Restaurant Review: Blue Water Seafood Market and Grill

July 19, 2009

While living in Washington, D.C. this summer I somehow ended up watching “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives” on The Food Network Channel. For those who aren’t aware, this is a show led by host Guy Fieri where he travels around the county and finds the best “hole in the wall” restaurants to showcase. Of course, as luck would have it, the episode I watched highlighted restaurants in San Diego. One of which was Blue Water Seafood Market and Grill.

Blue Water Seafood Market and Grill is a restaurant and market located north of Little Italy off India Street that serves up some of the most outstanding food I have come across. The restaurant is a little small and always has a line; but is without a doubt, worth the wait.

Now as someone who doesn’t particularly enjoy seafood, I am always hesitant to branch out so I tried the shrimp tacos and crab and artichoke dip. I enjoyed the artichoke dip but what was the best was the shrimp tacos. My entrée came with three tacos, but I could have easily eaten way more. The shrimp were beer-battered and topped with cabbage, tomatoes, onions, white sauce, cheese, and came with a side of tomatillo sauce. I have never had a better shrimp taco. It was simply outstanding.

The great thing about this restaurant (other than its food) is the ordering technique. If you want something from the grill you choose your fish, the marinade, and how you want it – either in as a sandwich, a salad, or a plate. The fish is fresh daily and cooked simply. The owners are avid fisherman who built the restaurant around their love of fishing. When dining inside you are surrounded by pictures of their fishing adventures and sizeable catches. It’s a really cool place.

There are a few things that I did not appreciate about the restaurant. One of which is the parking. The restaurant shares a parking lot with a few businesses and only has a few designated spaces that are quickly filled by patrons, the other spots in the lot are designated for the business and they will tow your car. Additionally, their staff are seating fascists. It’s the type of restaurant where you wait in line and place your order at the counter and then take a seat but instead of allowing you to choose, they have staff who place you at a table by your order in line. So if you happen to be waiting for someone to arrive before you place your order and take a seat, the seating fascists will come and tell you that saving tables is not permitted and then make you move. Very weird – and annoying.

Blue Water’s prices are reasonable. On the grill items range in prices depending on the type of fish you order. Sandwiches are approximately $8-$14; entrée salads $10-$19; plates $15-$25; and tacos from $4-$10. I would highly recommend this place and will be back!

Rating 4.5 stars for restaurant overall $$ for cost of food