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The Boathouse Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Seafood Seafood
1305 Arbutus St.Vancouver, BC V6J 5N2
Neighbourhood: Kitsilano
(604) 738-5487
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
27 reviews for The Boathouse Restaurant
27 reviews in English
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Review from Meana k.
2/26/2012
Daily appetizer special in the bar/lounge only from 3-6pm. Local oysters for $1.29/each and premium oysters for $1.69/each. Select appetizers 1/2 off. Select drink specials for about $5.
We had the Drummettes with Thai sauce; the Miso Halibut Bites, the Albacore Tuna Tacos, and the Yam Fries with Masala Ketchup and Curry Mayo. Turned out none of these were particularly healthy. The drummettes were deep fried, the halibut was breaded, the tacos were fried, and obviously fries aren't "healthy". We enjoyed all the appetizers. The drummettes we wished we'd ordered the hot sauce. The Thai sauce was too similar to the miso teriyaki sauce in the halibut appetizer. The sauces all felt sort of thick and sweet. Even the dipping sauce for the tacos which we thought was soy turned out to be something thicker. Anyway, everything was pretty tasty but none of it tasted particularly fresh or special.
We also had a dozen oysters -- Kusshi, Royal Miyagis, and Boathouse Kiss (?). I didn't care for the cocktail sauce at all. It was kind of gross -- too sweet and not enough horseradish or spice in it. However, the sesame/ginger mignonette sauce was fantastic. Fresh, light, and unique. This is the sort of approach I'd love to see more of from their kitchen.
Lastly, we had the bread pudding which was made of sourdough and came with vanilla gelato and creme anglais. Wow. This was so good we almost ordered a second round. I highly recommend it.
The ceasars are decent, the melon mojito was good, and the view is fantastic. Overall, service is friendly. The best value in this place is really the view. With some refreshing of their menu, this place could be such a hit. Unfortunately, most of the dishes really feel like chain food, and yet not even as good and fresh as Earl's.
One note is that the menus are confusing. There's a weekend brunch menu that lasts until 2pm, still it's included in the menu provided when you're seated. There are "every day" brunch items and weekend brunch items. There are "casual" dishes and "specials". There are some items that are repeated in various places on the menu, and other items you can't seem to find. Appy Hour menu is only valid in the bar/lounge, which isn't something you'd know until you asked for the menu options and have to then be reseated. I hate when restaurants do this. There was also no mention anywhere about the lobster fest that was going on -- the servers didn't mention it, there was no promotional material, and nothing in the menu to direct one to it. I was interested in this from seeing it on the website but surprised not to have the option when I arrived at the restaurant. We had to again ask for the Appy Hour menu because they only provided us the full menu even when we relocated to the bar.
I would consider this a very casual place to bring out of town visitors for a great view but not a special meal. Maybe grab a cocktail or and appy while watching the sunset and then head off to a nearby restaurant that's going to serve up some great seafood. -
Review from Bradley C.
Vancouver, BC
4/29/2012
We weren't planning to go to the Boathouse, but our brunch destination was inexplicably closed, so we went for the view. Other than that, what a disappointment.
When we go to the door, the host actively ignored us for a couple of minutes, then turned and said, "Hey, for three?" without even a hint of a smile. Even a good morning would have been nice - they weren't that busy.
We were seated by the window - why not? Nice view! The breeze coming through the gaps between the glass was frigid (apparently they were sealed up until last week, but someone was optimistic about the weather), but we got blankets, so not so bad.
I ordered the Boathouse Benny (shrimp and crab) - sounds promising, right? Try tasteless. The English muffin was tough and nearly impossible to cut, and the eggs/shrimp/crab/hollandaise sauce were...nothing. Just nothing. There was a skimpy side of hash browns (yummy), and a couple of raspberries in the fruit salad (where did they find those in April?) - but honestly, for $16.99, I was expecting a little bit more...something...
I'd rather bring my own food and picnic on Kits beach than go to the Boathouse again - same view, definitely better food! -
Review from Bec A.
