The Dead Fish

This place is really cool inside and has a great patio with beautiful views of the water. The food is good, although gluten free options are limited. There was alot of communication problems between the waitress and everyone else: they messed up quite a few things with our orders. The manager seems like he would be a real douche, too. Not that it has anything to do with our visit, I’m just sayin’. LOL.

We came here for our anniversary. When we read that it was a steak and crab restaurant on the water, we imagined it would be a rather high end place. We were surprised that this wasn’t the case at all.
Overall, I feel like this restaurant has the potential to be an incredible find, but they fall short of actually succeeding at making it a gem. The location is incredible, but when you walk in, the décor feels a bit cheap and the atmosphere is very casual. For example the chairs are similar to ones you’d see in an ice cream parlor.
The menu is rather creatively laid out, and they stick to a fish theme when naming their drinks/​entrees. The best thing about this place is their cocktails. They are delicious. I had the blood orange margarita. We also shared the cheese bread and crab. Both were good, but didn’t really stand out.
When my husband made the reservation, they had asked him if we were celebrating anything. After our meal, they came out with a candelabra and piece of cake and wished us a happy anniversary. We saw them do the same for another table that was celebrating a birthday. While it’s very nice of them, we thought it was odd that they then immediately ran up with a digital camera and made you pose for a photo for their website.
If this restaurant made a few changes, it would be a diamond in the rough. For now, it still needs some polishing.

This is my third visit to the Dead Fish in the last six months. I indulged in The Dead Fish in January, April, and this evening. They usually say third time is the charm, BUT tonight’s visit left me pretty disappointed.
We arrived for our reservation fifteen minutes early and were quickly sat at the tiny table by the fire place, which was dirty with dead bugs on it… STRIKE ONE. The room at the time was not full so I am not sure why we could not sit at a larger booth. YES, the booth is technically made to fit larger parties, however, parties of two that came well after us were sat at booths.
I tried to be positive considering, but come on, if I have a reservation, don’t sit me at a crappy table. The bread, an app, drinks, and main course barely fit on this table. Also, the view of the couple sitting in front of us was not all that appealing. Although, they were super sweet, I felt awkward staring at the lady every time I looked up. The lady even jokingly said we should push our tables together to make more space. STRIKE TWO.
I had a hankering for their Crab Cakes but woah, these things were tinyyyyyy. When I ordered them back in April, I received two rather large Crab Cakes. Almost so big, I could barely eat the both of them. This time around, I was sooooo disappointed with the size vs. the price. If I combined two, they would have equaled what I had last time. Almost $ 25 for three bite sized crab cakes! INSANE! STRIKE THREE.
Our server Mel was pretty… well, she was pretty non-​existent. She was not as friendly or attentive as servers I have had in the past. After she took our order, she pretty much disappeared. Did she check on us to make sure we received our drinks? NO! Did she ask us how things were? NO! Did she ask if we needed anything? NO! I am all about teamwork, but we were assisted by three other people. I can think of three times in the course of our visit where she was present. Two of those times consisted of dropping off the check and picking it back up. Think I am exaggerating!!! I wish that were the case.
On a side note, we even noticed a couple get up and leave because they weren’t greeted when they sat down or brought bread.
Fast forward to the main courses, were they delicious? Of course! I ordered the half crab but Mel did not provide the crackers or the wet naps NOR did I get a bib. The medium filet was bomb and perfectly cooked, just the way I like it. By this time our tiny table was packed to the brim; 2 waters, a martini, bread, a medium shrimp order, large fry, my steak n crab, you get the point. I felt like a magician trying to get everything to fit. We finally said screw the bread that was brought upside down and falling off the paper anyways.
You are probably asking yourself, after the lackluster service how does The Dead Fish deserve three stars!!! Well… the chocolate mousse bomb for dessert saved the day. WOAH!!! It is small but man oh man this dessert is so rich, chocolately, creamy, mouth watering, you get my point right?! This is a serious must try for sureeeeeee. Sadly, dessert or any dish really shouldn’t be the highlight of your trip. By the time I finished dessert I was more than ready to leave!
Our bill was $ 160, we paid $ 200 including tip. Considering the service we received, the 20% tip was pretty generous. Maybe because I worked in customer service and management for eleven years, I feel as though any type of business should provide the absolute best for their customers, especially at these prices. Although my friend and I walked out full, we were pretty disappointed.
Like a relationship that started out good but eventually turned sour, I am sorry Dead Fish, but I need a break. Your service tonight was extremely rushed and none of the servers seemed happy nor were they friendly. Speaking of friendly, you could do something about the less enthused hostess at the front. I do not know her name but she is ALWAYS there with the same stinky attitude!
The manager my last 2 visits was super welcoming and attentive to all his guests. This time around, he walked through our section at least 3 – 4 times jotting notes down on his notepads. No hello, no how is the service? I wonder if the other sides of the room got this treatment.
…Also please *NOTE*the comment below from the Manager is from my visit in January, which was exceptional, BUT 6 months later, UGH… yeah, Nooooo longer valid if ya catch my drift ;).I wish I could delete that somehow because it in no way reflects my experience tonight.

