Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto

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1919 4th St
Berkeley, CA 94710

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(510) 845-7771
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Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto - Berkeley, CA
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto - Berkeley, CA
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto - Berkeley, CA
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto - Berkeley, CA
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto - Berkeley, CA
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto - Berkeley, CA
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto - Berkeley, CA
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto - Berkeley, CA
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto - Berkeley, CA
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto - Berkeley, CA
Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto - Berkeley, CA
Reviews
( 6 )
( 11 )
( 1 )
( 4 )
( 6 )

Best

Historical, antiquing, yet a place of great comfort to dine in for great food, drinks and service. The executive chef is very meticulous in his selections of all ingredients, esp...

Worst

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, ciopp...

A shadow of its former self 1/10/2006

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 I remember watching the super bowl in the Oyster Bar, which has since been replaced by booths; I remember the uneven cork ceiling in the cocktail lounge; I remember inexpensive chowder and fish sandwiches to-go in the fish market; I remember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 and fussier. In all fairness the food is fresh and not bad; the presentation is aesthetically pleasing, and its not too expensive. If youve never been here before, you wont know what youre missing. For those who remember, prepare to be tortured. Pros: Ambiance, Some fresh fish Cons: Food not unique, uncrowded, long wait more
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Excellent 6/9/2005

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 pleasure of taking our parent's to your fine establishment on Father's Day. Thank you Ps... as for the restaurant being romantic ? ... Who are you with, there is the romance !!! Pros: Quick service, accomodating, excellent food Cons: none, none, none more
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Horrible 7/21/2003

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 the name, but that's it! Sad. Pros: Lots of parking. Cons: Service, Honesty, Staffing more
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KINDA LIKE SKIPPERS 4/30/2003

Ewwww, this place is so overpriced, and the service is lousy. I asked for some warm bread and our waiter came back 3 times and said the kitchen burnt it!!!. If they can't even warm a loaf of bread, i wonder what's going on back there. The day i went it had been raining alot and the place smelled moldy and half the dining room was closed off because of leaks. I felt like i was in the Titanic as it sunk, because this place sure has over the years. Pros: good fishn chips, good mixed drinks Cons: service, smelly more
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needs help 11/18/2002

waitress got the order wrong, the food was disappointing.... will probably never go back... more
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Ick! 11/8/2002

How does this place keep getting customers I have no idea. The service, from the bar tender to the waiters and bus boys are the worse around. After we were seated, the nightmare began. No one came by to say hello or say someone will be with you. We waited 30 to 40 minutes before someone had to stop a waiter to take our order. The waiters were moody and unprofessional. This place is no better than a Denny's on a Sunday. At least Denny's doesn't rob you out of your money for such service. Pros: Decoration, Portion, History Cons: Service, Service, Service more
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Not Just Dead Fish 10/21/2002

This restaurant is mostly based on history but the food has changed a lot with new management. Some like it and some don't. But the ambience is the same. Menu has some classics and a few twists that you should give a try. The 'fresh list' is alittle daunting but impressive. Pros: fresh seafood, large facility, banquet rooms Cons: service, service, service more
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It's too bad ... 9/15/2002

It's too bad that Spenger's took such a nosedive in quality. Yes, for many years it was wonderful. Now it is, to put it simply, a disaster. Cons: Food, Service more
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Berkeley Landmark 8/19/2002

My dad took me to Spengers YEARS ago as a boy. Out in about, coming back down from Marin on 580, we decided on seafood. House white wine is not that great. My dinner, rock crab claws in a jalapeno garlic butter was yummy bread dipping good, wife's seafood linguine was tasty as well. Worth the price? I dunno. Let's say it was a helluva lot more adventurous than Red Lobster, but a Bay Area seafood resturaunt that you can wear jeans (shorts, etc) and not have them look down on you. Fine bar & bartenders. I would go back. Pros: bar, cheesy nautical, casual Cons: crappy house wine more
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Editorial

  • 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...

  • 12/7/2006 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Monday - Sunday 11:30am-4:00pm : Monday - Thursday, Sunday 4:00pm-10:00pm, Friday & Saturday 4:00pm-11:00pm Served until 3:30 P.M Mon-Friday 4pm-6pm,Mon-Thu 9pm to Closing, Fri 9:30pm to Closing
  • Payments: American Express, Diner's Club, Discover, Master Card, Visa
  • Neighborhoods: Northwest Berkeley
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