Quinn's Lighthouse is a landmark in more ways than one. It's been a routine stop for so long that I seldom give it a second thought. It's a regular "let's stop and have a drink after work" or "it's late let's have some dinner." To be honest, I can't even remember what I had to eat there but I've never had any problems with the food or service so I'll give it a four for that. I do remember the finger food was pretty good as was the beer. It has a good selection of sandwiches, soup and the like. It also gets a four because, as other people have mentioned, you can throw peanut shells on the floor. It's got a nice view so it gets bumped up for that as well. I wouldn't necessarily say that you should drive across town or make a special trip but if you're in Alameda or Embarcadero, want to avoid the overpriced hype of Jack London Square and like munching on peanuts and throwing the empty shells all over the floor -- stop on by. read more

Cute little place, good food, very quite. 3.5 out 5 bloody mary. All and all pretty good. Maybe more expensive then what I'd like to pay for. read more

Came here to celebrate a friend's birthday and learned about this seafood restaurant tucked away in a quiet marina in Oakland. The restaurant was cozy and had a nice view of the marina. Our host James was so hospitable. I loved the clam chowder and pasta balboa. Will definitely be coming back again! read more

love this place. Downstairs nice restaurant, upstairs... toss some peanut shells on the floor. Two of the most attentive waiters i have ever had at any restaurant. They also have Billy Bones (pirate band) every Thursday night at 7:30pm. The food isn't 5 star, but most Pub's aren't. Not sure what the other people were expecting from it? They serve Neiman Ranch meat, stiff drinks, and the parking is free and easy to locate. Great view as well. Do your self a favor and check this place out. read more

Stick a mini mussel fork in me. I'm SO done with this place. I was totally game for a lazy lunch at Quinn's on a Saturday (yeah, Sunday brunch is way better, but I figured it would be fun, tasty...) So we sat upstairs but inside--the weather was a little cool. The waitress was quite nice, but service was a little slow. Like I said, though, I was game. I ordered the "Fish and Chips" thinking "Sure, that sounds good. A few fried bits of cod, some fries..." The boyfriend ordered the Open-Faced Salmon Sandwich. Soooo what I got was a slab of cod. Not exactly what I was thinking. I was desperately hoping for a few pieces rather than the whole fish. It wasn't necessarily that I couldn't cut it up, but when it's cut up it sort of falls apart. It wasn't terribly delicious either. The Salmon Sandwich was even more bizarre. There was a slice of white bread with LESS THAN 2 OUNCES of fish on top, a leaf of lettuce, and (I kid you not) FOUR other slices (cut diagonally) of white bread on the plate...??? It wasn't delicious, and this leisurely lunch set us back around $50. Where do these people come off?!? Just because you have a view doesn't authorize you to commit highway robbery and serve crappy food. :/ We left really disappointed. read more

I've been to this place several times and I'm finally writing a review for it. I love this place! I love the service, the food and everything else about it! read more

Came in here on Monday and sat at a table in the bar upstairs with my family. We were just coming in for some drinks before heading out of town. Sat at the table with not a glance from an employee for almost 10 minutes. My dad finally went up to the bar to order our drinks. We were sitting next to one of the registers for the servers and finally after about 15 minutes someone walks by to enter in someone else's order and mentions she'll be with us in a little bit. We had to let her know we took care of ourselves. There were plenty of open tables in the bar area, so I'm not sure what the hold up was. Kind of disappointing because we were really excited to come in and reminisce with my mom since she used to work there a good 30 years ago. If we had actually wanted to order food, we probably would have walked out at that point. Living out of town I'm not sure this place will be on my list to visit when I am back in town. read more

