 This sprawling bayside seafood hub with its 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 kitschy 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 happy hour, though we were not taken with the overly strong Rockefellers. Entrées can be pricy 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.
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Spenger's Fresh Fish Grotto Restaurant is one of our 2012
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