Nate M.
Yelp
In the past, I felt I probably should write a review based on multiple visits, but upon my latest one to give this place one last chance, I am compelled to type.
Good news:
1. Service: attentive, punctual, and courteous. 5 stars.
2. (Food-wise) the Jalapeño Soup is just spicy enough not to burn most diners' palettes. Flavorful, but, personally, I need more spice. Personal preference only.
Bad news (on my latest visit):
1. This place continually smells "fishy"/"seafoody". Even a seafood-based restaurant should not emit a cavalcade of seafood wafts when one walks in the door. That tells me one thing: certain items are not particularly fresh.
2. Never order "specials." This is a general rule when dining at most restaurants, as they are typically loaded with product the restaurant is trying to unload (pronto). But something is terribly wrong here. I ordered something that I felt should not suck: "Fried Buffalo Cauliflower." Texture? None. I ate one piece -- strike that -- I swallowed one piece without even chewing, because no mastication was needed. FRY YOUR FOOD!
3. Stepping out of my comfort zone this time, I ordered pedestrian fish tacos -- I never order tacos at a restaurant as a general rule, unless I know the chef can execute them properly -- because every other fish-based dish I've tried here previously (without breading, a tortilla, or the like) I've ordered has been awful. These things were not as advertised. A) The portion size was far too large (gargantuan) for one person such that the waitress immediately asked me if I'd like a to-go box upon presentation; B) the fish, much like the cauliflower previously mentioned, was supposed to be crispy (and was not); and C) the "spicy cabbage" was sweet, as well as the sauce served with it. I don't want dessert for my main. Sorry.
HOWEVER, I will say that the food came out very quickly. Is that a good thing? One might think, 'Oh, how fast!' 'Wonderful!' NO. This drivel was assembled far, far in advanced, microwaved to a mediocre temp, and served. Trash.
'Do you want a to-box?', I was asked again. Only a fool would have said yes.
I'm finished with this mini-franchise, regardless of locations. I was dragged into this latest foray only because I was hog-tied, against my adamant objections. I had to eat something, hungry, after all at the culmination of a day (in the end, just the soup, one piece of cauliflower, and 1/8th of a piece of taco in my latest visit).
I've tried many other dishes when dragged into these places, and have always left feeling, well, this isn't "Fish City" -- it's Fish Sh*tty (pardon my censored "French"). Those out there who know French know the "M" word I would have used.
I will not patronize any location again. I've tried and tried to like this local-medium-ish franchise, but...too many strikes over time.
You're out.
At least I didn't give this review one star so as to consider this review as spam.
Find a better seafood spot in your locale -- there are plenty.