Fishbone Seafood — Local services in Long Beach

I’ve been to Fish Bone about 5 or 6 times now. The first time I tried it, I loved it so much I came back three nights in a row. The service was always friendly, professional, and quick. My go-to order is the fried catfish with candied yams and macaroni salad, plus a side of tartar sauce — it’s always been perfect.

Lately though, the experience hasn’t been the same. Last week my husband ordered for us and our food was wrong. Then tonight, I went in myself and ended up with the same cashier (Nina). She seemed new, so I was being patient. I ordered the fried catfish dinner combo with candied yams, coleslaw, and a side of tartar sauce. There was some confusion at the register, but I figured no big deal.

While I was waiting, she called me back up to the register to ask what I ordered again and to look at my receipt. I showed it to her and she said, “oh okay, you’re 34,” which was strange but I just let it go.

Then while waiting, another customer sitting next to me started getting frustrated because she’d been waiting a long time for her okra. She politely told them she’d take a different side since it was taking so long, but Nina insisted the okra would be ready in four minutes. The lady looked annoyed and vented to me that she’d been waiting forever.

A few minutes later, Nina handed me my food. I checked the bag and saw my candied yams and tartar sauce were missing. When I mentioned it, she told me “no, it’s in there.” I showed her my bag — it clearly wasn’t. She handed me the yams, and when I mentioned the tartar sauce, she gave me one tiny packet even though I paid for the 2oz cup. When I asked about it, she laughed and said, “when someone says tartar sauce, I think they mean the packet.”

At that point, I told her I’ve been here 5–6 times and every visit lately has just gotten worse. She looked confused and asked what I meant, so I told her directly — the last two times I’ve ordered with her, my experience hasn’t been great.

The food here is still really good, but the customer service has gone downhill. I’ll still come back because I love the food, but honestly, I’ll only order if the male cashier is working. When Nina’s at the register, it’s just...

I was a little conflicted about whether to leave this review or not.. simply because the food was so good and the employees Karma (the cook)and the female cashier Ariana were so friendly and professional both over the phone and in person. This was my first visit. I ordered the fried salmon with shrimp. It came with 1 side. The issue wasn't not the quality at all. The salmon was perfectly fried, yet still moist inside. My issue is not so much the cost.. which is a little expensive. However my issue is the amount you get for the cost. Now, its not lost on me that Fishbone provide sides that my favorite fish market closer to Compton does not.. But it still makes no sense.

I will attach pictures. I spent $38. The fish and shrimp combo was $20.79 with 1 side. I requested fried salmon which was an additional $2.08 and my side was red beans and rice, so delicious btw. However, I really felt played when I got to my car and realized it's full of rice on the bottom and literally just a heaping tablespoon only of the beans on top. I scooped it to the side in hopes the owner will read this and maybe consider some adjustments with your portions. It may as well be called rice and red beans. I really want to come back again, but im really not sure if I will or how often. The prices are just crazy to me for the servings. I don't mind paying $38 for a meal so im not being cheap.. I did want to meet the owner in person but was told he wouldn't be there until a specific time, so I just decided to communicate here. I hope you take this as best as you can because I truly don't mean any disrespect nor am I trying to tear your business down. I know that you worked hard to get here. Thats why I want to see you all grow. It's just my thoughts. I love to try to support my people, but stuff like this, makes me feel like I should have just gone to my regular fish place and deal with the fries there and spend less money on great tasting...

So, I'm picky and a research queen.... this spot finally opened in our 90802 area 🙌🏾... The location is nice and easy to get in and out of which was appreciated 👏🏾 but even better was the service!!!! Nina was very helpful and answered 21 questions dillegently. I was skeptical because I typically have to drive to Compton or North LB for fried fish but was pleasantly surprised 🙌🏾🔥🔥‼️..... I ordered fried salmon (1st time btw) fried shrimp, beans and rice and fries... everything is cooked, seasoned and fried to perfection. Those beans and rice were LIT all of it was. I will be...