Big Fish Tavern

The manger Lucian is a not an easy person to get along with. He was dismissive and disrespectful. Honestly will leave if he is there the next time I stop by. He made the service go from mediocre to abysmal. The food was very good but how can you enjoy it with a manger that’s so angry.

Stopped in for dinner. We did have reservations for a view table! Well we got a great view table. What a view of the water and main street. Great sunset too. our drinks came right out. The service was great! our server made sure he went over the menu with us and told us about all the great items they had. We settled on 2 dinners that he said were good. Well he was right! the food was great! Our food came out hot and very good! we had everything we needed. I would recommend this place for everyone! It is really that good!!! Try it out!

I ordered 45 minutes ago & im still waiting on my food. It’s not busy, my waitress has no personality, & why the hell am I still waiting?

The food was pretty good but the service didn’t match the price. We came in during happy hour and were told that even though we planned to drop $ 50 or more on entrees we couldn’t get happy hour prices on drinks unless we sat at the bar. My wife ordered a margarita no salt. It arrived with salt. She said asked that they scrape the grill before cooking her steak because she is allergic to fish. «We can’t do that». All in all not a great experience even though we had a nice view and a pretty good steak. So $ 96 for two of us to eat a meal that we weren’t thrilled with. We won’t be returning.

This is my favorite place in Laguna! Always a great decision. Many food options! Anything that has lobster is yummy! The lapu lapu is great! The banana bread pudding is wonderful, service has always been good when I go! Highly recommended if you just want to grab a drink or a nice dinner.

Food was pretty good but bit over price. Staffs were nice but they seemed to be in a rush and pushed us in eating when they weren’t even busy.

Came here on a friends suggestions. Reminded me of BJs.
Customer Service: ³⁄₅
We waited 5 mins before we where approached by the hostess. It was happy hour so it was busy. Accommodated us quickly after for 2 adults and a toddler. The waiter was not bad but it took him a loooong time in between checking in with us and about 15 mins after our meal was done to get us the check. Note that they will not give you the Happy Hour prices if you sit inside the restaurant, only terrance prices? Didn’t know that but it was nice of them to honor it due to us already being seated and settled with a toddler.
Food ⁴⁄₅
I ordered the Peruvian Ceviche as an appetizer.. It was amazing! Full of flavor and had snow crab leg meat! Yum.
My husband ordered the Happy Hour tacos and said they were good just nothing special.
I ordered the house burger, it was big, juicy and messy. Perfect. I had a choice of fruit, fries or onion rings. Chose onion rings. Delicious choice. Hot and crispy.
Kids menu was impressive. They had about 6 selections for $ 6.50 and a drink. The kids dish was the size of an adults. The cheese burger was normal size and the kids fries was a whole basket! Mom and Dad ate some and there was still plenty to share.

We came here for dinner one night after driving around the Laguna Beach area as well as Newport Beach. Parking was a bit of a problem until we realize they had parking in the rear of the restaurant.
Let me Begin by saying I had high hopes based on the reviews I had been reading. Well the food was delicious getting to it seemed to be the problem. After we were seated our waiter asked us what we would like to drink. We ordered our drinks and told him we needed a few minutes to look at the menu. He brought back our drinks and we ordered an appetizer. At that time we also requested for our waiter to bring us some fresh bread. He said no problem and that he would be right back. About 10 minutes later our appetizer was brought to us without bread. He told us fresh bread was being baked and that it would be about 15 minutes and he would bring us some. 20 minutes later we still didn’t have any bread. We were looking for a waiter and saw him taking orders from other customers and then we saw him go into the kitchen thinking he was bringing their bread. Instead he was flirting with the female waitresses as you can see this through the doors. We were trying to get his attention to no avail. He finally looked over at us and he thought we were looking for our dinners so you look to see if our dinners were ready and went back to flirting since they were not. A few minutes later another waiter appeared with our dinners. I had ordered the shrimp scampi and when I went to take my first bite I happen to touch the plate. This plate was freezing cold and my dinner was now cold. It may have been hot when it went into the plate but because of the fact that it was so cold it turn the food cold. We could not find our waiter to address this issue. Another gentleman walked past who appeared to be a busboy and my husband got his attention and we explain the situation. He immediately apologized took my plate back into the kitchen and returned shortly thereafter. During this time our waiter walked past and noticed that I didn’t have any food in front of me. He said let me check in the kitchen to see why you don’t have food. I explained to him that the food has been delivered on an ice-​cold plate and that someone else had taken my plate back to fix the issue. We then asked him about the bread he had promised. He went into the kitchen and got some bread for us and the other gentleman brought me my food. This time it was brought on a piping hot plate and I proceeded to eat. I must say even though I had all the issues getting the food it was fabulous. Original way to apologized profusely for the cold food but never apologized for his own behaviors. I thank the busboy immensely for all of his help and when I tried to tip him he tried to refuse it. I encouraged him to accept it as I was truly appreciative of all of his help. The manager came to our table a few minutes later to ensure we were not satisfied with our dinners. I explained to him how delicious the food was and then I appreciated the Quick Service of his busboy. I apologize but throughout all the excitement I failed to remember The Helpful gentleman’s name. I cannot say enough about him thank you very much and all and all dinner was good just the service needed some help regarding our waiter.

