Spenger Fresh Fish Grotto Spengers Spangers grotto fresh fish THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto Awards

An East Bay seafood landmark rich in history and charm.
Openings: Lunch & Dinner daily

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THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto, Berkeley, CA


THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto Restaurant Review:


This sprawling bayside seafood hub with over-the-top nautical décor has been a Berkeley standby for more than 100 years. Under McCormick & Schmick’s management, the warehouse-size space retains plenty of authentic, old-school charm, with dark wood, stained glass and vintage seafaring kitsch (knotted ropes, model ships, taxidermied fish) flooding multiple banquet rooms and bars, dotted with bits of UC Berkeley nostalgia. Diners of all ages are equally at home, as are dressy dates and dressed-down groups for happy hour at the bar. Service is spiffed-up and family-friendly. Fish and seafood plates almost exactly live up to the vintage atmosphere: some dishes are grand, such as the creamy clam chowder or sizzling scampi prawns served in a small cast iron skillet. Oysters are also a treat, especially at weekday happy hour, though we were not taken with the overly strong Rockefellers. Entrées can be pricey and inconsistent, but the risk for a piece of nut-crusted mahi mahi with mango salsa is mostly worth it. A short wine and long cocktail list are built to complement. The dessert tray holds all-American pies and cakes. Buffet brunches every Sunday features waffles, egg dishes, seasonal fruits and more, including seafood, of course.