Real Seafood
The Docks, 22 Main Street
7 days a week 4-9pm (10pm on weekends).
888-456-3463. realseafood.com
The Real Seafood Company at the Docks provided a pleasurable dining experience on a recent visit. On a busy night, and despite low staffing issues, the service was prompt with no wait for us to be seated or for our food to be served.
A time to relax
Beginning with cocktails, an appetizer order of calamari and the eatery’s signature rolls (those rolls are reason enough to visit) we were served quickly, the crisp calamari was cooked perfectly, among the best we have had.
With an opportunity to relax before ordering dinner, our server was knowledgeable concerning the menu, answering any questions regarding ingredients and preparations. We selected fresh seafood and enjoyed our parmesan encrusted flounder, grilled swordfish and Bay of Fundy Salmon. The fish was fresh and perfectly cooked. The salmon and swordfish were tender and flaky while the encrusted flounder had a crispy crust with a soft interior.
The blue cheese-vinegar coleslaw or, for a small upcharge, house or Caesar salad offer a nice refresher before the fish arrived. Meals include a side dish, including choices of a baked potato, white cheddar cheese hash browns, stewed tomatoes or a nicely flavored ancient grain pilaf.
Due to the generous serving sizes, we requested “to go” containers and were too full to try the offered desserts that include key lime pie, New York style cheesecake, strawberry sorbet and other tempting treats.
Welcoming surroundings
The dining room is attractive with an open fireplace and wall coverings with art glass as a nod to Toledo’s heritage. The dining room has an old world, yet modern feel. Even when busy, it does not seem crowded as it is divided into many small areas. Tables and booths provide inside seating and there is ample patio seating, weather permitting, with a beautiful view of the river and city skyline. Live music is available in the bar on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm. Happy hour prices for select cocktails, wine and beer are offered in the bar until 9:00 on weekdays.
Prices are acceptable. Shared plates (appetizers) run from $12-15. Fresh catch selections range from $23-33, with specialties running a few dollars more. Desserts are typically $4-9. Cocktails are pricey but in line with what one can expect to pay at a lovely restaurant.
The Real Seafood’s reputation as a place for birthday celebrations, where a discount is provided based on the number of guests dining with the celebrant, should not go unmentioned, but please remember, if you are celebrating to bring a state issued piece of identification with you. They do not accept the word of family members and they do not violate the rules regarding proof of the birthday.
With that in mind, the Real Seafood is a place worth visiting.
Reservations:
Yes and recommended
Accessibility:
Dining room, bar and restrooms are wheelchair accessible.
Special Diets:
Fish and steak preparations are per guests’ requests.
Cleanliness:
Very clean.
Lighting:
No problem.
Nose:
Quiet
Kids:
Welcome. There is a kid’s menu.
Parking:
Plenty and free.
