Feb. 2, 2006

Local Seafood Restaurant Just Misses the Boat on Flavor

By CHRISTIANA E. HILDITCH and EMILY C. SIDERS
hilditcc@marietta.edu, siderse@marietta.edu

Restaurant: The Fishbone Gill & Grill

218 Virginia Street (Harmar)

740.373.8002

www.fishbonegillandgrill.com

Open 7 days a week 11:00am to close.

Cuisine: Seafood

Atmosphere: Casual with excellent views of the Ohio River and quaint, nautical-themed decorations

The restaurant sits directly on the Ohio River and even offers a dock for the hungry seafaring customers. The interior is decked out with sleek metallic walls and various fish-related décor, as well as a fully stocked bar and big screen television. Outdoor seating is also available, including both a covered patio and an open eating space by the river. In the warmer months it would certainly be a treat to sit on the patio on a sunny day and watch the boats sail by. Even in the winter, the patio is wonderful with its spectacular views and mini fireplace.

Service: As soon as we walked in, we were greeted warmly and seated immediately, even though the patio and main dining area seemed fairly busy.  With the exception of waiting several minutes for silverware after the appetizer was served, the food and drinks were brought out promptly.  To make up for the silverware mishap, the waitress even gave us a complimentary additional dessert. 

Food: The dinner menu is composed mostly of seafood dishes; however steak and chicken dishes are also available. The menu also includes a full range of soups, salads, and appetizers (much to our disappointment, the crab fries appetizer is simply French fries with old bay seasoning, and does not actually contain crab). According the menu, the best buy is a 4 pound bucket of shrimp steamed in old bay seasoning and beer for $49.99, however the majority of entrees are priced more reasonably. The lowest priced entree is $8.99 for fish and chips and the average price is around $15. Most of these meals also come with two side dishes as well. The restaurant does not offer much vegetarian food, and aside from a garden salad, rice, and various potato options there’s not much else a non-meat eater could order. A separate lunch menu is made up primarily of sandwiches, including hamburgers, crab cake sandwiches, fish sandwiches, and po boys (a New Orleans style sandwich served on French bread), among others. The restaurant also offers desserts based on availability, all of the desserts are priced at $3.99.

We ate at the Fishbone for dinner and had the fish and chips and crab cake meals. While the portions were large and the food was satisfactory, everything, with the exception of the crab fries appetizer, was fairly bland in flavor. The strawberry margarita sensation dessert was similar to a key lime pie, but after the initial bite it lacked the zing that the name might elude.

Overall: The Fishbone Gill & Grill is a good place to grab a drink and some appetizers.  The service is outstanding and the atmosphere is ideal for watching a game or hanging out with friends. 

(3½  out of 5 peppers)