Loading...
Point Loma Seafoods
Category: Seafood Markets [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Fleetridge, Point Loma2805 Emerson St
(at Scott St)
San Diego, CA 92106
(619) 223-1109
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
264 reviews for Point Loma Seafoods
Review Highlights
Loading...
My rating would be somewhere between 3 and 4 stars, but I'm rounding up because the ambiance is definitely appealing. I asked my friend Joe to recommend an informal seafood place near the airport, and he really delivered!
I was amazed how crowded the place was when I arrived a few minutes before noon on a Saturday. The parking lot was essentially full when I got there, which meant that I had to wait a bit to park, but the wait wasn't more than a minute or two. Inside, there's a bit of pandemonium as people tried to figure out how to order; the secret is that most of the people milling around have ordered already, and all you have to do is push up to the counter. Somewhat surprisingly, you pay when you get the food, which in my case was perhaps 12 minutes after I ordered.
I got the fish tacos (grilled instead of fried -- was that my mistake?); this was among the daily specials. The tacos were good, but not great. The refried beans that were served as a said were OK, but not good. The red salsa tasted like it came out of a big jug of mediocre something-or-other; it was tolerable, but certainly not "A-OK." I sat down at one of the outdoor tables, where there was already someone without food who was biding his time for I don't know what. Maybe he was waiting for a complicated order to come out. He told me that I was about to eat "the best seafood in town" and that the fish "had just come off the boats." He added that PL is "not the cheapest" but that it's really the best. I agreed that it wasn't the cheapest, but it's far from the most expensive place to eat fish in the area. My tacos, with a small draft beer, came to two bits less than a Jackson.
The best? I doubt it, but I'm glad that I made the stop.
After a recommendation from a friend, I decided to give this place a try. I hopped in the car after a quick check on Yelp and found that it has a 4-star average, so I was excited to go. I went with two other people so that we could cover more of the menu.
Parking was easy, and immediately walking into the place, I could tell that much of the food was fresh; live lobsters, authentic fishy smell of the place, and cooks shuffling in the back.
I ordered a tuna sandwich. One friend ordered the Seafood Combo Plate (consists of a crab cake, fried cod, fried shrimp, French fries, and cole slaw) and a bowl of white clam chowder. The other friend ordered the Fish Taco Plate, Shrimp Cocktail, and a 16 oz. beer. The total came out to roughly $58, and we were taken slightly by surprise when the man helping us said that the only accepted forms of payment are cash and check; so we paid by check.
We each tried portions of each other's order and came to an agreement (after we left) about how utterly mediocre the food is and wondered how this restaurant could have such a high rating average on Yelp. My food colleagues and I were absolutely astounded by the sheer awfulness of the food.
My tuna sandwich was a generic tuna sandwich, although it did have a unique taste. The fish tacos were bland. The shrimp cocktail seemed fresh, but was lacking and didn't have a good taste. The clam chowder was doughy and not enjoyable. The crab cake didn't taste like much except fried batter. The fried cod was average. Additionally, the Seafood Combo Plate was very ungenerous considering its price.
I have no doubt that this restaurant offers fresh food, but I would like to reiterate how my eating experience here was mediocre at best; the fact that the entire meal cost nearly $60 made the entire experience awful.
If you want fresh seafood, then by all means, come here; but if you want fresh, delicious, AND reasonably priced seafood, then do not come here as you will be severely disappointed as I was. Needless to say, I will never eat here again.
Disclaimer:
This review is an expression of personal opinion, and is not in any way shape or form meant as a professional evaluation of this business, nor as libel for the aforementioned reason.
One of my first adventures with the person I love was to this place and it didn't disappoint. It was a tad expensive for a sandwich but I can forgive them because it was delicious.
Along with delicious food, we also had a great view and air.
This is a great fish market and place for lunch. The Halibut Fish sandwich is amazing from the fish, to the bread and the crazy good tarter sauce. All of the seafood is fresh and good. The Hamachi Sashimi is really good as well. Try the smoked salmon Jerky too
A bit on the pricey side for a casual outdoor lunch place ( btw cash only) but it is worth it.
