Old Florida Fish House and Bar....Is Great!

[Diane4145]

Someone sent me this posting and I'm really shocked about it! Yes, my son is a server there, but I've also enjoyed many great meals there, myself. In fact, I've not heard of anyone having a negative experience! Beach Runner, why are you dissing, such a wonderful restaurant?

"Hi Diane, there's a post on the restaurant sticky thread (the first post on the general info page). It's by Beach Runner and she called the restaurant where Russ works "eh." (her words not mine). I think you should set the record straight! Everyone knows it's a fantastic restaurant. Beach Runner doesn't even have the courtesy to explain WHY she's dissing it.

[Wastin Away]

I have had nothing but a great experience at the Fish House. Matter of fact, I refer all of my guests to it, considering it is walking distance from my home. You ask my 11, 9, and 7 year old children where they want to go eat and that is where we go. The food has been great. The atmosphere is awsome. You can make it as romatic as you like or as family oriented as you like. They have changed the pricing from when they first opened and, IMO just as practical a place to eat as any.

We're glad they are here.

[Kimmifunn]

Diane...I've heard nothing but good reviews on it. I went when I was down last and it was great. The Funn's approve!

[Tatertot]

Where is this restaurant located? thanks, we'd love to try it!

[Paula]

I liked it very much. I've been there 3 times. Very nice atmosphere, food was very good. It's in Seagrove where the Mexican restaurant used to be on the lake.

[Tatertot]

Was there where Luna Del Mar was? Or am i thinking of somewhere else?

[Kimmifunn]

Was there where Luna Del Mar was? Or am i thinking of somewhere else?

Yep!

[Amp22]

All of our friends rave about Old Florida Fish House. We went last night, and it was just "eh." Obviously we ordered the wrong thing because I've never heard a negative review (although I haven't had time to read every post on this thread). Any suggestions?

[ame="http://www.sowal.com/bb/showpost.php?p=68652&postcount=405"]http://www.sowal.com/bb/showpost.php?p=68652&postcount=405[/ame]

BR is entitled to her opinion. Even if it is often wrong.

[Jdarg]

Ask for Russ- Diane's son!!

[Smiling JOe]

I have been only once (out of the way for me) and had Sushi. It was good (not to be confused with outstanding). I hear lots of people brag on the Sushi Chef who works Friday nights. Russ waited on us and he was everybit of his mother's loving and kind description. He looked a little awkward when I told him that his Mom told me to ask for him:oops:. He was gracious, but somewhat at a loss of words. I think he is a bit modest:oops:.

BR is not the first person from whom I have heard a negative comment regarding OFFH. The good comments I hear outweigh the bad about 9:1. Even the best restaurants or servers can have an off night, or perhaps simply screw up one table's order, thereby making it a terrible experience. Beach Runner did not state the specifics which are a must when criticizing, but that doesn't invalidate her dissappointing experience. With all of the positive feedback regarding OFFH on this board, I am sure expectations were high for BR.

[John R]

i too had an 'ok' time there. they had been open for a while and we went over there before a rep show. we informed the server that we had a show to go to, but this seemed to put him into 'glacial' speed. (we got there in quite enough time to make the show). the waiter just had no clue regarding service standards and was weak on menu knowledge. i 'll go back, but my expectaions will be quite lower.
this relates to the minimum wage thread in that if we're paying resort prices for food and service, we shouldn't be receiving truckstop service and presentation. it's a disservice to the guest and server to just place some poor freshman on the floor without any training. serving food is a vocation for a select few, and it shows. i expect more when i go an establishment that claims to be a fine dining restaurant.

jr

[Smiling JOe]

John R, our big order from all sushi eaters must have beat your order to the kitchen that night. We too, were going to a Rep show immediately after, and made it out of the restaurant as scheduled, but I was beginning to wonder if we would for a while.

[Beach Runner]

Someone sent me this posting and I'm really shocked about it! Yes, my son is a server there, but I've also enjoyed many great meals there, myself. In fact, I've not heard of anyone having a negative experience! Beach Runner, why are you dissing, such a wonderful restaurant?

