Cook's Seafood - Pleasanton — Restaurant in Pleasanton

As frequent visitors to the Menlo Park location, we've been eagerly awaiting for this location to open for years. We went during the soft opening and were underwhelmed. However, we also understand it is a new restaurant and growing pains are to be expected. Here is some constructive feedback:

Temperature: We arrived right at opening and were the second ones who ordered. However, all of the food we ordered was lukewarm at best. Not ideal in general, especially when ordering fish and chips, crab fettuccine, fried scallops and clam chowder. Very disappointing.

Incorrect order given: our table ordered crab fettuccine. In addition to arriving lukewarm, it arrived with no crab. Nearly $30 and no crab. When we returned to the cashier, they corrected it after showing them our receipt. Rather than making a new plate or at least heating it again, the plate was returned with crab added but not mixed in or heated.

Pricing and portion size: the pricing compared to MP was noticeable. For example, the crab fettuccine was $5 more AND the amount of crab was significantly less. When eating at the MP location, I've often said that I need to order more pasta to go with the crab. Here, I went 4-5 bites without having any crab. The portion size of fries is also considerably less. Here, they give a small bowl of fries. The other location has much pretty much fills any empty space on the plate with fries.

Service: the staff delivering the food often looked like they couldn't find the tables. Perhaps a new system to make it easier for them would help. Bigger table numbers? Not sure. It was not for lack of trying.

The staff who does clean up, brings to go boxes, etc. were amazing. They quickly recognized when we needed utensils, boxes and napkins and they brought them immediately.

All this being said, we are hopeful that the next time we go will be much better. It was a soft opening for a reason. Looking forward to updating this review with a more...

It took 7+ years to open and we are trying the place out. We've been to the Menlo Park location and the Pleasanton one is similar in feel. There are two refrigerated counters with various seafood and soups. The ambiance is casual.

We each had the one piece cod and a cup of clam chowder. Maybe things have improved since some of the earlier reviews, but our food was good, and hot. The cod was tasty with a good batter. The fries were crisp and stayed that way. The clam chowder was good. Maybe not the best I've ever had but it was good enough. The bread that was served with the chowder though! Acme bread, yum!

The service was pretty good (order at the counter). We didn't have to wait too long for our order. We got in there just before 5 pm on Saturday. Maybe 5 tables occupied, and no one in line. 15 minutes later, there was a line to the door to order, and shortly after, all tables were occupied. Nice! The wait staff was efficient at removing dirty dishes from the tables. Too efficient. One waitstaff woman tried to take my plate away before I was done, and I saw the same happen to another customer. So, management, good on you for moving the dishes along, but please, waitstaff needs to ASK the diner first if they're done with their food! LOL!

All in all, a good meal. We'll be back to try some other items. And maybe get the story on their...

I work in the surrounding office buildings and was excited to hear this place had finally opened. I decided to try it yesterday for lunch only to be disappointed.

Let's start with the pros: the restaurant is very clean and open; everything is neatly organized. The service staff is very friendly and attentive. Even during a busy lunch rush, they were still efficient and welcoming.

Cons: I ordered the two piece fish and chips with one piece of cod and one halibut. I also ordered an 8 ounce serving of cole slaw. The chips were cooked well but lacked any kind of seasoning. The halibut was dense and immensely dry. I know halibut is a lean fish but it was like eating a brick of fish. The cod was marginally better. I did like the batter which had a great crunch, but that was not enough to save the tragedy of the fish. The cole slaw was seasoned well but too watery and soggy. They also gave the tiniest portion of tartar sauce. For the price I could have gotten better fish and chips elsewhere honestly.

Overall I'm glad I tried it. But I'm really disappointed in the quality of fish I received. I hope their other offerings are better. I'd like to sample their chowder and lobster roll next time. Maybe I'll change my...