I dont know what else to say, TOTALLY fresh seafood, great service, cheap and good beer (anchor steam), all served on fresh bread with their own sauce. All for reasonable prices. It doesnt get any better than this. The place I miss most not visiting the west coast. If you are in San Diego, you owe it to yourself to go. Just looking at the pictures makes me hungry.
I'll be honest, the only reason i ate here was because Rachael Ray did on Food Network. Personally, i think this place is overrated. The day i went with a group of friends, the inside was really packed. I think it was a combination of people ordering food and people ordering fish from the market. The food was overpriced for the quality i received. First it took me forever to get to the front of the line, then we couldn't find any seating until after 7 minutes of standing there waiting for someone to leave their table. I ordered their fish n chips which were fresh but tasted ok. I also ordered their shrimp cocktail which tasted a little too fishy, almost like it wasn't washed. And their clam chowder was watered down. I don't think i'd eat here again unless i happen to be in the Point Loma neighborhood. Although, my mom swears by their fish market.
3.5 stars.
I love seafood! I especially love fresh seafood shacks. So this place is a fresh seafood market that also serves lunch. At lunch time, they are extremely busy with serving hot lunches.
I had the fresh Alaskan Halibut plate (special of the day) on one day and the fish (Cod) sandwich the other day. The halibut was way too dry (never will have it again). The cod sandwich was the best fish sandwich I ever had! It was tender and moist, served on fresh sourdough bread. Truly excellent! I want to return and try their snow crab sandwich and clam chowder.
FYI, the parking situation is not great, but it moves. Avoid the "tough" Alaskan Halibut!
Probably one of the best San Diego fresh seafood eats that you can easily grab. I don't usually buy the expensive hoity toity sushi grade stuff here; nor do I opt for the typical fried food (with the exception of an order of fries). No... if you're going to come here, get what you would expect from a place like this: fresh seafood. Although, I'll admit that the clam chowder in a bread bowl is delicious, what always keeps me coming back is their Crab (not Krab) sandwiches. Mmmmmm.....
Based on foodie taste alone, they would probably just be 4 stars for me. However their parking system leaves me so happy that it actually earns that extra star. It's not such a big deal on weekdays when tourists haven't invaded yet, but on the weekends, there's a line of cars. Instead of demanding that you shell out money for a valet or pay for parking, they have a parking attendant that quickly beckons and then escorts you over to your parking space once it opens up. It may not seem like much, but it definitely cuts down on what would definitely become a headache.
Quick note: Don't forget that they're CASH ONLY!
I'm always looking for a good, and fresh, seafood place in San Diego and I finally found Point Loma Seafoods. Don't waste your time with the other places lining the harbor claming to have the freshest catch, the line here is worth it.
What could be better than eating something that has just been caught and prepared for you, today?! I had the crab sandwich. Three ingredients - sourdough bread, crab meat, and tartar sauce - and every mouthful was pleasureful. I squirted a little fresh lemon juice on it, too.
We also had the clam chowder in a bread bowl, or should I say overflowing the bread bowl. And, the tacos, with one fish and one calamari. Everything I would hope to eat again, and there are about 100 other choices on the menu, including a good selection of sushi. Plus, specials like calamari salad and the board updated daily.
The only setbacks - the hours are very limited, but it's nice to go on a sunny Saturday or Sunday anyways! And, if you end up sitting outside in the uncovered area (since seating is limited) don't leave your food unattended for a second. As soon as the lid flew up on my container of tacos, a seagull came in for the kill. Luckily, he came in too high. But that definitely would have been a tragic loss of food.
Since I was in the neighborhood and running on nothing but mai tais, I needed to refuel on some substantial food. The menu is simple to navigate and I ordered a fish sandwich. On any particular day, the catch may be different. I was given the choice of cod, halibut or ahi and I went with the ahi. The ahi is grilled through rather than seared, but it still turned out to be great. The sandwich comes with the usual produce and tartar sauce on a poppy-seeded bun. I enjoyed the sandwich, but I'm not sure I'd paid almost $15 for it again. If I remember correctly, I've gotten a seared ahi sandwich for less and it was just as good. In Point Loma Seafood's case, the waiting line for food is probably not going to be as painful though. In prime eating time if you're willing to pay a premium pride for some seafood, PLS may gratify your cravings quicker.
