Newman's Fish Company — Restaurant in Eugene

When I went to Newman's Fish Company I was delighted because this was one of my favorite places when I was in college. I had moved out of town 10 years ago. When google said it was open, I was excited that I got off work early enough to treat myself. After waiting in line, at the takeout window I let the server know that I planned to buy food at that the fish market adjoining so I wasn’t sure if we could combine totals. She let me know that the market was closing and if I head over there, I might be able catch them. The door still open, employees inside and lights on. The market had pulled all their product at 6pm, I outwardly expressed this was a bummer because this was a favorite places and I wanted to but product. A different clerk said, they had closed their registers and so were unable to serve me. Understandable. After some consideration, I asked if I could buy product and just pay at the at the takeout Window that adjoined their business. That’s when it went south.

The Assistant Manager elevated his tone and said “We are closed, we are done.” His arms like an umpire signaling a safe player used his arms as the final exclamation that the transaction was over. It was done in such a way one would think it was have thought it was a break up barrier to some bad relationship. I left to get my fish at the takeout window. Before leaving, I decided I want to tell the Assistant Manager why it was so upsetting.

I explained that “this place used to be a delight and his response really spoiled the experience.” He said, “well clearly we were closed”. I let him know, “I was here, I was giving business to another part of their business.” I said, “yes, the product was pulled, but I didn’t know how easy it was to access and when I offered that the bill be pulled up at the takeout I was trying to problem solve since the registers was the main barrier. Had they let me buy fish, I would have purchased $20 worth of scallops”. He said, ”well its’ all just merchandise” I said, “well if my $20 doesn’t mean anything to him…” He said he could see how upset I was an apologized and said he hopes I come back and condescendingly reminded me they are open 6 days a week and that they close at 6.” I replied it might be a long time before I’m willing to come back and he responded with, ”Well that’s your choice.” I left immediately following. This place used to be my delight. It was a reward when I was a poor College student in the neighborhood. Now that I’m in a much more successful place in life, I want to return and by the fish I couldn’t afford before to celebrate where I am in life now and share that food with my new husband. Your right Dude, is my Choice, and following this experience I went to their local competitor and purchased 3 times as much as I intended to spend at Newman’s. It’s my choice to spend my dollar with companies who recognize that that it’s not just merchandise exchange, it’s an opportunity for customer experience. I choose to support a business that recognizes that it isn’t merchandise, it a product they can be proud. I choose to support a business that I don’t have to argue with in attempts to but their product and give them my business. The great other staff is what made this rating a 2...

They have a great selection of fish compared to other places in town. I've come here frequently for more than three years and I've noticed their raw fish is great to buy to prepare at home yourself. However the takeout portion has gotten less and less consistent. Even when it's not busy at all. I don't think I've had an order completely right in about 4 months. The only reason I keep going back is because my partner enjoys the cod here. I got her cod fish and chips today, she bit into it and it was hard. Pulled the breading off and half of it was like a weird dark grey color(she is now over their fish and chips). I ordered halibut, but I got cod, which; I should have expected by now so thats my fault. Also what really bums me out is I have to strategically make sure to pull all the food out of the bag in the car because they pack it so tight by the time you get home, anything fried is mush(I live 11 minutes from newmans). Also almost every time the person tells me, "oh yea, that just came out"...almost never did. Of course I eat some of the fries on the way home and they are room temp if not cold my friend. I really really really want to love this place but I never feel great about a purchase from here unless its something from the deli...

I ordered one of the specials, a Cajun Shrimp 'Po Boy sandwich with coleslaw as the side. It did not disappoint! There were about 8 Jumbo-sized shrimp, whose flavor was divine. The Cajun-spiced breading was was just the right thickness and added to the gustatory experience. Then, after adding the house-made cocktail sauce, the sandwich was complete. I can safely say this compares favorably with any shrimp 'po boy I ever had in New Orleans. The sandwich gets a 10 of 10 score. About the coleslaw, which was the only truly disappointing item in my order. Although the cabbage was grated to the perfect size, it tasted like just plain cabbage with no discernable dressing. The slaw gets a 2 of 10 score, which is sad since the slaw could be so much more. I also ordered the fried dill pickles. And again, the amount of breading was just right. However, the dill flavor didn't shine through as it should have. This could easily be corrected by using a thicker dill chip. The current pickle chips are just too thin to hold up their full flavor inside their breaded enclosure. I'll give this side a 6 of 10 for now, hoping they will use thicker pickle chips next time it's offered which would elevate this item to a...