"Hi Diane, there's a post on the restaurant sticky thread (the first post on the general info page). It's by Beach Runner and she called the restaurant where Russ works "eh." (her words not mine). I think you should set the record straight! Everyone knows it's a fantastic restaurant. Beach Runner doesn't even have the courtesy to explain WHY she's dissing it.

These comments are quite rude. It's not fair to excerpt that sentence out of context. And BTW I haven't seen Kurt post a rule on this board that we have to support every opinion in a point-by-point manner.

Here was my post:
"All of our friends rave about Old Florida Fish House. We went last night, and it was just "eh." Obviously we ordered the wrong thing because I've never heard a negative review (although I haven't had time to read every post on this thread). Any suggestions?"

I was sincerely asking for suggestions about what to order. When I think of an old Florida fish house, I think of old-fashioned seafood platters. That's what my husband ordered, and it was just "eh," costing more and not tasting as good as the seafood platter at Seagrove Market Cafe. I wasn't very hungry, so ordered the shrimp appetizer with pineapple sauce (just okay) and turnip greens. The waiter asked if I wanted that served as my main course - well, duh, if that's all I ordered, obviously. We each ordered a second beer during dinner. By the time the waiter brought them out, we had finished our meal, and they weren't busy.

It just wasn't a "wow" experience as promised to us by our friends. Again, what should we order to have a "wow" experience there?

[Camp Creek Kid]

These comments are quite rude. It's not fair to excerpt that sentence out of context. And BTW I haven't seen Kurt post a rule on this board that we have to support every opinion in a point-by-point manner.

Here was my post:
"All of our friends rave about Old Florida Fish House. We went last night, and it was just "eh." Obviously we ordered the wrong thing because I've never heard a negative review (although I haven't had time to read every post on this thread). Any suggestions?"

I was sincerely asking for suggestions about what to order. When I think of an old Florida fish house, I think of old-fashioned seafood platters. That's what my husband ordered, and it was just "eh," costing more and not tasting as good as the seafood platter at Seagrove Market Cafe. I wasn't very hungry, so ordered the shrimp appetizer with pineapple sauce (just okay) and turnip greens. The waiter asked if I wanted that served as my main course - well, duh, if that's all I ordered, obviously. We each ordered a second beer during dinner. By the time the waiter brought them out, we had finished our meal, and they weren't busy.

It just wasn't a "wow" experience as promised to us by our friends. Again, what should we order to have a "wow" experience there?

I agree Beach Runner. I've only been there once and wasn't too impressed. The food was just o.k. and rather expensive for what you got. I also dislike having to order a la carte. I can think of many restaurants where I can get a better meal for the same price. It isn't a bad restaurant, but I don't think it is worthy of the rave reviews everyone is giving it.

I've been hearing many "locals" complain that while the Old Florida Fish House started off great, its quality of food and service have declined considerably since it opened last summer. However, my only time of eating there was about 2 weeks after it opened and as I said, I wasn't impressed then.

[Mermaid]

Beach Runner, maybe the problem is that you posted on a thread entitled "Favorite Restaurants," not "Eh Dining Experiences." And for someone who has mentioned that she runs a on-line restaurant review page, I can only surmise that any reader's expectations of your reviews might be higher than most. So what a rude disappointment to find out the best you could come up with about Old Florida Fish House is that it's "eh." Not to mention that you said it about a restaurant that most people rave about--most people tend to feel a little protective about their favorite dining places!

I've never eaten there, so I'm afraid I can't offer you any suggestions. Sorry.

[Beach Runner]

Beach Runner, maybe the problem is that you posted on a thread entitled "Favorite Restaurants," not "Eh Dining Experiences."

It's a favorite of many people, therefore it seemed most appropriate to post comments/questions on that thread, rather than starting a new thread and further fragmenting the posts on this message board.

Lighten up, everyone!

