as good as mom's
I was very impressed. great clam chowder, and I grew up eating my mom's on cape cod (with clams that we would dig that day!). I like the decor and the location and the delicious bread.. thing is though, the del mar location has the view!
Fish done right
The Brigantine exudes all the remarks of a well established steak and seafood place.
While you are defintely PAYING for a good meal, it is worth every penny. You get this great atmosphere and the most beautiful view that you have ever had. But who's looking when you are simply tasting the best swordfish around.
The thick and juicy swordfish utterly melts in your mouth like a dream. The establishment even has their own vineyard so you're not wondering what kind of wine you are drinking-it's theirs!
They offer a buttery chardonnay and a dry merlot. Both are very tasty, just pair with what you are eating, like chard for fish and merlot for steak.
This place is seriously and truly a local gem of seafood and wine.
a More formal evening
We did not have a reservation for the Brigantine, but waited only a few minutes for a table in the dining room. Could have had seating immediately in the bar area which also seemed comfortable and probably less formal. One in our party had soup and a coconut shrimp appetizer and iced tea. The other in our party had soup, salad, entree and soft drink. We were able to eat for about $40 plus tip. Wait staff was helpful and knowledgable. Clam chowder is wonderful. Sweet and buttery. All food was presented well, was tasteful and not overly spiced. We enjoyed the evening. A relaxed yet fine-dining experience.
We'll DEFINITALLY be back
The FOOD was to die for the calamari was soft & fresh and the clam chowder was creamy & rich *yum* even the service was great, our waitress aranged the table so my husband and I feel cozy together BUT the ambiance was way too dark, which is ok if you want that romantic feeling...
overrated
service was terrible, waiter seemed stoned, the lobster was the best thing about the whole dinner, garlic mashed potatoes were watery and tasteless, vegetables were undercooked, waitress in the cocktail bar was awesome though, I did like the privacy where we seated. But all in all i would not go there again. We were told that they offer much more than what is in the menu but you have to know what you want they don't offer to tell you everything they have. The two 6 oz. austrailian lobsters were $35.99 and come with rice pilaf which can be substituted for baked potatoe or the watery potaoes and crunchy veggies, if you want a salad or soup it is extra. house wine is o.k.
overrated
