Fred’s Tavern in Stone Harbor is a culinary gem that perfectly blends traditional American tavern fare with a coastal twist, delighting locals and visitors alike. Nestled just steps from the beach, the tavern offers a warm, inviting atmosphere where guests can enjoy fresh, expertly crafted dishes that showcase the best of seasonal ingredients.
Whether you’re seeking a hearty meal after a day in the sun or a casual spot for drinks with friends, Fred’s Tavern delivers an experience steeped in flavor and comfort. The menu reflects a thoughtful balance of classic favorites and innovative creations, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers exploring the Stone Harbor area.
At Fred’s Tavern, the focus extends beyond just food; the menu is designed to cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring every guest leaves satisfied. From succulent seafood catches to perfectly grilled steaks, and from fresh salads to indulgent desserts, each dish is crafted with care and passion.
The commitment to quality ingredients and attentive preparation shines through in every bite, inviting patrons to savor the essence of coastal dining. With an evolving selection that adapts to seasonal availability, Fred’s Tavern remains a dynamic culinary hotspot in Stone Harbor.
Appetizers and Small Plates
The appetizer selection at Fred’s Tavern sets the tone for an exceptional dining experience. Designed to be shared or enjoyed as a light start to the meal, these dishes showcase a variety of textures and flavors.
Whether craving something crispy, creamy, or tangy, the appetizers provide a perfect introduction to the tavern’s culinary style.
Signature starters include fresh seafood options like crispy calamari and shrimp cocktail, highlighting the region’s coastal bounty. For those who prefer land-based flavors, the tavern offers inventive twists on classic pub fare, such as loaded potato skins and house-made pretzels served with specialty mustards and cheese dips.
The appetizers are crafted to complement the tavern’s extensive drink menu, encouraging guests to mix and match flavors and beverages.
Popular Choices
- Crispy Calamari: Lightly breaded and fried to golden perfection, served with a zesty marinara and garlic aioli
- Loaded Potato Skins: Topped with cheddar, bacon, green onions, and sour cream
- House-Made Pretzels: Served warm with honey mustard and beer cheese dipping sauces
- Shrimp Cocktail: Chilled jumbo shrimp served with a tangy cocktail sauce and lemon wedges
“The appetizers at Fred’s Tavern are the perfect way to start your meal — each bite bursts with fresh, bold flavors that capture the spirit of Stone Harbor.”
Fresh Seafood Selections
Seafood lovers will find a paradise in Fred’s Tavern’s extensive seafood offerings. The menu features an array of fresh catches, sourced locally when possible, reflecting the tavern’s dedication to supporting sustainable fishing practices.
From delicate fish fillets to hearty shellfish, the seafood dishes are prepared with a focus on preserving natural flavors while adding complementary seasonings.
Each seafood dish is cooked to order, ensuring optimal freshness and texture. The tavern’s chefs employ diverse cooking methods, including grilling, pan-searing, and broiling, to bring out the best in each ingredient.
Pairing suggestions from the staff help guests enhance their dining experience, whether opting for a crisp white wine or a craft beer from the tavern’s curated list.
Seafood Highlights
- Grilled Swordfish: Served with a lemon-caper butter sauce and seasonal vegetables
- Seared Scallops: Accompanied by a creamy risotto and asparagus spears
- Classic Fish and Chips: Beer-battered cod with house-made tartar sauce and fries
- Seafood Linguine: A medley of shrimp, clams, and mussels in a garlic white wine sauce
| Dish | Cooking Method | Key Ingredients |
| Grilled Swordfish | Grilling | Lemon, capers, butter, seasonal vegetables |
| Seared Scallops | Pan-searing | Scallops, risotto, asparagus, cream |
| Fish and Chips | Frying | Cod, beer batter, tartar sauce, fries |
| Seafood Linguine | Sautéing | Shrimp, clams, mussels, garlic, white wine |
Hearty Sandwiches and Burgers
Fred’s Tavern offers an impressive lineup of sandwiches and burgers that combine comfort and creativity. These dishes are perfect for a casual meal, packed with robust flavors and generous portions.
Crafted with freshly baked breads and high-quality proteins, each sandwich is designed to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
The burger selection includes options ranging from classic cheeseburgers to gourmet creations featuring unique toppings like smoked gouda and caramelized onions. For sandwich enthusiasts, choices include everything from traditional deli-style sandwiches to innovative combinations using local ingredients.
The tavern also pays close attention to dietary preferences by offering gluten-free bread and vegetarian options.
Sandwich and Burger Favorites
- Fred’s Classic Cheeseburger: Angus beef patty with cheddar, lettuce, tomato, and house sauce
- BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich: Slow-cooked pork with tangy barbecue sauce and coleslaw on a brioche bun
- Caprese Chicken Sandwich: Grilled chicken breast, fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil pesto on ciabatta
- Veggie Burger: Black bean patty with avocado, sprouts, and chipotle mayo
“The burgers at Fred’s Tavern aren’t just meals; they’re crafted experiences that bring together the best of comfort food and culinary innovation.”
Fresh Salads and Light Fare
For those seeking lighter options, Fred’s Tavern offers a thoughtfully curated selection of salads and fresh plates. These dishes emphasize crisp textures, vibrant colors, and balanced flavors, making them ideal for a refreshing meal or a healthy complement to heartier dishes.
Salads are prepared using the freshest greens and seasonal produce, often enhanced with house-made dressings and unique toppings such as toasted nuts, dried fruits, and artisanal cheeses. The tavern also includes protein options like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu, allowing guests to customize their meals according to preference and dietary needs.
