Off the Hook Raw Bar & Grill — Restaurant in New Smyrna Beach

Yesterday, on March 16, 2021 I took my mom to lunch at Off the Hook. I love the food here and visit quite often as I am a local. To begin our meal, my mom ordered a sweet tea. Having tasted it she sent it back as it was not sweet at all, common misconception, no big deal. The server took 10 minutes to bring it back to our table and then just walked away and did not ask if we were ready to order. After another 7ish minutes I got her attention walking by as she was nowhere to be seen because they were not very busy at all. (4-5 tables open) I then notified her that we were ready to order, so we did. I ordered the mussels with a side of corn on the cob while my mother got a half order of oysters. This took about 15 minutes, very pleasing with the arrival time of the food. However, my corn had not been brought to the table. After looking around for our inattentive server, I then caught the attention of the busy and very polite hostess. I told her about my corn missing for 10 more minutes after my meal had arrived and she assured me she would check on that. During this whole time I had still not seen my server and finally, after we both FINISHED our meals I asked for the check. A few minutes later she brought my side of corn. (To my knowledge it does not take 25 minutes for a side of corn on the cob to come out but what would I know right?) I then let her know that I do not want the corn anymore as it was supposed to accompany my meal. She looked at me, did not say anything and then walked away. I checked my bill, and the corn was not on it in the first place meaning that she forgot about it initially. As someone who works in the restaurant business, I understand the hustle and the stress of the kitchen and the server to cook relationship. My bill was $28 and some odd change, she then took the bill and brought it back. I opened my receipt to tip and my card had been charged wrong. I wanted to fix this error because the receipt after purchase was unusual in the first place. There was no room to tip and it didn’t state what was on the order.I looked for her again but she was nowhere to be found. I finally walk toward the back seating area (near the kitchen doors) and wait patiently to grab her attention. I show her the receipt and ask if it is indeed a mistake, after not saying a word and grabbing it out of my hand, she looks to remedy the situation on the computer. She then grabs the attention of a clearly more experienced coworker and asks for help. The second coworker insisted that it did not charge me the full amount because my bank account was empty. I let her know that was not the case and that If she’d like to see my account statement, she could. A few more minutes went by and the second worker left. After typing in the computer/system for a few more minutes she notifies me that she charged me incorrectly. She told me that she charged me for the table next to me and that she needed my card to refund my money and charge me the correct amount which was $8 more. I said to her verbatim “I am in kind of a rush and I feel that because I was charged incorrectly and part of my food was late I should be compensated the $8.” (for purposes of time) She then proceeded to look at me, hold her hand up (palm towards my face) and said “I don’t need that attitude from you right now, I’m refunding you the money” I replied “I understand that, I deal with mistakes all the time, we all make them. I would like to reiterate, I am in a rush.” she then said “Yeah, I am so, so sorry.” (with great sarcasm) to which I replied “I am sure you are.” I then walked away to my next engagement as I was late to school because of this mishap. Overall, very rude experience and embarrassing for the standards of the company. I did not catch the server’s name (as she did not address herself to begin with) but she was fair with dark brown or maybe black curls tied up in a bun. I would advise asking for another server should you be seated with Miss...

Off The Hook Raw Bar & Grill on 747 E 3rd Ave in New Smyrna Beach is the quintessential local spot that captures the heart of coastal dining. My visit on August 6, 2025, confirmed why this upscale-casual seafood haven is a favorite among locals like Ken Jackson, a fourth-generation Floridian who’d likely appreciate its fresh catches and welcoming vibe. Ambiance: Tucked in a strip mall off Flagler Avenue, Off The Hook defies its unassuming location with a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. The nautical-themed décor, with its casual coastal charm, creates a safe and inviting space perfect for a quiet meal or a spirited discussion. Multiple TVs broadcast sports, adding to the local hangout feel, while the indoor-outdoor seating options let you enjoy Florida’s warm breeze. Parking is a breeze in the spacious lot, and accessibility is excellent, with easy entry for all diners. Food: The menu is a seafood lover’s dream, with every dish meticulously prepared and bursting with fresh, local flavors. The Oysters on the Half Shell ($14/dozen during Saturday-Sunday happy hour, 11:30 AM–7:00 PM) were plump, briny, and perfectly shucked, served with house-made cocktail sauce and lemon—some of the best I’ve had in New Smyrna. The Asian Ribs (Thai chili style, ) were a standout, with a sticky, sweet-spicy glaze that paired beautifully with their tender texture. Both the Rock Shrimp and Pink Shrimp were cooked to perfection, whether battered or grilled, showcasing the kitchen’s knack for highlighting Gulf seafood’s natural sweetness. Every item, from the Seafood Cavatappi to the Grouper Sandwich, was fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully executed, proving the menu’s versatility for seafood enthusiasts and landlubbers alike.

