parking spots are available at Fish Tales during Bike Week, from September 16-19. Located on the Bahia Marina between 21st and 22nd Streets, Fish Tales hosts the Poor Girls Open billfish, tuna, and dolphin tournament on August 12-14, the Flounder Pounder on September 12, and Rocktoberfest on October 16-17. Fish Tales also has drink specials on Tuesday nights and Cornhole Tournaments on Wednesday nights. Dinner cruises, small boat rentals, offshore charters, kayaks, and more are available for water sports enthusiasts. Or, relax on the dock and watch professional fishermen bring in the fresh catch of the day.
    A remarkable menu, unparalleled views, the friendliest staff, and unbeatable events put Fish Tales at the top of the Best Bites list.