Lianne K.
Yelp
Dear Hubby and I are long-time fans of Brophy's, so I'm sorry to report that we had a less than stellar experience the last time we visited on a busy Sunday. What's more, we introduced our daughter and son-in-law, plus Sweet Granddaughter to the restaurant. We had previously brought SG with us to downstairs On the Alley (by Brophy Bros.) and had a good time.
We had several let-downs at upstairs full Brophy's this time. It was a busy, clear, not windy day. The parking lots for the Harbor Village were quite full. We got situated, then took out an electric boat for a little harbor cruise. After, everyone was ready to eat after all the fresh air. Even though it was long before dinner time, we were told that it could be 30 to 45 minutes for a table.
We were actually texted earlier, but only for an indoor table. The view on the balcony is really where it's at for this place visually, so that was disappointing. They said it could be another 20 to 30 minutes for an outside table, and everyone was hungry, so we stayed at the indoor booth.
The food was the bigger let-down. The "award winning" clam chowder turned out to be like "potato soup" this time; lacking sufficient clams for the right flavor or texture. I can no longer enjoy it as I can't have dairy milk / cream / cheese, but I remember it's amazing flavor from back in the day. That was sad to hear - both our S-I-L and DH had the same reaction. Are clams hard to come by right now? Hmm.
Their fresh fish dishes / preparations are amazing, but getting up there in price. On the more reasonable offerings are a lot of fried dishes. DH and I normally share the fish & chips, because it's so good, then add a side or two. That day the fish was over-cooked and not as moist and succulent as we're used to, so that was strike #2. We had also ordered calamari, which likewise was overdone. This is so not like what normally comes out of the kitchen. It did not make a favorable impression on the younger generation.
The sourdough bread was outstanding as usual, so that was a plus. Our daughter ordered a crab salad as her entree and said that she's accustomed to a better quality taste and texture from one of the supermarkets she goes to in the Valley. Ouch!
So this was not what we were used to, nor expecting when taking family there for the first time. I can say with certainty that the next time we get the kids to come out to the shore, they won't want to go to Brophy Bros. We would have to try Greek, French, Mexican, or other options at the Harbor Village instead.
DH and I will return, as we are faithful, but I needed to tell the tale of this most recent experience in the hopes that management will see it and take a note from long-time patrons.