LOCATION: in the large shopping plaza on highway 1 by Crystal Cove in Laguna, Bear Flag fish is hard to miss and located in the plaza. Parking can be difficult on weekends or busy as we almost didn't find any. SERVICE and ENVIRONMENT: service was great as you order at the counter and sit down with your number. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Plenty of seating outside, not much space inside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It can get crowded during weekends forsure and line sometimes was out of the door.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Very beachy, wood, and white interior all the seating were clean and the condiments, complimentary water, and sauces were available.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] FOOD: lots of different options for seafood meals, you can do tacos, burritos, plates, they have fresh poki. Most things are going to run you $15-23$ sometimes more. The burrito's were ok not much flavor and wish there were more fish. Everything tasted normal, however, you HAVE to get the calamari fries. we tried them and then got another one. Perfectly seasoned, light breading and coat on the outside, and the rest is all seas food meat! The sauce with it was incredible. Best food here hands down! read more

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What I tried to submit this through their website, but the submit button doesn't work so they clearly aren't actually interested in my feedback... so here it is: Horrible. I came in at 745 and ordered clam chowder and 2 tacos. I checked in at 20 minutes and the blond that took my order sounded like she wanted to help me but a manager? with red/brown hair said "that's our wait time" and proceeded to talk to the blonde about her piercings. I inquired again at 25 minutes because my order wasn't on the screen. They asked the kitchen guys who had no idea about my order. By that point I asked to cancel my fish tacos order and might as well cancel the soup because it was now cold. No one tried to save the customer relationship. It was "void" and oh-- I can't print you a receipt. Now I have to monitor my credit card charges to see if it falls off because I have no evidence that the tip was refunded. Horrible customer service. read more

Wife and I got food poisoning from here. Ordered Mahi Tacos, tuna poke and grilled artichokes. When trying the poke the texture seemed off. Not to mention when we then go to the mahi, it smelled a bit stronger then what were used to. We go to the bear flag in Newport all the time, we were closer to this location and can here instead. The final straw was when the artichoke came, it was cold and not cooked. Heard a few people next to us complain as well. Bear flag is typically a good option for a meal but maybe not this location read more

Arrived on a Tuesday for the fish taco specials. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's been a long time and I noticed they expanded the dining area and the outdoor patio has been enlarged.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Tacos were yummy & healthy tasting as usual and [[HIGHLIGHT]]this place is great for people watching.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] There are car meet ups in the parking lot so you might catch some supercars and parking congestion. There's usually a line here but the line moves promptly and the entire staff is friendly and efficient. Definitely will be returning here again. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]What an incredible location. The ocean is right there.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The decor is amazing.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ocean breeze, the beautiful fish on display, the friendly helpers are all there to lure you in.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It is a fun place to have lunch.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The chowder arrived. We enjoyed it, but it tasted like they added too much flour. Okay, now comes our fish burritos. It is a cold flour tortilla, filled with plain white rice, cold beans, lettuce, fish and avocado. The taste was plain, meh. The fish was not seasoned at all. Not even salt. Why not season the fish? Add some cheese? Some pico? Some corn? Some pickled onions? Anything to add flavor? Chipolte has a much better burrito at half the price. All promise, but no substance. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Bear Flag is my favorite spot to go to, especially the PCH location since you can view the ocean from some of the tables.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food consistently tastes fresh, and the quality keeps me coming back. The only downside is the parking situation, it's almost always a challenge, especially during busy hours. My favorite order is the Bear Flag Burrito. The fish is always fresh and gets a nice sear, which adds great flavor and texture. I do wish they were a little more generous with the Cajun seasoning, though, as the fish could use a bit more spice and depth. The half-pound tuna poke is another staple for me. The tuna is consistently fresh and marinated with shoyu sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds, and scallions, creating a simple but delicious flavor that lets the quality of the fish shine. I always pair it with their chips, which are incredibly crunchy. That said, I feel like the chips changed about a year or two ago. They used to be thicker and sturdier, which made them perfect for scooping up poke. The current version still tastes good, but they seem to break more easily, and I definitely prefer the original chips. Overall, Bear Flag continues to deliver fresh seafood and satisfying meals. Despite the parking headaches and a few minor tweaks I'd love to see, it's still the best spot for poke and fish burritos/tacos in OC. read more

