tasted like the food was from the grocery store freezer section. ambiance and location are nice though read more

Café Waterfront - fish and chips - Seafood Near Me - Eureka, California

I tried this restaurant recently ago, and was impressed with almost every aspect of the entire experience. Let's start off with the vibes. They are very good vibes and I enjoy being in this restaurant, it makes me feel at home. I was surprised at the quick service and such delicious food! They have a full bar as well, which is great for a girls night out. I will definitely be returning! Our waitress, Ava, was so kind and generous. She even gave me extra ranch without an extra charge! I will be bringing my family here to celebrate our next birthday. read more

The service is great and the food is okay, but their cooks really need to understand that putting salt and pepper onto food before you cook it brings out the flavor. I had a hamburger which was just absolutely bland, and yes I did add salt and pepper, but it's too late to bring out the flavor when it's been cooked. Noting other reviews of blandness, I would say this is the restaurant's problem - lack of seasoning in the cooking. I want this place to succeed, but I believe this is the difference from the prior ownership. read more

The service was great. They were very attentive and friendly. The food was okay. We had the ribeye which was cooked perfectly medium well. The clam chowder did not taste home made. The salad was okay. The grilled snapper was under seasoned and the vegetables were very plain steamed vegetables and baked potatoes came with no butter, sour cream or anything. The oysters did taste fresh, we had both raw and grilled and both were delicious. read more

Food was great, everything was delicious, service was fast, friendly, good service, ambiance was nice, live music was nice. My family loved it, especially my grandsons. read more

Looking for a place to have some clam chowder and stumbled across this cafe. Asked if their chowder was good and she said it was. Found it was not good but in fact excellent. Actual pieces of clam instead of more potato chowder than clam you get in some places. Great service but it was not rush hour so not unexpected. Got side of bread with meal for $3 and rather than let our party of 2 each get a bread side server recommended just one which worked out perfect. She even offered to bring us extra but it was not necessary. I appreciate honest service. read more

Delicious oysters, warm bread, and they served us before the kitchen was open. Amazing building with incredible decor, beautiful place to take my girlfriend who was visiting. read more

Café Waterfront - Seafood Near Me - Eureka, California

Super cute and the service was great. However, they call themselves an oyster bar but they couldn't complete our order because they didn't have enough oysters in house. When we got our incomplete order, I had to add SALT to the broiled oysters because they had absolutely no flavor. Such a disappointment. But like I said, I loved the atmosphere. I just expected more flavor for the expensive price tag. read more

We wanted to try some of the dining in the downtown area and stopped by. We were seated upon entering the restaurant as the space was not full. Unfortunately, it took 15-20 minutes for a waiter to pass by our table and ask us for our order. The servers did not seem in the best of moods. We left and did not want to order food as we felt very uncomfortable. read more

Cafe Waterfront has been my parents' favorite place for decades. It is just as charming as could be, with wonderful staff, gorgeous art, a great location, excellent drinks and nice food. It is a classic and classy (but casual) place with so much history, and lots of people are regulars here. The seafood is fresh and delicious, but if you don't want seafood, they have something for everyone. I highly recommend coming here for a special experience! read more

Consistent quality. Consistent service, Consistent food quality. Prices are average. Fish is excellent. We've never had less than excellent service. We live in Central California, so when we're in Eureka this specific restaurant is a destination for lunch. The food is just really good---without fail. The servers/host/hostess are friendly, helpful, and don't squeak when they talk (sorry girls, can't stand high pitched voices.) I recommend this restaurant. read more

Located on the waterfront in "Historic Old Town Eureka" at 102 F Street and 1st St a corner store. Beautiful brick architecture which blends in with the "Old Town" feel of this district. There was both bar seating, round tables to sit around six people, and square tables to sit up to four. Despite being more dimly lit when we arrived for supper, the large windows facing the waterfront supplied ample light. The place was pretty packed but fortunate we were accommodated with a table in short order. We ordered the the following: - Baked Brie appetizer - Dinner Salad with a vinaigrette dressing - Fish and Chips with a side Chili soup. Everything was very sumptuous and satisfying. I admit that my Fish and Chips were the best I have tasted in a long while. A crisp coating on the fish, which was freshly made and flaky. The Baked Brie is melted and gooey in the best way Brie can be. There were apple slices, a sweet honey sauce on one side and a chili sauce on the opposite side of the dish, offering a nice choice of sweet and savory. Because the room was packed, the noise level was a bit louder than I preferred but I can attribute the animation of the patrons to the events of graduation tomorrow. I was so glad we found this restaurant when our first choice fumbled our walk-in business. I would definitely patronize this restaurant again. Support your local businesses. read more