The atmosphere here was nice, on the upper deck, very relaxed, sports on TVs & a bar. The lower deck is a little more reserved and tended to I assumed from looks. They have outdoor seating that is not available for reservations, but if you can find a spot outside the view is awesome. I ordered the house chowder for start, it was alright, but it had a tomatoey base that I wasn't super fond of. I also ordered the shrimp pesto and added scallops. The scallops & pesto sauce were very good, but there was absolutely way too much pasta and the shrimp were baby shrimp, if I would have known that I would have requested regular shrimp & for the price I think regular size shrimps are only right. My brother ordered a clam & oyster stew that he enjoyed & some calamari that we shared. The calamari had the perfect breading and was not over cooked or chewy. The service was so so, especially since there wasn't a crowd, but maybe that's because we were on the upper deck. I also was taken back by the peanut shell display, but did eventually partake in the peanut tradition. read more

Woop, eat peanuts, leave on the floor - just like home! I've never had the honor of eating downstairs, but the lighthouse/bar food is great - not too greasy, menu isn't only American classics, open on holidays. read more

i like this place. the food is decent and the taps are ok. what brings me back are the peanuts, non pretentious crowd and the relaxed atmosphere. the place is a little out of the way, but a great spot to catch up with friends. read more

absolute charm! my boyfriend of eight years took me to Quinn's on surprise dinner date and he rarely ever surprises me... so when he took me to Quinn's I was very impressed, not only with my boyfriend surprising me but with his choice of resturant! We sat in the dinning room, as the upstairs bar was packed. but, I was more pleased with the dinning area because it was nice and quiet. I fell in love with the decorative theme in Quinn's! All the little model ships and schooners were awesome to look at! We enjoyed a late dinner that night and it was long after sunset but the the view was still a delight... I can only imagine its beauty in the daytime or at sunset! Quinn's has a great beer selection, but we kept it simple and had a pitcher of PBR! For dinner i had the Quinn's (huge) cheeseburger (wasnt feeling like seafood that night) my burger was cooked perfectly and it was delish!!!!! Our server was very pleasant, she was calm and easy going! Over all it was a great night at a great place! read more

A wonderful place not only for food, but a great hangout with my friends. The food was great, the staff were friendly and wonder, and free refills for sodas. A great place almost near Oakland. Only thing was peanut shells on the floor, but I probably contributed to it though. Will come back there again. read more

We just had lunch here today. We originally picked this place for the patio and the view. Unfortunately it was one of those rare occasions that it was 95 degrees in Oakland. So we opted to sit inside on the bottom floor. Seemed pretty hot on the top floor. We were greeted by Brady (hoping I got his name right) who was so funny, nice and welcoming. Really sets the tone when that's the first thing you encounter. Had a fab seat by the window. Our waiter was an older gentleman who was super nice and kept things rolling for us. We were there on a staycation day and brought my dad who's all about wine and a view. This didn't disappoint. We all really enjoyed what we ordered-salmon, Korean steak sandwich and fish and chips. No complaints on anything. FYI...the 3 cheese app bread is the bomb! Had a really nice relaxing lunch. No one wanted dessert. But knowing the boys, I ordered the chocolate cake and cheesecake to go. Glad I did. Only home a few hours and dessert is gone and i'm told it rocked. But the really nice 'icing on the cake' sorta touch, was as we were leaving. My dad asked Brady (really hope I got his name right) a question about the restaurant, and instead of just answering the question, he walked my dad over to a wall of pictures that gave a nice chronological history, and walked my dad through each pic. He really enjoyed that. And who takes the time to do that in this day and age at a restaurant? We will DEFINITELY be back here again and again. Thanks for a great staycation day!! read more

This is my father's favorite restaurant, and it has been mine since the day he introduced it to me. It is a beautiful building on the water surrounded by the perfect environment to highlight Quinn's menu. The restaurant is put together with 2 levels, a pub scene up top and a classier environment down low. Though, I can't say much for the downstairs area because I've never been there. Upstairs is a fisherman's kind of place: hundreds of posters, signs, flags, and trinkets line the walls and ceilings, and peanut shells line the floor. The menu consists of a ton of glorious seafood, pub food, and American food options and each taste as good as the last. The bar menu is just as fruitful with many craft, import, and domestic beers to choose from, and something heavier if you're in the mood. I'm in the military so I tell people all across the states, if you're near Oakland then this is the place to stop. Fantastic. read more

