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Reel Inn
Categories: Restaurants Seafood Restaurants Fish & Chips Seafood, Fish & Chips [Edit]
18661 Pacific Coast HwyMalibu, CA 90265
(310) 456-8221
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 9:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
225 reviews for Reel Inn
Review Highlights
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225 reviews in English
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Review from Adam B.
Saint Charles, IL
First of all, the location on the PCH is awesome. Right across from the ocean. I expected this place to have a hole-in-the-wall feel and it was just that. The first thing I liked was the display window with the various kinds of fish so I could see exactly what I was ordering. I ordered the Cajun snapper with rice and steamed veggies and salad. With my drink I paid $18 and remember, no need to tip here. For fish that fresh, I think that's a pretty good buy.
The drinks were an issue. I would prefer if the customer could fill their cups and get refills instead of having to go up to the pick-up window and actually ask. And we only get 1 free refill. But there is a nice condiment bar with lemons, cocktail sauce, tartar sauce, malt vinegar, etc.
As for the meal itself, I liked the large portion size. I've been to too many seafood restaurants where I left feeling hungry. That was not the case here. The Cajun seasoning was quite spicy, but a little lemon took care of that. And the fish itself was very moist. The rice and veggies both tasted very flavorful. Very solid salad as well.
I think this is a really good place to visit and would certainly return. -
Review from Lea M.
Passaic, NJ
Very disappointing, it was probably the worse food I have eaten in a very long time. I am sure that the fish is fresh there, but the frying of the oysters and a shrimp....all you taste in the fried.
We has two types of fish as entrees, sautéed, it was awful. The sauces were not edible. The bill was 70.00, stay away -
Review from Robert P.
Malibu, CA
An institution for the topanga crowd that serves up fresh fish dinners.
The salmon, ahi, cat fish and fried oysters are the best.
The fish taco I had tasted like they fried up a can of tuna. Horrible.
The wood burning fire place is a nice touch though. -
Review from Cindy T.
West Los Angeles, CA
The seafood is super fresh here and we usually go at night too.
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Review from Randoll C.
Orange County, CA
There's a voice in my head that's always telling me to stay away from deep fried foods because it's unhealthy.
After tonight, that voice will include staying away from Reel Inn's deep fried foods because it's just not that good.
Parking: Instead of valet parking, it should just read - $3 parking. The "attendant" tells me he'll pull one of the cones blocking off a parking spot and that I should just park there. I've never experienced a valet situation where not only do I park my own car, but I also keep my key. For $3 though, I wasn't complaining because I really didn't feel like driving up and down PCH looking for parking when it was cold and dark as well.
There's staff clearing off tables otherwise, there's no table side service at all. It's order your food, grab your own utensils and water (if you didn't order drinks) then go find or wait for a seat. If you're not lucky enough to find a table or booth, there are picnic tables style setup where you just squeeze in with your family, friends and maybe even strangers. Anna and I got lucky and ended up at one of the booths where we enjoyed a view of the traffic. No great ocean view when it's dark.
We shared an order of Shrimp & Chips and Oysters & Chips. As i mentioned above, I've experienced better. Well done is how their regular clientele must prefer their deep fried goodies because that's how I describe both of our dishes and those around us that I could see.
Well done doesn't work for me when it comes to shrimp and oysters and in this case ,french fries. If it does for you, then this is your place. -
Review from Randal R.
Las Vegas, NV
So I've been coming here since I was little, so I have a lot of memories of this place. Location/atmosphere are awesome. Kinda feels divey, especially with the stuff hanging off the ceiling insides, but it's a fun place. Long plank tables which are good for groups, or booths that you can squish 6 in if you're all small. Also have a outdoor seating area for when the weather is nice or you're feeling adventurous. All the fish is fresh, and you can see it while you're waiting to order at the counter. Prices are a little high, but the quality is always there. It's also a very simple preparation, it's either fried, sauteed, or grilled.
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Review from D S.