OK, If you think this is THE place for seafood you really need to get out there and eat more seafood.
This is a tourist trap and a complete joke. I've been twice now, once for the market and then again to take my mother for lunch.
My first time I ordered a chunk of sashimi grade ahi to make poke at home and what I got was grade A stringy, tough, ahi that was past it's prime. And it set me back $40.00 with some seaweed salad (tiny portion). I should have known then not to return, but I figured, man all the people who come here must know something I don't.
Uh, no. They evidently just don't know their ass from their elbow when it comes to seafood. I grew up on the Northshore of MA and my Dad had a lobster license. I've eaten every kind of seafood I can get my hands on and generally love it all. Pt. Loma Seafoods is an overpriced, terrible quality sham.
The lunch we ordered cost $40.00 for one calamari plate - just strips - I like tentacles, anyway, the cole slaw is tasteless, the fries had a weird flavor b/c the oil needs changing, and the calamari was greasy, soggy, and rubbery. We also had the crabcakes which were the best thing we ordered with the same lousy fries and coleslaw, and I also got a totally lousy shrimp cocktail. We had two small sodas. What a RIP OFF!
It was one star quality at best. Plus, it's infested with flies, and the indoor seating area was dirty and smelly, so we sat outside amongst the dumpsters at a table and had to throw out the fly infested meal reminants of the people who sat there evidently long before we arrived judging from how settled the flies looked. How utterly lovely. Not.
You really really should trust me here. It's a rip off and it sucks. Go anywhere else but here.
Having gone to Point Loma with a mission - to buy something to bring to my cousin's bbq - the GINORMOUS shrimp in the cold case caught my eye. While looking at their lobsters, I heard an employee tell a customer that they were U-8's. I know what that means...I do, I swear. (For those of you who don't, it means there are generally 8 of those shrimp in one pound.)
Employee: "How can I help you?"
Me: "Yeah, how many of those U-8's are in a pound?"
Employee: (Stares at me for 3 seconds)".....8....?"
Me: (internally) OMG I'm so stupid. He must think I'm an idiot.
Me: (externally) OH haha that's right. I'll take 2lbs.
Not my most shining moment, I must admit. But the shrimp were completely worth the embarassment. They were basically small lobster tails, about 2 oz each. Super fresh, sweet. We grilled them up simply with sea salt and a squirt of lemon. Divine.
Last visit, in October 2008, I got their spiny lobster which was in season. That was simply grilled (by them) to perfection as well.
Great casual place with super fresh seafood. Spendy but still cheaper than getting seafood at a cloth napkin restaurant. HAVE CASH ON HAND. The last time we went, the ATM was broken and I waited nervously while hubby drove around looking for a bank. Such n00bs we were.
So have your Hamilton's ready and chow down!
I love this place for a Saturday lunch- outdoors on the bay with a nice tall beer and tasty seafood!
The food here is generally pretty good. I have had the shrimp plate, fish (cod) and chips, and broiled fish tacos. By far the fish tacos were the best thing I have had here. Huge, fresh, lots of fish, and a tasty cream sauce.
On the down side, however, are the stingy portions (everything else except the tacos is quite small...3 small pieces of fried fish for my fish and chips??) and very high prices (13 bucks for fish and chips, 14 bucks for 2 fish tacos with a spoonful of bland beans?!). Parking sucks as well- you have to wait in the driveway for someone to leave so that you can have a space.
But despite the irritations, I will still come here when in San Diego. The view of the harbor is fantastic. Watching the fishing boats bring their catch in towards the end of the day is fun. And the food is good!
My buddy and I came here the other day because we were just craving the delicious fish. I had the grilled swordfish tacos with salsa and beans, and a Corona. Nice hefty fillets of lightly seasoned swordfish definitely hit the spot. It's making my mouth water as I'm typing this. LOL
My buddy opted for the Alaskan Cod sandwich and fries. I wasn't craving fried food, but this is definitely the bomb with their tarter sauce and ketchup.
