Blue Water Grill

We just had a wonderful meal at this Union Square favorite. My father would travel from Santa Barbara just for the lobster bisque, and my mother and I truly enjoyed the spinach salad with pistachios and blue cheese. Our entrees were all terrific--my blackened swordfish was flaky and delicate, not hard as it often is, and the sweet potato/crab hash was an ideal accompaniment. My mother ate every bite of her porcini crusted halibut and artichoke risotto, and my father had lobster again, this time sauteed with scallops--excellent. It's hard to believe we had room for dessert, but we just couldn't resist. Oohs and ahhs over the creme brulee and the caramelized banana tower (served with pistachio and caramel ice creams instead of the usual banana and vanilla, per my father's wish), and I loved the chocolate fondue served with fruit, mini rice krispie squares, and little bits of marshmallow--yum! Blue Water Grill is a bargain for brunch and lunch but more of a splurge for dinner, yet we felt it was the high point of our meals out this week.

I used to go here all the time before it became the IT place. The wait staff used to be pleasant and acommodating and now they've become pretentious and snotty. I went for brunch and ordered a drink which was listed on the brunch menu- to go with brunch- and the waiter scoffed and yelled, not before noon like I was an alcoholic. It was 11:50 in the morning, and anyone with any class knows that a mimosa with brunch is not out of the question. They always stick me in the most uncomfortable spot in the restaurant, either in the corner or right near the kitchen, even when there are other tables open. Not impressed.

I have been to Blue Water Grill for both lunch and dinner on several occasions, but had not been for about a year. Lunch today was quite disappointing. While the oysters were impeccably fresh, as always, the seafood cobb salad was totally ordinary, and meager in portion (and I am not a big eater.) 4 medium shrimp and a couple of tablespoons of crab were all the fish, plus a small slice of avocado and a teaspoon or two of chopped egg white over a couple of large pieces of lettuce. Completely boring. Though we had an early reservation (11:30 was all we could get) it took 15 minutes for someone to take a drink order and the place was empty. They also brought the *brunch* prix fixe menu--which had no price on it! Given the prices, this place should get its act together.

I was at the Blue Water Grill for a weekday dinner and it was a superb experience. Everyone was so friendly and helpful suggesting dishes. The blacken swordfish was perfect. Scallop appetizer was also great. Food arrived in reasonable time and they were all well presented. We couldn't reserve the main room so we was at the Jazz room. The atmosphere was nice, though it was very loud. Nice trendy place to meet friends. Overall, this is a great place is great and I will definitely come back. I can imagine that it will be very crowded during the weekends and would suggest you to go during the weekdays early in the evening or late at night. Reservation is probably necessary.

I was disappointed again on my last visit. The snapper had a slimy texture and had that repulsive fishy taste. My husband's filet mignon was pretty good and it seems to never fail him, everything I've ordered the last 3 times we've visited has been pretty much subpar. Dessert is great and the appetizers and sushi are good ones. Service is poor as always, I think they are losing a customer.

After eating here once the Blue Water Grill has became a favorite sea food spot. I had the most wonderful peice of sea bass. Everyone in my party enjoyed all food. The sauces were outstanding to complement vegetables, fish, and shell fish. Banana tower for dessert: sweet and delicious. With live jazz and crowded room, it was much too loud, Hard to hear across the table.

Seafood lovers will be very satisfied. Great place to make a good impression for a first date.