North Vancouver, BC
3/15/2012
I was here with a group for a birthday party. The server was great, if a little frazzled. It was a Saturday night and pretty busy.
I had the 3-course Lobster-fest meal. I had a green salad which was nothing special, Salmon with Lobster Thermidor which was very meh. The Salmon was kinda bland and the Lobster Thermidor had possibly 2 tiny bits of lobster in it. The prawns were nice though.
I should have gone for the steak - a friend had that and said it was great.
Another friend had to send her creme-brulee back three times. She gave up in the end.
I imagine that during the day or summer evenings this would be a great spot with a view, but it was dark the whole time we were there, so I didn't even get that.
Not sure if I'll ever go back. -
Review from Ellen L.
2/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
I was here with a very large group (20+ people). Quite a few people on my end of the table did not like their food. The common complaint being overcooked fish, bland, dry; you get the picture. One steak was sent back for being in the "worst steak I've ever had" category. One pasta eater resorted to the salt shaker to counteract the blandness.
My Salmon Burger was alright. Nothing to write home about. It's kinda on the same playing field as Burger King's fish burger. I was near starving from the 1hr+ wait since orders were taken, so I think at that point, anything edible was good.
BF had the Cod Fish & Chips. The fish was in his "worst deep fried fish I've ever had" category. The fries were kind of soggy.
At the end of the day, the truly inedible meals were comped and I got a coupon for brunch. So no complaints on customer service. The manager told us there were new cooks in the kitchen so that may be to blame. I suppose this reinforces the theory that restaurants with a view may not have the highest quality food. -
Review from Ange W.
Vancouver, BC
2/11/2012
Tried to lobster fest menu here the other night. Had the lobster bisque, thai lobster bowl and creme brûlée for dessert.
Food: mediocre for an upscale restaurant. The quality of the lobster was good but the soup and sauces were lacking anything special. The green curry tasted bland (not spicy or flavourful) and there seemed to me more rice and prawns in the bowl than lobster. The creme brûlée was good though.
Price: I thought the set price for 3 courses was $24.99, but was charged an extra $10 for the creme brûlée so my total bill with one glass of wine came to around $58 (including gratuity - I was in a large party, and HST) It was higher than I expected. They did do separate bills though, some restaurants are kind of lazy about splitting.
Service: Reservations were at 7:30...granted we were in a large party and ordering took a little while, but the service was slow, and I didn't leave the restaurant until about 10:30. Food took a while and they served me someone else's dessert without clearing my main dish, then took it away when they realized they served it to the wrong person. The tables are made of wood planks and have slits in between them, people sitting beside me had things spilled on them as the servers were pouring things (e.g. wine) there was some spillage through the table.
Overall - OK food, I really expected better. The servers themselves were very nice and the restaurant itself is nicely decorated and clean. I was here once when it first opened after Watermark closed and had a better experience back then. -
Review from Jacqueline T.
10/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm still trying to figure out why there's still a school of people going to the boathouse. I know its not for their food. possibly the view? Only Kits & Port Moody have a reletavily nice atmosphere with a view that almost takes our breath away :P
Food was very mediocre. If they were any less mediocre, the would have no legs left to stand on. Their service is always nice, but would be even better if they were slightly more attentive: Please refill my hot water, or coke; don't just keep refilling my ice water that doesn't need refilling.
Sigh. If only they have equal grade of food, to their grade of view.. boathouse would actually be something worth raving about, instead of ranting about.
Would still like to come for the special brunch buffet sometimes tho. Apparently there's a waiting list, to be on the waiting list for that. Maybe next year Mother's Day :) -
Review from Neill M.
Richmond, BC
1/27/2012
Good seafood, friendly staff and great view!
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Review from Mark W.
9/25/2011
Great location, bad execution of service and food
It was a night of disappointments.
Reservation with window table (we understand now request not confirmed)
Hostess seats party of 2 at a table of 4, after us by the window (while we are being seated elsewhere) We are shown to a table overlooking the rock roof to the side not the harbor.
Obviously hostess doesn't understand requests! And cannot communicate to the persons who sat us, who told us "I just do what I am told", after we reiterated that we had asked for a window table and the table we were shown was unacceptable.