This place is really a treat anytime you are in the area. Cash only though. come prepared.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
9/15/2009
This place is THE place for seafood. I recommend anything on the menu. The service is somewhat self… Read more »
I love the crab sandwich! Made from real crab meat, every bite contains heaping amounts of crab. It's busy on the weekends and be prepared to wait for parking and for your food. It's a little hectic at the counter and they only accept cash. Once you get your order, there are tables outside for people to enjoy the view.
I've been going here for almost thirty years. OMG I don't believe I put that on here! Anyway...The crab cake sandwich is out of this world! I think this is the best casual seafood resturant in San Diego!
Dear Point Loma Seafoods,
You're good, but not as good as Bluewater Grill. They totally murk. you in the fish sammich department. I once was a fan til I found that hidden gem in Mission Hills. I do give you guys credit for having a Scallop sammich(I LOVE Scallops)&self serve tartar sauce machine...the bread you guys use is pretty tasty too, what is it...sourdough? I might be back sometime. Till then...Sayonara.
Your Local Beloved Not-give-a-fuck type Foodie,
Thorobredren.
I've been twice now and will not be going back, seafood is good but way overpriced, and last time when I paid the guy behind the counter he never brought me my change! Also parking is a pain during the lunch hour.
PLS was recommended to me upon my first visit to San Diego from a previous resident/native of Coronado Island. After making the move from Dallas to San Diego recently, I took my 2 close friends for a delicious lunch before shipping them back to Texas. One of them mentioned coming back specifically for the smoked fish salad...it was so good she had a dream about it! For fresh seafood at a reasonable price, PLS is a must.
I will definitely go out of my way to come here for fresh seafood to cook at home.
It does get busy at lunch time so I would recommend scouting out a table if you're with a group while another orders. Make sure you have cash or a personal check handy as they do not take credit/debit cards.
Ok, so I 'fess up. It is I that dreams of smoked fish salads. Since Devon W. outed me to the intraweb, I feel it fitting that I wax poetic about PLS myself.
Being from (landlocked) Dallas, TX - the quest for fresh seafood takes on a mythological quality. Devon lured us to make a 24 hour drive from Dallas to San Diego straight, (with no stops) with the promise of yummy seafood upon arrival. After a false alarm (resulting in eating seafood on Coronado Island @ The Brigantine, which was good - but no PLS), we finally arrived to the motherlode: Point Loma Seafoods.
My salad was delicious, with decadent chunks of smoked whitefish. The creamy Louis dressing complimented the smoked "fishiness" perfectly. This was a salad-as-a-meal portion, and kept me satisfied. It was healthy for the most part, as the dressing was small and on the side. The unassuming seating on the pier was a great place to chow down and then take a post-meal stroll down the boardwalk and look at the boats.
Not only will I have that salad again, I also want to try the ceviche the next time I come out, and then the fresh sushi the next. . Love the common theme of fresh seafood, different ethnic influences. So good!
I was craving clam chowder lilke no other and my friend took my to Point Loma Seafoods. Hands down the best clam chowder of my life. And ooohhh - delicious sourdough breadbowl! It's right on the water and was literally so fresh that someone probably reached in, grabbed some clams, threw them in the soup and brought it to me 5 minutes later. I haven't tried anything else here, but I promise that if anything I have is just as good I'll be back to throw them another star. That's right PLS - more motivation to keep the good food coming.
Love this place. It is a bit pricey if you come to think of what you are really getting but I always leave happy.
Usually do a nice fresh seafood sandwich (usually scallops) and some red clam chowder. Can't go wrong here!
If the feeling is mutual.....then you should come to Point Loma Seafoods on a Sunday afternoon and get some fresh seafood! But you'd better get here before 12 noon if you want to get a spot in the free parking lot or on the streets off Emerson Ave.
Get in some sort of chaotic, crowded mess of a line and forget about getting into an orderly line, and place your order to one of the gals/guys with the blue shirts on. Pay later when you get your food. They call out your number and you'd better have some cash because the food is expensive and 2 sandwiches, 1 chowder and 1 drink can set you back nearly $45!!