Studio City, CA
Gone downhill since the last time we ate here. Terrible shrimp quesadilla. Bland, salty, only edible with a lot of salsa. Fish tacos just okay and the rice tasted like it was out of a box.
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Review from Nicole G.
VALLEY VILLAGE, CA
This is a GREAT place to go to after a day of playing volleyball on the beach.
I've gone here a few times after a long, hot day at the beach and a few times just because. Very casual, staff is very friendly and the food is great. There is plenty of seating, but it can get a bit dicey when it's really busy. Parking isn't too bad, but the lot is small.
Seafood here is fresh and made to order. I personally enjoy the fish and chips. Tartare sauce is delish! They also have a decent selection of beers (definitely need one after a day on the beach!).
Great atmosphere, reminds me of BBQ joins back in Texas.
Definitely recommend this place to those visiting SoCal or just to meet up here with friends whether it be after a day on the beach to chill out. -
Review from Ravyn R.
Park Ridge, IL
Good food, decent prices, but if you come during a busy time, be prepared to stand in line for a while. Otherwise, would definitely recommend if you like seafood and are around the area.
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Review from Eric J.
This dive seafood place has been here as long as I can remember and serves up solid grilled fish fare. Considering the location on PCH, I think that the prices are reasonable. Plus, there's no waitstaff so you can reduce the tip amount accordingly. I had the grilled Talapia for $12 on my most recent trip and it was delicious!
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Review from Nicole S.
Oak Park, CA
YAY Taco Tuesdays! What a great deal - 2 huge swordfish tacos for $4.50! And we got a basket of calamari that would feed 4 people easily. SO DELICIOUS - I love that hole-in-the-wall feeling, and was pleasantly surprised to find that the guy behind the counter was extremely pleasant! New favorite!
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Review from Ashley D.
Glendale, CA
My parents love this place. As frequent SoCal visitors, they usually make the rounds to their favorite places when they visit me. I accompanied them last time, on a nice summer day before a stroll on the beach. The place definitely had an authentic beach-grill vibe; there were a bunch of fireflies outside that some boys were chasing. We sat under a shady tree to partake of our meal.
I got the fish tacos and was a little disappointed. I've been on a quest for the perfect fish taco since relocating to L.A., and although these were tasty and fresh, they didn't blow my mind.
My parents got fish and chips, which were really good; I should have gotten them.
I would come back here, if I'm in Malibu looking for a relatively cheap meal. (Which is pretty much impossible unless you want to go to Jack in the Box down the street). -
Review from Mike E.
Phoenix, AZ
The Reel Inn was featured on Man vs. Food.
I visited The Reel Inn, only a couple of days after it was featured on Man vs. Food, therefore it was very busy. I love the large selection of fresh seafood that they have such as Monk Fish, Swordfish, Salmon, Sea bass, Yellow Tail, Ahi Tuna, Tilapia, Orange Roughy, and Red Snapper. The fresh fish is on ice in a glass case as you walk in, so you can see the fish you are going to eat, before it gets cooked.
Unfortunately they were out of what I wanted, halibut, so I decided to go with an order of fish and chips. The fish and chips were above average, but didn't blow me away. I regretted the fact that I didn't go with a fresh fish option.
The outside seating area is pretty cool, however, don't expect a view of the ocean.
Great fresh fish options, above average fish and chips, and fast and friendly service, gives The Reel Inn an above average rating of four stars. -
Review from Katie P.
Riverside, CA
Omg!!!!! This is by far the best seafood place I've ever been too on the west coast. So far... We drove past this place just crushing around on PCH.. Starving we pulled in. I ordered the swordfish(blackened) really the best best best super fresh... I wish I lived closer I would go there every weekend if I could .
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Review from Meg T.
Saint Louis, MO
A-OK.
Pros: Good fresh seafood, simply prepared, OK prices, friendly service, generous portions.
Cons: Slow, $3 parking, weak cocktail sauce and salsa, soggy veggies. -
Review from Christina Y.