Salad Selections
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, shaved parmesan, croutons, and classic Caesar dressing
- Stone Harbor Harvest Salad: Mixed greens, roasted beets, candied pecans, goat cheese, and balsamic vinaigrette
- Grilled Shrimp Salad: Fresh shrimp atop mixed greens with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette
- Quinoa and Kale Bowl: Protein-rich quinoa, kale, roasted vegetables, and tahini dressing
| Salad | Main Ingredients | Protein Options |
| Caesar Salad | Romaine, parmesan, croutons, Caesar dressing | Grilled chicken (optional) |
| Stone Harbor Harvest | Mixed greens, beets, pecans, goat cheese, balsamic | None (vegetarian) |
| Grilled Shrimp Salad | Shrimp, mixed greens, avocado, tomatoes | Shrimp |
| Quinoa and Kale Bowl | Quinoa, kale, roasted vegetables, tahini | Tofu or chicken (optional) |
Signature Entrees
The signature entrees at Fred’s Tavern represent the heart of the menu, featuring thoughtfully composed dishes that highlight exceptional ingredients and culinary expertise. These entrees are crafted to appeal to a diverse range of palates, from meat lovers to seafood aficionados, all while maintaining a consistent focus on flavor and presentation.
Entrees are complemented by a variety of sides, including seasonal vegetables, hand-cut fries, or creamy mashed potatoes. The kitchen’s dedication to detail ensures that each plate arrives perfectly balanced and visually appealing, inviting diners to indulge in a memorable meal.
Many entrees reflect the tavern’s local roots, incorporating ingredients that celebrate the flavors of Stone Harbor and the surrounding region.
Examples of Signature Dishes
- Pan-Seared Duck Breast: Served with a cherry reduction and roasted fingerling potatoes
- Grilled Ribeye Steak: 12 oz. cut with herb butter and garlic mashed potatoes
- Blackened Mahi-Mahi: Accompanied by coconut rice and mango salsa
- Vegetable Stir-Fry: Seasonal vegetables stir-fried with tofu and a ginger-soy glaze
“Fred’s Tavern’s entrees are a celebration of both tradition and innovation, bringing the best of Stone Harbor’s culinary landscape to every plate.”
Desserts and Sweet Treats
To conclude the dining experience on a sweet note, Fred’s Tavern offers a tempting dessert menu that balances classic favorites with inventive creations. Desserts are made in-house daily, using fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure every bite is indulgent yet satisfying.
The dessert selection caters to varied tastes, from rich chocolate lovers to those who prefer light and fruity options. Seasonal ingredients often inspire the offerings, resulting in a rotating menu that keeps guests excited to return.
Pairing suggestions with coffee or dessert wines are also available to enhance the final course.
Popular Desserts
- Chocolate Lava Cake: Warm, gooey chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream and raspberry coulis
- Key Lime Pie: Tart and creamy, served with fresh whipped cream and graham cracker crust
- Seasonal Fruit Crisp: Baked fresh fruit topped with a crunchy oat crumble
- Cheesecake: Classic New York style served with berry compote
| Dessert | Main Flavors | Suggested Pairing |
| Chocolate Lava Cake | Chocolate, vanilla, raspberry | Espresso or port wine |
| Key Lime Pie | Lime, cream, graham cracker | Moscato or herbal tea |
| Seasonal Fruit Crisp | Varies with season, oat crumble | Sauvignon Blanc or light coffee |
| Cheesecake | Cream cheese, berry compote | Riesling or black tea |
Beverages and Cocktails
Complementing the robust food menu, Fred’s Tavern offers an extensive selection of beverages designed to suit any mood or occasion. From craft beers and fine wines to innovative cocktails, the drink offerings are curated to enhance the overall dining experience.
The bar features local brews alongside popular national labels, ensuring a diverse beer selection. Wine options include thoughtfully chosen bottles that pair well with the tavern’s various dishes.
For cocktail enthusiasts, Fred’s Tavern boasts a creative mixology program with classic drinks and signature concoctions made from fresh ingredients and premium spirits.
Drink Highlights
- Stone Harbor Mule: Vodka, ginger beer, lime, and fresh mint
- Classic Old Fashioned: Bourbon, bitters, sugar, orange peel
- Local Craft Beers: Rotating taps featuring regional breweries
- House Red and White Wines: Selected for balance and food pairing
“Fred’s Tavern’s beverage program is designed to be as memorable as its food, offering guests a chance to explore unique flavors and perfect pairings.”
Conclusion
Fred’s Tavern in Stone Harbor stands out as a culinary destination where passion for quality and dedication to local flavors converge. The menu’s diverse offerings ensure that every guest finds something to delight their palate, whether seeking fresh seafood, hearty sandwiches, or light salads.
The attention to detail in ingredient selection and preparation transforms each dish into an experience worth savoring.
Beyond the food, the atmosphere at Fred’s Tavern embraces the warmth and charm of coastal dining, making it a comfortable and inviting place to enjoy time with family and friends. The seasonal twists and commitment to innovation keep the menu fresh and exciting, encouraging repeat visits.
By pairing exceptional cuisine with an outstanding beverage selection, Fred’s Tavern creates a harmonious balance that appeals to both casual diners and discerning food enthusiasts alike.
Visiting Fred’s Tavern offers more than just a meal; it offers a taste of Stone Harbor itself — vibrant, welcoming, and full of character. Whether you are a local or a visitor, the menu promises a memorable dining experience that captures the essence of this charming coastal town.
