Boathouse 1887 on the Bay

We’re always open to checking out historic places in our city! This is quite the treasure!!! We enjoyed happy hour upstairs with a couple of cocktails and shrimp cocktail. The staff was super nice!

We had a wonderful dinner last night. My wife’s lobster was perfect as was my filet… Our server Laurie was spot on and knew the menu well. The manager Marty makes you feel as if you are visiting his home!!! Great view!!!

Not exactly what I was expecting but i was still happy I ate here. Boathouse 1887 was less upscale than I expected but the restaurant had a good menu and service. I went here with my boyfriend for restaurant week. I felt like I was on a boat so that was fun. For appetizers, I had the arugula and citrus salad which was a perfect size. It was light and refreshing. He had the clam chowder which was filling. Lots of clams and not too salty or bland like other chowders. The chowder went perfectly with the complimentary bread. I ordered the prime rib and my boyfriend had the halibut. The 12 oz. prime rib was cooked perfectly. Delicious potatoes and veggies too. I remained impressed with the food even til dessert– sorbet and chocolate lava cake. It was not too crowded when we went– around 8pm on a Friday night– which was nice. I wish we had a better view of the water from where we were seated, though. But there’s not much they can do about that considering the boathouse was built in 1887. I would recommend this place to others looking for a nice dinner out.

This place get one star only because the bar tender/​server named Sean was really friendly. I would definitely give this place NO stars for the rest of the staff including the owner. Seems like they just have a problem with Asians. I wasn’t expecting much for the food because of all of the horrible reviews I have read prior to m visit but I didn’t even stay to taste anything from their restaurant week menu. The calamari was ok, nothing special for me to drive all te way back to Coronado from riverside like I would for Phil’s BBQ. It was my best friends birthday but the rude tone of the hostess ruined everything!
We had reservations at 6 but we got there an hour early so we asked to be seated by the windows and we chilled at the bar having a good time for an hour and went back downstairs to be seated for dinner and they give us a table away from the windows do we asked the hostess and with attitude she’s like «and what would
You like me to do about it?“WTF. Totally lost my appetite so my friend decided to tell the owner who walks over and tells his workers who then looks Over at our table probably talking shit amongst themselves… Finally we decide to pay for our drinks and leave so the hostess comes and apologizes. Not good enough to keep us there!

I had a reservation at 6pm for my birthday and we got here a little early. Since their happy hour was until 6pm, It didn’t seem too bad to get a drink before we sat down to eat. We asked them if we can sit by the window when we come back at 6 and went upstairs for a quick appetizer and drinks.
We came back down to eat and the hostess led us into the restaurant. But, she led us in the middle of the restaurant, not by the window. I reminded them that I reserved next to the window and the hostess told me that there is no window seat left in a very rude way. I complained to the owner (he seemed like the owner) and expressed my feelings towards how I was treated. Of course, the owner replied in not-​so-​nice way.
We ended up leaving without ordering our meals. After we asked for our check, the rude hostess came to apologize for her behavior. We all guessed that maybe the workers are racist because the other customers. who are not Asians, looked content with their service. WARNING: IF YOU ARE AN ASIAN, YOU SHOULD THINK ABOUT GOING TO ANOTHER RESTAURANT. Or if you are an Asian and want to go on a diet, try this RESTAURANT because you’ll lose your appetite right when you enter this restaurant! :)
Ps. Calamari and drinks were okay. Their sauce was pretty good too. That’s all I have to say about their food.

The location looked mega-​dreamy as we drove by looking for a place to eat near the Hotel Del, what with half of the restaurant literally located OVER the water and the other half on land. MEGA COOL. And there are all the yachts and boats in the surrounding water since the restaurant is on the marina.
Since we picked the restaurant spontaneously, we had no idea what the prices or food were like. Inside, the décor harkens back to yesteryear and yonder days of old. I felt like I traveled back in time! The historical and traditional style of the restaurant was pretty nifty.
When we got our menus, we were like WHOA. This boat food was all up in the $ 20-​$ 30 range — and we just wanted quick yumzies before ice skating. We hated doing this to our server, but… everyone in our group ordered a soup or salad, and only a soup or salad!
I was impressed by the salad, actually! The burrata salad is super yummy. The complimentary bread and butter is equally satisfying. The reason I’m giving this place 3 stars is because of the service. Our group noticed that the server didn’t make too much eye contact with us, even before we had ordered… but he was otherwise courteous — if not especially warm or genuinely cheerful.
It’s not somewhere I would rush back to. Especially for the price range of the menu — I’d rather go to restaurants with more stars on Unilocal and better service!

