Patience Tested, Palate Delighted: A Mixed Bag at Urban Seafood Company
Our Friday evening (7pm) visit to Urban Seafood Company was a tale of two halves. On one hand, the food was undeniably fantastic. Each bite, from the creamy clam chowder to the perfectly blackened fish, was a testament to culinary skill and fresh ingredients. The octopus starter, though small, was a flavor explosion, and the unexpected lobster mac and cheese twist (more Alfredo than cheesy goodness) was a personal revelation for me.
However, the service left much to be desired. Despite checking in online for our table, we still faced a frustrating 55-minute wait. To add insult to injury, upon arrival, we were told our table wasn't quite ready and were left waiting for an additional 30 minutes. This initial experience cast a shadow over the evening, leaving us feeling flustered and less than impressed.
Thankfully, the delicious food managed to salvage the night. The old-fashioned cocktails were expertly crafted, the starters were divine, and the main courses were cooked to perfection. The blackened red fish was perfectly seasoned and cooked, and the shrimp pasta special was bursting with fresh seafood flavor. Even the unexpected mac and cheese surprise (which, admittedly, wasn't quite mac and cheese as I know it) was a delightful creamy treat.
Ambiance-wise, Urban Seafood Company gets a solid 4/5 rating. The restaurant boasts different sections, offering a variety of vibes. However, a minor downside was the lack of available tables for two. We ended up sharing a long table with two other couples, which slightly affected the intimacy we were hoping for.
In conclusion, Urban Seafood Company presented a mixed bag. The food was undoubtedly excellent, however, the lengthy wait times and disorganized service significantly detracted from the overall experience. The ambiance was great, but the lack of smaller tables could be an issue for couples seeking a more intimate setting. If you're willing to gamble on potentially long waits and prioritize delicious food above all else, Urban Seafood Company might be worth a try. However, for those seeking a smooth and efficient dining experience with guaranteed intimacy, you might want to manage your...
Read moreHubby and I went for lunch today. Food was FANTASTIC! Everything was super fresh, cooked perfectly, and seasoned perfectly to let the fresh seafood flavors shine through (not overly buttery or greasy or salty).
Prices were very reasonable (actually think they are underpriced for this level of quality seafood and skill), beautiful setting (patio is air conditioned!) and service. Attention to detail can be seen and tasted in every bite.
Ordered:
2 types oysters: hubby said they were super fresh and delicious
Grilled octopus: one of the best octopus I've had! perfectly grilled, lightly charred, tender, flavorful with a hint of smokiness
Crab stuffed shrimp: huge, fresh shrimp with crab stuffing was seasoned perfectly without drowning it in butter and salt like so many seafood places do. Chose roasted brussels as a side and they were crispy outside and al dente inside, slightly sweet--yumm!
Fish and chips: Loved it! Not greasy at all! batter was light and crispy and not too much batter (which I hate when restaurants overly batter to make the fish look bigger). Cod was so fresh and they used a thick portion of the fish which was very satisfying to bite into. The fries were amazing (we don't normally care for fries). Thin cut for crispiness but thick enough to be tender in the center. Don't know what kind of potatoes they use but it's very potatoe-y tasting like what you get at a high end steak house. First time we finished a side of fries 😆
Key lime pie: Very good. Not too tart, not too sweet. Very refreshing on a summer day
They make their own hot sauce that came with the oysters and it is sooo good! we ended up eating it with other things like dipping fries in it, sprinkling on the seafood. Not too spicy, very flavorful.
Meal came with toasty cracker like bread and butter. Butter wasn't necessary since the bread was thin and crispy. A crusty warm bread would have been nice with the whipped butter though.
Didn't try any drinks this time but they looked really good from what I saw on other people's tables.
Service was attentive, friendly.
Ambience was great. Beautiful, classy decor.
So happy to have such a great seafood place in this area. We will be...
Read moreWe arrived and were seated around 12:40pm today very excited because this is one my my new favorite places to eat. After waiting 10 minutes I asked my wife if we should leave but we decided to be patient since it seemed busy. After around 10 minutes Neaz says he will be right with us. A few more minutes pass and he greats us and gives us quick recommendations while seeming uninterested in any type of communication outside of that. We had plenty of time to look over the menu so we ordered an appetizer and our food. Our appetizer is brought out from another server. The oysters were very good, once I saw Neaz walk by I flagged him down to ask for these crackers and butter they have which I love but my wife has never tried. He said, "Sure buddy" and walked off behind the empty bar and made a circle and started talking to all his other tables. At this point we both felt like we were being judged and dismissed. Maybe our apparel was not up to his standards or maybe he just didn't care since were only a two top. The manager brings our food out and we start to eat. Neaz never comes by to check on us. Not once. We finish our food never receiving the crackers. We were going to order the bread pudding for dessert. As we wait, with our dirty dishes on the table, wondering where our server has been our whole meal, he comes out to look at empty tables and clean them up. The restaurant was nearly empty at this point. It was very clear we were not on his radar, and never had been. I asked the hostess to speak to a manager, explained the situation, and asked to just have my check. She was going to go get the check and he pops up for the first time since he took our order. This is the worse service I have ever recieved and my wife and I are both very patient from being in the service industry. This is the last time I will visit this restaurant and I will no longer recommend this place to my friends. Very...
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