What’s the Apps? / Smokin’ Tuna

By Dakin Weekley

This week I take a walk down Charles St. to the corner of Telegraph Ln. and the secret garden-esque world of Smokin’ Tuna. From the street it is hard to imagine that this tree-covered brick patio is hidden here. There are two bars on the patio for easy access to your happy hour and a number of tables. There’s also a stage and a packed line-up of live music. The walls are evidence of this, adorned with concert posters and lists of upcoming shows. It all has an unassuming honkytonk vibe.

I order a Deep Eddy Strawberry Oasis to beat the heat. Gayle, the bartender, whips one up for me. It is a frozen strawberry daiquiri served with a cherry on top. It is head-freeze inducing, sweet, and refreshing.

For appetizers I order the Smokin’ Tuna Dip and the Shrimp Ceviche. Both are served with tortilla chips. The fish dip comes with a lemon and tomato garnish and is creamy, smoky, and spicy. Ricardo, Smokin’ Tuna’s chef, tells me that this comes from using chipotle peppers in adobo sauce in the recipe. The dip is great left alone or with a spritz of lemon added.

The Shrimp Ceviche has big pieces of shrimp, cilantro, chopped onions, and chopped tomatoes all cured in lime juice. Good ceviche always seems like a contradiction in that it is a pretty simple dish to make, but the result is flavorful and complex, and this ceviche is just that.

Smokin’ Tuna has a comfortable and spacious patio with the shade of trees often hard to find off Duval Street, and the atmosphere can be a relaxing respite as well as a place to enjoy a good show. Home to much of the Songwriter’s Fest activities, Smokin’ Tuna supports a local live music throughout the year. Simultaneously on and off the beaten path, find your way there by heading to 4 Charles Street, a hidden away gem of great appetizers and delicious drinks.

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]