Being new to Coronado (from Nor Cal), I made reservations for New Year’s Eve dinner at the Boathouse 1887. After reading the large span of reviews here we decided to approach it with absolutely no expectations… good or bad… stay in neutral until we had the facts.
Location is great… views are great and parking is very easy. Atmosphere is nice, relaxed and comfortable. The two of us were seated at a four place table near a corner… nice. With reservations at 6:15 p. m (because 6:30 and 6:45 was booked) it was about half empty when we arrived but within ten or fifteen minutes every chair in the place was taken. Sure glad we got our order in before the rush!
Kurt was our server and a great job he did. Very attenative and efficient yet was able to handle all the tables with ease (several large groups in his station). As busy as he was, we felt like he was very good at customer service.
I had the Ribeye steak while she had scallops. Both were prepared well however, my steak was a bit on the rare side (inside) even though I asked for «well». The next time I’d ask for extra well done. However, Kurt did ask if it was prepared to my liking and so in fairness, I did have an opportunity to send it back. Personally I don’t like to send food back… it seems to break the mood/​ombiance of the meal.
We were very happy with our choice of locations for our New Year’s Eve dinner and it appeared that those around us were enjoying theirselves as well. We will go back and we would recommend this place to others.
After we finished dinner we decided to go upstairs to the lounge area. Much broader views, much quieter than downstairs and plenty of tables to eat at. The next time we’ll make reservations to have dinner up in the lounge.

Unfortunately we went here for Christmas dinner. This is the worse dining experience I’ve had in a very long time — 10 years?
*Cocktails — hire new bartenders. Up does not mean a drink is served on ice. The cocktails are a complete waste — when your 85 year old grandmother complains you know it isn’t just you.
*Food — ordered prime rib and halibut entrees. All came out cold. Halibut entrée came with a side of veggies — 2 green beans, ½ a carrot and a piece of zucchini — no joke.
*Services (not main server) — we received another tables drinks twice and some poor other tables entrees.
*Main Server — was excellent (Kristen?) but she should seriously go somewhere else that is well managed and organized, she’d make a killing in tips.

Such a disappointment.
First ate here 32 years ago with Father Joe and my Scoutmaster Joe T. for a scouting volunteer event. I remember those fond memories of great steak and attentive service. Sadly those days are long gone.
Attended a friends 50^th birthday party tonight with option of New York Steak, Salmon or Chicken. Requested NY Steak medium. 1^st steak was nothing but gristle. Requested a replate and was brought a rare steak. Kindly asked for steak to be brought to medium and received a slightly medium rare steak 10 minutes later. Finally asked for the manager and he just blew me off and tried to give me a steak lesson
Really? 10 years as Chef de Cuisine 2 wineries and 12 years as a sous for 3 star Michelin rated under Jean-​Georges Vongerichten.
The only reason no one else complained because they did not want to embarrass our host. They just didn’t finish their plates.
How lowly the Boathouse has fallen.

4 Stars because of the View!!! Took a friend here to see Coronado and I also wanted to sit down somewhere with a nice view other than at The Del…
The fish & chips were yummy, crispy and hot. My favorite of all is the Malt Vinegar with it. Ha ha ha I wanted to take it home.
Service was amazing, he was nice and funny.
Love the décor and all the old wooden stairs. Lots of Free parking.
Will come back whenever I have friends from out of town and show off the beautiful view of the marina and the bay.

The view is gorgeous but that’s about it. They need to hire a new chef or something. The food is not worth the money. Seriously! I ordered the shrimp pomodoro linguini… if I’m paying $ 20 for a dang pasta dish it should be freshly made and also with the noodle it says it comes with not capellini. I’ve had better and cheaper at the Olive Garden. I’d choose that over this place any day. It also tasted like cigarettes. I couldn’t eat it. My grandmother got the king crab, $ 50 dish but it just came with a claw and a leg… seriously? My husbands mashed potatoes tasted like they were made in the ocean, so salty. Skip it! Go to The Tavern, Leroy’s Kitchen, or if you’re just dying for steak/​seafood go to Vigilucci’s they are actually worth the price.