We had a reservation. When we showed up, they said no available tables. We walked through the dining room and I saw open tables and asked, «We cannot sit there?» She replied, «They’re reserved.» I said, «you know, we have a reservation?»
They said we can sit in the bar or outside. The bar was very loud and I didn’t want to spend our special occasion and $ 150 in a bar. When we were taken to the patio, she pointed to maybe two tables we could take, but there were other tables with a better view. I asked about them and she said, «Sorry, they are reserved. «, to which I replied, «Do you understand that we came here with a reservation???» So, if we are not allowed to sit at all the open tables I witnessed, who are?
We ended up sitting at the bar. This was supposed to be our special occasion, so I was not pleased. I dressed up and chose this place over other restaurants in the bay area and now I am sitting in a tall chair, in a bar with TVs.
The service was great and the manager’s presence was obvious that they wanted to run a good operation. I admire that. The food was decent and I very much appreciated them bringing a small piece of cake for my husband. Thank you for that.

This review is long overdue. Visit was 2÷13÷16
Finally got a chance to dine at the Dead Fish last night. So glad we had a reservation as it was super busy. Parking of course sucked, although we got lucky and scored a spot right in front. We noticed others just driving and driving waiting for someone to leave.
Our server was awesome and our table was ok– we didn’t get to sit on the side with the view of the bridge. I definitely want to go back in the summer and eat outside.
We ordered the medium mussels and shrimp skillet and was a little disappointed. The flavor was amazing but the mussels were so tiny! The shrimp was the skillets saving grace. it was delicious!
My husband ordered the surf and turf with shrimp and he said it was just ok. I had the crab fettuccine and that was also just ok.
I would go back again with friends maybe, but I wouldn’t go back there for date night. The drive to get there isn’t worth it in my opinion.

I think it was Patrick Y. who recommended this place to us. Came on a Saturday evening and the parking situation was just terrible. The spaces in front of the place and the side lot were completely full. Drove down the road and had to U-​turn at the Zampa Bridge vista point. The parking lot across the street from the place was also full. Ended up having to park a few blocks away uphill in the residential area. Take note, think twice about having to walk back up a hill to the car after eating a huge dinner.
Reservations meant only a 15 minute wait, versus a 2 hour wait for walk-​ins. Pretty crowded, found a place to sit while waiting for buzzer to go off. Restrooms clean, close to the main entrance.
Got outdoor patio seating with views of the Carquinez Bridge and water right at sunset/​after dark. Bread to start, I had the «Fish Breath» piña colada drink which was tasty. The Nemo mojito seemed pretty standard. Also ordered half a dozen raw oysters as appetizers. Service was good.
It’s a crab house/​prime rib place, so naturally, I ordered the prime rib. It came with mashed potatoes and creamed spinach. The meat was rich and delicious, the sides were just okay. The Dead Fish Stew kettle (clams, mussels, crab, fish fillet and shrimp) was spicy, potatoes on the side.
Took a looksee at the dessert menu but wasn’t really wowed by any of the descriptions. Definitely a nice spot for the views, fancy dining, if you’re looking to impress. Pricey, but for special occasions.