We tried the scallop sandwich, clam chowder and crab sandwich. Expensive!!!! The sandwiches are on fluffy sourdough bread slices. I wasn't particulary blown away by any of the items that we tried, but for what's it's worth, it was fresh. The scallop sandwich had slightly fried scallops in a mayonnaise-tartar like sauce. At least 7-8 scallops were in that sandwich. Yum. It was okay, but rather heavy feeling despite the light batter on the scallops. Crab sandwich was just lots of fresh crab in a light mayonnaise-tartar like sauce. Not the most generous of crab portions, I might add.
The "inside" seating area is just an extension of the outside, and it is HOT! The outside seating area is much cooler, but it's hard to find a seat, and once you finish eating, there's a good chance that someone will ask you to get up and leave. But lucky for me, my friend was no pushover and said we needed to have more time to digest our lunch. Ha. (I think I would have gotten up! I have such a weak heart for things like this!)
Then if the feeling is mutual, you can walk along the harbor and see the fisherman coming in with all the fresh, HUGE fish! All in all, this place is not as fun on a hot summery day, but maybe in the winter I"ll be heading back to frequent this place.
Freshest seafood in San Diego. You can get sushi and any kind of fish you're looking for. You can buy fish to prepare at home, or order from their lunch/dinner menu. I always get sushi because it's the freshest I've had, but my family loves the crab cakes, calamari and fish and chips. You sit outside on the bay, and the view is nice, but seating is sparce-it's ALWAYS busy!! It's a nice location for a walk after your meal too. It's much like a fast food environment, but the food is anything but! Cash and Check ONLY!
Point Loma Seafoods has a huge selection of fresh catches of the day from all kinds of fish (some of them you may never heard of): from tens of shrimp variations to smoked fish, swordfish, scallops, squid... name it and they have it. In addition, they have a big selection of sandwhiches, salads and food for on the go as well as products (sauces etc.). Even sushi. The quality of the fish is fantastic, it's fresh and about the best quality you can get. When it comes to fish, especially raw, you do want the best of the best quality you can get since fish is so poisoning sensitive. I've been very sick from oysters once and I will therefore never eat this slimy bastards again but if I would, I would trust this place to buy them.
You do pay for the quality though. We had 2 big slices of ahi tuna and about 10 huge scallops, and that was about 45 bucks. Given, the quality of the fish is top notch, so tender and fresh, melts in your mouth, heavenly good. All the products are fresh catches of the day.There is always a line, it's always packed and parking can be a bitch because it's a popular place. But it's a family business and you can breathe that as soon as you walk in, the service is personal and good.
I am a fan of the place. It's not the place go to if I want to make dinner for 10+ people, since that will cost you a fortune. If you want to get an incredible good, fresh sandwich and you're willing to spend a buck more this is the place to go. Or if you want to cook a dinner for a small party that you want to impress. Really good food doesn't need much additives: with a little bit of lime or some pepper/garlic or spices and your meal can be ready in five minutes. On the grill or sear in a pan, sit outside (it's SD after all), add wine, music and friends and that's the good life people. Restaurant quality food at your home, with restaurant prices though, but more than worth it.
Ceviche: insanely lemon-y lime-y lips pucking goodness
YUM
Everything else for me was the usual - not bad - and a nice setting for tourist folks :)
no frills, not attitude...........just quick and fresh seafood can be had at point loma seafood.
this place is extremely low key and you order at the counter and pay for your food when it is ready. while waiting in line you can admire the rows upon rows of fresh fish, shellfish and prepared foods.....a seafood lovers paradise if you will.
we ordered, and waited 15mins before our food was up.
half dozen eastern oysters: these were about the size of hama-hama's and were very good. nice briny sweetness and the meat was very firm. yum!
grilled swordfish fish tacos: these suckers rocked. the swordfish was grilled perfectly. the fish was moist and tender and i swear, the two tacos probably weighed a combined 1.5lbs. these guys were huge! the corn tortillas were soft and held together quite well. the bad part to this plate were the horrific beans. they were just plain nasty.
crab cake sandwich: i did not partake but was told that the crab cakes were packed full of crabby goodness. the sandwich looked very good......seriously, how can one go wrong with fried seafood? lols.
no nonsense seafood + bright and sunny day + clear ocean views = happy me
Point Loma Seafood is actually two establishments. The fish market deserves 3 stars for its fresh fish and selection. However, the eating establishment is mediocre, serving fried fish that negates the freshness, and soggy french fries that are only necessary to satisfy your hunger. Whenever my coworkers or visitors want to go here, I try to talk them out of it. Don't waste your time.