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Poke here is always fresh. Their seafood is some of the freshest you can find. The fish market sells fresh cuts of whatever is in season and never disappoints. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great location and atmosphere for some healthy fish.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The sides are customizable to fit any diet. Healthy and well portioned entrees, an easy pick. Staff is extremely friendly and the service is quick and reliable. read more

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One of my favorite places that compare to poke from Hawaii! I've been to 2 of their locations and quality is always consistent and unmatched. The menu is great and all the food is so fresh and flavorful. The staff are always so friendly and even give suggestions if asked. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a casual spot so there is seating indoors, in the patio and outdoors as well.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Their sushi is delicious and so is their clam chowder. It's a must if you're looking for fresh fish! read more

Bear Flag Fish - Build your own bowl - Seafood Markets Near Me - Newport Beach, California

We had a somewhat underwhelming experience. We tried a variety of items, including the salmon poke, tuna poke, guacamole, and the Bear Flag burrito. While everything was decent, nothing really stood out. The burrito was particularly disappointing, as it was mostly filled with rice and contained very little protein. Given the price, I was expecting a better balance of ingredients. On a positive note, the staff was friendly and attentive, and they did a great job keeping the dining area clean throughout our visit. Overall, it was a pleasant enough stop for brunch, but the food didn't quite live up to expectations. Also, be prepared for a wait, we spent about 30 minutes in line just to place our order. read more

Killer fish burritos and ceviche!! The poke is also a solid. Can get pretty packed but the food comes out quite swiftly once you've ordered. Would definitely return & recommend! read more

Bear Flag Fish - Seafood Markets Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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I stopped by yesterday at 8:29pm They close at 9:00pm The cashier Reese R. (Her name was on my receipt) was so kind and bubbly even though it was late in the evening, I ordered the New England clam chowder and one Bear Flag Taco To Go. My clam chowder was given to me quick. So I sat down and took a spoonful of the clam chowder while waiting for the Bear Flag Taco. Big mistake though ....I should've ordered 2 Bear Flag Tacos. I'll be back Bear Flag Fish. read more

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Love bear flag so much. This is actually the first location I've ever visited. Typically get the ceviche but have tried other items on the menu like the burrito! Such fresh fish. You can never get anything better anywhere else! read more

Bear Flag Fish - Interior - Seafood Markets Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Bearflags has always been my go to spot whenever I'm around the Crystal Cove for the last 10. I could say it wouldn't be a successful beach day without bearflags !! My go to order is always the bearflags burrito and either half a pound of salmon or tuna. This time I went with the tuna. Ahi Tuna Poke - it's not your traditional Hawaiian seasoned poke. But it sure is good. I think the seasoning goes perfectly with chips. The ahi tuna was nice and firm and paired will with the seasoning. Bearflags burrito - Was the star of the lunch! The burrito was filled with beans and rice and pico and avocados with their Tommy sauce. All in combination with the charred blackened flavor on the fish. My go to. I recommend getting their El Yucatera salsa from the counter to go with it ! read more

Bear Flag Fish - Ahi Tuna Loke, Bear flag taco, bear flag burrito - Seafood Markets Near Me - Newport Beach, California

We had an amazing experience at Bear Flag! The poke was fresh, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. We also ordered a Hugo Spritz and a margarita, and both were incredibly refreshing and paired perfectly with the food. One great tip: if bar seats are available, you can skip the line and grab a seat right away. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great food, great drinks, and a great atmosphere--we'll definitely be back![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Bear Flag Fish - Seafood Markets Near Me - Newport Beach, California

