Finns at Little Village

Finns Little Village has the same menu as the original Finns location, the major difference being the setting. Little Village is a totally different location, serving up some upgraded views, as well as shopping, live music and alcoholic beverages. The Thomas Drive location is the original location but the newer location in Little Village has its own appeal while still remaining true to the original flavors.

Address: 2808 W 12th St, Panama City, FL 32401 (Near Hunt’s Oyster Bar at 12th and Beck)
Website: FinnsIslandStyleGrub.com
Facebook: FinnsatLittleVillage
Category: Seafood

Killer Carnitas
Smokey flavored, these are not traditional Mexican carnitas. However, the flavor is robust and the fresh ingredients balance out the intensity of the meat. These tacos are a great pick for those who are not interested in fish. The carnitas are also a great choice for those who are more budget minded. Plus this seating is one of the best at Finns Little Village- around the back side on the dock.

Blackened Mahi Mahi Fish Special
Finns Special Blackened Mahi Mahi with side salad served on a bed of rice and black beans. Not normally on the menu, but one of the daily specials they advertise based on what is in season. This seating at Finns Little Village is just off the side of the main deck, towards the back before the dock.

Cold Alcohol and Nice Ambience
Technically not served by Finns, but by Little Village, there are cold bottles, cans, tap brew, and wine available for purchase at Little Village to go with your fantastic food from Finns. It pairs well with the food, as well as the live music and outdoor venue. This is a place to go eat food and then end up staying a while!

Location
Located in St Andrews, this second Finns location is located inside the Little Village- which is somewhat like an open-aired boutique. Little Village is not just a boutique though, even though it sells a lot of art and even some clothes, but it is also a small live music venue that sells alcohol and wine, but not liquor. Finns adds the food to the venue, and it adds the finishing touch. Parking can be difficult to find near Little Village since the neighborhood does not like parking in front of private houses, and the nearest parking lot is shared with the patrons that frequent Hunts Oyster Bar. You may have to park at the parking lot off of Beck and walk a half block, but parking issues are common for most St Andrews businesses.

Ambiance
Finns Little Village fits perfectly in with Little Village and the eclectic scene. The seating is outside under a beautiful tree, or around back on the deck overlooking Ware Lake, or down the stairs at a few tables near the waters edge. The ambiance has its own draw, but paired with the food, its a knockout punch. The mosquitos can be an issue once it gets warm out, but that’s natural being so close to a water source.

Cleanliness
Since you are outside on tables, it really is not going to be the cleanest seating. However, the tables are cleared off regularly, patrons typically throw away the trash themselves, and the kitchen looks clean from the ordering window. The ground is well kept.

Menu
The menu has a nice mix of appetizers and entrees. Most everything tastes great, with fresh, bold flavors. This isn’t deep fried fish sticks, these are real pieces of meat, grilled, charred, etc, and flavored with savory sauces and paired with fresh ingredients for a flavorful experience. The appetizers come with chips from a bag, so they are never quite as good as fresh made chips. The quesadillas can be a little oily. The guacamole is never quite right, so steer clear of it unless you like the store ready kind, which is exactly what it tastes like. Sometimes the carnitas are extra smoky, which can leave you burping for the rest of the day, but when it is good, is one of the best entrees to get for the price. They have daily specials, which you should try if you get a chance. All of the ingredients are fresh and often the fish is local. Their kids menu is well-liked by the kiddos since it does not have fish, except for the goldfish sides. Feel free to take your picky eater with you the next time you visit. The quality is also very similar to the original location.

Prices
The prices are a little more than fast food, but you are getting a much healthier meal. If you are not careful, you can rack up quite a tab with appetizers and entrees. If you are on a budget, there are still options for you.

Quality
Finns Little Village has quality similar to the original location, and the quality of the food is very good. Though you are getting food from a small kitchen at an art market, there is consistent quality with the fresh ingredients and the food prep. Not fine dining, but the food is a quality than you would expect while sitting outside on a picnic table.

Presentation
The food presentation is ok. Some time ago they served everything in plastic dishes, and then they changed it to paper dishes. This change has definitely not been a change for the better. The food looks nice in the little paper boat, but its still in a little paper boat that doesn’t stand up well to the moisture, heat and pressure of eating your food standing up, so be sure you have a seat before you poke your fork into it.

Service
The staff is friendly and they aim to please. They run the food out for you and really try to make you happy. Whenever I have had an issue, they have always bent over backwards to fix it.