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First night in Eureka we tried this place. Cute restaurant. Staff was nice but oh goodness... the food. The food was terrible. Most of it was entirely inedible. The clams were so chewy you couldn't even get them down. The clam chowder was so terrible, not even sure what it was but when my husband can't stomach clam chowder something is desperately wrong. The salad was warm and soggy and covered in an old bay paprika like powder. The 35$ Scampi was literally like old frozen shrimp microwaved in butter. The bread and beer was about we enjoyed. Could be a great place but it definitely needs Gordon Ramsey... read more

We stumbled upon this place by accident after the restaurant we had set out for was by reservation only. We headed towards the water with our appetites hoping to find something delicious and we found that for sure! Tucked away on the waterfront. Dawning large glass windows overlooking docked yachts. Crown molding, old stamped wall paper, dark wood, rich carpets. This place was very clean, especially for the tight quarters... We ordered the baked Brie appetizer with fresh bread, honey, chili flakes, and sliced apples. (Not pictured). It was absolutely delicious and the perfect way to start our meal! My mother ordered the prawns and chips. Very meaty prawns. Breaded perfectly. I had the seafood linguine...absolutely perfect down to the seer on my scallops...soooo good! I would surely return and leave happy!! read more

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Good food! Loved the coconut prawns. It is limited seating so be prepared. Definitely not a big group situation. Fun for a date. Good drinks and cool space. Easy parking. read more

Waterfront used to be a great restaurant but ... not anymore. My sister and I had lunch there, both of us ordering a French dip. how can you go wrong? it was the worst FD I've ever had, the bread was a cross between pillsbury and wonder bread formed into a croissant like roll and the worst part was the low quality beef lunch meat they used for the beef. The dip (ajus) was watered down beef broth. completely un edible. I will never go there again. read more

This was my first time here and I have to say staff was amazing and food was delicious. We had the halibut and oysters on the half shell. They bring all the sauces you need with the meal. I highly recommend this place if you visit Eureka. read more

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This is an historic building. There is a lot to see here with the great renovation. Really nice. The service was pleasant and attentive. The food was hit and miss. Not cheap either. My wife and I choose halibut specials. Very well prepared and fresh. The sides were not. The menu said rice pilaf, but we were served dry long grain wild brown rice. Oysters are fresh, but there is a big difference in taste between the coasts with these. The shrimp was loaded with garlic. My real rating was a 3.5, but the servers deserved extra credit for being so pleasant. read more

I have enjoyed this establishment for almost 15 years now and was so pleased to return to it on a recent visit. I've been away since before covid and couldn't be more pleased to find it as remembered. Staff and quality were top shelf!! The standards on the menu & the specials were superb. We were a party of 6, so we had it all. Appetizers and entrees and dessert with coffee. A fantastic and marvelous evening with friends at the finest in Old Town. read more

Not the worst food, but not impressive at all. My clam chowder was watery and might as well have come out of a can. Stuffed avocado salad was just iceberg lettuce with a few slices of avocado. Husband had the tuna on an English muffin with melted cheese. Looked like something I could've made at home, small portion and nothing special for the price. Skip this place, there's far better. read more

As a resident of this area for 15 years, I brought my dad who was visiting from out of state to old town for his favorite fish, halibut. Service was great, and the view of the bay was really top notch. The reason why I am only giving 3 stars is because the basic, bland, half-assed kitchen performance. I ordered the Halibut special along with my dad, and when it came out he had the top fillet and it was the head of the fillet, not the tail. As was expected. I was served the belly fillet, tail end. If I pay over $35 for a Halibut special, I expect the prime cut. I do not expect the belly side & tail end half of the whole fillet. Which is the part you're supposed to use for fish cakes. Boo! Also, try putting some seasoning on the fish next time. Amateur hour. read more