Santa Monica, CA
I've never come here by choice, only because someone else asked to meet here or because we happen to be right across the street and need food. But every time I have, I'm seriously so disappointed in the food, especially compared to their astronomical prices.
Sure, it's nice to take a drive up (or down) PCH and I'm sure those beachfront rent prices are very expensive. But does that make it ok to charge $16 for a greasy, flavorless shirmp scampi with equally flavorless sides like steamed veggies that seriously must have come out of a bag or some hard 'Cajun' rice? I also thought it was ludicrious that out of the measly side options they offered, most of them were $2 extra on top of the already ridiculous prices. I seriously doubt mashed potatoes or bagged vegetables cost you $2 out of pocket. My dining companion's grilled halbut was also dry and disappointing, though a third person's sauteed halibut was a little more passable thanks to what seemed like a stick of butter.
Then I looked around at what other people were having and it didn't seem like they were any better off. The fish tacos came with some salad mix on top and some shredded orange cheddar cheese - definitely not authentic by any means. And the side salad (another $1) just looked sad and unfresh as well.
Even the water was disappointing! I helped myself to a tiny plastic cup of it and it straight up tasted like batter. Definitely not refreshing.
I felt bad giving this place two stars because I usually reserve that for places with terrible service or some glaring mistakes, but then I realized we didn't even get any service. The lady at the front taking our orders didn't even give us so much as a hello, and you have to go up and pick up your plates when they're ready as there's no waitstaff, so there's no redeeming factor there. The ambiance? Sure, it's across the street from the beach and nice to sit out on the patio when it's warm out, but as for the decor, there's not anything to it really, just your typical beach shack with random knicknacks strewn about.
So though if anything I'm usually an overly generous reviewer, this time I can't in good conscience give this place any more than two stars. -
Review from Victoria P.
Santa Monica, CA
Long long lines. 3 dollar parking. Cash only on alcohol. Completely rude service.
I said hello to the guy taking my order without a return greeting then quickly ordered fish tacos. I asked how many sides it came with and he rudely said that it came with the same number of sides as everything else and then pointed to some sign for me to read. I figured if he's concerned with me holding up the line it would have been quicker for him to simply say "two".
Ordered fish and chips and fish tacos. Fish tacos were dry and not very flavorful. Fish on the fish and chips platter was ok but was kind of soggy.
Patio is nice. -
Review from C. W.
Los Angeles, CA
This is an awesome find that I stumbled upon which a friend and I were driving along PCH. The food is fresh and delicious and the price is right. This is a great place to take large groups as they have ample space inside and outside in their patio. The cole slaw is yummy and the fries are off the hook! The atmosphere is cozy and casual yet still can be romantic for an evening date. Fantastic!
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Review from Jim W.
I would gladly grab the hook again here at the mouth of Topanga Canyon. @AudreyRLWyatt and the kids went here with @LonHaber based on his recommendation. Listen to his restaurant recommendations, btw.
We shared around a number of items - salmon fish tacos, fish and chips, scallops, home style potatoes, fries, slaw, chicken tacos...
The standout was the fish and chips made with snapper. Perfectly cooked. Next were the scallops - big, juicy, melt in your mouth scallops.
The home style potatoes were awesome and the fries were some of the best I've had, ever. Thick cut, skin on, my guess is fried in peanut oil...crazy good fries.
I will be back to Reel Inn and getting myself fish and chips, no sharing this time. Stand down.
The atmosphere is mega casual. They close at 10 and don't mind giving you a couple hints that they would like to go home such as "This is your last beer."
The funny thing was it was my first beer as well. Lesson learned, I'll start earlier next time... -
Review from Geoff C.
1 star for Reel Inn, Zero stars for Sunset Magazine who recommended them as the best road fish taco in the US.
Disclaimer: I am a fish taco aficionado, but love Wahoo's as much as the next guy.
There are probably 10 places with better fish tacos in a mile radius of Reel Inn. I literally had to throw the tacos out, the salmon was so fishy and the odor so bad that I threw out tacos for the first time in my gluttonous history.
