Smokin Fins - Arvada — Restaurant in Arvada

I was really hoping to have a fantastic experience from the moment we walked in the door. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case. I’m an obnoxiously punctual person so not only did I make a reservation but we also showed up about 20 minutes early for our reservation, not expecting to be seated immediately. We walked in and were greeted by the hostess, I let her know my name and that we had a reservation for 7:30pm (mind you it’s 7:10ish). A man who was either a customer service manager or kitchen manager immediately said “do you mind waiting 15 minutes or so?” I replied with “of course, no problem” because ya know...we’re real early. Then he proceeds to tell the hostess, very loudly, how she’s not allowed to sit anyone because the kitchen was drowning. About 5 minutes later we watch the hostesses seat 3 different tables all while we are sitting on the bench in front of the bar waiting to be told when we can get our table. 7:30 rolls around and I walk up to the hostess stand and reiterate that we are there for a 7:30 reservation. Her response...”oh I was hoping that was you because I didn’t see a pager! If you’re ready we can seat you.” Why not come ask us what we are waiting for? Finally we get sat and we watch multiple servers walk by and all of them look at us but don’t greet us. I watch the hostess seat about 3 more tables and finally ask (5+ minutes after being sat) “excuse me, do we have a server?” to which she responds with she’ll go get one. After our server finally showed up we received our drinks and food items quite promptly. The food was fantastic! I had the prime rib special and my fiancé had the tuna and scallops entree. Both our meals were prepared very well. I wish the first impression and initial customer service would’ve complimented the food they serve. I’ve been in the restaurant industry a long time and I believe this establishment would benefit from training their staff proper customer service skills. Again, food was...

Sunday, Oct 20 around 1:30. Server was just not interested. GMa had the fish n chips (halibut, the expensive one) she loves fish, which is why we went to Smokin Fins. Usually get cod, but it was her BDay. She said it was not good, maybe just the cooking oil but tasted bad, only had one bite. Server only ask if we wanted dessert. I ordered shaved rib eye sandwich, some 10 minutes after we ordered, he said they were out. Ask if I wanted to order something else, but did not bring menu so he had to go get one. He also forgot to take off the bill. Honest mistake he said. 15 minutes waiting and we ask if we would get our calamari, edamame and cup of soup as appetizers. 5 minutes later received calamari and then another 5 for edamame. Takes less then 5 to steam edamame, so apparently they were not planning on appetizers. We then ask may we have the cup of soup first. Waiter said the cooks were planning on serving with the shrimp entree. The cooks decide? Usually if there is question the waiter will ask. I ended up ordering the wagyu burger. See photo, the bottom of the bun was burnt. Who toast the bottom of the bun? Each bite was a burnt bite for what might have been a good burger. Waiter did not care. I ask for cole slaw when ordering the shaved rib eye and yet when he brought the burger it was fries. I advised I wanted cole slaw. Opps, he said, honest mistake, he said he did it right for sandwich, but forgot for the burger. That does not help me, he was just not interested. Cole slaw was good, sister-in-law ask if I could make. She liked it. Shrimp was very good. So 2 or 4 meals were good. Two were not and were not eaten. Waiter did not care. GMa said never again. Yes we still tipped 20%, cause...

Hubby and I went for dinner at Smokin Fins in Arvada again last night and it was delicious as always - unfortunately, we often forget to post reviews of some of the most wonderful places so wanted to be sure to get THIS one out there finally…

Food : The menu has a fantastic selection of dishes, and we have loved everything we’ve tried each time we visit. Every dish is very fresh, bursting with flavor, and always cooked to perfection making it hard to pick each time we go back lol! I could go on and on about the food but to keep it short(er), the Lemon Caper Mahi Mahi is one of my favorite entrees and the Vegas roll is amazing (we get this every time now)! And last night we tried their mussels & clams app for the first time and we were not disappointed, every bite (and slurp of broth) was a delight making “the list” as one of our new faves!

Service: We are also blown away by the service every time we visit but for this specific visit, needing to give a special shoutout to our waiter John L. :) John, was attentive, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, offering us excellent recommendations when we just couldn’t pick! We had a lot of fun with John as well, he kept us laughing which made our dining experience that much more enjoyable.

Ambiance: Love the vibe of this place - a perfect balance of chic & relaxed, you just feel comfortable being there.

Summary: Smokin Fins exceeds our expectations each and every time we visit; their attention to detail and commitment to guest service set it apart from the rest. We’ll definitely be back (AGAIN lol!) and recommend it to all our friends and family when given the chance. If YOU haven’t tried them out yet, go for it, you won’t be...