Kraken’s Cove — Restaurant in Oak Harbor

As we ventured into Kraken Cove, our expectations were tempered by prior culinary experiences; we anticipated disappointment. However, we were soon to be proven delightfully mistaken. Upon arrival, we encountered a slight confusion—a minor quandary regarding whether to be seated by the staff or to seat ourselves. We soon learned that the custom here was the latter.

My date and I were treated to a culinary experience that, while modest in its aspirations, proved most delightful. Our feast commenced with calamari, which, though slightly greasy, was fried to a pleasant crispness that surpassed many an establishment on this island. The dish was simple yet satisfying, a commendable effort by the kitchen.

The clam chowder that followed was a hearty affair, rich and creamy, with fresh clams visible amidst its depths—an indulgence of the sea that warmed our spirits. But the crowning glory of our meal was undoubtedly the steamed clams. Served in a broth that was masterfully balanced with garlic and a dash of white wine, it boasted fresh thyme, an addition that elevated the dish to a rarefied echelon of culinary delight. So taken was I with the broth that I requested a spoon to savor each remaining drop.

My date opted for the fish and chips, featuring fish that was perfectly cooked though subtly seasoned. While I personally favor a touch more flavor, it was met with great approval from my companion. We abstained from spirits, partaking only of water, yet left thoroughly satisfied with our repast.

The fare at Kraken Cove proved a pleasant surprise, offering substantial satisfaction at a modest levy—a mere $60, a sum quite below the expected $100-120 at establishments of similar ambition.

Eager anticipation accompanies our plans for a return, with intentions to assay their steaks and burgers. If the quality of these future meals meets that of our initial visit, Kraken Cove shall indeed prove a jewel in the culinary crown...

Bummed to have to leave this review, (I'm not one of those people to complain) but it was such a disappointment to the 7 of us: It took forever to get menus and water, even though others that came in after us, got theirs. It wasn't that busy and plenty staff ratio to customers. Ordered a Whiskey Sour - no whiskey, all sour. Three attempts to have it redone and still, just a sad drink (we were told the bartender was new). One other person ordered a mimosa, but the waiter didn't know what that was. So, even after describing it, we finally said to just bring a glass of champagne and a glass of orange juice. White wine came instead of champagne and never got the juice. Fine, we weren't there to drink and went onto ordering food. Our plates came, some had their biscuits, some didn't (all our entrees were supposed to come with a biscuit & salad). We had to ask why and it was just forgotten. Fine, we got our missing buicuits, plus an extra for the trouble. Then, we are all onto eating our food and we all realize they never brought our salads...they even had asked what salad dressing we wanted. "Isn't the salad supposed to come before the food", we all laughed. We had to mention to the waiter about the salad and we got our salads. Waiter was sorry (there was lot of blame-shifting all night). The medium-rare steak was well-done, and flavorless garlic mashes potatoes. Two of us had the Bourbon Chicken, and two had the shrimp scampi, which they were happy with. Steamed clams were over cooked. The craziest thing was, we all swear that the crew (minus the waitor) were 'toasted' or high. Wow. The whole experience was NOT worth our time or money. Sad. We have a bet that the place won't make it to the...

Updating my post as we tried it again now that Megan is gone. It is a totally different atmosphere, great service. Amber is great and takes care of everyone. We go every Thursday to listen to Dana Osborne. Good crowds now, the people that Megan drove away are coming back.

We have tried so hard to like this place as Dana Osborne plays music on thursdays. We had a bad experience a few months ago where we couldnt get drink service after the initial beer and we never did get our food and gave up and left. We stayed away for a month and when we went back, it seemed to have gotten better. Then tonight it was the same BS. We got our drinks, and ordered food which came out promptly (not exactly what we ordered but that can be another story) That was the end of our service. Asked for water and another beer when Megan brought our food and she said she would be right back. She finally came back in 45 minutes. By that time we had had enough and asked for our check. She made excuses, perhaps she didnt realize for the last 30 minutes we watched her check on the table to our right, the table to our left and stand behind the bar and in front of the bar talking with her friends and completely ignoring us. We are so done with this place. I wish Dana could find a better place in Oak harbor to play. We wont be going there again as long as Megan is there. So many people have had the same...