Shanty Shakes Up Port with Great Fish, Fun Desserts

It took me until 25 years of age to find out that it is, in fact, possible for a fish fry to leave a lasting impression.

I mean, a fish fry is just that — battered fish fried in oil, slathered in butter, gobbed with tartar sauce ... you get the idea.

And, sure, some fish fries go well beyond the amount of grease required - making the dish slide from unhealthily tasty to just plain disgusting, and distinguishably so.

But, I can honestly say that though I've dined on a number of recommendable fish fries, I haven't had a particular piece of fried fish impress me as much as the Haddock Fish Fry dinner at Victor's Pier Street Shanty — the in the former Deano's in downtown Port, with harbor views.

Business was relatively slow for the a Friday noon lunch hour, but I suppose that can be expected of a newly opened restaurant just working to make it's mark.

At least it is working, because it made its mark on me.

The Haddock was simply amazing. Thin strips, crisply fried but hardly greasy — I enjoyed every bite of it, and left 100 percent amazed at just how good that simply fried fish was.

The menu at Victor's is just pouring with fun options, such as the Colossal Scallop Saltimbocca, the Shantywhich (a chicken sandwich) or eggplant fries as an appetizer. Plus, hold your forks until dessert time when the restaurant offers Avocado Lime Ice Cream with Chocolate Chipotle Truffles or Eye Poppin' Fuel Cafe' Espresso Stout Frozen Parfait.

Everybody in my group seemed satisfied with their meal, and five people were able to eat and have a beverage for $73 including a tip — not bad.

Plus, indoor seating offers views of the harbor and Lake Michigan while the huge outdoor patio offers a chance to see all that plus feel a breeze.

And if you don't see thing particularly drawing about the menu options, the view or the expansive seating, then maybe the restaurants' sense of humor will draw you in: the menu claims that Victor's has, "Big mussels, great legs and fantastic tails."