Spengers Restaurant, Berkeley

[sundeck sue]

if you were going to Sponger's for dinner, what would you order?

i've just waded through multiple past chow posts that mentioned Spengers; and they basically all say, don't go.

but if you WERE going--not your decision, but you're being gracious about it--how would you make it work?

[Robert Lauriston]

Raw oysters and fish and chips have proven safe bets for me. The other fried dishes are OK in that heavy mainstream seafood place way. Simple grilled fish, if you're ready to send it back if it's overcooked.

[escargot3]

Actually I had a dinner meeting at Spenger's earlier this year and to my surprise, it was excellent. Indeed, it was perfect for the occasion. (They live in Vacaville, and wanted seafood in north Berkeley/Albany.)

I had the seared Ahi tuna, and I recall being impressed with the quality of the fish, and the presentation. Someone enjoyed the chowder (red). I also enjoyed my cocktail. I seem to recall that we all were quite happy with the dessert as well, tho I have no memory of what that was.

So it ain't a destination, but at least in February, the cooking was quite decent.

[ernie in berkeley]

Stick with grilled fish and you should be ok. The danger lies in anything with a sauce, like linguini with seafood in a cream sauce, and the fried dishes. Good martinis.