Best food, service and ocean view dining! Perfect 5 Stars!!! Highly Recommend!!! Great place to take your entire family and friends

NAUTICAL HAPPY HOUR
Walking down Laguna Beach area, observing and enjoying local art galleries. When it’s time to eat, found out that this place is LOCAL favourite for happy hour.
Happy Hour: Mon-​Fri (11:30am-7pm)-Bar area only
Happy Hour price range: $ 4-​$ 9
LIVE MUSIC: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays (starts 7pm)
Ambiance: nautical wall decoration, casual clothing, cozy, bright wooden floor wall
Location: second floor above art galleries.
Parking: in the garage next to art galleries (same complex) — FREE on weekdays
RESTROOM: 1 (one) for each gender (clean)
Service: superb, our waitress was very friendly, checking a few times with big smile and very informative about what to order.
This place has changed ownership, name and decoration for 3 (three) times already. Special needs customers has big priority, the menu is all over GS (Gluten Free) and note to notify the server for any requests of diet.
FOODS:
#### Hawaiian Ahi Poke: stunning presentation mixture of minced tuna, shallot, green onion, sesame oil, sesame seeds and soy sauce. MUST ORDER!!!
#### Chilled Shrimp Cocktail: juicy, sensational!!! MUST ORDER!!!
#### New England Clam Chowder: small size with bacon, potatoes and clams, tasty creamy.
#### Peruvian Style Crab & Shrimp Ceviche: fresh raw fish in lemon juice with chili peppers. Fresh, cool, titillating!
My friend and I were keep digging until we dropped. We feel so blessed living in California with this fresh selection of seafood.
P. S. Phở noodle option is on menu (SURPRISE!)

Probably the best seafood chowder I’ve ever had. Lunch and drinks were also great. I will definitely come back when back in town. Good job Louie!

When me and the kids can’t agree on where to eat in the going to beach, we usually decide to come here. The menu has a lot of variety. My son ordered the coconut shrimp which is consistently delicious here. (Remember to order without the sauce if you don’t want a spicy kick.) My daughter ordered the ahi poke with wonton chips. It is loaded with avocado which makes it deliciously filling. We always get the chowder fries for the table… topped with bacon, a must order! I couldn’t decide what to get so I got a side of spinach and Brussels sprouts. They accidentally brought out asparagus instead so I got to try all three! The brussels sprouts were a bit too strong on the Gorgonzola, but all three were delicious.
Do you have a nice kids menu here but lately my kids have outgrown the portions.
Monday is locals night. Pay attention when to eat here with kids, on big game days, it get really loud inside.
I noticed since they changed ownership, the prices have gone up, they cleaned up the menu items a bit, but the quality is still there. They used to have a loco moco plate on the happy hour menu, I’m not sure if it’s still there.
I will definitely be back again next time my family can’t agree on where to eat in Laguna

You’re expensive meal pays for the view…
Unfortunately, we came up on this place through Unilocal,hoping to have an enjoyable lunch in Laguna. Your rooftop view is awesome and you’ll have that great ocean breeze flow through the window. But that’s where it all stops.
Food was pretty bad. I got a roasted artichoke to start & fish and chips. The artichoke was likely pre roasted with fake little grill marks, but in fact was cold to the touch. Fries were soggy and fish looked like a mozzarella stick and still had that frozen taste.
My bloody Mary cost $ 12 and tasted as if a drink cart girl from the local golf course could have made it.
The lady got some $ 20 tilapia dish that seemed like it was from a heat-​and-​eat TGIF frozen meal.
Do yourself a favor and avoid this place.

