After reading today's comments on Sweets and Savories (especially John Danza's comment of July 10 ), which suggest Glenn's Diner as an alternative to S&S, I decided to do this review based on my visit a few weeks ago.
I stopped in right after 5:00 on a very warm day, right after a visit to Half Acre Brewery (oh, lord, do I love their Daisy Cutter pale ale!). I had skipped lunch, and my wife was also ready to eat.
We were struck by the eclectic look and feel of the restaurant - and remembered that we had seen it on Check Please several years ago. We also remembered that the seafood was supposed to be fresh, and we were impressed by the number of different offerings available. I was even more impressed as they posted the unavailability of certain dishes as the meal progressed. Nice to know that they aren't overbuying and holding fish.
First, the praise. My wife was very impressed how well the waitstaff handled moving tables around to handle access for her power wheelchair. Many better restaurants have fumbled this small piece of hospitality (see my review of Topolobampo, for an example), these folks handled it with aplomb. The PEI mussels, which were alleged to be an appetizer, were excellent, and certainly enough for a main course, especially supplemented with a North Coast Scrimshaw pilsner. They were fresh plump mussels, steamed in an outstanding white wine and herb broth - as good as we've ever tasted.
As for me - the meal had both pluses and minuses. I ordered their Cioppino. I was impressed by the heat of the fish broth, thanks to a generous spray of red pepper flakes, and the diversity of the seafood used. I think this dish is almost ecological, as it appeared that the kitchen used trimmings from walleye, arctic char, and sturgeon filets to add to the stew, along with fresh mussels, clams, and an abundance of shrimp. I approve - this is NOT a criticism, but rather an appreciation for efficient use of resources. Portion size was also great - which worked out because I was hungry. The large plate of perfect toast points was ideal to soak up the broth - yum.
But there was one huge drawback. Salt. Loads and loads of salt. I'm a transplanted New Englander, and I know that some fresh seafood brings salt with it, but this dish was excessive in the amount of salt added to the fish broth. Did it stop me from enjoying the meal? No. But it did contribute to the three glasses of iced tea I had to consume while I was dining? Oh yeah! This dish would have been a huge success, but for the oversalting.
So I think I'll be returning to Glenn's Diner, but next time, I may opt for something a bit less heavily seasoned from the kitchen.
One other thought. This is not a restaurant with diner prices, at least for the seafood. Entrees were all north of the $20.00 price point, and many were a la carte. So don't expect to visit a Diner and get a seafood dinner for $12.00.