I eat at this Bear Flag a few times a month and the fish is always good. The poke is fresh, the entrees, tacos, veggies, burritos and chowder, are all very good. The line usually goes through the restaurant and out the door to the sidewalk! It's worth the wait for a good, casual meal in a nice location. read more

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Love this place. Busy as can be especially weekends and in general. Food is good including their bear flag taco and their rolls.! You can also get oysters, shrimp, and a bunch of other seafood items like poke, shrimp, fish and other seafood type goods! All good! The place does have ample seating but this place has become popular especially after their last remodel as this place serves their customer purposes well. Good location, good vibes and good food! Beware that parking can sometimes be challenging because it is a small plaza in general and there are other places to eat as well. We've been here when Chris, Dillon, Frank and now Jake has been great! Verdict is a yeaaas!! read more

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Bear Flag is always amazing. We stoped by after some shopping at Fashion Island with the family. There is usually a line but it moves pretty quick and it's worth the wait. During your wait, you can decide what kind of meal you are craving. They always have a good selection of fish available. We started with a grilled artichoke (5/5) - grilled perfectly with a nice garlic aioli for dipping. For my main, I had the ahi poke burrito (5/5) - poke tasted fresh and the burrito is huge - I took half home for lunch the next day. I also tasted the spicy poke bowl (3/5) - poke tasted fresh but it was just too spicy for me to enjoy. I like spicy poke and eat a bunch in Hawaii but this was too much for me. If you love spicy, then this is probably for you. We will absolutely continue to come back. read more

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Delicious fish and poke. I prefer the ahi poke over the salmon but both are good. Can't go wrong with any of the fish tacos/burritos either. I like the sea bass, yellowtail, opah, red snapper, wild salmon, ono, mahi mahi, etc. Don't be a fool and stand in line like everyone else. Order online and pick up your order in peace! A word to the wise.. you're welcome. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]I came in there were big fish decorations at the ceiling, it looked beautiful.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The inside area had tons of paintings and a big inside seating, but the outdoor seating is beautiful and right by these gated houses with beautiful houses[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food came out quick, service was good I only saw someone at the checkout table I got the salmon 1/4 lb for 17$ (1/2 was 21$, I wish I got that) and I got cucumber, soybeans, furikake, and crunchy chili garlic. I honestly didn't notice that they didn't give me crunchy chili garlic until I wrote this, which made me quite upset. The furikake seasoning was almost nothing, so I essentially only got cucumber and soybeans. The cucumber was okay not like a ton of sauce to go with them (I got Tommy sauce) so I'm not that happy with that, the soybeans were good. I got the crunchy chili garlic later, and it's pretty good. Update: I tried my friends bowl and it was so much better than mine. I am incredibly upset with how little flavor I got, as well as the size of my bowl (apart from the fish). Maybe it's the salmon, or what I chose, but get the tuna and make sure you get your stuff. The greens are quite good. This place is good, but my service and food experience was upsetting. I am giving it a 3, it could definitely be a 4 or 4.5. read more

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We've been coming here for years. But we haven't been back as often lately. However, recently, we have been and reminded us how we love this place. It was packed on a nice lovely Saturday afternoon. We were still full from our late lunch so we just had the La Bamba roll (one of our faves), a half a dozen fresh raw oysters (they have Kumiai at this time, which I like among others) and bear flag tacos. For drinks, I had my fave here, Smokey the Bear. Prices have gone up (for a while now) and we're sad. We used to order their hamachi hand roll a lot, but it has doubled in price. It was good and fresh, but we just think it's over priced. However, the ones we ordered, as usual are really good and fresh. Bear flag always just hits the spot! This is our fave Bear flag location! Across the ocean, along PCH. It is especially lovely on a nice sunny day. And service is always good! We still love this place a lot! Just wish they will reconsider adjusting the hand roll prices down. read more

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This place is priceless Yes you have to wait in line but it is worth it. Fresh seafood, amazing selection of seafood and sides. It's worth the short drive up the coast from Laguna! read more