Coronado Boathouse — now Coronado Boathouse 1887 — Beautiful location, but mediocre food. The macadamia halibut was my favorite dish and used to be cooked to perfection. The new halibut dish was overcooked and bland, as were the vegetables. The «kobe» beef was not actually kobe beef and although cooked to the right temperature, was no better than a filet mignon. I’ve had kobe beef and you can literally cut it with a knife. The prices were inflated for tourists and way too expensive for what you got.
Appetizers were so-​so. We had the Burrata & Heirloom Tomato Salad which was just a bunch of small cherry tomatoes with soft burrata cheese. I’ve had much better elsewhere. The calamari was not impressive either — it was tough and overcooked. The tartar sauce was bland and the cocktail sauce was worse. You may as well have given us a bottle of ketchup.
The wait staff was very friendly, but service was slow. We’ve lived in Coronado for 20 years and have been going to this restaurant for years. We won’t be returning anytime soon, unless I see some improvement in the ratings.

Great happy hour experience!
Sat overlooking the Bay and Marina while the Beer Can Races set sail… martinis were wonderful and the oysters were better than the Dels. Caesar salads are great… French onion soup was rich and we ended the evening with a sinful lava cake and ice cream… oh my!
Lori was our excellent waitress… just a wonderful experience!
Now the new name… not sure about that!

We spent the weekend in Coronado. Tried the resturant was not impressed. Award winning clam chowder was awful. Campbell’s soup is better. Got the prime rib as the waiter raved about it. Nothing but fat. Desert cream burlie was over done. Not a good experience at all

3.75 stars solid.
I like the location overlooking the marina. It is open and airy, does not feel like a restaurant.
I was here for mothers day. I made reservations on line and was allowed to change it from a party of 3 to 4 on line at the last minute with no problem. I always make it a point to arrive early to allow for traffic and parking. Reservations were for 1130 and we were seated at 1115. They did not offer a buffet but what they call a plated menu. It is regular menu with breakfast and lunch items. The food was pretty good not earth shattering. The service was friendly and pretty quick.
I would definitely like to try this place again in the evening.

First let me say I didnt make it past the reservation process with the hostess…
I called to reserve a table on the patio and the hostess informed me that depending on how busy it was she couldn’t be sure that we would be seated on the patio or in the dining room.
Seemed strange to me so I moved on and reserved a table OUTSIDE at the Hotel Del Coronado. No problem…

I found this place while searching for locations to hold a banquet in Coronado for a small wedding of about 25 people. Two of my friends agreed to have dinner with me to try out their food (fiancé is out of the country).
1. I made reservations for 6:00pm on a Friday night. I encountered traffic and had my friend call-​in to let them know. They changed the reservation to 6:15 without a problem. Upon our arrival (exactly at 6:15, they sat us immediately and with a smile!). The host even asked us how the drive was.
2. Our waiter was very attentive and greeted us within 3 or 5 minutes of being seated. He promptly had our drinks and water over while letting us review the menu.
3. After revealing that I was interested in holding a banquet there, our waiter brought over the banquet coordinator (Erin). She talked to me for about 10 minutes and gave me a packet to take home.
4. Ok. Now onto the important stuff. How was the food? My judgement on the taste was influenced by the fact that I was drinking wine (which as some of you may know has a tendency to enhance the salt flavors). The Lobster Bisque was pretty good, though a bit on the salty side. Though, my friend seemed to love hers. I think every last drop was consumed. I had to eat mine with bread in order to handle the salt. The crab cakes were delicious with the sauce, though more cake than crab (as someone previously mentioned). The calamari was good but not the best. The chili sauce that comes with it is frickin’ delicious though. Can’t go wrong with the sweet and sour thai chili sauce (Though I know that brand anywhere… as I’ve been using it since I was a kid. They add a bit of citrus flavoring to it though to give it a twist.)
I got the Jack Daniels NY Steak. I asked for it to be medium-​rare, but it was cooked closer to medium. It was still pretty delicious though. My friend got the Peppered Steak, but she got it well-​done. I’m personally not a fan of eating leather shoes… had it been cooked medium-​rare or medium, I probably would’ve enjoyed a bite or two. Lastly, my friend got the Shrimp boat. Everything on her GIGANTIC plate was delicious. She doesn’t even like shrimp cocktail and she couldn’t stop eating it. She also praised the creole shrimp, even stating that she grew up on creole shrimp and that it tasted just like her family’s.
I was stuffed. No room for dessert.
We ended up staying for a few more hours just to chat. Our waiter kept our cups filled with water.
The drinks were good. The wine I tried was fairly priced. My friend enjoyed her Mai Thai, though she said it was on the sweet end. It was a large glass as well. My other friend got a Margarita which she said was pretty good and strong.
They must’ve really wanted my service, cause our drinks were on the house. SWEET!
…Overall. I loved the service. The food gets a 4. Not the best, but certainly not horrible.
Only thing… it’s pricey. So, I wouldn’t come here if you’re stingy.

