Cali Tacos to Go, 2773 Bee Ridge Road, 941-925-8226, calitacostogo.com; Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar, 5353 South Tamiami Trail, 941-925-4444, creekseafood.com

Fish tacos are like the new kale or roasted beet salad, aren’t they? It seems everyone has them on the menu these days, but some do them much better than others. You could dine out for a solid month trying to sample them all. If you are short on time and want two of the best in town, venture over to Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar or cali Tacos to Go.

Feel like something crunchy and satisfying, then Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar is your spot for their snapper fish tacos. Served in a blue tortilla shell, the snapper is batter-fried and topped with avocado, feta and a wasabi cream, and served with seasoned rice. It pairs perfectly with their Bacon Bloody Mary.

If you go with the flow or Yelp reviews, the new favorite of locals are the fish tacos from Cali Tacos To Go. Ignore the large photo of Guy Fieri when you walk in, as this joint stands on its own two feet without him. Flour tortillas are filled with grouper tempura, pico de gallo, shredded cabbage, Juan’s secret sauce and choice of hot sauce. Order them “Amped” and the tacos are topped with guacamole, sour cream and cheese. Finish off your tacos with one of their cooling aloe vera drinks. If you are still hungry, go with what the crowd says and try the shrimp and chorizo taco.  

Cali Tacos to Go, 2773 Bee Ridge Road, 941-925-8226, calitacostogo.com; Phillippi Creek Oyster Bar, 5353 South Tamiami Trail, 941-925-4444, creekseafood.com