[PEARL]

I agree that the OFFH is just ok; I won't go back. While the food we had was good, there wasn't much for the money. My husband ordered a grouper dish, chose the caesar salad, recieved a tossed salad, and a piece of very, very thin fish (I thought grouper was thicker?), with nothing else on the plate. A bit lonely looking. The other dishes, and the sushi were good.

[SHELLY]

Lighten up, everyone!

Ditto! Although the original post might have lacked specific information that could have been helpful to someone looking for a place to eat, it didn't contain any comments that should get anyone's panties in a twist! Quite the contrary, it mentioned that lots of people raved about the place and maybe she ordered the "wrong" thing--no biggie!

I've notice over the past year or so many of my dining experiences are becoming more "eh"--mostly because of service. A couple months ago I went to a mid-price place in Destin ($18 -$26). We ordered a $45 bottle of wine and the poor young waiter didn't even know how to use the corkscrew to uncork it! -- She was so flustered and we took pity on her and explained to her how to use the corkscrew, how to present the cork and serve the wine for the first tasting and then the order in which to pour once the wine was approved. We kind of rolled with the flow and tipped well since it was clear that the owner was at fault--but it illustrates a point on the declining level of service and training. (By the way, the food was very good.)

If the owner of the Old Florida Fish House is upset, maybe he should extend an invitation to Beach Runner to come back as a personal guest so he can make it "right," and then she can post again and tell us about the food and the experience.

[TreeFrog]

I've eaten there quite a bit as it's close to home. Just Friday night, in fact.

You know, everyone I know loved Luna. As well as being the only Mexican on 30A, it was modestly priced, the food was proportionately good for the price, and the service was generally efficient. We all had high hopes that the replacement would be much the same, only an old-fashioned seafood joint, as the name seemed to imply.

In comparison to Luna:
1-The menu at OFFH is more ambitious than the typical seafood joint.
2-The prices are fair, but higher than the typical seafood joint.
3-The service, both wait staff and kitchen, is variable. Don't believe I've had the same waiter twice, either. Turnover?

For my part, the disappointment isn't about what the restaurant IS, it's about what I'd hoped it would be - an "Old Florida" replacement for the much-missed Luna del Mar. My problem, not theirs.

This Friday night, we had an attentive waiter, the food came out in a timely manner despite a bustling crowd, and everyone was happy with their dinner.

But then the band cranked up in the bar at 8:30 and we all had to yell. Apologies to those who were dancing in the bar (I'd have been happy to do so if that's what I'd come for) but a band usually enhances drinking a whole lot more than it does dining.

Mixed review? Yup. Generally satisfied customer, coming back again? Yup.

[TreeFrog]

Rereading my comments above, and introducing a touch of thread drift...

Those of us who live on 30A full-time could be inclined to be more critical of eateries than folks who aren't here full time. We carry the burdens of daily stresses with us when we go out to eat. We also get to eat at the same 3 restaurants over and over, our choices being somewhat limited compared to Birmingham, Atlanta, Dallas, Nashville, and Memphis.

Meanwhile, weekend visitors and those with 2nd homes here are, by definition, relaxing away from home and enjoying a dining experience that they haven't had to repeat weekly.

[Miss Kitty]

I must chime in here. I must admit I was taken aback when the creator shared a PM and left BR's name in it. Yes, with a little research one could have found BR's post about the OFFH, but it bothered me just the same. I think people are entitled to their opinion. If it was the comment "eh" that bothered some, just ask for a clarification. Just like with movie reviews, one person's restaurant review would not keep me from trying something. For the record, my husband and son dined at OFFH in August and really enjoyed it. I dined there in October with gttbm and our husbands. Unfortunately, I had consumed to many Planter's Punches to give a give a sober review. I will go back to OFFH next time I am down there. I will ask for Russ.


If I had to use "eh", it would be for Pickles!!!! That's my opinion.

