My new favorite place-Fish Daddy's Seafood Grill
Written: Jun 30 '04 (Updated Jul 01 '04)
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Pros: Good food, good service, modest price, comfortable ambiance.
Cons: I'd be happy to pay less for less food.
The Bottom Line: Good food,large portions, good service, modest prices.
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| 4paws's Full Review: Fish Daddy's Seafood Grill |
Tulsa, Oklahoma became my home about 2 years ago. I was a little timid about getting out in the beginning. I had moved here because my brother and his family and my daughter and her husband live here. I enjoy being near them, but had the need to make some effort to start meeting people and deciding, that upon occasion, it would be fine to go out alone. In my journey of finding out what was in town that I would enjoy, I found a wonderful new restaurant Fish Daddy’s Seafood Grill. Fish Daddy’s Seafood Grill is Cheddar’s Restaurant Corporate newest venture and, in my opinion, best idea.
The first time I visited Fish Daddy’s Seafood Grill, I was impressed. This was a natural for me because I love seafood. My first trip was late afternoon-early evening. I was craving Calamari. I so seldom get a chance to eat it and it jumped out of the menu to grab my attention. When my attentive server came to the table, I ordered the “Killer Calamari” and iced tea. Later, when he came back I ordered the special, which was grilled trout with two side dishes for $9.95. I had already made a commitment to myself to have what I wanted. Therefore, I ordered a “Peach Bellini” (A smooth and elegant blend of Bacardi Rum, DeKuyper Peachtree Schnapps, Champagne and Peaches for $4.50. I was lucky, however, in that it was still Happy Hour and the drink was half price. It was hard enough to decide upon an entrée and choosing the two “sides” was also difficult. Available Side Dishes are: Loaded Mashed Potatoes (cheese, bacon and sour cream), Fresh Coleslaw, Steamed Broccoli, Amy’s Corn, Fries, Red Beans & Rice, and Cajun Rice. I finally settled on the Loaded Mashed Potatoes (good decision) and steamed broccoli. I settled in, enjoying exceptionally tasty fresh brewed iced tea. It was a hot day and the tea really hit the spot. I was aware I had made a huge error in judgment when the Calamari arrived. It was a stunningly huge plate of Calamari with marinara sauce. It was also delicious.
Atmosphere
As I was enjoying the Calamari, iced tea and now, my Peach Bellini, I took time to really reflect on the atmosphere. The tall ceilings reveals the bare environmental control duct system, which works. It almost gives the feel of a strange giant creature with legs, mildly reminiscent of shellfish such as crabs. Hanging from the ceiling are schools of primitive fish of metal and wood that look like they are swimming overhead. There are slate walls and wood décor. Overhead in the dining area, there are hanging lamps with globes that reminded me of a cross between tortoise shell and jellyfish. Intentional or not, they were a nice touch. The area in which I was dining was divided by a wall with the upper half see-through, making the bar area visible. The music in the restaurant was an easy jazz and just the right volume. All in all, the ambiance was comfortable and pleasant. The only possible problem with the dining area was that with all the slate, wood and high ceilings made for poor acoustics. It was not a problem for me, but I could see it being a problem if the restaurant was very busy.
There is also a fairly large area outdoors to have your dinner. It is covered and the table and chairs have a little bit of a Spanish feel to them.
I did not go into the bar, but did note that it was in a long oval shape with glasses hanging overhead and TV’s for the sports enthusiasts. People at the bar seemed to be enjoying themselves. Throughout the restaurant there were pieces of ceramic art pieces and nautical pictures on the walls. The only really negative thing I can cite when considering the aesthetics, were the awful print that was chosen for the servers’ shirts. They looked like Picasso had thrown up on the fabric.
The restaurant was clean, tables were cleared quickly and the Restrooms were very clean and well supplied. Also, very cleverly marked "Buoys" and "Gulls".
Bill of Fare
As I approached finishing about half of my Calamari, my server brought me my entrée. I was so in trouble. The portions were much larger than I expected. Lucky for me, I don’t feel self-conscious taking home a “doggie bag” and having left overs for lunch.
The menu is full of choices, which will take many more visits to try:
Appetizers:
Crispy Onion Straws (Crisp Battered Onions)
Maryland Crab Cakes (Loaded with Blue Crab and Old Bay Seasoning)
Seafood Fondue (Crab, Crawfish, Shrimp and Melted Cheese. Served with Crusty French Bread for Dipping)
Bucket of Shrimp (Peel and eat)
Hot Crab Dip (Served with Warm Tortilla Chips)
Killer Calamari
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Shrimp, Avocado, Pico de Gallo and Salsa. Served with chips)
Chicken Fingers & Fries
Soups & Salad
Double the Clams Chowder (And they’re not kidding)
Louisiana Gumbo
House Salad (Mixed greens, Candied Walnuts, Tomatoes and Apple Slices Tossed in Our Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette)
I am going to stop here on the menu. There’s too much to do it all justice. I would like to give you a few of the highlights on the selections I have tried. First, the House Salad is quite unique and tasty. I would never have considered the combination they have chosen but it was very good. The mixed greens in combination with Candied Walnuts, Tomatoes and Apple Slices Tossed in Our Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette The salad was very refreshing. At the time I had the Salad, I also had the Double Clams Chowder. I can attest to the fact that there are more clams in this chowder than most others. Also, when I’ve had Clam Chowder before, the soup was whiter in color. This Chowder had a bit of a gray color to it, not unappealing, just different. It had a rather unique taste partly because of more clams, but the seasoning was pleasing.
Other offerings include:
Sandwiches: from Fried Catfish Po’Boy, Fish Tacos to Bacon and Swiss Chicken
Cowboy Grill: This is for those who don’t enjoy seafood, so I’ll probably never try these. (Steaks and Pot Roasts).
Seafood Feasts (all served with two sides): Farm Raised Catfish to New England Baked Stuffed Fish.
Fresh Fish: (flown in daily) Gulf Snapper, Tilapia and Atlantic Salmon
Fish Daddy’s Platter: This is a sort of “build it yourself” dinner. There are 10 entrée choices (you pick three) and comes with two Sides. Those choices are Blackened Catfish, Crawfish Etouffee, to Baked Stuffed Fish.
There is a group of “Cajun Specialties”, Seafood Baskets (with fries).
Desserts: I have not yet had room for a dessert, but they carry Keylime Pie and Mile High Hot Fudge Sundae.
There is an adequate list of Cold Beers, Island Favorites (alcoholic drinks) and a nice Wine List.
Location
Fish Daddy’s Seafood Grill is located on the very busy South 71st St near Highway 169. On weekend nights, it can be a little tricky to access the parking lot due to the traffic. This area has one of the heaviest traffic areas in Tulsa. The parking is usually adequate for the crowd.
Final Thoughts
I love this restaurant and will return many times. The food is excellent; the service is very good, even above average. All the employees were attentive to the customers and actually seemed to be enjoying what they were doing. The only problem I had was the very large portions. Fortunately, much of it can be taken home. I wish I could order half portions so that I could try more of their offerings. The prices are somewhere in the middle. I would not want to pay these prices daily, but once a week is possible. Entrees range from $7.99 to $11.95. The last time I ate there, I had soup and salad and the Calamari plus Iced Tea for a total of about $13.00. I would certainly recommend this restaurant to anyone.
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations Try the Killer Calamari and the House Salad. The trout with lemon-herb special was very good. Be aware that the portions are very big. Don''t over-order.
Best Suited For: Friends
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Epinions.com ID:
4paws
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 - Top 1000 |
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Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
Reviews written: 250
Trusted by: 79 members
About Me:
The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.
Mark Twain
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