Such a shame that the food does not match the aesthetic or vibes of this place at all. Staying in town for the weekend I thought I finally try Bear Flag since I always see how packed the place is. I went with a 1/2 pound poke bowl and a citrus roll, totaling about $40. This is some of the saddest representation of both sushi and poke I've ever seen. You can tell the majority of customers that dine here don't have a clue what they're eating. Starting with the citrus roll, it was so bland and boring and did not match the description at all. The menu reads "spicy crab, cucumber, avocado, gobo, topped with salmon and lemon slices and served with ponzu sauce." Well as my photos show there is spicy crab, avocado, and cucumber . . . it's topped with salmon . . . but where's the gobo? why is there one thick slice of lemon instead of thin slices on the sushi? And where is the ponzu? The salmon was chewy and bland, the rice was stiff and gummy, this was just sad. As for the poke bowl . . . how about some more edamame? The tuna was again just super cold, stiff to the bite, and just bland. I feel like it was just frozen improperly and or way too long. The sauce had no flavor, there was hardly any rice, and overall even the appearance was just disappointing. Not a place I would ever recommend or return to read more

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I had a disappointing experience at Bear Flag. My burrito took over 25 minutes, and while I understand it was busy, the line itself moved quickly and there wasn't any communication about there being a long wait for food. My friends ordered clam chowder bowls, which were served right away, and they were done eating before I even received my burrito. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I also noticed a dog on one of the outdoor dining tables directly outside the restaurant, which raised sanitation concerns.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Bear Flag later explained that those tables are public seating and not owned or controlled by them, those were their customers and it still impacts the overall guest experience since the area is right by the restaurant entrance.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I wonder if the health department would be ok with them ignoring their customers creating a health code violation. When I reached out, the response felt dismissive rather than helpful. They said 25 minutes is fairly standard because they're one of the busiest restaurants in Orange County. I would have appreciated more accountability and a more customer-focused response. The experience left a bad impression. read more

Bear Flag Fish - Seafood Markets Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Bear flag is always a great choice. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This location has a good amount of patio space that allowed us to bring the dogs.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] While pretty busy in a Saturday at lunch, food never takes to long. I always enjoy their fish plates. It's light and flavorful and the rice perfectly cooked. Their poke bowls are very fresh and loaded. read more

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Stopped by Bear Flag for Taco Tuesday, and was pleasantly surprised! the ambiance and decor were top notch, and I especially loved the paintings and the giant swordfish hanging from the ceiling. We opted for the Bear Flag special (panko crusted white fish) tacos and the Ahi tacos. Between the two, I would definitely recommend the Ahi over the bear flag tacos. The Ahi came in big chunks that were slightly seared, topped with lettuce and tomatoes. The bear flag tacos were very thin and had a strong fishy smell. Overall, it was a nice, light dinner. Service was great also, with staff coming around to drop off food and clear the table. There is plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors, and even though it was chilly outside, the heat lamps helped a bit. read more

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It was a last minute dinner plan to meet up with a couple of friends. One of them suggested the Bear Flag Fish and I was impressed. The fish in the coolers looked extremely fresh. So I had high hopes of the meal to come. I ordered the fish burrito and it was delicious. Had the right amount for freshness with the lemon wedge juice, the beans, rice and the grilled flavored fish. The chowder was pretty good too. The ambiance was very nice, too. Casual, comfortable, and not overly loud. The ocean inspired decor was a very fitting theme as well. The young lady behind the register was pleasant and helped when we asked questions. Although I think there may have been too many choices for her to give us a good recommendation. I would definitely go back again. Enjoy read more

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I didn't know that there was such a good poke spot in Newport Beach! Though it is a bit of a pain getting parking due to the limited spots, we were lucky and found a spot right outside of the restaurant. We got in line, and even with a bit of a wait we soon ordered our poke and we grabbed our numbers to try to find somewhere to sit. The one con about this place is that it is suuuper busy, so that it is also hard to find seating here, but we managed to grab a space on the bar-looking tables that were outdoors. By the time we ordered, which was a bit after noon, some of the poke that we had wanted to try was sold out, so we ended up getting the spicy salmon and the ahi, both of which were super fresh tasting and I think was worth the wait. read more

