Lobsters at Ideal Bar & Grill in Santa Cruz, CA

Dec 23, 2009

Birthdays are always a great reason to go out, get dolled up, and have somebody else cook for you. It was Mr. T's birthday and he always likes going to Santa Cruz on the Wharf for some clam chowder and seafood. We landed at Ideal Bar & Grill on a chilling evening after a windy car ride on Highway 17. After checking out the menu online we already knew that we wanted the Maine Lobster which was a steal at $14.95 on Wednesdays. I have never been to Bar & Grill before, I always passed by it in the summer time and it was always crowded with half naked people drinking margaritas at the outside bar playing loud music. It was not the scene this time, it was quiet, no host in sight. We waited for a few seconds before the bartender greeted us and told us he'd be with us shortly. He seated us right after making a drink right next to the window. There were a few diners eating lobsters in groups of 4. Our waitress/waiter was nowhere to be found until she greeted us with "I'll be right with you after I serve those people their drinks." Not the greeting I wanted to hear even if it was a casual place. Maybe a "How are you, can I get you started with a drink." would've do. She came back later to take our orders and drinks soon followed. Once we got our bowl of clam chowder, we were happy.

The clam chowder was  buttery delicious with chunks of clams and potatoes. We were going to order a bowl each and relieved we didn't because the bowl was enough for both of us.

For the lobster, I was expecting just the tail but I was pleased and surprised to have received a whole lobster. The lobster was meaty, tender, and absolutely delicious dipped in clarified butter.

I let our waitress know that it was Mr. T's birthday and she added the sparklers on the mud pie. There were two other birthday celebrations that evening and the entire restaurant sang Happy Birthday to all three. Mr. T was very happy with his Birthday dinner and I was too. 

Overall the meal was delicious but the service could improve. It took a while for another round of beers to arrive to our table and wished I hadn't ordered it in the first place. After she dropped it off, I was shocked that she said that it was busy when the place was empty. Eitther she got used to the slow pace of the winter or she was new. She was nice though and very apologetic. I would return and recommend this place. The lobster dish is a great deal that's hard to pass up. The restaurant also has other weekly specials: Monday night baby back ribs for $11.95, and Friday night prime rib for $14.95.  Ideal Bar & Grill is located on the left side just before entering the gates of the wharf at 106 Beach St., Santa Cruz, CA 95060. You can check out their website at: www.idealbarandgrill.com