Haven't had a bad meal there yet. We've tried just about everything on the menu from kids fish and fries to sushi. Decent fish tacos but better sandwiches, etc...
I don't even how how this place is so delicious. Maybe it's because of their super fresh fish or maybe it's the perfected tarter sauce.
There is not a day that goes by that I don't have a craving for their ALASKAN COD.
Buy NOW!!!!
It's always nice to grab a beer and squid sandwich at point loma seafoods. It's true , it's not the best but it's good. It's like seafood soul food...But all must admit the fish is fresh and the smoked fish is perfected. AND THEY NEED TO EXCEPT CARDS CHEEP B*STERDS.offer some convienience to the customer.Support your local fishermen...eat local and eat local seafood.
This place has gotten way overpriced. $12 for fried fish tacos with a dollop of watery tasteless beans? The scallop sandwich is to die for but you pay for it too. I love the lemonade but I forgot how in the summer, it is a crazed tourist zoo and not relaxing at all for lunch.
So yes the fish is fresh and tasty (and you can get FRIED FISH in SD) but you are going to pay for it and it is going to be crowded. I'd rather just go to El Pescador and take it to the beach.
I really wanted to love this place but sadly was very disappointed. First took a young couple from NYC to come here and try what I read on Yelp as being a great seafood find! Sadly my friend had some severe health restrictions due to a health problem but loves seafood. Surely I reasoned this place could at least give her a fish item and just hold the salt in preparation. The man at counter acted like he could care less about her needs. Said they could not modify any preparation what so ever and made it plain they had no intention of helping her out at all. We had come very early so there were no crowds and all he had to do was show a little kindness to help her out. We refused to stay and left greatly embarrassed. Later found another seafood place who were at least considerate and graciously helped her select by a little modification in preparation.
The next day I wanted to try the place again since I had heard such great reviews. Over my spouse's objections who never wanted to ever return again, I reasoned well maybe this was a just a onetime fluke but the food might taste great. We gave it a return shot and sadly were greatly disappointed by the offerings. The clam chowder was very, very poor. Few clam bits , made thick by some filler (arrowroot? cornstarch? minimal bland flavor almost tasteless! I could not believe this place was so highly rated. One of the poorest clam chowder's I have ever tasted. The crab cocktail was very small portion for $8.00 and minimal sauce. I am sorry but this place needs to improve quality and service. I hope the owners work a little harder in customer service. It is in a charming location and could be wonderful with a little attention to quality and customer service. Even I can take a piece of fish and grill it without seasonings. And I can make a better clam chowder easy.
If any of you folks are in Ventura CA try Andrea's an outstanding seafood place similar in style to Point Loma Seafood. Fabulous food and great service at Andrea's in Ventura. I wish I could say the same for Point Loma Seafoods.
WTF! I've lived in SD for 18 years and then move to the OC for another 8 years and I still haven't visited this place. I keep hearing stories from my family raving about Point Loma Seafoods. Every time they talk about it I ask what's up with that place and they keep forgetting I've never been there.
I finally come to it on Mother's Day b/c that's where my mom wants to eat lunch. I paid, so I know what everyone had. She had a cup of red clam chowder and 2 gorgeous looking shrimp tacos (they mucked up the order and gave us first fish tacos, which was resolved in an orderly fashion). My bro got the tuna sandwich, which he enjoyed thoroughly with a delicious fresh lemonade. I ordered the scallops plate. It came with 7 great scallops, but they weren't as crisp on the outside as I wanted b/c the container kept moisture in. The fries it came with are standard goodness. Awesome to dip with the tarter sauce. The coleslaw was not up to par for me. It had all the elements of a good slaw, but it lacked flavor and seasoning.
