It’s one of those places that you wait all winter for it to re-open.

You know, those spots where - when you were a kid - you’d beg your parents to eat at because grease and fries and fish with a big whack o’ tartar sauce is pretty much the most awesome local island food ever.

Porch’s Take-Out on the Dike Road is a Comox Valley institution, and since changing ownership last fall, is back at what it does best this summer - being one seriously great fish shack.

This is one of those must-stop spots on the way to anywhere via Comox Road. Perfectly located (since there’s pretty much no place to stop for quick eats from 5th Street on), Porch’s food is definitely what you would call the basic goods (fish, hot dogs, fries, burgers) served just right.

I’m actually no fan of grease. But, one of my number one comfort foods from childhood has got to be a plate of fish and chips. Finding a good spot to indulge once in a very long while is pure emotional necessity:)

Right next to Portuguese Joes and my most favourite coffee shack ever - Java Junction - Porch’s is yummy.

You can get your chow to go or pull up a picnic bench to eat right on the water. It’s nothing fancy, for sure. But, that is definitely the charm of it all.

Bought last September, a new coat of paint and a bit of rehab has brightened Porch’s up and the new owner is charming and excited to keep the Porch’s tradition going strong as she hasn’t changed the menu much at all.

There are no washrooms in the area. So, this is definitely not the place for a pit stop. But, if you need to tank up on lunch, grab a coffee or hot chocolate and maybe grab some fresh fish for dinner later, Porch’s is an excellent choice.

Porch’s opens for lunch every day at 11:30 a.m. throughout the summer and part of the fall.