We were finally sat in the enclosed patio area away from window
NEGATIVES
Crappy patio table inside the restaurant.
Floodlights (shining sideways) glaring into my eyes all night
No cutlery for one of the guests.
No side plate for me.
Water not refilled.
Plates not removed in timely fashion.
We had to refill our own wine.
Out of Prime Rib by 7.15 pm
Hamburger ordered instead, the smallest pattie I have seen in a long time. Fries good though.
Tenderloin Filet with portabello blue cheese butter for my partner unfortunately slathered in merlot Demi glaze (overpowered everything on the plate).
I see it is a busy restaurant, but for the $$$ not worth it.
We will not be returning soon. Too many good restaurants in Vancouver when NO view is offered.
SUMMARY: Expect a mediocre experience and you will be happy. -
Review from Awesta M.
8/14/2011
I haven't been here since it was the Watermark. What's funny as soon as my friend made the suggestion, I was like "oh yeah, I liked that place and wanted to go back, why didn't I go back?" Anyway, the point is moot since it's now the Boathouse and not the Watermark.
We were seated promptly, our waitress came over to take our orders for drinks quickly and everything from there on out was fairly efficient. I ordered some oatmeal, hubby had salmon with foccacia bread and friends ordered benny and omelettes respectively. Everyone seemed fairly happy with their meal. The only annoying thing was there were no side offerings on the menu. They're willing to do it, no problem but you don't really know what's on offer.
Anyway, solid brunch but nothing blew me away. -
Review from Lynne H.
Vancouver, BC
1/20/2012
Don't miss the happy hour for excellent appetizers and drinks located right on the best beach in Vancouver!
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Review from J F.
Vancouver, BC
1/24/2011
Really bad brunch. Horrible slow service even though we were the only table at the restaurant. Served me a Caesar and then told me their liquor license didn't actually allow service before eleven and that the liquor inspector was coming.
Benny was very disppointing and so overpriced.
I actually signed up for this yelp account and drafted this review while waiting fo the waitress to run our bill through.
The only highlight was seeing some old a-hole fall off his bike on the beach. -
Review from Michael C.
Vancouver, BC
2/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Oysters $1 each during appy hours!!!
That's right kids, appy hour 3-6 with half price appies and $1 oysters! Drink specials every day as well. Wednesdays are bellinis. I imagine it's pretty sweet sitting here in the middle of summer sipping on ice cold refreshments and snack on cheap appies and $1 oysters!!! Lol I'm going to see how many times I can throw that one out there!
Got the Surf and turf which is Grilled beef skewers with mango salsa and firecracker shrimp. What's firecracker shrimp? Like spicy popcorn shrimp? Lol no even close. Pretty much sauteed shrimp with lime, butter, basil, cherry tomatoes, and some kind of spice I can't put my finger on. Not huge on this dish.
Matchstick potatoes were pretty good. Thin cut fries with Asiago cheese and basil... yummm!!
They had about 6 kinds of oysters there. Some that I can remember: Kumamoto, Kussi, Effinghams, and Beach. I got the Kumamoto and Kussi of course. The are smaller than the other oysters, but boy are they delicious. Comes with cocktail sauce and lemons. $1 each!!!
I would give this place a 4 star if I only had the oysters. The other foods were ok...... -
Review from David F.
Vancouver, BC
2/28/2011
Have been a few times, despite how terrible it is. Why? I will explain...
First went for brunch. What a great looking place, but wow, the food was terrible. Three of us had the benny sampler. Three different benny's. All served cold. Egg was cold, sauce was cold, muffins tasted like they were toasted an hour before. Hard and cold.
I wrote to them because it is such a great venue and I thought that maybe this was one off day. They kindly gave me a comp to have dinner there. We went. Again, great view, lovely service too, I might add, but steaks arrived overcooked and cold. Service was slow. Again, apologies and another offer to come again.
This is getting silly, but what the heck. Third time was better, but food is still unimaginative and pedestrian at best. Piece of broiled fish and vegetables. You just don't notice with the view. Well, I did notice actually.