Had a wonderful dinner here last week with my parents. We sat outside and were able to enjoy the beautiful view of the water (see my pics).
Our waiter was hilarious and very attentive — wish I remembered his name. The inside and outside of the restaurant was very unique, I loved it.
My mom had the crab clam chowder and fish sandwich (it was huge!); my dad had the fish and chips (huge portion as well); then I had the shrimp, mussels, and clam kettle. We all really enjoyed our meals! I can’t wait to go back.
Highly recommend!

We have been here many times, primarily on holidays; Valentines Day, Mothers Day, Easter, and weekends. For the holidays, we always make reservations. Once we are there we may wait about 5 – 10 minutes for our table to be ready.
WE have tried quite a few entrees. Rib eye, garlic noodles with crab, calamari, mussels, garlic cheese bread, fish and chips, prawn and chips, philly sandwich, Alfredo with crab, oysters, clam chowder… and the list goes on. Everything has been excellent.
The one item I didn’t find exciting were their prawn cocktail. For the price there was nothing to it. A few prawns and sauce on the side. Also, in the past we did have an issue with the fish and chips being undercooked, but they quickly took care of it. And occasionally a few of the entrees, for example the garlic noodles, they bring the entrees out on different size plates. The first time I ordered the noodles, my husband and I split the garlic noodles since it was a large serving. On a second occasion, we had intentions to split it again, and the serving was a smaller plate about half the serving. It would be nice to be consistent.
We all enjoy coming here, including my teens, and will continue to dine here. The service is always GREAT, our waitress/​waiter is always very attentive.

One of my favorite seafood restaurants in the Bay Area. Waterfront view is a huge bonus. Great for large parties. Make a reservation. Menu is your standard seafood fare, with more – prime rib, pasta, etc. What more can I ask for?
Well, they could improve their dessert menu. The sundae is probably the best option. And they could improve their parking situation, but I know they are limited.
Parking lot is small. The lot across the street is also small and inconvenient, because you will end up crossing a busy street. Some street parking a top a hill, which is cumbersome if you aren’t wearing proper shoes or are in shape for hiking.
Other than these minor details, it’s well worth it.

We went to the dead fish today for a Mother’s Day lunch. This was my 8 or 9^th time going to this restaurant. We always have a pleasant experience.
My go to is the salmon prepared with lemon caper sauce. It comes with these delicious, crunchy potatoes mixed with black olives and other yummy veggies. It also comes with a pasta that has sun dried tomatoes and snap peas.
The meal it light, refreshing almost. Amazing flavors that all mix together on the plate. I strayed once and got a pasta dish (shrimp with garlic noodles). It was good but not as good as the salmon.
We also have tried the calamari (recommend!) the grilled artichokes (so good!) and the bruschetta. I haven’t ever tried anything I didn’t like!
I only gave 4 stars because they don’t always seem to have it together up front. Like today for example, I called in to make a reservation and was told they were COMPLETELY booked. Then I went on OpenTable dot com and there were multiple openings… so I made a reservation and walked in… And was seated.
If I hadn’t done the host’s job, I would have ended up somewhere else! Anyway — it’s
Still a solid place to go and enjoy a good meal.

Update: had a group of 8 to celebrate a belated bday and they gave us a private room. I was weary that being so disconnected from the main rooms that service would be slow/​inattentive but they really surprised me. Also ordered the burger and half crab this time. Half crab was good but pretty pricy for how much you get. The burger was HUGE! but the bread didn’t seem like the right fit. We got the stew again but with the potatoes, corn etc on the side. I liked it better this way.