This place is amazing! We have been there before but, this last Saturday we had a group event. Mr Sung and his staff are so helpful. Even after we had some accounting errors they were so polite and quick to make adjustments. We would recommend coming here for a large group. We celebrated our 1-year anniversary and they made our event special and a cherished memory. Plus the food was greatly appreciated from everyone one that came. We will be back. Thanks Quinn's you are a Light-saver. read more

If you haven't tried Quinn's since it's been under new ownership, you're missing out. We like to find places that have outside dining and if it's by the water all the better. Quinn's offers both indoor and outdoor dining with the choice of casual dining(upstairs) or more formal dining(downstairs) We usually eat upstairs, outside overlooking the water. While you're waiting you can munch on the in-shell peanuts and contribute to the shells already on the floor. We are disappointed when they're done a sweep and the floors are bare. Now to the food, it's so much better! I ordered the fish and chips and was amazed by the difference, it was actually fresh and not frozen and such a large portion. Our favorite dishes include the signature appetitzer, the cod burger or cod plate, the chipino and the panini sandwiches. If you dine upstairs be sure to ask for James, he's awesome, always has a smile-turns a gloomy day into a sunny day! read more

If it's a nice day and you want to enjoy the deck overlooking the Oakland Estuary this is a good place to do it. The service is friendly and reasonably attentive. The food is only OK, so if you don't get the benefit of a sunny day on the deck it's not worth going. read more

This is one of the "you won't believe you're in Oakland" spots. Very nice view of the small harbor. Nice off the beaten path spot to go. As for the food, I find their seafood to be better than some of the fried food they have. The Dinky Doo Seafood Stew is a favorite of mine. read more

The clam chowder and lobster chowder are delicious.The rest of the food is decent. The service upstairs is terrible. I feel like we are always chasing someone down to order our food. I hate being ignored for 15 minutes after we are seated. The service downstairs is fantastic and keeps us coming back! read more

Best to order seafood not pasta. Seafood stew was hot, fresh and spicy enough to give it a kick without overwhelming the seafood.

I had the ribeye with gorgonzola, asparagus and roasted potatos. The steak was really good. I woke up the next day wanting another one. Quinns has 2 stories with a bar at the top. The first level is a very dim setting. The 2nd floor is bright and more lively so you can choose how you like it. It also has a small outdoor patio where you can sit and eat. read more

I decided to take my wife to Quinn's from Oakland Airport after returning from a tiresome trip. The building is quaint, a lovely location and easy parking. The host was pleasant but abrupt. He took us to our table but we couldn't follow him as a family was leaving as we were walking in. He wasn't paying attention and just grabbed the menus and started walking. We made it to the table, the view was nice, cute decor, lots of wood. The waiter told us the soup of the day was Chicken Enchilada soup. When we asked him to describe it, he said he didn't know, all he knows is there is cheese in top! We ordered and found that what we got was close to the menu description but not what was described. When ordering, the two of use share, so basically we order a large meal for one. We had their "signature" appetizer, "Tomatoes with pesto vinaigrette topped with Bay Shrimp". What we got was more of an antipasto. A few pieces of lettuce and two thick slices of tomato, a little vinaigrette and then topped with shrimp and langoustine. There was also a pile of olives, a hard boiled egg and marinated artichoke hearts. It was not a usual tomato salad. That actually happened to be quite tasty. We order a cup of the soup which arrived with the entree, not as a separate course. It was basically tortilla soup without al the goodies and a couple of small strips of tortillas and some overcooked chicken. We didn't finish the soup. The main course was called Boogaloo Jumping Prawns. "Prawns sautéed in garlic, wine and sides, flavored with smoked sausage and topped with corn salsa.". Well, the "prawns" were tiny, the same as the bay shrimp from the appetizer there was maybe 5 of them and about twice as much sausage as shrimp. The corn salsa was not really visible, I saw a couple of corn kernels only. Should have been described as a sausage and shrimp dish, not at all what we expected and tasted like a sausage dish. In all fairness, the rice was very good but the entree itself was mediocre. Overall, I would only go for the fun and location, not for the food. read more