[Paula]

For perspective, we've eaten at many different places on 30A (it will take us a few more years to get through them all since we're there about 6 times a year). For any place we've been to several times, I can't say everything has been perfect every time. Sometimes one item that we're served isn't great, but the rest is. Sometimes the server isn't great. Sometimes the kitchen is slow. But, we consider a place well worth our time if the experience is very good to excellent in most or all ways most of the time. The same is true for restaurants anywhere, including our home town. The best restaurants where we live have imperfect periods. If a place is very good to excellent 90% of the time, I consider that great.

I went to what was considered one of the "best" restaurants in Waikiki with a good friend during a conference last yeaer. The food was absolutely excellent (among the best I've ever had), but the server gave us so much attention and was so "perfect" it was annoying. We really just wanted to have a quiet meal together because we only see each other once a year or so.

So, for me, a great dining experience is more about the company you're with. If you're having a good time with the people you're with, the little annoyances that you'll get anywhere at some point or another won't bother you as much. Slow service gives you time to talk. If food isn't cooked right, you can send it back and get something else. Good restaurants want you to be happy.

If service at a place is consistently rude or if the food is consistently poor quality, I won't give them my business. So far, haven't had that experience on 30A.

[Atlanta Bo]

I have not been to OFFH yet . I see it as a substitute for Shades ( now that they have also been forced out of Seaside ) Am I correct in my assessment of the type of fair offered ? It also very close to both of our homes in the area . Do they have a website ?

[TooFarTampa]

I must chime in here. I must admit I was taken aback when the creator shared a PM and left BR's name in it. Yes, with a little research one could have found BR's post about the OFFH, but it bothered me just the same. I think people are entitled to their opinion. If it was the comment "eh" that bothered some, just ask for a clarification. Just like with movie reviews, one person's restaurant review would not keep me from trying something. For the record, my husband and son dined at OFFH in August and really enjoyed it. I dined there in October with gttbm and our husbands. Unfortunately, I had consumed to many Planter's Punches to give a give a sober review. I will go back to OFFH next time I am down there. I will ask for Russ.


If I had to use "eh", it would be for Pickles!!!! That's my opinion.

I agree with SHELLY and Sueshore that singling out BR's post seems unnecessary. It seemed pretty clear to me that she actually was looking for suggestions on what to order, and that she'd be willing to try it again. As SHELLY says, lighten up. I've never been to OFFH, though I mean to try it next time I'm up. I loved it when it was Luna del Mar.

[Paula]

I have not been to OFFH yet . I see it as a substitute for Shades ( now that they have also been forced out of Seaside ) Am I correct in my assessment of the type of fair offered ? It also very close to both of our homes in the area . Do they have a website ?

I think of the atmosphere and food at Old FLorida Fish House as more upscale than the new Shades. I'd say OFFH would be slightly upscale and Shades would be casual and less expensive (and I like the food -- for example, I don't think OFFH is the place to go for free wireless access and work on your computer). Both have a sportsbar, though OFFH is more upscale.

I haven't been at OFFH for lunch, though, just dinner.

[Mermaid]

I think of the atmosphere and food at Old FLorida Fish House as more upscale than the new Shades. I'd say OFFH would be slightly upscale and Shades would be casual and less expensive (and I like the food -- for example, I don't think OFFH is the place to go for free wireless access and work on your computer). Both have a sportsbar, though OFFH is more upscale.

I haven't been at OFFH for lunch, though, just dinner.

Paula, very interesting, and it makes me think about what the "new" Seagrove Village Market will be like when the current one is torn down. I wonder how that will change in atmosphere, menu offerings, etc.?

[Paula]

Hi Mermaid:

I'll miss the old Seagrove Market for sure because it was one of the first places we went to when we started coming here and we have fond memories of it just the way it was. I had been to the old Shades and I'm more impressed with the food at the new shades (I had never developed a loyalty to the old Shades).

Although the situation in SoWal with small businesses/restaurants is certainly "special" in many ways, it may not necessarily be that unique when it comes to small businesses. For example, I know a lot of restaurants go in and out of business in SoWal, and I compare that to the restaurants that go in and out of business in our town/city, and in the small town in which I grew up (they go in and out of business a lot). There's a LOT of turnover and change with small businesses in general I would think.