Came here to take advantage of their Restaurant Week (RW) special. I had a reservation at 515pm, but they sat me down immediately at 5pm. Lots of tables downstairs and upstairs. I told the guy that I was dining by myself so I wouldn’t mind being seated at the bar, you know, just to open up another table for someone else’s use. He insisted that it was ok for me to be at a table, no worries, but ultimately, I just told him that the bar was ok.
I sat at the upstairs bar to the far left because you get a great view of the inner harbor. Lots of sailboats underway, pretty neat stuff. On the other side of the restaurant was a band about to setup for their event. So when there is a band playing, happy hour is in effect regardless of what time it is. But they also have the same happy hour if there were no musicians from 5−630pm, $ 2.75 domestic bottles, $ 5 house wines and $ 7 specialty cocktails. I went with their Kenwood 2007 merlot. Nice, decent, went well with my steak later on in the evening.
Again, came here for RW, and I already knew what I wanted since I saw their menu from
. The three course meal came out to $ 30.
Starter: lightly seasoned calimari. Yes this was lightly seasoned… too light actually. I needed some salt and pepper. But they were quick, maybe in 4 minutes or so. Went well with the Thai citrus-​chili sauce, which was pretty good. (Regular price: $ 11)
Main: Top sirloin, prime steak with mashed potatoes. Came with this teriyaki sauce. Luckily they put it on the side. Not a fan of that sauce with my meat. Meat close to my preferred medium-​rare cooking. Nice, tender, slightly burnt on the outside, and mostly medium-​rare in the inside. (Regular price: $ 27)
Fin: NY cheesecake, drizzled with chocolate. Nice, rich, couldn’t finish it… soooo full (Regular price: $ 7)
Décor was great. A lot of historical Coronado pictures everywhere. Upstairs restroom was semi-​clean. Good music, great views everywhere.
So if you do a little research you can pretty much get the most out of RW and finally try out that restaurant you wanted. So for a $ 45 meal, I saved $ 15. And you save more if you dine during happy hour. Plus, you get some cool views, good music. Customer service was great too. Grady, the bartender dude was on the ball during my visit. And it’s Coronado, so you can go for walk to the Hotel Del or to downtown all within 5 minutes.

I photographed a Reception at the Coronado Boathouse and had the opportunity to try the food. The presentation for each dish was beautiful; the food arrived hot and fresh. However, the flavors of each were pretty underwhelming. I chose the best dish they had for the Wedding party: Breaded Chicken Breast Stuffed With Swiss, Ham and Basil. Reminiscent of Chicken Cordon Bleu (one of my FAVORITE dishes of all time), no?
It didn’t taste like it. At all, The chicken was slightly dry as well. Meh. Perfect example of why American restaurants fail to blow me away. However, service was prompt, friendly, and they let us take photographs on the roof. :D Hoorah!

Visited the Boathouse for Restaurant Week and was immediately put off by the fact that they handed us the regular menu and made no mention of the «discounted» Restaurant Week menu. Luckily, I was with my sister and not a date, otherwise it would have been awkward asking for the small piece of paper with a few «cheap» dishes on it. I absolutely love Restaurant Week, but absolutely loathe it when a restaurant attempts to use it to lore people in and then coax them into ordering off of their regular menu (aka: overpriced menu). To me, it goes against the spirit of Restaurant Week. So, bad start for the Boathouse.
The Restaurant Week menu was decent but really nothing special as they seemed to have left off all their interesting appetizers and main dishes. They certainly did not use Restaurant Week as a way to display their «fine cuisine.»
I started with the calamari and outside of the sauce, which was delicious, it was pretty par for the course. I then went with the Baseball Sirloin Steak as my main entrée. It was cooked perfectly to medium rare as requested, but the flavor was just normal standard Sirloin Steak. It was a little disappointing that they did not choose one of their better steaks to include on the menu. My sister though had the Macadamia Halibut with the sauces on the side and was very pleased with the tenderness of the fish and the macadamia flavor. From my bite, it was freaking delicious, I mean you did not even have to think about using a knife. Certainly the highlight of our meal with dessert being a close second. The Key Lime pie and the Mud Pie were splendid as was the coffee.
The other factor that makes The Boathouse hard to judge is the vintage building and awesome location. The building has a very authentic nautical cuisine and reminds me a lot of Chesapeake Bay restaurants from when i was younger. All in all though, the place just leaves something to be desired.