The Fish House Restaurant & Seafood Market

Not recommended on a quality/cost comparison. We had dinner for two. Two pounds of stone crab, a total of six claws, one bottle of white wine, one shared lobster dinner. The cost in 2008: $142 not including tip. Although I cannot make a direct one for one cost comparison, my most recent experience-comparison: the week before, we both had surf and turf with a 30-ounce porterhouse, onion soup appetizer, chocolate mousse dessert and wine, of course, at Morton's for fifty dollars more, roughly a twenty percent cost differential. The quality of food and value, no doubt about it: Morton's. At Outback, two lobster dinners with wine is roughly half the cost of the Fish House. The quality-food value comparison: Outback is better value, perhaps not quite but close in quality. The details of my experience: I did not get a napkin. I asked for a napkin and received one paper towel which appeared to be the same ones used in the restroom. The stone crab was market price, I'd say on the high end of the current market price. I do not have a problem with that. However, at that price I expect the claws to be well-scored on serving. They were not. They required much work. They were decent. They were relatively fresh. I have had fresher and definitely better. I have also had much worse. I also needed more than one paper towel with the claws. I had to ask for more. The rolls were Wal-Mart's. The rolls were served cold with margarine. Outback's bread is better. Morton's, excellent and served with butter. The lobster was lame, and served with margarine. In fact, I tried to return the lobster. They refused to make a substitute. They refused to take it off the bill when I returned it. In my life I have not made many returns. When I have, which is supposedly my right as a consumer, I have never been denied even a substitute. This was a first. My advice: pay the extra twenty percent differential for a napkin, much better service and much better food at Morton's or a comparable, say Capitol Grill, Ruth Chris, … or save a few bucks and go to Outback. If you aren't satisfied with your meal, you can probably get a substitute. In any case, you will get a napkin and better bread. more

If you are looking for fresh seafood in a family friendly environment, your best bet is The Fish House. To give you an idea of how fresh the fish is, the restaurant doubles as a seafood market, and vice versa. They receive shipments everyday, sometimes caught by their own staff. This is a family owned restaurant and everyone goes out of their way to make you feel at home. The ceviche is out of this world, and of course you can't go wrong with the mahi mahi. They also have an extensive wine list. Atmosphere is a perfect blend of casual fish house and classy, white linen tablecloths and dimly lit dark wood walls adorned with fishing photos. more