Wholly Mackerel

On the advice of a work colleague we decided to try Wholly Mackerel and cannot say enough good things about the restaurant; the food, service and ambience are just wonderful. We visited on a Friday night with no reservation (a no-no, but the friendly hostess accomodated us) and our gregarious waiter was at our table immediately to pull the chair out for my wife, light our candle and get us "settled in". He was very knowledgeable about the wine selections and offered a taste of a sauvignon blanc which started the evening off nicely for my wife (a generously-poured single malt did the trick for me). There were 3 or 4 specials off menu and a choice of about a half-dozen "sides" to accompany all dishes; again, our server was very knowledgeable, and comfortable taking the time to explain all those items in detail. I ordered the Halibut and my wife the Grouper, and both were prepared perfectly. The sides were substantial and delicious accompaniments. Our server came over to make sure everything was excellent (it was) and made friendly conversation with us while surreptitiously maintaining our table- refilling the wines and water, clearing extra silverware, refolding my wife's napkin when she left the table. It was all very second nature to him and performed professionally and efficiently. It wasn't until my wife and I were finishing our coffee that we realized that he was the only server in the restaurant, with 8 other tables filled with people (maybe 40 people). He confirmed that one of the other servers had called in ill. This amazed us- we had received the best service to date in St. Louis (as had another table we observed complimenting him) in a relaxed, easy manner from a waiter that should have been pulling his hair out, and we hadn't even noticed a hiccup. The complimenting table confirmed that that was "par for the course" here. All in all, remarkable. Well done, Chris (our server). And well done, chefs! We can't wait to come back. Pros: Service, Taste, Choice, Value Cons: Location, information has trouble finding the phone number more

The reviews below must have been written by employees of the restaurant. This place is an outrage. Overpriced to the point of exploitation of a customer's unwillingness to embarass themselves in front of their date by walking out because they can't afford it. The service was SLOW. It was at least 20 mins between interactions including; ordering, bread service, salad, soup and entree. The only thing we didn't have to wait for was dessert because I made it clear if we had to wait for it, we didn't want it. Honestly 1.5 hours to get to you entree is messed up. more

OVERPRICED! no justification for the prices on their menu! least expensive item was a $20 chicken breast. I ordered the salmon at $24. I received a small piece (1 inch slice of salmon) literally 2 pieces of asparagus and a small cupcake size corn muffin. Come ON! there are too many good places in st. louis to pay these prices for a strip mall restaurant. more

What a spectacular surprise! We looked inside and saw the decor, thought we were underdressed (polo shirt , dress shorts & sandals), but when the staff saw us turn to leave they literally chased us down and welcomed us!!! great service, spectacular salmon & Chilean Sea bass, perfect sides, and lots of good-natured ribbing about being required to dress formally for our next visit :) We will return! Also, $15 corkage fee if you would like to bring your own bottle of wine -- they welcome it!!! treat yourself. ! Pros: Service, gracious host, reasonable prices, great food Cons: Looks a lot more formal than it really is -- try it! more

This is by far our favorite seafood restaurant in Saint Louis. The fish is tasty and fresh and seasoned perfectly, the soups are outstanding and the service is wonderful. It is located in a strip mall next to a grocery store, but don't let that fool you. Once inside you are in a wonderful small bistro setting and the servers are all mature, experienced people who could easily be working at Tony's or Gitto's. They are also knowledgable about the wine list (somewhat limited, but they have good selections of all varieties).Also, we brought our 7 year old along who wanted a "grilled cheese sandwich" so the chef sent a busboy next door to the grocery to buy some cheese to make her a sandwich. That is above and beyond good service. I eat out all over the world, and this is one of my favorite restaurants. You will be impressed, go eat there. Pros: Great Fresh Seafood Cons: Can't think of one more

St. Louis summer storms were a disaster and the power was out in our neighborhood. We had 20 out of town guests and the restaurant we were planning to attend could not accomodate us because they too had lost power. John was able to set up our group in the front/bar area providing printed limited menus, with a fantastic choice of entrees on very short notice. Everything was delicious and we could accomodate the vegetarians, those "allergic to shell fish" and the small ones too. Our waiter was excellent, the service super and the desserts were truly the icing on the cake. Best of all they let us use their electric outlet so we could all charge our cell phones. more

This restaurant has been our favorite for over 2 years. It never disappoints and continues to improve with the best seafood and ambiance in St. Louis County. The specials are superb and the new menu changes are amazingly even better than before. Service is always superior and the owner John takes care to make customers welcome. Meals include with 2 unique sides and on of our favorite salads. The seafood is the best around and fixed perfectly. Try it You'll like it. Pros: superior seafood, ambiance and customer service more

This has become our favorite neighborhood restaurant. The service, food, drinks, ambiance and decor are outstanding. We had the special swordfish and it was superb. The value for price makes this restaurant even better. Pros: Delicious food, Superior service, relaxing atmosphere more

FRESH MAKO SHARK,THEN PARROTT FISH, THIS PLACE IS ON THE RIGHT TRACK. THE ONLY PROBLEM IS WHEN IT BECOMES KNOW WE WONT BE ABLE TO GET A RESERVATION. GREAT SERVICE AND THE OWNERS ARE TERRIFIC PEOPLE. Pros: FRESHNESS, CLEAN, GREAT SERVICE more

When was the last time an owner could be seen talking to every table on a busy saturday night. well it happens here, outstanding seafood, i highly recommend the grouper or tuna oscar. the have the best coconut shrimp. Very comfortable chairs. Vonda one of the owners talked to every table and you could sense that this place is special. Large portions with "fresh Vegetables". Its our favorite by far. Nobody does seafood better. Pros: great menu, terrific service, ownership more

Great specials on seafood and friendly owners and servers. Calves liver was super, as was house specialty turtle soup. You really need to try this restaurant - you'll be glad you did. Pros: great value, charming more