Every time we are in town this is my bosses favorite spot as they have great seafood he always great the Spicy Seafood Chowder with vegetables mixed seafood salmon, tilapia scallops all in a spicy tomato herb broth more of a Manhattan style but he likes it.
I choose the Jambalaya for fresh catch seafood it had scallops, mussels shrimp shapper with spicy sausage rice tomato herb broth
Our dishes were delicious and interesting, not boring run of the mill so we ate here twice this week.
50 or so beers for beer connoisseurs who know the difference between great beers and bad ones. and a good wine selection too.
All of the staff we had were great.
The first night we sat at the bar and ordered our food and had a couple of drinks. the bar keep was on point even though it was close to closing time there was no rush put on us.

Laguna Beach, you gorgeous thing! The breathtaking view is always the highlight at any Laguna Beach restaurant. I have not yet had a meal in LB that is more delicious than the view is pretty. I don’t think it can be done.
The same goes here. I like Big Fish Tavern though. The patio and a pretty view can make my weekend complete!
Spicy cucumber margarita is just okay. I’d like to try something lighter and more refreshing next time. Allagash White on draft is always a terrific back-​up option.
Chowder is good.
The seafood jambalaya was a terrific way to sample all their different fresh fish of the day. The fish in the dish was perfectly cooked and succulently moist. It was a whole lotta overcooked rice though, and became boring. I felt like the rice needed some heat and acid.
The lobster truffle risotto was really rich, but tasty. Again, another dish I wouldn’t be able to finish alone. A bit goes a long way. Maybe this should be served as balls!
Service was super sweet and attentive, but not overbearing.
Overall I really like Big Fish Tavern, and look forward to the next visit! It’s located on beautiful PCH. There’s a parking garage available with validated parking. Restaurant is located upstairs.

It’s just so rare in life where I find a place that has atmosphere, delicious food and great service. Big fish tavern supplies all.
We enjoyed the grilled salmon salad and it was fantastic! We always order the dressing on the side and the cheese on the side. The goat cheese was delicious. Not to strong, but perfect flavor.
You can see the ocean from the tables. Great view

Went here for NYE — it was an eclectic group some older some young.ish. Pretty sure my group was the youngest one there… but no cover and the service was fantastic. Also had a live band — which as Wedding Crashers famously said «is like pizza it’s always good!» The guy playing sax was seriously getting into the music and it showed. Lead singer involved the crowd too by including patrons in song — very endearing and encouraged camaraderie among the partygoers.
Lobster fondue — there is a reason this is highlighted on both the menu and in many reviews. Stuff is seriously savory and satisfying. The bread that comes with it is butter grilled and scrumptous too and absorbs the lobster cheesy goodness very nicely. ⁵⁄₅
Lobster crab cakes — moderately good quality. Fair size. Moderately good taste, this isn’t a four star seafood restaurant so I wasn’t expecting jumbo lump crap meat. It did the trick. ⁴⁄₅
Calamari — pretty standard but the sweet/​mildly spiced sauce on it was tasty. I do wish a dip came with it. I read in another review that there was a dip not a sauce drizzle so I’m not sure if this was a just a lack of dip cups on that specific night kind of oversight? ⁴⁄₅.
Lobster meatball risotto — risotto warmed my tummy and the flavors were excellent. The lobster meatballs were a little burnt-​y on the outside but good inside. Not great but definitely good. ⁴⁄₅.
Housemade lemonade — Does not hold a candle to a lemon shake up from a county fair. It was a step above the powdered stuff we concocted into tart lemon drink as kids… but not by much. ³⁄₅.
Bloody Mary — Good to great! Nice mix that came with it and I asked for it spicy and it came out fantastic. I wasn’t expecting greatness since I ordered this at night (i’m a weirdo like that) but it sure delivered. ⁵⁄₅
Good beer selection, nice beach views, slightly «mature» crowd as I expected. All in all not the most memorable NYE ever but decent and didn’t break the bank like other options would have.

