Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar — Restaurant in Imperial Beach

“Just one drink …only one drink” is what I typically tell my partner. I now see why we keep coming back (on occasions) to Brigantine restaurant on Seacoast drive. It’s their Margarita drink and the view of Imperial Beach. There was no other way to have it. This time, the holiday lights were lit and I was extra excited about that.

We made it over to Brigantine around 5pm, on Saturday, December 9th. The place wasn’t packed at the time. Sports on TV and music was playing. We immediately got seated at the bar. Seated at our favorite spot, looking towards the beach area.

The bartenders on shift were Krissy and Kat. If you want a perfect margarita - ask for Krissy. She was the person responsible for making the best tasting margarita in Imperial Beach (with a jalapeño kick). The just “one drink” proposal ended up to be 4 margaritas later. After glorifying how delicious the drinks were, we had to let Krissy know she had made them just perfect, without complaints. Trust me, there’s been many a times our margaritas had to be re-done/returned at other bars (too sour, too weak, too this, too that, too etc). Krissy, being humble that she was, did not take all the credit. She pointed out and stated that the drinks were only good because she was trained well by Kat. Let me also add, both Krissy and Kat were not only friendly but were attentive bartenders. Not only to us, but to all that were around the bar (13-15 people ). We were extremely satisfied with their service, on that note.

Could not drink without any appetizers, so a Cesar salad, calamari strips and 3 oysters were added to our bar night outing. Brigantine’s Cesar salad has always been good. It had the right tasting Cesar’s dressing, but I still added extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of lemon to boost. The calamari strips were good the way it was. The oysters, on the other hand, were surprisingly, extra small (2” shells). They could have been a normal size to Brigantine standards but definitely not what we’re use to compared to Mexico’s size (3-4” shells). Nonetheless, oysters were tasty and consumed in no time.

Dislike: the bar does not offer a selection of appetizers for bar consumers only… something for drinkers to snack on while drinking at the bar. Highly suggest a “bar food” menu

We have never dined in and ate a meal at this location before but have done so at other locations in San Diego. Service has been consistently...

I want to start off saying that my husband and I had a beer a few weeks ago... the lady bar tender was nice and had a full on conversation. But Then when our friend came into town (within the last couple days) we wanted him to try it because it was such a nice place because my hubby and I had a great experience last time! As soon as we got to the bar sitting area on the right side.... the lady that bar tended our beer last time took our I.Ds., our friend and I were were first. She asked a dumb question because obviously she can't do math " Are you over 21?". Like seriously? Then she grabs my husbands I.D, and just a few weeks ago... he didn't have to show two I.Ds, but this time he did. She kept looking at it and his I.Ds , literally 5 mins and wasn't even going to serve us. It made my husband upset. She could have said it nicely like this " Sweets I just want to be sure you're 21 and up." But she didn't. I felt my gut drop for my husband. Who is a hard working, now veteran. She wasn't even having a conversation with us like last time, which made us uncomfortable. I tried to crack a couple jokes because I get having a bad day, ( I wanted to brighten the mood) and say well " You definitely had to study my face because I look so very young. Like a very young 12 year old." With a big smile and laugh. And then she goes " You all look 12." I was like " um okay , I was just trying to make you laugh." After she gave my husbands I.Ds back, and asked that stupid question again "are you 21 and over"... we asked for a drink menu and SHE COMPLETELY IGNORED US. I was like "Can we have a drink menu?" Completely ignored us again this time. I turned to our friend and I said Do you want to go back to the I.B forum? They know us pretty well and have way more personality, even on a bad day.... we won't be going back to try their food. Plus it looks as if people have mixed reviews. IB forum will always have our heart. Along side the Yee Old Plank. Ya'll should try those two places instead of dealing with a grumpy bar tender lady. I hope you read this and I wish you would apologize. We walked out and I made sure the girl seating heard us. But she was at least sweet as can be because that's how...

Family of 5 trip to the area.we did not have reservations and went on a Sunday, about 1:00 pm. We were seated right away, however by the time we left people were waiting to be seated. Service was great! Atmosphere, you almost can't get any better with being across the street from the beach yet very clean and beautiful inside. Food was ok. I am not a food snob by any means and I always make note of the best dishes I eat so here is my review on the food with photos. Food presentation was nice. Happy hour is available so I highly suggest that menu if you just want to sample items for your first trip or if you're not that hungry. Appetizer Calamari- very chewy. I like my calamari kind is like a bite of good steak- I did not like it. Fried Artichokes- the breading was light and were fried nicely however the artichokes were mushy. I did not like this dish. I am from the Bay Area so I know what they should taste like. Nachos- they were nachos.My mom liked them. Potato skins - nothing fancy, they were potato skins Clam Chowder- nice flavor, creamy and thick. Not the best I've had but would order it again for sure. Swordfish tacos- Tasty- would order again Fish and Chips- fish was flaky and not dry. I would order this again. Fries were good. Everyone at the table tried each item and consensus was reached by all on each dish. I would def go back to this restaurant for at least the service and Atmosphere. It's def worth a stop and you may have a difference of opinion on the food. Cheers! Oh! One last mention... parking across the street for $2.00 only!! Huge plus in my book!! And we only had to circle the block twice before a spot opened up. But it is a small lot. Maybe we were just lucky because it was St....