Linda Quinn's many times the service is fantastic the gentleman is always happy joking and its great with all his customers from what I have seen and how he treats us the food is very well prepared good fortunes I had the jambalaya and it was very good my friends had fish and chips and thought they were absolutely fantastic we made our reservations online when we got there they had our table ready we asked for a window and had everything in order there was only one little glitch and our server or maybe got it corrected absolutely quick and things went well the management team should come in this later for a job well done if you have never been there I recommend that you give it a try is very subtle quiet and nice the atmospheres fantastic keep up the good work read more

The food is consistently good and the staff are attentive and polite. It'd be a four star place if not for the fantastic location on the water (which is way too rare for Alameda and Oakland!) and the outdoor seating with peanut baskets as free appetizers. Love this place. read more

First time trying this place ordered a salmon doodaa and mixed green salad to go for $32 dollars. First they run my card for someone else's tab and i caught and the lady is like yep thats not yours, duhhh. No apologies whatsoever!!! Got my food, checked it before i walked out, thank goodness, the salmon was soooo small for $21.99. Showed it to the server and asked what was the size of the salmon and he said yeah you're right it is sooo small, dont know why i got that piece, and offered to make a little more salmon to make it up. Aaand this place stinks. read more

On May 3, 2009 I took my dear friend to brunch for her birthday. We arrived about 12:30p and when the hostess asked us to follow her to our table I lead the way and as I walked I heard a loud sound behild me. When I looked it was my friend, she had fallen on the wet floor by the hostess area. I ran back immediately to pick her up and the manager on duty was there to assist but she twisted he ankle a bit and was embarassed to ask for ice. When we sat at the table a couple next to us asked her if she was fine and said you could own this restaurant and we just laughed. The couple said well at least your meal should be on them! After the manager saw them talking to us he came over and asked my friend if she was OK. After he left we noticed that they put mats down where my friend had just fallen. The manager never offered her a free drink, appetizer or anything. It took about 5 mins for the waitress to come over and say hello and ask for our drink order and it took longer to get water at our table. I could underst and it they were busy but I saw at least 10 open tables in the restaurant. The waitress was a bit low on personality and never really smiled, not sure why. It took about 45 minutes to get our food and the waitress never once said sorry about the wait or why it was taking so long. When we were finished with our meal around 2p I wanted to show my friend the upstairs bar area and as we walked up the stiars the manager said we put down mats for you, I replied it's a bit to late don't you think! I spoke with my friend this morning and she has a slight bruise on her knee but she is fine. I have eaten at this restaurant several times and twice on Mother's Day but the service we received yesterday was embarassing since I'm the one who suggested to come and it was her first time there. I'm not sure why it took for someone to fall before they put down mats since it was raining all morning and the ground and steps were all wet. This restaurant is lucky the food is so wonderful since I'm sure the service would not keep people coming back. I also tried to make reservations for 12 on this Mother's Day but they don't take parties over 9 this year??? Final Note: I will think twice before going to this restaurant again especially since I live across the bay! read more

We ate at this restaurant a grand total of one time. Our waitress was distracted, and the food was ininspired and gross. What topped it off was my glass being dirty. There was grit floating in it, and food *stuck* to the sides of the glass. This begs the question: If their dinnerware is this dirty, what must the kitchen look like? Definitely made my stomach lurch. I will never go back- once is good enough for me. read more

