Waterfront Social — Restaurant in Crystal River

Have given this place 5 stars on Trip Advisor before but today they got a big F. In the first place when I called to see if I could make reservations a gentleman told me they did not take reservations and that there was currently a 25 minute wait for outdoor seating and 15 minutes for inside. We were only about 10 minutes from there and upon arrival saw that there were 4 tables available outside and absolutely no one was sitting inside. Seemed to me whoever answered the phone did not want to work. We ordered our food and about 40 minutes in we asked the server where our food was. He told us that there was a glitch in the computer and it did not process the order. He also said lunch would be out in 10 minutes. 20 minutes later, lunch arrived. I had the calamari which said it was a calamari steak but really was not. They looked like Mrs. Paul’s Fish Sticks but they did taste good. My wife and our guest ordered the fish sandwich which was grouper. My wife gave me a piece and I told her I thought it tasted fishy, she agreeed. Our guest then said that her piece was fishy too. When we went to pay the bill, our server asked how everything was. We told him the fish was fishy tasting. Not inedible, but fishy. This restaurant, by the way, is not inexpensive. Not high end, but moderate. He took my card and went to the back, rang it up and then came back with the bill that was already rung up. Then he said, I should probably talk to the manager about this. Took my card and brought the manager back out. She said that because we ate the fish sandwiches, she would not be able to refund both sandwiches, but only one. I said, we’ll if you can refund one sandwich, then you should be able to refund both. She said she could not, which is ridiculous. I should mention that other people in the restaurant had complained about the “fishy” fish. She did refund one sandwich but was quite sarcastic when I asked for the receipt that showed the previous sale was cancelled. I have been to this place 3 times and referred probably 10 friends there, but will never do so again. There are plenty of places to eat in Crystal River, I will spend my money...

We sat outside on actually a pretty warm day, but the ceiling fans and the marina breeze it was very comfortable! The King's Bay punch drink was delicious! Definitely would order this again! I had the Mahi Mahi tacos blackened they were really good, not very large, the slaw on them added a really great flavor! Others in our party had Cobb salad with add on blackened chicken, Caesar salad with blackened chicken, and a Shrimp Po Boy. The Po Boy and Mahi tacos come with fries. Those were actually some of the best fries we ever had and they have malt vinegar so of course I made them into salt and vinegar fries! The rest of my party was from Denver, Colorado and they actually loved the place. Which was good because they are picky and I picked it! So win win! Really wanted to try their Key Lime Pie and Peanut Butter pie afterwards but literally had no room. So next time! The restaurant is hidden inside a marina parking and Port Marina Motel you go through a tunnel to the restaurant on the water with a gift shop and indoor dining or outside, plus an indoor and outdoor bar. Outdoor bar is past the restaurant entrance you keep walking past the Manatee tours building and you come to another bar and outdoor covered dining great for boaters! My lunch was 30, the other 3 with drinks was $69. So really based on eating out lately was pretty decent when some fast food places could cost you $50 for three small meals. The service was great, staff was friendly, menu full of options for all palate preferences. Definitely a great place for locals or tourists or even snowbirds. I mention the motel because you do feel like you may be in the wrong place. I assure you that you are not! Tunnel is to the right of the motel office. Sorry didnt get many pics of food but got the Mahi last taco there is 3 and the...

(Last visited 1/17/2022.) After getting done swimming in the cold waters of Crystal River hanging out with some manatees, I've worked up an appetite! Nearby to the dock where we launched is the Waterfront Social! Here's how it went!

Atmosphere/Appearance: Set right on the river is this gem, with an appropriate name of course! This place felt like a tavern with a very lighthearted aura. There were lots of nautical themed things to really pound home the fact that they excel in seafood here. The grounds were beautiful and matched those of the views of the water. The restaurant felt very open with its high ceilings and wide open spaces.

Service: I can't remember the young lady's name, but she was good. She took care of all 4 of us smoothly and without issue while making some great recommendations.

Food: For my lunch I went with the Blackened Mahi Tacos. They are of course blackened mahi mahi served with citrus slaw, a remoulade and a lime on the side to squeeze. These were decent, but nothing crazy to write home about... as I'm writing home. Lol. They were solid. That's all. They held me over until dinner.

Value: My tacos were $16.75. As y'all know seafood isn't cheap so expect to spend a little bit when you come here, but it's not a fine-dining establishment. Grab you some beers and some food and you'll be under $35.00 a person.

In conclusion, this place was solid. If you ever go swimming in the Crystal River with the manatees, stop on by here whenever you're done!

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