Come here on a Sunday morning, the way it was around 20 minutes. They took your name down and Will call you. The waitresses are very nice and polite. They provide you all the sauce you need before you even need to ask. The famous Humboldt Bay oyster here it's so fresh and delicious. Also ordered a chicken fried steak and prawn omelette. Everything was super delicious. Highly recommend read more

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Service and ambience was good. I've eaten there many times. We paid $61 for lunch plus tip on a mediocre at best lunch. I got a turkey sandwich with a few fries. The bread tasted stale and fell apart. There was barely anything in the sandwich. The other person had a crab sandwich (they said it was good) and a bowl of clam chowder. She said the chowder wasn't that good. So, for $61 we both left unsatisfied. I'm not sure if I'll be back. It's been bad for awhile. read more

Ordered Shirley Temple drink and was flat. Waitress said carbonation was not working and has not been working for some time. They served a flat drink and said nothing until brought to their attention. Given another flat drink and when asked for a straw another waitress came with an unwrapped straw and placed it in my soda with her fingers. Was not a good experience. read more

Well-located in the heart of Old Eureka. My partner and I were seated at the window toward the water instantly and our service and food came out in no time. We both opted for specials. My tuna melt also had green chilies which worked surprisingly well. Luckily I could steal my partner's pickles to freshen up the rich sandwich. His BBQ burger was pretty good though the steak fries could have been crisper. My side of fruit had fresh strawberry, grapes, and a slice of pineapple, watermelon, cantaloupe, and orange. This beautiful and fresh fruit side is the reason this review is solidly 4 stars. read more

Fantastic dinner! Its hard for me to eat out as I love to cook and when I go out, the cost is such that it better be as good as I can make myself. What a treat the Cafe Waterfront was. To start the salad that came with dinner was actually prepared lettuce and greens that were ice cold and crisp, not just a warm bag mix, the carrots were real hand shredded carrots, and the homemade blue cheese dressing was delicious and mild with the blue cheese as the standout flavor and, not sour like bottled dressings. The bread served at the table was warm sourdough with a sundried tomato and basil herb butter that was so flavorful! I had the grilled oysters which were so fresh and perfectly cooked. The side veggies were also hand prepared and a great variety! The homemade cocktail and tartar sauces were also delicious. Hubby had the nightly special of halibut fish and chips that were hand beer battered and perfectly fried. He was in heaven. The portion was generously sized. He had the clam chowder soup that was just like he prefers it, thick and flavorful. He also had the Blueberry cider and that was also delicious. Great job everyone! The food was obviously lovenly prepared, the ambiance was great in a beautiful building, the waitstaff was friendly and fast. We left so happy we came. read more

In spite of the negative reviews, we decided to try this restaurant. And it did not disappoint! The service was excellent. The food was excellent. The ambience was quaint and cultural to the area. We started with Bloody Mary's! Hubby really enjoyed the Chicken Fried Chicken and said the chicken was cooked to perfection! I had the Seafood Scramble which I thoroughly enjoyed! Don't pass this place up read more

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Okay food, expensive prices, the manager is ridiculous. We had a party of 8, and they were accommodating at first (it's a small space and they pulled two tables together to seat us), but when the bill came we were told "one table one bill" out of the blue. I went to talk to the manager because it's just crazy to expect one person to cover all 8 people, and he took the check (after getting upset with me) and it seemed like he was going to split the bill for us. Then he came back and said he couldn't because he didn't know who ordered what. That leaves us too figure out the shorthand, divide this up later and have 7 people to the one guy who covered the bill. He says we were told before we were seated that this was the case, but he's the guy who seated us, and never mentioned it. The waitress was very nice, but she never mentioned this either. On trip of that, the "Monday Special" was meatloaf for $25. The other "specials" were $35. Not with the money or the headache. read more

Café Waterfront - Cafe Waterfront - Seafood Near Me - Eureka, California

Mediocre at best. Used to love this place but no personality in the wait-staff, and the food was disappointing this trip.