I like this Town of Crockett. Did you know Yet Wah used to be here? Yet Wah’s took over the Bay Area back in its heyday before many Unilocalers were born LOL!
I guess it’s all about The Dead Fish and its sister restaurants: The Old Clam House, Franciscan, Calzone’s, The Stinking Rose, Ozzo Steakhouse, Salito’s, Frankie’s Pier 43, and Crab House @ Pier 39. If you’re wondering why so touristy, now you know. These restaurants have also been around for decades. The Dead Fish name is catchy. When I worked in Benicia, I’ve always wanted to come kick it. My colleagues raved about it. Most of my friends from SF have moved up this way, and I have more reasons to come here.
My gal pal joined me for dinner. We had a blast catching up and cracking crab legs while cracking up HA! We ordered Caesar salad, garlic noodles, lotsa crab for two, and creamed spinach. I found the creamed spinach to be overly salty, but then again nobody does creamed spinach like House of Prime Rib. I should know better not to order it anywhere else. The chocolate mousse bomb really is da bomb! Our server Lak was friendly and engaging, checked on us periodically. The Manager also made his rounds. Spectacular view with stellar service! Would love to bring hubby here for a date night, away from the city.

It’s been 5 years since my last review… I’m adding another HALF of a star.
The last few recent times have been good experiences. My only gripe is… What’s the purpose of making a reservation if you still have to wait about 20 minutes? That’s what happened a few weeks ago but I think to make up for it, they seated me and the husband in the very back of the restaurant. We were the only ones in that tiny room of about 15 seats but we were secluded from the large/​noisy crowds and it made up for it as it was a «date night» and it made it that much more intimate.
New favorite dishes (which are still very pricey) and only worth special occasions are:
Surf and Turf — Prime Rib and Half Crab
Mixed Seafood Pasta — Black linguine (but with their cream parmigiano sauce)
Garlic Steamed Clams — I can totally drink the broth by itself

My family and I went here for an Easter dinner and even though the restaurant was packed our waitress was very attentive and we were seated even before the time we had reserved. We were promptly served bread and butter as well as a round of water. Our waitress had offered up suggestions and answered any questions that we had.
We had ordered some mussels as an appetizer and they were served with garlic butter which was delicious. I personally ordered the ½ lb of crab which was very filling. Other guests in my party ordered a seafood stew, prime rib, and a fillet. For dessert, I ordered their cheesecake which was amazing! It was so fluffy and creamy and topped with a strawberry sauce and wild strawberries on the top.
I will definitely be back to The Dead Fish because not only is the food superb, but so is the service!

I’ve been to The Dead Fish many times before and have always enjoyed the food. This time I came for lunch with my family (party of 5) and we sat in a cabana on the patio to enjoy the views.
All of the food was pretty good. I got the Louie salad with crab with a cup of clam chowder. The clam chowder was pretty standard, nothing super special. The salad was pretty good, but the grilled asparagus that came with it had an overly smoky charred taste. We also had the sizzling seafood combo with mussels, shrimp and crab. Yum Yum! Everything on the sizzling platter was delicious. I also really appreciated and enjoyed the complimentary epi bread and butter. I think next time, I’d just order that and ask them to keep the bread coming!
Where this place fell short was the service. Our server messed up our order in several ways. We ordered 2 Flipper drinks but somehow he misheard us and brought out 3. No big deal, I just went with it and let that go. Then, my Dad ordered the Salmon but what came out was Sea Bass. So my poor Dad had to wait even longer for his entrée, but they did offer a side salad on the house to make up for it. Then, I had to ask for water for the table several times before it was brought out and we weren’t provided with crab crackers until asked even though we had ordered crab! They also usually provide plastic bibs when crab is served (even with the sizzling platter), but this time nothing was given. Disappointed in the decline in service, but I’d be willing to give them another chance. All the other times I’ve been there, the service had been much better.
Note: Very pricey and smaller portions, but you get the view!

It’s been so many years since I’ve been in this place. I decided that my sister and I will have lunch here. Treat her to this fine dining since she’s never been here. It looks like we are few of those people who came early enough so we can get an ocean view sitting. Sure enough, there’s a couple of tables to choose. I admit, the view is much better during the day than at night. This place is known to their reputation of serving dungeness crabs. They also serve steaks. Lots of variety.
So both of us ordered cocktail drinks then my sister ordered shrimp in spicy ciopino sauce and I had crab enchilada. Both were excellent and in pretty good sized serving. Later, we decided to order tiramiso desert. That was really good too. At the end, we were both satisfied with what we got. My sister get to take her food home since it was a lot to finish. Although it’s a little expensive, we still have a great time. Our waiter was very helpful in assisting us what they have as far as drinks and food are concerned. I was satisfied.

