The Beach House At Purdy

We always enjoyed the Beach House as it was the most convenient for us that live over the Purdy spit. However the 15% gratuity was not warranted nor do you find it at any other restaurant in Gig Harbor or Seattle for that matter. I was excited to read in the paper that they were re-opening under a new name and going for a more casual look and feel and menu to attract more clientele. We finally had the chance to take another couple for dinner and as they were late arriving from out of town we did not actually get for dinner until about 8 PM. We ordered two appetizers, coconut shrimp and guacamole and chips. When we got the shrimp for $12.95 there was a total of 5 and they were the size of a quarter. The guacamole was in a fairly small dish and not even enough chips for the guacamole that was there. When the waiter set these down all four of us leaned over the table in disbelief at how little the food portions. We were embarrassed we had taken this couple from Portland there to eat. The prices have not seemed to change from when they were more of a fine dining restaurant? Our entrées were OK salad, soup, fish and chips, and a burrito but honestly you could go to one of the 3-4 mexican restaurants we already have in Gig Harbor or 2 of the fast food mexican spots for a whole lot less money, more food and probably better service. The couple beside us was complaining about the service and could not even get someone's attention to get there bill even though there was about 10 people standing around laughing and joking in the kitchen. Our bill was a $110.00 for the above included in that was one glass of wine and 2 mixed drinks. I have been to George the owner's other restaurant in Tacoma and would expect that kind of a bill for that again a fine dining restaurant. Extremely disappointing, we will not be back. I am not sure who was involved with the planning when they decided to switch over to this more casual themed restaurant but they totally missed the boat. I hear the same resounding complaints thruout the community and word is getting out more and more about how sad these wonderfully located little restaurant could have such potential but it has to be geared for the location. If you want to attract the local people then look around. I work in Tacoma and live in Gig Harbor for a reason. As more and more businesses and restaurant's are going up in Gig Harbor unfortunately "The Margarita Beach Cafe" will continue to suffer and possibly not survive. Hopefully someone will take the time to evaluate how the restaurant is doing and follow up with people and ask for feedback because when I mention my experience at the restaurant I hear the same complaint back if they have been there and don't wish to return. more

January/February 2007 (see update in Comments link below) This waterfront restaurant is unprepared, untrained and lacks restaurant management skills. Everyone that walked out, said the same thing (accept the folks sitting at the small bar), ALL the customers were telling the incoming folks that the service and wait times were horrible. People were leaving almost before they got out of there cars....An adult group of 5, we were excited to try this place since it reopened as the Margarita Beach Cafe. The site of the old Pearls Restaurant and the previous Beach Cafe. We arrived at 5:00 pm, with the place about a quarter seated...With ample looking wait staff, it took 30 minutes to get a cocktail, and about 45 minutes before our waitress, or anyone (I asked) , would take our food order. As the place started to get busy the service just got worse. The food took a lifetime (an hour from ordering), as did ALL their customers food and cocktails. The staff tried to look happy, but they were frustrated, uncoordinated, and mostly little trained, as well. Where was the management? We we never could find them...maybe they were cooking? -Great Food & Atmosphere...Regretfully Signed, Gig Harbor Locals-Sylvia, Russ, Gilda, Scott and Rose more

We live close to the Beach House and go there frequently. Love going in the summertime and sitting outside by the water..sipping cocktails and enjoying appetizers. It's a fun place for celebrations and for just going out on a Friday night. more