This is a nice little local spot down by the waterfront in Eureka. The venue is a old Victorian and the decor matches that. Reads casual with some nods to the Victorian building. Not hip, local casual. We were there at high noon on a Friday and the place was full of tourists with some locals. Initial service was not fast but the food came out quickly in the end. This is clearly a fish place and they know how to execute. We tried the halibut and chips and crab sandwich off the extensive special board. The halibut was stellar, impeccably fresh and not dry. The crab sandwich was a solid B; my fault as it is not crab season. read more

Café Waterfront - The spot - Seafood Near Me - Eureka, California

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I'm sure they're trying their best with the uncertainty, but you can just tell their staff-- who have good intentions- are overworked, a bit disorganized and not in a space where they should be offering full service. The place was a bit dirty, service took a really, really long time, and the consensus I get is that everyone's just very tired. Hopefully management either gives folks a break with a reaet, or limits seating to ensure better service. read more

Enjoyable dinner with yummy sourdough bread and homemade butter, clam chowder, halibut cakes, seafood combo and sauteed scallops. Our server was great checking in on us and replenishing whenever needed. They offer menu specials and options for non seafood folks. read more

Café Waterfront - Seafood Near Me - Eureka, California

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The food and service were awful! I ordered grilled oysters (lunch menu). Oysters weren't even grilled, breading or whatever it was mushy, waiter didn't bring bread with it and salad was a joke with a slice of cucumber. My son and husband had burgers, just plain, it was ok but fries that was served with it was as they ran out... Waiter hardly spoke to us, never checked on us...had to flag down for another drink and to get a check. It wasn't that busy. Atmosphere is very nice, that's pretty much it. read more

Interior: Very nice, spacious, vintage, classy. Food: Good Service: Good Music: Thankfully, there was a live jazz duo that started at around 11 a.m., but prior to that, awful generic oppressive "pop" music. Why not some classic jazz or rhythm and blues? read more

Food is not good! Halibut cakes were mostly breadcrumbs and not cooked through! Kids had a chicken burger that was like rubber. Seafood is mid at best. Service was ok. Not worth $200 for 2 kids and 2 adults. Location was ok , across from bay but no view except for a couple tables. Really surprised people have higher ratings for this place. Much better places in Eureka to eat. read more

My favorite place to eat when visiting family in Eureka. Quaint restaurant in Old Town. Great staff-yummy food. Favorites are the clam strips, chowder, and fish and chips. Don't sleep on the Bloody Marys. You won't be dissapointed. read more

Downtown Eureka is a treasure trove of Victorian buildings, which gives the city tremendous charm! The Café Waterfront is a great local place with many seafood options, befitting a place on the Pacific Ocean. I ordered the fresh crab omelet, that includes mushrooms and cheddar cheese. My husband ordered the oyster omelette. Both were very good and quite filling. Coffee is very good. Service is friendly and efficient. A very nice place to start the day! read more

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Always solid, always great! Thank you Henry, Ben, Mariah, Molly and family for helping me through these pandemic weekends with respect, grace, and great food! Hey John is back now too! Great to see you all! This is a place that brings me back. Back to a place where everybody knows my name, a "cheers" if you will. The food is on point, the service is always great, and its always consistent. I love to sit at the bar and just pass the time with some simple conversation over plates of my favorites, listening to smooth jazz and reflecting on the times with my comrades. Henry has welcomed me here for years, and Ben just the same, but during the pandemic I feel they've gone the extra mile. Not only to stay open and survive, but in a way to commune with all of us and help us survive as well. The way they interact is professional, courteous, friendly, and reflective of any of the great establishments I've been in in many big cities. And all this right here in greasy old eureka. Not to mention their bloody, best in town... their fresh steamers cannot be matched across the entire county! Fresh fish everyday, full bar, and8 specials for dinner. Dont miss brunch on Sundays, Crab Benedicts and that darn Coffee Cake... delish! There is a reason the original menu is intact after 40+ years. Family owned, Humble, and Genuine. All of which is extremely rare here. And I miss Joe. I can only hope to see him again soon! You guys are forever in my family's hearts! Cheers guys! read more

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Our go to spot for Sunday brunch when we are in Arcara/Eureka. Great location with nice view of the water. Pretty good food with ample servings. Friendly service and the best music duo. Such a relaxing way to spend a Sunday morning. read more

Very good. Great service. Ordered off the special menu. It was delicious. Beautiful atmosphere. Very relaxing. I enjoyed my lunch with a friend read more