Bear Flag Fish - Salmon Poke + Coronas - Seafood Markets Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Food was great but kitchen items take a while when they're busy. Calamari fries were tasty Burrito was kind of bland but it's better with the side sauces. Pole and tuna poke were amazing. Clam chowder was good as well. Staff is very friendly read more

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People have raved about this place. I thought it was just okay. You walk in, there is often times a line. There is a menu on the board, but it's a little hard to get all the details. You order at a counter, and that takes up a lot of time. If you order soups and sides, the cashier gets it's all for you right then. But you are not given a tray or anything to take it to your table with. So you end up having to do multiple trips, and walk back in front of the next person ordering. It's a poorly run system. The cashiers are young and not super helpful with any questions. There is a bar, but you have to order separately. The food? I have high expectations. The clam chowder was fishy. Possibly from using canned clams? Not sure. The chips with the poke are essentially unsalted and flavorless. The poke was good. Just good. 4.5/10 We got the fish taco for taco Tuesday and a fish burrito. Again, but they good, but I have had way better at a place that doesn't specialize in fish. This is a good casual spot to bring family. It's a little awkward to meet for a date for bring friends. It's hard to find a table sometimes. It's a little chaotic inside. This restaurant needs to figure out if it's a regular old casual walk up and order kind of place or if it's a step above. It kinda rides the line. I've been to other places that have this same concept that excelled. We will try again. I'm into second chances. read more

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Came here on a Monday and it was still pretty lively for a weekday, which is always a good sign. The plaza has parking available if they know you're coming to Bear Flag, which makes things convenient. I ordered a pound of salmon and half a pound of ahi. I usually prefer salmon over tuna, but this time I was really impressed by the ahi poke -- super fresh, clean, and flavorful. The salmon was solid as always, but the ahi definitely surprised me in a good way. We also got sides of seaweed salad and guac, and they were generous with the complimentary chips, which was a nice bonus. Overall, a great spot for fresh poke with good portions and a lively atmosphere. read more

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Bear Flag Fish Co. is a chain seafood restaurant offering tacos, burritos, sandwiches, and sushi. They use locally-caught fish at their three locations in Newport Peninsula, Crystal Cove, and Huntington Beach. This location is at the Crystal Cove Shopping Center along PCH. We ordered a pound each of the ahi poke and the salmon poke along with a couple sides of rice. They also provided a whole bag of chips to eat with the poke. Both were fresh and soft but I preferred the flavor of the ahi more. My only gripe is that they had big chunks of green onions and I would've preferred either smaller slices or thinly-sliced onions. This is a good spot to grab some lunch and bring to the beach for a nice picnic, especially with the tons of beach and coastline in the area. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Very fresh fish and gorgeous views of crystal cove![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Parking is quite limited and the line to order can get crowded during peak lunch hours on weekends, but there is usually available seating[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] and their poke + bear flag burritos are amazing! This is a great option for healthy, clean, and sustainable seafood with high quality ingredients and generous portions. read more

Bear Flag Fish - 1/2 lb ahi tuna poke - Seafood Markets Near Me - Newport Beach, California

I was visiting California last weekend and found this while looking for affordable seafood. It did not disappoint. I started with cioppino which was very good although it had carrots and zucchini and the carrots were a little undercooked. It also could have been spicier. It was served with a few slices of bread that was meh. I like a crunchy crust bread with soup. For my entree I had the small seafood plate which was a choice of 1/3 lb of fish and 2 sides. For what it was it was very good. Not the best seafood I've had but given the price I very much enjoyed it. I'll definitely be going back at some point when we make it out there again. read more