Dead Fish is THE place to go in Crockett for great seafood.
I’m proud to say that I’ve been coming here for several years, and I’ve always left feeling like it was a fabulous way to spend a couple of hours with friends.
The «dead» theme extends to their menu – I’ve never been to any other fine dining establishment where the illustrated animals had x’s for eyes.
The restaurant has several seating choices – the main upscale dining room, the bar (definitely worth checking out – be sure to look up!), which has ample seating and a cozy fireplace, and the outdoor patio seating where you can enjoy a clear view of Suisun Bay and the Carquinez Bridge. Even on slightly chilly days, the patio is still an excellent choice. The service staff will even show you how to adjust your heat lamp! They also have an awesome-​looking banquet room.
I’ve eaten here for brunch, lunch, and dinner. I love everything on their menu so much that I haven’t even had a chance to try the «Killer Crab» that makes them so famous! I guess I’ll have to try it soon and report back! :)

We went on a Saturday night around 9:30pm. They closed at 10pm. We stayed until 11pm and it was no bother. We were not rushed to leave at all.
I apreciated that.
From the time we entered we were greeted with smiles and a choice of where we wanted to sit– the heated patio, bar lounge or formal table seating.
We sat in the lounge area at a table by the window. We had a great view of the water and the Carquinez Bridge.
Our waiter was the curly headed Alex.
He had a great smile and relaxing demeanor. He must get a lot of tips because his attention to detail and friendly easy going manner were great.
We had the crab louie salad with an oil and vinegar dressing. It was fabulous!
We enjoy coming to this seafood spot. It has all the ambience of a San Francisco seafood house without the super huge wait and crowds.
The service keeps us coming back. Whether winter rain or summer sun, the Dead Fish with its old world charm has spectacular views, great food and wonderful service that keeps their customers coming back.
Way to go!!!

Was in the area, hubby said he has always wanted to eat here, and never has, so we stopped. And it was a good idea.
At first I was getting frustrated, we didn’t want to wait so we sat ourselves in the lobby for the self seating area… took a min to get noticed. I had to flag somebody down to get water and be recognized as new guests. I was already thinking, this place won’t get better than 2 stars… service sucks! :(But after I flagged dude down, we got a waiter, and he had a cool little hand held POS system… he took our drink orders and they came out FAST. I mean, 5 mins or less… and, the martinis we ordered were delicious. So ok, feeling better about this place.
Appetizers came out fast, and were tasty. Our server checked us on quite a bit, refreshed our drinks… I mean, service was great.
Our entrees came out hot, quick, and tasty also. So, not a whole lot to say. The food was very good. But not AMAZING. Hence the only reason why I didn’t give it 5 stars. But for as busy as this place gets… they do a really good job. And what I really like about this place, the ambiance is sexy, casual, and romantic. So you can come here suited and booted or in your pajamas and not feel out of place. Lol.
So yeah, this place is a little pricey… but good food, good service, good drinks, good ambiance, and good environment… next time we are in the area we will come here for sure.

Went here for a family dinner on a Saturday night and man oh man it was packed so make sure to make reservations on a Saturday night. The location is right off of the freeway and its a cute place with a lot of sailor décor, with fishnets and things on the wall in a classy way if that makes sense.
Food: I had the Crabwich which was 3 little crab sandwiches with avocado and sliced red onions, It was pretty good, little on the salty side but hey its seafood? I also had the clam chowder as a side and it was pretty darn good. I had a piece of the crab enchiladas as well and I think that dish was a winner. It was something different and so tasty. My BF had the Prime Rib Large cut and it was huge! I had a bite of that as well. The meat was tender and the right amount of thickness. They also serve you dinner rolls which were delicious but kind of on the hard side but still tasty. The desert we had the super sundae, which comes with vanilla ice cream and chocolate ice cream scoop, candied walnuts, whipped crème, chocolate drizzle and of course a cherry on top. My fav was the vanilla ice cream it was very creamy.
Service: Great Service… all comes with the price. Not complaining.