Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto

Seafood restaurant · West Berkeley

Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto

Seafood restaurant · West Berkeley

2

1919 Fourth St, Berkeley, CA 94710

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Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto by null
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto by null
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto by null
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto by null
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto by null
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto by null
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto by null
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto by null
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto by null
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto by null
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto by null
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto by null
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto by null
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto by null
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto by null
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto by null
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto by null
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto by null
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto by null
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto by null

Highlights

Nestled in Berkeley, this charming, maritime-themed eatery boasts a seafood-inspired menu and a convivial happy hour, perfect for gatherings.  

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1919 Fourth St, Berkeley, CA 94710 Get directions

$$

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1919 Fourth St, Berkeley, CA 94710 Get directions

+1 510 845 7771

$$

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Last updated

Mar 4, 2025

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@eater

"Berkeley’s Spenger’s Fish Grotto, which first opened in 1890, is no more. Yesterday, the seafood-focused institution posted a sign on the door announcing the immediate and permanent closure of the restaurant." - Janelle Bitker

Berkeley’s Spenger’s Fish Grotto in the East Bay Closes After 128 Years - Eater SF
View Postcard for Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto
@eater

"One of the Bay Area’s oldest restaurants, 128-year-old Spenger’s Fish Grotto, has abruptly closed." - Janelle Bitker

San Francisco Bay Area’s Recent Restaurant Closures - Eater SF
View Postcard for Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto

Genesis T

Google
Food did NOT look nor taste good. I had a seafood linguine and it’s swimming in oil and clam sauce, shrimp was way over cooked, mussels did not smell fresh. I could tell that the pasta was portioned and cooked separately and they just throw in the shrimp and mussels around it to make it look presentable(but it didn’t). The service was very slow. We won’t be coming back here!

Austin S. Lin

Google
An old school heavily nautical-themed restaurant in downtown Berkeley filled with trophy fish, model ships, wooden stern nameplates of sea vessels past and other oceanic bric-a-brac. Service is friendly and the spot has been a go-to location for group gatherings because of the roomy private event spaces. Full, lively bar with the whole nine. The main menu looks great, but as for food, I can only speak to the set menus used for large group pay-by-the-head dinners. Think basic wedding reception or convention center fare along the lines of "Chicken or fish?" (where fish = baked salmon). Paid parking lot (validated by Spenger's) is directly across the street.

Dick Long

Google
Local landmark and throw back to the days of old. The antique maritime decor and wall to teak wood (I think) makes you feel like your having dinner in a museum.. the food was great and the waitress was on point and so good with our girls 5&6 yrs old .. we had a great meal together and we will be going back for sure!

james mcvicker

Google
Nostalgic decor with good food. We had a great time!

Cruz Martinez

Google
Now you want to talk about Sea Food "Spenger's" is the place to dine. Fresh and fine dining. Every meal is economically prepared and portioned excellently. I have have worked my way through the entire menu. I must say I have never been disappointed. Portions are of excellent quality and cooked to your taste. Meals are moderately priced for the going market. You will not be disappointed in any of the meals. A very pleasant and clean dining experience. The staff is second to none.

Tarri Becknell

Google
Where do I start? My fiancee and I went to this place last Saturday. We got there around 8:45pm. I was so confused because there was so much available parking that we thought the place was closed. We get inside and the place was so empty, especially for a Saturday night. The service was slow considering there was hardly anyone in the restaurant and most of them were already eating. I ordered wine and my fiancee wanted a virgin margarita since he doesn't drink. We were then told by our waiter that the bartender did not know how to make a virgin Margarita! 😂😂😂 I ordered the seafood pasta, but I pretty much had to use the whole bottle of salt to add some flavor. Needless to say I all not be eating there again.

Kathie Hanson

Google
Not what I remember. I had the Sand dabs, they were breaded in a thick tasteless breading, so I removed the breading but the fish itself was dry and tasteless. The risotto was tasty, but the texture was off. The Broccolini was cooked properly and added nice color to the plate. All in all I was dissatisfied with the dinner and sent it back. I had a side of a 4oz lobster which was delicious and cooked to perfection. So I ended up having two Lobsters. My waiter was very nice, handled taking back my dinner nicely, and offered my companion and I a complimentary dessert for our trouble. Just not the Spenger’s I remember from years ago. I won’t return.

Curt Dunaway

Google
Had three appetizers that were out of this world and the dessert was incredible. Had some issues with the entrees but you want to talk about customer service the waitress dealt with it right away the manager came over instantly and all I can say is phenomenal customer service!!!!!!! They were packed understandably because it was Father's Day so sometimes you have to give a little bit of Grace but I'll tell you what I found a new favorite spot just with the way they took care of us