Bear Flag Fish - Small fish plate - Seafood Markets Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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I can't believe I haven't reviewed Bear Flag Fish. Food is consistently delicious. Great quality fish. Service is fast: stand in line, order, and they deliver to your table. Ambiance: casual. read more

Bear Flag Fish - Seafood Markets Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]nice place and you can see the beach closed to this restaurant.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]ambiance is great[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] and the cashier ( forgot to ask his name ) is so nice and explains throughly. order in person and pay and they will deliver some of your orders to your table. good taste for poke and tacos ~ fishes are so fresh which is good!!! just a bit comment for guacamole: may be make a bit stronger taste by adding more cilantro, jalapeños, red onions, and lime... read more

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Best for your Bucks$$! Fresh food, fresh seafood whatever seafood you want or even clam chowder the best! Service is fast, food delivery is fast too and just the freshness on every bite with great view of ocean and breeze... very well lit! Just awesome . Well done guys! read more

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It was good but not wait-in-line-for-an-eternity good. Love that they serve it with chips! Took it down to crystal cove and had it while enjoying the ocean view on a hot day. read more

Bear Flag Fish - Seafood Markets Near Me - Newport Beach, California

This place is good if you ONLY order premade sushi or poke. I can't really wrap my head around the model here...you wait 20-30 minutes to order. Service is slow and not notably friendly. After you wait this long to order...you sit and wait for your food. I ordered a shrimp burrito and it took about 40 minutes to get to the table (this is not an over exaggeration, by the way). After reading the reviews, this seems to be a common issue. [[HIGHLIGHT]]So you are about an hour to 1.5 hours of a wait deep to sit in a crowded restaurant and eat in pretty much a takeout setting (serve yourself water, etc.)[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I was soooooo close to walking out. My burrito was ok (NOT worth the wait). Only got a second star because I've ordered poke here before with no issues. Y'all seriously need to do better though, as I personally will not be back unless I feel like wasting another hour or so of my time. For the wait and the price, I could have just gone to a sit down restaurant and probably have been out faster too. read more

Bear Flag Fish - Seafood Markets Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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I was really excited to try this place. The aesthetics and even the hype my sister gave me clue that it should be worth trying! The service first of all was not friendly at all. The guy we ordered with didn't put the order in correctly and was constantly giving a hostile attitude. I still didn't give it too much thought since people could just be having a bad day! However, getting the food I got it was salmon burrito with extra sauce, salmon poke with chips, chips and guacamole, and a poke bowl. The bowl is a 7.5/10 the quality of the fish isn't soft enough and cut too large, there also isn't enough seasoning in the bowl. The toppings are very bizarre especially beans inside a bowl. They need to have better and fresher toppings. I The salmon poke bowl was a 2/10 The salmon poke bowl was awful, the fish was smelly, cut way too large, very chewy, and isn't seasoned well. Very disappointed in the quality of it. I tried eating a lot of it but it gave me the I k to even try anything else. The burrito wasn't anything special I give it a 7/10. Honestly, they just mask the quality of fish with the sauce and the rice. It was okay but not sensational. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Honestly the area is just nice and it's disappointing because I would think being so close to the ocean would require better results and fresher fish.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Don't come here if you want to be disappointed. If you're okay with long lines, bad service, and disappointing food. Then you can come give it a try. read more

Bear Flag Fish - Salmon poke burrito - Seafood Markets Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Went in with strong recommendations to try the poke burrito and could not have been happier! Salmon quality was amazing! Burrito was high quality all around - avocado was ripe, rice was well cooked, lettuce was fresh, and Tommy's sauce was light and the perfect touch. Restaurant itself is beautiful. Amazing natural light coming in the massive glass walls. Perfect temperature with many open segments allowing ocean breeze and smell to aerate the dining area. Great service. Saw some complaints about the wait times. We went during lunch rush and were greeted with a quick moving line and fast service. Great experience all around, will be returning frequently. read more

Bear Flag Fish - Poke Burrito - Seafood Markets Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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