Just an absolute joke. At least Malibu Seafood's fish is fresh, even though there are much better fish tacos to be had, so go there if you are Malibu bound. -
Review from Cynthia R.
Los Angeles, CA
I knew as soon as I saw the CHEDDAR CHEESE on my FISH TACO that I had wasted my money. Then I bit into the damn thing and was even more disappointed, as the salsa I had put on it was definitely of the jarred variety. Gross. I don't typically eat fast food, but I would choose Del Taco over this any day.
And don't even get me started on the hokey white trash music I had to endure while sitting there. I honestly have no idea how this place was voted the best anything. -
Review from Judy J.
Los Angeles, CA
I can't believe I've never been here. After the beach today, I was headed to Malibu Seafood. Traffic was a mess, so I stopped in here.
Clam chowder - yummy (I picked out the clam, however - don't like it).
I also had cajun style grilled orange roughy with homestyle potatoes and salad. I couldn't believe I finished the whole thing! That piece of fish was huge.
Great, cozy atmosphere and friendy staff. I will definitely go back. -
Review from Brandon A.
Los Angeles, CA
Depressed by the poor taste of Neptunes Net, I decided to stop by here since I was at The Getty Villa. Lines are long, it's community seating (with exception of some private booths) but I think the food was worth it. I got the seafood combo (calamari, shrimp, cod or white fish) with slaw. That fried shrimp was ridiculously awesome. If costco sold a frozen version I'd definitely go buy 2 bags of it right now. Parking is a bitch but I found street parking b/c I assumed the valet you had to pay for (but it was also full).
Came here by myself and it was definitely couples day when I went so I felt twice as awesome (naturally). Enjoyed the breeze outside and ate my food. Definitely worth coming back to. -
Review from erin h.
Costa Mesa, CA
Now this is my kind of place! Long picnic style tables, large outdoor patio, loud, fun, with simple good food!
We had a wide variety of food strewn around the table. Fish tacos were simple, fish, tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese. They were everything a fish taco should be! The most surprising find was the clam chowder! It was creamy with chunks of sweet clams! Nothing like a bowl of clam chowder for the table, everyone was dipping their spoon to get the last bite! We also had the fried calamari, which was crispy and tender calamari! It was delicious!
There can be really long lines, but its a causal place that is worth the wait (which goes surprisingly fast). -
Review from Sluggo G.
Reseda, CA
My experience here was so inappropriately wrong that I opened this account to vent my experience (read section below if you want details): Restaurant's are part of the service industry; the Reel Inn is the leader of the "Indifference Industry". Unless you're Adam Richman from Man vs Food, move on and find a place that knows the definition of "Service" and displays it.
Like others I saw the Reel Inn on Man vs Food fairly recently, so last Saturday (Oct 22) a date and I decided to make the trek to Malibu. Before hand I looked it up here on Yelp intending on getting the number to make a reservation and found out they don't take reservations, but since they're open till 9:30PM (per Yelps listing) it shouldn't be a problem. We left a bit early to ensure we had time to drive through the canyon; we arrived at the Reel Inn at 9:00PM (the parking lot and restaurant were about half full). We walked up to the entrance and there was a "closed" sign on the door. Being a little miffed since they were advertised as opened until 9:30PM & we made the longer than normal Saturday night drive (due to the unreliable time listed in Yelp that I figured the restaurant had something to do with); I stepped in to talk to someone. Inside both the chefs were still cooking and I talked with the Manager who confirmed the sign by telling me that they were closed. I informed him that I looked them up on Yelp and it's posted that the Reel Inn is opened until 9:30PM and he said something to the effect that sometimes they are, on some occasions they're opened later but not that night (basically painted the picture that the closing time is purely subjective). So thinking he didn't connect the two I reminded him that we drove out there relying on that information that was listed, to which he responded "Sorry". Considering that the Chefs were still cooking & plenty of people were still there we would not have inconvenienced them by making them stay at work any later plus they're listed as staying opened until 9:30PM (a half hour later) and we drove out relying on that time (not to mention the distance we drove from the valley); I thought it was incredibly inappropriate and discourteous for a restaurant since they're in the service industry, so I just commented to the Manager that my experience will be reflected here on Yelp.