Dessert was fabulous though. We had the Sourdough Bread Pudding which was a good portion and delicious. If only the rest of the food was as good.
So, we went back one lovely evening for dessert. Ordered the same thing. It took twenty minutes to arrive. When it arrived, my wife got her cappuccino and I was told that my coffee was on it's way. Ten minutes later, coffee finally arrives. I like my coffee with my dessert, not after. Pretty basic thing, really. Server apologized and comped the coffee. Meanwhile, the manager is at the next table apologizing for something else and offering comps to that couple.
Another time, went for drinks (I can't stay away because the view is so great!). Took about twenty minutes just to get served our glass of wine. We were in the bar! What the heck made that take so long?? Again, apologies and free wine. I'm doing pretty good with all the freebies, but honestly, I would just like a restaurant that knows what it's doing.
The servers here are all delightful, but clearly the place is a total mess. Go for the view, by all means, but don't expect a serious restaurant. It's a downmarket Milestones. -
Review from Vincci L.
With Watermark no more, I decided to come here for a Dine Out dinner with the family.
They've closed off the patio for the winter, and we got seated there. It's a little weird, because we sit in these patio type chairs, and we get paper napkins instead of the cloth ones. It'd be better if the whole restaurant was more consistent.
Started off with the seafood chowder, it was a bit watery, and the seafood was lacking. Not too good.
For the main I got the sirloin and lobster thermidor. Given that the restaurant was pretty full, our food took about half an hour to arrive.
My steak was well done, when I had asked for it medium. They took it away, and then came back with it, telling me that it's just the sides that are overcooked, and that the middle was fine. I accepted it, and then proceeded to eat the rest. It was still dry and overcooked.
The waiter came back and checked on my food, and I told him that it was simply too well done. He took it back, and assured me that they would make me a new one.
After 10 minutes or so, it arrived, and it was much, much better. The steak was perfectly done.
Creme brulee for dessert, nothing special.
If it wasn't for the steak incident I would give this review 4 stars. Service was good throughout the night; our water glasses were constantly filled, and the servers checked on us regularly during our meal.
$1/ hour parking in the parking lot, otherwise, find street parking (limited.) -
Review from Eric C.
Burnaby, BC
11/17/2010
To start, the deck is amazing... I just wish it was 5 degrees hotter out today or the sun found it's way onto the deck, because it got quite cool sitting next to the railing. Bring your own blanket or hoodie.
Spent the afternoon here as part of a work excursion that had us in and around Kits Beach. I've been to other Boathouse restaurants in the past and to be completely honest, the food and service we received was sub-par and I was quite disappointed.
Drink service was slow, my soup came out at what I would perceive to be the perfect temperature to culture bacteria, and the server (no matter how cute she was...) was perhaps the least personable person I have ever met.
The only saving grace was the cheesecake and the view from the deck. Perhaps I might come back here on a day where I've already eaten and all I wanted was to sit right at the bar and look out into the water. Perhaps, in that case, this place might have received more stars.
Oh and I should probably add that it's quite rude when servers whisper things between each other and then make sour faces every time they leave your table. We did nothing wrong, unless being polite and considerate were recognized as poor behavior. -
Review from Sara K.
North Vancouver, BC
2/15/2012
I was looking forward to a lovely Valentines dinner with a friend. I made a reservation for 2 people at 8:30 pm. I got there at 8:15pm. There were 3 people behind the hostess stand and I stood there right in front of the hosts for 10 minutes waiting to be aknowledged. The guy finally looked up at me after ignoring me standing there and letting other people who did not have reservations have tables ahead of everyone who already had a reservation. very unorganized and unprofessional customer service. I put my name in and waited at the bar for another 15 minutes before anybody even aknowledged me!! I start to get very impatient with the horrible service [or lack of!] My friend shows up at 8:30 [the time our reservation was for] we wait longer at the lounge in the bar area- still no service. Its already 8:55 pm when we finally get sat and sit for another 10 minutes before anybody comes over to take a drink order! finally we order 2 glasses of wine and wait 10 more minutes before they show up. I ask for the bill and explained to the server that waiting almost 1 hour to get 1 drink or any kind of aknowledgement from any staff is unnacceptable. Then we leave. I will never go back to this location again and would not reccomend it to anybody!! Ruined my evening and left a sour taste in my mouth.
