Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto

damian_esq 

on Citysearch

18 years ago

Bad food + mediocre service + high prices = never again. – Other than airport food I have never been so startled by the gap between the quality of a restaurant's food and the restaurant's prices. Not only did we have to wait 10 minutes for our reservations, but once we got inside we found that there were at least 10 empty tables. Our appetizers were uninspired and not very good. My wife's entree was probably the worst piece of fish either of us have ever been served (airplane food included). It was tough, dry, flavorless and... read more

recycleplease 

on Citysearch

18 years ago

A Bit Pricey but Good Food – Spenger's is a good restaurant to go to if you like seafood. I've never experienced the bad service that other reviewers talked about. Every time I go, I am always satisfied with the service and food. Just wish it was a little cheaper! 

dj_mc_entertainment 

on Citysearch

18 years ago

Spenger's is now "Corporate Owned" – Spenger's is an East Bay landmark. The "original" restaurant was a great value and had the highest quality seafood, even better than "Fisherman's Wharf" in San Francisco. However, the original owners (Spenger family) sold out, and now the place has become a "corporate" restaurant. Our recent visit was pleasant, the service was outstanding. The menu has become a wee bit pricey. We can get a much better deal at "Nick's Lighthouse" on the wharf in SF. That surprised me, because the rent's so... read more

Contributor 

on Citysearch

18 years ago

A traditional seafood menu and nautical-themed decor highlight this Berkeley landmark. – In Short This popular seafood house serves a traditional menu to a crowd made up mostly of families and elderly diners. The dining room is decorated with a nautical motif, like cargo nets, anchors and porthole windows. The menu features old-time classics like calamari and clams. The kitchen nods to modern-day palates with dishes like tresher shark and catfish pecan. 

hezmodo 

on Citysearch

18 years ago

Find good seafood elsewhere! – I'd been going to Spenger's for 35 yrs + when McCormick and Shmick took ownership. Spenger's was never GREAT; it was what it was -- fried seafood platters, seafood gratins, cioppino, lobster. Though they kept some of the old faves, M&S upscaled, and failed miserably. Mediocre old-school seafood is tolerable and sometimes just what you want; wannabe frou-frou dishes that entirely miss the mark in preparation, freshness and presentation, and high prices just take all the fun out of putting on a l... read more

lee_sf 

on Citysearch

18 years ago

Lousy front-desk service, overworked servers, OK food, interesting building – We were on our way back from Berkeley to SF, decided to drop into Spengers for dinner a few weeks ago. It was a Saturday night, no reservations, but the people at the front desk said we could get a table in about 45min. So we moved into the bar just off the entry. We ended up sitting in the bar for an hour and 20 minutes. During that entire time, the cocktail waitress NEVER checked to see if we wanted drinks, never even made eye contact. She looked... read more

thrasherbill 

on Citysearch

19 years ago

A shadow of its former self – Its unfortunate when beloved local establishments like Spengers fall victim to generic mediocrity and corporate influence. I remember watching the super bowl in the Oyster Bar, which has since been replaced by booths; I remember the uneven cork ceiling in the cocktail lounge; I remember inexpensive chowder and fish sandwiches to-go in the fish market; I remember lobster thermador; I remember a breakfast menu; blah blah blah. McCormick & Schmick changed its once huge menu to one that is smaller a... read more

nancybuila 

on Citysearch

20 years ago

Excellent – A year ago my boy-friend introduced me to Spenger's. H wanted me to eat the best seafood ever. He raved about the ambiance; the service and the food. He was right on target. Our server was so pleasant and very accomodating. The atmosphere was comfortable and very interesting. I have read some of these reviews and I am not sure where they ate but they should try again. People lack patience. so if they found busy, a little patience would have warranted them excellent food. Keep up the good work... We will have the ... read more

mkwzrdj 

on Citysearch

22 years ago

Horrible – My family used to be regulars at Spengers back in the day. After hearing of the reopening, I had to give it a try. Got there at 2PM, was told there would be a 10 minute wait. With the parking lots 1/3 full, this seemed odd. Took a walk, found they closed the oyster bar in the rehab, but fould about 12 open tables. There were at least 6 open, but unbussed tables within serving areas. After 15 minutes, we left with no comment from the host and hostess (who were in dire need of personality transplants). They bought t... read more