Over 77 years of serving fresh seafood to the bay area
Reviewer: Jason
Total Reviews: 1040
Reviewed: 5/23/2005
Rating: 9.5
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I had been craving fish and chips all morning since my co-worker Adam was boasting about eating Rose and Crown the other night. I had heard on jatboard about Cook's Seafood so I wanted to try something new. With a restaurant thats been in business since 1928, Im positive this review will be nothing new to the people of Menlo Park but for you other folks, this is a definite treat.
Cook's Seafood get their fish daily and you can purchase fresh seafood in the adjacent market thats open till 7'ish. There's plenty of seating inside and the outside having a couple of tables. Cook's Seafood doesnt smell fishy at all, I even smelled my clothes on the way home and didnt smell like a deep fried item.
Scanning the menu, I spotted fried items like shrimp, scallops, salmon, snapper, and eyes lit up for the Halibut. Not many places serve Halibut and its a favorite of mine. I was starving and ordered the Captains platter (3 piece and thick cut fries). At ~12 bucks, its more than the average fish plate but Alaskan Halibut cost more than cod, very understandable.
fries - thick cut fries, Im happy
batter - EXCELLENT, thin coating, super crunchy, not too heavy on the seasoning. Batter was crunchy during the entire meal, no sogginess. The big winner here is the lack of grease. I know the thing is deep fried but I havent a clue where the oil goes? I laid my fish on paper and it barely left an oil spill. Even the oil tasted good, wasnt old tasting which leads me to believe they probably do frequent oil changes.
fish - OUTSTANDING, fish was bright white, no slime, nice thick cuts, fresh tasting. The batter is very thin leaving you with 95% fish. Not too oily and very lean tasting. This may sound stupid considering its submerged in oil, but I would say this is the healthiest tasting fried fish Ive had anywhere. The fish is near flawless and couldnt ask for anything more.
Cook's Seafood has earned a spot on my Top 3 fish and chips list. I feel kinda guilty leaving them only with a 9.5 but I can always change that score with future visits I have planned. They have everything going for them, big parking lot, clean atmosphere, fresh fish, light batter, reasonable prices, friendly workers, and if 77+ years in service doesnt say enough for you to make that visit, then its your loss.
RETURN VISIT for Jason!5/25/2005 - 9.5 Rating: So here I am 2 days later, I had come back to try the red snapper but to my surprise it looks like they change the fishes around. Todays specials were swordfish and salmon. After browsing the menu, I went for the halibut and prawns. The wait was short and I was ready to eat.
The halibut was a little bit more greasy this time around but still less oilier than 99% of the other fish and chips places. Shrimps were good but slightly heavy on the batter. Batter was crunchy and did not get soggy.
Cook's Seafood holds tight with the 9.5. Ive visited 2 times in 1 week and already looking forward to making a return visit. This place is outstanding!!
Reviewer: Terry
Total Reviews: 739
Reviewed: 8/1/2008
Rating: 9
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Making this a quick review....
SOLID SOLID fish and chips. Its more the traditional type of fish and chips and not the southern style like Jonathans, which to be honest doesn't appeal to me quite as much, but this is so damn good its hard to find any faults.
The main item to get here is the halibut (the 3 piece dish is quite filling). The fish here are super thick and juicy without being greasy.
I tried the salmon as well as the sandabs. The Salmon had more of a crusty Jonathans style of shake-n-bake covering and it wasn't terribly good (but the salmon itself was juicy and tasty). The combination just didn't work for me. Sandabs were more for people who like dark meat I think. It tasted a bit thin and greasy to me - not really my thing.
Fries are thick cut and tasty. Delicious. Tartar sauce was a bit below par, but serviceable. Hot sauce was excellent (louisiana style).
Prices were a bit high, but I think in this case its worth it. Bottom line, go with the halibut and be happy.
Reviewer: ne00
Total Reviews: 187
Reviewed: 8/17/2005
Rating: 9
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When I worked in Palo Alto, our manager would always bring us to Cooks for a team lunch once a month. This is one of the best places for fish and chips. The fish (made with Alaskan halibut ) is best when eaten right when served, although its deep fried, its not dripping with oil, rather the fish is very flakey and juicy, yet still nicely held together. The chips (steak cut fries) are best when its still hot. Once steak cut fries get cold theyre too chalky to eat.
Although they are known for their fish and chips as its the most popular item, they also serve New England (white) clam chowder and Manhattan (red) clam chowder, which are both above par. I also love their fried oysters as its very difficult to find fried oysters (been to several seafood buffets without ever seeing fried oysters. How difficult is it to make them?). The fried oysters here are how it should be, served hot and juicy with steak cut fries.
They used to be cash only but now they take credit cards as well. The prices are high but well worth the quality and taste. Get here early as parking is hard to find during peek hours. Cooks is located right next to Arbys. Once you order youre given a number block that you place on your table. When your food is ready, a wait-person will bring your food. During lunch the inside fills up fast although there is limited seating outside.
“Tried this place based on Jatbar feedback, was not disappointed. I ate the halibut flake by flake. meaty fish, almost like chicken... -A little malt vinegar and some beer... mmm, yum. Quite possibly the best fish and chips in the bay area.”
11/8/2008 9:12:41 AM
shankai ate...
mates (2 piece fish and chips)
“Yes, the best fish and chips I've ever had. And never fried falsely! Try the colocated fish market - sashimi grade fresh fish and the best service imaginable.”
7/6/2008 12:10:56 PM
ladyksun11 ate...
Mates (3 piece fish and chips)
“The best fish and chips I have ever had. You can't beat the freshness of the halibut. Great steak fries too. They also have a wonderful seafood market. It's a little on the pricey side, but once you taste the food it's well worth it.”
12/28/2007 1:38:58 PM
gumbysiufu ate...
Captain's order F&C, Fried Oysters
“This was a regular lunch when I worked near here. The batter is crispy and fish moist and tender. The food is great and I go back there when in the neighborhood and sometimes when I'm not. ”