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Review from Joyce D.
Burnaby, BC
9/4/2009
I don't know, I personally wasn't into the Boathouse; granted I was only there one time but I found it very mediocre.
I mean the steak was ok, but it wasn't exceptional. Just no real pizazz to any of the food. My mom was pretty disappointed in the lobster...it had a sorta "basement, old taste" to it. Not real buttery or succulent.
I found the staff pretty stoic and not real friendly.
If I had to choose the Keg or Boathouse, it would be a pretty easy choice.
Nothing real memorable about the place; prices were med..ranging on high. No real ambience, no real atmosphere.
I am almost falling asleep writing this review cuz it didn't do really anything for me. Personally, I wouldn't return.Listed in: Chains: The real truth
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Review from Grayce E.
8/28/2010
YEAH Happy Hour!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 3-6pm
Showed up on a Thursday afternoon around 4pm for Happy Hour and pulled up a seat on the deck with the view of the beach arms length away.
If you like oysters its a buck a shuck! My friend and I ordered 20 and they gave us two platters with 4 different varieties of oysters! They also came with a delightful sesame sauce, standard cocktail sauce and cute mini bottle of Tabasco. My oyster devouring friend couldn't stop smiling.
They also have happy hour appie menu complete with standards: wings, yam fries, sushi rolls, etc etc all reasonably priced. Drink specials were $4.99.
We had a wonderful mid afternoon snack and couldn't help but wonder why more people don't take advantage of beach front Happy Hour. We'll be back! -
Review from Peter H.
Bragg Creek, AB
9/17/2011
Good food, attentive service, relaxed atmosphere and good view over the bay towards the mountains and the Pacific
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Review from Joe L.
Vancouver, BC
9/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
It cannot be anymore quintessential Vancouver than having brunch at the Boathouse overlooking Kits Beach under a cloud-covered sky and, of course, having a glass of bellini in your hand. The restaurant itself, open and modern, occupies the 2nd / top floor of the beach house attached to the life guard station with a take out counter on the ground floor.
The restaurant opens early at 9am for weekend brunch so go early to get a table on the patio overlooking the beach. My partner's egg benedict looked amazing and my fluffy omelette was filled with juicy pieces of ham & mushroom. A tall glass of bellini with frozen was a perfect compliment. -
Review from Cydney S.
Vancouver, BC
7/26/2011
In the past, I haven't been a big fan of Boathouse - it usually falls into the category of "great location with okay food" type restaurant. My friend and I were walking around Kits when we decided to grab a bite to eat. We had a great seat by the window. They were also great with putting a small plate together for my 10 month old son for him to eat/play with. I think they must have changed the menu recently since it was hard decide on something - so many things looked great. We ended up sharing the tuna tacos and westcoast chicken salad which were both delicious. The bathrooms are also nice with change-table. I will definitely be back again this summer.
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Review from Kara B.
7/11/2010
Used to go to this place for the view back when it was still Watermark... the food's far better now.
Inconsistent, however. My first trip: great service and perfectly done miso crusted halibut, with complimentary cornbread. About a week later, went back with a bigger group of people, and I was so looking forward to another pleasant dining experience. Instead, we received perfunctory service at best, my halibut was cold, and no cornbread! :( -
Review from Cassandra G.
Vancouver, BC
9/28/2011
Oh Watermark, how I miss thee.
We went here for my grandmother's birthday and ended up with a string of disappointments. Though I've been living away for a year, I still have vivid memories of this Boathouse in the past and was hoping that I wouldn't have the same experience (my only past experience that was worthwhile was half-off appies and cocktails one summer).
