I've been to the original Cook's Seafood in Menlo Park several times, but mostly for their fresh seafood counter. I even wrote a review pre-2010 but I think it got pulled by the PC Police. I don't write as candidly as I did back in those days, so hopefully this version for their newer store will have a better chance for longevity.
It took them a VERY long time to get this shop running. I think I remember seeing their sign go up in 2019 and saying 'cool, one closer to me and without having to pay for a bridge toll.' This Pleasanton store just opened this year. I'm assuming a flow in funds/capital delayed the project, cuz a 6-7 year build-out is quite exorbitant.
This location is much bigger, restaurant wise. So much more space, that if this place gets more popular, I'm sure they can fit in a few more tables. Big open space with lots of white tile and lots of windows for natural light. Almost too bright and sterile in there, almost hospital-like. This location also doesn't focus on the 'market' part. They do have a little counter but not much in there. The Menlo location, that fish market is full service and very professional. They've been servicing those very affluent neighborhoods for decades.
This location is mostly fast/casual dining, order at a counter, bring number to table and food will get brought out in a very fast manner. I was actually surprised at how fast the food comes out. Like less than a minute for the chowder and less than 5 minutes for my fish n chips. They are very well staffed and eager to serve.
Clam Chowder ($7/4.5*) They have several sizes I believe. This is their smallest, an 8 oz cup serving. Dine-in it is served in a shallow bowl. It has a thinner consistency which I applaud, as the thicker ones are too paste-y for me. Good dairy sweetness and awesome briny flavor, maybe even a tad salty for those sensitive to salt. I loved it, just think the chunks could have been more substantial like the potatoes and clams. Everything was so finely diced. But served with a slice of sourdough and some oyster crackers, this was a solid bowl of chowder.
Combo Fish n Chips ($20/5*) When this arrived I thought this was the smallest amount of chips (steak cut fries) that I'd ever been served for this particular dish. Lol. But in actuality it was a good amount for a lunch outing. Not salted heavily, so I had to do a light shaking at the table.
They do both halibut and cod for fish n chips. This combo has both, but you can just do one. Their fish is cut into thick short sticks, so the bites are very substantial and meaty. I think I like thinner cuts as the salt and vinegar can penetrate better, but this was impressively substantial. And perfect crisp batter that contrasted with the tender fresh fish. The cod is more flaky and delicate. The halibut is more dense but the bites absorb the vinegar more readily. And both are good dipped in their simple tartar sauce that has a good dill pickle and mayo tandem.
Crab Louie ($12/4*) Fresh shelled dungeness crab lies atop crisp lettuce, some cherry tomato, some shredded carrot and a couple slices of hardboiled egg. Comes with Louie sauce on the side, which is basically ketchup and mayo, no chunks. It is a simple old school salad that is normally found on coastal areas, but places that specialize in seafood can now bring it to you without the drive to a coast. I liked the contrast of the cool freshness of the salad to go with the bites of the rich deep-fried indulgence of fish n chips. Best of both worlds.
I also loved how they offer 2 sizes for these salads, as the smaller one is perfect to go as a side with another menu item. I often don't order this salad at other seafood restos, as I usually don't want to drop another $30 or so after ordering an entree. Here I am enticed to get both which is a great bonus. I pass by this area often and I am a big seafood lover, so this is going to be a remarkable fit. Trust read more