After this disaster we decided we needed to hit a sure thing, so drove another 15 minutes down PCH to the 10, to the 405 and had the best Pastrami Dip Sandwiches in the LA area at Johnny's Pastrami: I'll leave my 2nd Yelp post there to counter balance the bad taste in my mouth from this experience. -
Review from I J.
Santa Monica, CA
We finally found some oysters that aren't ridiculously overpriced and pretentious. Not the best, but still a great oyster bar.
We also did some grilled snapper, which was fantastic (and probably the best french fries around!).
Great atmosphere, easy location (as long as you're not stuck in beach traffic), and really friendly service. We definitely found our new favorite place to drink beer, and slurp oysters off the half shell. -
Review from Young Y.
Garden Grove, CA
On Sunday afternoon, something inside of me tells me that I need to drive over to Malibu for Neptune's net. On my way to Malibu, it reminded me when I had S2k.. While on PCH, I saw a sign "Reel Inn" which was featured on Man Vs Food. The place was fairly packed when it was 6 pm. The menu looked so confusing, so they had signs everywhere about ordering... I ordered fried combo thinking that it'll be like neptune's however it wasn't quite same as neptune. but overall it was ok. on my way back home, malibu was pitch dark and there was no traffic at all and i could see ferris wheel from santa monica pier miles away....
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Review from George B.
Crawford, TX
This is probably one of the best fish spots I have ever been to. They have fresh fish sitting there, you choose it, they grill it up and give you a couple of sides and it is not that expensive.
Judging from some of the other reviews, skip the fish tacos and stick with the fish. I had the best talapia I have ever had and my girlfriend got the halibut with really good sauce on it that makes my mouth water just writing this review.
I love the atmosphere of this place too. It is kind of a hole in the wall fish joint where you just go, order, and they serve it up for you, no frills or thrills. -
Review from Emma W.
Upland, CA
The food is great, Location is great, and atmosphere is good. Everything I have tried I have enjoyed and the portions seem to be enough. My only complaint is that I wish there were more options with the sides, I'm not really a fan of potatoes or rice so it's hard to decide. Beyond that the prices are fair for seafood right on the coast. Definitely a good place to eat dinner if you are driving through Malibu.
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Review from Salma M.
I had high expectations for this place.
The following is what I tried when I came here with my girlfriends the other night and here are my thoughts of what we tried:
Grilled Shrimp (appetizer)- The only thing I liked about this place, but extremely overpriced. For 4 pieces of shrimp it was almost $10.
Mussels (appetizer)- Typically, I love mussels. Something about the sauce it was made in smelled really fishy and bad. Wouldn't recommend it.
Calamari (Appetizer)- I remembered my friend ordered the calamari. When it came out it looked like popcorn shrimp. I had forgotten it she ordered calamari, so I tried it thinking it was popcorn shrimp. I commented on how good the popcorn shrimp tasted. Then my friends laughed at me and said it was calamari. I've had calamari before but never once thought it tasted like shrimp. I'll just leave it at that.
Fish and Chips-Rarely do I indulge in fried food. Since this was known place for fish, I thought they must have amazing fish 'n chips. Again, I was let down. The fries weren't bad since they tasted fresh. The fish was horrible. The batter was bland. Didn't like it at all.
Slaw-Couldn't even finish it because it wasn't good. Too watery and very tasteless.
Mashed Potatoes-I didn't order this but it came with my friend's meal. I had to try it because I love mashed potatoes. Anyway, it was absolutely DISGUSTING. It was too starchy. The mash potatoes literally tasted like it came out of a box.
My hopes were so high for this place. One friend had tilapia and my other friend had salmon and they both didn't like their food. =( -
Review from Che S.
WOODLAND HLS, CA
This is my SPOT.
Normally I get the fish tacos for lunch which are BOMB to the FRESHNESS.