It's really great. One of those cash/check only places where you order in huge crowd and wait like 15 minutes with hungry people awaiting glorious food. If anything, please don't be the douche who doesn't know that it's cash/check b/c it happened 4 times while I was waiting. Overall, this place is fresh and delicious and I want more!
Near the airport, so it's the first place I hit.
The fish sandwich and a cool beer are a great welcome to the beach and the escape from the desert heat.
It can get very crowded, so break up your group...some to grab a table and some to order the food.
This place is a bit pricey since you have to pay in cash.. but it's well worth it. No frills place that just serves seafood. Terrific fresh seafood. You park (with the help of the guy who directs you to where the spots are)... walk in.. and just walk up to the counter. There is no line and you pay when you get your food. No tip required either. Then you head outside and eat fantastic seafood.
You could get it fried.. in a sandwich.. but here is something that is not on the menu and terrific! I would go for the half clams and half oysters (half means half dozen). They are the biggest fattest clams you will have. They are delicious! Get lots of lemons for it! And then you get one of their humongous crabs. Delicious.. and pretty affordable. About $10 per pound... so it's $20 for one since they are two pounds. And don't worry about deshelling.. they help you by pounding it with a hammer properly.
The only thing I wish.. they had better sauces to dip all this deliciousness in.
Fantastic place though... fantastic!
Parking sucks. They only take cash, which kinda sucks, too. Sometimes its a little confusing as to where you order, who with, when you pay...
Now on to the good news =)
THE FRESHEST SUSHI I've ever put in my mouth! Hands down. I didn't know sushi could come so fresh. Double-U-Tee-EFF? How does that happen? Order a Philly roll and lemme know! I know they're all pumped and primed for their chowder bowls (Good, but really heavy--I'm biased though, I'm from the Bay. No one ever has anything on Fisherman's Wharf bowls, ya heard?!) But yeah, the sushi selection is minimal, but the quality is just tooooo good! The seaweed salad is cheaper than anywhere else I've been and is good as well.
I know ppl are big fans of the crabcake sandwich. I like the fries dipped in tartar sauce--got my little brother on that one, too =) The onion rings, I'm a fan of, as well. I really need to get on that Calamari, though...
Happy eats folks, this place gets my thumbs up!
Cons:
-expensive
-long lines
-long waits (on some days)
-sometimes questionable quality for pricing (sometimes)
-too chaotic
-tourist trap
Pros:
-great great food
-pretty fresh seafood
-great menu
-hard to find something not tasty
come back? yes.
everyday? if i could afford it, yes
3.4 stars, so rounding down.
Reasons:
Food is good but not good enough to warrant the prices. For example, the cheapest menu section is the sandwiches. The cheapest sandwich is $8.31 + tax.
I had the smoked fish sandwich which consisted of mostly large chunks of whitefish and a little tartar sauce between two slices of sourdough. The sandwich wasn't bad but $8.31 was! You can get better, moister whitefish sandwiches at Jewish joints and other delis for near half the price.
The halibut plate was over $15! It consisted of battered deep fried halibut, fries and some unexceptional cole slaw. Unfortunately, the fish was a little dry and therefore tough (especially for halibut).
The clam chowder was better than Bluewater Seafoods' but it still wasn't my favorite because it's thickened instead of naturally creamy. The Fish Market has good, creamy NE clam chowda.
The shrimp cocktail WAS good, because the cocktail sauce was great!
Bottom line: The atmosphere is great. You can sit in the sun, on the water, with the sea lions and seagulls. But a meal for 3 ordered at the counter and picked up when our number was called, costed $51 dollars. And the food was a little dull.
Be prepared for a parking nightmare.
Have patience and don't worry about personal space.
And hang like vultures for seating.
Ultimately, after dealing with all that. The food rocks. The place is popular, so dealing with all the above is worth it & expected. It is what is.
I had the crab cake sandwich and it actually was the first crab cake sandwich I ever had. It was very good. Crispy, juicy on the inside and tasty. The cocktail sauce I used was flavorful. Cup of clam chowder was very good as well. My wife had the seafood combo and she liked it as well. Especially the fish. It was a good experience but be prepared for all the above. if you don't like any of the above or cant handle he above. Then your experience maybe rough.
I would come back.