So, when I watch the changes on 30A with restaurants, I just try to "go with the flow" as much as I can (as the Buddhists would say "let it go"). I do, however, take lots of photos and buy the hats and T-shirts as memorabilia, especially for the kids. I'm sure our grandchildren someday will be wearing the old Seagrove market T-shirts as night shirts someday!

[SHELLY]

it makes me think about what the "new" Seagrove Village Market will be like when the current one is torn down. ?

There's an old saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." In all my years on earth, and all the places I've traveled, I have yet to see a restaurant that has become an "icon" in its current building and location get "better" when it moves (locally) to new digs or tears down the old place to rebuild a "new and improved" place. When that happens it tears a hole in the universe and the place loses its spirit and allure. I'm not saying that it's not possible to seamlessly transition and remain the place everyone has come to know and love--but I've never experienced it happening in my lifetime.

[Mermaid]

There's an old saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." In all my years on earth, and all the places I've traveled, I have yet to see a restaurant that has become an "icon" in its current building and location get "better" when it moves (locally) to new digs or tears down the old place to rebuild a "new and improved" place. When that happens it tears a hole in the universe and the place loses its spirit and allure. I'm not saying that it's not possible to seamlessly transition and remain the place everyone has come to know and love--but I've never experienced it happening in my lifetime.

SHELLY, truer words were never spoken, not that anyone in the business world seems to believe it.

[Paula]

There's an old saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." In all my years on earth, and all the places I've traveled, I have yet to see a restaurant that has become an "icon" in its current building and location get "better" when it moves (locally) to new digs or tears down the old place to rebuild a "new and improved" place. When that happens it tears a hole in the universe and the place loses its spirit and allure. I'm not saying that it's not possible to seamlessly transition and remain the place everyone has come to know and love--but I've never experienced it happening in my lifetime.

I have some first-hand experience. My family had a luncheonette in a small town for about 40 years, 3 generations. Eventually, family members died, and other things happened, and the place was sold. It was indeed an icon in the neighborhood for the firefighters, police officers, truck drivers, local politicians, and others. We could have been broken hearted when the place was sold (and to some degree we were), and held on to the past. Instead, we chose to grieve for our losses, remember and treasure the memories, willingly watch the new business come in and change the place/name/new construction, and cheer for the success of the new business. Today, the business is more successful than when we had it, it is growing, and the food is more diverse and some is even better (gosh I hope I don't get struck by lightening for saying that). The new place is now the new "icon" for the newer generations (they've been there probably 15 years now) and some people don't remember that the old store was once there and are as loyal to the new store as others were to our luncheonette. We love going to eat there whenever we're in town and the new owners enjoy seeing us and getting our support. In fact, I usually meet my sister and friends I had in the first grade through high school when I'm there in part for the memories, in part to help the new business succeed (they've succeed quite fine without us at this point).

Having grown up in a small business/luncheonette family, I think sometimes people romanticize them. The customers enjoy how quaint they are, how good they feel when they are there, and they want the owners to keep the business going so they can enjoy the old-fashioned comfort and routine it brings. In the meantime, family members who own the business get up at 4:00 am to get the place ready for customers, go into work in all kinds of weather even when customers choose to stay home, worry about business trends and taxes (and safety -- small business owners also have to worry about being robbed in some towns), work late into the night, go to work even when they are sick, and look forward to the day they can retire from the business and maybe make some money selling the business so that the next generation can go on to do something else, etc. Some business owners choose to keep the businesses going, and others are quite pleased to let them go.

