Wahoo's Fish Taco: much more than average dining

By Parker McNulty

When I first came to Santa Clara, one of the biggest adjustments was the food I was ingesting.

Bon Appetit does a great job of feeding many people, serving authentic food and being present on campus, but after a while, I just needed a change.

I needed something fresh and filling, something reliable while still being affordable.

That's when I stumbled upon Wahoo's Fish Taco at Santana Row.

Upon walking into Wahoo's, figuring out exactly where to go can be confusing.

The correct thing to do is to turn left.

After turning correctly and winding through their semi-enclosure, there is a chance to check out the rather large menu, which ranges from a kids' menu all the way to the combo platters -- which is where I typically find myself looking. But don't let that limit you.

My meal of choice most often is the number four, which comes with a regular burrito, either an enchilada or a taco and a side of rice and beans.

The menu choices include tacos, burritos, enchiladas, taquitos and bowls, which are essentially burritos without the tortilla. There is the option of ordering these menu items individually if eating a full meal is not what you crave.

The rice and beans on the side are either white, spicy beans or regular, black beans.

The rice is flavorful yet simple. It looks like regular white rice, but after eating it on many occasions I can say the taste is reminiscent of a little butter, a touch of salt and pepper, topped off with more seasonings.

Portion reliability may be hard to come by, as the size of the burrito changes from time to time. However, I have never left hungry, and I have never spent more than $10 out the door.

While this place may sound like a regular restaurant, I assure you, Wahoo's is much more. I realize that some people do not enjoy eating the same thing consistently, but for some reason, I can go to Wahoo's and get the same thing five nights a week.

Trust me. I have done it.

I am not trying to sell the place, because to be honest, I don't like waiting in lines. I would prefer to be the only one in a restaurant, never having to wait for anything.

One of the brighter sides to this restaurant is the friendliness and politeness of the staff.

Each time I go in, the head manager, Esteban, always says hello and gives me "special treatment."

At least that is what it seemed like. But after the 30th time I had gone to Wahoo's, I realized he is like that to everyone.

Esteban just wants people to be happy with their food. Happy customers means returning customers.

One of my only complaints is that I have occasionally ordered a burrito and found that the rice is missing.

However, Esteban took care of it, giving me a new burrito within a matter of minutes.

On top of the service, the place is clean, including everything from the plates to the actual restaurant.

I have been there after hours and witnessed the staff clean the kitchen and restaurant from top to bottom.

Wahoo's also cooks the meat individually for each person -- there are no giant tubs of chicken or steak in the back.

The only problem with the food is the taste: tasting healthy and delectable, you may just want to keep eating -- well, at least that is my problem.

Wahoo's is a great basic restaurant that makes dependable food that tastes great while being healthy at the same time.

Contact Parker McNulty at (408) 551-1918 or pmcnulty@scu.edu.