I did once get some of the big fish because I was with family and they could afford it and it was the shiz. They got 20 different selections of fresh wild fish. Probably some from malibu fishers like malibu seafood...
anyways don't know... it's mad fresh. I got my ahi rare, uncooked in the middle! -
Review from Mike C.
First, you aren't going to be blown away by the typical ambiance of Malibu here, and don't expect waiter service either. Order at the window, pick up your food when called, and sit down at the picnic table to eat. Not exactly a place for romantic dining, but it is good if you just want a decent meal.
They have just about every fish that swims in the Pacific and do a pretty good job preparing it. Sauteed is my favorite. Nice size portions too.
Mixed drinks are so/so and there's usually only 1 posted on the blackboard, but they will make whatever you want. -
Review from Siobhan D.
Los Angeles, CA
Can be a long line to order, but I never have to wait for a table. Nothing beats it for a fried food and cold beers sunny day spot.
Neptune's Net, further north, has better batter and better food, BUT Reel Inn has a bigger menu, easier ordering and more seating. -
Review from Aaron H.
Scottsdale, AZ
Fish was fresh but thats about it. Could of capitalized on that more and been awesome. Food was good but not amazing. Price was very high for good food!! Will not go again
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Review from Amanda C.
Culver City, CA
We have always loved this place for a casual, simple fish dinner or lunch. Lunch during the week is best as there are no lines and the price is always right.
The food is very basic and healthy; fish with sides and salads with basically no added flavors so you can do what you like to dress it up. We usually go after a hike and enjoy the grilled fish most. I think of it as good, fresh fish at reasonable prices.
P.S. I have never had any of the fried stuff as this is not my style so can't rate this, also, the more straight forward you keep your order the better. -
Review from Christopher B.
Long Beach, CA
This is a place that I always pass but I have never stopped in. After hiking, we decided to grab something to eat and this time we were stopping here. The line was about 20 min long so that was a good sign. I didn't Yelp this place before I went so I was sort of going blind. It's fun to do once in a while!
The gentleman suggested halibut so I got that grilled with cajun rice and mashed potatoes. My wife had the red snapper with fries and steamed veggies. There is no question her sides beat mine! Mine were okay but nothing special. The coleslaw, which I rarely touch anywhere, was fantastic and disappeared almost as quickly as the fish! I thought the halibut was grilled to perfection and, as a result, it was really juicy. Naturally, the texture of my wife's fish was different but still was tasty. The cajun style of the fish didn't have as much kick as I thought it would but it was flavorable. They also have pitchers of beer and bottles.
I like the casual ambiance of this place... it definitely felt like we were on the ocean but in a more rural area. There was an outside area that had nice views of the mountains/hills but not really of the ocean. This is a great spot if you're looking for good fish but not necessarily needing the perfect views of the ocean! -
Review from Lisa S.
Mechanicsville, VA
Clam chowder is yummy. Fish tacos are mostly lettuce. Grilled ahi tuna salad is a giant overpriced pile of lettuce with a little bit of tuna. Not impressed at all.
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Review from Eric P.
Santa Monica, CA
Don't let the 3 stars scare you. This place is a pretty good, and really it's probably the best reasonably priced fish place on the Westside. Perfect for a casual lunch or night out.
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Review from Anita L.
I'm sure during the day this place is nice but we came at night and couldn't see anything except zooming cars on the PCH.
We weren't too hungry so got a few things. The clam chowder was decent, but nothing to get terribly excited about.
The grilled scallops were fresh although they overcooked it by about a minute. It was just getting to that rubbery state. It came with sides and I liked the rice. Did not like the homestyle potatoes.
The steamed clams were the best thing we ordered. I could've have another of this instead of the scallops.
It was okay. -
Review from John B.
Santa Clarita, CA
This place holds a special place in my heart.
It's where my sweet girlfriend, now my sweet wife and I used to go and hang out and whisper and hold hands and conspire with one another. Me and this beautiful girl against the world? They didn't stand a chance!!