My Aunt and Uncle took me here. They seemed to really like this place so I took their word for it. It was the nice day and you could see the ocean from our seat. Our waiter was nice, it’s just that he kept calling me buddy and sir. If you didn’t already know, I’m a girl. Yes I have short hair and a flat chest, but I was wearing earrings and short shorts. My Aunt even said my name in front of the guy and he still didn’t realize that I’m actually a girl. Oh well, it was just kinda awkward. I probably should of said something, but I didn’t really care.
Anyways my Aunt ordered the grilled artichoke for our appetizer and I ended up getting the short rib sliders, lettuce wrapped. I was kinda indecisive about what to order at first, nothing on the menu really caught my eye so I just ended up ordering the short rib. I later looked at their happy hour and saw that they served loco moco, but only from 4−7pm. We were there for lunch. If they had that on their regular menu I totally would of gotten it.
The artichoke came out in good time and I liked the ginger aioli. The thing was that the artichoke was undercooked. It’s supposed to be soft and easy to eat, but it was hard and stiff. Sad that they screwed up something so simple. Next our entrees came. My Aunt got hers first and she ordered their burger without bread and they served it to her with the bread on. In fact she also complained about her sour cocktail which they didn’t end up fixing very well. She said she still didn’t like it. They even forgot that I wanted my sliders lettuce wrapped. Our waiter almost placed the sliders with bread in front of me, but before he did he remembered and took it back. When I got my food, it was sloppily sandwiched between sad little pieces of lettuce. The short rib was just ok, a little on the dry side. My Aunt also got some sweet potatoes which were good with the ranch they were served with. Probably the only good thing I ate. I was still really unsatisfied so I tried some of my Uncle’s jambalaya that he was raving about. I got a whole scallop and some rice. The scallop was cooked well, but it was gritty. The rice tasted like it came from Uncle Ben’s which it probably did. Even my Aunt thought it came from out of a box. We’re filipino, we know our rice. Not a very good experience here.

The good news is that there is new ownership here and boy does it show!!!
I came here a few times before I updated my review since this change of ownership
The fish specials are awesome and the quality is first rate
Prices are reasonable and the staff are friendly and very accommodating
Come to BIG FISh! You will be very happy and leave satisfied

What a hidden gem and FANTASTIC happy hour!
I literally could not be more pleased with this place! I was hesitant because of the meh reviews all over Unilocal but then I looked at the date on them and most come from 2011? Strange… I hear they are under new management and after my experience, I think they deserve far more! This spot is absolutely wonderful.
— Great happy hour–
Starts at 4 and goes until 7pm! Perfect for after work!
— Great food —
we had ahi poke (delicious and not spicy), lobster fondue (kind of like a deconstructed lobster grilled cheese sandwich — so delicious!), sliders (didn’t have one of these but they looked adorable), wings (very saucy) and fish tacos (huge amounts of fish beautifully covered in fresh veggies) — all were absolutely delicious and SO AFFORDABLE due to happy hour! (see photos — great portions!)
— Great atmosphere —
The bar isn’t huge but there are some community tables scattered about and TVs here and there for whatever game tickles your fancy but there is also soft music playing and its just relaxed and classy without being divey or pretentious. So nice yet you’re by the ocean so you feel at ease.
— Great view —
It was a bit overcast when I was there but we were happily surprised to see the rainbow sky through the tinted windows. We even went over and enjoyed some sea air (they open the windows) and I can imagine the amazing rainbow sky on a summer night.
— Great service —
We sat at the bar and the bartender was super attentive without being intrusive. Friendly and kind when we were getting a bit annoying. I wish I remembered her name :(She’s lovely and recommended some fantastic food!
— Great drink offerings —
I’ll admit, I don’t know much about many alcohols but I’m a bit of a cider snob. I can’t stand American ciders (way too sweet) so I was absolutely over the moon and jaw-​droppingly impressed when the bartender showed me the ONE cider they had: Samuel Smith’s ORGANIC Apple Cider imported from the UK! It was soooo delicious and not at all sickly like most of the hard ciders offered at bars in CA. It’s a light, dry, crisp hard cider that I now adore — almost like champagne! It was love at first sip —– Thank you, Big Fish Tavern for this beautiful revelation.
— Great décor —
I am a huge fan of all things nautical but it can become over the top and lean towards tacky very easily. This place has it done RIGHT! The lighting, the bar display, the shabby chic yet high-​end décor elements throughout, the accent wallpaper of colorful fish! It all works so well together… When I’m rich and I have a pool house of my own, I want it to look exactly like this place — soaked in sunshine and beachy in a chic, effortless way that then twinkles with candle light after the sun has set. Love it.
— Great parking for Laguna —
Laguna can be a pain for two reasons:
1) There’s only 2 ways into the city which usually means battling traffic;
2) The canyon/​cliff combo make parking a scarcity/​nightmare.
One of the first things that elated me about this place was the WHOLE PARKING STRUCTURE behind that is free after 7pm! The downside to this structure is that there is a 3hr limit and I’m sure it fills up pretty quickly on the weekends but HELLO?! This is Laguna! Praise God that parellel parking on PCH to the sound of angry sunday drivers is not your only option! Do a happy dance even because the meter takes cards! $ 1/​hr is a bargain!
Just be mindful if you use google maps to get you here — The GPS will take you to the street address which is on PCH but the structure is actually behind the location on a 1 way street called Ramona.
Ah what a fun couple of hours on a Thursday.
Thank you Big Fish Tavern — I shall be back!