The Food Shack — Restaurant in Middletown

Flat Waves provided excellent tacos, very fresh ingredients, in a fairly unobtrusive setting. My family, after a beach day, decided to give Flat Waves a try. We had some of their food before delivered by a restaurant/farm share (we live in RI). That food was good but the freshly made dinner here was great! I had a ginger beef taco and shrimp taco. Both were quite fresh and the ginger beef in particular was really tasty. I also ordered grilled veggies that were a step above too. My wife and daughters enjoyed their meals too (quesadillas and tacos). The sides of guacamole and pico were freshly made too.

The taco shop is in a small strip mall in Middletown (close to Eastons, about a 10 minute drive). It has outdoor seating and wasn't busy on a Tuesday night (although they had a steady stream of take out and people at a few others at tables). I imagine it gets packed on a weekend.

Service was reasonably quick but given this is freshly prepped food there is a wait. Prices are on the higher side but well worth it.

For locals it seems like a great spot. People on vacation will enjoy it as a change of pace from Newport.

Lastly, the food was flavorful but not overly spicy. Kids or adults who don't like spicy food will...

We tired of spending $100.00's + for mediocre food and modest portions at the downtown restaurants of Newport. This is a wonderful alternative. I was not crazy about my 2 tacos because they were served in soft shells (not fried, not toasted, not seasoned) but my s.o. loved her shrimp bowl. The portions were better than good size. We were very satisfied with our decision. Our savings of at least $50.00 was used to purchase a reasonable bottle of wine on the way back to our hotel, and we enjoyed a DVD in the "comfort" of our hotel room as the cold rain poured down outside. The Food Shack is an easy 10 minute drive from downtown each way, in mid-November off season traffic at 5PM. I will definitely be back. This is a busy place, so you must call ahead. There are many delivery options offered on line too, in case your parking situation seriously inhibits your freedom to travel around Newport in your own vehicle. Until December, the parking lots downtown charge $10.00/hour (ask people who cannot walk to the Red Parrot!) LOL! Happy...

The line situation when you walk in is kind of a cluster. Especially if people are forming 2 lines. They should have someone manage that. The inside and outside dining areas are nice. Very beachy vibes which is cool. The food however, not very good. I got the fried fish taco and the pulled pork taco. The fried fish had no flavor whatsoever. Needs extra sauce or something. The pulled pork was nasty. It was like a huge amount of pulled pork in a raw corn tortilla with very generic bbq sauce on it. Didn't taste fresh in the least. Also got a side of chips and salsa and they literally brought out a bucket of chips, all of which were stale and cold. The salsa was actually pico de gallo. Like why not bring out a variety of salsas? Or have a salsa bar and just charge for the chips? I guess I'm spoiled since I come from socal where mexican food is much better. Which also is another reason why I'm giving 3 stars. Why even have mexican food on the menu if you are advertising outside as a BBQ restaurant? Very...