EM H.
Yelp
Took Doris to Market Broiler for a belated dinner celebration with Mom and the boys for her birthday on the evening of Monday, August 5, 2024. This was my first visit to MB GRILLE (what they now call themselves on their menu) in decades.
Venue: 3 stars.
As I mentioned before, a long time had passed since I had last been to Market Broiler. I wasn't even aware that they had moved from their original location on Farwell Drive. Now at the Pacific Commons Shopping Center, they still have ample parking in the lot. I don't recall if the prior locale had outdoor seating, but the new place has a good-sized patio for dining al fresco. The entire place appeared decently well kept; however, they could turn up a notch the attention to the women's restroom. The fact that a silver fish was discovered in our booth also displeased and scared everyone in our party.
Food: 4 stars. Below are the items that we were served:
MISSION BAY MAI TAI ($15) - Very good, according to Doris and Z.
PISCO SOUR - Mom asked if they served Pisco Sours, but our server, Melissa, said that the bar didn't make them. Later, she returned with Mike, the bartender, and a pisco sour that he test-made for Mom on the house, his first ever making a drink with egg. It was a success.
COCONUT SHRIMP ($16, but free with Yelp check-in) - The shrimp were ok. The Piña colada flavour of the dipping sauce really came through which was impressive.
OYSTERS ON THE HALF SHELL [6] ($18) - I don't touch these, so can't comment on them. Doris and Mom had no complaints.
LOBSTER ROLL ($24.50) - Z ordered this dish from the HANDHELDS section of the menu as a starter since Melissa told him that it was more of a snack size. He liked it, but said that he has had better elsewhere. For the price, it was fabulous.
NEW ENGLAND CLAM CHOWDER ($9.25) - This was V's very first cup ever of this creamy soup. It was a great first impression for him.
SIZZLING SEA BASS ($39.50) - The fish was flaky and moist, but too salty for my liking. Mom did not like the Cheese Potatoes at all. Melissa happily replaced them with another side.
FETTUCCINI ALFREDO ($20.50 + $9 for Add Crab) - Both Z and V ordered this pasta dish with crab and gave it a thumbs up.
FISHERMAN'S STEW ($39.50) - Doris was happy with her very hearty dish.
VIRGIN STRAWBERRY COLADA - V's drink was creamy strawberry yumminess.
BUILD YOUR OWN SURF & TURF; FILET MIGNON ($38) + 1/2 LB WILD ALASKAN KING CRAB ($31) - My order was very good. The steak was cooked perfectly medium rare and the crab leg was a good, thick portion. The crab meat was delightfully sweet, too. I did have Melissa ask the kitchen to crack the leg more, though, because I was initially experiencing difficulty with cracking the shell.
BIRTHDAY SUNDAE (Complimentary with $6 value) - Doris' exact words were, "I liked the ice cream sundae, it was good."
Service: 5 stars.
Service was stellar. Vibrant, extremely friendly with warm smiles, and helpful with honest opinions of dishes, Melissa was a top-notch server. Mike, the bartender, was also super awesome. The love for their jobs and working with customers truly shined through in how well they treated us. They really left such a great impression on us.
This was Z and V's first visit to Market Broiler. Both of them said that they would happily return. The experience also won Mom over and that's BIG! Thank you, MB GRILLE, for the great dinner. Looks like we will be back!