Anyhow, due to my grandfather's arthritis, my aunt specifically called to request a table with high chairs - in particular, the 'floating bar' table that sits fairly close to the window in the bar area. The manager assured her this would not be a problem due to the nature of the request, and specifically told her he would make note on the reservation that it was a) a birthday and b) grandparents REQUIRE the higher chair for mobility issues. So, I ended up cancelling our original reservation at our favourite restaurant, The Italian Kitchen. Big mistake.
We arrive to the restaurant and the hostess and manager-on-duty have no record of the requests for our reservation. While we stand and wait, the only solution they can come up with is moving 2 of the extremely (!!!) small bar tables together and placing chairs around, leaving about enough room for a glass a water and a menu, if that. Eventually, the floating bar area became available, and due to our lack of space, they moved us.
Finally in a comfortable area, we received bread and our drinks. I ordered a raspberry champagne cocktail which was gross. The champagne was nearly flat and the raspberry was far too sweet. For dinner, I ordered the maple glazed chicken. I guess they should differentiate between glaze and DOUSED. We all know what happens to pancakes when there's too much maple syrup...well, imagine that scenario on a plate of chicken, mashed potatoes and asparagus. Leaving with 3 new cavities (I kid, I kid), the syrup infiltrates into every part of the dish, leaving little to no taste of anything else. The only good thing on the plate - mashed potatoes - was ruined in about 5 minutes flat as they, too, began to turn a golden brown syrup-y color. I love how the waiter reminded me twice that the syrup was "real" - first off, I would hope so and secondly, that's not an excuse to pour half a bottle on the dish. I usually love cranberries, but the excessive amount of cranberries + the sweetness of the syrup was simply unnecessary. The reason I ordered chicken was because of this unbelievable creole chicken I had at Cactus Club the other day (which was in a completely different league).
Someone else had the lobster crab ravioli with shrimp which was also pretty gross. It smelt and tasted super fish-y, and not in a good way. The sauce didn't go well and the shrimp was superfluous. Two others ordered fish and chips that looked over done.
For a restaurant that's part of "The Keg" family - a place, in my opinion, you can never really go wrong with - The Boathouse continues to be a substandard disappointment. My biggest gripe about it is the PRICE POINT - for cheaper, I feel like Earls, Joeys and Cactus Club (the "holy trinity", I guess) kick The Boathouse's ass.
I would go back to enjoy the view at brunch, but for dinner? It's a pass. -
Review from Patrick C.
Vancouver, BC
8/6/2011
The view is great, but the food quality is average and the prices are ridiculously high for the product they serve. I ordered the salmon from the West coast Lifestyles section of the menu. It claims to come with plenty of fresh vegetables. Their definition of plenty was 8 green beans with the salmon on top. All of this splendor for $26! If they did not have the view, I doubt anyone would put up with quality to price ratio. Go for a cocktail and eat at one the other great restaurants in this city.
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Review from War C.
Edmonton, AB
5/7/2010
A great place for dessert and to watch the sunset at Kits. You just gotta try any of the desserts and the coffee.
We shall return.
Great service. -
Review from Christine C.
Vancouver, BC
9/3/2010
I went to the Boathouse yesterday for a special dinner. The service at first was excellent. Our server, Hilary, brought me a perfect caesar drink and was attentive. My friend ordered half and half steamed mussels and clams with garlic butter on the side and was really clear about no sauce. She got steamed mussels only, no clams, and asked for a new order. Her second bowl had both mussels and clams but in a white wine sauce when she specifically said no sauce. I ordered medium rare steak with crab stuffed prawns, the steak and prawns were both overcooked, and I returned the steak for a new one. My friend ate my first overcooked steak while they brought the second one and out of frustration cancelled her order of mussels and clams rather than waiting for their third attempt. My husband's Bouillabaisse was mediocre - he didn't complain as I think there was enough complaining coming from our side of the table. To top it off, our waters were not refilled once and I didn't get a steak knife with my meal so was hacking away at my overcooked steak with a dull butterknife! Had we gone for a regular meal I wouldn't be writing a bad review, but for a special occasion I feel that much more burned from the bad food.
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Review from Richard G.
8/30/2010
The foods good, but not great. The prices are actually reasonable. If you get a seat by the window, the view of Kilstano beach is great.
