About
Sunshine, sizzling grills, and the smell of fried fish are all part of the Claros Fish Jr. experience. It's a Baja institution, having been around since the late 90s. It was founded by the Clarin family with the intention of just sharing the flavors of the sea with the public. It began as a seafood stand and has since grown into a chain with a number of outlets and a very loyal following indeed. It's a place that people come back to again and again, both locals and tourists.
Claros Fish Jr. is very much the classic Baja fish place. It's fresh local seafood, homemade salsas, and the menu is all about quick, good food. They source their fish and their produce directly from the waters and the markets of Baja, and that's what gives it the flavor. It's a place that's all about consistency, big portions, and just good, solid food. It's the sort of place you can walk in with your feet all over the sand after a day on the beach, or you can bring the whole family in for a quick, easy lunch.
Vibe
Claros Fish Jr. is a bright place with a very laid-back, open-plan feel. It's all about the casualness and the color. There are plenty of picnic tables on shaded patios, so you can either have a group of people or just be on your own and have a quick bite. Inside, it's counter service, with the staff taking your order and an assembly line of cooks going at it behind the counter. The decor is pretty basic, really, just some painted murals of waves and fish on the walls and a lot of bright plastic seating to sit and chill.
It's always a busy place, particularly at lunch, with families, surfers and the local crowd all chatting away over their loaded plates of tacos. There's no attempt at being anything other than what it really is: shorts, flip-flops and general chat are all very much in order, and the staff is more than happy to give you a recommendation or to make you some extra salsa if you're into the spicy stuff. Reviews consistently highlight Claros Fish Jr. as very much a 'neighborhood' type of place, with great service and a real sense of being in the community.
Claros Fish Jr.: Menu & Drinks
The fish tacos are absolutely legendary (crispy battered fish in warm corn tortillas with cabbage, pico de gallo and a good dollop of the creamy house sauce). The shrimp tacos are another one of the standout dishes; the shrimp are quite lightly fried and are very good. If you're up for something a bit different, then the tostada de ceviche is a great option and is full of marinated fish, shrimp, onion, cilantro, and avocado. It's a very good representation of the Baja coast.
Seafood fans can go for the mixed platter, which lets you try a range of tacos, or they can have the "Campechana," which is a tangy seafood cocktail of shrimp, octopus, lime, and hot sauce. Claros Fish Jr. also has the standard Baja sides (rice, beans, and fries), aguas frescas, and cold beers. For dessert, you can have the flan or the rice pudding if you've left room.
A meal at Claros Fish Jr. is a rite of passage for seafood aficionados. It's fresh, it's fast, and it's full of flavor, so you'll want to go back there every time you're in La Paz.
Local Tips
- Arrive early for lunch to beat the crowds.
- The salsa bar is self-serve, and don't miss the chipotle crema!
- Portions are generous, which makes sharing easy.
- Outdoor seating is perfect for people-watching and taking in the Baja breeze.