I say all these things as a realist, but also as a romantic. I also remember the lovely things that dreams are made of. We lived upstairs from the "store" or "la botega" as we called it. When we were little girls, we'd put our pajamas on and go downstairs to the store to get ice cream sundays before bedtime in our pajamas and the customers thought we were just the cutest things they ever saw (or at least that's what we thought the customers thought!). I remember drinking the fountain "coke syrup" when we were sick. I remember eating day-old pastries grilled on the grill and slathered with butter. I remember boyfriends coming into the store to "meet the parents" (I can relate to the Robert DiNiro character in the "meet the parents" movies, though Robert DiNiro was whimpy compared to what my boyfriends had to go through). I remember my grandmother pretending she didn't understand English so she wouldn't have to deal with customers who behaved badly. I remember her cooking the day's sauce in the kitchen. I remember the aprons that my parents wore (and that we wore when we were waitresses) -- In fact, I still have several aprons that I saved before the new owners took over and a few of these aprons are now in SoWal. I remember decorating the windows with a manger and fake wrapped presents for Christmas (these windows are now boarded up because of the new construction but the memories are clear). I remember the juke box. So, if I wanted to be sad and hold onto the past I certainly could. But I much rather tell our kids the stories about the botega and how we grew up and be thankful that they can grow up the way they're growing up now (including having the beach place in SoWal so they can make their own memories). And I much rather the Buddhist philosophy of letting go of the past when necessary and enjoying what the future has to bring. That's the philosophy I want our children to have, too, or they won't enjoy life (or
SoWal) as much because it will undoubtedly change around them. I want them to see the beauty and romance in what is and what can be, not only what used to be.

Every small business has it's own story from the owners' point of view and that story may not match the perspective of the customers or bystanders. And for all my years on earth and all that I've travelled (including to the "old country" that has and continues to change for better and worse), that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

My apologies for being so wordy, I just finished my taxes and needed a creative outlet (the tax people will be happy to know that my taxes are not my "creative" outlet!).

[Rita]

If this was the post that all the fuss is about, I also say "Lighten up!"


"All of our friends rave about Old Florida Fish House. We went last night, and it was just "eh." Obviously we ordered the wrong thing because I've never heard a negative review (although I haven't had time to read every post on this thread). Any suggestions?"

There is much more positive in this post than negative.

Seems to me by bringing this up, you may have done more harm than good to the restaurant in that from reading these new posts, the restaurant would appear to not be a consistant "you can't go wrong" kind of choice.

Sometimes things are better left alone, eh?

[kurt]

Beautiful Paula - thanks for taking us down your memory lane.

The latest I've heard is that the Seagrove Market may relocate to WaterColor Crossing where Publix is. Time will tell whether that happens and whether the move becomes permanent. Apparently the manager at Publix knows and is fine with it because the deli is not profitable.

[Mermaid]

Beautiful Paula - thanks for taking us down your memory lane.

The latest I've heard is that the Seagrove Market may relocate to WaterColor Crossing where Publix is. Time will tell whether that happens and whether the move becomes permanent. Apparently the manager at Publix knows and is fine with it because the deli is not profitable.

Kurt, I don't understand how the deli at Publix could be unprofitable. Every time we've been at the deli, there's always been a line of people waiting to have sandwiches custom-made. They serve Boar's Head meats which are very good and the prices are so reasonable!

Oh dear, do we have to worry about another source of good chow being severely curtailed?

[Paula]

Beautiful Paula - thanks for taking us down your memory lane.

The latest I've heard is that the Seagrove Market may relocate to WaterColor Crossing where Publix is. Time will tell whether that happens and whether the move becomes permanent. Apparently the manager at Publix knows and is fine with it because the deli is not profitable.

Thanks, Kurt. Finishing taxes sure gets me in a nostalgic mood for some reason.

My main point, of course, is that we can enjoy and look forward to many (if not all) of the changes that will happen in SoWal. Clearly from my posts, I'm so very glad we're a part of this community. Some of my experiences in SoWal with family, friends, and by myself have been among the sweetest, and most beautiful I've had (gosh those sunsets...they are timeless). Many, perhaps most, people who come here to live, have second homes, or visit for vacation feel the same way, whether they've been here for generations or are newcomers. There will always be regrets and loss that come with change. Much as I loved the way it was when we first got to SoWal only 3 years ago (and I realize we're some of the people who have come in and changed the way things used to be), I realize we can't stop the change and am busying myself trying out new things/new places, meeting new people, learning about SoWal through this online community, and trying to support the old and new local businesses (and encouraging our cottage renters to do the same).

