HarborView Bistro and Bar — Restaurant in Fort Bragg

Really disappointing service and food on our anniversary. We should have known to turn around when we entered and waited at the host table for 5 minutes without anyone checking us in. We ordered a chocolate milk for our daughter and what they gave us was hot chocolate powder dumped on top of the milk. It was not mixed in at all (and wouldn't mix in). It was lumpy and disgusting. The server saw us trying to mix it in and didn't say anything. It was $20 per kids spaghetti and meatballs, but the meatballs were just dried up balls of ground beef that had no seasoning. My husband ordered his steak medium rare and it came out more than well done. We waited 15 or more minutes for the server to come check on us. When they did, we mentioned the issue. They argued with us and said they "wrote it down as well done" and then finally said "do you want it remade?" We said sure and they abruptly said "OK" and grabbed the plate away from my husband. He was fine with all the sides and would have been fine if they just brought out a new steak. The server did come back and give an apology. They said the steak would be 4 minutes but it was closer to another 15. Then we waited and waited for over a half hour for the server to come again and give us our check. It should have been clear we were ready to go because I took my kids up to the lobby while my husband waited. He was getting his card out as the server gave him the check but then they left before he could give it to them. He waited another 10 min and the server never came back. There was nobody inside the restaurant and one party outside so we could not figure out where they were going. Finally my husband walked over to the bar and asked to pay the bill there. Someone took his card and gave him the receipt to sign but then everyone disappeared again. It seemed like everyone was wanting to go home but forgot to take care of their customer. I haven't had such poor of service at a supposed nice restaurant in my life. Really unfortunate because it...

Last night a group of us had dinner at HarborView Bistro and Bar in Fort Bragg. Even though I’ve been coming to the area for over 50 years, this was my first time here—and it won’t be the last. Parking can be a little tricky, but once you’re inside, the atmosphere more than makes up for it. We sat on the back deck overlooking the Noyo River. The view was fantastic, and we could hear sea lions across the water, which made the evening even more entertaining.

Service was excellent. We had reservations for 5:30, and we were seated promptly. Drink orders were taken right away, and their cocktails were well made and flavorful. I started with the clam chowder, which was unique with dill added for a fresh twist. It was rich and delicious. For my main course, I had the New York Pepper Steak, coated with crushed peppercorns in a red wine demi-glace, served with garlic mashed potatoes and local vegetables. The steak was cooked perfectly and the sauce tied everything together.

Our group also ordered the Stuffed Pan-Seared Petrale Sole, Sirloin & Shrimp Skewers, and Pan-Seared Scallops. Every dish was well received, and everyone at the table enjoyed their meals.

The photos show highlights from the evening: the view of Noyo Harbor from the deck, my clam chowder starter, and the pepper steak entrée.

Overall, HarborView Bistro and Bar delivered a great dining experience—friendly service, quality food, and one of the best locations in town. I’ll definitely be back on future trips...

Trigger Warning: Spiders in rice

While on vacation in Mendocino, my husband and I stopped in for brunch. I ordered a white mocha and a chicken sandwich—both were tasty. We really enjoyed the patio atmosphere and loved watching the otters splash around. My husband ordered the fish tacos and was happily eating… until he moved on to the rice and noticed tiny spiders in it.

We immediately felt nauseous and alerted our server. He disappeared for a while, came back to take the plate to the kitchen, and returned with our check. Their solution? A $2 discount.

No manager ever came to speak with us, which felt deeply unsettling. Whether it was a prep issue or a larger hygiene problem, the lack of accountability was disappointing. I didn’t get a photo, we just wanted to pay and leave immediately, but it was absolutely gross and ruined what started as a lovely meal.

Highly recommend Princess Seafood instead—their fish tacos were well-seasoned, fresh, and cooked to perfection. We had a far better overall experience at all the local Fort Bragg/Albion/Mendocino...