I was just in Oakland for a few days and local friends choose Quinn's for dinner. We sat in the bar and got the best service. Don't know his name, but a tall guy with a big smile. We stayed 4 hours! I had the special lobster pasta and a couple of their special drinks. We all got something different and I was surprised with such an eclectic menu that all choices were good. They have spring rolls, ribs, seafood and pasta among other choices. It was so fun and relaxing. Then the next night I had dinner plans and talked her into going to the same place. We were supposed to meet at Scott's which is lovely and good, but not as good or as fun as Quinn's and their service was just OK while Quinn's was really outstanding. I arrived early so sat outside on the deck overlooking the marina, ate peanuts and relaxed. Same awesome waiter. I had the same special for dinner and so did my friend; we barely put a dent in them so she took more than a full portion home. With all the restaurants in Oakland, it says a lot to go to Quinn's twice in a row. PLUS free parking unheard of in Oakland. Can't wait to return! read more

If I could choose zero stars I would. One is too high. Terrible service, terrible food. Interesting location but not worth it.

Food is great. Service was decent. the server seemed like he was an expert cause he wasn't writing our order down, just memorizing it. Until the food came out, it was wrong 2 times. read more

Great place to eat right on the water. Fabulous ribs and wonderful lobster lasagna. Couldn't have been happier all 4 dishes were great and cost very reasonable. We will make a point to go back. You can't beat a good dinner for a great price in a lighthouse. read more

Great view and GREAT service! Our waiter (James) was awesome! Food was food/fresh. Definitely going to return.

We went there for lunch one day because we kept driving past it and finally decided to give it a try. My lobster chowder was only average (hence the lack of an extra star), but my husband had the mussels and fries, and those were great! I'm from Belgium so I know a thing or two about the real thing. they actually serve the mussels in pots, which is how we eat them in Belgium! And the fries tasted almost like real Belgian fries! I was so excited that I didn't even mind my average lobster chowder. Also, the server was really friendly and laid-back, and told us a couple of stories about the Coast Guards (which are regulars at this place). All in all, we really liked this place and will be back for sure! read more

Quinn's is always exceptional. Food is delicious, service is superior and the view and ambience is beautiful. Love the Seafood here. You can't go wrong with the Seafood Newberg, Fried Clamari, bucket of Mussles/Clams, or seafood pasta. All are yummy! read more

My husband and I had lunch here the other day. We both had their hamburgers. I love when you happen upon a place that makes a hand made burger rather than a pre-pressed patty. We both thought they were excellent! Great selection of beers. read more

Sit upstairs, you can throw peanuts on the ground, food is pretty good, nice views. Been going here FOREVER. I stick with the mussels, clams, fries, clam chowder are all delicious. Nice seafood, cool beer, water view, and peanut shell covered ground?!?!? Yes please read more

I read the reviews before we went. We had a lovely outdoor seating and the waiter was nice. The peanuts must have been roasted in-house as they are much better than any store bought peanuts I have had. I had the calamari steak it looked nice but was underdone I sent it back and they fixed it but should have been able to get it right the first time. Overall a nice Sunday afternoon. read more

Crap stuffed salmon was amazing. Ribs were dry, jambalaya was just ok. Service was good. Great atmosphere, location, and hospitality. View is beautiful. read more

Ordered the swordfish special and the fish was terrible. I love swordfish and don't ever remember having a bad experience until now. What they served me was dry and thin and completely tasteless for a $23 meal. The fish came dripping in sauce but it couldn't hide the leather like quality of the fish. It was a very disappointing thanksgiving meal. read more

My wife and I were staying on a boat in the marina just in front of Quinn's Lighthouse so we decided to pop in for dinner. We were greeted by the manager who offered us seating downstairs but recommended we check out the upstairs area first before we decided on the table. It's like two completely different restaurants in one though they share the same menu! Upstairs was a very lively bar seen with peanuts everywhere and happy patrons at high and low tables. We decided we were looking for a quieter atmosphere for the evening so we headed back downstairs and the manager showed us to a great table for two overlooking the marina. They had a handful of specials and an extensive regular menu as well as a nice selection of drinks. The food was wonderfully prepared and delicious. The manager and staff were very kind and attentive which made for a great evening! read more