And, of course, I'm enjoying watching my kids making their own memories to tell about SoWal. They are so lucky to be part of this community -- and they know it.

[kurt]

Kurt, I don't understand how the deli at Publix could be unprofitable. Every time we've been at the deli, there's always been a line of people waiting to have sandwiches custom-made. They serve Boar's Head meats which are very good and the prices are so reasonable!

Oh dear, do we have to worry about another source of good chow being severely curtailed?

Maybe the prices are too reasonable?

I don't have specifics, and I got it secondhand, so take it with a grain of salt. Seems to me if they had more space they could have put in a whole section with tables.

[Mermaid]

Maybe the prices are too reasonable?

I don't have specifics, and I got it secondhand, so take it with a grain of salt. Seems to me if they had more space they could have put in a whole section with tables.

Do you know, you might be on to something there. The sandwiches, for what you get, are cheap. Maybe too much so for Publix's good!

[Paula]

Do you know, you might be on to something there. The sandwiches, for what you get, are cheap. Maybe too much so for Publix's good!

We're coming down in a few weeks and have to get the sandwiches at Publix before the prices go up. We'll put this on our list of inexpensive food to take to picnics on the beach. Thanks!

[Tatertot]

I went to OFFH last night with three other couples and we all LOVED it! The food was great, the atmosphere was wonderful and Russ was our server and he took great care of us! I would reccomend it highly to anyone in the area. We missed the live music, but we'll catch that next time we're there! Thanks everyone for the great reccomendation!

[MKH]

Paula, very interesting, and it makes me think about what the "new" Seagrove Village Market will be like when the current one is torn down. I wonder how that will change in atmosphere, menu offerings, etc.?

Oh, no-when are they tearing down the Village Market? We've been coming to Seacrest for the past 2 years for 10 days each May. We were planning on making the Village Market one of our stops this year! Please advise...

[MKH]

I liked it very much. I've been there 3 times. Very nice atmosphere, food was very good. It's in Seagrove where the Mexican restaurant used to be on the lake.

Paula,

I'm not sure I know where Luna del Mar used to be? Is Old Florida Fish House right on 30A? Just outside Seagrove? What other establishments are around it?

[John R]

Paula,

I'm not sure I know where Luna del Mar used to be? Is Old Florida Fish House right on 30A? Just outside Seagrove? What other establishments are around it?

if you go past eastern lake in either direction, it will be behind you.

[kimbug]

I just got back from a great week on BMB and one of the restaurants we tried was OFFH. Before leaving I printed out BR's list of restaurant recommendations and used it often for suggestions. Thanks for putting all the comments together, BR. I had my parents on vacation with me and they are definite food snobs. Maybe because my mom is such a fabulous cook finding restaurants that live up to their prices was difficult for us. I don't mind spending money for good food but when the value/service doesn't live up to standard I am expecting I am more than a little annoyed.

Anyway, that didn't seem to be the case for us at OFFH. I loved the atmosphere even though it was a little loud. My mom had an evening special of redfish, my dad & I had stuffed grouper. All of those were REALLY tasty. I didn't like having to order a la carte (steamed asparagus) but appreciated the excellent salads included with entree. We loved our dressings especially the Maytag Bleu Cheese. My teenagers each had steak...1 Ribeye & 1 Filet. No complaints with the Ribeye but the seasoning on the filet was not so good.

My only complaint was that they seemed very short staffed. It took my mom way too long to get her drink order from the bar, they ran out of rolls AND our server dropped our tray on her way out of the kitchen. She, of course, was very apologetic. The too very cute busboys more than made up for her error by refilling our drinks and paying lot's of attention to us; maybe they thought my daughter was cute!

Bottom line...I will try it again when I return to SoWal this summer as it definitely deserves a second chance.