Service: The service at Off The Hook is nothing short of exceptional. Terry, treated us like old friends dining in his home, offering warm recommendations and checking in with genuine care. His knowledge of the menu—from oyster origins to the best craft cocktail pairings—made the experience feel personal and polished. The staff’s attentiveness, echoed in reviews praising servers like Danielle and Amber, ensures every guest feels valued. Value: Prices are remarkably reasonable for the quality. Daily happy hour (4:00–7:00 PM) offers $1 off beer, $2 off wine, and half-off well drinks, making it even more budget-friendly.

Final Thoughts: Off The Hook Raw Bar & Grill is a New Smyrna Beach treasure, blending top-notch seafood, outstanding service, and a safe, accessible setting that’s perfect for a quiet meal or a lively catch-up. Whether you’re a local like Ken, craving oysters after a day fishing, or a visitor exploring New Smyrna Beach safe streets, this spot delivers. Terry’s hospitality, paired with dishes like Asian ribs and rock shrimp, makes every visit feel like a celebration of Florida’s coast. It’s no wonder locals keep coming back. Pro Tip: Hit the Oyster Happy Hour (Sat–Sun, 11:30 AM–7:00 PM) for $14/dozen oysters, and ask for Terry—he’ll make you feel...

Off the Hook Raw Bar & Grill has a comfortable neighborhood feel. It's the kind of place where you can grab a seat at the bar or in a booth, watch football on Sundays, and enjoy food that’s far above your typical sports bar. We’ve now gone two Sundays in a row, and it’s quickly become a favorite.

The oysters during happy hour were some of the best I’ve ever had. At $14 a dozen, they were very clean, expertly shucked, and full of flavor. They came with three hot sauces: classic Tabasco plus two house-labeled sauces, a habanero and a garlic blend. Both house labeled sauces were excellent, with the garlic one giving a nice vinegar kick. The cocktail sauce seemed house made too, with fresh horseradish on the side.

Our server, Mac, was outstanding! I'm not kidding when I say he's truly one of the best servers for this type of restaurant we’ve had anywhere. He was personable, attentive, and clearly service-oriented from the moment we sat down. Mac told us about the fresh catches of the day (swordfish and grouper) and helped us make excellent choices. He also shared his own love for fishing. With staff like Mac, Off the Hook should be giving out awards for service.

We opted for the swordfish, lightly blackened and perfectly cooked. My wife had the swordfish tacos while I went with the swordfish in a sandwich, and both were tender, juicy, and delicious. She added onion rings, which were crunchy, house made, and spot on. We paired it all with Central 28 Show Pigeons, perfect matches for the oysters and swordfish.

Inside, the atmosphere is casual and nautical. The booth seats are worn and have some cracks, and the tables have lost their finish, leaving them a little sticky even though they’re clean. But there are some great touches too: one entire wall features a colorful mural of fish that looks like it was painted by a local artist, the floor is ocean blue, and the ceiling lights feature images of aquatic animals as if seen from underwater. All together, it gives you the feeling of being at sea. We haven’t tried the outside seating since it faces a parking lot and the heat made it less appealing.

If there’s one area that could be improved, it’s the wine list. It’s short and could use some work. Adding some value wines like a crisp Italian Vermentino, a Loire Muscadet, and a refreshing white Bordeaux would really complement the seafood menu. We tried the Campo Viejo Rose the previous week. It was aromatic and fruit-forward, showing strawberry and floral notes with a soft, creamy texture. While pleasant on its own, it carried a touch of residual sugar and leaned too fruity, lacking the crisp acidity that would better complement seafood.

Still, the food and service are so good that these small shortcomings are easy to overlook. Off the Hook delivers excellent seafood in a laid-back, friendly setting. With food this fresh and service as great as Mac’s, we’ll...