[MKH]

I just got back from a great week on BMB and one of the restaurants we tried was OFFH. Before leaving I printed out BR's list of restaurant recommendations and used it often for suggestions. Thanks for putting all the comments together, BR. I had my parents on vacation with me and they are definite food snobs. Maybe because my mom is such a fabulous cook finding restaurants that live up to their prices was difficult for us. I don't mind spending money for good food but when the value/service doesn't live up to standard I am expecting I am more than a little annoyed.

Anyway, that didn't seem to be the case for us at OFFH. I loved the atmosphere even though it was a little loud. My mom had an evening special of redfish, my dad & I had stuffed grouper. All of those were REALLY tasty. I didn't like having to order a la carte (steamed asparagus) but appreciated the excellent salads included with entree. We loved our dressings especially the Maytag Bleu Cheese. My teenagers each had steak...1 Ribeye & 1 Filet. No complaints with the Ribeye but the seasoning on the filet was not so good.

My only complaint was that they seemed very short staffed. It took my mom way too long to get her drink order from the bar, they ran out of rolls AND our server dropped our tray on her way out of the kitchen. She, of course, was very apologetic. The too very cute busboys more than made up for her error by refilling our drinks and paying lot's of attention to us; maybe they thought my daughter was cute!

Bottom line...I will try it again when I return to SoWal this summer as it definitely deserves a second chance.

Great information! Do you think reservations are needed during the week? We are going to be there the last 2 weeks of May, through Memorial Day Weekend. I realize we will need reservations over Memorial Day, but hopefully it won't be too crowded before that.

[kimbug]

Great information! Do you think reservations are needed during the week? We are going to be there the last 2 weeks of May, through Memorial Day Weekend. I realize we will need reservations over Memorial Day, but hopefully it won't be too crowded before that.

I don't know if they take reservations. If they do ask for a table overlooking the lake or up in the front by the wall of water.

[Excalibur]

I have to give this place its "props". My wife, daughter and I had dinner there a short time ago.

Being in the business, I am kind of "picky". The service was good - not great - but good. The apps were great, especially the barbecue grilled shrimp. The wines were nice, and the nightly seafood specials, which is what we had, were very good. The desserts we fair, but not spectacular.

For the $$$ compared to what you can get on 30-A, I would recommend Old Florida Fish House.

[Unplugged]

Great information! Do you think reservations are needed during the week? We are going to be there the last 2 weeks of May, through Memorial Day Weekend. I realize we will need reservations over Memorial Day, but hopefully it won't be too crowded before that.

They don't take reservations so plan to dine no later than 6:30 PM or be prepared for a LONG wait

[Smiling JOe]

My only complaint was that they seemed very short staffed. It took my mom way too long to get her drink order from the bar, they ran out of rolls AND our server dropped our tray on her way out of the kitchen.

Welcome to life at the beach. Build some affordable apartments, and perhaps we can get more people to work here.

Borago is closing for Tuesday nights starting tomorrow for an unknown period of time due to staffing shortages.

[kimbug]

Does service/staffing get better with the summer season? Or do the restaurants just get more crowded with longer waiting times? I'm thinking when I'm visiting in July we'll be doing a lot more cooking in. I'm not opposed to that idea but just hate the cleanup. I know I'll return to OFFH, maybe try Borago (just the adults) especially since they take reservations and who knows what else. We'll be there for 10 days.

[SHELLY]

Does service/staffing get better with the summer season? Or do the restaurants just get more crowded with longer waiting times?

I don't see how panhandle staffing problems will get fixed in the next 4 weeks (when full-blown tourist season starts). With gas prices on the rise(!) and absolutely no affordable housing for staff anywhere in the area, if you want to eat, be prepared to cook or be prepared to wait...and wait...and wait--and hope for the best.

[SHELLY]

Borago is closing for Tuesday nights starting tomorrow for an unknown period of time due to staffing shortages.

Sound business judgement--at least they know their limitations. Some really good places will try to "work around" the situtation and suffer as a result.

The staffing problems we've discussed for the past couple of months are about to materialize...hopefully businesses and politicos are taking notes.